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
National Correctional Officers Week Resolution
- Supervisor Williams presented a resolution to recognize May 5–13, 2019, as National Correctional Officers Week.
- Sheriff Saul Lindver spoke on behalf of custody staff regarding their annual service volume.
- The resolution passed and was adopted.
Mental Health Month Resolution
- Supervisors Williams and Hart presented a resolution to proclaim May 2019 as Mental Health Month.
- The presentation cited U.S. Surgeon General statistics and highlighted the work of the County Mental Health Commission.
- A representative mentioned upcoming activities, including a film screening.
- The resolution passed and was adopted.
Honoring Toni Lorien Resolution
- Supervisor Hart presented a resolution honoring Toni Lorien upon her retirement from the Office of County Counsel.
- The resolution noted her more than 28 years of service in child welfare, juvenile court, and appellate briefs.
- The resolution passed and was adopted.
National Foster Care Month Resolution
- Supervisor Hartman presented a resolution to recognize May 2019 as National Foster Care Month.
- The item acknowledged approximately 350 children and youth in county foster care and the contributions of resource families.
- A member of the Koroshek family spoke regarding their experience as foster parents.
- The resolution passed and was adopted.
Adult Protective Services Unit Resolution
- Supervisor Lavinino presented a resolution recognizing the Santa Barbara Adult Protective Services Unit as Employees of the Month.
- The resolution cited the unit's investigation of over 1,300 allegations in 2018 and support during the Thomas Fire.
- The resolution passed and was adopted.
Water Awareness Month Resolution
- Supervisor Lavinino presented a resolution to proclaim May 2019 as Water Awareness Month.
- The presentation referenced California Executive Order B-3716 and the county’s termination of the local drought emergency.
- The resolution passed and was adopted.
Compost Awareness Week Resolution
- Supervisor Lavinino presented a resolution to proclaim May 6–12, 2019, as Compost Awareness Week.
- The item highlighted the benefits of composting and the county’s green waste programs.
- The resolution passed and was adopted.
Countywide Recreation Master Plan
- Staff from Community Services presented recommendations regarding the development of a countywide recreation master plan.
- A public speaker supported the item, citing growing demand for facilities and the availability of Proposition 68 funding.
- No specific motion or vote outcome was recorded for this item in the provided segments.
Transportation Development Act (TDA) Claim
- Staff from Public Works presented recommendations regarding the TDA claim for fiscal years 2018–2020.
- A public speaker noted that this would be the first year all TDA funds are directed toward public transit and alternative transportation.
- No specific motion or vote outcome was recorded for this item in the provided segments.
Agenda Changes and Announcements
- The Chair announced an addendum adding Administrative Item 45 regarding the appointment of Ron Pellucci to the Montecito Planning Commission.
- The Chair noted that Administrative Item 13 regarding the California Emergency Solutions and Housing Program would be continued to June 4, 2019.
- The items were added to the agenda balance.
Agnes Avenue ADA Improvements Action Plan
- Staff requested approval of an action plan amendment awarding $70,000 in federal funds for ADA site improvements in Santa Maria.
- The funds are intended to supplement a state grant for the Behavioral Wellness Mental Health Facility.
- Staff noted that no public comments were received during the 30-day comment period.
- No specific motion or vote outcome was recorded for this item in the provided segments.
SBCERS Actuarial Valuation
- Staff presented the June 30, 2018, pension plan actuarial valuation.
- A public speaker raised concerns about the pension system’s cost to the general fund and reliance on stock market performance.
- No specific motion or vote outcome was recorded for this item in the provided segments.
Public Safety Dispatch Separation
- Staff presented options for separating public safety dispatch functions, noting that moving the Sheriff’s operation out of the existing center is not cost-effective.
- Staff recommended pursuing a redundant facility in Santa Maria and outlined three options, including a new adjacent facility.
- Supervisors discussed training needs, financial capacity, and potential increases in response times.
- The Board directed staff to return in approximately 60 days with cost estimates and further analysis for specific options.
Measure A Program of Projects
- Staff presented the Measure A program of projects for fiscal years 2019–2020 through 2023–2024.
- Staff reported a deferred maintenance backlog of approximately $315 million and a stable Pavement Condition Index of 57.
- A supervisor questioned the backlog calculation, and staff explained that higher current spending reduces the projected backlog.
- No specific motion or vote outcome was recorded for this item in the provided segments.
SBCERS Annual Report
- The CEO of SBCERS presented the annual report of operating results, noting the plan is approximately 77.2% funded.
- Supervisors asked about asset allocation strategies and the impact of the assumed rate of return.
- The motion to accept the report passed unanimously.
Minutes Approval
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the April 9th meeting.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the budget workshops of April 15, 17, and 19.
- Both motions passed unanimously.
Resolutions (Items A1 through A7)
- The Board reviewed resolutions including recognitions for correctional officers, the Koroshek family, and the Adult Protective Services Unit.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve items A1 through A7.
- The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Agenda Balance
- The Board reviewed the balance of the administrative agenda, noting that items A15 and A27 were pulled from the public agenda.
- A motion was made and seconded to move the balance of the administrative agenda with announced changes.
- The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 1 (Paved Parking Lot)
- Staff presented a project for a paved parking lot.
- A motion was made and seconded to move the recommended action.
- The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 3 (Pavement Backlog)
- Staff presented data on the pavement backlog, explaining that significant funds were spent on pavement preservation.
- Supervisors questioned how the backlog decreased despite storm damage and increased maintenance costs.
- A motion was made and seconded to move the recommended items.
- The motion passed unanimously.
Fire Service Regionalization
- A staff member stated that there is significant interest among fire services and first responders regarding regionalization.
- The report presented aligns with the goals of the county fire district.
- No motions were moved, seconded, or decided in this segment.
Closed Session
- The Board entered closed session to discuss existing litigation, anticipated litigation, and a conference with labor negotiators.
- Upon reconvening, the County Counsel reported that there were no reportable actions from the closed session.
Full summary
Administrative Items 1–7: Resolutions
- Item 1 (National Correctional Officers Week): Supervisor Williams presented a resolution to recognize the week of May 5–13, 2019, as National Correctional Officers Week. Sheriff Saul Lindver spoke on behalf of custody staff regarding their annual service volume. A motion was moved and seconded. The resolution passed and was adopted.
- Item 2 (Mental Health Month): Supervisors Williams and Hart presented a resolution to proclaim May 2019 as Mental Health Month, citing statistics from the U.S. Surgeon General and highlighting the work of the County Mental Health Commission and Department of Behavioral Wellness. A representative mentioned upcoming activities, including a film screening. A motion was moved and seconded. The resolution passed and was adopted.
- Item 3 (Honoring Toni Lorien): Supervisor Hart presented a resolution honoring Toni Lorien upon her retirement from the Office of County Counsel after more than 28 years of service, noting her work in child welfare, juvenile court, and appellate briefs. A motion was moved and seconded. The resolution passed and was adopted.
- Item 4 (National Foster Care Month): Supervisor Hartman presented a resolution to recognize May 2019 as National Foster Care Month, acknowledging the approximately 350 children and youth in county foster care and the contributions of resource families. A member of the Koroshek family spoke regarding their experience as foster parents. A motion was moved and seconded. The resolution passed and was adopted.
- Item 5 (Adult Protective Services Unit): Supervisor Lavinino presented a resolution recognizing the Santa Barbara Adult Protective Services Unit as Employees of the Month for May 2019, citing their investigation of over 1,300 allegations in 2018 and support during the Thomas Fire. A motion was moved and seconded. The resolution passed and was adopted.
- Item 6 (Water Awareness Month): Supervisor Lavinino presented a resolution to proclaim May 2019 as Water Awareness Month, referencing California Executive Order B-3716, recent state legislation, and the county’s termination of the local drought emergency in March 2019. A motion was moved and seconded. The resolution passed and was adopted.
- Item 7 (Compost Awareness Week): Supervisor Lavinino presented a resolution to proclaim the week of May 6–12, 2019, as Compost Awareness Week, highlighting the benefits of composting and the county’s green waste programs. A motion was moved and seconded. The resolution passed and was adopted.
Administrative Item 15: Countywide Recreation Master Plan
- Discussion: Staff from Community Services presented recommendations regarding the development of a countywide recreation master plan. A public speaker spoke in favor of the item, citing growing demand for facilities, underserved populations, and the availability of state funding via Proposition 68.
- Action: No specific motion or vote outcome was recorded for this item in the provided segments.
Administrative Item 27: Transportation Development Act (TDA) Claim for FY 2018-2020
- Discussion: Staff from Public Works presented recommendations regarding the TDA claim for fiscal years 2018–2020. A public speaker spoke in support, noting that this would be the first year all TDA funds in the county are directed toward public transit and alternative transportation.
- Action: No specific motion or vote outcome was recorded for this item in the provided segments.
Agenda Changes and Announcements
- Discussion: The Chair announced an addendum to the agenda adding Administrative Item 45 regarding the appointment of Ron Pellucci to the Montecito Planning Commission. The Chair also noted that Administrative Item 13 (California Emergency Solutions and Housing Program application) would be continued to the June 4, 2019, meeting.
- Action: The items were added to the agenda balance.
Departmental Item 1: Action Plan Amendment for Agnes Avenue ADA Improvements
- Discussion: Staff from General Services requested approval of an action plan amendment awarding $70,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds for ADA site improvements at the Agnes Avenue location in Santa Maria to supplement a state grant for the Behavioral Wellness Mental Health Facility. Staff noted that no public comments were received during the 30-day comment period.
- Action: No specific motion or vote outcome was recorded for this item in the provided segments.
Departmental Item 2: Santa Barbara County Employees Retirement System (SBCERS) Actuarial Valuation
- Discussion: Staff presented the June 30, 2018, pension plan actuarial valuation. A public speaker raised concerns about the pension system’s cost to the general fund, the dual receipt of Social Security and county pensions by certain employee groups, and reliance on stock market performance.
- Action: No specific motion or vote outcome was recorded for this item in the provided segments.
Departmental Item 3: Public Safety Dispatch Separation / Regional Fire Communication Facility
- Discussion: Staff presented options for separating public safety dispatch functions, reviewing previous board actions and the 2017 Delta Works consultant report. Staff indicated that separation is technically feasible but that moving the Sheriff’s operation out of the existing center is not cost-effective. Staff recommended pursuing a redundant facility in Santa Maria, noting technical barriers to full integration with the City of Santa Maria’s system due to differences in CAD systems and radio frequencies.
- Public Comment: Supervisors discussed training needs, recruitment, location redundancy, and financial capacity of partner agencies. A Santa Maria Fire representative stated support for a regional dispatch center. Under Sheriff Saul Lindver spoke against separation, arguing that the current center is designed for regional dispatching and that separation contradicts consolidation goals.
- Options Presented: Staff outlined three options: Option 1 (EOC Expansion), Option 2 (Co-location/Austin Model, deemed technically infeasible), and Option 3 (New Adjacent Facility). Staff proposed returning to the Board in 60 to 90 days with construction costs, staffing plans, and budget impact estimates for Options 1 and 3.
- Supervisor Comments: Supervisors expressed support for obtaining cost data to facilitate regional collaboration, requested cost comparisons, and suggested exploring a new build in North County. One supervisor expressed concern regarding potential increases in response times. A Sheriff’s representative stated support for upgrading the current system rather than new construction.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to proceed with further discussion and cost analysis for Options 1 and 3, and to explore the additional option of a new build in North County.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously. The Board directed staff to return in approximately 60 days with cost estimates and further analysis.
Departmental Item 4: Measure A Program of Projects for FY 2019-2020
- Discussion: Staff presented the Measure A program of projects for fiscal years 2019–2020 through 2023–2024, covering ordinance requirements, revenue estimates, distribution formulas, and fund allocation. Staff reported a deferred maintenance backlog of approximately $315 million and a stable Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 57.
- Public Comment: A supervisor questioned the backlog calculation and the impact of increased funding. Staff explained that the backlog calculation is based on a 10-year model and that higher current spending reduces the projected backlog.
- Action: No specific motion or vote outcome was recorded for this item in the provided segments.
SBCERS Annual Report
- Discussion: The CEO of SBCERS presented the annual report of operating results, including membership statistics, financials (actuarial liability, asset market value, unfunded liability), investment returns, contribution rates, and funded status. The plan is approximately 77.2% funded. The OPEB plan is currently 13% funded.
- Supervisor Comments: Supervisors asked about asset allocation strategies and the impact of the assumed rate of return. One supervisor commented on the prudence of lowering the assumed rate of return and shortening the amortization period.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to accept the report.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Minutes Approval
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the April 9th meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the budget workshops of April 15, 17, and 19. The motion passed unanimously.
Resolutions (Items A1 through A7)
- Discussion: The Board reviewed resolutions including recognitions for correctional officers, the Koroshek family, the Adult Protective Services Unit, Senior Deputy County Counsel Tony Laurean, and the composting program.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve items A1 through A7.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Agenda Balance
- Discussion: The Board reviewed the balance of the administrative agenda. Items A15 and A27 were noted as pulled from the public agenda.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to move the balance of the administrative agenda with announced changes.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 1 (Paved Parking Lot)
- Discussion: Staff presented a project for a paved parking lot.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to move the recommended action.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 3 (Pavement Backlog)
- Discussion: Staff presented data on the pavement backlog. Supervisors questioned how the backlog decreased despite storm damage and increased maintenance costs. Staff explained that the numbers were modeled and that significant funds were spent on pavement preservation.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to move the recommended items.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Fire Service Regionalization
- Discussion: A staff member stated that there is significant interest among fire services, first responders, rescue, and EMS providers regarding regionalization. The report presented aligns with the goals of the county fire district.
- Action: No motions were moved, seconded, or decided in this segment.
Closed Session
- Discussion: The Board entered closed session to discuss existing litigation (Southern California Fire Cases), anticipated litigation with significant exposure, and a conference with labor negotiators concerning the Deputy District Attorney’s Association.
- Report: Upon reconvening, the County Counsel reported that there were no reportable actions from the closed session.
- Adjournment: The Board adjourned the meeting, with the next meeting scheduled for May 14th in Santa Maria.