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Board of Supervisors — 2019-05-21

Board of Supervisors — 2019-05-21May 21, 2019

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BodyBoard of Supervisors
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 May 21, 2019

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Meeting Summary

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At a glance

CEO’s Report

  • The Behavioral Wellness Department announced a free screening of the film 55 Steps to support Mental Health Awareness Month.
  • The CEO announced the recertification of the Naomi Schwartz Building under the Green Business Program.
  • Public Works staff were recognized for their contributions to the building's environmental certification.

National EMS Week and National EMS for Children Day

  • The board adopted a resolution proclaiming May 19–25, 2019, as National EMS Week.
  • May 22, 2019, was designated as National EMS for Children Day.
  • The County EMS Agency Director spoke in support of the recognition.

Commendation of Dos Pueblos Mock Trial Team

  • A resolution of commendation was adopted for the 2018–2019 Dos Pueblos Mock Trial Team.
  • The team was recognized for their achievements in county, state, and national competitions.
  • Team captains spoke on behalf of the group and their coaches.

National Public Works Week

  • The board adopted a resolution proclaiming May 19–25, 2019, as National Public Works Week.
  • A representative from the American Public Works Association highlighted the contributions of public works professionals.
  • Upcoming projects, including the Tegas Resource Recovery Project groundbreaking, were mentioned.

SB 528 Advocacy

  • The board considered recommendations regarding advocacy for SB 528, the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank Review Task Force.
  • A motion was made to approve the advocacy recommendations.
  • The motion passed with four votes in favor and one abstention.

Probation Department – Extra Help Services and Retirement Waiver

  • The board approved a retirement waiver allowing a key Probation Department employee to remain in service for six months.
  • The extension supports the closeout of capital projects and the transition of duties.
  • The employee has been involved in nearly every departmental capital project in the last 20 years.

Probation Department – Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Public Safety Realignment Act Plan

  • The board approved the ninth Public Safety Realignment implementation plan for fiscal year 2019-2020.
  • The plan includes a $2.45 million allocation for supportive and transitional housing initiatives.
  • Recidivism data showed a 29% felony rate for the realigned population, significantly lower than pre-realignment rates.
  • The board discussed timelines for permanent housing proposals and potential statewide legislative changes.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Local Coastal Program Amendment

  • The board accepted the California Coastal Commission’s conditional certification of the ADU-LCPA with minor modifications.
  • An ordinance amending the Coastal Zoning Ordinance to implement state ADU laws was adopted.
  • The action was determined to be exempt from CEQA review, and staff were directed to transmit the resolution to the Commission.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Review and AMR Contract Amendment

  • The board authorized the Public Health Department to negotiate a one-year extension of the AMR ambulance contract through June 2021.
  • The extension allows time to complete the EMS system review and develop recommendations for an RFP or renegotiation.
  • The department is required to return to the board with options regarding the contract future as soon as possible.

Closed Session

  • The board unanimously approved the recommendation not to seek further appellate review in Robert Hample v. Santa Barbara County Probation Department.
  • The board unanimously approved the recommendation to initiate litigation against HVI Cat Canyon Incorporated to recover unpaid fees and fines.
  • The board conducted ten public employee performance evaluations for various departments.

Full summary

Meeting Opening and Roll Call

  • The County Board of Supervisors called the meeting to order, took a roll call confirming the presence of all members, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes

  • A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the May 14th meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

CEO’s Report

  • The CEO presented two announcements: 1. Mental Health Awareness Month: The Behavioral Wellness Department announced a free screening of the film 55 Steps in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria, with community agencies present with resource tables. 2. Green Business Program Certification: The CEO announced the recertification of the Naomi Schwartz Building (Public Works) under the Green Business Program. Frances Gilliland, Program Director for the Green Business Program, presented a certificate to Supervisor Williams, acknowledging the work of Public Works staff Tyrone Lafay, Keilani Durham, and Alan Nakashima.

Resolutions (Administrative Items A1–A3)

  • A motion was made and seconded to approve Administrative Items A1 through A3. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Item A1: National EMS Week and National EMS for Children Day
  • A resolution was presented to proclaim the week of May 19–25, 2019, as National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week and May 22, 2019, as National EMS for Children Day. Nick Clay, Director of the County EMS Agency, spoke in support of the recognition. The resolution was adopted.
  • Item A2: Commendation of Dos Pueblos Mock Trial Team
  • A resolution of commendation was presented for the 2018–2019 Dos Pueblos Mock Trial Team, recognizing their achievements in county, state, and national competitions. Team captains Allie Mincer and Albert Miao spoke on behalf of the team and their coaches. The resolution was adopted.
  • Item A3: National Public Works Week
  • A resolution was presented to proclaim the week of May 19–25, 2019, as National Public Works Week. A representative from the American Public Works Association spoke, highlighting the contributions of public works professionals. Supervisor Hartmann asked about upcoming projects; the representative announced a groundbreaking for the Tegas Resource Recovery Project and a reopening of the Goleta Beach bridge. The resolution was adopted.

Administrative Item A13: SB 528 Advocacy

  • The board considered recommendations regarding proposed advocacy on SB 528 (California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank Review Task Force). A motion was made and seconded for approval. A roll call vote was taken. The motion passed with 4 votes in favor and 1 abstention.

Balance of Administrative Agenda

  • A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the administrative agenda. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comment (General)

  • The board accepted public comment on items not on the agenda. Speakers addressed the board on various topics, including:
  • Support for the supportive housing pilot program within the Public Safety Realignment Plan.
  • A dispute regarding a second-story structure over a garage.
  • Opposition to restarting drilling in Cat Canyon and calls for climate action, including support for the Green New Deal.
  • Requests for pay increases for in-home supportive services workers.
  • Support for medical cannabis research and cultivation.
  • Discussions on environmental impacts of fossil fuels, plastics, and water usage.
  • Supervisor Hartmann stated she intends to bring forward a resolution supporting the Green New Deal on June 4.
  • Supervisor Williams noted that while government-controlled emissions have decreased, consumer-controlled emissions continue to rise, and proposed a "covenant" to change cultural and economic demand for high-emission activities. He also noted the county’s obligation to study oil projects stems from the rejection of Measure P.
  • Supervisor Adam expressed disagreement with comparisons of climate change opponents to Nazis, arguing that petroleum remains a vital energy source.
  • Supervisor Hartmann clarified her previous analogy was intended to illustrate the severity of the threat, citing U.S. intelligence assessments.
  • Supervisor Lavagnino closed the session by acknowledging the emotional nature of the debate and emphasizing the need for decorum and civility.

Departmental Agenda Item 1: Probation Department – Extra Help Services and Retirement Waiver

  • The board heard a request from the Probation Department to approve a retirement waiver for a soon-to-be retiree, allowing her to remain in service for six months to assist with the closeout of capital projects and the transition of her duties. The speaker noted the employee is a key member of the management team responsible for support services, vehicles, and equipment, and has been involved in nearly every capital project undertaken by the department in the last 20 years. A list of duties and proposed successors was provided.
  • Motion: Supervisor Hartmann moved to approve the staff recommendation.
  • Second: The motion was seconded.
  • Vote: The motion passed unanimously.

Departmental Agenda Item 2: Probation Department – Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Public Safety Realignment Act Plan

  • The Probation Department presented the county’s ninth Public Safety Realignment implementation plan for fiscal year 2019-2020. The presentation covered:
  • Population Trends: As of May 15, there were 304 Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS) and 167 Post-Sentence Supervision (PSS) individuals under supervision. The population has remained relatively stable.
  • Key Initiatives: Expansion of treatment options in county jails; implementation of a validated risk assessment tool for pretrial release decisions (currently monitoring 124 individuals with a 94% court appearance rate); a $2.45 million allocation for supportive and transitional housing (including an $800,000 two-year pilot program and $1.5 million for permanent housing); and a new goal to address racial and ethnic equity disparities.
  • Recidivism Data: A 29% felony recidivism rate for the realigned population exiting supervision in FY 17-18, significantly lower than the pre-realignment rate of 60%. The low-risk inmate population in jail decreased from 12% to 7% over ten months.
  • Fiscal Overview: The FY 19-20 funding target is $14 million. The plan recommends $442,000 for one-time needs and sets aside a $1 million prudent reserve, with a remaining unallocated restricted balance of $3.16 million.

Board Discussion and Questions

  • Supervisor Williams inquired about the timeline for the permanent housing project. Staff confirmed a proposal for the $1.5 million allocation would be presented to the Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) in August.
  • Supervisor Williams asked for clarification on general fund spending on detention alternatives. The Sheriff’s Department representative stated the jail population has declined by approximately 10% over the last two years due to Prop 47 and other reforms.
  • Supervisor Lavagnino asked about potential statewide legislative changes. The Chief Probation Officer noted no major changes to realignment are currently anticipated, with ongoing focus on pretrial and bail reform.

Public Comment on Item 2

  • Speakers from the Coalition for the Homeless (CLU) and faith-based organizations expressed support for the supportive housing initiatives. One speaker noted a 19% increase in new convictions for the PSS group in 2016 compared to 2015 and urged the board to move the housing pilot from reserve funds to the ongoing budget. Staff clarified distinctions between different recidivism metrics. Other speakers shared personal stories of individuals who achieved stability after securing housing.

Motion and Vote

  • Motion: To approve items A, B, and C of the staff report.
  • Second: Seconded.
  • Vote: Passed (All in favor; none opposed).

Agenda Item 3: Planning and Development – Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Local Coastal Program Amendment

  • Jessie Steele, Planning and Development Project Manager, presented the ADU-LCPA. The board adopted an ordinance amending Article 2 of the Coastal Zoning Ordinance in August 2018 to implement state law regarding ADUs. The California Coastal Commission conditionally certified the ADU-LCPA on March 7, 2019, with minor suggested modifications. Staff recommended accepting the conditional certification with modifications, adopting a resolution, determining the action is exempt from CEQA review, and directing staff to transmit the resolution to the Coastal Commission.
  • Public Comment: No requests to speak.
  • Motion: To approve items A through D of the staff recommendation.
  • Second: Seconded by Supervisor Hartmann.
  • Vote: Passed (All in favor; none opposed).

Closed Session Notice and Report

  • Mr. Gazzone informed the board that closed session would follow a break. The agenda included two litigation matters and ten public employee performance evaluations.
  • Litigation 1: In the matter of Robert Hample v. Santa Barbara County Probation Department, the board unanimously approved the county counsel’s recommendation not to seek further appellate review.
  • Litigation 2: In a separate matter, the board unanimously approved the county counsel’s recommendation to initiate litigation against HVI Cat Canyon Incorporated to recover unpaid fees and administrative fines.
  • Performance Evaluations: The board conducted ten public employee performance evaluations for various departments.

Agenda Item 4: Public Health – Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Review and AMR Contract Amendment

  • Wanda Renoso, Public Health Director, and Nick Clay, EMS Agency Director, presented findings from Phase 1 of the EMS system review and updates on Phases 2 and 3. The current ambulance contract with American Medical Response (AMR) expires December 31 of the current year. Staff requested authorization to negotiate a one-year extension to allow time to complete the EMS system review and develop a recommendation on whether to renegotiate or issue a Request for Proposal (RFP).
  • Findings: The county’s cardiac arrest save rate is nearly 30% higher than the national average. Challenges include high volume of mental health patients and structural issues due to staff turnover. Total ambulance service charges are approximately $82 million annually, with net collections of $19.8 million. AMR has contributed $39 million to the system over 14 years.
  • Discussion: Supervisor Williams suggested an 18-month extension to allow for a two-year RFP timeline. Supervisor Drennan expressed preference for an RFP to ensure the best deal. Mr. Gazzone noted that the original request was for a one-year extension (through Dec 31, 2020), which is roughly 18 months from the current date. Chair Lavagnino proposed waiting until the Fitch report is received (expected by July 31) to make a reasoned decision. Supervisor Hartmann moved to approve an 18-month extension with the condition that the department returns with both options (RFP and renegotiation) in July.
  • Motion: Supervisor Hartmann proposed a motion to authorize the Public Health Department to negotiate and return to the board for approval of an extension through June 2021. The motion also included a requirement to return to the board as soon as possible with information from Fitch regarding the requirements for an RFP or renegotiation.
  • Vote Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.

Adjournment

  • The chair announced the next meeting is scheduled for June 4th in Santa Barbara and adjourned the session.