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
Resolutions (Items A46–A51)
- The board adopted resolutions honoring employees, retirees, and community partners, including Joe Ayala, Nick Lugo, and Colonel Kirk E. Gibbs.
- Resolutions were passed to commend Miriam "Mickey" Flax and Dr. Robert C. Gaines for their service.
- The board proclaimed July 2018 as "Parks Make Life Better Month" and honored Jean Gibson upon her retirement.
Human Resources and Public Health (Items A2, A20, A22, A23, A26)
- The board approved a third amendment to the Pathpoint agreement and the Deputy Sheriff Association Successor MOU.
- Salary adjustments for County Council, Civil Attorneys, and Deputy District Attorneys were adopted.
- Amendments to Animal Services City Agreements for Goleta and Santa Barbara for fiscal years 2018–2020 were approved.
Planning and Development (Item D1)
- The board considered a proposed amendment to the Planning and Development Fee Ordinance for Cannabis Appeals.
- The item was continued to the July 10th meeting for further consideration.
Sheriff and Probation (Item D2)
- Staff presented the annual report for California Forensic Medical Group healthcare services for detention facilities.
- Board members inquired about medication reporting errors during the presentation.
Sheriff (Item D3)
- The Sheriff’s Office presented a new contracting model transitioning from FTE staffing to a time-delivery model.
- The proposal includes a phased-in cost recovery approach for Solvang and Buellton and a menu of optional services.
Child Care Planning Council (Item 8)
- The board received a five-year needs assessment indicating the county meets only about 50% of estimated child care needs.
- Discussion focused on the shortage of infant and toddler care slots and high tuition costs.
- The board voted to receive and file the item.
Redistricting Commission (Items 4, 5, and D4)
- The board reviewed competing proposals for an independent redistricting commission, including the "You Draw the Lines" ordinance and the "Reason in Government" initiative.
- Amendments were proposed to limit exclusions for county employees and include ex parte disclosure provisions.
- The board ordered an impartial analysis and set a hearing for July 17, 2018, to discuss submitting the ordinance to voters.
Highway 101 Local Coastal Program Amendment (Item 6)
- Staff presented an amendment allowing wetland encroachment for highway expansion, offset by balancing projects like bike trails.
- Public comment addressed wetland loss, mitigation adequacy, and CEQA exemptions.
- The board moved items 6A, B, C, and D forward.
CFMG Contract and Jail Healthcare Services
- Staff reported that CFMG became the largest jail healthcare provider in California and detailed operational improvements since April 2017.
- The board approved the items with a direction for CFMG and staff to return with contract negotiation updates and NCCHC accreditation status.
- Staff were directed to include specific recommendations regarding mental health performance compliance in the motion.
Animal Services Cost Recovery
- The board discussed the department's current failure to recover full costs and the fairness of subsidizing certain areas.
- A motion was passed to accept the item with a staff direction to provide a plan for full cost recovery over two to three years.
Los Piertos Boys Camp
- A representative explained that missed medication instances are often due to home visits or refusal.
- The tracking system is being updated to distinguish between these specific categories.
Administrative Fees / Library Services
- Discussion centered on administrative fees for libraries and the smoothing of cost increases over time.
- Questions were raised regarding the administrative burden of tracking service demand and associated costs.
Impartial Analysis Questions
- Supervisor Hartman listed specific questions for the impartial analysis of the RIG initiative.
- Topics included positive qualifications for service, disqualifying factors, and the rational basis for eliminating applicants based on political contributions.
Wetlands Mitigation
- Questions were asked regarding the number of wetland acres impacted and the location of mitigation or restoration efforts.
- Inquiries focused on whether mitigation has been completed prior to the project.
Closed Session
- The board reported on matters considered in closed session, including litigation and the performance evaluation of the County Executive Officer.
- No reportable actions were taken in closed session.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Resolutions (Items A46–A51)
- Public comment was received regarding the honorees, with speakers representing the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Housing Authority, the VA, and Parks and Recreation. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolutions. The board adopted the following:
- Item A46: Honoring Joe Ayala and Nick Lugo as Employees of the Month for their work on the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system redundancy.
- Item A47: Commending Colonel Kirk E. Gibbs for his service to the country and Santa Barbara County, including his response to the January 9 debris flow.
- Item A48: Honoring Miriam "Mickey" Flax for her service on the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
- Item A49: Proclaiming July 2018 as "Parks Make Life Better Month."
- Item A50: Honoring Dr. Robert C. Gaines upon his retirement from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Item A51: Honoring Jean Gibson upon her retirement from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Human Resources and Public Health (Items A2, A20, A22, A23, A26)
- The board considered recommendations regarding:
- Item A2: Third amendment to the agreement for services with Pathpoint (Behavioral Wellness).
- Item A20: Performance-based salary adjustments for County Council. The County Counsel noted the determination of costs is a quasi-legislative act. The County Executive Officer recused themselves from this item.
- Item A22: Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriff Association Successor Memorandum of Understanding.
- Item A23: Salary increases for the Civil Attorneys Association and Deputy District Attorney’s Association.
- Item A26: Amendments to Animal Services City Agreements for Goleta and Santa Barbara for fiscal years 2018–2020.
- Motions were made and seconded for each item. Vote Outcome: Passed (4-1).
Agenda Item: Planning and Development (Item D1)
- The board considered a proposed amendment to the Planning and Development Fee Ordinance for Cannabis Appeals. A motion was made and seconded to continue the matter. Decision: The board continued the item to the July 10th meeting. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Sheriff and Probation (Item D2)
- Lieutenant Shawn Lammer of the Sheriff’s Office and Wendy Stanley of the Probation Department presented the annual report for California Forensic Medical Group (CFMG) healthcare services for probation and sheriff’s detention facilities. Questions were asked regarding medication reporting errors. Decision: The board received the presentation. Vote Outcome: N/A (Presentation/Informational).
Agenda Item: Sheriff (Item D3)
- The board considered the Sheriff’s Office agreements for law enforcement services with Buellton, Carpinteria, Goleta, and Solvang. The Sheriff’s Office presented a new contracting model transitioning from a Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) staffing model to a time-delivery model based on the Deputy Sheriff Service Unit. The proposal includes a phased-in cost recovery approach for Solvang and Buellton. The Auditor’s Office was involved in determining costs. The model includes a "menu" of optional services. Decision: The board received the presentation. Vote Outcome: N/A (Presentation/Informational).
Agenda Item: Child Care Planning Council (Item 8)
- The board received a child needs assessment presentation report. A representative from the Child Care Planning Council presented the five-year needs assessment, noting the county meets only about 50% of the estimated need for child care, with the greatest shortage in infant and toddler care. Discussion occurred regarding the death of infant care slots, high tuition costs, and the importance of early childhood education for economic development. A motion to receive and file the item was made and seconded. Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Redistricting Commission (Items 4, 5, and D4)
- The board heard public comment and staff presentations on two competing proposals for an independent redistricting commission: the "You Draw the Lines" ordinance (Item 4/D4) and the "Reason in Government" (RIG) initiative (Item 5).
- "You Draw the Lines" Ordinance: Staff presented the ordinance to create an 11-member County of Santa Barbara Public Independent Redistricting Commission. Modifications included changing the commission title to "Citizens Independent Redistricting Commission," clarifying disqualification criteria, adjusting the applicant pool size to 45, and adding provisions for video recording and commissioner removal.
- "Reason in Government" Initiative: A proponent presented the proposal. Board members questioned provisions regarding family member definitions, residency duration, and the definition of "compact" districts.
- Discussion: The board discussed the differences between the proposals, including commission size, selection methods, and public input processes. Supervisor Adam proposed an amendment to limit exclusions for county employees to principals of companies with competitively bid contracts. Supervisor Lavanino requested the inclusion of ex parte disclosure provisions. The board discussed the timeline for placing the measure on the November ballot and the statutory 10-day requirement for reports.
- Action: A motion was made to order an impartial analysis to be heard on the 17th and to discuss the submission of the proposed ordinance to the voters at the next week’s meeting. A separate motion was made to proceed with the recommended actions for the "You Draw the Lines" ordinance with the modifications discussed, and to set a hearing for July 17, 2018. A motion was also made to request a report from staff on the RIG initiative to be presented on July 17, 2018.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Highway 101 Local Coastal Program Amendment (Item 6)
- Staff presented the Highway 101 Carpinteria to Santa Barbara Local Coastal Program amendment (Case 17GPA3-18ORD4), which allows for wetland encroachment for the highway expansion project, offset by balancing projects such as bike trails and beach access improvements. Staff explained the mitigation ratios and the proposed Transportation Corridor Wetland Overlay District. Public comment was received from Heal the Ocean, Santa Barbara Audubon Society, and other residents regarding wetland loss, mitigation adequacy, and CEQA exemptions. Supervisor Hartman requested that staff cast a wider net for public notice regarding neighborhood impacts. A motion was made to move items 6A, B, C, and D. Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Miscellaneous/Ceremonial Items
- The board considered several miscellaneous items, including the recognition of individuals and the acceptance of reports. Outcome: The items were accepted or passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Closed Session Report
- The board reported on matters considered in closed session, including litigation (Wiffen v. County of Santa Barbara), anticipated litigation, and the performance evaluation of the County Executive Officer. Outcome: No reportable actions were taken in closed session.
Agenda Item: Administrative Items / Public Comment
- The board dispensed with administrative items. Public comment was accepted on items not on the agenda. A request was made to provide a link to a Human Rights Watch report.
Agenda Item: D7
- A motion was made to continue item D7 to August 14th. Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: CFMG Contract and Jail Healthcare Services
- Staff presented a report on the contract with Community Facilities Management Group (CFMG) regarding healthcare services in the county jail. CFMG provided an overview of its operations, noting it became the largest provider of healthcare services to county jails in California as of July 1. CFMG described conditions found upon assuming responsibility in April 2017, including 1,600 unreviewed sick call slips and the creation of 2,500 new medical records. CFMG reported on operational metrics, including approximately 3,400 hours of training provided, increased mental health services coverage, no successful suicides in the first 12 months, and a decrease in emergency room visits from 282 in 2016 to 140 in CFMG’s first year. CFMG stated it is preparing for National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) accreditation and reported 100% compliance with staffing Service Level Agreements. Board members discussed electronic records compatibility, suicide attempt statistics, missed medication rates, and the timeline for contract negotiations for the Northern Branch Jail. A board member requested that CFMG and staff return to the board with information on contract negotiations and an NCCHC accreditation update within six months. Another board member requested that staff include specific recommendations from Public Health and Behavioral Wellness regarding performance compliance in the motion. A motion was made to approve the items with the additions that CFMG and staff return to the board with contract negotiation information and an NCCHC accreditation update, and that staff include the specified language regarding mental health recommendations. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Animal Services Cost Recovery
- The board discussed the cost recovery model for Animal Services, noting that the department is not currently recovering full costs. Supervisors debated the fairness of subsidizing services for certain areas or cities and the need for a plan to reach full cost recovery over a period of two to three years. A motion was made to accept the item with a staff direction to provide a plan for achieving full cost recovery over two to three years. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Los Piertos Boys Camp
- A representative discussed the tracking of missed medications, explaining that some instances are due to youth being on home visits or refusing medication, and that the system is being updated to distinguish between these categories.
Agenda Item: Administrative Fees / Library Services
- Discussion occurred regarding administrative fees for libraries and the smoothing of cost increases over time. Questions were asked about the administrative burden of tracking service demand and costs.
Agenda Item: Impartial Analysis Questions
- Supervisor Hartman listed specific questions for the impartial analysis of the RIG initiative, including positive qualifications for service, comparison with other counties’ commissions, disqualifying factors, challenges to commission members, rational basis for eliminating applicants based on contributions to candidates, whether the focus on political party violates the non-partisan nature of local elections, potential disproportionate influence of minor parties, public hearings after maps are drawn, and interpretation of the hierarchy of criteria in the initiative language.
Agenda Item: Wetlands Mitigation
- Questions were asked regarding the number of wetland acres impacted, the location of mitigation/restoration, and whether mitigation has been completed prior to the project.