Meeting Summary
Present: Williams, 3-Hartmann, 5-Lavagnino, 4-Nelson
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
Installation Ceremony and Board Organization
- Newly elected supervisors Doss Williams, Joan Hartman, and Bob Nelson were formally installed.
- Supervisor Bob Nelson was elected as Chair and Supervisor Joan Hartman as Vice Chair.
- The full 2021 Board of Supervisors was introduced, including returning members Greg Hart and Steve Lavagnino.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Approval of Administrative Agenda
- The Board approved the administrative agenda with the exception of Items A-5, A-6, A-8, A-23, and A-47.
- Several items were pulled for individual discussion or due to public requests.
- An addendum regarding AB 1600 mitigation fee reports was announced for Item A-49.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Halama Beach Park Grant Award
- Staff confirmed that Halama Beach is a campground charging for beach access, distinct from other park assets.
- The Board approved resolutions for grant awards and applications related to the park.
- The grant supports a study to potentially improve access without requiring paid parking.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Landscaping Service Contract
- Staff detailed the Parks Division's use of Integrated Pest Management to avoid chemical fertilizers and broadcast herbicides.
- The CEO confirmed that county departments do not use second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides.
- The Board approved the landscaping service contract with Bright View Landscaping Services Inc.
No decision 0–0
Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HHAP)
- Staff clarified that the funding is a partnership with the Continuum of Care for a South County navigation center.
- The Board approved the Round Two applications despite a request to pause expenditures for priority setting.
- The decision was made to move forward due to the January 23 application deadline and existing collaborative work.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Parking Restrictions in the 1st District
- Public comment requested signage on Wallace Avenue to restrict overnight parking and vehicle length.
- Public Works clarified that the restriction applies to all vehicle lengths for overnight parking.
- The Board approved the adoption of parking restrictions to address safety hazards and incompatible uses.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Human Trafficking Awareness Month Resolution
- The Board approved a resolution declaring January 2021 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
- Public comment included statistics on local trafficking investigations and services provided by the Task Force.
- The Chair noted that broader international issues raised during comment would be addressed in future meetings.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
COVID-19 Update
- The county remains under the regional stay-at-home order as ICU capacity projections do not meet the 15% exit threshold.
- Phase 1A vaccination is nearing completion, with Phase 1B anticipated to begin in early February.
- Staff reported that the county’s vaccine administration rate is higher than state and national averages.
- The Board discussed communication strategies for vaccine eligibility and the non-mandatory nature of vaccination under current authorizations.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
RISE Program and Business Resources
- Staff reported that 4,533 businesses have completed the self-certification process for the RISE program.
- The update covered state financial assistance, including the California Relief Grant and hiring tax credits.
- Federal relief package highlights included funding for the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program.
Home-Delivered Meals for Seniors
- Staff identified a need for $77,085 per month in bridge funding to serve 360 seniors.
- The Board directed the CEO to allocate $200,000 to the Department of Social Services for distribution.
- Staff will return to the Board in approximately two months with further details on the allocation.
Federal Rental Assistance Update
- The county is expected to receive $30 million in federal emergency rental assistance funds.
- United Way is prepared to administer the funds, which have different income criteria than previous CDBG funds.
- Staff noted the potential availability of approximately $700,000 in CDBG Round Two funds for local businesses.
Appointments to the SBCERS Board
- The Board reappointed Ted Sten and Trent Benedetti to the Retirement Board of the SBCERS.
- Both individuals applied for three-year terms following the expiration of their previous terms.
- Supervisor Lavagnino recommended their reappointment based on their service to the board.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
No decision 0–0
2021 Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees
- The Board reviewed and updated its 2021 appointments to various external entities.
- Supervisors indicated their interest in continuing, stepping down, or swapping roles to balance workload.
- The Board approved the specific assignments for each committee, including the Adult and Aging Network and LAFCO.
- Staff recommended reviewing the structural implications of formalizing appointments to the Fire Safe Council and Public Safety Task Force.
Moment of Remembrance
- Supervisor Williams addressed the Board to mark the third anniversary of the January 9, 2018, debris flow.
- The names of the 23 individuals who lost their lives in the event were read.
- The Board observed a 23-second pause for remembrance prior to adjournment.
Closed Session
- The board recessed to confer with labor negotiators for all bargaining units, unrepresented employees, managers, and executives.
- Staff reported that there were no reportable actions from the closed session.
Full summary
Installation Ceremony and Board Organization
- The meeting opened with the installation of officials elected in 2020. The Clerk introduced the Band of Brothers for the presentation of colors and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an invocation from Reverend Rick Bloom. County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato introduced the newly elected supervisors: Doss Williams (1st District), Joan Hartman (3rd District), and Bob Nelson (4th District). The full 2021 Board of Supervisors was formally introduced, including Supervisor Greg Hart (2nd District) and Supervisor Steve Lavagnino (5th District).
- Supervisor Joan Hartman moved to nominate Supervisor Bob Nelson for the position of Chair. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Supervisor Steve Lavagnino moved to nominate Supervisor Joan Hartman for the position of Vice Chair. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Outgoing Chair Greg Hart presented the gavel to incoming Chair Bob Nelson. Remarks were delivered by the chairs and other supervisors thanking staff and community partners. A video message from community organizations was played.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Regular Meeting Business (January 12, 2021)
- Roll call confirmed the presence of all five supervisors.
- Approval of Minutes (December 15, 2020): Supervisor Greg Hart moved to approve the minutes. Supervisor Bob Nelson noted he had reviewed the tape and minutes despite not being a supervisor at the time of the original meeting. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
- Announcements: The Clerk announced an addendum to the agenda for Administrative Item A-49 regarding AB 1600 mitigation fee reports and provided instructions for public comment via Zoom.
- Approval of Administrative Agenda: Supervisor Bob Nelson requested to pull Items A-5 and A-8. Supervisor Joan Hartman requested to pull Item A-6. The Clerk noted public requests to pull Items A-23 and A-47. Supervisor Greg Hart moved to approve the balance of the administrative agenda with the exception of Items A-5, A-6, A-8, A-23, and A-47. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Administrative Items
- Item A-5: Halama Beach Park Grant Award and Grant Application Resolutions
- Supervisor Bob Nelson, who had pulled the item, stated support for the grant applications and asked staff to confirm if Halama Beach is the only county park asset charging for beach access. Staff confirmed it is a campground that charges for beach access. Supervisor Joan Hartman noted that while Kachuma charges for parking, this grant is for a study to potentially improve access without paid parking. Supervisor Joan Hartman moved to approve the item. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
- Item A-6: Landscaping Service Contract with Bright View Landscaping Services Inc.
- Supervisor Joan Hartman, who had pulled the item, inquired about county policies regarding rodenticides, pesticides, and herbicides. Staff explained that the Parks Division has used Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for over 15 years, avoiding chemical fertilizers and broadcast herbicide spraying, and uses carbon monoxide injection for rodent control rather than baiting. The CEO confirmed that General Services, the Agricultural Department, and Community Services do not use second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, though there is no single formal countywide policy. Supervisor Joan Hartman moved to approve the item. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
- Item A-8: Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Round Two Applications
- Supervisor Bob Nelson, who had pulled the item, expressed interest in pausing expenditures to allow the Board to establish clearer priorities before the February 9th meeting on the Homeless Phase 2 Plan, noting the funds do not need to be spent until 2026. County Counsel noted an application deadline of January 23. Staff clarified that the funding is a partnership with the Continuum of Care (COC), with approximately $900,000 from the county and $1 million from the COC, intended for a navigation center in South County. Supervisor Joan Hartman and Supervisor Greg Hart supported moving forward due to the tight timeline and collaborative work already done by the COC, suggesting robust discussion could occur during the Phase 2 Plan adoption. Supervisor Steve Lavagnino supported the motion but noted the deadline constraint. Supervisor Joan Hartman moved to approve the item. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
- Item A-23: Adopting Parking Restrictions in the 1st District
- Public comment was received from Michael Hurley, who requested signage on Wallace Avenue to restrict extended/overnight parking and vehicle length to prevent littering, abandoned vehicles, and noise. Two other requested speakers did not log in. Supervisor Doss Williams noted the area has issues with long-term parking, safety hazards, and incompatible uses. Supervisor Joan Hartman asked about vehicle length restrictions. Public Works Deputy Director Sneddon clarified that the restriction would apply to all vehicle lengths for overnight parking, not just oversized vehicles, and described the signage as standard white signs outlining time limits. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. The motion passed unanimously.
- Item A-47: Resolution Declaring January 2021 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month
- The item was pulled by the public. Landon Rink, representing the Santa Barbara County Human Trafficking Task Force, thanked the Board and provided statistics on local trafficking investigations since 2017, noting that 51% of traffickers and 92% of buyers were local residents. He outlined the Task Force’s services and upcoming awareness events. Thomas Becker commented that the resolution was insufficient because it did not address forced labor and human rights violations in China, urging the Board to condemn China and disinvest from companies sourcing from there. Supervisor Williams concurred with Mr. Becker’s comments regarding China, citing satellite data on forced labor camps. Chair Nelson stated that while he agreed with the concerns regarding China, the current resolution focused on the county’s local task force and efforts, suggesting broader international issues be addressed in a future meeting. Kirsten Cahoon, Director of Homeless Services at Good Samaritan Shelter, thanked the Board and reported that the organization supported 40 survivors in the past year, 90% of whom were local women involved in sex trafficking. Supervisor Hart moved for the approval of the resolution. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
General Public Comment (Items Not on Agenda)
- Stephen Baird presented a flag to Chair Nelson. Renee O’Neill welcomed Chair Nelson, thanked outgoing Chair Hart, expressed concern about technical difficulties of the virtual public comment system for senior citizens, raised concerns about human trafficking on cannabis farms in Tepescaya Canyon, and urged the Board to support democracy and human rights. Harold Hill was listed as a speaker but did not log in.
Department Item 1: COVID-19 Update
- Dr. De Reynoso presented an update on blueprint metrics, testing, contact tracing, and vaccination efforts. The adjusted case rate was 64.8, and the health equity metric increased by 90% in the last four weeks. Adjusted ICU capacity dropped to 0% on January 5, currently hovering around 11%. The county is anticipated to remain under the regional stay-at-home order because four-week ICU capacity projections do not meet the 15% threshold for exit. New testing sites were launched, including a walk-up site in Isla Vista and a mobile testing unit with approximately 528 appointments available daily. The county has 48 contact investigators, with the percentage of cases touched by investigators decreasing from 83% in October to 59% in the most recent period. Phase 1A vaccination (healthcare workers) is nearing completion, with 53% of doses distributed to community providers in the last three weeks administered. Phase 1B (ages 75+ and essential workers) is anticipated to begin in early February. The county has 49 approved entities for vaccination.
- Supervisor Hart expressed concern about the volume of public inquiries regarding vaccine eligibility and the need for adequate staffing. Dr. De Reynoso noted that approximately 2.5 full-time equivalents are dedicated to responding to community vaccine questions. Supervisor Hartman asked how schools and employers are being involved in vaccination planning. Dr. De Reynoso explained that public health communicates with employers to register staff, and for the 75+ demographic, communication will go through healthcare providers, retail pharmacies, and mobile clinics. Supervisor Hartman asked about vaccine efficacy and safety. Dr. De Reynoso stated that the county’s administration rate (53%) is higher than the state average (27%) and national average (30%). Terry Mosnissage advised the public to use the 2-1-1 hotline and the public health website as primary resources for vaccine information. Supervisor Williams asked about the timeline for replenishing vaccine supplies and readiness for the 75+ demographic. Chair Nelson asked if vaccination would become mandatory. Dr. De Reynoso stated that under current Emergency Use Authorization, vaccination is not mandatory. Chair Nelson asked about the Board’s role in stay-at-home orders. Thomas Becker explained that state orders are controlling due to preemption, and the Board has budgetary oversight but cannot direct the specific duties of the local health officer. Chair Nelson asked if stay-at-home orders might be backfiring by driving people indoors. Dr. De Reynoso suggested that case increases are likely due to post-holiday travel and gatherings, and that restrictions may be preventing worse outcomes. Dr. Ansorg emphasized the importance of outdoor activities, masking, and social distancing, noting that new virus strains require continued caution. Supervisor Hart recommended simplifying vaccine communication language to improve public understanding. Supervisor Lavagnino asked how many people need to be vaccinated before orders are relaxed. Dr. De Reynoso clarified that the regional stay-at-home order is based on ICU capacity, not vaccination rates, and that herd immunity estimates range from 40% to 85% uptake. Supervisor Williams suggested improving communication regarding quarantine requirements for out-of-state travelers at the airport. Dr. Ansorg agreed that proactive messaging on travel restrictions is necessary. Supervisor Hartman asked about contraindications for vaccination. Dr. Ansorg noted that individuals with strong immune responses to previous vaccines or those suppressing their immune systems should consult their physicians. Supervisor Williams raised concerns about differing vaccine efficacy data across racial demographics and requested an update on this for the next meeting.
RISE Program and Business Resources Update
- Staff provided an update on the RISE (Reopening and Incentivizing Safe Economies) program. The report noted that 4,533 businesses have completed the self-certification process, with retail, restaurants, and office workspaces being the top industries. Staff detailed updates to the recovery.sbc.org website, which now includes a Business Resource Guide, state and federal resources, CDC/OSHA information, and downloadable signage. The presentation highlighted three local agencies providing business advisory services: the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), Women’s Economic Ventures, and SCORE. Staff noted that the EDC hosts Small Business Development Centers and provides free, one-on-one advisement funded by the Federal Small Business Administration.
- The update covered state financial assistance, including the hiring tax credit, sales and use tax deferrals, and the California Rebuilding Fund. Specific attention was given to the California Relief Grant, offering up to $25,000 to qualifying businesses, with a deadline noted as imminent. Staff also summarized the Governor’s proposed state budget, which includes $2.4 billion for the Golden State Stimulus, $575 million for small business grants, $70 million for fee relief, and $2 billion for school reopening. Additionally, the federal relief package highlights were reviewed, including $240 billion for the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), $20 million for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), and $15 billion for cultural and revenue venues.
Home-Delivered Meals for Seniors: Bridge Funding
- Staff presented an assessment regarding financial support for organizations providing home-delivered meals to seniors during the pandemic. Following a Request for Information (RFI) sent to 11 organizations, four agencies identified a current need for bridge funding to maintain service levels for vulnerable seniors (households with no one under age 60, income at or below 322% of the federal poverty level). Staff determined that these four programs require a total of $77,085 per month to serve 360 seniors. Staff noted that while the federal stimulus package allocated funds for nutrition assistance, the specific allocation for Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs in Santa Barbara County is estimated at $189,000. Staff requested board guidance on the allocation of funds to proceed with contracting.
- Public comment was received from Roseanne Crawford, who inquired about the status of surge centers and vaccine administration priorities. Thomas Becker commented on the risks associated with high-density housing and the efficacy of masks for at-risk individuals. Dr. De Reynoso responded to questions regarding surge capacity, stating that the current shortage is in personnel rather than beds, and that hospitals prefer to expand care within their own facilities rather than using alternate care sites like the Sears location, which is no longer recommended by state guidance.
- Supervisor Lavagnino moved to direct the CEO to allocate $200,000 to the Department of Social Services to distribute among the identified needs, with staff to return to the board in approximately two months. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Federal Rental Assistance Update
- Staff provided a brief update on federal emergency rental assistance. The county is expected to receive $30 million for this purpose. United Way is prepared to administer the funds, which have different criteria than previous CDBG funds (limited to 50% or 30% of Area Median Income). Staff noted that approximately 406 households have been served with previous funds. Additionally, staff mentioned the potential availability of approximately $700,000 in CDBG Round Two COVID relief funds for local businesses.
Closed Session
- The board recessed to closed session to confer with labor negotiators for all bargaining units, unrepresented employees, managers, and executives. Upon reconvening, staff reported that there were no reportable actions from the closed session.
Appointments to the Santa Barbara County Employees Retirement System Board
- The board considered the reappointment of two public members to the Retirement Board of the Santa Barbara County Employees Retirement System (SBCERS). The terms of Ted Sten and Trent Benedetti expired on December 31, 2020. Both individuals applied for three-year terms. Supervisor Lavagnino, who serves on the board, recommended their reappointment. Supervisor Hartman expressed support for their continued service. Supervisor Lavagnino moved to approve the reappointment of Ted Sten and Trent Benedetti. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
No decision 0–0
2021 Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees
- The board reviewed and updated its 2021 appointments to various boards, commissions, and committees. The discussion proceeded alphabetically through the list of entities, with supervisors indicating their interest in continuing, stepping down, or swapping roles to balance workload and ensure representation. Key changes and confirmations included:
- Adult and Aging Network: Supervisor Williams continued; Supervisor Hartman offered to surrender the role but continued due to workload considerations for other members.
- Area Agency on Aging: Supervisor Lavagnino continued.
- BEACON (Beach Erosion Authority): Supervisor Williams, Supervisor Hart, and Supervisor Hartman (alternate) continued.
- Behavioral Wellness Commission: Supervisor Hart continued.
- California State Association of Counties (CSAC): Supervisor Williams (regular) and Supervisor Hart (alternate) continued.
- SimCal Health: Supervisor Hartman continued.
- Child Care Planning Council: Supervisor Hart continued as regular member; Supervisor Nelson accepted the alternate position.
- Communify (formerly Community Action Commission): Supervisor Nelson accepted the regular member position; Supervisor Hartman continued as alternate.
- Community Corrections Partnership (CCP): Supervisor Hart continued as regular member; Supervisor Hartman accepted the alternate position.
- Dead Advisory Committee (DAC): Supervisor Lavagnino continued as regular member; Supervisor Nelson accepted the alternate position.
- Elected Officials Committee on Regional Homelessness Solutions: Supervisor Hartman and Supervisor Hart continued.
- First 5 Children’s Family Commission: Supervisor Williams continued as regular member; Supervisor Nelson accepted the alternate position.
- Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee: Supervisor Hartman and Supervisor Williams continued.
- Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council: Supervisor Hart continued (South County); Supervisor Nelson accepted the North County position.
- Kids Network Policy Council: Supervisor Hartman continued as chair; Supervisor Lavagnino accepted the vice chair position.
- Law Library Board of Trustees: Supervisor Nelson accepted the chair position; Supervisor Hartman stepped down.
- Legislative Program Committee: Supervisor Williams and Supervisor Hartman continued.
- Library Advisory Committee: Supervisor Williams continued.
- Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO): Supervisor Hartman and Supervisor Lavagnino continued as regular members; Supervisor Williams continued as alternate.
- Multi-Jurisdictional Solid Waste Task Force: Supervisor Hart accepted the position; Supervisor Williams stepped down.
- National Association of Counties (NACO): Supervisor Lavagnino continued as regular member; Supervisor Williams continued as alternate.
- Psychiatric Health Facility Governing Board: Supervisor Nelson accepted the regular member position; Supervisor Hartman accepted the alternate position. Supervisor Williams and Supervisor Hart stepped down.
- Retirement Board of SBCERS: Supervisor Lavagnino continued.
- Funders Collaborative of Home for Good: Supervisor Williams continued; Supervisor Nelson accepted the position; Supervisor Lavagnino stepped down.
- Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Board: Supervisor Lavagnino continued.
- Staff noted that the Fire Safe Council and the Public Safety Task Force are not currently formal board appointments but are organizations where supervisors participate. Staff recommended reviewing the structural implications of formalizing appointments to these entities in the future to avoid potential conflicts with their bylaws or state codes. The board agreed to consider adding these to the list for future review.
- The Board discussed the list of appointments for various external committees and organizations, noting a potential future need to address Brown Act compliance regarding multiple supervisors attending the same meeting. Supervisor Hartman moved to approve the appointments displayed on the screen, and Chair Nelson seconded the motion. The Clerk of the Board reviewed the specific assignments for each committee, including the Adult and Aging Network, Area Agency on Aging, Beach Beacon, Behavioral Wellness Commission, CSAC, Sencal Health, Child Care Planning Council, Com Unify, Community Corrections Partnership, Debt Advisory Committee, Elected Officials Committee on Regional Homelessness Solutions, First Five, Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee, Juvenile Justice Coordination Council, Kids Network Policy Council, Law Library Board of Trustees, Legislative Program Committee, Library Advisory Committee, Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), Multi-Jurisdictional Solid Waste Task Force, National Association of Counties (NACO), Psychiatric Health Facility Governing Board, Retirement Board of the Santa Barbara County Employees Retirement System, Founders Collaborative of Home for Good, and the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Board. The motion to approve these appointments passed unanimously.
Adjournment and Moment of Remembrance
- Prior to adjournment, Supervisor Williams addressed the Board to mark the third anniversary of the January 9, 2018, debris flow in Montecito and Carpinteria. Supervisor Williams read the names of the 23 individuals who lost their lives in the event and requested a 23-second pause for remembrance. Following the moment of silence, Chair Nelson adjourned the meeting, with the next session scheduled for January 26, 2021.