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
Recognition of CAWS
- Ab Diaz spoke on behalf of CAWS regarding their legislative involvement in Sacramento.
- A translation of the remarks was provided to the board.
- No motion or vote was recorded for this item.
CSA 41 Road Maintenance and Assessment
- Staff proposed increasing benefit assessments to approximately $960–$980 per parcel to fund road repairs and bridge upgrades.
- Public comment included opposition to the 100% increase and concerns regarding assessment fairness and easement issues.
- The board adopted the staff recommendations to increase assessments, with the motion passing.
Civil and Respectful Workplace Policy
- Human Resources explained the policy defines abusive behavior to address gaps in existing Civil Service Rules.
- Union representatives and supervisors raised concerns about potential workload increases and the definition of malice.
- The board approved the policy with a requirement for HR to return in one year to review implementation and complaint data.
FEMA Hazard Mapping Adoption
- Public Works requested adoption of new hazard mapping to bridge the gap until new Flood Insurance Rate Maps are issued.
- The map utilizes 2018 topography and 2D modeling to reflect changes in flow conditions following the 2018 debris flow.
- The board approved the staff recommendations to adopt the new mapping standards.
Annual Flood Control Benefit Assessments
- Staff presented the annual return for new flood control benefit assessments with a 3.8% CPI adjustment.
- Questions were raised regarding the specific "All Urban" CPI index used for the calculation.
- Staff recommended approval of the items for first reading, with a second reading scheduled for July 3.
False Alarm Cost Recovery
- Staff presented data on false alarms and discussed strategies for cost recovery under state law constraints.
- Board members debated the feasibility of a universal permit fee versus a chronic user fee.
- The board directed staff to develop cost recovery options and assess the feasibility of an alarm permit ordinance.
CDBG/HOME Action Plan
- Staff presented the draft Fiscal Year 18-19 Action Plan for CDBG and HOME funds.
- The plan outlines the distribution of approximately $1.7 million in available CDBG funds to partner cities and the county.
- The board approved the Action Plan and directed staff to submit it to HUD.
CSA 12 (Mission Canyon) Sewer Rates
- Staff proposed a sewer charge increase from $289.44 to $306.62 per year for the Mission Canyon area.
- The reserve balance for the service area was reported at approximately $1.28 million.
- The board adopted the ordinance establishing the new sewer charges for Fiscal Year 18-19.
Laguna County Sanitation District Rates
- Staff proposed a 2.8% CPI-based increase in rates and fees for the sanitation district.
- The proposed sewer charge increased by $27.50 to a total of $1,009.49.
- The board adopted the ordinances for the next fiscal year's rates and fees.
Resolutions
- A resolution was presented to proclaim June 2018 as Immigrant Heritage Month in Santa Barbara County.
- A second resolution was presented to proclaim June 2018 as Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Operators Month.
- The board approved both resolutions.
Administrative Continuations and Set Hearings
- The board noted requests to continue or set hearings for Public Works and Planning and Development items.
- A specific request to continue the Oak Hills Estates project hearing to July 17 was granted.
- The board approved the continuances and scheduling adjustments.
Road Maintenance Election
- The board discussed the upcoming election regarding road maintenance and the county's financial capacity.
- The board closed the public hearing and trailed the item for tabulation of results.
Closed Session
- Staff estimated a one-hour and 15-minute closed session covering litigation, labor negotiations, and employee evaluations.
- Staff reported that there were no reportable actions from the closed session.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Recognition of CAWS
- Discussion: Ab Diaz spoke on behalf of CAWS regarding their involvement with legislators in Sacramento to assist in passing resolutions and bills. A translation of the remarks was provided.
- Action: No motion or vote was recorded.
Agenda Item: CSA 41 Road Maintenance and Assessment
- Discussion: Staff presented a proposal to increase benefit assessments for County Service Area (CSA) 41 to fund road repairs, maintenance, and improvements. The current annual fee averages $480 per parcel; the proposed increase would raise it to approximately $960–$980 per parcel to generate $46,000 annually over ten years. The scope includes ongoing maintenance, preventive maintenance, realigning a road curve, and bridge upgrades.
- Public Comment: Yvonne Bailey expressed opposition to the proposed 100% tax increase, suggesting a lower percentage and requesting a review of assessment fairness compared to businesses and high-usage properties. Jean Malone stated she was voting "no" due to concerns over assessment fairness and road maintenance. Leland Smith, a founding member of CSA 41, argued the 10-year plan was misleading, stating the CSA has sufficient reserves to cover projected repairs without increasing assessments, and opposed widening the Avena Road curve due to easement issues.
- Process: The board opened the hearing, received testimony, and collected ballots. The hearing was closed to tabulate results.
- Vote Outcome: The weighted vote results were tabulated: 59.8% Yes and 40.1% No.
- Motion: A motion was made to adopt the staff recommendations (items A through E, excluding E).
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Civil and Respectful Workplace Policy
- Discussion: Supervisor Hartmann asked questions regarding the policy’s role in filling gaps in existing procedures, potential workload increases, and its application to bullying. Human Resources explained that the policy defines abusive and bullying behavior to address complaints falling outside the 1970 Civil Service Rules. HR noted that a survey of 58 counties found similar policies did not result in significant workload increases and described the intake and investigation process. Bruce Corsaw, representing Local 620, spoke in support of the policy’s intent but recommended against approval, citing concerns about increased workload, potential for misuse, and the lack of a neutral body to handle complaints. Supervisor Adam expressed concern regarding the potential for abuse and the removal of the "malice" requirement from the definition. Supervisor Lavagnino stated he would only support the policy with the caveat that it be reviewed and potentially tweaked after one year. The County Counsel noted the policy is a legally defensible framework.
- Motion: Supervisor Oak Creek moved to approve Item A30 as presented, with an additional request that HR return to the Board in one year to review implementation and provide a numerical summary of complaints.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: FEMA Hazard Mapping Adoption
- Discussion: Public Works requested the adoption of new FEMA hazard mapping to bridge the gap until new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are issued in 3–5 years. The map utilizes 2018 topography and 2D modeling to reflect changes in flow conditions following the 2018 debris flow. Staff recommended approval, stating the map is superior to existing FIRMs and necessary to ensure new development is resilient. Questions were raised regarding the difference between flood maps and debris flow maps, the accuracy of the model regarding bridge plugging, and the authority to require specific building standards. Staff clarified that the map does not change flood insurance rates immediately but provides a basis for construction standards under Chapter 15A. A member of the public presented an analysis noting that in the area above East Valley Road, the model indicated low risk for 140 out of 147 homes damaged or destroyed in the actual debris flow, citing specific modeling errors. The board discussed the likelihood of a debris-laden flood versus a pure debris flow and the implications of the "like-for-like" ordinance. Staff emphasized that delaying adoption would hinder the ability to assist property owners with rebuild decisions and insurance requirements.
- Motion: Supervisor Oak Creek moved to proceed with staff’s recommendations (Items A, B, and C).
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Annual Flood Control Benefit Assessments
- Discussion: Public Works presented the annual return for the adoption of new flood control benefit assessments. The assessments are voter-approved and include an annual CPI adjustment to preserve funding levels. The current year’s increase is calculated at 3.8%. Staff recommended approval of Items A, B, and D for the first reading, with a second reading scheduled for July 3. Questions were raised regarding the higher assessment in the South Coast zone and the discrepancy between the 3.8% CPI used here and a 2.8% figure seen elsewhere. Staff explained that Flood Control uses a specific "All Urban" CPI index approved by voters.
- Action: No explicit motion to vote on the assessments was recorded in the provided segments, though staff recommended approval.
Agenda Item: False Alarm Cost Recovery
- Discussion: Neil Gowing, President of the Deputy Sheriff’s Association, supported holding alarm companies and homeowners accountable for false alarms. Supervisor Adam suggested a "chronic user fee" rather than a permit, arguing that a permit fee might be punitive. Supervisor Lavagnino supported cost recovery for chronic false alarms but opposed a universal permit fee for all alarm owners. Staff presented data on false alarm activations and discussed two primary strategies for cost recovery: a "verified response" protocol and an "alarm fee ordinance." Staff noted that California state law (AB 1616) prohibits charging fees directly to alarm companies, so costs must be recovered from property owners.
- Motion: A motion was made to direct staff to work with the Sheriff’s Office and other departments to develop cost recovery options and assess the feasibility of an alarm permit ordinance and verified response implementation.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: CDBG/HOME Action Plan
- Discussion: Staff presented the draft Fiscal Year 18-19 Action Plan and amendments for the Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME). The CDBG allocation was just under $1.2 million, and total available CDBG funds (including prior year funds) were approximately $1.7 million. Staff outlined the distribution of funds to partner cities and the county, as well as the funding recommendations made by the Human Services Commission’s Allocations Committee for public service programs and the Capital Loan Committee for capital projects. It was noted that one capital project (Agnes Avenue ADA ramp) was withdrawn due to a timing conflict with another grant.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the Action Plan and amendments and direct staff to submit them to HUD.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: CSA 12 (Mission Canyon) Sewer Rates
- Discussion: Staff presented the annual action to consider service rates for County Service Area 12 (Mission Canyon). The proposed sewer charge increase was from $289.44 to $306.62 per year. The reserve balance was reported at approximately $1.28 million.
- Motion: A motion was made to adopt the ordinance establishing the sewer charges for Fiscal Year 18-19.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Laguna County Sanitation District Rates
- Discussion: Staff presented the annual action to consider rates and fees for the Laguna County Sanitation District. A 2.8% increase based on CPI was proposed. The proposed sewer charge was $1,009.49, an increase of $27.50 from the previous year. Staff also presented proposed adjustments to developer impact fees, including connection fees and trunk line fees.
- Motion: A motion was made to adopt the ordinances for rates and fees for the next fiscal year.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Resolutions
- Item A72: Immigrant Heritage Month Resolution
- Discussion: A resolution co-sponsored by Supervisor Williams and Supervisor Lavagnino was presented to proclaim June 2018 as Immigrant Heritage Month in Santa Barbara County, recognizing the contributions of immigrants to the economy and community.
- Item A73: Amateur Radio Month Resolution
- Discussion: A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Wolf was presented to proclaim June 2018 as Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Operators Month, honoring ham radio operators for their emergency communication services and community support.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve items A72 and A73.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Administrative Continuations and Set Hearings
- Item A45 (Public Works): A request to continue the matter to July 3 was noted.
- Item A68 (Planning and Development): A request to set a hearing for July 10 was noted, with a memo requesting it be set for August 14 instead.
- Item D1 (Planning and Development): A request to continue the Oak Hills Estates project hearing to July 17 was noted.
- Motion: A motion was made to grant the continuance.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Road Maintenance Election
- Discussion: The board discussed the upcoming election regarding road maintenance. A Supervisor noted that the county is not financially able to take on additional road miles and that the action was simply to allow the election to proceed.
- Motion: A motion was made to close the public hearing and trail the item for tabulation.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Minutes and Administrative Items
- Discussion: The board reviewed the minutes from the June 5th meeting and the June 11th budget hearing. The board also reviewed ceremonial items and other administrative items (A30).
- Motion: Motions were made to approve the minutes of June 5th and the minutes of the budget hearing on June 11th. A separate motion was made to approve the balance of the agenda, including administrative items.
- Second: The motions were seconded.
- Decision: Both motions passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Closed Session
- Discussion: Staff estimated a one-hour and 15-minute closed session covering three items: existing litigation (Rancho La Laguna v. County of Santa Barbara), conference with labor negotiators, and public employee performance evaluation for the County Council.
- Decision: Staff reported that there were no reportable actions from the closed session.
Public Comment
- Speaker: Lee Moldaver
- Content: The speaker addressed the board, noting the Chair’s recent speech at UCSB. The speaker expressed appreciation for the service of former colleague Tom Urbanski and congratulated the board members on their recent election results. The speaker referenced Memorial Day and the upcoming July 4th holiday in the context of civic participation and running for office.
- Action/Decision: No motions were made, seconded, or decided. No vote was taken.
Adjournment
- Decision: The board adjourned until July 3rd in Santa Barbara.