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
Thomas Fire Donation / Commercial PACE Program
- The Board adopted a resolution consenting to the implementation of the CSCDA Open PACE program and authorizing the Chair to execute the agreement.
- Staff and the PACE administrator addressed concerns regarding predatory lending by citing new state legislation that strengthens consumer protections and oversight.
- The Board directed staff to return in approximately six months to discuss the potential for residential PACE after assessing the city program's implementation.
Resolution Proclaiming Arbor Day
- The Board adopted a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Williams to proclaim April 27, 2018, as Arbor Day in Santa Barbara County.
- The resolution highlighted the county’s agricultural history, the value of landscape trees, and local participation in the Tree City USA program.
Resolution of Accommodation for Employee of the Month
- The Board adopted a resolution recognizing Scott Hosking, Facilities Manager for the General Services Department, as the April 2018 Employee of the Month.
- The resolution cited his management of 430 county buildings, response to approximately 14,000 work requests annually, and service during recent emergencies.
Resolution Proclaiming DMV Donate Life Month
- The Board adopted a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Wolfe to proclaim April 2018 as DMV Donate Life Month in Santa Barbara County.
- The resolution noted the national and state organ transplant waiting lists and the ability for residents to register as donors at the DMV.
Library Service Delivery Consultants Update
- The Board approved adding the City of Goleta as a fourth contracting party for the administration of the Goleta Library and assigning a new Zone 4 to the city.
- The Board directed staff to work with the Cities of Buellton and Solvang with the intention of incorporating them into Zone 4 within a year.
- The Board maintained current county funding allocations but earmarked 5% of the total for socioeconomic levels as determined by the Library Advisory Committee (LAC).
- The Board directed staff to negotiate the removal of donations from administrative fee calculations and recommended capping administrative fees at 20% of the county-provided amount.
Long Range Planning Division Fiscal Year 18-19 Work Program
- The Board approved the FY 2018-2019 work program, which includes mandated updates for the Safety Element and housing affordability laws, subject to budget approval.
- The Board directed planning staff to bring back cost estimates for addressing Union Valley solar and agricultural projects as part of budget deliberations.
San Marcos Park Master Plan
- The Board approved staff’s recommendation for the San Marcos Park Master Plan, which includes passive uses such as trails, picnic areas, and an off-leash dog area on three parcels.
- Public comment raised concerns regarding the impact of the off-leash dog area on natural resources and the capacity of park staff to monitor compliance.
Closed Session
- Staff reported that the Board considered existing litigation, a real property negotiation, and a public employee appointment in closed session.
- Staff reported that there were no reportable actions resulting from the closed session.
Full summary
Administrative Agenda and Consent Calendar
- Agenda Changes: Staff requested that Item A2 (Thomas Fire Donation) be trailed to be considered after Item A4 and following an affirmative action on Item D4. Staff requested that Item A9 (Simpler Systems Agreement) be continued through the meeting on April 10th for one week.
- Consent Calendar: A motion was made to approve the consent agenda and administrative agenda as submitted, with modifications to trail Item A2, remove Item A7, and continue Item A9.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Item A2: Thomas Fire Donation / Commercial PACE Program
- Discussion: The Board considered the California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA) report on the Commercial PACE program. Staff recommended adopting a resolution consenting to the implementation of the CSCDA Open PACE program, authorizing the Chair to execute the agreement, and determining the action is CEQA exempt. The PACE administrator presented information on the program, noting recent legislation (AB 2693, SB 242) that strengthened consumer protections, including mortgage-level disclosures and ability-to-pay underwriting guidelines. Supervisors discussed concerns regarding predatory lending and oversight; staff and the administrator responded that new legislation addresses these concerns with stricter disclosures and oversight, with full implementation expected by January 2019.
- Residential PACE: The Board discussed the potential for residential PACE. Staff noted that the Federal Housing Administration (FHFA) has issued circulars limiting residential PACE and renewed a "no purchase" rule on properties encumbered with PACE. Supervisors discussed the urgency of the net metering cap and the need to observe how the city program implementation plays out before directing staff to pursue residential PACE further.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the Commercial PACE program (Item A2). A separate motion was made to direct staff to bring back a discussion on residential PACE in approximately six months to assess the implementation of the city program and new state legislative fixes.
- Vote Outcome: Both motions passed.
Item A28: Resolution Proclaiming Arbor Day
- Discussion: The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Williams to proclaim April 27, 2018, as Arbor Day in Santa Barbara County. The resolution highlighted the county’s agricultural history, the value of landscape trees, and the participation of local cities in the Tree City USA program. A representative from Public Works thanked the Board for its support of urban forests and noted that staff and contractors have maintained trees from Carpinteria to Santa Maria. An Arbor Day planting event is scheduled for District 1.
- Motion: A motion was made to adopt the resolution.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Item A29: Resolution of Accommodation for Employee of the Month
- Discussion: The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Williams to recognize Scott Hosking, Facilities Manager for the General Services Department, as the April 2018 Employee of the Month. The resolution cited his management of 430 county buildings, response to approximately 14,000 work requests annually, and his service during the Thomas Fire and flood emergencies. The employee accepted the nomination, expressing gratitude and acknowledging team support.
- Motion: A motion was made to adopt the resolution.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Item A30: Resolution Proclaiming DMV Donate Life Month
- Discussion: The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Wolfe to proclaim April 2018 as DMV Donate Life Month in Santa Barbara County. The resolution noted the national and state organ transplant waiting lists, the need for blood and marrow donations, and the ability for residents to register as donors at the DMV.
- Motion: A motion was made to adopt the resolution.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Item D1: Library Service Delivery Consultants Update
- Discussion: The Board held a hearing to consider recommendations regarding the library service delivery consultants' update. Consultants (Management Partners) presented their analysis, noting that the County and City of Santa Barbara provide approximately 70% of the library system's funding. They outlined five principles for analysis, including the County’s role as a municipal service provider for unincorporated areas and the need for equity beyond population-based funding. They presented six illustrative funding models, suggesting Model 6 (size category plus circulation and median household income) as potentially optimal, while acknowledging the "zero-sum" nature of current funding. They recommended creating Zone 4 for Goleta, developing a new funding formula, taking an assertive role in overhead allocation, and considering a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to facilitate stakeholder discussions and potential new revenue sources.
- Public Comment:
- A representative from the Library Association of California (LAC) or a library director presented findings from the Management Partners study, recommending maintaining the status quo funding model based on population rather than adopting "Model 6," which would reduce funding for Zone 3 (specifically Orchid and Lompoc) and increase it for Zone 1. The presenter noted that Model 6 would eliminate funds currently used for rent in Orchid and reduce overall zone funding for Zones 2 and 3. The presenter also argued that circulation-based metrics are flawed because many users do not check out materials.
- A representative from the City of Solvang noted that previous votes on funding options required revision due to updated figures. Expressed support for Option 4 but indicated Goleta needs time to organize its library administration before taking on other branches. Suggested further study on funding models and exploration of a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA).
- A representative from the City of Goleta stated support for the consultants' recommendations generally. Emphasized the importance of the city’s self-taxing library fund (Measure L) and its contribution to the system. Discussed the formation of "Zone 4" to include Goleta, with potential inclusion of Buellton and Solvang. Addressed constraints on the Board of Trustees size (limited to five members by the Education Code) and the need for negotiation with other cities regarding representation and service models.
- The Isla Vista CSD President expressed support for the recommendations, particularly regarding collaboration on library programs and representation for Isla Vista on the Board of Trustees.
- The Santa Barbara Library Advisory Board Vice Chair clarified the complexity of the funding models presented by the consultants. Noted that the previously recommended Model 6 contained a flawed calculation that has since been corrected. Advised the Board not to finalize a specific model until the Library Advisory Committee (LAC) has analyzed the corrected data.
- A public speaker (Judith Dale) supported maintaining per-capita funding for the current year but proposed creating a 5% equity fund (approx. $165,000) administered by the LAC to address disparities. The speaker also suggested capping administrative fees at 20% of the per-capita money given to each library and excluding donations from fee calculations.
- A public speaker (Andy Caldwell) advocated for the "fiscalization of land use," suggesting the Board consider how to increase revenue while preserving agriculture, and called for reducing discretionary permits to ministerial permits.
- Supervisor Comments:
- One Supervisor expressed concern that the proposed options negatively impact Orchid or Lompoc and stated they could not agree to a model that disadvantages these areas. They suggested that Solvang and Buellton should decide whether to remain in Zone 1 or move to another zone, potentially allowing Zone 1 to resolve internal allocation differences.
- Another Supervisor supported a 20% cap on management fees if subsidizing extra fees in one area but not another. They supported the 5% allocation to the LAC as long as it is per capita.
- A Supervisor discussed the intent behind the administrative fee, noting it was designed to avoid disincentivizing donations from Friends groups. They supported an "equity fund" concept to address disparities without creating sharp winners and losers. They emphasized that cities should generally contribute more, citing Buellton and Solvang as benchmarks, and suggested that the LAC should make recommendations on how the 5% equity fund is allocated annually based on factors like financial straits.
- A Supervisor raised concerns about proportional representation on the Goleta/Zone 4 board, arguing that current voting structures give unincorporated residents less voice per capita than city residents. They advocated for proportional representation based on population.
- A Supervisor discussed the fiscal implications of Buellton and Solvang potentially withdrawing from the current service area, noting that the City of Santa Barbara (as administrator) indicated costs would increase if these areas withdrew. They questioned the leverage in negotiating these areas' status now versus later.
- A Supervisor clarified that Community Service Area 3 (CSA3) is a revenue source for the library, noting that unincorporated residents continue to pay the library tax for the Goleta Library even after Goleta incorporated.
- A Supervisor acknowledged the City of Goleta’s significant general fund contributions to the library and expressed support for the City’s collaborative approach regarding Isla Vista. The Supervisor also noted interest from the City of Buellton in joining the library system and suggested that if the Board moves forward with adding Goleta, the representation issues for adding Buellton and Solvang could be held in abeyance.
- A Supervisor noted that the map provided by the City of Goleta appears to exclude Mission Canyon, clarifying the boundaries of the proposed service area.
- Staff/Consultant Response: Staff clarified that new contracts would be negotiated in June. They confirmed that the 20% cap on per capita county contributions could be negotiated into the contract. They noted that administrative fees are distinct from per capita contributions and that cities like Buellton and Solvang would need to negotiate their specific contributions separately. Staff indicated that contracts with the zones are currently in place, and changes to exclude donations from administrative fee calculations would need to be negotiated.
- Motion: A motion was made to:
- 1. Add the City of Goleta as a fourth contracting party for the administration of the Goleta Library, in addition to Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. 2. Assign a new Zone 4, including Eastern Goleta Valley CSA3, Isla Vista, and Hope Ranch, to the City of Goleta for library services. 3. Work with the Cities of Buellton and Solvang with the intention of incorporating them into Zone 4 within a year. 4. Maintain current county funding allocations, with 5% of the total allocation earmarked for socioeconomic levels as determined by the LAC, and direct the LAC to develop a policy for allocating those funds. 5. Direct staff to meet with each zone to remove donations (individual or friends) from the calculation of administrative fees. 6. Recommend capping administrative fees at 20% of the amount provided by the county.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Item D2: Long Range Planning Division Fiscal Year 18-19 Work Program
- Discussion: Dan Clemon, Deputy Director for Long Range Planning, presented the FY 2018-2019 staff recommended work program. The purpose is to allow public input, review ongoing projects, and identify new projects to inform the budget presentation scheduled for April 18.
- Required Services and Operations: Approximately 1.5 FTEs for services (e.g., LAFCO advisory, state reports) and 3.0 FTEs for standard business operations.
- Ongoing Projects: Includes the Comprehensive Plan and Community Plan updates. Delays in the Circulation Element update were attributed to grant applications (including a $922,000 Caltrans Sustainable Communities Grant), disaster recovery efforts in Montecito, and cannabis-related work. The Ag-Tiered Permitting project requires an environmental document, which is not currently funded; staff proposed queuing this for the next fiscal year if funding is allocated.
- New Projects (1.7 FTEs available):
- Mandated: Safety Element update for resiliency planning (complementing the Coastal Resiliency Project) and updates to address Housing Affordability Accountability Act bills (AB 1515, SB 167, AB 678), which shift the burden of proof to the county to justify lower densities on identified sites.
- Non-Mandated: A surgical amendment to environmental thresholds regarding quality of life to clarify CEQA requirements for social and economic impacts.
- Public Comment:
- One speaker expressed frustration with the Board of Architectural Review (ABR) process regarding a second-story addition, alleging they were kicked out of a meeting, denied the opportunity to show drawings, and faced inconsistent rulings on setbacks and guidelines.
- Another speaker thanked the board for the opportunity to address the library funding issue.
- A member of the public spoke in favor of the third-time request for funding the Union Valley Parkway interchange connection. The speaker noted that Caltrans completed the design for the interchange approximately ten years ago, but the east-side connection was omitted due to a technical error in the 1997 County Orchid Community Plan. The speaker argued that the lack of an east connection leaves the interchange underutilized and is irresponsible given current development on the east side, including an expanded rodeo facility and a planned high school. The speaker requested that the Board prioritize this project for funding as grants become available.
- Supervisor Questions and Staff Responses:
- Union Valley Parkway: Staff confirmed that if initiated, the project could be completed within one fiscal year (approx. 0.5 FTE) and would likely require an Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
- Ag-Tiered Permitting: Staff clarified that one component (downshifting permit requirements for agricultural employee housing) could be completed by June of the current year without a full EIR, while the rest of the project requires an EIR estimated at $150,000 plus a $3,218 filing fee.
- Resiliency: Staff noted that the Montecito Planning Commission emphasized resiliency. Staff responded that the work program already includes significant resiliency work (Coastal Resiliency, Safety Element, Circulation Element) totaling approximately 2.1 FTEs.
- Airport Land Use Plan: Staff stated that work on this is contingent on SBCAG’s development of the airport land use plan and its associated environmental document, which is not expected until the next fiscal year.
- Solar: Staff indicated that environmental review for solar projects would be similar in cost to the Ag-Tiered Permitting EIR. Staff estimated that permitting for utility-grade solar countywide would cost more than $150,000.
- ADUs: Staff confirmed that updating uniform rules for Williamson Act contracts to accommodate Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) is supported by the Planning Commission and the Agriculture Advisory Committee.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the FY 2018-2019 Long Range Planning Division Work Program, subject to the approval of the Planning and Development budget. A separate motion was made to ask planning staff to bring back numbers regarding the cost to address Union Valley solar and agricultural projects as part of budget deliberations.
- Vote Outcome: Both motions passed.
Item D3: San Marcos Park Master Plan
- Discussion: Staff presented the San Marcos Park Master Plan for three parcels (Lots 17, 20, and 21) totaling approximately 10 acres, located east of Highway 154 and north of Cathedral Oaks and Foothill. The parcels are adjacent to the 200-acre San Marcos Foothill Preserve. The plan includes passive uses such as trails, kiosks, picnic areas, a public restroom, and an off-leash dog area.
- Outreach: Staff reported conducting an online survey (200 respondents) and four public workshops. The top three desired amenities were a walking path (82%), vista areas with seating (71%), and a fenced off-leash dog area (61%). The Park Commission unanimously approved the master plan in December and January 2018.
- Design Details: A landscape architect described Lot 17 (6.8 acres) as having sloping topography with a looping trail system, vista points, and seating areas. The plan includes interpretive signage and the planting of coast live oaks. The off-leash dog area is divided into two sections (approx. 14,000 sq ft and 6,000 sq ft).
- Lot 20 (Approx. 1.6 acres): Described as having undulating topography with views of Santa Barbara, the Channel Islands, UCSB, and the San Ynez Mountains. Proposed features include educational gathering areas, an interpretive trail, an overlook, natural benches with planted oaks for shading, and enhanced habitat plantings representing foothill plant communities. Parallel parking with enhanced paving crossings and multiple openings were also proposed.
- Lot 21 (Approx. 1.7 acres): Located across the road from Lot 20, this parcel was described as disturbed, graded land sitting below Via Gaytero. Proposed features include a fenced dog park for large and small breeds, shaded seating with benches, a looped trail system with vistas and seating areas, and angled or parallel parking.
- Materials and Infrastructure:
- Interpretive Trail: Stone logs, open play areas for children, natural stone benches, split logs, and amphitheater seating cut from stone.
- Fencing: Split rail with welded wire mesh for the dog park enclosure; split rail fencing along Via Gaytero.
- Surfaces: Poly-pave (hardener) for areas off Lot 17 and accessible zones; eco-pave (gravel-type material) for the dog park.
- Signage: Core 10 steel laser-cut signs with distance notes; Core 10 signs with plexiglass and descriptions for interpretive content.
- Planting: Native grassland, Riparian Coast live oak woodland, and coastal scrub species.
- Accessibility and Gateway: The presenter addressed questions regarding accessibility, stating that Lot 21 can be made accessible via grading despite its lower elevation relative to Via Gaytero. The "gateway" concept was clarified as an enhancement of the existing beginning area, featuring interpretive signage on flora and fauna and habitat replication in areas without water, utilizing existing paths and minimal trail cutting.
- Public Comment:
- A representative from the Santa Barbara Audubon Society expressed support for the plan but raised concerns about the impact of the off-leash dog area on natural resources and the capacity of park staff to monitor and enforce rules. The speaker requested that the Planning and Development department examine potential impacts during CEQA consistency review, suggested using video cameras to monitor habitat and compliance, and asked the Board to retain the right to reopen or restrict the dog park if ongoing issues arise.
- A representative from Energy Answers LLC spoke in support of the PACE program but also commented on the park, noting that PACE could be used for seismic strengthening and other improvements.
- A representative from the City of Santa Maria supported adding a road connection from Union Valley Parkway to the Elks Rodeo frontage road to the circulation element update to improve traffic circulation for regional events.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve staff’s recommendation for the San Marcos Park Master Plan.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Closed Session
- Action: The board took a closed session break.
- Report: Upon returning, staff reported that the board considered three matters in closed session: existing litigation (Young v. County of Santa Barbara), a conference with real property negotiators concerning property at 303 South C Street in Lompoc, and the consideration of a public employee appointment for the child support services director.
- Decision: Staff reported there were no reportable actions resulting from the closed session.
Other Administrative Actions
- Minutes: The minutes were approved unanimously.
- Agenda Changes: Items A3 and A13 were pulled from the agenda. A3 was not pulled for a separate vote; A13 was pulled for a separate vote.
- Public Comment: General public comment was taken, including a speaker sharing a personal story about receiving a kidney transplant and another speaker expressing frustration with the Board of Architectural Review process.