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
Wear Orange Day Weekend Resolution
- The Board considered a resolution to proclaim June 7–9, 2019, as Wear Orange Day Weekend in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
- Public speakers thanked the Board and promoted an upcoming gun buyback event.
- The resolution passed with four votes in favor, one vote against, and one abstention.
Resolution Honoring Mrs. Nanny Elizabeth Browning Wilkins
- The Board considered a resolution honoring the civil rights work and 43-year NAACP membership of Mrs. Wilkins.
- Representatives from the NAACP and the Wilkins family addressed the Board to express gratitude for the recognition.
- The resolution passed unanimously.
Green New Deal Principles Resolution
- The Board debated a resolution supporting the principles of the Green New Deal, citing local climate impacts and the need for federal clean energy leadership.
- Public comments were divided, with some urging a climate emergency declaration and others opposing the measure due to economic concerns.
- Board members offered varying perspectives on the resolution's premise, political nature, and alignment with existing county policies.
- The motion to adopt the resolution passed with a vote of 4 to 1.
Emergency Solutions Grants Program Agreements
- The Board reviewed recommendations to execute ESG program agreements for 2018 and 2019.
- A representative from New Beginnings Counseling Center highlighted the impact of the Safe Parking Program on vulnerable families.
- The item passed unanimously.
Resolution Honoring Sergeant Steven Baird
- The Board considered a resolution honoring Sergeant Steven Baird as the Veteran of the Month for his military service and post-military work.
- Sergeant Baird addressed the Board regarding his organization's efforts in mentoring veterans and providing housing.
- The resolution passed unanimously.
Retirement Waiver for Russell Barker
- The Community Services Department requested a waiver to hire a retired employee for on-call monitoring and custodial services at the Lompoc VEC building.
- Staff identified the candidate as an ideal fit due to local residency and experience during the busy event season.
- The motion to approve the waiver passed unanimously.
CDBG/HOME Action Plans and HSC Funding
- Staff presented draft action plans and funding approvals for CDBG, HOME, and Human Services Commission grants.
- Public speakers thanked the Board for funding services such as transitional housing, microloans, and crisis support.
- The motion to approve staff’s recommendations passed unanimously.
Patterson Avenue Holdings New Office Appeal
- Staff recommended denying the appeal and granting de novo approval for a new office building near the 101 off-ramp.
- The appellant argued the project poses traffic safety risks, while the applicant cited compliance with visibility standards and low traffic intensity.
- Public comments focused on concerns regarding U-turn safety, future use intensity, and the adequacy of traffic assessments.
- The Board voted to continue the matter to July 16th with direction to prepare findings supporting the denial of the project.
Flood Control Benefit Assessment Program
- Staff presented the annual update to the Flood Control District’s Benefit Assessment Program, including a 2.71% CPI adjustment.
- The proposed increase preserves funding levels for services such as levee patrol and debris basin cleaning.
- The motion to move staff recommendation on the item passed unanimously.
Solid Waste Tipping Fees and Collection Rates
- Staff proposed significant increases in tipping fees to finance the Tahigas Resource Center, along with CPI adjustments for other fees.
- Residential and commercial collection rates are expected to increase, with the county program fee percentage reduced to offset some costs.
- The motion to move the item passed unanimously.
Laguna County Sanitation District Rates
- Staff presented a 3.80% CPI-based increase in sewer charges to support debt financing for a plant upgrade.
- The district has installed a solar facility to offset electricity costs and decommissioned microturbines.
- The motion to move the item passed unanimously.
Mission Canyon Sewer District Rates
- Staff proposed a rate increase to replenish the reserve balance to the target of $1.5 million following recent repairs.
- The motion to move the item passed unanimously.
North County Lighting District Benefit Assessments
- Staff presented proposed benefit assessments for street lighting in Goleta Valley and Isla Vista, with no change to current rates.
- No benefit assessment is proposed for the North County Lighting District as property tax revenues are sufficient.
- The motion to move the item passed unanimously.
Local Road Safety Plan
- Staff presented the county’s first Local Road Safety Plan, which shifts to a systemic approach for analyzing collisions and roadway characteristics.
- The plan has already helped secure over $600,000 in federal safety funding and addresses the broader network of rural roads.
- A motion was made to receive the report and direct staff to implement the plan.
Closed Session
- Staff reported that the Board considered two existing litigation cases and a potential new civil litigation matter.
- Conferences were held with labor negotiators for the Civil Attorneys Association and Deputy District Attorney’s Association.
- A performance evaluation for the County Counsel was also conducted.
- Staff reported there were no reportable actions resulting from the closed session.
Full summary
Agenda Item A1: Resolution Proclaiming Wear Orange Day Weekend
- The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisors Williams and Hart to proclaim June 7–9, 2019, as Wear Orange Day Weekend in Santa Barbara County in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The resolution noted the origin of the Wear Orange campaign and the impact of gun violence. Tony Wellen of the Coalition Against Gun Violence and Jacqueline Enda addressed the Board, thanking them and promoting an upcoming gun buyback event. Supervisor Adam stated he would abstain from voting due to differing views on common-sense solutions. A motion to accept the resolution was moved and seconded. The motion passed with four votes in favor, one vote against, and one abstention.
Agenda Item A2: Resolution of Accommodation Honoring Mrs. Nanny Elizabeth Browning Wilkins
- The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Hartman to honor the life and civil rights work of Mrs. Nanny Elizabeth Browning Wilkins. The resolution noted her 43-year membership in the NAACP and her work with her husband to end discriminatory practices, including the Elks Lodge black ball policy. Supervisor Hartman spoke in support of the resolution. LaWanda Lyons-Pruitt of the NAACP and members of the Wilkins family addressed the Board, thanking them for the recognition. A motion to accept the resolution was moved and seconded. The resolution passed unanimously.
Agenda Item A3: Resolution Supporting the Principles of the Green New Deal
- The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisors Hartman and Williams to support the principles of the Green New Deal. The resolution cites the 2018 National Climate Assessment, local extreme weather events, and the county’s existing energy and climate action plan, recognizing the adverse consequences of climate change and the urgency for federal leadership in clean energy infrastructure.
- Fourteen members of the public addressed the Board, including representatives from the Santa Barbara County Taxpayers Association, the Climate Mobilization, the League of Women Voters, the Environmental Defense Center, the Phillips 66 Santa Maria refinery, United Steelworkers Local 534, and the Sunrise Movement. Comments varied; some speakers urged the Board to declare a climate emergency and adopt stronger language, citing scientific consensus and job creation potential, while others expressed opposition based on economic costs, job losses in the oil industry, and skepticism regarding the scientific consensus or feasibility of proposed timelines.
- Board members provided remarks. Supervisor Adam expressed disagreement with the premise, citing historical predictions that did not materialize. Supervisor Hartman argued that the Green New Deal has sparked necessary national conversation. Supervisor Williams stated that environmentalism is about taking responsibility for future generations. Supervisor Hart noted that the resolution is modest and factual, affirming existing county policies and urging federal action. Supervisor Lavagnino expressed concern that the resolution is a non-binding political statement that may polarize the community.
- A motion to adopt the resolution was moved and seconded. The motion passed with a vote of 4 to 1.
Agenda Item A19: Execution of State of California Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program Agreements
- The Board considered recommendations regarding the execution of ESG program agreements for 2018 and 2019. Michael Burton of New Beginnings Counseling Center addressed the Board, thanking them for the recommendation that allows their Safe Parking Program to continue serving vulnerable individuals and families. He noted that the program provides overnight shelter for over 150 families and individuals living in vehicles. Supervisor Williams seconded the motion, encouraging the public to provide parking spaces for the program. A motion to approve the item was moved and seconded. The item passed unanimously.
Agenda Item A50: Resolution of Accommodation Honoring Sergeant Steven Baird as Veteran of the Month
- The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Adam to honor Sergeant Steven Baird of the United States Marine Corps as the Veteran of the Month. The resolution detailed his military service from 1994 to 1998, his honors, and his post-military work founding the Echo Vets Nonprofit Corporation and operating Camp Flores, a residential stability home for veterans. Sergeant Baird addressed the Board, accepting the honor on behalf of his organization and outlining their work in mentoring veterans and providing housing. Supervisor Lavagnino commented on Baird’s continued service to the community. A motion to accept the resolution was moved and seconded. The resolution passed unanimously.
General Public Comment
- Ed Kolaski spoke regarding a dispute with the Board of Architectural Review concerning a remodeling project. He alleged that the board had previously voted 7-0 in 2014 that setbacks were not required, but later demanded them, and criticized the accuracy of a 64-page report and the conduct of the review process.
Agenda Item D1: Community Services Department – Retirement Waiver for Russell Barker
- The Community Services Department requested a retirement waiver to hire Russell Barker, a retired county employee and U.S. Air Force veteran, for on-call monitoring and custodial services at the Lompoc VEC building. Staff explained that current staffing is limited and identified Barker as an ideal candidate due to his local residency and experience. The plan is to utilize his services for three to four months during the busy event season before evaluating long-term coverage. No public comments were received. Supervisor Hartman moved to approve the item, and Supervisor Williams seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item D2: Community Services Department – CDBG/HOME Action Plans and HSC Funding
- Staff presented the draft Fiscal Year 2018–2020 Action Plan and substantial amendments for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs, as well as final funding approvals for Human Services Commission (HSC) public service grants.
- CDBG: The allocation is approximately $1.2 million. Staff recommended amending the plan to roll over unexpended prior-year funds, bringing the total available to over $1.3 million. Applications for public services and capital projects exceeded available funds.
- HOME: The allocation is approximately $1.17 million, an increase from the previous year. Funds are distributed to partner cities for eligible projects, including a permanent housing project in Santa Maria and tenant-based rental assistance in Santa Maria and Lompoc.
- HSC Grants: Staff presented recommendations for Basic Services Grants ($15,000–$50,000) and Best Practices Grants ($50,000–$100,000) funded by county general funds.
- Five speakers addressed the board: Joanne Sizemore (St. Vincent’s Family Strengthening Program), Marsha Bailey (Women’s Economic Ventures), Dean Pellius (Women’s Economic Ventures), Anne McCarty (North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center), and Idalia Gomez (Standing Together to End Sexual Assault). They thanked the board for funding supporting various services, including transitional housing, microloans, crisis services, and a new survivor center, and requested continued support.
- Supervisor Hartman moved to approve staff’s recommendation, and the motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item D3: Planning and Development – Patterson Avenue Holdings New Office Appeal
- Staff announced the receipt of two late public comments (from Trudy Carey and Cindy Pure) after the deadline. A motion was made and seconded to accept these into the record. Supervisors reported ex parte communications with the appellant, applicant, and public members regarding the project site and design.
- Staff presented traffic mitigation measures, including Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures such as carpool spaces, bike lockers, and subsidized bus passes. Staff noted that Caltrans prohibited additional planting in the freeway right-of-way but permitted a hammerhead turnaround and landscaping in the remaining portion. Department of Public Works staff presented current circulation improvements on Patterson Avenue and noted one collision in 15 years associated with a U-turn. Staff recommended denying the appeal, making required findings for approval, determining the project is exempt from CEQA, and granting de novo approval.
- Paul Bradford, the appellant, argued that the project poses traffic safety risks due to the complexity of the intersection with the 101 off-ramp and U-turn lane. He questioned the certainty of use intensity and argued that the building’s size could support higher occupancy than assumed. He requested that landscaping be on-site rather than in the right-of-way and urged the board to deny the project to avoid future liability.
- Carlos Sarmiento, representing the applicant, provided project history, noting the site was rezoned from CH to C2 to allow office use. They stated the building is one of the least intensive uses allowed in the C2 zone. They presented Caltrans site distance analyses showing compliance with visibility standards and refuted claims of an unsafe intersection, citing only one accident in 15 years. They requested denial of the appeal and approval of the project.
- Four speakers addressed the board: Robert Murin expressed concern about the difficulty and safety of U-turns; Trudy Carey argued that the building’s shell design allows for future uses with higher traffic intensity; Cecilia Brown highlighted the history of traffic concerns and uncertainty of use; Val Nerona expressed concern about the lack of information regarding future land use; and Cindy Pure argued that the traffic assessment did not adequately address turning movements.
- In rebuttal, the appellant clarified that the applicant had not requested a meeting to discuss modifications and questioned visibility distance calculations and headcount figures. The applicant clarified Caltrans site distance requirements, explaining that the 150-foot requirement applies to the 25 mph off-ramp speed, while visibility from northbound Patterson is 630 feet. They reiterated that the project meets all regulations and has low traffic intensity.
- Board members discussed the uncertainty of future tenant use and its impact on traffic projections. Staff clarified that trip generation rates are based on square footage and proposed use, and that any change of use would require subsequent review. One board member expressed concern regarding high traffic speeds and tight driveway distances, arguing the project was unsafe. Another board member noted a policy dilemma, stating they could not articulate a viable alternative use and felt denying the project without a clear alternative unduly interfered with property rights. A third board member stated they could not make the required findings regarding site adequacy and neighborhood welfare. The Chair noted the project’s consistency with the Goleta Community Plan and zoning.
- A motion was made to uphold the appeal and deny the project. This motion was amended to continue the matter to July 16th, directing staff to return with findings supporting the denial of the project and approval of the appeal. The motion to continue the matter to July 16th with direction to staff to prepare findings for denial passed (3-2).
Closed Session Report
- Staff reported that the board considered five matters in closed session: two existing litigation cases (Schaefer v. County of Santa Barbara and Shepard v. County of Santa Barbara), a conference with legal counsel regarding the initiation of civil litigation, conferences with labor negotiators for the Civil Attorneys Association and Deputy District Attorney’s Association, and a public employee performance evaluation for the County Counsel. Staff reported there were no reportable actions resulting from the closed session.
Agenda Item 4: Flood Control Benefit Assessment Program (FY 2019-2020)
- Staff presented the annual update to the Flood Control District’s Benefit Assessment Program. The assessments are voter-approved and include an annual CPI adjustment to preserve funding levels for services such as levee patrol and debris basin cleaning. The proposed increase for FY 2019-2020 is 2.71% based on CPI. Staff requested approval of actions A through D, representing the first reading of the ordinance to amend assessments. No public comments were received. A motion was made to move staff recommendation on Item 4. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 5: Solid Waste Tipping Fees, Collection Rates, and Parcel Fees (FY 2019-2020)
- Staff presented proposed rate adjustments for solid waste management. Key changes include a significant increase in tipping fees for franchise trash and recyclables (from $102 to $150 per ton) to finance the Tahigas Resource Center, which was pre-approved by the board and participating jurisdictions. Other tipping fees are adjusted by CPI. No change is recommended for New Cuyama Valley transfer station parcel fees. Residential collection rates on the South Coast are expected to increase by 11-18%, while North County rates are expected to increase by 4-6%. Commercial rates on the South Coast are expected to increase by 13-20%, and North County by approximately 1%. The county program fee percentage is reduced from 12% to 11% to offset rate increases. Staff explained that the Resource Center includes a material recovery facility, anaerobic digester, and energy generation to extend landfill life and comply with state regulations. No public comments were received. A motion was made to move Item 5 (actions A through D). The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 6: Laguna County Sanitation District Rates and Fees
- Staff presented the annual rate adjustment for the Laguna County Sanitation District. The proposed sewer charge increase is 3.80% based on CPI, raising the annual rate from $1,009 to $1,047. This increase supports debt financing for a plant upgrade, as existing facilities are approximately 60 years old. Connection fees and trunk line fees are also proposed for minor increases based on construction cost indices. Staff noted that the district has decommissioned microturbines and installed a 1 MW solar facility to offset electricity costs. No public comments were received. A motion was made to move Item 6. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 7: Mission Canyon Sewer District (CSA 12) Rates and Fees
- Staff presented the annual rate adjustment for the Mission Canyon Sewer District. The proposed sewer service rate increase is from $306 to $312.10 per year to replenish the reserve balance to the target of $1.5 million after recent repairs. No public comments were received. A motion was made to move Item 7. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 8: Santa Barbara North County Lighting District Benefit Assessments (FY 2019-2020)
- Staff presented proposed benefit assessments for street lighting in County Service Areas 3 (Goleta Valley) and 31 (Isla Vista), and the North County Lighting District. The proposed assessment for CSA 3 remains unchanged at $24 per single-family residential unit. The proposed assessment for CSA 31 remains unchanged at $12.93 per single-family residential unit. No benefit assessment is proposed for the North County Lighting District as property tax revenues are sufficient. Staff noted that CSA 31 lights are all LED, and CSA 3 is in the process of converting to LED in coordination with Edison. No public comments were received. A motion was made to move Item 8. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 9: Santa Barbara County Local Road Safety Plan
- Staff presented the county’s first Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP), developed with FHWA support. The plan shifts from a traditional hotspot-based collision reduction method to a systemic approach analyzing collision types, roadway characteristics, and user characteristics. Staff noted that the traditional method only addressed 10% of collisions, while the LRSP aims to address the broader network. Roadway departures are the leading cause of fatalities and injuries, particularly on rural roads. The plan uses a tiered countermeasure system. The LRSP has already helped secure over $600,000 in federal safety funding. Staff compared the LRSP to "Vision Zero," noting that the LRSP is better suited for the county’s rural areas and current legal constraints on speed limits. One speaker urged approval of the plan, emphasizing the need for proactive decision-making regarding traffic safety and health. A motion was made to receive the report and direct staff to implement the plan. The motion was seconded. The transcript ends before the vote outcome is recorded for this specific item.
Adjournment
- The motion to adjourn was seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion passed. Prior to the official adjournment, a member delivered a personal statement honoring the recent passing of a family member. The meeting was then adjourned, with the next session scheduled for Tuesday, June 11th, in Santa Barbara for a budget hearing.