Board of Supervisors

Meeting Summary

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The Board recognized Samir Ansari of the Agricultural Commissioner’s Weights and Measures Department for his service and efficiency contributions.
Assistant Agricultural Commissioner Rudy Martel spoke in support of Ansari’s dedication and communication style.
The motion to adopt the resolution passed unanimously.

The Board reviewed agreements for law enforcement services with Buellton, Carpinteria, Goleta, and Solvang.
Staff clarified that Government Code provisions prohibit billing cities for general overhead costs like custody and coroner services.
Staff confirmed that no subsidies were included in the 2019-2020 contracts for the four cities.
The item was included in the motion to move the balance of the administrative agenda.

The General Services Department requested authority to appoint retired Office Automation Specialist Ken Layman as extra help for three to six months.
Staff explained that a direct transition was preferred to minimize disruption due to the critical nature of the role and specific tacit knowledge.
Supervisor Adam questioned the necessity of rehiring a retiree rather than building a deeper staff bench.
The motion to approve the request passed 4 to 1.

The Board considered a conference with legal counsel regarding potential civil litigation and a public employee performance evaluation.
The Clerk reported that there were no reportable actions from the closed session.

Discussion: The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Lavinino to recognize Samir Ansari of the Agricultural Commissioner’s Weights and Measures Department as the July 2019 Employee of the Month. The resolution cited his career progression since 2013, dedication to customer service, and contribution to departmental efficiency. Assistant Agricultural Commissioner Rudy Martel spoke in support, highlighting Ansari’s commitment and communication style. Ansari expressed appreciation for the recognition.
Action: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution.
Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.

Discussion: The Board considered recommendations regarding agreements to provide law enforcement services between the County of Santa Barbara and the cities of Buellton, Carpinteria, Goleta, and Solvang. Public comment was received from Andy Caldwell (representing COLAB), who questioned the consistency of the "100% cost recovery" policy, noting that certain overhead costs were not billed to cities while unincorporated areas paid them. Staff from the Auditor’s Office clarified that specific Government Code provisions prohibit charging cities for general overhead costs and services available to all portions of the county (such as custody and coroner services). Staff confirmed that no subsidies were built into the 2019-2020 contracts for any of the four cities, noting that previous subsidies for Buellton and Solvang had been removed in exchange for full cost recovery on standard patrol services.
Action: The item was discussed as part of the administrative agenda.
Outcome: The motion to move the balance of the administrative agenda (including Item 23) was made, seconded, and passed.

Discussion: Three speakers addressed the Board.
1. Rob Solomon, representing the Santa Barbara County Coalition for Responsible Cannabis, presented draft urgency ordinances aimed at mitigating odor impacts from unpermitted cannabis operations in coastal and inland zones. He requested the Board review and adopt these ordinances at the July 9 meeting. 2. David Blue Wolf Diaz reported on a review of temporary cannabis licenses. He identified one coastal operator who had stopped cultivating but retained a license (notified for cancellation) and two inland licensees not in the permit path who were subject to enforcement actions. 3. Ed Kolaski discussed a zoning dispute regarding his property, stating that a 2014 ruling determined his second story was not solely over a garage, contrary to previous assertions. He expressed frustration with the lack of explanation from the planning department and mentioned personal hardships resulting from the delay in construction.
Action: The Board acknowledged the comments. Staff noted that cannabis-related items were already agendized for the July 9 meeting.
Outcome: No specific motion was taken on the public comments; the Board moved to the next agenda item.

Discussion: The General Services Department requested authority to appoint recently retired Office Automation Specialist Ken Layman as extra help for a period of three to six months. The purpose was to facilitate the transition of institutional knowledge to a replacement and ensure continuity of IT services for Board meetings. Supervisor Adam questioned the necessity of rehiring a retiree rather than building a deeper bench of staff to handle normal personnel changes or illnesses. Staff explained that due to the critical nature of the role and the specific tacit knowledge required, a direct transition was preferred to minimize disruption.
Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the request.
Outcome: The motion passed 4 to 1.

Discussion: The Board adjourned to closed session to consider two matters: a conference with legal counsel regarding the potential initiation of civil litigation, and a public employee performance evaluation for the County Executive Officer.
Action: Upon reconvening, the Clerk reported that there were no reportable actions from the closed session.
Outcome: The Board adjourned the meeting, with the next session scheduled for July 9 in Santa Maria.