Meeting Summary
Present: 3-Hartmann, 5-Lavagnino, Williams, 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
Continuation of Departmental Item No. 1
- The board continued the proposed fee ordinance for the Surveyor Division to the April 6, 2021, meeting.
- Public Works agreed to post the proposed fee increases online for public review in advance of the hearing.
Administrative Agenda Approval
- The board approved the administrative agenda with the exception of items A8, A16, A24, and A29.
- The Chair moved the four excluded items to after general public comment to accommodate the full board.
Passed 3–0 · unanimous
No decision 0–0
Administrative Item A8: Letter of Support for SB 467
- The board adopted a resolution to send a letter of support for SB 467 (End Fracking and Dangerous Drilling) to Sacramento.
- The Chair requested that the Vice-Chair sign the letter and that the vote outcome be reflected in the final paragraph.
Failed 2–2 · in favor: Hartmann, Williams
Administrative Items A16, A24, and A29
- The board approved the Lower Mission Creek Flood Control Project, the Cesar Chavez Day proclamation, and the World Tuberculosis Day proclamation.
- Public Health staff provided context on TB control efforts and recognized the work of the Communicable Disease Division.
Departmental Item No. 2: COVID-19 and RISE Business Update
- Staff reported that the county met criteria for the red tier, with decreases in hospitalizations and active cases.
- The board received and filed the staff recommendation regarding the RISE program and American Rescue Plan Act provisions.
Departmental Item No. 3: Floridale Avenue Bridge
- The board approved Staff Recommendations A through G for the Floridale Avenue Bridge project.
- Staff outlined the need for $2 million in temporary loan funding to advance construction while awaiting Highway Bridge Program repayment.
Nominations for California Coastal Commission
- The board nominated Supervisor Williams and Santa Barbara City Council Member Harmon for the South Central Coast region seat.
- Staff clarified that the selection of an alternate commissioner is a separate process handled by the Governor.
Post-Pandemic County Workforce Strategies
- The board adopted a statement of commitment to workplace flexibility and referred the matter to the CEO’s office for budget consideration.
- Staff proposed strategies including a hybrid work model, workforce reskilling, and flexible workspace designs aligned with the Renew22 initiative.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Closed Session
- The board convened to consider existing litigation involving Southern California fire cases and anticipated litigation regarding contract law enforcement services.
- The board also held conferences with real property negotiators regarding 630 Randall Road and with labor negotiators for various bargaining units.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Roll Call
- The March 16, 2021, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order. The roll was called, and all supervisors were present except Supervisor Williams, who joined shortly after the start. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes (March 9, 2021)
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the March 9, 2021, meeting. The motion passed.
Passed 3–0 · unanimous
Announcements and Agenda Changes
- The Clerk announced that board meetings are now interpreted in Spanish via secondary audio programming for Comcast and Cox subscribers. Procedures for public participation via Zoom and phone were reviewed. The Clerk noted a request from the Public Works Department to continue Departmental Item No. 1 (proposed fee ordinance for the Surveyor Division) to the April 6, 2021, meeting.
Continuation of Departmental Item No. 1
- A motion was made and seconded to continue Departmental Item No. 1 to the April 6, 2021, meeting. Supervisor Nelson noted that Public Works agreed to post the proposed surveyor fee increases online for public review in advance of the hearing. The motion passed.
County Executive Officer’s Report
- CEO Miyasato reported no business for the morning.
Approval of Administrative Agenda
- The Clerk noted requests to pull items A8, A16, A24, and A29 from the administrative agenda, as well as public comment requests for A8 and A24. A motion was made and seconded to approve the administrative agenda with the exception of items A8, A16, A24, and A29. The motion passed. The Chair moved the four excluded items to after general public comment to accommodate the full board.
Passed 3–0 · unanimous
No decision 0–0
General Public Comment
- Four members of the public provided comments:
- Brian Patton requested a safety precaution, such as a left-turn signal, at the intersection of Stork Road and Sierra Madre Court.
- Katie Mickey opposed the installation of a P6480 antenna near her residence, citing concerns about modulating frequencies and county code power output limits.
- Thomas Woodrow, representing the Santa Barbara County Taxpayers Association, requested that controversial items, such as support for SB 467, be placed on the main agenda rather than the administrative agenda.
- Andy Caldwell, representing COLAB, discussed property rights and housing mandates, arguing against preservation efforts that limit housing development.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Administrative Item A8: Letter of Support for SB 467 (End Fracking and Dangerous Drilling)
- The item was read into the record. Public comment was taken from six individuals, including representatives from the California Independent Petroleum Association, Western States Petroleum Association, Environmental Defense Center, and the Taxpayers Association, as well as private citizens. Comments varied between opposition, citing economic impacts and previous voter measures, and support, citing environmental and health risks.
- Board discussion followed, with supervisors expressing views on state climate policies, local economic impacts, voter history regarding similar measures, and the financial liability of abandoned wells.
- A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution and send the letter of support to Sacramento. The Chair requested that the Vice-Chair sign the letter and that the vote outcome be reflected in the final paragraph. The motion passed three to two.
Failed 2–2 · in favor: Hartmann, Williams
Administrative Item A16: Lower Mission Creek Flood Control Project
- The item was read into the record. Supervisor Williams commented on the importance of the project for flood control capacity and watershed management. No motion was taken in this segment; the item was discussed for context.
Administrative Item A24: Resolution Proclaiming March 31, 2021, as Cesar Chavez Day
- The item was read into the record. Public comment was taken from Melissa Smith of UC Santa Barbara, who expressed gratitude for the resolution and highlighted the impact of the pandemic on farm workers.
- Board discussion followed, with supervisors supporting the resolution and noting Cesar Chavez’s role in organizing farm workers, the county’s prioritization of farm workers in vaccination efforts, and the work of the Public Health Department. Supervisor Hart also noted the importance of recognizing Dolores Huerta.
Administrative Item A29: Resolution Proclaiming March 24, 2021, as World Tuberculosis Day
- The item was read into the record. The resolution noted TB rates in the county and the commitment to end TB. Supervisor Lavinino, the sponsor, deferred to Public Health and expressed support for ending tuberculosis. Dr. Hennie Ansorg, Karen White, and Sondra Isaacs from the Public Health Department were present via Zoom. No motion was taken in this segment; the item was discussed for context.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Approval of Items A16, A24, and A29
- Dr. Ansorg presented remarks recognizing World Tuberculosis Day and highlighted the work of the Public Health Communicable Disease Division, including an acknowledgment of Public Health Nurse Sandra Isaacs. Karen White provided additional context on the department’s TB control efforts.
- A motion was made to approve items A16, 24, and 29. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item No. 2 – COVID-19 Update and RISE Business Update
- Dr. Dober presented data on Santa Barbara County’s COVID-19 status, noting decreases in hospitalizations, active cases, and ICU rates, and that the county met the criteria for the red tier. Vaccine allocation details were outlined, including specific doses allocated to various medical centers and pharmacies, with 24% of the week’s doses allocated to the agricultural sector. School reopening plans under the red tier were discussed. Dr. Ansork reiterated the California travel advisory and recommended a 10-day self-quarantine for returnees.
- Assistant CEO Nancy Anderson provided an update on the RISE program, noting that 4,646 businesses have submitted plans. She detailed changes in business operations allowed under the red tier and highlighted resources available through the recovery.sbc.org website. Anderson outlined provisions from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, including direct allocations and increased funding for loans.
- Board members discussed the need for SBA representatives to conduct webinars, property tax relief, and vaccine supply timelines. Public comment was taken from Lisa Bedrogi regarding difficulties securing a vaccine appointment and Terry Strickland regarding property tax relief and the impact of lockdowns. Clarifications were provided regarding property tax waivers, red tier implementation timing, and vaccine eligibility for comorbid populations.
- A motion was made to receive and file the staff recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item No. 3 – Floridale Avenue Bridge
- Public Works presented a hearing to consider recommendations regarding the Floridale Avenue Bridge (Project No. 862032). Due to the oversubscribed status of the California highway bridge program, the project requires an advanced construction authorization and a temporary operating transfer from the general fund. The presentation outlined the need for $1.8 million to finish the current fiscal year and an additional $5 million in future years.
- Staff presented an overview of the Advanced Construction (AC) process, describing it as a mechanism where the county advances funds to start construction, with repayment expected from the Highway Bridge Program (HBP) upon annual federal allocations. Staff noted that the HBP is underfunded and highlighted the Floridale Bridge’s status as a seismically deficient bridge, placing it at the highest priority for HBP repayment. The estimated contract cost is $16 million, with approximately 90% covered by HBP grants and $600,000 by state seismic funds. Staff requested $2 million in temporary loan funding for the current fiscal year, noting that cash flow requirements will not exceed $6.8 million in any single year.
- Board members inquired about the risk of non-repayment by the HBP and the strategy for managing multiple upcoming bridge projects. Staff responded that the program has a history of repaying AC funds and that the CEO’s office is working on a strategy for subsequent projects.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve Staff Recommendations A through G. The motion passed unanimously.
Nominations for California Coastal Commission (South Central Coast Region)
- Staff presented the request from the Office of the Governor for nominations for the South Central Coast region seat on the California Coastal Commission. Staff provided background on the Commission’s composition and noted that the vacancy resulted from the departure of the previous appointee in December 2020. Three letters of interest were received from Supervisor Das Williams, Santa Barbara City Council Member Megan Harmon, and Guadalupe Mayor Pro Tem Antonio Ramirez.
- Public comment was taken from five individuals, including Antonio Ramirez, William Conlon, Lee Heller, Gail Teton-Landis, and Council Member Megan Harmon.
- Board discussion followed, with Supervisor Williams speaking regarding the disconnect between local governments and the Coastal Commission. Supervisor Hart moved to nominate Supervisor Williams and Council Member Harmon. Supervisor Hartman requested that the motion be amended to include Council Member Ramirez. Supervisor Lavinio expressed concern about not having prior knowledge of Ramirez’s application and requested more information. Ramirez responded by explaining his background. Supervisor Williams seconded the motion to nominate Williams and Harmon. Staff clarified that the selection of an alternate commissioner is a separate process handled by the Governor.
- A motion was made and seconded to nominate Supervisor Williams and Council Member Harmon for the South Central Coast region seat on the California Coastal Commission. The motion passed unanimously.
Closed Session
- The Board convened in closed session to consider: 1. Existing litigation involving the Southern California fire cases, with the Board sitting separately as the Board of Supervisors and the Board of Directors for the Flood Control and Water Conservation District. 2. Anticipated litigation or significant exposure to litigation based on a joint letter from the cities of Buellton, Carpinteria, Goleta, and Solvang concerning contract law enforcement services. 3. Conference with real property negotiators regarding property at 630 Randall Road, Santa Barbara. 4. Conference with labor negotiators for all bargaining units, unrepresented employees, managers, and executives.
- No reportable actions were taken.
Post-Pandemic County Workforce Strategies
- Human Resources presented findings from four surveys conducted in 2020 regarding the employee experience during the pandemic. Key findings included that IT issues and communication were top challenges in mid-2020, while no commute and cost savings were top benefits. By late 2020, the primary challenge shifted to balancing work and caregiving responsibilities. Staff proposed focusing on workplace flexibility as a core strategy, aligned with the County’s Renew22 initiative. Four strategies were outlined: adoption of a Board statement of commitment to workplace flexibility, revision of the teleworking policy to accommodate a hybrid work model, workforce reskilling and engagement tools, and flexible workspaces including "hoteling" and modular office designs.
- Board members asked about accountability measures for teleworking and how the County would monitor departmental adoption of flexibility while maintaining customer service standards. Staff responded that accountability would involve ensuring departments provide flexibility to employees and measuring customer service outcomes.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the statement of commitment to workplace flexibility and refer the matter to the CEO’s office for budget consideration of workforce training and engagement tools.
- Supervisor Labadino stated that their initial opposition to working from home had changed due to personal experience and observations of the private sector, noting that office space is a significant expense and technology allows for accountability. Supervisor Williams raised concerns regarding public frustration with accessing county employees during the pandemic, supporting the concept based on their office’s experience but emphasizing the need for flexibility during rollout. Specific concerns included working with labor groups to establish accountability tools, potential issues with workers' compensation for injuries sustained at home, and ensuring safe home work environments.
- A motion was made and seconded to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned until Tuesday, April 6, 2021.