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
Honorary Resolutions
- The board approved four resolutions honoring the La Esperanza Elite 2003 Girls Soccer Team and Sandy Blair.
- Proclamations were adopted for National Health Center Week and Pretrial Probation and Parole Supervision Week.
- All items were approved unanimously.
Courthouse Second Gardens Fee Waiver
- A request was made to waive fees for the use of the courthouse second gardens from July 25 to August 5, 2019.
- Supervisor Williams raised concerns regarding site control and liability risks during events.
- The item was pulled for public comment and not voted on in this segment.
California Department of Conservation Grant Application
- Staff requested authority to submit a grant application to fund staff and consultant work for the Climate Action Plan update.
- Concerns were raised regarding public notification obligations for a blank application.
- The motion to move the item as presented passed with three ayes, one no, and one abstention.
No decision 0–0
Debris Basin on Randall Road
- Supervisor Williams highlighted the Public Works Department’s due diligence for constructing a debris basin in Montecito.
- The project aims to prevent flood or debris flow risks in the area.
- No separate vote was taken on the item.
Patterson Avenue Holdings Appeal
- Staff requested to continue the item regarding a new office appeal to September 10.
- The motion to continue the item passed unanimously.
Sheriff’s Department Extra Help Waiver
- The Sheriff’s Office requested a waiver to fund a retiring Business Specialist II to train her replacement.
- Questions were raised regarding the lack of prior succession planning for the unique position.
- The motion to approve staff’s recommendation passed unanimously.
Cannabis Business Licenses Chapter 50 Amendments
- The board directed staff to prepare amendments capping cannabis cultivation acreage countywide outside the Carpinteria Agricultural Overlay Zone.
- Amendments were adopted to require odor control demonstrations during the license application process and to withdraw consent for expired temporary permits.
- The board directed staff to prepare an Article 10 amendment requiring odor control for non-conforming coastal operations.
- Directives were issued for concurrent processing of applications, adopting Option 1 for the eligible list and hearing officer definition.
- The Planning Commission was directed to study odor control, buffers, and boundaries, and the Planning Director was granted discretion to require wind studies.
- Staff Recommendations A through D were adopted unanimously.
Human Resources
- The board approved a 2.5% performance-based salary adjustment for the County Executive Officer effective July 15, 2019.
- A one-time lump sum retention incentive payment of $2,500 was also approved.
- The motion passed unanimously.
Community Services Special Tax Levies
- The board adopted the fiscal year 2019-2020 special tax levies for the Orca and Providence Landing Community Facilities Districts.
- The Orca CFD levy increased by 3.2% based on the Los Angeles CPI, while the Providence Landing CFD levy remained unchanged.
- The motion passed 4-1.
Library Special Tax Rate
- The board adopted the resolution increasing the fiscal year 2019-2020 library special tax rate for County Service Area 3.
- The rate increased by 3.8% based on the Los Angeles CPI.
- The motion passed unanimously.
Community Choice Energy
- Staff presented feasibility study results indicating a local program remains viable but with less favorable financials than initially projected.
- The board discussed trade-offs between local control and the lower financial risk of joining an existing program.
- The board voted to proceed with working with Monterey Bay Clean Energy and joining their Community Choice Aggregation program.
- The motion to adopt staff’s recommended actions corresponding to Option 2 passed 4-1.
Closed Session
- The board entered closed session to consider matters of existing litigation and significant exposure to civil litigation.
- No reportable actions were taken during the session.
Full summary
Meeting Start and Roll Call
- The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting for July 16 was called to order by Chair Lavagnino. A roll call confirmed the presence of all members, followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the July 9 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Honorary Resolutions (Items A1–A4)
- A motion was made and seconded to approve Items A1 through A4. The motion passed unanimously.
- Item A1: A resolution of accommodation honoring the La Esperanza Santa Barbara Elite 2003 Girls Soccer Team for winning the International Copa Vallarta Tournament in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
- Item A2: A resolution proclaiming the week of August 4–10, 2019, as National Health Center Week in Santa Barbara County.
- Item A3: A resolution proclaiming the week of July 21–27, 2019, as Pretrial Probation and Parole Supervision Week in Santa Barbara County.
- Item A4: A resolution of accommodation honoring Sandy Blair as the Santa Barbara County Veteran of the Month.
Administrative Agenda Items
- Item A9 (Courthouse Second Gardens Fee Waiver): A request was made to pull this item for public comment. Barbara Carroll of Old Spanish Days Fiesta spoke in support of waiving fees for the use of the courthouse second gardens from July 25 to August 5, 2019. Supervisor Williams noted an outstanding issue regarding site control to mitigate liability risks during events. The item was not voted on in this segment.
- Item A10 (California Department of Conservation Grant Application): Staff requested authority to submit an application for a local and regional planning grant program to fund staff and consultant work for the Climate Action Plan update. Supervisor Adam expressed concern regarding public notification obligations for a blank application. Staff explained the July 31 deadline and the grant’s purpose. Supervisor Hartman supported the initiative for agricultural land preservation, and Supervisor Hart described the process as using state resources to supplement local staff work. A motion was made and seconded to move Item A10 as presented. The motion passed with three ayes, one no, and one abstention.
- Item A23 (Debris Basin on Randall Road): Supervisor Williams pulled this item to highlight the Public Works Department’s due diligence for constructing a debris basin in Montecito to prevent flood or debris flow. No separate vote was taken.
- Balance of Administrative Agenda: A motion was made and seconded to move the balance of the administrative agenda. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment
- Eight speakers addressed the board on items not on the agenda: 1. A speaker commented on the Cat Canyon oil expansion, referencing global climate concerns. 2. A speaker discussed cloud seeding, 5G technology, and alleged government conspiracies. 3. A speaker raised a dispute regarding architectural review guidelines for a home remodel. 4. A representative for the Citizens Planning Association announced an upcoming annual meeting and awards ceremony. 5. A speaker commented on cannabis retail licensing, expressing concern over the random selection algorithm for permits. 6. A speaker discussed a 2017 appellate law regarding camping on public lands, urging ordinance adjustments for homeless individuals. 7. A representative for United Domestic Workers (UDW) spoke on behalf of in-home care workers, requesting wage increases and better benefits. 8. A speaker commented on cannabis regulation, supporting the industry’s potential for economic growth.
Departmental Agenda Items
- Item D1 (Patterson Avenue Holdings Appeal): Staff requested to continue this item regarding a new office appeal to September 10. A motion was made and seconded to continue the item. The motion passed unanimously.
- Item D2 (Sheriff’s Department Extra Help Waiver): The Sheriff’s Office requested an extra help waiver for a retiring Business Specialist II to train her replacement. Supervisor Adam questioned the lack of prior succession planning. Staff explained the position’s uniqueness and funding source. A motion was made and seconded to approve staff’s recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.
Cannabis Business Licenses Chapter 50 Amendments (Item D3)
- The board deliberated on potential amendments to cannabis business licenses, focusing on cultivation caps, odor control, boundaries, and conflicts with existing agriculture.
- Cultivation Cap: Staff clarified the difference between state and county definitions of cultivation acreage, noting the county’s broader definition is more robust for managing caps. Staff reported that 1,587 acres had been applied for in the inland area as of the meeting date. The board discussed the potential for operators to switch to hemp and the backlog in permit processing. County Counsel advised that the cap would be implemented through the business license ordinance. A motion was made and seconded to direct staff to prepare potential amendments to County Code Section 50-7 to cap cannabis cultivation acreage countywide outside the Carpinteria Agricultural Overlay Zone, based on applications accepted as of July 9, using the existing Carpinteria overlay methodology. The board also directed staff to work with the CEO’s office to assess resources needed to expedite pending applications. The motion passed.
- Odor Control Timing: Discussion shifted to requiring the demonstration of odor control operations during the cannabis business license application process, triggered upon the issuance of the Conditional Development Permit (CDP) or Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Legal counsel noted this mitigates vesting risks. A motion was made and seconded to amend the process to require odor control demonstration at this stage. The motion passed.
- Nuisance Enforcement and Consent Withdrawal: The board discussed the enforcement of nuisance abatement and the status of expired temporary permits. A motion was made and seconded to direct staff to formally withdraw consent to operate for expired temporary permits and to initiate nuisance abatement legal actions against known odor vectors. The motion passed.
- Article 10 Amendment: The board discussed the Article 10 exemption for non-conforming operations in the coastal zone. A motion was made and seconded to direct staff to prepare a proposed amendment to Article 10 requiring odor control for non-conforming operations in the coastal zone to maintain their exemption. The motion passed unanimously.
- Concurrent Processing: The board discussed concurrent processing of business license and land use permit applications to expedite odor control enforcement. A motion was made and seconded to direct staff to bring back a proposed amendment for concurrent processing. The motion passed unanimously.
- Eligible List and Hearing Officer: The board discussed the eligible list for cannabis cultivation and the definition of a hearing officer. A motion was made and seconded to adopt Option 1 for both the eligible list and the broadening of the hearing officer definition. The motion passed unanimously.
- Planning Commission Referral: The board discussed inconsistencies in Current Use Permit (CUP) requirements near urban-rural boundaries and Environmental Designation and Rural Neighborhood (EDRN) zones. A motion was made and seconded to direct the Planning Commission to study and report on issues related to odor control, buffers, boundaries, and the Article 10 amendment. The motion passed 4-1.
- Wind Studies: The board discussed the potential requirement for meteorological data or wind studies to assist in identifying odor sources. A motion was made and seconded to allow the Planning Director the discretion to require wind studies or meteorological data in applications. The motion passed 4-1.
- Staff Recommendations: A motion was made and seconded to adopt Staff Recommendations A through D from the staff report. The motion passed unanimously.
Closed Session
- The Board entered closed session to consider matters of existing litigation, significant exposure to civil litigation, and the decision to initiate civil litigation. No reportable actions were taken.
Human Resources (Item A-19)
- The Board considered recommendations for a performance-based salary adjustment for the County Executive Officer, including a 2.5% adjustment effective July 15, 2019, and a one-time lump sum retention incentive payment of $2,500. A motion was made and seconded to approve the salary adjustment and retention incentive. The motion passed unanimously.
Community Services (Item D-4)
- Staff presented the proposed fiscal year 2019-2020 special tax levies for the Orca and Providence Landing Community Facilities Districts (CFDs). The Orca CFD levy would increase by 3.2% based on the Los Angeles CPI, while the Providence Landing CFD levy would remain unchanged. One Supervisor expressed opposition to the Orca CFD increase. Staff clarified that the assessment was a condition of development from 2002 and funds police, fire, flood, and park services. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution levying the special taxes. The motion passed 4-1.
Community Services (Item D-5)
- Staff presented the proposed fiscal year 2019-2020 library special tax rate for County Service Area (CSA) 3, which would increase by 3.8% based on the Los Angeles CPI. A typo in the resolution referencing the prior fiscal year was noted as corrected. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution increasing the CSA 3 library special tax rate. The motion passed unanimously.
No decision 0–0
Community Choice Energy (Item D-6)
- Staff provided an update on the Community Choice Energy (CCE) feasibility study results and presented options for the Board’s consideration. Presentations were given by the Sustainability Division Chief and representatives from Pacific Energy Advisory and Monterey Bay Clean Power.
- Feasibility Study Results: Staff presented the updated PEA feasibility study, which modeled a local CCE program providing 85% GHG-free electricity. Key findings included that the program remains viable but with a less favorable financial position than the original study, with operating margins turning positive in Year 3 and startup financing paid off in Year 11. Estimated launch costs are up to $9 million. Staff noted that Monterey Bay Community Power (MBCP) has expressed interest in unifying the Central Coast under one program and that joining MBCP would require an estimated $5,000 to $7,500 to update the JPA agreement.
- Discussion and Q&A: Board members and staff discussed the differences between renewable energy and GHG-free energy definitions. Tom Habashi, CEO of Monterey Bay Community Power, provided details on MBCP’s financials, energy mix, opt-out rates, governance, local projects, and hiring practices. Stephen Fung, from the Auditor’s Office/CSD, addressed legal and market risks, noting that while a JPA may shield members from contract liability, tort liability passes through to members.
- Public Comment: Five public comments were received:
- 1. Andy Caldwell (CoLab) opposed the CCE options, arguing that costs would be passed to consumers. 2. Jeanne Sparks (Santa Barbara County Action Network) supported joining MBCP, citing benefits of cleaner energy and grid resiliency. 3. Michelle Sevilla (Representing Assemblymember Monique Limon) stated the office is monitoring efforts to restrict CCEs and supports the county’s ability to choose its path. 4. Michael Chiakos (Community Environmental Council) supported joining MBCP as the quicker, less risky, and less expensive option. 5. Robert Perry (World Business Academy) supported Option 2 (joining MBCP) but expressed concern that South County might not receive adequate attention.
- Board Deliberation: Board members discussed the trade-offs between local control (Option 1) and financial risk/resiliency (Option 2). One member preferred the MBCP arrangement due to lower financial risk. Another member stated a preference for Option 2 due to risk aversion regarding taxpayer money.
- Decision: No motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon in this portion of the transcript. The Board continued deliberation.
Community Choice Aggregation (CCE) Participation
- Members discussed the option of joining an existing Community Choice Aggregation (CCE) program versus creating a local one. Arguments were presented regarding the lower risk and faster delivery of joining an existing CCE, as well as the behavioral science benefits of an opt-out model for renewable energy adoption. Concerns were raised regarding the scope of the board’s duties, the financial capacity of the county to fund renewable energy transitions, and the impact on local oil and gas industries. It was noted that several other California counties have already joined CCEs and that approximately 20% of California’s load is under community choice aggregation. The availability of an opt-out mechanism for customers was highlighted as a key factor in the decision.
- A motion was made to proceed with working with Monterey Bay Clean Energy and joining their CCE. The motion was seconded. The Chair clarified that the motion encompassed staff’s recommended actions A, B2, C, and D, corresponding to Option 2. The motion passed 4-1.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned, with the next session scheduled for Tuesday, August 13, in Santa Barbara.