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
CEO Report
- Public Works Director Scott McGulpin was elected President of the National Association of County Engineers (NACE) for a term through April 2021.
- The Director stated his intent to engage with state and federal policymakers regarding county road infrastructure.
Resolution Proclaiming May 2020 as Water Awareness Month
- Supervisor Adams abstained from voting due to specific language regarding climate change impacts on droughts.
- The board approved the resolution with four votes in favor and one abstention.
Resolution Recognizing the 805 Undocu Fund
- Supervisor Hartman commended the essential workers involved in the fund.
- The board approved the resolution with four votes in favor and one abstention.
Acceptance of COVID-19 Relief Funding for County Arts and Culture Nonprofit Organizations
- Staff clarified that the funding comes from the Santa Barbara Foundation’s general endowment to match the Bowles Art Subsidy Fund.
- The Arts Commission will oversee relief grants for general operating support, distributed in two phases with potential additional NEA funds.
- The board approved the item as part of the administrative agenda.
COVID-19 Update
- The Public Health Officer reported that the state is moving toward Stage 2 reopening, allowing expanded retail with curbside pickup only.
- County metrics show 526 total cases, a 77% recovery rate, and hospital ICU occupancy around 10%.
- Staff detailed the REACH project, which involves informal roundtables with industry leaders to draft standards for public comment.
- The board discussed testing data trends, elective healthcare resumption, and regional coordination with neighboring counties.
Public Health – Community Testing and Reopening Readiness
- Staff outlined testing protocols prioritizing healthcare workers, first responders, and symptomatic individuals, with sites open seven days a week.
- The board discussed the distinction between total and active case counts, with staff agreeing to provide comparative charts for influenza and COVID-19.
- Staff clarified that current testing sites perform PCR tests only, with serology testing pending state allocations.
- The board approved the staff recommendations unanimously.
EMS Agency Fees
- Staff presented an ordinance to increase fees for EMT certification, recertification, and paramedic accreditation, noting no increase in ten years.
- The board approved the staff recommendations unanimously.
CDBG Consolidated Plan
- Staff presented the 2020-2025 consolidated plan and fiscal year 2020-2021 annual action plan.
- Supervisor Williams emphasized the priority of housing for aged-out foster youth to prevent long-term homelessness.
- The board approved the staff recommendations unanimously.
CDBG Action Plan Amendment
- Staff proposed allocating approximately $1.2 million in CDBG funds to capital projects.
- Habitat for Humanity CEO Jessica Wishan spoke in support of home repair initiatives for aging in place.
- The board approved the staff recommendations unanimously.
Speed Limits
- Staff presented an ordinance amending speed limits on roads in the first, third, and fourth districts.
- Staff indicated that a state committee released a report in January regarding how speed limits are set.
- The board approved the staff recommendations unanimously.
Benefit Assessments
- Staff proposed establishing benefit assessments for county service areas 331 and the Santa Barbara North County Lighting District for fiscal year 2020-2021.
- No changes to the assessments were proposed for the current year.
- The board approved the staff recommendations unanimously.
Cannabis Cultivation Appeal
- Staff announced the withdrawal of the appeal due to a dispute over the lease between the landowner and applicant.
- The board allowed the withdrawal but directed the department to return with the item within 30 to 45 days.
- The board approved the motion unanimously.
Closed Session
- The board discussed existing litigation in Keller v. County of Santa Barbara.
- The report from closed session indicated that no reportable actions were taken.
Full summary
Meeting Start and Roll Call
- The May 5, 2020, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order. The clerk called the roll, and all members were present. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
- The board considered the approval of the minutes from the April 21, 2020, meeting. A motion to approve was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
CEO Report
- The CEO reported that Public Works Director Scott McGulpin has been elected President of the National Association of County Engineers (NACE), with a term running through April 2021. The CEO noted that NACE represents county road officials in the U.S. and Canada. Director McGulpin addressed the board, stating his intent to engage with state and federal policymakers regarding county road infrastructure.
Announcements
- The clerk announced alternative methods for public participation, including submitting public comment letters or emails to the board, with requests to read letters into the record due by 5:00 PM the day prior to the hearing. The clerk noted a withdrawal memo from the Planning and Development Department regarding Departmental Item No. 7 (Santa Rita Valley Ag Inc., Cannabis Cultivation Appeal, Case No. 19 APL 32), stating this item would be addressed when reached on the agenda.
Administrative Agenda
- The board considered the administrative agenda. Supervisor Adams requested that items A2 and A3 be pulled for separate consideration.
- Item A2: Resolution Proclaiming May 2020 as Water Awareness Month
- Supervisor Adams stated he would abstain due to a sentence in the resolution regarding climate change impacts on droughts. A motion to approve was made and seconded. The motion passed with four votes in favor and one abstention.
- Item A3: Resolution Recognizing the 805 Undocu Fund
- Supervisor Hartman commended the essential workers involved. A motion to approve was made and seconded. The motion passed with four votes in favor and one abstention.
- Item A7: Acceptance of COVID-19 Relief Funding for County Arts and Culture Nonprofit Organizations
- A staff member explained that the funding comes from the Santa Barbara Foundation’s general endowment to match the Bowles Art Subsidy Fund, not from the Foundation’s COVID relief funds. The Arts Commission, with commissioners from every district, will oversee relief grants for general operating support. The funding will be distributed in two phases, with potential additional NEA relief funds anticipated. A motion to approve the balance of the administrative agenda (including Item A7) was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
General Public Comment
- Thirteen requests to speak were received. Speakers addressed the following topics:
- Wireless Infrastructure/5G: Multiple speakers requested an immediate moratorium on the installation of small and large cell wireless facilities, citing concerns regarding radio frequency radiation, health effects, privacy, and property values. They requested the board collaborate with legal teams to modify County Ordinances 5093, 5094, 5095, and Resolution 19-319.
- Correctional Facilities: A letter requested the board advocate for prisoners at Lompoc Federal Prison, including creating a health equity task force, ensuring PPE availability, waiving phone fees, and lobbying for the release of medically fragile or non-violent offenders.
- REACH Initiative/Working Groups: A speaker requested clarification on whether the board had officially appointed members to the REACH initiative or other reopening committees, and whether those meetings are subject to the Brown Act.
- Agriculture/Wine Industry: A speaker discussed a peer-reviewed study on "terpene taint" in grapes caused by airborne contamination from adjacent eucalyptus trees (used as a surrogate for cannabis), highlighting the linear relationship between distance and contamination and requesting the board understand the significance of this phenomenon for wine production buffers.
Board Response to Public Comment
- REACH Initiative: Supervisor Lavagnino clarified that he had used the term "appointed" instead of "invited" in a previous post regarding community members on the working group. A staff member stated that the REACH initiative discussions are informal roundtables not subject to the Brown Act, but that a later phase will allow for public comment. The board indicated this topic would be covered in the upcoming COVID-19 presentation.
- Wireless Infrastructure: A staff member explained that telecommunications is heavily regulated by federal law, including the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the FCC’s 2018 small cell order. The board’s latitude to regulate placement or construction based on radio frequency emissions is limited by federal preemption. The board had previously held a listening session with attorneys representing 5G Free Santa Barbara.
- Correctional Officers: Supervisor Williams invited Sheriff Brown to comment on National Correctional Officers Week. Sheriff Brown thanked the board and highlighted the efforts of jail staff in maintaining safety during the pandemic, including inmates in the STP program manufacturing over 5,000 face shields for first responders.
Departmental Item No. 1: COVID-19 Update
- The Public Health Officer presented an update on the county’s status regarding the Governor’s reopening roadmap.
- Reopening Stages: The state is moving toward Stage 2 (lower-risk workplaces) starting Friday. This includes expanded retail with curbside pickup only. Offices, dine-in restaurants, and shopping malls are not included in this initial phase.
- Attestation Criteria: To accelerate through Stage 2, counties must submit a readiness plan and attestation. Criteria include 14 days of declining disease prevalence, less than 10% positive test results, testing capacity of 1 per 1,000 population (within 30 minutes), contact tracing capacity (3x daily positives over 7 days), hospital surge capacity (25%), and support for vulnerable populations.
- County Status:
- Cases: 526 total cases; active cases declining; recovery rate around 77%.
- Testing: Current capacity is 11 per 1,000 population. Community testing sites are opening in Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Santa Barbara, expected to add 17,160 tests over 30 days.
- Hospital Capacity: 699 beds available; ICU occupancy around 10%; ventilator usage for COVID is 5% of the system total.
- Contact Tracing: 100% of positive cases in congregate settings or essential workplaces have received isolation/quarantine orders within 24 hours.
- PPE: Hospitals report greater than a 15-day supply.
- REACH Project: A staff member detailed the REACH (Reopening Economic Activities in California) project. Informal roundtable discussions with approximately 300 industry leaders and community stakeholders are being held to gather feedback for draft standards and guidelines. These documents will be reviewed by a medical panel, signed off by the Public Health Officer, and published on readysbc.org for public comment. The board will receive weekly updates.
Board Questions and Discussion (COVID-19 Update)
- Testing Data: Supervisor Williams noted that Monday case numbers often spike, potentially due to reporting delays over the weekend. The Public Health Officer confirmed this trend is seen in other metrics.
- Retail Reopening: The CEO clarified that the Governor’s order for Friday allows retail businesses to operate with curbside pickup only.
- Elective Healthcare: Supervisor Williams asked about the status of elective healthcare procedures. The Public Health Officer stated that a provider alert was issued several weeks ago allowing low-risk, postponed appointments to resume, provided guidelines are met. Supervisor Williams noted the decentralized nature of the healthcare system might limit the reach of this communication to all private providers.
- Outdoor Labor: Supervisor Williams asked about the status of outdoor laborers (e.g., gardeners) in the reopening framework. The Public Health Officer stated the county is awaiting the state’s detailed list of low-risk businesses, expected on Thursday.
- Regional Coordination: Supervisor Hartman asked about coordination with neighboring counties. The Public Health Officer described strong partnerships with San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties, including shared data, strategies, and resources, to facilitate a regional approach to reopening.
- Testing Eligibility: Supervisor Hartman asked for a review of testing eligibility criteria.
Agenda Item: Public Health – Community Testing and Reopening Readiness
- Staff presented information regarding community testing protocols, noting that the Governor’s intent is to make testing available to all who need it, prioritizing healthcare workers, first responders, congregate setting residents, asymptomatic individuals, and symptomatic community members. Staff clarified that testing sites aim to be open seven days a week with staggered schedules. When asked about potential bottlenecks, staff stated that contact tracing, isolation, and containment resources are currently sufficient, though they are hiring additional non-county staff to support efforts as county staff return to previous assignments. Staff noted that the Governor’s office requires contact tracers to reflect the ethnic diversity of the population and that testing sites must be within 30 minutes of populations; staff indicated they are working with partners to recruit additional diverse tracers.
- Regarding the Lompoc Federal Prison, staff explained that in-person visitations are suspended. To maintain contact, the county provides inmates with two paid 15-minute phone calls per week, postage-paid postcards, and access to the regular telephone system at cost. Staff noted that the Federal Bureau of Prisons is a separate system and that the county has no direct authority over conditions there, though they have a working relationship with the facility.
- Supervisor Adams questioned the presentation of total case counts versus active cases, noting that 526 total cases were reported but only 114 were active after accounting for recoveries. Staff confirmed the active case count. Supervisor Adams requested charts comparing influenza and COVID-19 deaths and recoveries, which staff agreed to provide in the next week’s presentation. Supervisor Lavagnino asked about antibody testing, and staff clarified that current sites are only performing PCR/swab tests, with serology testing to be added when state allocations are available. Supervisor Lavagnino also asked about mask guidance; staff stated that wearing face coverings is currently a strong recommendation rather than a mandate, as the science on protective benefits is not yet firm. Staff expressed confidence that the county is in a ready state to attest to reopening criteria, pending the release of specific guidelines.
- Public comment was received from Andy Caldwell, who argued that the bulk of the crisis is behind us and urged the board to act on recovery data rather than total case counts. Nadia Lee Abushina and Ruth Alcantara submitted identical comments urging the board to advocate for the rights of prisoners at Lompoc Federal Prison, including creating a health equity task force, waiving phone fees, and lobbying for the release of medically fragile or elderly prisoners. Cynthia Feinberg urged the board to recommend widespread mask use for employees and patrons in businesses. Corey Heyman urged the board to proceed quickly with reopening to address economic impacts. Kenny Morris, a UCSB student, raised concerns regarding the lack of a hard date for deferred rent repayment in Ordinance 44-5, suggesting a 12-month repayment deadline similar to Los Angeles.
- Staff clarified that the three community testing sites are currently only performing PCR tests. Supervisor Williams commented on the need to open businesses to prevent economic hardship and supported the attestation process. Supervisor Hartmann asked for guidance for businesses opening under the Governor’s order; staff directed them to Health Officer Order 2020-8 for detailed operational guidance. Supervisor Williams discussed the nuance of mask efficacy and supported specifying mask requirements by industry to reduce confusion. Supervisor Lavagnino asked for clarification on the public roundtables, and staff confirmed they are informal and not subject to the Brown Act. Supervisor Adams stated that the lockdown measures have been successful and urged a shift in focus to restoring economic health, noting low hospital bed utilization.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the staff recommendations. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Department Item 2 – Public Health – EMS Agency Fees
- Staff presented a hearing to consider recommendations regarding an ordinance increasing emergency medical services (EMS) agency fees for EMT certification, recertification, and paramedic accreditation. Staff noted that it has been ten years since the last fee increase. There were no questions from the board and no requests for public comment.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve staff recommendations A through D. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Department Item 3 – Community Services – CDBG Consolidated Plan
- Staff presented the Santa Barbara County Home Investment Partnership home consortium and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) urban county 2020-2025 consolidated plan, analysis of impediments to fair housing choice, and fiscal year 2020-2021 annual action plan. Supervisor Williams commented on the priorities, emphasizing the need for housing for aged-out foster youth to prevent long-term homelessness. There were no questions from the board and no requests for public comment.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the staff recommendations. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Department Item 4 – Community Services – CDBG Action Plan Amendment
- Staff presented a hearing to consider recommendations regarding the approval of the fiscal year 2019-2020 action plan substantial amendment and authorization of execution of loan documents for projects included in the amendment. Staff explained that approximately $1.2 million in CDBG funds would be allocated to capital projects. Jessica Wishan, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County, spoke in support, highlighting the importance of home repair for aging in place and preventing homelessness.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve staff recommendations A through H. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Department Item 5 – Public Works – Speed Limits
- Staff presented a hearing to consider recommendations regarding an ordinance amending speed limits on various roads in the first, third, and fourth districts. Supervisor Hartmann asked about state-level efforts to change how speed limits are set; staff indicated a state committee had released a report in January and would provide further information. Supervisor Williams moved to approve items A through C. There were no requests for public comment.
- The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Department Item 6 – Public Works – Benefit Assessments
- Staff presented a hearing to consider recommendations regarding establishing benefit assessments for county service areas 331 and the Santa Barbara North County Lighting District for fiscal year 2020 through 2021. Staff proposed no changes to the assessments for the current year. There were no questions from the board and no requests for public comment.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve staff recommendations A through E. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Department Item 7 – Planning and Development – Cannabis Cultivation Appeal
- Staff presented a hearing to consider recommendations regarding the Santa Rita Valley Ag Inc Cannabis Cultivation Appeal (Case Number 19APL32). Staff announced that they had received a memorandum requesting the withdrawal of the item because the landowner had removed their authorization for the applicant to proceed, citing a dispute over the lease. Staff indicated they would attempt to resolve the issue within 30 to 45 days; if unresolved, they would bring findings for denial.
- Linda Ash, representing Santa Rita Valley Ag, concurred with the withdrawal and argued that the timing should be governed by LUDC hearing procedures rather than permit incompleteness rules, requesting as much time as possible to resolve the lease dispute. Mark Schatillo, representing the appellant, supported a 30-45 day timeframe for the board to prepare findings for denial if the issue is not resolved, arguing against an open-ended delay.
- Supervisor Hartmann moved to allow the withdrawal but recommended that the department return with the item within 30 to 45 days. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Closed Session
- The board recessed to closed session to discuss existing litigation: Keller v. County of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Superior Court case number 15CV03102.
Closed Session Report
- Mr. Gazzani reported from closed session regarding one matter of existing litigation, Keller v. County of Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara Superior Court). He stated that there were no reportable actions taken.
Adjournment
- The Chair announced the meeting was adjourned until the next scheduled meeting on May 12.