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
Disaster Preparedness Presentation
- Abe Powell of the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade presented data on increasing wildfire frequency and the disaster response cycle.
- The presentation highlighted the organization's mission to build community resilience through training and neighbor-to-neighbor assistance.
- Board members acknowledged the Brigade's contributions to debris removal and social capacity building in the San Ynez Valley.
Agenda Announcements
- The Clerk announced an addendum to the closed session agenda regarding anticipated and existing litigation.
- The order of administrative resolutions was changed to consider Item A2 first, followed by A1 and A3.
- A request was made to postpone the hearing for the Santa Barbara West Coast Farms Cannabis Cultivation Project to March 24, 2020.
Resolution Honoring Brandon Jebbins
- The board adopted a resolution honoring Supervising Deputy District Attorney Brandon Jebbins for his service.
- District Attorney Joyce Dudley and colleagues spoke about Jebbins' dedication, mentorship, and impact on the community.
- Jebbins' wife, Adriana, expressed gratitude and committed to continuing his legacy.
Resolution Honoring Deborah Beach
- The board adopted a resolution honoring Deborah Beach for her 36 years of service in the Human Resources Department.
- HR Director Maria Elena presented 36 yellow roses to symbolize friendship and recognized Beach's role in implementing early online application systems.
- Beach credited her team and ICT staff for technological advancements and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
Arbor Day Proclamation
- The board adopted a resolution proclaiming March 7, 2020, as Arbor Day in Santa Barbara County.
- The resolution cited the county's agricultural history and the value of urban forests in local cities.
- Public Works representative Udi Loza praised the professionalism of county crews and contractors in tree maintenance.
Administrative Agenda Approval
- The board approved the remaining administrative agenda, including a resolution seeking a state waiver for Medi-Cal reimbursement in IMD facilities.
- Staff explained the Cold Springs Debris Basin expansion project, noting it is the first structural improvement in Montecito with permits and funding in place.
- Public commenters supported the Randall Road Debris Basin projects, describing them as successful public-private partnerships for resilience.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items
- Todd Wilson of Friends of Keyside 18 disputed development rights and ownership claims regarding a negotiation with Oasis Inc.
- Another speaker raised concerns about a previous architectural review decision and requested changes to board processes.
- Ren Strong spoke on 5G technology, military microwave radiation, and local food production.
Electric Vehicle Progress Update and Funding
- General Services presented a plan to purchase 56 Chevy Bolt vehicles and install 71 charging stations across county facilities.
- The board authorized the purchase of charging equipment from PowerFlex Systems and allocated funds from general fund contingencies.
- Staff confirmed that maintenance cost savings are anticipated and that training for maintenance staff has already begun.
- The board approved the staff recommendation to proceed with the EV project and associated funding.
Renew 2022 Update
- The County Executive Office presented an update on the organizational transformation initiative, highlighting 107 supporting initiatives.
- Staff reported that 27 initiatives are completed and 62% are progressing as planned, with specific focus on systemic and cultural change.
- The board discussed the importance of employee engagement and balancing risk aversion with effective constituent service.
- The board unanimously approved the item and the continued investment in the initiative.
KPMG Review of General Services
- KPMG presented findings from an operational review of the General Services Department, focusing on best practices and process improvements.
- Recommendations included enhancing budget alignment, developing countywide purchasing policies, and establishing service level expectations.
- Specific division recommendations addressed capital projects prioritization, ICT standardization, and fleet telematics implementation.
- The board unanimously approved the staff recommendation to implement the review's findings.
Closed Session
- The board considered existing and anticipated litigation, including matters involving Sopani Group and Rosser International.
- Labor relations conferences were held with the Deputy District Attorneys Association, Engineers and Technicians Association, and Deputy Sheriff’s Association.
- The arbitrated grievance concerning Mary Hornell was continued to open session action until March 10, 2020.
Full summary
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
- The meeting was called to order, the roll was called, and the board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
- Item: Approval of the minutes of the February 11, 2020 meeting.
- Action: A motion to approve was made and seconded.
- Outcome: Passed unanimously.
CEO Report
- Item: CEO Report.
- Discussion: The CEO reported there was no report for this session.
Public Comment: Disaster Preparedness and Response
- Item: Presentation by Abe Powell, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade.
- Discussion: Powell presented data on increasing wildfire and disaster frequency in Santa Barbara County and California. He outlined the disaster cycle (prevention, preparedness, response, recovery) and the concept of "local response capacity." He described the Bucket Brigade’s mission to build community resilience through training, coordination, and deployment, citing examples of neighbor-to-neighbor assistance during the Thomas Fire and debris flows.
- Board Comments:
- Supervisor Williams thanked the Bucket Brigade for partnerships on debris removal and pedestrian improvements.
- Supervisor Hartman noted her service on the Fire Safe Council Board and highlighted the Bucket Brigade’s work in the San Ynez Valley to build social capacity and reclaim rights of way.
- Chair Hart thanked Powell for the presentation.
Agenda Announcements
- Item: Clerk’s announcements regarding agenda changes.
- Discussion: The Clerk announced three items:
- 1. An addendum to the closed session agenda regarding anticipated litigation (increasing from one to two cases) and existing litigation concerning a grievance involving an Engineering Technician Specialist (Case No. ARB 18-0159). 2. A change in the order of administrative resolutions: Item A2 will be considered first, followed by A1, then A3. 3. A memorandum from Planning and Development requesting to change the hearing date for Administrative Item 34 (Appeal Case No. 19 APL 36, Santa Barbara West Coast Farms Cannabis Cultivation Project) from March 10, 2020, to March 24, 2020.
Administrative Resolutions (A1–A3)
- Item: Motion to approve Administrative Items A1 through A3.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded.
- Outcome: Passed unanimously. The board then proceeded to consider the items individually in the order A2, A1, and A3.
Administrative Item A2: Resolution Honoring Brandon Jebbins
- Item: Adoption of a resolution honoring Supervising Deputy District Attorney Brandon Jebbins for his service.
- Discussion:
- The Clerk read the resolution, noting Jebbins joined the DA’s office in 2006 and was promoted to Supervising Deputy District Attorney.
- District Attorney Joyce Dudley spoke, asking staff to stand in solidarity. She described Jebbins as a dedicated prosecutor and mentor, and expressed gratitude to his wife, Adriana, and daughters.
- Mai True, a former colleague, spoke about Jebbins’ character and impact on the community.
- Adriana Jebbins thanked the board and expressed her commitment to continuing her husband’s legacy.
- Supervisor Lavinino thanked the DA’s office and expressed appreciation for Jebbins’ dedication to his profession and family.
- Outcome: The resolution was adopted as part of the unanimous vote on A1–A3.
Administrative Item A1: Resolution Honoring Deborah Beach
- Item: Adoption of a resolution honoring Deborah Beach upon her retirement from the Human Resources Department after 36 years of service.
- Discussion:
- The Clerk read the resolution, highlighting Beach’s role in transitioning HR to automated processes, including implementing one of the first online application systems in California in 1999.
- Maria Elena (HR Director) presented 36 yellow roses to Beach, symbolizing friendship. She noted Beach’s contributions to technology and process improvements.
- Deborah Beach thanked the board and colleagues, credited the ICT staff and her team for the online application system, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve. She mentioned plans to continue supporting community organizations through her jewelry sales.
- Outcome: The resolution was adopted as part of the unanimous vote on A1–A3.
Administrative Item A3: Arbor Day Proclamation
- Item: Adoption of a resolution proclaiming March 7, 2020, as Arbor Day in Santa Barbara County.
- Discussion:
- The Clerk read the resolution, citing the county’s agricultural history, the value of urban forests, and the participation of local cities in the Tree City USA program.
- Udi Loza from Public Works thanked the board and praised the professionalism of county crews and contractors in tree maintenance.
- Outcome: The resolution was adopted as part of the unanimous vote on A1–A3.
Administrative Agenda Approval and Public Comment
- Item: Approval of the remaining administrative agenda.
- Discussion:
- The Chair asked if any board members or members of the public requested to pull items.
- Item A6 (Behavioral Wellness): Jan Winter, a member of the Behavioral Wellness Commission and NAMI, spoke in support of a resolution seeking a state waiver from the Institutions of Mental Disease (IMD) exclusion. She explained that gaining Medi-Cal reimbursement for treatment in IMD facilities would provide needed revenue, allow for expansion of local beds (e.g., PUF, Lompoc Valley Medical Center, Santa Maria facility), and enable patients to be treated closer to home. Supervisor Williams supported the item, noting previous successful use of local beds and fiscal benefits. Chair Hart agreed that the county should support the state’s request for the waiver.
- Item A17 (Public Works/Flood Control): Supervisor Williams requested staff to explain the Cold Springs Debris Basin expansion project. Staff explained that this project is the first of several structural improvements in Montecito, chosen because it is on existing county property with permits and funding already in place. They noted plans to avoid overlapping construction with the Randall Road project (anticipated summer 2021). Curtis Skeen, representing the nonprofit Renewed SB, spoke about the community’s role in identifying the need for the Randall Road project and the subsequent watershed study. He thanked FEMA and county officials for securing funding.
- Item A18 (Public Works/Flood Control): Abe Powell spoke in support of the Randall Road Debris Basin and related modification projects. He described the effort as a successful public-private partnership between the community, county agencies, and FEMA, highlighting the collaborative approach to resilience.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the administrative agenda.
- Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items
- Item: Todd Wilson, representing Friends of Keyside 18, spoke regarding the negotiation of price and terms with Oasis Inc.
- Discussion: Wilson referenced a letter from an attorney representing the group, stating they support the attorney’s recommendations. He alleged that one of the APNs in the negotiation belongs to the HOA at South Point Estates and that development rights were not owned by the County. He claimed the applicant received lots as a gift and that the individual who gifted them acquired parcels through adverse possession based on property taxes and maintenance fees, which he disputed by citing tax rolls showing no taxable value and maintenance obligations being HOA mitigation measures.
- Outcome: The Chair ended Wilson’s time. The Clerk indicated the next speaker would be Ed Kolaski, followed by Ren Strong, but the transcript ends before their comments are recorded.
Public Comment (Continuation)
- Speaker 16: Presented concerns regarding a previous architectural review decision, alleging that the project was denied based on a ruling that it was "solely over the garage" in violation of guideline 4.7. The speaker claimed they were not permitted to present drawings to the full board, were limited to two minutes of speaking time, and experienced interactions with security personnel. The speaker requested changes to the board’s processes.
- Ren Strong: Spoke regarding 5G technology, military microwave radiation, and local food production. The speaker referenced various topics including climate geoengineering, the coronavirus, and the use of National Guard armories for community centers. The speaker expressed opposition to 5G microcells and advocated for local food growth and land restoration.
Departmental Item 1: Electric Vehicle Progress Update and Request for Funding
- Presentation: General Services presented an update on the county’s electric vehicle (EV) project, following a March 2019 board directive to replace non-public safety sedans with EVs. The presentation outlined the purchase of 56 Chevy Bolt vehicles (50 for the motor pool, 6 department-assigned) from Rio Vista Chevrolet at a bid price of $29,500 per vehicle, with an estimated average rebate of $2,300.
- Recommendations:
- 1. Authorize the purchase of charging equipment from PowerFlex Systems (68 Level 2 chargers and 3 DC fast chargers). PowerFlex will own the low carbon fuel credits generated by the chargers for five years in lieu of cash payment. 2. Allocate $698,000 from general fund contingencies for the installation of the 71 chargers at locations including the Admin parking lot and Cal UREL campus. 3. Allocate $52,808 from general fund contingencies to match a $148,000 grant from the Air Pollution Control District (APCD) for 16 chargers at the Lompoc campus. 4. Authorize the Chair to execute the APCD grant agreement. 5. Find the project exempt from CEQA.
- Discussion:
- Supervisor Lavagnino inquired about priority charging for county employees versus the public, monitoring methods, and potential fees. Staff indicated that rate structures and parking fees for non-fleet vehicles are still under exploration.
- Supervisor Lavagnino asked about alternative funding sources for the contingency allocation. The CEO’s office recommended using the contingency fund, which currently holds $3.7 million, to allow for immediate action.
- Supervisor Hartmann asked about the range of the Chevy Bolt (approx. 259 miles) and whether maintenance cost savings were factored into the analysis. Staff confirmed that savings from reduced maintenance (fewer moving parts) are anticipated and will be passed to departments.
- Supervisor Williams confirmed that all purchased vehicles include high-speed charging ports and noted the benefits of the vehicle’s range for county travel.
- Supervisor Lavagnino asked about training for maintenance staff. Staff reported that training has already begun, including hiring an employee with specific Bolt experience.
- The Chair requested that staff track and report annual operating expenses and savings to provide a total cost-of-ownership picture.
- Public Comment:
- Andy Caldwell: Representing CoLab, the speaker questioned the urgency of the EV purchase given the county’s pension crisis and road deficit. The speaker argued that the purchase was "virtue signaling," criticized the disposal of vehicles at 100,000 miles, and raised concerns about the environmental impact of battery mining, hazardous waste disposal, and the non-renewable sources of electricity.
- Ren Strong: The speaker agreed with the characterization of "greenwashing" and discussed alternative energy concepts, including water-cell technology and 5G concerns.
- Supervisor Williams: Noted that the secondary lease market offers affordable, low-mileage EVs and suggested the county consider this option for future purchases.
- Motion and Vote:
- Supervisor Hart moved to approve the staff recommendation.
- The motion was seconded.
- Vote Outcome: Passed. (One abstention; no negative votes recorded in the transcript segment).
Departmental Item 2: Renew 2022 Update
- Presentation: The County Executive Office presented an update on the "Renew 2022" organizational transformation initiative. The presentation covered the initiative’s origins in the 2015 Organizational Strategic Plan and the 2016 Rebalance Initiative. Key components included:
- Strategic Pause (2019): A review that identified three priority focus areas: systemic change (defining success and clear direction), culture change (transformative behaviors), and organizational framework enhancements.
- Big Picture Goals: Development of countywide goals, such as enhancing financial resiliency by 1% of total base budget annually starting June 2021.
- Transformative Behaviors: Defined behaviors including collaborative problem solving, alignment with vision, data for decision making, risk taking, and strategic thinking.
- Organizational Framework: Establishment of a Renew 2022 Executive Sponsor, enhanced engagement of department heads, and the creation of a Transformation Task Force.
- Progress: 107 supporting initiatives identified; 27 completed; 62% progressing as planned. Specific initiatives highlighted included the Agricultural Commissioner’s Strategic Plan, Public Works’ Vision 5.0, Leadership Certificate Pilot Program, and the rollout of the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System.
- Budget: $815,000 allocated in 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 to support implementation, including KPMG departmental reviews, Leadership Certificate Program, PEAK training, and Cascade software deployment.
- Discussion:
- Supervisor Hartmann asked why the Agricultural Commissioner and Public Works were specifically highlighted and if other departments would follow. Staff explained that these departments completed their alignment work this year, while General Services and Human Resources had done similar work the previous year. Staff anticipated that other departments, such as Public Health, are currently undergoing similar alignment processes.
- Supervisors and staff discussed the initiative’s focus on organizational structure, communication, and strategic collaboration in areas such as criminal justice and behavioral health. Staff explained that the initiative aims to create a common language and shared understanding across the organization to replicate successful cross-departmental collaborations.
- Supervisors discussed the importance of employee engagement, noting that while 25% of the workforce has been reached, continued outreach is necessary to ensure the change is perceived as bottom-up rather than top-down.
- The discussion also touched on the need to balance risk aversion with the risk of not serving constituents effectively. Staff emphasized that the initiative is a long-term process requiring continued investment and measurement of progress.
- Motion and Vote:
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the item.
- Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 3: KPMG Operational and Performance Review of the General Services Department
- Presentation: Staff and KPMG presented the findings of an operational and performance review of the General Services Department, which includes 118 FTEs and a $52.5 million budget. The review, part of a four-year plan to assess all county departments, focused on best practices, process improvements, and data utilization rather than financial auditing or budget cuts.
- KPMG Recommendations:
- Enterprise-Level:
- 1. Budget Alignment: Enhance budgetary performance tracking to align divisional plans with annual priorities and the strategic plan. 2. Policy and Procedure: Develop specific guidance for countywide purchasing, facilities maintenance, and other functions, including mechanisms to test adherence. 3. Workload Assessment: Better assess workload across divisions to address skill gaps, retention, and recruitment, particularly in specialized areas like radio repair and capital projects. 4. Service Level Expectations: Establish and measure response and resolution times for internal customers, along with broader metrics for volume, quality, cost, and satisfaction. 5. Technology Utilization: Fully leverage existing technology platforms to reduce paper, improve data entry, and monitor workload and staffing needs.
- Division-Specific:
- Capital Projects: Adopt a formal prioritization framework for the $620 million five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which is approximately $150 million higher than benchmark counties. Recommendations include defining CIP project criteria, prioritizing based on strategy and risk, and establishing a governance structure for monitoring.
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT): Implement a sequenced approach to standardize ICT services. This includes assessing readiness for core infrastructure upgrades, reviewing the service delivery model to move toward a hybrid centralized/decentralized structure, and potentially establishing ICT as a standalone department within three to five years. KPMG noted that 7 of 8 benchmark counties have standalone ICT departments.
- Facilities: Develop a prioritization model for asset maintenance and investment to address the $91 million deferred maintenance liability. Recommendations include scoring assets based on criticality and risk, and creating a plan to prioritize preventative maintenance (currently 22% of requests) to prevent liability growth.
- Fleet: Implement telematics across the fleet to improve fuel cost management, vehicle utilization, and maintenance tracking, particularly as the fleet moves toward electrification.
- Purchasing: Standardize countywide purchasing policies and procedures to ensure consistent application, reduce procurement law violations, and improve efficiencies through consolidation.
- Real Property: Develop a strategy for asset management and land ownership, including options for owned versus leased space, consolidation, and potential monetization of assets.
- Staff Response: General Services staff outlined plans to align budgeting methodologies, consolidate downtown divisions, develop countywide policies, identify workforce skill gaps, and implement service level agreements. Staff confirmed they are working on a life cycle asset model, ICT workload analysis, and telematics implementation, noting that the latter will require meet-and-confer sessions with the union.
- Discussion: Supervisors asked questions regarding the relationship between energy and facilities divisions, the potential for controversy regarding telematics, and the funding implications of capital improvements. Staff clarified that telematics is intended to track assets rather than employees and that the review process aims to provide precise data for future budget discussions.
- Motion and Vote:
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the staff recommendation.
- Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Closed Session Agenda and Public Comment
- Item: Clerk’s outline of the upcoming closed session agenda.
- Discussion: The Clerk outlined the agenda for the upcoming closed session, which includes existing litigation (Sopani Group v. County of Santa Barbara; County of Santa Barbara v. Rossler International), anticipated litigation, a decision on whether to initiate litigation, a conference with real property negotiators regarding parcels near 775 East Clark Avenue, and labor relations matters involving the Deputy District Attorney’s Association, Engineers and Technicians Association, and Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. One labor relations item involves an arbitration decision regarding a grievance filed by Mary Hornalis.
- Public Comment: Brooke Storm, an attorney representing the Engineers and Technicians Association, requested a continuance of the item concerning Mary Hornalis’s grievance to the next meeting on March 10 to allow for further public comment or written submission. She noted that the grievance related to the vacation reciprocity provision in the Memorandum of Understanding and had been arbitrated in November 2019.
- Motion: A Supervisor moved to postpone the item to March 10. The Clerk provided context, stating that the arbitrator’s decision ruled in favor of the county, but the county believes there is no significant legal risk to continuing the matter to allow the employee additional time to provide input.
Continuation of Matter Regarding Mary Hornell
- Item: Request to extend the 40-day clock related to the matter involving Mary Hornell until March 10, 2020.
- Discussion: The board discussed the request to prevent disadvantage to the individual.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to continue the clock until that date.
- Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Closed Session Report
- Item: Report from closed session.
- Discussion: Upon returning from recess, the Chair reported that the board considered two matters of existing litigation: Sobani Group v. County of Santa Barbara and County of Santa Barbara v. Rosser International. The board also considered two matters of anticipated litigation: a decision on whether to initiate civil litigation regarding a real property negotiation concerning parcels near 775 East Clark Street in Orcutt, and conferences with labor negotiators for the Deputy District Attorneys Association, Engineers and Technicians Association, and Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. Additionally, the board considered the arbitrated grievance concerning Mary Hornell, which was continued to open session action until March 10, 2020. The report stated there were no other reportable items.
Adjournment
- The board adjourned the meeting, with the next session scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2020, in Santa Barbara.