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 A28–A32)
- The Board approved five resolutions recognizing National Adoption Month and honoring retiring staff members.
- Additional resolutions commended two individuals for their service to the veteran community.
- The motion to approve all listed items was seconded and passed.
Veterans Stand Down Presentation (Item A26)
- Staff reported that the 7th Annual Veterans Stand Down served 530 veterans, including 171 who were homeless.
- Services provided included medical care, legal aid, and pet care.
- The Board approved the report on the event's outcomes.
Behavioral Wellness Service Contract (Item A5)
- The Board approved a service contract with Aegis Treatment Centers for substance abuse disorder services.
- Staff noted that Aegis is the only narcotic treatment provider in the county and rates are state-set.
- The Board directed staff to analyze costs compared to market rates following public questions about profit margins.
Lompoc Riverbed Triage Center Report (Item A12)
- Staff reported the triage center served 69 clients over 30 days, with 34 making positive housing moves.
- The City Manager of Lompoc reported the removal of 88 tons of hazardous waste and estimated costs at $400,000.
- The Board approved the report and noted the county is partnering with the city to seek additional funding.
Laguna County Sanitation District Agreement (Item A18)
- The Board considered an amendment to the engineering services agreement for plant upgrades.
- The item was continued to December 4 for further consideration.
State Homeless Emergency Aid Program Grant (Item A11)
- Staff indicated that no site has been selected and the county is in initial property identification phases.
- The item was pulled from the agenda without a recorded motion or vote.
Cannabis Compliance and Taxation (Item 5)
- Staff provided a quarterly update on permitting, licensing, enforcement, and $1.8 million in tax collections.
- The Board adopted a resolution authorizing the Sheriff’s Department to access criminal history checks and make CEQA findings.
- Key enforcement actions included one arrest and the destruction of 400,000 plants.
Ag Employee Dwellings Ordinance (Item 6)
- The Board discussed amendments to streamline the permit process for ag employee dwellings in Ag-1 and Ag-2 zones.
- Staff recommended reducing the Conditional Use Permit threshold from 35 to 20 employees.
- The Board passed a conceptual motion directing staff to consider changes to zoning clearance thresholds and footnotes.
No decision 0–0
Kachuma Resource Conservation District Appointments (Item 1)
- The Board appointed five individuals to the Kachuma Resource Conservation District Board of Directors.
- The appointments were made in lieu of an election due to qualified applicants.
No decision 0–0
Special District Board Appointments (Item D2)
- The Board addressed vacancies in several special district boards due to a lack of election applicants.
- A substitute motion proposing a specific list of candidates for the Carpinteria districts was passed.
- The original motion was not voted upon following the passage of the substitute motion.
County Counsel Local Rules (Item 3)
- County Counsel presented the impact of New Rule 3.5 on ex parte communications and gifts.
- The Board adopted local rules clarifying attorney-client communications and gift restrictions.
- The motion to adopt Recommended Actions A through D was passed.
Five-Year Forecast (Item 4)
- Staff presented the fiscal year 2019–2024 forecast, noting potential economic softening and a funding gap in 2021.
- Specific funds with potential deficits included Mental Health, Social Services, and Court Activities.
- The Board received and filed the long-range budget forecast presentation.
Agricultural Testing Laboratory
- The Board discussed the potential for establishing a local agricultural testing laboratory.
- A motion was passed directing staff to investigate the feasibility, location, and resource implications.
Tiny House Village Funding Application
- The Board discussed a funding application for a 10-unit tiny house village for low-barrier housing.
- Staff confirmed the proposed location would not conflict with plans for the adjacent juvenile hall area.
Court Funding and Budget
- The Board discussed the inclusion of court services in a funding application.
- Staff explained that part of the county's contribution is a required payment under a Memorandum of Understanding.
Contingency Funds and Security Items (Items 7, 8, and 9)
- The Board discussed the availability of over $2 million in contingency funds for security and data needs.
- Members raised concerns regarding the use of agricultural land for industrial purposes such as cannabis labs.
- The Board agreed to wait and see how the situation develops rather than making immediate ordinance changes.
FPPC Rules and Public Petition
- The Board discussed a proposal regarding FPPC rules and the public's ability to petition officials.
- Concerns were raised that proposed changes might limit the public’s ability to speak to officials.
D1
- Staff presented the item and a board member requested clarification on a definition.
- No motion or decision was recorded.
Closed Session
- The Board authorized a formal appeal by the Public Health Department to the Department of Healthcare Services.
- The Board authorized discussions for the voluntary acquisition of parcels at 620 and 630 Randall Road for flood control.
- The Board considered matters of anticipated litigation and the appointment of the Director of Planning and Development without taking reportable action.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Resolutions (Items A28–A32)
- The Board considered five resolutions: Item A28 recognizing November 2018 as National Adoption and Permanency Month; Item A29 honoring the retirement of Josie Jabonio from the Public Works Department; Item A30 honoring the retirement of Holly Rapson from the Public Health Department; Item A31 commending Sandy Agalos for service to the veteran community; and Item A32 commending Monica Diaz for service to the veteran community. A motion was made to approve the items. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Veterans Stand Down Presentation (Item A26)
- Supervisor Lavagnino presented a report on the 7th Annual Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down, noting that 530 veterans were served, including 171 homeless veterans. Services provided included showers, haircuts, medical care, legal aid, and pet care. Public comment was received from a volunteer who described seven years of involvement in the event’s clothing area. A motion was made to approve the item. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Behavioral Wellness Service Contract (Item A5)
- The Board considered the Alcohol and Drug Program Service Contract with Aegis Treatment Centers LLC for substance abuse disorder services under the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System for fiscal years 2018–2021. Staff noted that Aegis is the only narcotic treatment program provider in the county and that state rates are set by the state. Public comment questioned the profit margins and whether the work had been bid. A motion was made to approve the contract and direct staff to conduct an analysis of the costs compared to market rates. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Lompoc Riverbed Triage Center Report (Item A12)
- Staff reported that the triage center operated for 30 days, serving 69 clients, with 34 making positive moves toward housing or family reunification. Jim Troop, City Manager of Lompoc, reported that 88 tons of hazardous waste had been removed and estimated the cost of trash removal at approximately $400,000. He noted the city’s deficit and need for assistance from county, state, and federal levels. Staff stated that the county is partnering with the City of Lompoc to seek additional funding. A motion was made to approve the item. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Laguna County Sanitation District Agreement (Item A18)
- The Board considered Amendment Number 5 to the Professional Services Agreement with Corollo Engineers Incorporated for engineering services during the construction of Laguna County Sanitation District plant upgrades. A motion was made to continue the item to December 4. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: State Homeless Emergency Aid Program Grant (Item A11)
- The Board considered the approval of the county submission of a grant for State Homeless Emergency Aid Program funding. Staff indicated that no site has been selected and that the county is in the initial phases of identifying properties. The item was pulled from the agenda. No motion or vote was recorded.
Agenda Item: Cannabis Compliance and Taxation (Item 5)
- Staff provided a quarterly update on cannabis operations, including permitting, licensing, enforcement, and taxation. Key points included:
- Permitting: Two land use permits issued; 36 plan/consult applications in process; 5 CUPs and 11 LUPs in process.
- Licensing: Paper-based applications began October 21; an online portal is expected by year-end.
- Enforcement: Sheriff’s Department initiated 10 enforcement actions, resulting in one arrest and the destruction of 400,000 plants. Planning and Development had 30 open enforcement cases.
- Taxation: $1.8 million in cannabis taxes was collected for the quarter (July–September).
- State Issues: The state’s temporary licensing program expires December 31, 2018. SB 1459 creates a provisional annual license for operators lacking CEQA compliance.
- Emerging Issues: The "hoops" ordinance was identified as a challenge for outdoor growers.
- A motion was made to adopt a resolution authorizing the Sheriff’s Department to access state and federal criminal history checks and to make CEQA findings. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Ag Employee Dwellings Ordinance (Item 6)
- The Board discussed amendments to the County Land Use and Development Code to streamline the permit process for ag employee dwellings in Agricultural 1 (Ag-1) and Agricultural 2 (Ag-2) zones. Public comment was received from Claire Wyman of the Grower Shipper Association, who supported the thresholds in Attachment 3, and from other residents expressing concerns about density, safety, and property values.
- Staff presented revisions based on the Board’s October 9, 2018, direction, including removing employment location requirements for Ag-1 and Ag-2 zones and clarifying minimum dwelling size requirements. Staff recommended reducing the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) threshold from 35+ employees to 20+ employees. The Board debated the permit thresholds, with discussion regarding zoning clearance for 1–9 employees, Land Use Permit (LUP) for 10–24 employees, and CUP for 25+ employees. Supervisor Wolfe proposed a conceptual motion to direct staff to consider changes, including restoring footnotes tied to the operator within a 15-mile radius and adjusting the zoning clearance threshold. The motion was seconded and passed.
No decision 0–0
Agenda Item: Kachuma Resource Conservation District Appointments (Item 1)
- The Board considered appointments to the Kachuma Resource Conservation District Board of Directors in lieu of election. Seven qualified applicants were identified for five positions. A motion was made to appoint Sharon Merritt, Richard Russell, Johanna Bradley, James Weges, and Ron Labestida. The motion was seconded and passed.
No decision 0–0
Agenda Item: Special District Board Appointments (Item D2)
- The Board considered appointments to special district boards of directors where vacancies existed due to lack of applicants in the election process. Vacancies and applicants were listed for the Kaweah Valley Recreation District, Carpinteria Valley Fire Protection District, Carpinteria Valley Water District, and Central Valley Water Conservation District, District 5.
- For the Carpinteria districts, Supervisor Hartman proposed a list of candidates, and Supervisor Wolfe proposed a substitute motion with a different list. Under Robert’s Rules of Order, the Board voted on the substitute motion first. The substitute motion was seconded and passed. The original motion was not voted upon.
Agenda Item: County Counsel Local Rules (Item 3)
- County Counsel presented the impact of New Rule 3.5 of California’s Rules of Professional Conduct for Lawyers, effective November 1, which expands the definition of "judge" to include members of administrative bodies acting in an adjudicative capacity. The presentation highlighted uncertainty regarding ex parte communications and gifts to board members. County Counsel recommended adopting local rules to clarify that County Counsel attorneys may continue confidential attorney-client communications and that the Political Reform Act applies to all gifts from lawyers. A motion was made to adopt Recommended Actions A through D, including the local rules for communications and gifts. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Five-Year Forecast (Item 4)
- Staff presented the fiscal year 2019–2024 five-year forecast. The presentation outlined the county’s financial position, noting nine years of discretionary revenue growth but potential economic softening in future years. Key points included assumptions for salary, health insurance, and retirement cost increases, and a potential funding gap projected to emerge in the 2021 fiscal year. Specific funds with potential deficits were identified, including the Mental Health Services Fund, Social Services Fund, and Court Activities Fund. The report highlighted nine specific fiscal issues, including deferred maintenance and infrastructure improvements. A motion was made to receive and file the long-range budget forecast presentation. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Closed Session Report
- County Counsel reported on actions taken in closed session. The Board authorized and ratified a formal appeal by the Public Health Department to the Department of Healthcare Services. The Board authorized the General Services Director to begin discussions for the voluntary acquisition of parcels at 620 Randall Road and 630 Randall Road for flood control purposes. The Board considered three matters of anticipated litigation and the appointment of the Director of Planning and Development; no reportable actions were taken on these items. The report was accepted.
Agenda Item: Agricultural Testing Laboratory
- The Board discussed the potential for establishing an agricultural testing laboratory within the county. Supervisor Hartmann expressed interest in capturing more value by keeping testing local. A motion was made to direct staff to look into the feasibility, location, and resource implications of establishing an agricultural testing laboratory in the county. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Tiny House Village Funding Application
- The Board discussed a funding application for low-barrier housing in the form of a tiny house village (10 single-room units). Supervisor Hartmann asked for confirmation that the proposed location would not conflict with other plans for the juvenile hall area next to Hollister. Staff confirmed the location details. No specific motion was recorded.
Agenda Item: Court Funding and Budget
- The Board discussed the inclusion of court services in a funding application. Supervisor Hartmann questioned why court services were included, noting that the county has not historically provided general fund support to courts in the same way as other agencies. Staff explained that part of the county's contribution to the courts is a required payment under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). No specific motion was recorded.
Agenda Item: Contingency Funds and Security Items (Items 7, 8, and 9)
- Discussion centered on the availability of over $2 million in contingency funds to address three pending items described as recurring security or data-related needs. A board member questioned why the most critical item had not been selected for funding. Another member raised concerns regarding the use of agricultural land for industrial purposes, specifically cannabis testing labs. The board agreed to wait and see how the situation develops rather than making immediate ordinance changes. No motion was recorded.
Agenda Item: FPPC Rules and Public Petition
- The Board discussed a proposal regarding FPPC rules and the ability of the public to petition officials. Supervisor Hartman expressed concern that the proposed changes might limit the public’s ability to speak to officials. The Board discussed the intent of the changes and the statutory requirements. No motion was recorded.
Agenda Item: D1
- The Board moved to item D1. Staff presented the item. A board member asked for clarification on a definition. No motion or decision was recorded.
Public Comment (Items Not on Agenda)
- Public comment was taken for items not on the agenda, including concerns about a proposed supportive housing development in Mission Hills. Commenters raised issues regarding transportation, commercial zoning, wildfire risks, and the impact on local businesses. Joy Hoover addressed the board regarding housing developments in the Mission Hills neighborhood, citing extreme fire danger and inadequate evacuation roads. She referenced California state laws and questioned whether the proposed facility was suitable for the wildland-urban interface. The chair noted that the board does not allow back-and-forth during public comment.
Public Comment (Other)
- Representatives from the Young Farmers and Ranchers Club at Allan Hancock College spoke about their new club and requested support for their "Keep Ag Alive" sticker campaign. A foster/adoptive family spoke about their experience fostering and adopting a child and requested that the county consider providing similar community support and mentorship for biological parents going through the foster care system.