Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Agenda Changes and Honorary Resolutions
- Item A39 (Santa Barbara Bowl Annual Report) was withdrawn to return at a later date.
- Items A40 and A41 regarding Fire and Building Code second readings were added to the agenda.
- Item A3 was modified to become an honorary resolution honoring lives lost to gun violence.
- The board unanimously approved honorary resolutions for items A1 through A7.
American Medical Response West Agreement
- Staff clarified that the Request for Proposal process for a new contract begins immediately after the meeting.
- The board approved the fourth amendment to the agreement with American Medical Response West.
Grazing Lease Agreement
- A board member requested the item be pulled to explore options with local Santa Barbara County vendors.
- Staff confirmed they were not required to bid but were willing to explore local alternatives.
- The board unanimously voted to pull the item and direct staff to investigate local vendor options.
Renewable Energy Systems at Better Avia Campus
- Staff presented a plan for 0.8 MW of solar, battery storage, and EV charging infrastructure costing approximately $4.5 million.
- The project is financed through a 15-year loan, PG&E on-bill financing, and General Fund contributions.
- The board approved the staff recommendations to proceed with the renewable energy systems contract and financing.
Public Safety Radio Network Replacement
- Staff outlined a $45 million project to replace aging analog communication systems with a digital network.
- The proposed system aims to improve voice communication, expand coverage, and ensure interoperability with neighboring counties.
- The board approved staff recommendations A, B, and C to move forward with the replacement project.
2020 County Legislative Platform
- Staff presented the draft 2020 legislative platform containing 44 planks, with most changes being minor language updates.
- The "Ag Pass 1" plank is recommended for deletion as unnecessary at this time.
- The board adopted the staff recommendations to receive the update and provide direction on changes.
Orchard Gateway Retail Commercial Center Appeal
- Staff recommended denying the appeal and approving the project, which includes a grocery store, gas station, and roadway improvements.
- The appellant argued the project would cause significant traffic impacts and requested a new environmental review.
- The applicant emphasized the project's role in providing needed services and the accuracy of the existing traffic analysis.
- The board unanimously approved the staff recommendations to deny the appeal and approve the project.
Fiscal Year 2020-2025 Five-Year Forecast
- Staff projected balanced budgets for FY 2021 but identified potential gaps in out-years depending on recession scenarios.
- Significant fiscal issues include a $463 million deferred maintenance backlog and aging technology systems.
- The board accepted the report and received it in file, including a determination that the item is not a project under CEQA.
Closed Session
- The board discussed existing litigation including administrative appeals, capital endowment matters, and fire cases.
- A potential civil litigation matter was also addressed during the closed session.
- No reportable actions were taken in closed session.
Full summary
Opening and Administrative Matters
- Roll Call and Pledge: The meeting was called to order, roll call was taken, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
- Approval of Minutes (October 30 Special Meeting): A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
- Approval of Minutes (November 5, 2019 Meeting): A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
- CEO’s Report: The CEO announced that the County received the Organizational Excellence Award from the Municipal Managers Association of Southern California, recognizing the "Renew 22" initiative.
- Agenda Changes: The Clerk announced the following changes:
- Item A39 (2018 Annual Report for Santa Barbara Bowl) was withdrawn and will return to the board at a later date.
- Item A40 (Fire Department: 2019 California Fire Code, Second Reading) was added.
- Item A41 (Planning and Development: 2019 California Building Standards Codes, Second Reading) was added.
- Item A3 was changed from a resolution to an honorary resolution honoring lives lost and injured to gun violence.
- Approval of Honorary Resolutions (Items A1–A7): A motion was made and seconded to approve items A1 through A7. The motion passed unanimously.
Honorary Resolutions
- Item A1: Resolution of Commendation for Terry Lopez: The board adopted a resolution honoring Terry Lopez for 40 years of service to the District Attorney’s Office. Comments were provided by Joyce Dudley, Megan Ryker-Reinchild, and Terry Lopez.
- Item A2: Resolution Recognizing National Family Caregivers Month: The board adopted a resolution recognizing November 2019 as National Family Caregivers Month. Comments were provided by representatives from United Domestic Workers.
- Item A4: Resolution Recognizing Court Adoption and Permanency Month: The board adopted a resolution recognizing November 2019 as Court Adoption and Permanency Month. Comments were provided by Amy Krueger (Deputy Director of Social Services) and Jody Colt.
- Item A5: Resolution Honoring Rhonda Murphy as Veteran of the Month: The board adopted a resolution honoring Rhonda Murphy, a U.S. Navy veteran and County Veteran Service Officer. Comments were provided by Rhonda Murphy.
- Item A6: Resolution Honoring Employees Volunteering at Veterans Stand Down: The board adopted a resolution expressing gratitude to County employees who volunteered at the 8th Annual Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down. Comments were provided by County employees.
Administrative Agenda Items
- Motion to Move Balance of Agenda: A motion was made and seconded to move the balance of the agenda with the previously identified changes. The motion passed unanimously.
- Item A22: Fourth Amendment to Agreement with American Medical Response West (Public Health):
- Discussion: Staff clarified that the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for a new contract would begin immediately following this meeting, with a timeline of two to three weeks to return to the board for resources and timeframe approval.
- Decision: A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. The motion passed unanimously.
- Item A29: Grazing Lease Agreement with K2 Cattle Company LLC (Public Works/Laguna County Sanitation District):
- Discussion: A board member requested that the item be pulled to explore options with local Santa Barbara County vendors, noting that the current vendor is non-local. Staff confirmed they were not required to bid but were willing to explore local options.
- Decision: A motion was made and seconded to pull the item and direct staff to explore local vendor options. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment
- Two members of the public spoke during the general public comment period. One speaker expressed frustration regarding a long-standing planning approval process for a residential project. The second speaker discussed the importance of supporting programs that allow elders to remain in their homes and raised concerns regarding the probate and conservatorship systems.
Departmental Agenda
- Item 1: Renewable Energy Systems Contract and Financing at Better Avia Campus (General Services):
- Discussion: Staff presented a plan to install 0.8 MW of solar, battery storage, LED lighting, and EV charging infrastructure. The project cost is approximately $4.5 million, financed through a 15-year California Energy Commission loan (1% interest), PG&E on-bill financing (0% interest), and $1.6 million from the General Fund. Staff noted the project would create a microgrid capability and provide annual utility savings of approximately $378,000. Board members discussed the financing challenges, the 15-year payback period compared to other potential investments, the benefits of ground-mounted solar for future projects (such as the jail), and the timing of EV charger installation.
- Decision: A motion was made and seconded to approve the staff recommendations. The motion passed with a vote of 4-1.
- Item 2: Public Safety Radio Network (PSRN) Replacement Project Update (General Services):
- Discussion: Staff presented an update on the Public Safety Radio Network project, outlining the current state of the diverse and aging communication systems (VHF, UHF, and 800 MHz) used by Fire, Sheriff, Public Works, and other agencies. The presentation highlighted the lack of built-in redundancy and the absence of a backup dispatch location as key vulnerabilities. The proposed replacement system aims to improve voice communication, expand coverage, replace analog equipment with digital radios, and ensure interoperability with neighboring counties. Staff detailed the project status, noting that specifications have been written and the Request for Proposal (RFP) is ready pending Board approval. Estimated total costs are just over $45 million, broken down into materials, labor, FCC fees, site acquisitions, and sales tax. The installation timeline is anticipated to be three years, with the first year dedicated to site acquisition and development, and years two and three for equipment installation. Cost allocations are estimated based on subscriber units, with the Sheriff’s Department accounting for over 50% of the cost due to the number of radios. Funding options under consideration include vendor lease or purchase, certificates of participation, and potential grant funding. A board member inquired about the timeline for determining the funding method, noting that the vendor selection is scheduled for July 2020. Staff responded that the finance team is exploring options and that vendor proposals may include financing alternatives, with a preliminary conversation expected before the July selection.
- Decision: A motion was made and seconded to approve staff recommendations A, B, and C. The motion passed unanimously.
- Item 3: Draft 2020 County of Santa Barbara Legislative Platform:
- Discussion: Staff from the County Executive Office presented the draft 2020 legislative platform for Board discussion. The process involved reviews by the Legislative Program Committee in August and October. The draft contains 44 platform planks, with most changes being minor language updates for clarity. One plank, "Ag Pass 1," is recommended for deletion as unnecessary at this time. Staff proposed that the Board receive the update, provide direction on changes, and find that the actions do not constitute a project under CEQA. Staff also noted that the Legislative Program Committee is considering becoming a standing committee of the Board, a change to be presented in a resolution at the December 17 meeting. One member of the public spoke regarding a personal legal matter involving a former employer and the District Attorney, which was deemed out of order for this item.
- Decision: A motion was made and seconded to adopt staff’s recommendations. The motion passed 4 to 1.
- Item 4: Appeal of Planning Commission’s Approval of Orchard Gateway Retail Commercial Center (Keysight 2):
- Discussion: Staff presented an appeal of the Planning Commission’s August 14, 2019, approval of the Orchard Gateway Retail Commercial Center project on a 5.95-acre portion of Keysight 2 at the southwest corner of Highway 101 and Clark Avenue. The project includes a grocery store, restaurant with drive-thru, gas station with convenience store, car wash, and roadway improvements, including a new signalized intersection. Staff recommended denying the appeal and approving the project, subject to conditions, including a modification to the rear yard setback and sign standards. Staff noted that the project is consistent with the Orchid Community Plan and that an addendum to the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was completed. The Chair noted the receipt of a late traffic study and announced that staff would review it during the lunch break. Ex parte contacts were reported by three Supervisors, all of whom had met with the applicant, Gavin Moore. Late documents, including a 173-page report from Finney Arnold, LLP and additional PowerPoint slides from the applicant, were moved into the record; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Staff presented the project details, including site plans, zoning (C2), and the proposed subdivision into four parcels. Staff addressed the appeal issues regarding traffic, air quality, and safety, noting that the Orchid Community Plan EIR analyzed full build-out impacts and that mitigation measures are included. The appellant, representing Orchid Sensible Growth and the Unincorporated Association of Concerned Residents, presented a traffic study analyzing cumulative impacts of Keysites 1, 2, and 3. The appellant argued that the development would cause significant traffic impacts and requested the Board deny the application or hold it until traffic concerns are addressed. The applicant, Gavin Moore, presented his case, emphasizing the five-year collaboration with staff and the project’s role in providing needed services to the community. He argued that the appellant’s traffic study was outdated and inaccurate, and that the project represents a small percentage of the total proposed development in the area. He requested the Board deny the appeal and direct Public Works to work on a fair cost-sharing agreement for intersection improvements and a phased build-out plan that allows a left turn from the shopping center onto Sunny Hills Road. Public comment was received from a representative of the Sunny Hills and Town & Country mobile home parks, who stated that residents are in favor of the project and have met with the applicant to discuss traffic flow and access. Board members asked questions regarding the percentage of traffic impacts generated by Keysight 2 compared to other keysites, the status of standing in CEQA proceedings, and the cost-sharing agreement for intersection improvements. Public Works staff indicated that Keysight 2 generates approximately 17-19% of the peak hour trips between Keysites 1 and 2. Staff also discussed the interim design of the intersection and the process for resolving traffic movements, noting that a design exception would be required for any changes to the approved right-turn-only movement. The hearing was paused for a lunch break to allow staff and Board members to review the late traffic study.
- Closed Session: The Board entered a closed session to discuss existing litigation (including administrative appeals, capital endowment litigation, water conservation district matters, and fire cases) and a potential civil litigation matter. A conference with labor negotiators was agendized but did not occur. No reportable actions were taken in closed session.
- Post-Lunch Discussion: Upon returning, staff summarized the traffic report, stating that the information did not change previous staff responses, was inconsistent with the 1995 EIR analysis for the Orchut Community Plan and OTIP, and utilized outdated information. County Counsel noted that under CEQA guidelines, once a Community Plan EIR is certified, additional environmental review is only required if project-specific significant effects peculiar to the project or site are identified. No public comments were received regarding the traffic study. The appellant argued that the project approval relied on an outdated EIR (certified in 1997 and supplemented in 2019) and that population growth and environmental stresses necessitated a new, full environmental review. The appellant cited CEQA guidelines regarding substantial changes in circumstances and referenced community survey data favoring limited development and preservation of agricultural lands. The project applicant stated they had no further comments but confirmed a commitment to installing solar panels and other environmental measures, including a water-saving car wash. A board member asked for clarification on Class 1 impacts and transportation improvements. Staff and the applicant confirmed that no additional Class 1 impacts were identified beyond those in the Community Plan EIR, and that cost-sharing for improvements would be worked out between the applicant and Public Works staff.
- Decision: A motion was made and seconded to approve the staff recommendations shown on PowerPoint slides 23 and 24 (corresponding to recommendations A through H on the agenda). The motion passed unanimously.
- Item 5: Fiscal Year 2020-2025 Five-Year Forecast:
- Discussion: Staff presented the five-year fiscal forecast, outlining the budget development timeline for the FY 2021 budget. Key points included expenditure assumptions of average annual increases of 3.1% for salaries, 4.7% for retirement, and 4.8% for health insurance, assuming a status quo of services with no program expansions. Revenue assumptions included stress-testing major discretionary revenues (property tax, sales tax, transient occupancy tax) under three scenarios: no recession, mild recession, and deep recession. Cannabis tax revenue was assumed at $8 million for FY 2021 with 5% annual increases, considered recession-resistant. Storefront retail revenue was excluded pending ordinance finalization. A balanced budget was projected for FY 2021. Gaps were projected in out-years depending on the recession scenario: $9.6 million (no recession), $22 million (mild recession), and $34.6 million (deep recession) by the fifth year. Gaps were also projected for Roads and Public Works, Healthcare, Public Health, Behavioral Wellness, and Social Services funds, largely due to federal and state revenues not keeping pace with salary and benefit increases. Staff identified five categories of significant fiscal issues: legislative/policy changes (e.g., 340B medication program, probation fee collections), deferred maintenance backlog (approx. $463 million total), aging technology systems (e.g., radio system, data center, HR/financial systems), facility conditions/office reconfiguration, and escalating workers' comp and general liability premiums. Staff recommended receiving and filing the forecast and making the CEQA determination. One speaker representing Colab commented on the report, identifying a "structural deficit," noting the impact of pension losses, and suggesting the creation of a non-profit entity for pass-through departments to manage pension costs. A board member inquired about the cannabis tax revenue estimate of $7 million for the current fiscal year. Staff indicated that while the budget was set at $5.7 million, first-quarter receipts were strong, and the final number would be refined during budget workshops. Another board member emphasized the importance of prudent spending in year one to mitigate out-year gaps. A third board member expressed skepticism about a recession but emphasized the need for conservative fiscal management. He suggested addressing the top ten deferred maintenance items and utilizing available funds to prevent further backlog growth.
- Long-Range Financial Plan and Budget Discussion: A board member discussed recent retirement board training, noting that financial professionals could not predict future asset allocation outcomes. He referenced the 2017 long-range plan, which forecasted a $55 million budget shortfall by 2022, and emphasized the importance of using one-time funds for one-time expenses. He highlighted the need to address structural deficits and aging county infrastructure, including IT systems, communication towers, and radios, suggesting that funding streams for these large-ticket items must be identified over the next 10 to 20 years. He noted that Santa Barbara County achieved the highest rate of return among 37 counties for the year. Another board member described the approach as prudent and noted that the board has maintained fidelity to long-term goals. She suggested considering increases to the rainy day fund, the 18% reserve, or capital improvement funds. A third board member agreed that having a plan and executing it over time addresses structural issues and maintenance backlogs. He raised the topic of revenue increases, noting that while the board has not reached a consensus, voters in several local jurisdictions (Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, and Lompoc) are considering sales tax measures. He mentioned a potential county sales tax measure for November of the following year that could generate $7.5 million annually, which could help address the infrastructure gap. A fourth board member agreed that revenue discussions are necessary but advised viewing projections with caution. He emphasized the need to address deferred maintenance and be aspirational in goals, which requires additional revenue. A board member inquired about the impact of Amazon’s obligation to collect sales tax on county revenue. Staff explained that online vendors are required to collect and remit sales tax. Revenue is allocated based on whether the sale is situs-specific to a city or falls into unallocated buckets distributed statewide or countywide. Staff confirmed that this revenue is currently flowing to the county, though it represents a small portion of total sales tax, with expectations for growth.
- Decision: A motion was made and seconded to accept the report and receive it in file, including a determination that the item is not a project under CEQA. The motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment and Special Meeting
- The board adjourned the regular meeting. Staff informed the board and the public that a special meeting is planned for Tuesday, November 26th, to address additional items. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10th, in Santa Barbara.