Meeting Summary
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At a glance
CEO Report
- Six virtual community meetings on cannabis retail licensing and permitting will begin July 1.
- An 11-person Citizens Independent Redistricting Commission will be established to adjust district boundaries.
- The application deadline for the redistricting commission is August 21, 2020.
Clerk’s Announcements
- A phone-in option is available for remote public commenters, with instructions to mute streaming devices.
- Administrative Item 71 was added regarding the Los Olivos Community Services District’s election consolidation request.
- Incorrect attachments for Administrative Item A17 were corrected, though the agenda and recommendations remain unchanged.
Juneteenth Resolution
- The board debated the historical accuracy and framing of the resolution, particularly regarding specific historical figures.
- One supervisor abstained, citing disagreement with specific clauses and a desire for broader input in future drafts.
- The resolution recognizing June 19, 2020, as Juneteenth was adopted.
Cuyama Fire Station 27
- A design-build contract was awarded for the new Cuyama Fire Station 27.
- A public commenter questioned the high cost per square foot for the structure.
United Way Critical Needs Fund
- The board considered the Memorandum of Understanding for the United Way Critical Needs Fund.
- United Way has raised $375,000 to support contract tracing and other COVID-19 response efforts.
Sheriff Detention Facilities Health Care Report
- The board reviewed the annual report for health care services at sheriff detention facilities.
- Staff offered to provide a supplementary report detailing COVID-19 prevention efforts that occurred after the contract year ended.
COVID-19 Update
- Data presented indicated that Latino or Hispanic residents are disproportionately represented in confirmed cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.
- The county is under state monitoring for increasing hospitalization, which affects the reopening of the personal care sector.
- Staff reported 37 cases and five deaths at the Country Oaks skilled nursing facility.
- Recommendations regarding the pandemic update were approved.
Temporary Ordinance Amendments
- Proposed amendments temporarily suspend certain development standards to allow outdoor use for physical distancing.
- The measures are effective immediately until December 16, 2020, or the termination of the local emergency.
Laguna County Sanitation District Rates
- Rate amendments for service, connection, and trunk sewer fees were presented.
- Eleven protest votes were recorded, which is below the threshold for a formal protest.
Mission Canyon Sewer District Rates
- Rate adjustments for sewer connection and service charges were presented.
- One protest vote was recorded, which is below the threshold for a formal protest.
Solid Waste Tipping Fees
- Tipping fees and collection rates for fiscal year 2020–2021 were presented.
- Staff noted that state regulations requiring organics capture have driven up statewide hauling costs.
Closed Session
- The board conducted performance evaluations for 13 appointed department heads.
- No reportable actions resulted from the consideration of these evaluations.
Full summary
Meeting Start and Roll Call
- The June 16, 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
- Item: Approval of the minutes from the June 2, 2020, meeting and the June 9 and 11 budget hearings.
- Discussion: No discussion was requested.
- Motion: A motion to approve was made and seconded.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
CEO Report
- CEO Miyasato provided two announcements: 1. Cannabis Retail Storefronts: Six virtual community meetings will be held starting July 1, occurring every Wednesday and Thursday for three consecutive weeks. These meetings will cover licensing, permitting, and community plan areas where cannabis retail may be allowed. An outreach video will be available by the end of the week, and the public may submit questions in advance or during the meetings. 2. Citizens Independent Redistricting Commission: Following the approval of Measure G in November 2018, an 11-person commission will be established to adjust Supervisorial District boundaries. The application deadline for interested residents is August 21, 2020. The commission must adopt a redistricting plan within six months of receiving final 2020 census data, expected to be completed by August or September 2021, barring federal delays.
Clerk’s Announcements
- The Clerk announced: 1. Remote Participation: Public commenters participating remotely may use a phone-in option (805-568-2240) and should mute streaming devices when called. 2. Agenda Addendum: Administrative Item 71 was added, regarding the Los Olivos Community Services District’s request for consolidation with the statewide general election and a change to even-numbered year elections. 3. Correction to Item A17: The attachments previously posted for Administrative Item A17 (Emergency Rental Assistance Program) were incorrect but have now been corrected. The agenda and recommendations remain unchanged.
Administrative Agenda – Item 1 (Juneteenth Resolution)
- Item: Honorary resolution recognizing Friday, June 19, 2020, as Juneteenth in Santa Barbara County.
- Discussion:
- Supervisor Williams spoke in support, noting the historical significance of the date and the ongoing work required to realize the end of discrimination.
- Public Commenter Tom Becker raised concerns regarding historical inaccuracies in the draft resolution concerning Jerry Forney, specifically the dates and circumstances of his arrival in California. He stated that the supervisors had revised the text in response to his previous email but remained critical of the historical framing.
- Supervisor Hartman noted a procedural point regarding the Brown Act, stating that only two board members can bring the item forward.
- Chair Hart commented on the difficulty in finding definitive historical information regarding Mr. Forney and the need to better record the contributions of Black residents in the county’s history.
- Supervisor Adam stated he would abstain. He expressed disagreement with specific "whereas" clauses, describing the language as divisive and inflammatory, and stated he could not vote to adopt facts he viewed as conclusions. He suggested seeking common ground for progress.
- Supervisor Williams responded to Supervisor Adam, explaining his intent was to reflect historical conflicts and hope, citing personal family history regarding racial injustice and the potential for equality in America.
- Supervisor Adam suggested that future resolutions be drafted with broader input to achieve a more balanced outcome.
- Motion: Supervisor Hartman moved to adopt the resolution. The motion was seconded.
- Vote Outcome: Passed 4-1 with one abstention.
Administrative Agenda – Items 27, 39, and 55
- Item 27 (Cuyama Fire Station 27): Award a design-build contract for the new Cuyama Fire Station 27 (formerly Fire Station 41). Public Commenter Andy Caldwell expressed support for the necessity of the new station but questioned the cost, noting it would be approximately $700 per square foot, which he considered inordinately expensive for a structure primarily consisting of equipment bays.
- Item 39 (United Way Critical Needs Fund): Consider recommendations regarding the United Way of Santa Barbara County Critical Needs Fund Memorandum of Understanding for COVID-19 response. Chair Hart highlighted the partnership between the County Public Health Department and United Way. United Way launched a fund to support the county’s COVID-19 response, raising $375,000 to date. This funding supports contract tracing and other collaborative efforts. Steve Ortiz from United Way thanked the county for the partnership and stated their goal is to help the community return to safe reopening. Ben Romo from United Way added no further comments.
- Item 55 (Sheriff Detention Facilities Health Care Report): Consider recommendations regarding the California Forensic Medical Group/WellPath annual report for health care services at sheriff detention facilities. Chair Hart noted the report lacked specific details on the contractors' efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the jail, despite references to the pandemic affecting accreditation processes. She requested that the report be updated with this information. Commander Ryan Sullivan from the Sheriff’s Office explained that the contract year ended March 31, and most COVID-19 response efforts occurred after that date. He offered to provide a supplementary report or return with further information regarding the depth of the response. Chair Hart accepted the offer of a supplementary report.
- Motion: Supervisor Hartman moved to approve the balance of the administrative agenda (including Items 27, 39, and 55, and any other items not previously pulled or discussed). The motion was seconded.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
General Public Comment
- Five letters were read into the record: 1. Sullivan Israel: Expressed support for local police, arguing that the actions of one officer in Minneapolis do not reflect the conduct of local officers and that police are essential for public safety and the rule of law. 2. Yonah Zimmer (Attorney): Representing a homeowner in the Casablanca subdivision, requested the board consider a global resolution offer regarding a notice of violation. She asked for specific directions to County Counsel regarding easement access and liability. County Counsel stated the county was successful on a motion for summary judgment and is not a live litigant. The county agreed to participate in settlement discussions among private parties and the Coastal Commission, which are expected to begin in July. Supervisor Williams requested an update in closed session when time permits. 3. Peggy Wilson: Urged the board to be measured in policy reform and not to defund law enforcement, citing the need for emergency preparedness and equal protection under the law. 4. Jim Nell: As a business owner, urged the board to be measured in policing reform and not react detrimentally to the police force, citing the economic importance of public safety. 5. Bobby McGinnis: As a business owner, urged the board to be measured in policing reform, not defund law enforcement, and recommended a grand jury investigation into systemic racism in all departments.
Departmental Item 1 (COVID-19 Update)
- Item: Hearing to consider recommendations regarding a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) update.
- Discussion:
- Countywide Demographic Data: Joy Kane, Senior Epidemiologist, presented data indicating that of 443 confirmed cases interviewed through May 8, 68.1% were Latino or Hispanic, compared to 48% of the county population. Higher age-adjusted rates were found in census tracts with 20-30% poverty levels. Among 89 hospitalized cases, 56.2% were Latino or Hispanic. Of 7 recorded deaths, 71% were Latino or Hispanic. Data indicated an association between lower income and increased rates of testing and confirmed cases. Strategies include ensuring access to testing in highly impacted communities, integrating testing with care coordination, and providing inclusive data collection.
- Santa Maria Case Study: Dr. DiRenoso presented an in-depth retrospective survey of 344 confirmed cases (134 in Santa Maria, 210 elsewhere). Santa Maria cases showed a disproportionate representation of Hispanic/Latino individuals (overrepresented by ~42% compared to population). Santa Maria cases had a younger demographic, higher proportion of females, and higher proportion of Spanish as a primary language. Santa Maria cases had lower education attainment and higher household sizes (22% reported 4 people, 16% reported 6 people). Employment data showed 20% of interviewed cases were farm workers, 7% in direct patient care, and 8% in prison staff. Nearly 26% of identified cases self-identified as farm workers. 73% of interviewees had insurance; 87% heard about COVID-19 from TV. 92% understood handwashing importance; 70% understood social distancing. However, only 52% reported being able to practice social distancing at work.
- Q&A: Supervisor Hartman asked for clarification on the correlation between low income, private insurance, and testing rates. Staff indicated they would investigate further but confirmed free testing is available at community sites through the end of July. Supervisor Williams asked which factors (household size, essential work, mask adherence, or pre-existing conditions) were most significant. Staff noted that essential work and crowded living conditions are significant drivers of positivity, while mask adherence data is not yet rigorously studied. Supervisor Lavagnino asked for data on factors leading to hospitalization/ICU admission versus mild cases. Staff indicated that older age and underlying chronic conditions are typically higher risk factors for hospitalization, and they would provide more precise numbers on this.
- Public Health Department Update: Staff presented data indicating that while the 30–49 age group comprises the largest segment of cases in Santa Maria, hospitalization rates are higher among older demographics. Staff agreed to develop a detailed profile of hospitalized cases and demographics for a future board update. Staff noted that while younger individuals may have milder symptoms, they can transmit the virus to vulnerable populations, necessitating community-wide prevention strategies. Staff also outlined plans to engage employers, support public transportation safety, and partner with the Agricultural Commissioner to address clusters among farm workers.
- State Monitoring Status: Staff reported that Santa Barbara County is under state monitoring for elevated disease transmission, increasing hospitalization, and limited hospital capacity. The county received a "green" status for elevated disease transmission and limited hospital capacity but a "red" status for increasing hospitalization, having exceeded the 10% change threshold in the three-day average of positive hospitalized patients. Staff stated they are meeting with the state to discuss drivers of increased hospitalization. This status affects the reopening of the personal care sector, which is targeted for Friday if local data meets state requirements. Staff noted ongoing discussions with San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties regarding their respective metrics.
- Mortality Data: Staff presented preliminary data on deaths among Santa Barbara County residents from January through May, comparing causes of death to national averages. In the county, cancer remained the leading cause of death, with COVID-19 ranking third, above kidney disease and chronic liver disease. Staff noted that nationally, heart disease is the leading cause, followed by cancer, then COVID-19.
- Skilled Nursing Facility Update: Staff provided an update on the outbreak at the Country Oaks skilled nursing facility, which began on May 31. Staff reported a total of 37 cases (initially misstated as 28, then corrected) and five deaths, all of whom were residents. Staff described multi-agency efforts involving state agencies, CalMAT teams, Health Corps, and the county’s Medical Reserve Corps to address staffing challenges and support disease mitigation.
- Public Comment: Four members of the public spoke. One speaker emphasized the need for data-driven strategies to protect essential workers and vulnerable communities in Santa Maria. Another speaker urged the board to relocate testing sites to areas with better public transit access for Hispanic populations. A third speaker argued against mask mandates for children, citing low transmission rates and potential risks. The final speaker highlighted the importance of workplace compliance with distancing and masking, noting observed failures in various businesses, and advocated for aggressive outreach to employers.
- Board Discussion: Board members discussed the sobering nature of the hospitalization and nursing facility data, the importance of personal responsibility, and the effectiveness of voluntary testing and RISE ambassadors.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve recommendations A through C on the agenda. The motion was seconded.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 2: Planning and Development – Temporary Ordinance Amendments
- Presentation: Staff presented proposed temporary ordinance amendments to the County Land Use and Development Code, Article 2 Coastal Zoning Ordinance, and the Montecito Land Use and Development Code. The amendments aim to temporarily suspend compliance with certain development standards (such as setbacks, site coverage, and parking) to allow non-residential businesses to use outdoor areas for physical distancing and public health requirements. The amendments also allow non-conforming uses to expand without losing status and provide time extensions for approved projects delayed by COVID-19. The proposed effective date is immediate, lasting until December 16, 2020, or the termination of the local emergency, whichever is earlier. Staff noted the amendments are exempt from CEQA review and would supersede Emergency Rule Number 2.
- Board Discussion: Board members discussed the temporary nature of the measures and the potential for future assessment of their long-term benefits. One member inquired about the expiration date, and staff confirmed the "earlier of" clause to underscore the temporary nature.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the recommendations. The motion was seconded.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 3: Public Works – Laguna County Sanitation District Rates
- Presentation: Staff presented rate amendments for the Laguna County Sanitation District, including service charges, connection charges, and trunk sewer fees. The clerk reported 11 protest votes, well below the threshold for a formal protest. Staff indicated that construction on a related project is anticipated to begin in early October, with a groundbreaking event planned.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the recommendations. The motion was seconded.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 4: Public Works – Mission Canyon Sewer District Rates
- Presentation: Staff presented rate adjustments for County Service Area 12 (Mission Canyon Sewer District), including sewer connection and service charges. The clerk reported one protest vote, below the threshold for a formal protest.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the recommendations. The motion was seconded.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 5: Public Works – Solid Waste Tipping Fees
- Presentation: Staff presented solid waste tipping fees, collection rates, and parcel fees for fiscal year 2020–2021. Staff explained that rates reflect the cost of the Tahegus Resource Recovery Project and avoided costs of earlier landfill closure. Staff also noted that state regulations requiring organics capture have driven up statewide hauling costs, positioning the county ahead of the curve in compliance.
- Board Discussion: A board member noted that if the public is negatively impacted by the rates, they may petition CalRecycle, as costs are partly driven by state-mandated tonnage limits and landfill closure timelines.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the recommendations. The motion was seconded.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Closed Session
- The board recessed to closed session to conduct performance evaluations for 13 appointed department heads, including the Agricultural Commissioner, Behavioral Wellness, Child Support Services, Community Services, Fire, General Services, Human Resources, Planning and Development, Probation, Public Defender, Public Health, Public Works, and Social Services.
- Report: Mr. Guzzone reported that the board considered public employee performance evaluations for the 13 appointed department heads listed above. It was stated that there were no reportable actions resulting from this consideration.
Adjournment
- The Chair announced the adjournment of the meeting to Tuesday, July 7, 2020.