Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Food Bank of Santa Barbara County Presentation
- The Food Bank CEO detailed the "Safe Safety Net" program, which includes 50 distribution points and two new temporary warehouses.
- The organization is seeking long-term warehouse space in South County and National Guard assistance for distribution.
- A direct-to-door food distribution initiative is being developed for isolated seniors.
Agenda Changes and Administrative Approvals
- An additional closed session item regarding existing litigation was added to the agenda.
- The appeal of the Santa Barbara West Coast Farms Cannabis Cultivation Project was continued to the April 21 meeting.
- In-person public participation was suspended in accordance with Governor’s Executive Order N-3320.
- The board approved the balance of the administrative agenda, including letters regarding cannabis compliance.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Update
- Staff reported 19 confirmed cases and approximately 493 tests conducted, with rapid testing expected within 7–10 days.
- The Emergency Operations Center is active with task forces focused on flattening the curve and protecting healthcare workers.
- Masks are in short supply and are being reserved for healthcare workers and symptomatic individuals.
- Outreach efforts are underway for vulnerable populations, supported by a community call center and wellness line.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response and Fiscal Impact
- Staff identified increased response costs and revenue losses as primary fiscal impacts, with an estimated $3 million loss in general fund revenues through June.
- The Treasurer noted the county lacks authority to move the April 10 tax delinquency date but can waive penalties.
- The County Attorney explained that closing county offices prior to the delinquency date effectively extends the deadline.
- The board received and filed the presentation regarding internal operational impacts and emergency sheltering updates.
Long Range Planning Division Work Program
- Staff presented the 2020-2023 work program, estimating a total workload of 13 FTEs compared to current staffing of 11 FTEs.
- Supervisors discussed the financial implications of adding staff versus maintaining current levels during economic uncertainty.
- Staff recommended prioritizing the completion of existing projects and avoiding delays to mandated or grant-funded work.
- The board moved to receive and file the report, with discussions regarding the substitution of FTEs with consulting contracts.
Urgency Ordinance to Temporarily Prohibit Evictions
- Staff presented an ordinance to temporarily prohibit evictions in unincorporated areas until May 31, 2020, or the end of the health emergency.
- The ordinance protects renters facing eviction due to coronavirus-related income loss but does not excuse rent payment.
- Supervisors supported the measure to prevent homelessness and protect public health during the pandemic.
- The board adopted the moratorium on evictions by unanimous vote.
Closed Session
- The board considered existing litigation, including Murray v. County of Santa Barbara and Southern California fire cases.
- The board voted unanimously to direct the County Council to pursue a tolling agreement regarding potential civil litigation.
- The board conferred with real property negotiators regarding three specific parcels in Goleta, Orchid Hills, and Santa Maria.
- The board held a conference with labor negotiators for Service Employees International Union Local 620.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Roll Call
- The March 24, 2020, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order. The clerk called the roll, and all five supervisors were present. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
- Supervisor Hartman moved to approve the minutes for the March 24, 2020, meeting, and Supervisor Adam seconded. The motion passed unanimously. A note was recorded that Supervisor Adam abstained from the vote because they were not present at the time of the original meeting.
CEO Report
- CEO Miyasato reported that there was no CEO report for that morning.
Video Presentation: Food Bank of Santa Barbara County
- Chair Hart presented a video produced by the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County regarding disaster preparedness and pandemic response. Eric Talkin, CEO of the Food Bank, detailed the "Safe Safety Net" program, which includes 50 safe food distribution points, drive-through pantries, and two new warehouses in Goleta and Santa Maria. Talkin noted that the Goleta warehouse space is temporary and that the organization is seeking long-term South County space. He also mentioned the need for National Guard assistance and the development of a direct-to-door food distribution initiative for isolated seniors. Supervisor Hartman asked if the warehouse space was permanent; Chair Hart clarified that the Goleta space is temporary.
Announcements and Agenda Changes
- The clerk announced several changes to the agenda: 1. An additional closed session item regarding existing litigation (Southern California Fire Cases Judicial Council Coordination Proceeding Case Number 4965, Los Angeles County Superior Court Case Number BC699216) was added. 2. Administrative Item A-21 (Treasurer Tax Collector) regarding the sale of tax-defaulted property via internet auction was withdrawn. 3. A departmental item (Item 4) from Supervisors Williams and Hart was added: a hearing to consider recommendations regarding an urgency ordinance to temporarily prohibit evictions. A forfeits vote is required for this item. 4. In accordance with California Governor’s Executive Order N-3320, in-person public participation is suspended. Alternative methods include email and phone (805-568-7000, ext. 2240). 5. Departmental Item 4 (Planning and Development) regarding the appeal of the Santa Barbara West Coast Farms Cannabis Cultivation Project (Case No. 19 APL 36) was continued to the April 21, 2020, meeting.
- Supervisor Hartman moved to approve all changes to the agenda, including the posted addendums and the request to continue Departmental Item 4. Supervisor Adam seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Administrative Agenda
- Two letters were read into the record regarding Administrative Item 12 (Cannabis Compliance Enforcement and Taxation), expressing concerns about illegal expansion of non-conforming uses and advocating for a complete prohibition of commercial cannabis activities in Exclusive Residential Districts. Supervisor Adam moved to approve the balance of the administrative agenda, and Supervisor Hartman seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)
- A request was made to read an anonymous letter into the record. Supervisor Hartman moved to not accept anonymous comments, citing negative precedent for public discourse, and requested that staff consider incorporating this rule into the board’s operating rules as a future agenda item. Supervisor Adam seconded. The motion to not accept anonymous comments passed unanimously.
- Andy Caldwell, representing COLAB, spoke by phone, suggesting postponing non-urgent agenda items to allow for better public participation and urging the board to hold an emergency hearing on county finances. Chair Hart stated that the board is constrained by the state’s Permit Streamlining Act and the need to prepare for the upcoming fiscal year budget. Supervisor Lavagnino noted that long-range planning is vital for economic development. Supervisor Adam agreed with postponing the long-range plan to allow for better information gathering but emphasized the need to prepare for economic fallout. Supervisor Lavagnino provided an update on the county retirement fund, stating that while the market had declined, the loss was in the 13–15% range rather than the 30–50% predicted by the speaker, and that the impact would be more significant on next year’s budget.
Departmental Item 1: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Update
- Dr. De Reynoso (Public Health), Kelly Hubbard (Emergency Management), and Jeff Rappel (Budget) presented an update.
- Case Counts: As of that morning, there were 19 confirmed cases in Santa Barbara County (9 in South County, 10 in North County). The board discussed the threshold for releasing specific case locations (exceeding 5 cases in a city).
- Testing: Approximately 493 tests had been conducted, with 229 negative results, 245 pending, and 1 inconclusive. Testing is currently reserved for high-risk, vulnerable populations presenting with symptoms. The county is working to increase testing capacity through partnerships with PDL, with rapid testing expected within 7–10 days. The estimated cost per test kit is between $50 and $75.
- Masks/PPE: Masks are in short supply and should be reserved for healthcare workers and symptomatic individuals. The county is managing donations through a rigorous allocation process.
- Emergency Operations: The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is active with task forces focused on flattening the curve, protecting healthcare workers, assisting vulnerable populations, and economic recovery. The Incident Management Assistance Team (IMT 3) has been integrated to support the EOC.
- Outreach: Outreach efforts are underway for grocery workers, Spanish-speaking communities, and other vulnerable groups. A community call center (833-688-5551) and wellness line (888-868-1649) are active.
- Supervisor Hartman asked about mask usage and projections for the peak of infections. Dr. De Reynoso advised reserving masks for healthcare workers and stated that the epidemiology team is developing case projections. Supervisor Adam asked about test inventory and accuracy. Dr. De Reynoso confirmed the county is pursuing additional modules for rapid testing and that the tests are FDA-approved. Supervisor Williams asked about the lower death rate in the U.S. compared to other countries and how to donate PPE. Dr. De Reynoso attributed the difference to time lag and healthcare system differences. Supervisor Hartman asked about outreach to vulnerable populations and how to catalog public inquiries. Staff confirmed outreach campaigns are starting and that call center logs are being maintained. CEO Miyasato noted that Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital is hosting a drive-thru supply collection center and that the county is working with the state to bring in California Conservation Corps volunteers for food distribution support.
Agenda Item: COVID-19 Pandemic Response and Fiscal Impact
- Staff presented an overview of the internal impact of the pandemic on county operations, noting that departments have implemented continuity plans to maintain essential services while protecting employee health. Measures include expanded telework, social distancing protocols, and the closure of most public counters. Staff addressed employee support measures for those unable to work due to illness or childcare responsibilities.
- Regarding fiscal impacts, staff described the situation as preliminary and rapidly evolving. Two primary budgetary impacts were identified: increased costs for response and protection efforts and loss of revenues. Staff noted that the county’s general fund is less vulnerable to economic downturns than city budgets due to a lower percentage of revenue from economically sensitive sources. Specific revenue streams under close monitoring include local sales tax, Prop 172 public safety sales tax, Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and interest income from the Treasurer’s investment pool. Staff cited the temporary closure of major TOT generators (Billmore and Miramar) as a significant factor. The current estimate for potential loss of current-year general fund discretionary revenues through June 30 is approximately $3 million, subject to upward revision.
- Supervisors inquired about potential property tax adjustments. Staff responded that significant impacts are unlikely unless the event is prolonged, as most assessed valuations are already at their Prop 13 limits. However, income-based appraisals could be affected if the economic downturn persists. A Supervisor suggested considering cash reserves for future stability.
- The Treasurer discussed property tax delinquency dates, stating that the county lacks legal authority to move the April 10 delinquency date, which is set by state law. However, the Treasurer has broad authority to waive penalties for taxpayers adversely affected by COVID-19. The County Attorney noted that under Revenue and Tax Code 2619, if the Board of Supervisors adopts an ordinance or resolution closing county offices prior to the delinquency date, the period is treated as a legal holiday, effectively extending the deadline.
- Staff provided an update on emergency sheltering, noting that one shelter at Santa Maria High School is operational, with 20 to 30 individuals staying in recent days. Efforts are ongoing to identify sites for South and Mid County. Staff acknowledged a need for volunteers and in-person support.
- Supervisors asked about the strategic reserve balance, which staff reported to be approximately $34 million, meeting the 8% target set by board policy.
- Six public comments were received. Speakers addressed various topics, including requests for specific data on hospitalization rates and criteria for lifting stay-at-home orders; concerns regarding the installation of wireless infrastructure in schools during the pandemic; questions about the provision of American Sign Language interpreters for the meeting; and requests for the public health department to provide specific metrics for "flattening the curve" and to address testing capacity and economic impacts.
- A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the presentation as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Departmental Item 3 – Planning and Development Long Range Planning Division Fiscal Year 2020-2023 Work Program
- Staff presented the Long-Range Planning Division’s 2020-2023 work program, contextualizing it within current budgetary constraints. The presentation included a recap of projects completed or substantially progressed in the current fiscal year, such as cannabis land use ordinance amendments, hoop structures ordinance amendments, and a build-out analysis for the transportation improvement plan fee program. Staff noted that several projects, including the Santa Claus Lane streetscapes, SoCalGas ordinance amendments, and greenhouse gas emissions thresholds updates, are close to completion but require remaining work in the next fiscal year.
- Staff outlined challenges that prevented full completion of intended projects, including the addition of new projects (such as second-package cannabis amendments and ADU ordinance updates due to state law changes), increased hearing requirements for existing projects, and staffing vacancies.
- The proposed three-year work program consists of required services and operations, ongoing projects with carryover work, and recommended new projects. Key components include updates to the circulation element, safety element, energy element, and the initiation of the housing element update, which is mandated for completion by 2023. Staff estimated the total work effort at approximately 13 FTEs, compared to current staffing of 11 FTEs, with the difference covered by consultant services.
- Staff presented options for the Board to consider if additional FTEs are not granted, suggesting the delay of projects that are not mandated by state or federal law, not grant-funded, and not currently underway. Options included delaying agricultural employee dwelling permitting or utility-scale solar ordinance amendments. Staff recommended prioritizing the completion of existing projects and avoiding delays to mandated or grant-funded work.
- Supervisors discussed the efficiency of completing projects already in progress versus delaying them, noting that starting and stopping projects can increase costs. Some Supervisors expressed concern about delaying economic development projects, such as utility-scale solar, during a period of economic uncertainty. Staff clarified that the presentation of current fiscal year projects was for background information to inform next year’s planning.
- Staff presented the Long-Range Planning Division’s work program, noting that the Planning Commission had previously supported staff recommendations but is currently prioritizing cannabis ordinance amendments related to odor control for separate processing. Staff estimated that separating the odor control amendments would add approximately 0.5 FTE of labor due to duplicated steps, with no significant time or cost savings. The total estimated workload for the next fiscal year was cited as approximately 0.7 FTE. Staff noted that a presentation to the Montecito Planning Commission scheduled for March 18 was canceled due to the COVID-19 response. The Agriculture Advisory Committee had previously recommended prioritizing various cannabis ordinance amendments.
- Staff outlined the recommended actions: receive the report, allocate funding for either the full 13 FTEs or maintain current staffing levels to complete existing work, provide direction to the County Executive Office regarding funding increases for authorized positions, and find that the presentation is not a project pursuant to CEQA.
- Supervisors discussed the financial implications of adding staff versus maintaining current levels, noting the uncertainty of the economic impact of the pandemic. Supervisor Williams asked how much of the proposed 2.5 FTE increase could be substituted with one-time consulting contracts. Staff responded that limited portions could be converted, as much of the work requires internal staff management for efficiency, and existing consultant funds were already allocated for specific projects like short-term rentals and utility-grade solar.
- Supervisor Hartman inquired about the status of Farmstay Ordinance Amendments, noting that consultant funds had been allocated. Staff explained that contracts were recently executed but work had not yet initiated due to mid-cycle additions to the work program and the need for staff to manage the consultants. Staff also noted potential scope expansion for agri-tourism.
- Supervisor Williams suggested a phased approach, potentially delaying the funding of additional FTEs until January 2021 to allow for better assessment of the pandemic’s financial impact. Supervisor Adam expressed frustration with the recurring nature of these discussions and the delay of previously approved projects like the Rodeo Drive amendments, advocating for maintaining the status quo. Supervisor Lavagnino requested a detailed breakdown of which projects could be handled in-house versus by consultants, including timelines and costs, to facilitate prioritization. Supervisor Miyasato (CEO) noted that the KPMG study recommended better communication to the Board regarding the impact of new projects on the long-range planning program and suggested bringing back more detailed information in April or June.
- Public commenters included representatives from the Santa Barbara County Taxpayers Association (SBCTA), who supported focusing on the oil and gas industry for economic development; Joe Nahama (Petro Rock LLC) and Chad Walker (Vaquero Energy), who opposed local GHG mitigation requirements in favor of global solutions and argued that such measures are duplicative; Renee O’Neill, who encouraged the Board to follow staff recommendations on cannabis ordinances and discontinue setting precedents for legal non-conforming operations; Mark Shatillo, who supported the 0.7 FTE allocation for cannabis revisions and emphasized the economic benefits of other projects; and Linda Kropp (Environmental Defense Center), who supported several projects including the Energy and Climate Action Plan and utility-grade solar ordinance, and suggested measures to ensure oil and gas operators retain liability upon asset transfer and to update CEQA thresholds for local GHG mitigation.
- Supervisor Adam moved to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Urgency Ordinance to Temporarily Prohibit Evictions (Departmental Item 4)
- Staff presented an urgency ordinance to temporarily prohibit evictions in unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County during the local health emergency proclamation. The ordinance is effective until May 31, 2020, or until the local health emergency is terminated, whichever is earlier. It protects residential and commercial renters who can demonstrate that they are facing eviction due to loss of income or expenses related to the 2020 novel coronavirus. The ordinance does not excuse renters from paying deferred or current rent; tenants must pay back the rent due. It also supports the Governor’s executive orders regarding extensions for housing assistance documentation and moratoriums on foreclosures.
- Staff noted that the ordinance is limited in duration, scope (unincorporated areas), and application (tenants affected by the virus). It restricts evictions through unlawful detainer or ejectment but does not prohibit landlords from pursuing other causes of action for rent payment. Staff highlighted that neighboring jurisdictions, including San Luis Obispo County and several cities within Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, have similar ordinances in place.
- Supervisor Adam commented on the optics of focusing on county employees in the presentation, suggesting it might be better to focus on the general population. Supervisor Williams supported the ordinance, citing public health concerns, economic displacement, and the need to prevent homelessness and the spread of coronavirus. Supervisor Hartman noted that many county employees are renters and disaster workers, making the protection relevant to the county’s response capabilities. Supervisor Lavagnino noted that the federal stimulus package may provide additional relief, such as four months of rent payments, which is beyond the county’s authority but relevant to the broader context.
- Karina, a server at a local restaurant, expressed support for the ordinance but requested consideration of rent waivers for the affected months and clarification that landlords cannot evict for unrelated causes after the ordinance expires.
- Supervisor Williams moved to adopt a moratorium on evictions. Supervisor Hartman seconded the motion. The board conducted a roll call vote, and the motion passed unanimously.
Closed Session Agenda
- The County Council outlined the items for closed session, which included: 1. Existing litigation: Murray v. County of Santa Barbara. 2. Existing litigation: Southern California fire cases. 3. A decision on whether to initiate civil litigation. 4. Conference with real property negotiators regarding three parcels: 14730 Cayo Real in Goleta; open space area in the Orchid Hills (Parcel No. 101-010-008); and property adjacent and south of 1950 California 1 in the Santa Maria area. 5. Conference with labor negotiators for Service Employees International Union Local 620.
Closed Session Report
- Upon reconvening, the County Council reported that the board considered the previously listed items. Regarding the decision on whether to initiate civil litigation, the board voted unanimously to direct the County Council to pursue a tolling agreement. If a tolling agreement is not obtained, the board is adjourned until March.