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
Ceremonial Resolutions
- The board adopted resolutions recognizing Shereen Catapuche as Employee of the Month and the Santa Barbara County Junior Lifeguards.
- Resolutions were passed proclaiming August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month and National Immunization Awareness Month.
- The board honored Dave Brummond for his 32 years of service to the Public Health Department, with the honoree accepting remotely.
Immigration Policy Resolution
- The board considered a resolution opposing the separation of families in solidarity with affected communities.
- Public comment was received from local advocacy groups supporting the resolution.
- The resolution passed with four ayes and one abstention.
Straus Wind Energy Project EIR Supplement
- Staff recommended an agreement with Aspen Environmental Group to complete a supplemental Environmental Impact Report.
- Public comment raised concerns regarding environmental review processes and wildlife impacts.
- Legal counsel clarified that the board is selecting the review vehicle rather than approving or denying the project.
Laguna County Sanitation District Conservation Easement
- The board considered a conservation easement to mitigate impacts on tiger salamanders and California red-legged frogs.
- Staff explained that the easement is required for sanitation plant expansion and limits development on the parcel in perpetuity.
- The motion to approve staff's recommendations passed unanimously.
Child Support Services Department Report
- The department reported being on track to exceed its $29 million collection goal while operating with reduced staff.
- The department completed a facility move resulting in approximately $200,000 in annual savings.
- The board received the report and noted the department's progress in moving families to self-sufficiency.
Eastern Goleta Valley ESH and RC Overlay Map Update
- Staff proposed amending land use codes to update Environmentally Sensitive Habitat and Riparian Corridor overlay maps.
- Public comment included opposition regarding fire management and support from environmental groups requesting additional data inclusion.
- The board adopted the ordinance amendment to the zoning overlay map with a 4 to 1 vote.
Residences at Depot Street Loan
- Staff requested approval for a $3.2 million loan for an 80-unit rental development for homeless households and persons with disabilities.
- The loan comprises Federal HOME funds and Inclusionary Housing In Lieu funds.
- The motion to approve the loan passed unanimously.
Lower Mission Creek Fee Acquisitions
- Staff presented recommendations for fee acquisitions necessary for the Lower Mission Creek bypass culvert and channel diversion.
- The board adopted two General Services memos into the formal record of the proceeding.
- The board approved staff’s recommendations as amended, including a reworded resolution.
Floodplain Management Ordinance Amendment
- Staff presented an ordinance to amend Chapter 15A to conform with FEMA’s floodplain management model.
- Changes include updating vertical datums and establishing procedures for letters of map revision.
- The board approved the first reading and continued the hearing to the August 28 administrative agenda.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance Amendments
- Staff presented code amendments to implement state law regarding ADUs, including permitting structures and size limits.
- The board directed staff to draft a 12-month transition period for applicants with existing approvals.
- The board adopted the recommended amendments and selected the transition period language.
Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Program Annual Report
- The Department of Behavioral Wellness presented data showing decreases in psychiatric emergencies and hospitalizations for participants.
- Public comment questioned the lack of court petitions filed under the program's authority.
- The board received and filed the annual report, determining the activities are exempt from CEQA review.
Closed Session
- The board considered three existing litigation cases and one anticipated litigation matter.
- The board held a conference with labor negotiators.
Full summary
Opening and Administrative Matters
- The meeting was called to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call. A moment of silence was observed for Paul Duray, who passed away on August 3. Supervisor Lavagnino requested that the meeting close in memory of Mary Ostini, a 20-year member of the Department of Social Services. An announcement was made regarding a public meeting hosted by Southern California Edison the following day to discuss their Public Safety Power Shutdown Program.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes for July 17. The motion passed unanimously.
- Agenda items A21, A35, and A50 were pulled from the agenda to be addressed later. A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the administrative agenda, excluding the pulled items, and to trail Item A25 until after Item D6. The motion passed.
No decision 0–0
Ceremonial Items (A49–A54)
- Item A49: A resolution was presented to recognize Shereen Catapuche of the Department of Behavioral Wellness as the August 2018 Employee of the Month. Remarks were made by department staff and the Chair. The resolution was passed and adopted.
- Item A51: A resolution was presented to recognize the Santa Barbara County Junior Lifeguards and their instructors, specifically the Henry’s Junior Lifeguard Program. Remarks were made by program staff. The resolution was passed and adopted.
- Item A52: A resolution was presented to proclaim August 2018 as Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Santa Barbara County. Remarks were made by Public Health Department staff. The resolution was passed and adopted.
- Item A53: A resolution was presented to honor Dave Brummond upon his retirement from the Public Health Department after 32 years of service. Due to technical difficulties, the resolution was initially read without the honoree present. Later in the session, after a connection to Santa Maria was established, the resolution was read again, and Mr. Brummond accepted the honor remotely. The resolution was passed and adopted.
- Item A54: A resolution was presented to proclaim August 2018 as National Immunization Awareness Month. Remarks were made by Public Health Department staff and a representative from the Neighborhood Clinics. The resolution was passed and adopted.
Item A50: Resolution on Immigration Policy
- A resolution was presented proclaiming opposition to the separation of families in solidarity with communities affected by national immigration policy. Public comment was received from representatives of the Immigration Advocacy Collaborative and Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County. Supervisor Lavagnino stated he would abstain, citing his general practice of abstaining on federal issues. The Chair spoke in support of the resolution. A motion was made and seconded. A roll call vote was requested. The resolution passed with four ayes and one abstention.
Item A21: Straus Wind Energy Project EIR Supplement
- The board considered recommendations regarding an agreement with Aspen Environmental Group to complete a supplement to the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Straus Wind Energy Project. Public comment was received from Andy Caldwell of COLAB, who raised concerns about environmental review processes and wildlife impacts. Staff explained that a supplemental EIR is required for the revised project and involves full public review. Legal counsel noted that the board is selecting the appropriate environmental review vehicle rather than approving or denying the project itself. The item was discussed, and staff presented the recommendation. The specific vote outcome for this item is not explicitly recorded in the provided transcript segments.
Item A35: Laguna County Sanitation District Conservation Easement
- The board considered recommendations regarding a conservation easement deed on Laguna County Sanitation District property to mitigate impacts on tiger salamanders and California red-legged frogs. Public comment was received from Andy Caldwell of COLAB, who questioned the extent of land set aside for conservation and requested a report on total acreage and costs. Staff explained that the easement is required for the replacement and expansion of the sanitation plant and that costs are accounted for in rate increases. Legal counsel noted that the department navigated the habitat conservation process effectively. Supervisor Lavagnino asked about future development limitations, and staff clarified that the easement limits development on the specific parcel in perpetuity but allows for continued grazing and irrigation. A motion was made to move staff's recommendations. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment (Items Not on Agenda)
- Andy Caldwell (COLAB) spoke regarding perceived disparities in county attention to South County issues, including beach closures, mental health facility proposals, and homeless encampments.
- Ed Kolaski spoke regarding difficulties with the Board of Architectural Review regarding a home remodel, alleging procedural issues.
- Denise Adams spoke regarding the impact of the 2017 debris flow on insurance and financing for middle-class homeowners in Montecito, requesting time extensions and clarification on "vested interest" definitions.
Departmental Item D1: Child Support Services Department Report
- The Department of Child Support Services presented an update on its mission, outreach efforts for Child Support Awareness Month, and operational accomplishments. Key points included outreach activities in public libraries and a new partnership with the La Hermandad Center. The department reported being on track to exceed its $29 million collection goal while operating with reduced staff. The department completed a move to the Casa Nueva facility, resulting in approximately $200,000 in annual savings. Current caseload is approximately 13,000–14,000 families, with 51% having moved from assistance to self-sufficiency. The legal team made 2,900 court appearances this fiscal year. The department introduced legislation that became part of an omnibus bill to improve online case access. Kiosks in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria were converted to cashless systems. The department successfully completed a state security audit and is undergoing a technology refresh. Public comment was received from a former Ventura County client expressing support for the staff. A motion was made to receive the report and follow. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item D2: Eastern Goleta Valley Community Plan – ESH and RC Overlay Map Update
- The Planning and Development Department presented a proposal to amend the land use element of the Santa Barbara County Comprehensive Plan and the Land Use and Development Code to update the Environmentally Sensitive Habitat (ESH) and Riparian Corridor (RC) overlay maps for rural areas in the Eastern Goleta Valley. The update implements Action ECOEGV5A of the 2018 Community Plan, involving the creation of a GIS vegetation database using high-resolution aerial imagery. The map includes habitats protected by policy ECOEGV5.4 and vegetation types with global or state rarity rankings of 1, 2, or 3. Mapped ESH acreage increases due to the ability to map previously unmapped qualifying rare-ranked chaparral and coastal sage scrub. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval on May 2.
- Public comment included opposition from one speaker arguing that ESH protections hinder fire management and that the map is inaccurate. Multiple speakers from environmental organizations supported the map update but requested that staff add rare species habitats from the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) and other missing ESH types. One speaker representing wildland residents supported the map but requested changes to disclaimer language to clarify that not all chaparral is ESH and to ensure the map does not discourage required defensible space maintenance. Another speaker opposed the map, citing concerns over over-regulation and inaccuracy.
- Staff confirmed that CNDDB data will be made available to the public through other channels but will not be directly overlaid on the adopted ESH map. Staff confirmed that the map update does not interfere with the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) process or exempt defensible space maintenance from permit requirements. Supervisor Wolf recused herself from discussions regarding the CWPP scheduling due to a prior conflict of interest determination, though she remained for the ESH map discussion.
- Supervisor Wolf moved to adopt the ordinance amendment to Section 35-1 of the Santa Barbara County Land Use and Development Code, amending the EGVCP-RZ zoning overlay map for rural areas. The motion was seconded. The motion passed 4 to 1. Following the vote, the Board discussed expediting the CWPP process, with Supervisor Wolf recusing herself from this specific scheduling discussion.
Departmental Item D3: Community Services – Loan for Residences at Depot Street Project
- Staff presented a request for the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara to approve a loan of approximately $3.2 million (comprising just under $2 million in Federal HOME funds and under $1.2 million in Inclusionary Housing In Lieu funds) for the Residences at Depot Street development project in Santa Maria. The project involves 80 rental units for homeless households and persons with disabilities. Staff noted that the loan represents roughly 8.5% of total development costs and that a separate $2.4 million MHSA loan is scheduled for consideration on August 28. Staff confirmed that operating expenses and maintenance are covered by rental income through vouchers. A motion was made to approve the loan. The motion passed unanimously.
Closed Session Report
- The Board entered closed session to consider five matters: three existing litigation cases (O’Keefe v. County of Santa Barbara, County of Santa Barbara v. Southern California Edison, and SEIU Local 721 v. County of Santa Barbara), one anticipated litigation matter, and a conference with labor negotiators. The Board reconvened in open session following the closed session.
Departmental Item D4: Public Works/Flood Control – Lower Mission Creek Fee Acquisitions
- Staff presented a hearing to consider recommendations regarding fee acquisitions for the Lower Mission Creek project. The property is located at the upstream end of US 101, serving as a strategic point for the bypass culvert and natural channel diversion. Legal counsel noted a letter of objection from the Silverstein Law Firm dated August 13, 2018, which is part of the public record. Staff explained that the full acquisition is necessary for construction, maintenance, and an expanded habitat zone identified in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
- A motion was made to adopt two General Services memos dated August 6 into the formal record of the proceeding. A second motion was made to approve staff’s recommendations as amended, specifically adopting a slightly reworded resolution that removed the phrase "Reaches 2B Phase Two and Three" and updated the date to August. Both motions passed unanimously.
Departmental Item D5: Public Works – Ordinance Amending Chapter 15A (Floodplain Management)
- Staff presented an ordinance to amend Chapter 15A of the Santa Barbara County Code to bring it into conformance with FEMA’s model for floodplain management. Changes include updating vertical datums, referencing FEMA recovery mapping for the Thomas Fire burn area, and establishing procedures for letters of map revision. Staff clarified that the timing of this amendment was driven by FEMA requirements and was not directly related to the January 2019 debris flow, though the actions were combined for efficiency. A motion was made to approve the first reading and introduction of the ordinance, with the hearing continued to the administrative agenda on August 28 (changed from August 21 due to a meeting cancellation). The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item D6 / Item A25: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance Amendments
- Staff presented amendments to the County Land Use and Development Code (LUDC), Montecito Land Use and Development Code (MLUDC), Article 2 (Coastal Zoning Ordinance), and Uniform Rules for Ag Preserves to implement state law regarding ADUs. Key points included a three-tier permitting structure (Exemption 1, Exemption 2, and Zoning Clearance), size limits of 8% of net lot area or 1,200 square feet for new structures, and location/setback rules preventing front-yard placement on lots under 20 acres. Wastewater requirements mandate service by public sewer or an approved on-site wastewater treatment system. The 120-day statutory review deadline was not included in the ordinance text to avoid obsolescence due to pending legislation.
- Public comment included support from the Coastal Housing Coalition, AIA, and individual architects, who emphasized the need for efficient approval processes, technical analysis for septic systems, and flexibility in setback requirements. Speakers requested a grace period for vested rights.
- The board discussed the validity period for land use permits and exemptions approved prior to the adoption of the new ordinance. Staff explained that under current rules, approvals obtained before adoption would become invalid, requiring compliance with new regulations. Staff presented options including approving the ordinance as drafted, continuing the item to draft specific language for the Coastal Commission, or delaying the operative date. Staff recommended a "vesting" or transition period for those with existing approvals. Staff reported that as of August 10, there were 80 filed building permits and 51 issued permits related to these applications, with many located in Montecito.
- The board directed staff to draft language allowing applicants with approved or issued land use permits, or exemptions, on or before August 14, 2018, to maintain the validity of those approvals provided a building permit is issued by August 14, 2019. The board selected a 12-month transition period. The item was trailed (continued) to allow staff to finalize the specific ordinance language for both the County LUDC and the MLUDC, including provisions for the Coastal Commission certification process.
- Later in the session, a motion was made to adopt Recommendations A (Roman numerals 1, 2, 3), B (1, 2, 3), and D (1 and 2), as reflected in the August 10th memo changes and the additional year amendment drafted during the meeting. The motion specified that the ordinance be adopted as revised and shown on the publicly distributed slide. The motion was seconded and passed. A request was made for staff to report back on the implementation of septic system requirements in coordination with public health. A separate motion regarding item A25 was made and seconded. The motion passed.
Departmental Item D7: Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Program Annual Report
- The Department of Behavioral Wellness presented the 2017 annual report for the AOT Pilot Program, authorized in 2016. The program, based on California’s Lohr’s Law (AB 1421), aims to provide court-ordered treatment for adults with serious mental illness who are not engaging in voluntary treatment.
- Key data points included:
- 65 referrals received since inception (Jan 2017–Mar 2018); 61 clients received engagement services.
- Demographics: 59% male, 41% female; 49% aged 25–44; 82% dual diagnosis; 59% homeless; 50% on probation.
- Engagement: 1,535 engagement attempts resulted in 580 successful meetings.
- Outcomes: Compared to the 12 months prior to referral, participants showed decreases in psychiatric emergencies (44% to 22%), arrests/incarceration (77% to 56%), and psychiatric hospitalizations (62% to 21%).
- Status: 34% accepted voluntary treatment; 27% are still being engaged; 27% closed for not meeting criteria; 11% lost contact. No court petitions were filed as of the report date, though two cases were close to filing.
- Budget: Operating costs were lower than allocated in both fiscal years 2016-17 and 2017-18, primarily because court petition costs were not incurred.
- Public comment included:
- Don Casebolt argued for a more vigorous court component, citing the risks of untreated severe mental illness.
- Jan Winter (NAMI) questioned why the court option had not been utilized, noting it is an essential part of AOT programs elsewhere.
- George Kaufman (NAMI) echoed concerns about the lack of court petitions and suggested reconvening the stakeholder group to plan for long-term funding and implementation.
- Anna Campbell urged the use of the court option to assist those who do not voluntarily engage.
- Board questions and staff responses included:
- Supervisor Lavagnino asked about the distinction between AOT and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and whether budget constraints influenced the decision not to file court petitions. Staff clarified that AOT includes both outreach and court components, while ACT is a wraparound service model. Staff stated that the decision not to file petitions was based on program design prioritizing voluntary engagement, not cost.
- Supervisor Hartmann questioned the regional distribution of referrals (61% South County) and the role of flexible funding. Staff explained that intensive outreach is not typically billable through Medi-Cal until a client agrees to services, making the AOT funding critical for the initial engagement phase.
- Supervisor Wolfe asked if AOT could be integrated into probation hearings. Staff explained that while there is separation between voluntary mental health programs and probation, there is communication with courts, and specialized treatment courts are utilized where appropriate.
- Chair Williams requested future reports include data on the status of clients who have not engaged, distinguishing between those still in the process and those who have dropped off the radar.
- Supervisor Lavagnino moved to receive and file the annual report and determine that the activities are exempt from CEQA review. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
In Memoriam
- The board observed a moment of silence in memory of Mary Ostini, a County employee who passed away on July 14th. It was noted that Ostini had worked for the County Department of Social Services since July 1998, serving in various roles including support for the Rapid Response Program, Youth Program, Adult and Dislocated Worker Programs, and most recently Child Welfare Services and Adoption Programs.
Adjournment
- The board adjourned for two weeks, with the next meeting scheduled for the 28th in Santa Barbara.