Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Officer Elections
- Supervisor Greg Hart was elected Chair and Supervisor Peter Adam was elected Vice-Chair for 2020.
- Both motions passed unanimously following nominations and seconding by other supervisors.
- Outgoing and incoming chairs delivered remarks, and the Independent Living Resource Center presented on services for individuals with disabilities and older adults.
Administrative Item A1: Resolution of Accommodation for Ian Mather
- The Board voted unanimously to continue this item to the January 28 meeting.
Administrative Item A2: Resolution of Accommodation for Christina Perez
- The Board honored Christina Perez for her 35-year retirement from the District Attorney’s Office.
- District Attorney Joyce Dudley, Michael Sonderman, and Christina Perez addressed the Board regarding her career contributions.
Administrative Item A3: Resolution of Commendation for Raul Baez
- The Board honored Raul Baez for his 40-year retirement from the Clerk-Recorder-Assessor’s Office.
- Supervisors Hart and Adam spoke on his behalf, highlighting his work with Montecito debris flow survivors and staff mentorship.
Administrative Item A6: AB 1600 Mitigation Fee Annual Report
- The item was pulled for presentation following a public request.
- A speaker raised concerns about disparities in traffic mitigation fees between North and South County.
Administrative Item A9: Cannabis Licensing Ordinance Amendments
- The item was pulled for presentation following a public request.
- A speaker requested that community meetings occur before adoption, be held in the evening, and be noticed by postcard.
- Clarification was requested regarding the selection and screening process for the third-party evaluator.
Administrative Item A13: Countywide Facilities Parking Lot Pavement Management Program
- Supervisor Adam requested the item be pulled for presentation.
- Concern was raised about hiring a consultant for $70,000 to assess parking lots rather than using funds directly for maintenance.
Administrative Item A21: EMS STEMI Revenue Agreements
- The item was pulled for presentation following a public request.
- A speaker shared a personal experience of rapid response by the STEMI program and urged support for the initiative.
Balance of Administrative Agenda
- The Board voted unanimously to approve the remaining administrative items.
Departmental Item 1: 2020 Commission and Committee Appointments
- The Board reviewed and confirmed appointments for various boards, commissions, and committees based on Supervisor preferences.
- The motion to make the appointments as discussed carried unanimously.
Departmental Item 2: KPMG Operational and Performance Review
- KPMG presented findings from an operational review of the County Executive Office, including commendations and recommendations for strategy, budgeting, and communication.
- Recommendations included establishing a countywide performance management framework, enhancing budget monitoring, and improving internal communication structures.
- The Board received the report as information without a vote.
KPMG Implementation Plan and Office of the County Executive Updates
- The County Executive presented an implementation timeline for KPMG recommendations, targeting a performance management framework for Spring 2021.
- Updates included progress on budget monitoring, organizational structure evaluation, and a pilot for a paperless agenda process.
- The Board received the updates as information without a vote.
Departmental Item 3: Social Services Child Welfare Services 2019 Annual Update
- The report detailed a steep increase in investigations to 4,164 and an increase in children in foster care to 396.
- The county exceeded federal standards for safety and placement stability, with sibling placement rates rising to 64%.
- The Board voted unanimously to receive and file the report.
Staff Report on Child Welfare and Prevention Services
- Staff updated the Board on the state’s opt-in process for federal prevention services under the Family First Prevention Services Act.
- The report highlighted the high threshold for current federal funding and local efforts to leverage existing sources for earlier interventions.
- The Board voted unanimously to accept the staff recommendation.
Closed Session
- The Board considered existing litigation regarding cannabis regulations and the public and educational capital endowment.
- Real property negotiations for parcels in the Old Town Orchard area and Orcutt were discussed.
- The Board conferred with labor negotiators for various employee associations and unrepresented staff.
- No reportable actions were taken upon reconvening.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Officer Elections
- The Board of Supervisors called the meeting to order, took roll call, and pledged allegiance to the flag. Nominations were accepted for the positions of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2020. Supervisor Hartmann nominated Supervisor Greg Hart for Chair, seconded by Supervisor Williams; the motion passed unanimously. Supervisor Lavagnino nominated Supervisor Peter Adam for Vice-Chair, seconded by Supervisor Hartmann; the motion passed unanimously. Outgoing Chair Lavagnino and Incoming Chair Hart delivered remarks. Dani Anderson, Executive Director of the Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC), presented on the organization’s services for individuals with disabilities and older adults, including emergency preparedness initiatives.
Approval of Minutes
- The Board considered the approval of the minutes from the December 17, 2019 meeting. Supervisor Hartmann moved to approve the minutes, which was seconded. The motion carried.
CEO’s Report
- The CEO’s office indicated there was no report for this session.
Clerk’s Announcements and Agenda Adjustments
- The Clerk announced a request to continue Administrative Item A1 (Resolution of Accommodation honoring Ian Mather) to the January 28 meeting. Supervisor Hartmann moved to continue the item, which was seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
- The Board then considered a motion to approve the resolutions for Administrative Items A2 and A3. Supervisor Hartmann moved to approve the items, which was seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Administrative Item A2: Resolution of Accommodation for Christina Perez
- The Clerk read the resolution into the record, honoring Christina Perez for her retirement from the District Attorney’s Office after 35 years of service. The resolution detailed her career progression and contributions to departmental improvements. District Attorney Joyce Dudley and Michael Sonderman spoke in her honor. Christina Perez addressed the Board, thanking her colleagues and family.
Administrative Item A3: Resolution of Commendation for Raul Baez
- The Clerk read the resolution into the record, honoring Raul Baez for his retirement from the Clerk-Recorder-Assessor’s Office after 40 years of service. The resolution noted his role in assisting Montecito debris flow survivors with disaster valuations and his mentorship of staff. Supervisor Hart and Supervisor Adam spoke on his behalf. Raul Baez addressed the Board, thanking his staff, family, and mother.
Administrative Agenda Review and Public Comment on Specific Items
- The Board reviewed the administrative agenda. Supervisor Adam requested to pull Administrative Item A13 (Countywide Facilities Parking Lot Pavement Management Program) for presentation. The Clerk noted three additional public requests to pull items: A6, A9, and A21.
- Administrative Item A6 (AB 1600 Mitigation Fee Annual Report): Andy Caldwell spoke regarding disparities in traffic mitigation fees between North and South County, citing examples of fee differences for similar businesses. He argued that the fees were not based on reality and discouraged development.
- Administrative Item A9 (Cannabis Licensing Ordinance Amendments): Mark Brinkley suggested that community meetings specified in the ordinance should occur before adoption, be held in the evening, and be noticed by postcard. He also requested clarification on the selection and screening process for the third-party evaluator mentioned in the ordinance.
- Administrative Item A13 (Parking Lot Pavement Management Program): Supervisor Adam expressed concern about hiring a consultant for $70,000 to assess parking lots rather than using the funds directly for maintenance, though he stated he would vote for the item.
- Administrative Item A21 (EMS STEMI Revenue Agreements): Todd Wilson shared a personal experience of a heart attack and the rapid response provided by the STEMI program at Marion Regional Medical Center, urging support for the program.
- The Board considered a motion for the balance of the administrative agenda. Supervisor Hartmann moved to approve the remaining items, which was seconded. The matter carried unanimously.
General Public Comment
- Sixteen members of the public spoke during the general public comment period.
- Todd Wilson: Spoke regarding a closed session item involving the Oasis Community Center and the negotiation of development rights. He argued that the County did not own the development rights for a specific parcel and requested that the Board not continue with the negotiation, supporting attorney Mark Shatillo’s position.
- Andy Caldwell: Spoke on the environmental impact of wind and solar energy projects, arguing that the production of steel for wind turbines and materials for solar panels involves mining and hazardous waste, and that the industry should be held to the same standards as fossil fuels. He referenced the Lompoc Wind Project and the refusal of wind energy projects to sign project labor agreements.
- Ed Kolaski: Spoke regarding a planning dispute involving his home remodel, alleging that the Planning Commission voted against his project without reviewing the paperwork and that subsequent approvals came with increased costs. He expressed frustration with the process and the conduct of board members during the hearing.
- Jennifer Fullerton: Represented TV Santa Barbara (TVSB), highlighting its role as the county’s only public access station, its youth programs, and its support for local nonprofits. She thanked the Board for their support.
- Randy Dean-Strong: Spoke on various topics including vaccinations, renewable energy, indigenous rights, and conspiracy theories regarding government and corporate entities. He urged the Board to stop fluoridating water and remove 5G technology.
- Dr. Cindy Sinclair: Spoke in support of TV Santa Barbara, noting its role in providing free airtime to over 1,000 nonprofits in the county and its importance in community advocacy.
- Pastor Chuck Reed: Spoke in support of TV Santa Barbara, sharing his personal experience of being featured on the station and its role in sharing stories of community members, including those experiencing homelessness.
- Erika Schweitzer: A staff producer at TV Santa Barbara, she spoke about the station’s mission to help people create media that matters, its work with nonprofits for advocacy and fundraising, and its role in giving voice to underrepresented populations.
- Hibah Hamden: Spoke in support of TV Santa Barbara, sharing her personal story of finding community and employment through the station after moving to Santa Barbara. She highlighted the variety of programming and the station’s role in supporting mental health and community connection.
- Gary Dobbins: Spoke in support of TV Santa Barbara, detailing his 30-year involvement with the station and its contributions to the community, including shows on agriculture, health, and local events.
- Hap Freund: Discussed his background in public media and argued that the County should support public and educational access channels, noting that the County currently allocates no funds from the state cable TV franchise to this purpose. He referenced a closed session item involving a lawsuit regarding the Santa Barbara Fund for Public and Educational Access and urged the Board to use endowment funds for their intended beneficiary to avoid costly litigation.
- Eric Davis: Executive Director of TVSB, outlined the organization’s services, including media literacy camps, equipment lending, Spanish-language broadcasting, and coverage of local events. He cited partnerships with the Cities of Goleta, Carpinteria, and Santa Barbara and requested a long-term partnership with the County. Supervisor Hartmann asked about the geographic reach, and Davis stated it covers the Cox Cable area, serving approximately 40,000 to 50,000 people on channels 17 and 71.
- Tracy Beard: A board member of the organization, highlighted the importance of public access communication, social media education for children, and the organization’s availability. She urged the Board to view itself as a steward of the funding and to support the partnership.
- Mark Nelson: Spoke about the value of freedom of speech and community voice, noting his 24-year history with the organization as an intern and staff member. He described TVSB as an irreplaceable community asset.
- Rebecca Brand: A content producer, discussed the organization’s expansion into multiple digital platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) to reach "cord cutters" and its potential utility for disaster broadcasting.
- Donna Reeves: A development consultant, emphasized TVSB’s vocational training programs for teens, noting that these provide skills in media production that are no longer widely available in school systems.
- Oscar Gutierrez: A City Council Member, spoke as a citizen and advocate for free speech. He described his personal history with TVSB, its role in providing a voice for Spanish speakers, and its training of journalists who have gone on to work for major news networks.
- Dorothy Dent: Commented on Channel 17 and Independent Living Resources. She then shifted to a discussion regarding the Santa Barbara probate system, alleging that healthy elders are being illegally removed from their homes, confined, and medicated against their will. She called for an end to these practices, which she characterized as violations of state probate law and individual rights.
Departmental Item 1: 2020 Commission and Committee Appointments
- The Board considered recommendations regarding appointments to various boards, commissions, and committees. The Clerk presented three attachments: a list of all boards/commissions, current appointments, and appointments organized by Supervisor.
- The Board reviewed each appointment individually to determine if current members wished to continue serving or if changes were desired. The following appointments were confirmed or adjusted based on Supervisor preferences:
- Behavioral Wellness Commission: Chair Hart continued as regular member.
- Area Agency on Aging: Supervisor Lavagnino continued.
- Library Advisory Committee: Supervisor Williams continued.
- Community Action Commission: Supervisor Lavagnino continued as regular member; Supervisor Hartmann continued as alternate.
- SenCal Health: Supervisor Hartmann continued as regular member.
- BEACON (Beach Erosion Authority): Chair Hart and Supervisor Williams continued as regular members; Supervisor Hartmann continued as alternate.
- Law Library Board of Trustees: Supervisor Hartmann continued.
- Kids Network Policy Council: Supervisor Hartmann continued as Chair; Supervisor Adams continued as Vice-Chair.
- Legislative Program Committee: Supervisor Williams and Supervisor Hartmann continued.
- Debt Advisory Committee: Supervisor Adams continued as regular member; Supervisor Lavagnino continued as alternate.
- Adult and Aging Network: Supervisor Williams continued as Chair; Supervisor Hartmann continued as Co-Chair.
- Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council: Supervisor Adams continued as North County member; Chair Hart continued as South County member.
- First Five Children and Families Commission: Supervisor Williams continued as regular member; Supervisor Hartmann continued as alternate.
- Multi-Jurisdictional Solid Waste Task Force: Supervisor Hartmann and Supervisor Williams continued.
- Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee: Supervisor Hartmann and Supervisor Williams continued.
- National Association of Counties (NACO): Supervisor Lavagnino continued as regular member; Supervisor Williams continued as alternate.
- California State Association of Counties: Supervisor Williams continued as regular member; Supervisor Adams continued as alternate.
- Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Board: Supervisor Lavagnino continued.
- Community Corrections Partnership: Supervisor Hartmann continued.
- Psychiatric Health Facility Governing Board: Supervisor Williams continued as regular member; Chair Hart continued as alternate.
- Child Care Planning Council: Chair Hart continued.
- Funders Collaborative of Home for Good: Supervisor Williams and Supervisor Lavagnino continued.
- Elected Officials Committee on Regional Homelessness Solutions: Supervisor Hartmann and Chair Hart continued.
- No public comment was requested for this item. Supervisor Hartmann moved to make the appointments as discussed. The motion was seconded. The matter carried unanimously.
Departmental Item 2: KPMG Operational and Performance Review (County Executive Office)
- The Board heard a presentation regarding the KPMG operational and performance review of the County Executive Office, part of the Renew 22 initiative.
- Context: The County selected KPMG in May 2019 to conduct evaluations of departments to improve efficiency and service. The CEO’s Office was the first to undergo review. The review is described as a management and operational audit, not a financial audit.
- Methodology: KPMG conducted over 30 interviews, analyzed data and policies, administered an internal customer survey (46 responses), and performed a benchmark review against eight other counties.
- Commendations: KPMG highlighted the Renew 22 initiative, the structure of Assistant County Executives (ACEOs) managing functional groups, the working relationship with the Board, fiscal management (including FEMA recovery), and the awareness of the need for technology integration.
- Enterprise Enablement Recommendations:
- 1. Countywide Strategy and Performance Management: Establish externally facing strategic priorities and tie them to a performance management framework with measurable outcomes. 2. Enhanced Budget Monitoring and Forecasting: Shift focus from quarterly to monthly tracking and improve five-year forecasting to allow for proactive management. 3. Coordination Structure for Functional Group Management: Implement regular "all-hands" meetings for departments under each ACEO to address cross-departmental issues and shared challenges. 4. Assessment and Prioritization of Strategic Initiatives: Create a formalized intake and triage process to manage competing strategic initiatives and identify interdependencies. 5. Strategic Communication Plan: Implement a structured communication plan to ensure timely information sharing with internal staff and residents, particularly regarding disaster response and Renew 22 updates.
- Office Enablement Recommendations:
- 1. Alignment of Roles and Activities: Review position activities to ensure staff are operating at the appropriate level and to support ACEOs in strategic work. 2. Succession Planning: Identify high-performing individuals for career development and document processes to retain institutional knowledge. 3. Internal Communication: Improve the flow of information between analysts and ACEOs. 4. Technology Integration: Implement a paperless office and a document management system (e.g., SharePoint) to improve efficiency. 5. Structured Project Management: Define roles clearly so the CEO’s Office acts as a governance board rather than a direct project manager for all strategic initiatives.
- Program-Level Recommendations:
- Clerk of the Board: Implement structured plans for technology rollouts and identify opportunities for automation.
- Office of Emergency Management: Leverage resources from other county departments (e.g., Sheriff, Fire) to support planning and lifecycle activities.
- Risk Management: Clarify the vision and scope of the risk management function to align with Board expectations and ensure appropriate staffing/tools.
- Budget and Research: Enhance integration with departments in budgeting/forecasting and focus on monthly/quarterly performance metrics.
Discussion
- Supervisor Lavagnino asked how the process would proceed for future departments. Staff explained that draft reports are circulated to departments, implementation plans are developed, and then the final report and plan are presented to the Board. Supervisor Lavagnino asked for clarification on the functional group structure, noting a discrepancy between the commendation of the structure and the finding of a lack of alignment. KPMG clarified that while the structure is sound, the implementation requires more structured, ongoing discussions and alignment with the County’s strategic vision, which is currently lacking.
Agenda Item: KPMG Implementation Plan and Office of the County Executive Updates
- The County Executive presented an implementation timeline for recommendations derived from a KPMG assessment. Key points included:
- Performance Management: A framework for countywide strategy and performance management is planned for presentation to the Board by Fall 2020, with adoption targeted for Spring 2021. This timing follows the completion of the budget process.
- Initiative Prioritization: A process to assess and prioritize initiatives is to be formalized by Summer 2020, involving Board input and departmental communication.
- Budget Monitoring: The team is continuing work on budget monitoring and forecasting, including a Business Needs Assessment (BANA) project to evaluate enterprise resource systems.
- Organizational Structure: Due to staff turnover, the office is evaluating the roles of Assistant County Executive Officers (ACOs) relative to departments and the Board.
- Strategic Communications: The office is reviewing roles and seeking an intern to assist with the strategic communications plan.
- Operational Efficiency: Recommendations for efficiency include succession planning, internal communications improvements, and a transition to a paperless agenda process, which is currently in pilot with one department and the Clerk of the Board. Cannabis license processing is being digitized.
- Office of Emergency Management (OEM): The County Executive stated that a decision regarding the appropriate placement of the OEM requires Board input before proceeding.
- Personnel: The County Executive acknowledged Matt Pontus, who is leaving his position as Assistant County Executive Officer, with his last day being Friday.
- Board members provided comments:
- One Supervisor expressed support for the prioritization of efforts and the re-examination of current activities.
- Another Supervisor noted the value of benchmarking against other counties and expressed anticipation for the upcoming discussion on the county’s future organizational goals.
- The Chair acknowledged the expertise brought by KPMG and the initiative to bring in external assessment.
- No motion was made or vote taken on this item. It was received as information.
Agenda Item: Departmental Item No. 3 – Social Services Child Welfare Services 2019 Annual Update
- The Clerk of the Board read the item, identifying it as a hearing to consider recommendations regarding the Child Welfare Services 2019 annual update. Deputy Director Amy Krueger presented the report, covering the following areas:
- Caseload Data: There has been a steep increase in in-person child welfare investigations, reaching 4,164 in calendar year 2019, close to projections. The number of open cases has reversed a previous decline trend, with approximately 550 open cases. The number of children in foster care has increased from a low of 327 in 2018 to 396 currently.
- Placement and Siblings: The average time in care remains stable at 13.8 months. Placements with relatives and non-relative extended family members are increasing. For children under 18, 41% are placed with relatives. The percentage of sibling sets placed together has increased from 39% in July 2016 to 64% in July 2019.
- California Child and Family Services Review (CFSR): The county consistently exceeds federal standards for safety measures (maltreatment in foster care and recurrence of maltreatment). While the 12-month permanency standard has not been met, the county meets standards for 12–23 month and 24+ month permanency periods. The county has met the federal standard for placement stability for the first time in the fourth quarter reporting period. The county ranks in the top 10% of counties for timely investigations and timely social worker visits.
- System Improvement Plan (SIP) Focus Areas:
- 1. Permanency Within 12 Months: Strategies include improved visitation quality, expansion of the Intensive Family Services program, and increased Child and Family Team meetings. The Family Unification Program (FUP) has secured housing for 85 families/youth as of the most recent update, utilizing 74 new countywide vouchers received in January 2019. 2. Placement Stability: Strategies include the "Villages" peer support program for resource families, the Child Care Bridge Program (serving 26 families/34 children in 2018-19), respite care reimbursement, and a new Resource Family Support Specialist Program implemented in July 2019. 3. Workforce Wellness: Focuses on addressing secondary traumatic stress (STS) and burnout. Attrition rates dropped from 13.5% in FY 17-18 to 11% in FY 18-19. Initiatives include the "Restore and Flourish Together" (RAFT) sessions, the ACTS project with the Chadwick Center, and a workforce wellness team.
- Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC): The county is in its fifth year of implementation. Referrals increased from 73 in 2018 to 239 in 2019. New specialized placements include the STRTP program (6 beds) and Hope Refuge (provisionally approved, staffing up). Collaboration with law enforcement and community partners continues.
- Continuum of Care Reform (CCR): The county is limiting congregate care; youth in group homes decreased from 45 in January 2015 to 5 currently. One group home has transitioned to STRTP status. Efforts to increase home-based care capacity include the "Our County, Our Kids" (OCOK) media campaign and the "Fostering Love" outreach. The number of county resource families increased by 99% from 2017 to 2019.
- Prevention: The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) allows federal reimbursement for mental health, substance use, and parenting skills training for families at risk of entering foster care. The county was selected for a prevention summit by the California Department of Social Services in January 2019. An action plan includes shared learning opportunities, a prevention message for the 2020 Child Abuse Campaign, and a community-level data analysis focusing initially on Lompoc due to increased reports.
Questions and Discussion
- A Supervisor asked about the relationship between new facility capacity and program success for CSEC. The presenter stated that while capacity is available, placement depends on the specific needs of each youth, and local providers often have beds filled by out-of-county youth.
- A Supervisor asked about the drivers for the increase in caseloads and foster care entries. The presenter stated no single factor has been identified, but general neglect (including substance abuse, mental health, and domestic violence) is the largest referral source. The Lompoc area shows the biggest increase, prompting the focused data analysis.
- A Supervisor asked for clarification on FFPSA eligibility. The presenter clarified that eligibility is for children/caregivers who are candidates for foster care, and the act provides federal funding for specific services (substance abuse, mental health, parenting skills) that were previously funded by other sources. It is not a general expansion of services for all Medi-Cal ineligible individuals, but a funding mechanism for specific prevention services for those at risk of entering care.
Motion and Vote
- A motion was made to receive and file the report.
- The motion was seconded.
- The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item: Staff Report on Child Welfare and Prevention Services
- Discussion: A staff member presented an update on the state’s status regarding the opt-in process for federal prevention services under the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA). The staff noted that the state has until October 2021 to opt in and must meet specific requirements, including the QRTP, before accessing these funds. The presentation highlighted that current federal prevention funding is limited to youth already determined to be candidates for foster care, which staff described as a high threshold. Staff outlined local efforts to leverage existing funding sources, such as RAID, and coordinate with the Child Welfare Director’s Prevention Cabinet to provide earlier interventions. Staff also emphasized the priority of supporting workforce well-being to maintain service quality.
- Public Comment: Board members and staff exchanged remarks regarding the challenges of upstream prevention funding and the importance of staff support. One board member noted the difficulty of the work and the need for comprehensive support systems. Another board member referenced a recent ride-along experience with staff, noting the professionalism observed.
- Motion: A motion was made to accept the staff recommendation.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
Closed Session
- Agenda: The board entered closed session to consider four matters:
- 1. Existing litigation: Santa Barbara Coalition for Responsible Cannabis v. County of Santa Barbara. 2. Existing litigation regarding the public and educational capital endowment concerning the Santa Barbara fund for public and educational access. 3. Real property negotiations for parcels in the Old Town Orchard area (South Point Estates and Clark Avenue) and at 775 East Clark Avenue in Orcutt. 4. Conference with labor negotiators for the Civil Attorneys Association, Deputy District Attorney’s Association, Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Service Employees International Union Local 620, and unrepresented employees and managers.
- Report: Upon reconvening, the County Counsel reported that the board considered the four listed matters. No reportable actions were taken.
- Adjournment: The board adjourned the meeting, with the next session scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, 2020, in Santa Maria.