Meeting Summary
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Cannabis Regulation and Ad Hoc Committee Recommendations
- Staff presented enforcement challenges and health impact data, recommending a clear county decision on licensing or bans.
- The board discussed parcel size minimums, on-site processing, and third-party testing requirements.
- A motion to adopt the staff recommendations regarding the cannabis regulation framework passed.
ORCA Community Plan Community Facilities District (CFD) Ordinance Amendment
- Staff proposed increasing the general fund contribution cap for park maintenance from $141,000 to $250,000.
- The amendment addresses rising maintenance costs that currently exceed the 2013 ordinance cap.
- A motion to adopt the staff recommendation to amend Ordinance 4868 passed.
Fire Incident Briefing (Alamo and Whittier Fires)
- Staff provided an update on two simultaneous Type 1 fires, noting containment levels and unified command structures.
- The briefing included details on evacuations, property damage, and the status of the Circle V campground.
- The board received the informational update without a specific motion.
CSA 3 Measure L Special Tax Levy (FY 2017-18)
- The CFO presented a 1.9% annual adjustment based on the Los Angeles CPI for calendar year 2016.
- The total annual assessment for parcels within CSA 3 will be $180,500.
- A motion to adopt the staff recommendation for the levy adjustment passed.
Orcutt and Providence Landing Community Facilities Districts (FY 2017-18)
- Staff presented annual adjustments, including a 2% increase for the Orcutt CFD.
- The Providence Landing CFD rate remains at $672 per parcel due to a balanced budget.
- A motion to adopt the staff recommendations for both CFD levies passed.
CDBG Grant Recommendations (Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center)
- The Program Director requested funding for sexual assault counseling and education in Isla Vista.
- The request targeted non-university students, Spanish-speaking community members, and low-income families.
- No specific motion or vote outcome was recorded for this item in the provided text.
County Employee Benefits / Holiday Schedule
- A Supervisor opposed a proposed benefit or schedule change, arguing the county should remain open during peak times.
- The discussion centered on the disparity between county employee benefits and public access.
- The final vote outcome was not explicitly recorded in the provided text segments.
Resolution Declaring Santa Barbara County a Bicycle-Friendly County
- The resolution encourages local cities and neighboring counties to develop bicycle infrastructure and promote tourism.
- Public commenters requested further investment in the Santa Ynez Valley and the San Ynez River Trail.
- The resolution was passed and adopted.
Resolution of Accommodation Honoring Chief Investigator Dave Saunders
- The resolution honors Dave Saunders for nearly 15 years of service as Chief Investigator.
- It notes his leadership in specialized investigative units and his upcoming career as a professor.
- The resolution was passed and adopted.
Resolution of Accommodation Honoring the District Attorney’s Elder Abuse Outreach Team
- The resolution honors four employees for their work in preventing and prosecuting elder abuse.
- The individuals were recognized as the July 2017 Employees of the Month.
- The resolution was passed and adopted.
Resolution Supporting Climate Action and Paris Agreement
- The resolution declares the County’s continued support for the Paris Agreement and directs registration as a signatory to the "We Are Still In" letter.
- Public commenters expressed both support for local leadership and opposition based on scientific skepticism.
- A motion to approve the resolution passed.
Revised Ordinance Amending Chapter 7 (Animals and Fowl)
- The board considered recommendations regarding a revised ordinance amending the Santa Barbara County Code.
- The department requested to continue the item to September 19, 2017.
- The request to continue the item was granted.
Appeal of Planning Commission Denial (Rancho La Laguna)
- The board considered an appeal regarding the denial of a track map and small water system project.
- The appeal was filed by Rancho La Laguna LLC and La Laguna Ranch Company LLC.
- No specific vote outcome was recorded in the provided text segments.
Waiver of Retirement Exclusion for Nora Lewis
- The board considered recommendations regarding a waiver of retirement exclusion for a healthcare practitioner.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the waiver.
- The item was approved.
Ordinance Amending Animal Services Fee Schedule
- The board considered recommendations regarding an ordinance amending the animal services fee schedule.
- No specific vote outcome was recorded in the provided text segments.
Draft FY 2017-2018 Action Plan and Prior Year Amendments
- Staff explained that federal allocations for CDBG and HOME funds were delayed due to late congressional approval.
- The CDBG allocation is just over $1 million, and the HOME allocation is just over $408,000.
- No specific vote outcome was recorded in the provided text segments.
CPI Adjustment of Library Special Tax Rate
- The board considered recommendations regarding a CPI adjustment of the FY 2017-2018 library special tax rate.
- The adjustment applies to County Service Area Number 3 (Greater Goleta).
- No specific vote outcome was recorded in the provided text segments.
FY 2017-2018 Special Tax Levy for Community Facilities Districts
- The board considered recommendations regarding the FY 2017-2018 special tax levy for two CFDs.
- The districts involved are Orchid Community Plan and Providence Landing.
- No specific vote outcome was recorded in the provided text segments.
Ordinance Superseding Ordinance 4868
- The board considered an ordinance that supersedes and replaces Ordinance 4868.
- The ordinance provides for revenue contributions to supplement CFD Number 2002-1 for park maintenance.
- No specific vote outcome was recorded in the provided text segments.
Modification of Office Hours for Winter Break
- Staff presented a proposal to close non-safety offices from December 26–29 for a family-friendly schedule.
- Goals included enhancing productivity and improving recruitment and retention.
- A motion to approve the item was seconded and approved.
Status Report on Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Cannabis Activities
- Staff reported that the current "ban regime" is not working for growers or enforcement.
- Discussion centered on the definition of "legal non-conforming" use and the timeline for state regulations.
- The board directed staff to continue work on the cannabis ordinance.
No decision 0–0
Alamo and Whittier Fires (Emergency Addition)
- The Board discussed the unprecedented nature of managing two major fires concurrently.
- Evacuation orders in Tepehiza Canyon remained in place, and public commenters raised concerns about water scarcity.
- The motion to receive and file the report on the fires passed.
Directing Staff to Return on Cannabis/Hemp Matters
- Supervisor Lavagnino proposed directing staff to bring a matter back to the Board.
- Staff indicated a target date of July 25 for the return.
- The motion to direct staff to bring the matter back on July 25 passed.
Honorary Resolutions (A29, A30, A31)
- The Board reviewed three honorary resolutions.
- The Board approved the resolutions.
- The motion to approve passed.
Resolution Declaring County Support for Paris Climate Agreement
- The Board discussed a resolution declaring support for the Paris Climate Agreement following the federal withdrawal.
- Staff and Board members presented data on greenhouse gas levels and local climate impacts.
- The motion to adopt the resolution passed.
Approval of Minutes (June 12 and June 20, 2017)
- The Board reviewed the minutes from previous meetings.
- The Board moved to approve the minutes.
- The motion to approve passed.
Continuation of Item (Unspecified in Transcript)
- The Board discussed a continuance request.
- The Board moved to continue the item to September 19.
- The motion to continue passed.
Continuation of Item (Unspecified in Transcript)
- The Board discussed a continuance request, noting a prior agreement to continue to August 29.
- The Board moved to continue the item.
- The motion to continue passed.
Approval of Item (Unspecified in Transcript)
- The Board reviewed an item with no public comment.
- The Board moved to approve the item.
- The motion to approve passed.
Rabies Vaccination Fee Increase
- Public Health staff recommended increasing the fee for rabies vaccinations from $6 to $10.
- The increase matches the state’s recommended at-cost fee and generates approximately $8,000 in additional annual revenue.
- The motion to approve the fee increase passed.
CDBG Funding Allocations (Public Services and Capital Projects)
- Staff presented the Notice of Funding Availability results for the 2017-18 program year.
- Total requests exceeded available funds, leading to recommended allocations for public services and capital projects.
- The motion to approve the funding allocations and direct staff to submit the action plan to HUD passed.
Library/Community Facility Funding (CFD)
- The Board discussed a Community Facilities District related to library or community facility funding.
- Questions were raised regarding maintenance responsibilities and the impact on the Goleta Valley.
- The motion to approve the item passed.
Development Agreement/Maintenance Costs
- The Board discussed a development agreement regarding maintenance costs after a four-year period.
- Questions were raised about the precedent set by the agreement and developer responsibilities.
- The motion to approve the item passed.
Workplace Wellness/Health Initiatives
- The Board discussed creative ways to promote a healthy workplace without significant county expenditure.
- The Board moved to approve the item.
- The motion to approve passed with one opposed vote.
Cannabis Cultivation Licensing and Environmental Impact (Item 10)
- Staff presented an overview of the California Cannabis Cultivation Licensing Program and the draft State Program EIR.
- Key topics included environmental impacts, enforcement capabilities, and odor and water concerns.
- The motion to direct staff to continue work on the ordinance and return with further information passed.
Resolution Regarding Federal Climate Agreements
- A board member stated they would abstain from voting, citing a lack of knowledge regarding the Paris Climate Accord.
- Another board member noted that signing the resolution would not change local regulations, describing the action as symbolic.
- No specific motion to pass or fail the resolution is explicitly recorded in this transcript segment.
Park Maintenance and Fire Safety
- A board member reported that barbecue pits in a local park were placed close to brush, posing a fire risk.
- The board member requested staff to investigate the placement of these pits and the ownership of the land.
- Staff agreed to look into the ownership and the placement of the barbecue pits.
Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Cannabis – Status Update
- Staff reported that the Ad Hoc Subcommittee has met 10 times since March and established five working groups.
- The cannabis registry closed on June 30, receiving 534 registrants with approximately 216 current cultivators.
- A board member moved to recommend actions A and B, and to provide direction to staff regarding actions C and D.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Cannabis Regulation and Ad Hoc Committee Recommendations
- Public Comment: Speakers addressed various aspects of cannabis regulation. Barry Brand requested allowing manufacturing on all agricultural parcels to allow farmers to process raw products. Eve Sanford (Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition) discussed bicycle infrastructure, though this comment appeared in the context of general county recognition. Hans Deuce requested expedited rebuilding of the Rancho Alegre scout ranch. Anna Carrillo expressed concern over odor and proximity to residential areas, supporting the elimination of legal non-conforming status for existing sites and urging sealed greenhouse systems. Leo Elowitz urged establishing a quick timeframe for issuing legal non-conforming use permits and advocated for local laboratory testing. Dan Fox argued for capitalizing on financial and employment opportunities from legalization. Linda Tunnell argued that zoning cannabis activities into discrete types may be limiting and that processing is similar to other agricultural products.
- Staff Presentation: Enforcement staff noted that current enforcement is difficult due to changing state laws and "gray areas," stating that a clear county decision (ban or licensing framework) is needed to define strategies. Public Health staff presented health effects based on a 2017 National Academies report, noting conclusive evidence for positive effects (chronic pain, anti-nausea) and negative effects (motor vehicle accidents, schizophrenia risk), as well as moderate evidence for youth problem use risks. Staff outlined proposed actions including surveillance, provider education, and community education.
- Board Discussion: A Supervisor discussed the blending of medicinal and recreational regulations, opposing area-based charges on production and suggesting a minimum 40-acre parcel size for cultivation to reduce complaints. They supported on-site processing and third-party laboratory testing, noting skepticism about testing every 10 pounds of product. Another Supervisor reported visiting the Alamo fire perimeter and advocated for controlled burns to create fire breaks.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the staff recommendations regarding the cannabis regulation framework. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: ORCA Community Plan Community Facilities District (CFD) Ordinance Amendment
- Staff Presentation: Staff presented a request to amend Ordinance 4868. The ordinance, adopted in 2013, capped general fund contributions for park maintenance at $100,000. With the developer’s maintenance obligation ended, current costs are $195,200, and the current general fund contribution of $141,000 exceeds the cap. Staff proposed increasing the allowable general fund contribution cap to $250,000 to allow continued maintenance within legal limits.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the staff recommendation to amend Ordinance 4868, increasing the allowable general fund contribution for ORCA park maintenance to $250,000. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Fire Incident Briefing (Alamo and Whittier Fires)
- Staff Presentation: Fire Chief Eric Peterson and OEM Director Rob Lewin provided a briefing on two simultaneous Type 1 fires. The Alamo Fire (started July 6) covered ~30,000 acres with 45% containment, managed by a state team. The Whittier Fire (started July 8) covered ~11,000 acres with 25% containment, managed by a federal team. The Whittier Fire threatened the Circle V campground, where approximately 80 children and counselors were evacuated without injury. Eight residences and 12 outbuildings were destroyed. Both fires are under unified command with CAL FIRE, US Forest Service, Sheriff’s Department, and CHP.
- Board Discussion: A Supervisor reported visiting the Alamo fire perimeter and noted the high morale of incident command. They mentioned a third, smaller fire on Fox Canyon Road extinguished by a rancher. The Supervisor advocated for controlled burns to reduce fuel loads and prevent erosion in reservoirs.
- Motion and Vote: No specific motion was recorded; the item was an informational update.
Agenda Item: CSA 3 Measure L Special Tax Levy (FY 2017-18)
- Staff Presentation: The CFO presented the annual adjustment for the CSA 3 Measure L special tax levy. Parcels within CSA 3 will see a 1.9% increase based on the Los Angeles CPI for calendar year 2016, resulting in a total annual assessment of $180,500.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the staff recommendation for the CSA 3 Measure L levy adjustment. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Orcutt and Providence Landing Community Facilities Districts (FY 2017-18)
- Staff Presentation: The CFO presented annual adjustments for the Orcutt and Providence Landing CFDs. The Orcutt CFD will see a 2% increase. The Providence Landing CFD will remain at $672 per parcel due to a balanced budget and adequate fund balance.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the staff recommendations for the Orcutt and Providence Landing CFD levies. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: CDBG Grant Recommendations (Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center)
- Public Comment: Adalia Gomez, Program Director of the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center, requested funding for sexual assault counseling and education in Isla Vista, targeting non-university students, Spanish-speaking community members, and low-income families.
- Motion and Vote: No specific motion or vote outcome was recorded for this specific item in the provided text; it appears to be part of a larger grant recommendation package.
Agenda Item: County Employee Benefits / Holiday Schedule
- Discussion: A Supervisor expressed opposition to a proposed benefit or schedule change for county employees, arguing that the public does not receive similar benefits and that the county should remain open for business during peak times.
- Motion and Vote: A motion regarding county employee benefits/schedule was discussed. The final vote outcome was not explicitly recorded as "Passed" or "Failed" in the provided text segments, though one Supervisor stated they would not support the measure.
Agenda Item: Resolution Declaring Santa Barbara County a Bicycle-Friendly County (Item A29)
- Discussion: Co-sponsored by Supervisors Williams and Hartman, the resolution encourages local cities and neighboring counties to declare themselves bicycle-friendly, develop infrastructure, and promote bicycle tourism. Eve Sanford of the SB Bike Coalition read the resolution. Public commenters requested further investment in the Santa Ynez Valley, specifically the San Ynez River Trail.
- Motion and Vote: The resolution was passed and adopted.
Agenda Item: Resolution of Accommodation Honoring Chief Investigator Dave Saunders (Item A30)
- Discussion: Sponsored by Supervisor Wolfe, the resolution honors Dave Saunders for his nearly 15 years of service as Chief Investigator, noting his leadership in specialized investigative units and his upcoming career as a professor of criminal justice. District Attorney Joy Studley read the resolution.
- Motion and Vote: The resolution was passed and adopted.
Agenda Item: Resolution of Accommodation Honoring the District Attorney’s Elder Abuse Outreach Team (Item A31)
- Discussion: Sponsored by Supervisor Hartman, the resolution honors Dayton Eldridge, Ruth Corona, Vicki Johnson, and Susan Lord as the July 2017 Employees of the Month for their work in preventing and prosecuting elder abuse.
- Motion and Vote: The resolution was passed and adopted.
Agenda Item: Resolution Supporting Climate Action and Paris Agreement (Item A23)
- Discussion: Co-sponsored by Supervisors Williams and Hartman, the resolution declares the County’s continued support for climate action to meet the Paris Agreement and directs the County Executive Officer to register the County as a signatory to the "We Are Still In" open letter. Public commenters expressed both support, citing local leadership and economic risks, and opposition, citing scientific skepticism and international agreement restrictions.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Revised Ordinance Amending Chapter 7 (Animals and Fowl)
- Discussion: The board considered recommendations regarding a revised ordinance amending the Santa Barbara County Code.
- Motion and Vote: The department requested to continue the item to September 19, 2017. The request was granted.
Agenda Item: Appeal of Planning Commission Denial (Rancho La Laguna)
- Discussion: The board considered an appeal filed by Rancho La Laguna LLC and La Laguna Ranch Company LLC regarding the denial of a track map and small water system project.
- Motion and Vote: No specific vote outcome was recorded in the provided text segments.
Agenda Item: Waiver of Retirement Exclusion for Nora Lewis
- Discussion: The board considered recommendations regarding a waiver of retirement exclusion for Nora Lewis, a healthcare practitioner.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made and seconded. The item was approved.
Agenda Item: Ordinance Amending Animal Services Fee Schedule
- Discussion: The board considered recommendations regarding an ordinance amending the animal services fee schedule.
- Motion and Vote: No specific vote outcome was recorded in the provided text segments.
Agenda Item: Draft FY 2017-2018 Action Plan and Prior Year Amendments
- Discussion: The board considered public comments and funding recommendations for the draft FY 2017-2018 Action Plan and substantial amendments to prior years' plans, including Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds. Staff explained that federal allocations were delayed due to late congressional approval. The CDBG allocation is just over $1 million, and the HOME allocation is just over $408,000.
- Motion and Vote: No specific vote outcome was recorded in the provided text segments.
Agenda Item: CPI Adjustment of Library Special Tax Rate
- Discussion: The board considered recommendations regarding a Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment of the FY 2017-2018 library special tax rate for County Service Area Number 3 (Greater Goleta).
- Motion and Vote: No specific vote outcome was recorded in the provided text segments.
Agenda Item: FY 2017-2018 Special Tax Levy for Community Facilities Districts
- Discussion: The board considered recommendations regarding the FY 2017-2018 special tax levy for Community Facilities District Number 2002-1 (Orchid Community Plan) and Number 2004-1 (Providence Landing).
- Motion and Vote: No specific vote outcome was recorded in the provided text segments.
Agenda Item: Ordinance Superseding Ordinance 4868
- Discussion: The board considered the introduction of an ordinance that supersedes and replaces Ordinance 4868, providing for the contribution of revenues from the Community Services Department budget to supplement Community Facilities District Number 2002-1 for the maintenance of parks, parkways, and open space in the fourth district.
- Motion and Vote: No specific vote outcome was recorded in the provided text segments.
Agenda Item: Modification of Office Hours for Winter Break
- Discussion: The board considered recommendations regarding a proposed ordinance and resolution to modify office hours for a family-friendly winter break schedule (December 26–29). Staff presented the proposal, noting it would authorize the closure of non-safety offices during the specified dates. Goals included facilitating a family-friendly schedule, enhancing productivity, and improving recruitment and retention.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to approve the item. It was seconded. The item was approved.
Agenda Item: Status Report on Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Cannabis Activities
- Public Comment: Multiple speakers addressed the board regarding cannabis regulation. Mayor Lee Pebbles (Carpinteria) supported clear regulations and enforcement. Peter Candy (Cannabis Growers) urged the board not to direct staff to proceed with "Action B1" (legal non-conforming determination based on the old medical collective model). Graham Farrar supported including all license types in agricultural zones. Tom Gibbons (Santa Maria Valley Water Conservation District) reported that new cannabis activity is drying up springs and surface water. Mark Russell (Industry) argued that the current legal non-conforming status is the only legal way to cultivate and distribute cannabis for patients. Liz Rogan emphasized the importance of third-party testing. Unidentified Speaker 35 (Tepescaya Canyon Crisis Committee) expressed concerns about water availability, traffic, and fire danger. Andy Caldwell (CoLab) spoke on fire prevention.
- Board Discussion: Supervisors discussed the legal framework, noting that the current "ban regime" is not working for growers or enforcement. Staff explained that permitting allows for compliance and enforcement. Discussion centered on the definition of "legal non-conforming" use, the timeline for state regulations (January 8, 2018), and the need for a permit structure. Legal counsel noted that the county is not currently facing the same immediate statutory deadlines to act as it was a year prior.
- Motion and Vote: The board directed staff to continue work on the cannabis ordinance. A motion was made to direct staff to place a matter on a future agenda. The motion was seconded. The board agreed to proceed with the ad hoc committee's work. The specific vote outcome for a final ordinance was not recorded in this segment, as the item was a status report and check-in.
No decision 0–0
Agenda Item: Alamo and Whittier Fires (Emergency Addition)
- Discussion: The Board discussed the simultaneous Alamo and Whittier fires, noting the unprecedented nature of managing two major fires concurrently. Staff provided updates on damage assessment efforts. The Board discussed the status of evacuation orders in Tepehiza Canyon, confirming they remained in place. Public commenters from Tepehiza Canyon raised concerns regarding water scarcity, cannabis cultivation water usage, and traffic disruptions.
- Motion and Vote: The Board received and filed the report on the fires. The motion to receive and file the report passed.
Agenda Item: Directing Staff to Return on Cannabis/Hemp Matters
- Discussion: Supervisor Lavagnino proposed directing staff to bring a matter back to the Board. The Board discussed the timing of this return, with staff indicating a target date of July 25.
- Motion and Vote: The Board amended the motion to direct staff to bring the matter back on July 25. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Honorary Resolutions (A29, A30, A31)
- Discussion: The Board reviewed three honorary resolutions.
- Motion and Vote: The Board approved the resolutions. The motion to approve passed.
Agenda Item: Resolution Declaring County Support for Paris Climate Agreement
- Discussion: The Board discussed a resolution declaring that Santa Barbara County remains in the Paris Climate Agreement following the federal government’s withdrawal. Staff and Board members presented data on greenhouse gas levels, local climate impacts, and the economic benefits of clean energy. Public commenters expressed support for the resolution.
- Motion and Vote: The Board moved to adopt the resolution. The motion to adopt the resolution passed.
Agenda Item: Approval of Minutes (June 12 and June 20, 2017)
- Discussion: The Board reviewed the minutes from previous meetings.
- Motion and Vote: The Board moved to approve the minutes. The motion to approve passed.
Agenda Item: Continuation of Item (Unspecified in Transcript)
- Discussion: The Board discussed a continuance request.
- Motion and Vote: The Board moved to continue the item to September 19. The motion to continue passed.
Agenda Item: Continuation of Item (Unspecified in Transcript)
- Discussion: The Board discussed a continuance request, noting a prior agreement to continue to August 29.
- Motion and Vote: The Board moved to continue the item. The motion to continue passed.
Agenda Item: Approval of Item (Unspecified in Transcript)
- Discussion: The Board reviewed an item with no public comment.
- Motion and Vote: The Board moved to approve the item. The motion to approve passed.
Agenda Item: Rabies Vaccination Fee Increase
- Discussion: Public Health staff recommended increasing the fee for administering rabies vaccinations on owned animals from $6 to $10 to match the state’s recommended at-cost fee. Staff noted this would generate approximately $8,000 in additional annual revenue.
- Motion and Vote: The Board moved to approve the fee increase. The motion to approve passed.
Agenda Item: CDBG Funding Allocations (Public Services and Capital Projects)
- Discussion: Staff presented the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) results for the 2017-18 program year. Total requests exceeded available funds. The Human Services Commission’s allocations committee recommended funding for public services programs, and the Capital Loan Committee recommended funding for capital and economic development projects.
- Motion and Vote: The Board moved to approve the funding allocations and direct staff to submit the action plan to HUD. The motion to approve passed.
Agenda Item: Library/Community Facility Funding (CFD)
- Discussion: The Board discussed a Community Facilities District (CFD) related to library or community facility funding. Questions were raised regarding the maintenance responsibilities of developers versus the county, the potential for annual cost-of-living adjustments, and the impact on the Goleta Valley.
- Motion and Vote: The Board moved to approve the item. The motion to approve passed.
Agenda Item: Development Agreement/Maintenance Costs
- Discussion: The Board discussed a development agreement, specifically regarding maintenance costs after a four-year period. Questions were raised about the precedent set by the agreement and the responsibilities of the developer versus the county.
- Motion and Vote: The Board moved to approve the item. The motion to approve passed.
Agenda Item: Workplace Wellness/Health Initiatives
- Discussion: The Board discussed creative ways to promote a healthy workplace without significant county expenditure.
- Motion and Vote: The Board moved to approve the item. The motion to approve passed (with one opposed vote).
Agenda Item: Cannabis Cultivation Licensing and Environmental Impact (Item 10)
- Discussion: Staff presented an overview of the California Cannabis Cultivation Licensing Program (CalCannabis) and the draft State Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Key topics included environmental impacts on agriculture, water, and air quality; the distinction between industrial hemp and cannabis; the status of existing cultivators who may not meet new regulations; enforcement capabilities; and odor and water concerns. The Board discussed the role of the ad hoc committee in developing the local ordinance and the timeline for Board input.
- Motion and Vote: The Board directed staff to continue work on the ordinance and to return with further information, including a determination process for legal nonconforming status and a justification for setback distances. The motion to direct staff and continue the item passed.
Agenda Item: Resolution Regarding Federal Climate Agreements
- Discussion: A board member stated they would abstain from voting, citing a lack of knowledge regarding the Paris Climate Accord and Kyoto Protocols. Another board member noted that signing the resolution would not change local regulations or environmental protections in Santa Barbara County, describing the action as symbolic.
- Motion and Vote: No specific motion to pass or fail the resolution is explicitly recorded in this transcript segment, though a vote was indicated to follow.
Agenda Item: Park Maintenance and Fire Safety
- Discussion: A board member reported that barbecue pits in a local park were placed close to brush, posing a fire risk during red flag days. The board member requested staff to investigate the placement of these pits and the ownership of the land.
- Decision: Staff agreed to look into the ownership and the placement of the barbecue pits.
Agenda Item: Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Cannabis – Status Update
- Discussion: Staff reported that the Ad Hoc Subcommittee has met 10 times since March. Five working groups were established to address land use, business licensing, tax measures, health impacts, and enforcement. Two town hall meetings were held to gather public input. The cannabis registry closed on June 30, receiving 534 registrants. Self-reported data indicated approximately 216 current cultivators and 506 interested in future licensing. Current production was reported at just under 400 acres, with anticipated future operations exceeding 1,100 acres. Staff explained that Senate Bill 94 aligns medical and recreational cannabis licensing at the state level. Temporary commercial statewide licenses are available beginning January 1, 2018, but require written authorization from the local jurisdiction. The Notice of Preparation for the EIR is scheduled to be published, starting a 30-day public comment period. Two EIR scoping meetings are scheduled for July 26 and 27. The draft EIR is targeted for mid-September, with decision-maker hearings beginning in December and a target board decision in February 2018. Staff identified a gap in current regulations regarding procedures for determining legal nonconforming status and the lack of an amortization period. Staff proposed directing staff to develop an ordinance amendment to establish a procedure for legal nonconforming determinations and an amortization period. Staff outlined potential business licensing requirements, including live scans, license caps, and requirements for delivery services to be tied to brick-and-mortar retail. Staff is analyzing tax options for a potential June 2018 ballot measure. The Sheriff’s Department and Planning & Development are working on enforcement strategies.
- Motion and Vote: A board member moved to recommend actions A and B, and to provide direction to staff regarding actions C and D (CEQA guidelines). The transcript does not explicitly state the final vote outcome (passed or failed) for this specific motion in this segment, but the discussion indicates the board was considering the recommended actions.
Public Comment
- Zane Saragosa stated that heat and humidity have made it difficult to open windows due to odors from a nearby location. He suggested the use of dampers or filters to address the issue and noted that California is in violation of federal law regarding these matters.
- John Culbertson stated that greenhouse lighting and marijuana odor affect his family in Carpinteria. He requested that the board require grandfathered marijuana grow operations to follow the same rules and obtain the same permits as new applicants. He further requested that housing within 1,000 feet of all greenhouse applicants, whether grandfathered or new, be notified of permit applications and related hearings, regardless of whether the housing is located in the county or an incorporated city. He emphasized the need for an orderly planning process consistent with other construction activities.
- Motion and Vote: No motions were made, seconded, or decided during this segment of the transcript.