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
REACH and Vandenberg Air Force Base Presentation
- The board received presentations on the U.S. Space Force’s plans to enhance the domestic commercial space enterprise at Vandenberg.
- REACH outlined its 2030 economic development strategy, which targets the creation of 15,000 good-paying jobs through regional collaboration.
- The board adopted recommendations to continue participation in REACH efforts and to formulate a letter of support for the commercial space initiatives.
COVID-19 Update
- County health officials reported a decrease in active cases, hospitalizations, and ICU rates, though the case rate remains above the state threshold.
- The board accepted the staff recommendation with an augmentation to continue working with local school districts on testing capacity options.
- Supervisors discussed preparations for a potential dual pandemic involving influenza and the ongoing status of school waivers.
Urgency Ordinance for Violations of Health Officer Orders
- The board considered an ordinance establishing administrative fines for violations of public health officer orders, including mask mandates.
- Public comment was divided, with some speakers citing civil liberties concerns and others supporting the measure as a necessary enforcement tool.
- The board voted to strip the urgency element from the ordinance and bring the item back as a regular ordinance at a future date.
KPMG Operational and Performance Review for Planning and Development Department
- KPMG presented findings from a review of the Planning and Development Department, highlighting strengths in technology and disaster resilience.
- Recommendations included improving workload evaluation, leveraging digital systems for permitting, and utilizing data for performance monitoring.
- The board adopted staff recommendations to implement these operational improvements and continue the department's digital transformation efforts.
Commission for Women 2020 Women’s History Month Service Awards Presentation
- The Commission for Women presented five service award recipients recognized for their contributions to the community.
- Commissioners provided updates on activities, including the "Pass The Mic" film series and efforts to promote CEDAW resolutions.
- The board received and filed the report, congratulating the award recipients.
Library Ad Hoc Committee Update
- The committee presented minimum service standards for branch libraries, estimating a cost of $642,000 to meet these levels.
- The board adopted staff recommendations to strive for these standards and direct staff to work with cities on shared burden proposals.
- The board provided direction to explore funding options and governance improvements in a potential Phase Three of the committee's work.
Agreement for Operations of a Countywide Library System Fiscal Year 2020-2021
- The board considered the operational agreement for the countywide library system for the upcoming fiscal year.
- The board adopted the staff recommendation to approve the agreement for operations.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Roll Call
- The August 25, 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 pledged allegiance to the flag.
Approval of Minutes (August 18, 2020)
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the August 18, 2020, meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
CEO Report and Announcements
- The CEO reported that there was no report for the morning. The clerk provided announcements regarding alternative methods for public participation, including a phone number for submitting comments. The clerk noted a request from the Department of Community Services to trail Administrative Item 16 (regarding a countywide library system agreement) until after Departmental Item 6, as the items are related.
Approval of Administrative Agenda
- Supervisor Adams requested to remove Administrative Item 29 from the agenda. The clerk read Administrative Item 28 (Kachuma Project master contract amendments) into the record. County Counsel Peggy Wilson provided legal context regarding Item 28, noting that assertions in public comments regarding easements likely involve time-barred real property disputes and do not prevent the board from exercising its discretion on the item. She noted that the board could consider the assertions in a future closed session regarding threatened litigation.
- The clerk read Administrative Item 29 (2020 Groundwater Basin Summary Report) into the record. Supervisor Adams recused himself from this item due to business interests and litigation. A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the administrative agenda, excluding Item 16 (which was trailed) and Item 29 (which was removed/recused). The motion passed 4 to 1, with Supervisor Adams recused.
General Public Comment
- One member of the public spoke regarding cannabis cultivation issues in Temecula, citing violations of ordinances, traffic, and water usage. Supervisor Hartman and County Counsel Peggy Wilson responded with information regarding the effective date of the cannabis cultivation prohibition in inland EDRNs (August 13), the abatement deadline (December 15), and the status of state provisional licenses.
Departmental Item 1: REACH and Vandenberg Air Force Base Presentation
- The clerk read Departmental Item 1 into the record: a hearing to consider recommendations regarding a presentation from REACH and Vandenberg Air Force Base on economic opportunities.
- Ms. Anderson introduced the item, noting REACH’s formation in 2018 and its partnership with the county during the COVID-19 response. The recommended action was to receive presentations, direct staff to continue participation in REACH efforts, and determine the actions are not a project under CEQA.
- Colonel Anthony Mastelier of the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base presented on the U.S. Space Force’s plans to enhance the domestic commercial space enterprise. He discussed the transition to the Space Force, the potential for commercial space launch at Vandenberg, and the "range of the future" initiative. He highlighted Vandenberg’s geographic advantages for polar orbits, existing infrastructure, and the potential for a commercial space zone. He noted that the base is working on an environmental assessment for small launch vehicles and refurbishing Space Launch Complex 8 (Slickgate) as a potential incubator for new commercial companies. Supervisor Lavinino asked about competition with other launch sites. Colonel Mastelier responded that while Florida has significant state investment, Vandenberg has geographic and weather advantages, and there is sufficient launch demand for multiple ranges.
- Melissa James of REACH presented on the organization’s mission to increase economic prosperity through regional collaboration. She outlined the REACH 2030 plan, a 10-year strategy developed with input from over 1,000 residents and 200 leaders. The goal of the plan is to create 15,000 good-paying jobs (defined as $50,000 or more) by 2030, which equates to approximately $1 billion in payroll. She discussed the economic challenges facing the Central Coast, including low wages and the impact of the closure of Diablo Canyon, and the need for economic resilience and diversification. Andrew Hackleman of REACH was introduced to walk through the specific initiatives of the REACH 2030 plan.
- Representatives from REACH and Colonel Mastler presented the REACH 2030 economic development strategy. The presentation outlined four priorities: focusing on high-growth industries (agritech, aerospace, clean tech), leveraging geographic assets (Diablo Canyon, Vandenberg Space Force Base), investing in infrastructure and housing, and developing the local workforce. Specific initiatives included developing a commercial space enterprise at Vandenberg, creating a master plan for the space industry, and pursuing the permanent basing of a four-star headquarters at Vandenberg. The presenters highlighted partnerships with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and the 30th Space Wing.
- Public comment was received from Andy Caldwell of COLAB, who expressed concern regarding the permitting process for commercial space activities on Vandenberg, questioning which agencies would have jurisdiction and warning of potential regulatory hurdles. He also noted that the plan did not address oil, gas, or mining sectors.
- Supervisor Hartman discussed the county's role in economic development and the value of the regional partnership. Supervisor Harmon noted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was largely finalized and supported authorizing letters of support. Supervisor Lavagnino suggested drafting a letter of support to state and federal representatives.
- Supervisor Lavagnino moved to adopt recommendations A, B, and C and to formulate a letter of support for REACH and the Vandenberg commercial space efforts. Supervisor Hartman seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 2: COVID-19 Update
- Dr. DeRionne Ramosa provided a countywide data snapshot. As of the briefing, the county had 7,800 total cases, with an 11.5% increase in total cases over the last two weeks and a 24% decrease in active cases. Hospitalization rates decreased by 36%, and ICU rates decreased by 39%. The county’s case rate was 138 per 100,000, exceeding the state threshold of 100, while testing positivity was 7%, below the 8% threshold. The presentation covered the status of school waivers, noting that all school districts had responded to communications regarding the waiver application process. Testing resources were outlined, including state-sponsored OptumServe sites and county public health sites, with approximately 100 slots available daily at OptumServe. Outreach efforts in Santa Maria and partnerships with community organizations (FSA, CHC) were also detailed.
- Supervisor Hartman inquired about child transmission, school closure thresholds, and flu season preparations. Dr. Ramosa stated that child transmission remains a question, school closure thresholds are guided by the state, and flu clinics are planned for October. Supervisor Williams asked for a review of testing site locations and urged preparation for a potential dual pandemic (flu and COVID-19). Supervisor Lavagnino emphasized the need for patience with jurisdictions experiencing outbreaks, citing the county's previous experience with Santa Maria. Supervisor Adam referenced the Lompoc prison experience and the "one county, one future" principle.
- Public comment was received from Andy Caldwell of COLAB, who raised concerns about the timing of outreach to Indigenous populations, the role of unions in school waivers, and the lack of a robust monitoring plan for high-density living situations in Isla Vista, which he identified as a potential vector for spread.
- Supervisor Williams moved to accept the staff recommendation with the augmentation that the Public Health Department continue to work with local school districts and superintendents on options for fulfilling testing capacity. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 3: Urgency Ordinance for Violations of Health Officer Orders
- Attorney Callie Kim was introduced as the primary drafter of the package. Mr. Merlikian presented the urgency ordinance, which would add Chapter 51 to the county code. The ordinance establishes administrative fines for violations of public health officer orders: $100 for a first offense, up to $200 for a second offense, and up to $500 for a third offense. It also allows for the suspension or revocation of licenses. The ordinance is effective only until the emergency proclamation is terminated. The presentation outlined the county's existing enforcement mechanisms, including the Joint Information Center, the RISE Ambassador Program, and the Education and Enforcement Task Force, noting that the ordinance aims to strengthen the administrative enforcement middle ground between education and criminal citations.
- Public comment was received from residents regarding the proposed ordinance. Several speakers opposed the ordinance, arguing that it constitutes government overreach and a threat to civil liberties. Speakers cited historical examples of public safety measures leading to the erosion of rights. Arguments included that the ordinance lacks scientific basis, specifically regarding the efficacy of masks in outdoor settings, and that it is an unnecessary use of resources. Speakers noted that hospitalizations and ICU stays are declining, suggesting the urgency is no longer present. Concerns were raised about the broad list of county employees authorized to issue citations (including non-law enforcement roles like the coroner and veterinarian), the potential for conflict, and the financial burden on taxpayers. Some speakers stated they would refuse to pay fines and challenge them in court. Other speakers supported the ordinance, stating that compliance with health measures, including mask wearing, is necessary to reduce transmission rates and allow for the reopening of schools and businesses. Speakers argued that the ordinance targets egregious violators where education and persuasion have failed, and that it is a small price to pay for returning to normalcy. One speaker compared the measure to seatbelt enforcement.
- Supervisor Williams stated that while acknowledging the economic and psychological impacts of the pandemic, mask wearing and social distancing are necessary to reduce transmission. He characterized the ordinance as a tool to address situations where education is ineffective. He moved to strip the urgency element from the ordinance and proceed with a first reading.
- Supervisor Hartman supported the measure, noting that the county has prioritized education and outreach but needs an administrative remedy for persistent non-compliance. She emphasized that the ordinance covers all health orders, not just masks, and is intended to be used with reluctance as a last resort. She expressed concern about using armed law enforcement for responses and requested discussion on protocols for who would issue citations.
- Supervisor Lavagnino opposed the measure at this time, citing declining hospitalization and ICU numbers. He argued that the timing is inappropriate given the current trends and that education and outreach have been effective. He expressed concern about non-law enforcement personnel issuing citations and suggested that law enforcement should handle egregious violations. He stated he would reconsider if the healthcare system became overloaded again.
- Supervisor Adam opposed the measure, describing it as a consolidation of power in unelected bureaucrats and an untimely measure given the waning positive testing and hospitalization rates. He argued that the county has already suffered significant losses of freedom and that the measure would be divisive.
- Staff/CEO explained the procedural options: the ordinance was drafted as an urgency measure (effective immediately upon passage with a 4/5 vote) or could be converted to a regular ordinance (effective 30 days after passage, requiring a second reading). Staff noted that converting it to a regular ordinance would require text changes and a new vote.
- Supervisor Williams moved to bring the item back as a regular ordinance at a future date, arguing that waiting for a crisis to worsen is not a good strategy. Supervisor Hartman seconded the motion, noting the need to have the tool available in case of a future spike, particularly in the fall. Supervisor Adam objected to changing the nature of the ordinance midstream but did not move to table it. Supervisor Lavagnino questioned the causal link between the ordinance and future spikes but acknowledged the board's desire to have the tool available.
- The motion to bring the item back as a regular ordinance at a future date passed 3 to 2.
Departmental Item 4: KPMG Operational and Performance Review for Planning and Development Department
- CEO Miyasato introduced the item, noting it is part of the Renew22 effort. KPMG began the review in May 2019. This is the fourth department report presented to the board. The review is not a financial audit but focuses on best practices, efficiencies, and performance. The Planning and Development department has a budget of over $24.4 million and over 100 FTEs.
- KPMG (Bill Zizek and Kiva Thornton) presented their findings. The review began in October 2019 and concluded in January 2020. The methodology included staff interviews, data analysis, customer surveys, and benchmarking against other counties. KPMG commended the department for its focus on employee development, training, and leadership programs. They noted the department’s successful procurement of the Accela software system, which provides a foundation for a fully digital permitting environment. They also highlighted the department’s resilience during recent disasters (fires, mudslides) and its focus on reducing permit processing times. The department has strong foundations in service delivery, technology, and data management. However, processes are standardized within offices but not across all locations.
- Recommendations included: 1. Workload Evaluation: Better evaluate and balance workloads to reduce case review times. Implement more structured case volume reporting and automated tracking of wait times and appointment lengths. 2. Leverage Systems: Adopt a fully online permitting process, including digital markups, concurrent document review, and online customer feedback. Ensure internal staff processes are also digitized to avoid a paper-based internal workflow. 3. Data Utilization: Use data from existing systems to monitor divisional performance, service level agreements, and interdepartmental dependencies. Track metrics such as case aging, inspection cycle times, and project timelines. 4. Policy Refresh: Update departmental policies and procedures to reflect recent digitization efforts and ensure consistent use of new online tools across all locations.
- The KPMG team presented priority recommendations for the Planning and Development Department, categorized by division.
- Development Review: Recommendations included developing policies for an online permitting environment to reduce cycle times and manual processes; establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Service Level Agreement (SLA) with internal departments to improve case management and accountability; increasing over-the-counter land use permitting for specific low-complexity permit types; and standardizing policies and procedures across North and South County locations to ensure consistent service.
- Building and Safety: The priority item was the implementation of electronic middle functionality, requiring a structured implementation plan to streamline operations and minimize administrative time.
- Long-Range Planning: Recommendations included increasing the accuracy of work plan forecasts by regularly updating the Board on project status and workload; utilizing the Monday.com software more effectively for project management; and developing a strategy to consolidate comprehensive and community plans into a single document to reduce conflicting language and improve research efficiency.
- The Planning and Development Director responded to the recommendations, noting alignment with the department’s current initiatives. Specific responses included:
- Workload Evaluation: Methodologies are being developed to process simple permits more quickly.
- Online Permitting: The department is expanding its use of the Acela system to allow for online applications, payments, and reviews. Credit card payments are expected to be implemented in the coming months. Full online permitting is targeted for rollout within two years (fiscal year 2021-2022).
- Performance Management: The department is working with the CEO’s office to develop a more robust internal system for reviewing performance measures and establishing SLAs with other departments.
- Policies and Procedures: A systematic approach to updating policies is planned for the next few fiscal years, prioritizing the online permitting system first.
- Long-Range Planning: The department will regularly inform the Board of work program status to facilitate policy decisions on new projects. The use of Monday.com is being assessed for broader application, though the Director noted it is currently best suited for long-term projects. The consolidation of comprehensive and community plans is scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2022-2023.
- Energy, Minerals, and Compliance: The department did not support the recommendation to realign business units by moving permit compliance and code enforcement back into Development Review, citing the need for consistent execution under current management structures and the addition of the cannabis team. The department also did not support automating code enforcement complaint allocation in Acela due to confidentiality concerns regarding complainants, though they agreed to integrate GIS into work allocation and prioritization.
- Supervisors asked questions regarding the applicability of over-the-counter permits in coastal versus inland zones, the potential for making certain permits ministerial, and the use of project management tools across all divisions. The Director clarified that making permits ministerial would require ordinance amendments and, in coastal zones, review by the Coastal Commission. The Director also addressed the use of tracking software, noting that Acela already provides some tracking capabilities for development review cases.
- A motion was made to adopt staff recommendations A through C in Board Letter 82520. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 5: Commission for Women 2020 Women’s History Month Service Awards Presentation
- The Commission for Women presented the 2020 Service Awards via a pre-recorded video and a live Zoom presentation. The Commission introduced five award recipients, one for each district:
- 1st District: Barbara Ben-Horan, CEO of Girls Inc. of Santa Barbara County.
- 2nd District: Kiana Brodnax, co-founder of Santa Barbara Young Black Professionals.
- 3rd District: Dr. Viviana Marzano, for her work with the Give Isla Vista program and civic engagement.
- 4th District: Nohemi Ornelas, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services at Hancock College.
- 5th District: Sandy Blair, of Operation WEPS, for providing housing to female veterans.
- Supervisors provided congratulatory messages for the recipients. Commissioners Suzanne Peck and Tracy Beard provided updates on Commission activities, including the "Pass The Mic" film series for sexual health education and efforts to promote the adoption of CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) resolutions and ordinances in local cities and the county. They noted that several cities in the county have passed CEDAW resolutions and expressed interest in working with the county on a CEDAW ordinance.
- A motion was made to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 6: Library Ad Hoc Committee Update
- The Community Services Department introduced the Library Ad Hoc Committee members, including librarians from Santa Maria, Lompoc, Goleta, and Santa Barbara, as well as representatives from the Library Association of California (LAC) and Friends of the Library. The Department noted that the committee has been working for approximately one to one and a half years.
- Dr. Hazel Whitman presented an update on the work of the Library Ad Hoc Committee, detailing the committee’s progress since its establishment in October 2018. The presentation covered the committee’s guiding principles, fact-finding efforts, and the development of minimum service standards for branch libraries. These standards, categorized by library size (medium, small two, and small one), include specific recommendations for staffing levels, open hours, collections spending, programming, technology replacement cycles, and facility maintenance. The cost to meet these minimum standards was estimated at $642,000.
- The presentation also outlined the work of the Funding Working Group, which explored options for increasing public revenue, including the potential for countywide or sub-county special or general taxes (parcel or sales tax). Estimates for unincorporated area sales tax revenue were provided for various rates. Additionally, preliminary findings on public-private partnerships and potential improvements to the governance model were discussed. Staff recommended that the Board receive the update, strive for the minimum standards, direct staff to work with cities toward funding these service levels, provide direction on a potential Phase Three of the committee (exploring funding options and governance), and determine that the actions are not subject to CEQA.
- Supervisor Williams commented on the necessity of shared burden with cities, particularly in the context of current economic conditions, and suggested directing staff to discuss using the standards as an aspirational goal for the next year’s budget. Supervisor Hartman provided context on the complexity of the county-city library partnership and the importance of libraries as community centers, noting the collaborative effort required to achieve the standards. A question was raised regarding the extent of underfunding relative to state averages; staff responded that the county average is $32 per capita compared to the state average of $38, with significant variation across the system.
- A motion was made by Supervisor Williams and seconded by Supervisor Hartman to adopt the staff recommendations, with a specific directive to work with cities and friends groups to develop a shared burden proposal for the next year’s budget. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 816: Agreement for Operations of a Countywide Library System Fiscal Year 2020-2021
- The Board considered recommendations regarding an agreement for the operations of the countywide library system for fiscal year 2020-2021. A motion was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned until Tuesday, September 1, 2020.