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
Custody and Conservatorship Dispute
- A public speaker alleged their son was involuntarily placed in a group home in violation of state law and divorce agreements.
- The speaker claimed a conservatorship was granted to the former spouse without proper notice or interview.
- The speaker reported that visitation rights were restricted to one hour per week under supervision.
Utility Customer Assistance Programs
- A SoCalGas representative detailed a 20% customer discount for income-qualified customers on utility bills.
- The representative described an energy savings assistance program involving home assessments for electric and gas systems.
- A partnership with a single contractor was noted to handle assessments for both utilities to reduce customer confusion.
Planning Commission and Building Code Enforcement
- A public speaker alleged they were removed from a public hearing within 15 seconds of speaking.
- The speaker claimed this action violated laws and guidelines regarding a project with a prior 5-2 vote in their favor.
- The speaker criticized the board for accepting fees for meetings where participants were removed.
Economic Development and Land Use
- A representative criticized the board for lacking analysis of funding sources and the economic impact of land use decisions.
- The speaker argued that denying projects contributes to budget gaps and poverty, which drives social services costs.
- A supervisor responded that the county is addressing structural costs through "Renew 22" and internal efficiency reviews.
- The supervisor emphasized the need for a long-term economic development strategy focused on better-paying jobs and local assets.
Energy Program Update
- The program manager reported that over 400 businesses in North Santa Barbara County have been assisted since 2010.
- Over 30 businesses saved more than 1.3 million kilowatt hours in the current year, sufficient to power 120 homes.
- The program continues its operations and expressed appreciation for working with the supervisors.
Honorary Resolutions (A10–A13)
- Resolutions A10 through A13 were reviewed, with A12 and A13 read into the record.
- The board approved the honorary resolutions.
Balance of Administrative Agenda
- No supervisors requested to pull items from the agenda.
- The board approved the balance of the administrative agenda.
Fiscal Year 2018–2023 Five-Year Financial Forecast
- The fiscal office presented a forecast assuming annual increases in salaries, retirement, and health care costs.
- The forecast identified a general fund gap growing from $12.2 million in 2018–19 to $55.2 million in the out-year.
- The "Renew22" initiative was introduced as a five-year transformation plan to revise organizational structure and resources.
- Supervisors questioned specific line items, including jail funding, cannabis revenue, and the impact of the fire tax shift.
- The board received and filed the forecast, including early estimates of funding gaps and impending financial challenges.
Child Welfare Services 2017 Annual Update
- The department reported a decrease in the average number of children in foster care and time in care.
- The department noted it did not meet federal standards for permanency in 12 months or placement stability.
- Progress was reported on the Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) program and Continuum of Care Reform.
- The board accepted and filed the report, requesting previous years’ data for future comparison.
Public Health / Psychiatric Urgent Facility (PUF)
- The department reported a downward trend in seclusion and restraint episodes, highlighting the success of "comfort rooms."
- Challenges in securing per diem nursing staff were discussed, including potential impacts on the Crisis Stabilization unit.
- The board discussed the need for inpatient care capacity, potentially through contracted services rather than a county-run facility.
- The board adopted a resolution adding a public guardian representative to the PUF Governing Board.
Resolution Reclaiming National Fire Prevention Week
- The resolution proclaimed the week of October 8–14, 2017, as National Fire Prevention Week.
- The Fire Department reported on mutual aid deployments and upcoming community education events.
- The board adopted the resolution.
Resolution Proclaiming Energy Awareness Month
- The resolution proclaimed October 2017 as Energy Awareness Month in Santa Barbara County.
- Representatives from the Energy Watch Partnership and PG&E discussed the importance of energy efficiency.
- The board adopted the resolution.
Closed Session
- The board conferred with legal counsel regarding two separate cases involving anticipated civil litigation.
- No reportable actions were taken during the session.
Full summary
Public Comment: Custody and Conservatorship Dispute
- A member of the public addressed the board regarding a dispute involving their son, William, and his former spouse, Dr. Philip Ente. The speaker alleged that William was involuntarily placed in a group home for developmentally disabled youth in violation of state law and divorce agreements. The speaker stated that a conservatorship was granted to Dr. Ente without proper notice or interview, citing violations of the Probate Code. The speaker reported that despite William’s opposition and preference for the speaker to serve as conservator, Judge Stafford granted temporary and permanent conservatorship. The speaker noted that visitation rights have been restricted to one hour per week under supervision. No motion was made or vote taken on this item.
Public Comment: Utility Customer Assistance Programs
- A representative from Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) thanked the supervisors for collaboration on energy assistance programs. The representative described a 20% customer discount for income-qualified customers on both SoCalGas and PG&E bills. They detailed an energy savings assistance program involving home assessments for electric and gas systems, noting a partnership with a single contractor to handle assessments for both utilities to reduce customer confusion. No motion was made or vote taken on this item.
Public Comment: Planning Commission and Building Code Enforcement
- A member of the public addressed the board regarding a dispute with the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors (SBAR) and the Planning Commission. The speaker alleged that they were removed from a public hearing within 15 seconds of speaking, despite having a prior 5-2 vote in their favor for a project. The speaker claimed this action violated laws and guidelines, specifically regarding the placement of a second story over a garage. The speaker criticized the board for not addressing these alleged violations and for accepting fees for meetings where participants were removed. No motion was made or vote taken on this item.
Public Comment: Economic Development and Land Use
- Andy Caldwell, representing CoLab, criticized the board for lacking analysis of funding sources (property taxes, state/federal funds) and the impact of land use decisions on the economy. Caldwell argued that denying projects (oil, wineries, STRs, marijuana, inheritance splits) contributes to the budget gap and poverty, which drives social services costs. Caldwell urged the board to consider economic growth and ask the state to change pension rules (PEPRA). Supervisor Williams responded that the county is addressing structural pension and health cost issues through "Renew 22" and internal efficiency reviews. Williams emphasized the need for a long-term economic development strategy focused on creating better-paying jobs and leveraging local assets (tourism, agriculture) rather than approving random projects for revenue, noting that government operations accrete over time and require periodic efficiency reviews.
Public Comment: Energy Program Update
- Dave Cross, Program Manager, provided an update on the program's activities. Cross stated that since 2010, the program has assisted over 400 businesses in North Santa Barbara County. Cross reported that in the current year, over 30 businesses have saved more than 1.3 million kilowatt hours, which is sufficient to power 120 homes. Cross indicated that the program continues its operations and expressed appreciation for working with the supervisors. No motions were made, seconded, or decided during this segment.
Minutes of October 3, 2017
- Discussion: None recorded.
- Motion: Motion to approve the minutes.
- Outcome: Passed.
CEO’s Report
- Discussion: CEO Miyasato presented the report. No specific questions or motions are recorded in this segment.
- Outcome: No motion recorded.
Honorary Resolutions (A10–A13)
- Discussion: Resolutions A10 through A13 were reviewed. Resolution A12 was read into the record. Resolution A13 was read into the record.
- Motion: Motion to approve the honorary resolutions.
- Outcome: Passed.
Balance of Administrative Agenda
- Discussion: No supervisors requested to pull items. No public comments were recorded for this section.
- Motion: Motion to approve the balance of the administrative agenda.
- Outcome: Passed.
Fiscal Year 2018–2023 Five-Year Financial Forecast
- Discussion: The County’s fiscal office presented the initial five-year financial forecast, describing it as a snapshot of current trends in expenses and revenues. Key assumptions included:
- Expenses: Salaries and benefits were assumed to increase by approximately 3% annually. Retirement costs were projected to increase by an average of 6% annually based on SBCERS projections. Health care costs were assumed to increase by 7% annually.
- Mandatory Contributions: Contributions to the Northern Branch Jail Operations Fund were assumed to grow from $9.1 million to $19.3 million over the period. Contributions to the 18% maintenance funding policy were assumed to increase by 10% annually in the ongoing component.
- Revenues: Discretionary general fund revenues were projected to grow. Secured property taxes were assumed to increase by 4.5% gross annually. Sales tax and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) were assumed to increase by 3% annually. The forecast accounted for the phase-out of the fire tax shift by the end of fiscal year 2019–2020.
- Gaps: The forecast identified a general fund gap of $12.2 million in fiscal year 2018–19, growing to $55.2 million in the out-year. After assuming historical policy offsets for salary increases, the net gap was projected to grow from $6 million to $15.1 million. Special revenue funds showed a gap of $11.5 million in 2018–19, growing to $52.8 million in the out-year.
- Renew22 Initiative: The presentation introduced the "Renew22" five-year transformation plan, aimed at revising organizational structure, rebalancing resources, redesigning work processes, and retaining high-performing employees. The initiative involves county-wide and department-level teams exploring consolidation, IT innovations, and workforce models. Action plans and timelines are scheduled for review by the board in December.
- Questions and Clarifications: Supervisors asked questions regarding specific line items, including the breakdown of the 990 account, the impact of the fire tax shift on discretionary revenue, and the status of cannabis revenue projections. The presenter clarified that the forecast assumes status quo operations and does not quantify uncertain future revenues or expenses such as cannabis or specific capital needs for the jail or beach remediation. Additional questions were raised regarding the variance between the 6% average retirement contribution rate cited in the presentation and specific percentages listed in the board letter; concerns regarding the upcoming updated funding plan for the Northern Branch Jail and the lack of clarity on the Sheriff’s plans for the main jail, including capital needs and potential closures; the expected 3% increase in TOT revenue; the impact of the fire tax shift ending in 2020-2021; the significant increase in General County Program allocations from 2018-19 to 2020-21; and why General Fund contributions for Public Works salaries and expenses were not explicitly shown in the forecast. Discussion also touched on revenue generation from land uses, such as new hotel developments and housing projects, and the balance between approving projects for revenue and ensuring health, safety, and environmental standards. Supervisor Lavagnino questioned the feasibility of increasing the TOT by 3% annually given the $2 million STR revenue loss and the general fund total, expressing concern about the county’s success in addressing road disrepair, homelessness, and mental health services, citing a lack of tools for employees.
- Motion: To receive and file the fiscal year 2018–2023 five-year forecast, including early estimates of funding gaps and impending financial challenges, and to make the CEQA finding.
- Outcome: Passed.
Child Welfare Services 2017 Annual Update
- Discussion: The department reported that the average number of children in foster care decreased to 406 (from 431 in 2015), and the average time in care decreased to 14.7 months (from 18.1 months in 2015). Most children are placed in family-based settings. Social worker positions were reduced in unfilled slots; administrative support positions were also reduced. The department noted that increased administrative tasks may reduce time for primary case management. The department outlined the System Improvement Plan (SIP) process, including self-assessment and peer quality case review. Focus areas include "Permanency Within 12 Months" and "Placement Stability." The department noted it consistently exceeds federal standards for safety measures (maltreatment in foster care, recurrence of maltreatment) and state measures for timely investigations. It did not meet the federal standard for permanency in 12 months or placement stability, citing systemic factors such as court continuances and complex issues (substance abuse, mental health). The department discussed SB 855 and SB 794 requirements regarding Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC). A multidisciplinary steering committee has finalized an MOU. A specialized CSEC program application has been submitted to Community Care Licensing. The department discussed the Continuum of Care Reform (CCR), noting a shift from group homes to family-based care and short-term residential therapeutic programs (STRTP). Two local providers have submitted STRTP applications; one more is expected by year-end. The department noted a decline in youth in group homes (from 40 in Sept 2015 to 23 in July 2017). The "Our County, Our Kids" campaign has led to a three-fold increase in approved resource families. The department described the statewide Core Practice Model framework intended to guide practice and improve outcomes. Supervisors asked about caseload trends (stable or declining), out-of-county placements (due to lack of local high-level capacity, relatives, or extended foster care), and the drivers of family involvement (primarily neglect related to substance abuse, mental health, and domestic violence). The department stated it does not have a specific internal measure for social worker stability but strives to minimize changes. The Board discussed the CWS statistics snapshot, with a request for previous years’ data to be included in future reports for comparison. Discussion covered the follow-up to the CWS Task Force recommendations, specifically regarding support and training for resource families. Questions were raised regarding social worker caseloads, the increase in paperwork, and opportunities for enhanced technology within the department. It was noted that the child welfare case management system is being replaced by a new statewide system aimed at creating efficiencies.
- Motion: Motion to accept and file the report.
- Outcome: Passed.
Public Health / Psychiatric Urgent Facility (PUF)
- Discussion: The department reported on seclusion and restraint statistics, noting a downward trend in episodes and minutes. In September, there were two episodes of seclusion, zero mechanical restraints, and two physical holds. The department highlighted the use of "comfort rooms" and patient engagement tools. The department stated it tracks patient care treatment teams and compares data to national and statewide psychiatric hospital statistics. The presentation covered the activities of the PUF Governing Board (PGB) over the past year, including medical staff issues, quality of care, program activities, and facilities operations. Challenges in securing per diem nursing staff were discussed, including the potential impact on the Crisis Stabilization unit when staff are reallocated to the PUF. The CEO was asked to investigate options for per diem staffing and the status of related HR workgroups. Discussion addressed the need for inpatient care capacity in the county. It was stated that while an additional "super PUF" (Medicare-certified) may not be necessary, a regular PUF or step-down facility could be pursued, potentially through contracted services rather than a county-run facility. The "Comfort Room" program was highlighted as a successful initiative that reduced the use of seclusion and restraints. The PGB monitors 40 primary and 16 secondary indicators for quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI). The PGB requested the expansion of its membership from five to seven members to include a representative from the Public Guardian’s Office and a public health medical doctor. The department announced that a PUF options update addressing inpatient care costs and facility needs is scheduled for the November 14 board meeting. This update will review cost projections, including potential additional retirement costs, to determine if the funding plan needs adjustment.
- Motion: Motion to receive and file the report on the PUF, adopt and authorize the chair to execute the resolution adding the public guardian representative in the public health doctor, and determine the actions are exempt from CEQA.
- Outcome: Passed.
Resolution Reclaiming National Fire Prevention Week
- Discussion: The resolution proclaimed the week of October 8–14, 2017, as National Fire Prevention Week in Santa Barbara County. The Fire Department reported on current mutual aid deployments to other parts of the state and upcoming community education events, including the Buellton Fire Prevention Breakfast.
- Motion: Motion to adopt the resolution.
- Outcome: Passed.
Resolution Proclaiming Energy Awareness Month
- Discussion: The resolution proclaimed October 2017 as Energy Awareness Month in Santa Barbara County. Representatives from the Santa Barbara County Energy Watch Partnership and PG&E expressed appreciation for the recognition and discussed the importance of energy efficiency and conservation.
- Motion: Motion to adopt the resolution.
- Outcome: Passed.
Closed Session
- The board convened in closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding two separate cases involving anticipated civil litigation. No reportable actions were taken. Upon reconvening, the chair reported back from closed session. No specific motion or vote outcome recorded in this segment beyond the entry and exit of closed session.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned until October 17 in Santa Barbara.