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
Internal Audit Charter
- Staff presented recommendations aligned with Institute of Internal Auditors standards, including external quality assurance reviews.
- A supervisor raised concerns regarding the Auditor-Controller auditing their own work and the frequency of external reviews.
- Staff clarified that external auditors perform agreed-upon procedures annually and that internal controls are decentralized.
- The board approved the recommendations with a 4-1 vote.
Courthouse Legacy Foundations Five-Year Project Plan
- The board considered recommendations regarding the five-year project plan.
- The item was pulled from the agenda for further review by General Services.
Santa Barbara County Firefighters 2046 Local Amended Memorandum of Understanding
- A supervisor expressed concern that the proposed wage increase was excessive given low vacancy and turnover rates.
- Another supervisor noted the need for balance between compensation and facility maintenance.
- Staff and other supervisors defended the agreement, citing the necessity of competitive compensation.
- The board approved the item unanimously.
SEIU Local 620 Amended MOU
- The board considered recommendations for the amended MOU.
- A motion was made to approve the recommendations.
- The item passed with a 4-1 vote.
Engineer and Technicians Association Amended MOU
- The board considered recommendations for the amended MOU.
- A motion was made to approve the recommendations.
- The item passed unanimously.
Employee of the Month Recognition (June 2018)
- A resolution was presented to recognize Kent Boyson, a logistics expert with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
- The resolution highlighted his roles in incident management, station maintenance, and carpentry.
- The resolution was adopted.
Wear Orange Day Proclamation
- A resolution was presented to proclaim June 2, 2018, as Wear Orange Day in Santa Barbara County.
- The resolution cited the impact of gun violence and the origins of the campaign.
- The resolution was adopted.
CPR and AED Awareness Week Proclamation
- A resolution was presented to proclaim the week of June 1–8, 2018, as CPR and AED Awareness Week.
- The resolution noted the low rate of bystander CPR in the county compared to national averages.
- The resolution was adopted.
Library Contract and Funding Guidance (FY 2018-19)
- Staff recommended retaining the per capita allocation formula without earmarking 5% of total funding for critical needs.
- Supervisors debated the effectiveness of the current funding model, noting disparities between incorporated and unincorporated areas.
- The board directed staff to form a committee to develop long-term countywide guidelines for library funding.
- The board also directed staff to explore options for a dedicated funding source, such as a sales tax.
Recovery Strategic Plan for Thomas Fire and Debris Flow
- Staff presented a plan focusing on eight key areas, including storm preparedness, flood control, and private property rebuilding.
- Presenters detailed efforts in updating hazard maps and coordinating with FEMA for mitigation grants.
- Supervisors requested minor corrections to the document and suggested incorporating elected officials into the communications plan.
- The board noted the corrections and suggestions for the finalization of the plan.
Ordinance Amending Chapter 34A (Hydrogen Sulfide)
- Staff presented an ordinance requiring on-site monitoring and notification of agencies for hydrogen sulfide releases during water well drilling.
- Public commenters raised concerns regarding notification procedures and the definition of "job site" versus "well site."
- Staff proposed amendments to add 911 notification and clarify terminology for off-site migration.
- The item was trailed to allow for further review and incorporation of the discussed changes.
CEQA Documentary Handling Fee Ordinance
- Staff presented a fee ordinance establishing a California Environmental Quality Act documentary handling fee.
- The fee covers the cost of processing environmental documents filed with the Board of Supervisors.
- No public comment was recorded for this item.
Solid Waste Tipping Fees and Rates (FY 2018-19)
- Staff proposed a 3% increase in tipping fees at the Tahecus Landfill and a $55/ton fee for disaster debris.
- New Cuyama parcel fees were recommended to remain unchanged from the previous year’s schedule.
- Franchised hauler rates were expected to increase by 2–6% depending on the region and service type.
- The board adopted the three resolutions regarding tipping fees, parcel fees, and franchise collection service rates.
Benefit Assessments for County Service Areas (FY 2018-19)
- Staff recommended keeping benefit assessments for CSA 3 and CSA 31 unchanged at $24 and $12.93 per single-family dwelling, respectively.
- The benefit assessment for the Santa Maria area of the North County Lighting District was recommended to remain at zero.
- The board adopted the resolutions establishing the benefit assessments unanimously.
Closed Session
- The Clerk reported that the closed session lasted approximately two hours and 15 minutes.
- Matters discussed included anticipated litigation, conferences with labor negotiators, and performance evaluations.
- The board noted there were no reportable actions from the closed session.
Full summary
Agenda Item A5: Internal Audit Charter
- Staff presented recommendations for the internal audit charter, noting alignment with Institute of Internal Auditors standards and the inclusion of external quality assurance reviews. A supervisor raised concerns regarding the Auditor-Controller auditing their own work and the frequency of external reviews on internal controls, referencing a past embezzlement incident. Staff clarified that external auditors perform agreed-upon procedures annually and that internal controls are decentralized. A motion was made to approve the recommendations. The item passed 4-1.
Agenda Item A21: Courthouse Legacy Foundations Five-Year Project Plan
- The Board considered recommendations regarding the five-year project plan. The item was pulled from the agenda for further review by General Services.
Agenda Item A24: Santa Barbara County Firefighters 2046 Local Amended Memorandum of Understanding
- The Board considered recommendations for the amended MOU. A supervisor expressed concern that the proposed wage increase was excessive given low vacancy and turnover rates, arguing that fire tax shifts should prioritize equipment and facilities. Another supervisor noted the need for balance between compensation and facility maintenance. Staff and other supervisors defended the agreement, citing the necessity of competitive compensation. A motion was made to approve the item. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item A25: SEIU Local 620 Amended MOU
- The Board considered recommendations for the amended MOU. A motion was made to approve the recommendations. The item passed 4-1.
Agenda Item A26: Engineer and Technicians Association Amended MOU
- The Board considered recommendations for the amended MOU. A motion was made to approve the recommendations. The item passed unanimously.
Agenda Item A52: Employee of the Month Recognition (June 2018)
- A resolution was presented to recognize Kent Boyson, a logistics expert with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, as the Employee of the Month for June 2018. The resolution highlighted his roles in incident management, station maintenance, and carpentry. The resolution was adopted.
Agenda Item A53: Wear Orange Day Proclamation
- A resolution was presented to proclaim June 2, 2018, as Wear Orange Day in Santa Barbara County in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The resolution cited the impact of gun violence and the origins of the campaign. The resolution was adopted.
Agenda Item A54: CPR and AED Awareness Week Proclamation
- A resolution was presented to proclaim the week of June 1–8, 2018, as CPR and AED Awareness Week and June 7, 2018, as Hands Only CPR Day. The resolution noted the low rate of bystander CPR in the county compared to national averages and encouraged community participation in training events. The resolution was adopted.
Agenda Item 1: Library Contract and Funding Guidance (FY 2018-19)
- Staff presented recommendations for the 2018-19 countywide library contract, seeking guidance to retain the per capita allocation formula without earmarking 5% of total funding for critical needs and to maintain status quo administration charges. Staff reported that nearly all library fund balances have been exhausted, leaving a $236,000 gap for the 2018-19 cycle, primarily in Zone 1. Public commenters discussed financial challenges facing branch libraries, the history of reserve funds, and the need for sustainable funding models.
- Supervisors debated the effectiveness of the current per capita funding model, noting that a significant portion of funds goes to larger libraries in incorporated areas, while smaller libraries in unincorporated areas face deficits. Discussion included the need for a governance structure to ensure equity and transparency across zones and concerns about the lack of adjustments for socioeconomic status or usage in the current formula. One supervisor proposed a motion to return the 5% earmark to the status quo budget and suggested exploring a sales tax as an alternative funding source. Another supervisor supported restoring the 5% but emphasized the need for alternative funding sources.
- A motion was made to proceed with staff’s recommendation regarding the 5% administrative fee limit and to discuss library funding during the upcoming budget process. Additionally, the board directed staff to form a committee, including two board members, zone administrators, and Library Advisory Committee (LAC) representatives, to develop long-term countywide guidelines for library funding. A separate motion was made to support the LAC’s recommendation to use reserve funds to assist small libraries facing deficits. Both motions passed. The board also directed staff to explore options for a dedicated funding source (such as a sales tax) and to return with recommendations on library governance and administrative fee consistency.
Agenda Item 2: Recovery Strategic Plan for Thomas Fire and Debris Flow
- Staff presented the recovery strategic plan for the Thomas Fire and the January 9, 2018 debris flow. The plan focuses on eight key areas: storm preparedness, long-term flood control mitigation, private property rebuilding, debris management, financial impacts, infrastructure repair, natural/cultural resources, and community engagement. Presenters detailed efforts in updating hazard maps, coordinating with FEMA for mitigation grants (including projects for Cold Springs, San Ysidro, and Romero Debris Basins), and developing rebuilding guidelines for Montecito. Staff also provided an update on communication strategies, including social media, the ReadySBC Recovery website, and e-newsletters, noting outreach is conducted in English and Spanish. Quarterly reports on action items will be provided to the board.
- Supervisors requested minor corrections to the document (typos on pages 7 and 9). Questions were raised regarding the inclusion of Whittier and Sherpa burn areas in the report, the status of the 72-hour evacuation timeline, and the inclusion of insurance companies in the financial recovery contacts. Supervisors also suggested incorporating elected officials into the communications plan. Staff recommended that the Board receive and file the presentation and determine that the actions are administrative and not subject to CEQA. The board noted the corrections and suggestions for the finalization of the plan. No formal vote was recorded for the adoption of the plan itself in the provided segments, as it appears to be an informational/update item with requested revisions.
Agenda Item 3: Ordinance Amending Chapter 34A (Hydrogen Sulfide)
- Staff presented an ordinance amending Chapter 34A of the County Code to regulate hydrogen sulfide (H2S) releases during water well drilling. The amendment requires on-site monitoring, notification of specified agencies in case of release, and measures to stop the release. The proposal requires a calibrated H2S meter on-site for any well exceeding 1,200 feet in depth, citing data indicating H2S incidents are rare in shallower wells. The ordinance establishes action levels based on OSHA standards (1 ppm for 10 minutes or 20 ppm instantaneous) requiring immediate notification to the Health Department, Air Pollution Control District (APCD), and Cal OES, as well as investigation for off-site migration. If off-site migration is detected, a 911 call is required. Additionally, drillers must notify the administrative authority prior to changing the permitted depth of a well.
- Public commenters raised concerns regarding notification procedures, specifically the requirement for 911 notification and the definition of "job site" versus "well site." Robert Miller, a resident of Western Goleta and member of the Goleta Planning Commission, addressed the board regarding H2S exposures, noting the most significant exposure occurred in October 2016 during a water well drilling operation. Miller requested three specific revisions: requiring well drillers to use handheld H2S monitoring devices instead of relying solely on the 1,200-foot threshold; considering a second ordinance requiring air monitoring during the use of well water for irrigation; and facilitating a meeting with local agricultural operators to discuss portable monitors.
- Staff proposed amendments to Section 34A-11B to add 911 notification and delete redundant sentences, and to Section 34A-11D to replace "job site" with "well site" for clarity. Staff also proposed spelling out "Air Pollution Control District" in Section 34A-11C. Staff clarified that the ordinance does not exempt drillers from existing reporting requirements for hazardous substance releases on shallower wells. A motion was made to adopt staff’s recommendations with modifications, including the addition of a 911 notification requirement for off-site migration. The item was subsequently trailed (postponed) to allow for further review and incorporation of the discussed changes.
Agenda Item 4: CEQA Documentary Handling Fee Ordinance
- Staff presented a fee ordinance establishing a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documentary handling fee. The fee covers the cost of processing environmental documents filed with the Board of Supervisors. No public comment was recorded. The transcript does not record the final vote outcome for this item.
Agenda Item 5: Solid Waste Tipping Fees and Rates (FY 2018-19)
- Staff presented proposed rates for three categories: tipping fees at county-owned facilities, New Cuyama parcel fees, and franchised hauler collection rates.
- Tipping Fees: The Tahecus Landfill tipping fee increased from $99 to $102 (approx. 3%) at the request of city partners. A $55/ton fee for disaster debris was included. Other facility fees increased by 3% or remained unchanged.
- New Cuyama Parcel Fees: No changes were recommended from the previous year’s schedule (e.g., $77 per single-family residence).
- Franchised Hauler Rates: Residential rates are expected to increase by 3–4% on the South Coast and 2–4% in the North County. Commercial rates on the South Coast will increase by 3–6% due to lower recycling revenues; North County commercial rates will increase by 2–4%.
- A motion was made to adopt the three resolutions regarding tipping fees, New Cuyama parcel fees, and franchise collection service rates. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 6: Benefit Assessments for County Service Areas (FY 2018-19)
- Staff presented proposed benefit assessments for CSA 3 (Goleta Valley) and CSA 31 (Isla Vista), which fund street lighting and related services. The proposed assessments were recommended to remain unchanged at $24 per single-family dwelling for CSA 3 and $12.93 for CSA 31. For the North County Lighting District, the benefit assessment for the Santa Maria area was recommended to remain at zero. A motion was made to adopt the resolutions establishing the benefit assessments for CSA 3 and CSA 31 and not to establish a benefit assessment for the Santa Maria area of the North County Lighting District. The motion passed unanimously.
Closed Session Report
- The Clerk of the Board reported that the closed session lasted approximately two hours and 15 minutes. Matters discussed included anticipated litigation (Morales v. County, Gaviota Coast Conservancy v. County, County v. Plains Pipeline LP, Murray v. County), conferences with labor negotiators for all bargaining units, and performance evaluations for various department directors and commissioners. The board noted there were no reportable actions from the closed session.
Public Comment and Other Business
- Members of the public addressed the board regarding library funding, hydrogen sulfide monitoring, and the Montecito disaster recovery. Speakers advocated for increased library funding, continuous H2S monitoring in Western Goleta, and support for small libraries. Staff provided an update on the Montecito disaster recovery efforts, including community engagement strategies, financial impacts, and infrastructure repairs. The board discussed the transition of the Montecito Center to a community-based model and the pursuit of cost recovery through FEMA and other funding sources. The board adjourned to reconvene for closed session and further discussion on trailed items.