Meeting Summary
Present: Williams, 3-Hartmann, 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
Coastal Permit Service Agreement (Goleta Beach Project)
- Community Services requested approval of an annual agreement with Wood Environment and Infrastructure Solutions Inc.
- Discussion addressed concerns regarding revetment history, mitigation plans, and the environmental firm's involvement.
- The Board approved the item with a 3-2 vote.
Failed 2–2 · in favor: Lavagnino, Hartmann
HEAP Funds for Restroom/Shower Trailer (Bridge House Shelter)
- Community Services requested reallocation of HEAP funds to Good Samaritan Shelter Inc. for a restroom/shower trailer.
- Discussion covered transportation services, expenditure deadlines, and the interpretation of temporary structures under the County Code.
- The Board approved the item unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
License and Reimbursement Agreement with Allan Hancock College
- Public Health requested ratification of an agreement for COVID-19 vaccinations with Allan Hancock College.
- Discussion highlighted the college’s pandemic contributions, including food distribution and a clinic providing over 32,700 doses.
- The Board approved the item unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Santa Maria Valley Sustainable Public Demonstration Garden Project
- Public Works/Water Agency requested approval of the garden project, which requires a four-fifths vote.
- Discussion addressed cost concerns, industry competition, and maintenance funding handled by General Services.
- The Board approved the staff recommendation with a 4-1 vote.
Passed 3–1 · against: Nelson
Agreement with Dignity Health/Marion Regional Medical Center (Crisis Stabilization Unit)
- Behavioral Wellness requested approval of a FY 2021–2024 agreement for a Crisis Stabilization Unit.
- Discussion emphasized community collaboration in addressing mental health and homelessness, with a request for future updates on bed capacity.
- The Board approved the item unanimously.
Proclamation of Local Emergency (Drought)
- The County Executive Office requested approval of a local emergency proclamation due to drought conditions.
- Public comment expressed concern over water usage by the cannabis industry and urged monitoring in permitting.
- The Board approved the item unanimously.
COVID-19 Update
- Public Health presented data from March 2020 to June 2021, noting the Delta variant comprised nearly 50% of sequenced specimens.
- Discussion covered vaccination rates, CDPH guidance for K-12 schools, and the need for 95% immunity for eradication.
- The Board received and filed the report, approving staff recommendations A through C unanimously.
No decision 0–0
CPI Adjustment of Library Special Tax Rate (CSA No. 3 Greater Goleta)
- Staff recommended adjusting the FY 2021–2022 library special tax rate by 1.6% based on the Consumer Price Index.
- The Board approved the staff recommendation unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Orcutt and Providence Landing Community Facilities District Special Tax Levies
- Staff presented recommendations for FY 2021–2022 levies, including a 2% increase for Orcutt and no change for Providence Landing.
- Discussion included the process for amending resolutions and the history of the Orcutt CFD arrangement.
- The Board approved the staff recommendations unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Ordinance Amending Speed Limits
- Staff presented a first reading of an ordinance amending speed limits in County Code sections 23-15.4 through 23-15.8.
- Discussion included frustration with state-level requirements and legislative efforts to grant local agencies more discretion.
- The Board approved the item unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Status Report on Criminal Justice Improvement Efforts
- Presenters provided a status report on diversion, digital evidence sharing, and data transparency efforts.
- Discussion covered the Neighborhood Court Program, digital evidence management, and the balance between law and order and equity.
- The Board approved the staff recommendation with the addition of a project timeline management system unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Public Safety Radio System Replacement Project
- Staff presented the selection of EF Johnson for the radio system replacement, noting the denial of two bidder protests.
- Public comment raised concerns about the CEQA exemption and requested deferral until Public Records Act documents are reviewed.
- The Board approved items A through E, authorizing the agreement not to exceed $30,239,809, unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Utility Scale Solar Comprehensive Plan and Ordinance Amendments
- Planning and Development staff presented the scope for expanding utility-scale solar opportunities in unincorporated areas.
- Discussion included concerns about excluding industrial zones and the need to include Audubon Society development standards.
- The Board adopted the staff recommendation with modifications to include additional zoning and a Phase 2 component for the Gaviota Coast plan unanimously.
Passed 3–0 · unanimous
Gallard Appeal of Suarez Cannabis Cultivation Project
- Staff recommended denying the appeal and granting de novo approval of the revised project subject to settlement agreement terms.
- Discussion emphasized groundwater sustainability and the positive step of the settlement agreement toward compliance.
- The Board adopted staff recommendations A through D, incorporating settlement terms, unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Closed Session
- The Board discussed anticipated litigation, real property negotiations, and labor negotiations.
- County Counsel reported that the Board took no reportable action during the session.
Full summary
Meeting Overview
- The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors held a meeting on June 13, 2021, at 511 East Lakeside Parkway in Santa Maria. All five supervisors were present. The Clerk of the Board announced agenda amendments, including the addition of a closed session item regarding real property negotiations, the deletion of specific recommendations from the City of Lompoc communications referral, and the addition of two new administrative items: a Behavioral Wellness agreement with Dignity Health/Marion Regional Medical Center and a proclamation of local emergency due to drought. The Board approved the minutes from the June 22, 2021, regular meeting unanimously. The County Executive Officer’s Report included announcements regarding a Girls Inc. externship, recognition of Fire Chief Mark Hartwig, and a report on the National Association of Counties conference. The Board approved the balance of the administrative agenda, excluding items pulled for separate discussion, unanimously.
Administrative Item 9: Coastal Permit Service Agreement (Goleta Beach Project)
- Community Services requested approval of an annual coastal permit service agreement with Wood Environment and Infrastructure Solutions Inc. for the Goleta Beach project. Discussion included concerns regarding the history of revetments violating the Coastal Act, insufficient mitigation plans, and the environmental firm’s involvement. A motion to approve the item was made and seconded. The motion passed 3-2.
Administrative Item 11: HEAP Funds for Restroom/Shower Trailer (Bridge House Shelter)
- Community Services requested the reallocation of Homeless Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) funds to Good Samaritan Shelter Inc. for a restroom/shower trailer at the Bridge House shelter site. Discussion covered transportation services to mitigate safety hazards, the extension of the expenditure deadline to July 31, 2021, and the interpretation of "temporary" structures under the County Code. Statistics on successful outcomes from the Isla Vista program were provided. A motion to approve the item was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 26: License and Reimbursement Agreement with Allan Hancock College
- Public Health requested the ratification of a license and reimbursement agreement with Allan Hancock College for COVID-19 vaccinations. Discussion highlighted the college’s contributions during the pandemic, including food distribution, mask campaigns, and the operation of a vaccination clinic that provided over 32,700 doses. A motion to approve the item was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Administrative Item 36: Santa Maria Valley Sustainable Public Demonstration Garden Project
- Public Works/Water Agency requested approval of the Santa Maria Valley sustainable public demonstration garden project, requiring a four-fifths vote. Discussion addressed cost concerns relative to other potential uses of taxpayer funds, higher-than-estimated costs due to industry competition, and maintenance funding. Staff indicated that General Services would handle ongoing maintenance and that the design requires minimal upkeep. A motion to approve the staff recommendation was made and seconded. The motion passed 4-1.
Passed 3–1 · against: Nelson
Administrative Item 57: Agreement with Dignity Health/Marion Regional Medical Center (Crisis Stabilization Unit)
- Behavioral Wellness requested approval of an agreement with Dignity Health (Marion Regional Medical Center) for FY 2021–2024, requiring a four-fifths vote. Public comment supported the contract, citing the shortage of acute care psychiatric beds and the effectiveness of Crisis Stabilization Units. Discussion emphasized community collaboration and partnerships in addressing mental health and homelessness. A request was made for a future update on the county’s expansion of the continuum of care and bed capacity. A motion to approve the item was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 58: Proclamation of Local Emergency (Drought)
- The County Executive Office requested approval of a proclamation of local emergency caused by drought conditions. Public comment expressed concern over water usage by the cannabis industry and urged the county to monitor water usage in permitting. A motion to approve the item was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
General Public Comment
- Two individuals spoke regarding a property fraud case involving the Quaid family, alleging forged documents and requesting the Board to contact the District Attorney’s office. One speaker requested support in seeking justice regarding a foreclosure during the Montecito floods. A supervisor asked the last speaker to provide a summary of his situation to her office.
Departmental Item 1: COVID-19 Update
- Public Health presented a data recap from March 2020 to June 2021, including case counts, geographic distribution, deaths, and vaccination rates. The Delta variant comprised nearly 50% of sequenced specimens as of June. Discussion covered the Delta variant’s transmissibility, vaccination rates by age and race/ethnicity, and CDPH guidance for K-12 schools requiring universal indoor masking. Questions were raised regarding preventable deaths among vaccinated individuals, disparities in restrictions between adults and children, and the expiration of local health officer orders. Staff indicated that the county would monitor case rates closely and that achieving eradication would require 95% immunity. A motion to receive and file the report, approving staff recommendations A through C, was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 2: CPI Adjustment of Library Special Tax Rate (CSA No. 3 Greater Goleta)
- Staff recommended adjusting the fiscal year 2021–2022 library special tax rate for County Service Area (CSA) No. 3 (Greater Goleta) by 1.6% based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Staff recommended adopting a resolution confirming the report, adjusting the tax rate, and determining that the action is not subject to CEQA. A motion to approve the staff recommendation was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 3: Orcutt and Providence Landing Community Facilities District Special Tax Levies
- Staff presented recommendations regarding the fiscal year 2021–2022 special tax levies for the Orcutt and Providence Landing Community Facilities Districts (CFDs). The Orcutt CFD levy, which funds sheriff, fire, parks, and flood services, would be increased by 2%. The Providence Landing CFD levy, which maintains a 12-acre community park, would remain unchanged at $672 per parcel. Discussion included the process for amending the resolution if the board decided to change the services and the history of the Orcutt CFD arrangement. A motion to approve the staff recommendations was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Departmental Item 4: Ordinance Amending Speed Limits
- Staff presented a first reading of an ordinance amending speed limits specified in County Code sections 23-15.4 through 23-15.8. Discussion included frustration with state-level requirements for setting speed limits and legislative efforts to grant local agencies more discretion. A motion to approve Item D4 was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Departmental Item 5: Status Report on Criminal Justice Improvement Efforts
- Presenters from the County Executive Office, District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department, and a consultant provided a status report on collaborative efforts to improve the criminal justice system, focusing on diversion, digital evidence sharing, and data transparency. Discussion included the distinction between true diversion and other opportunities for services, the development of a Neighborhood Court Program in Goleta, and the need for improved digital evidence management systems. A new public-facing data dashboard was presented. Discussion also covered the balance between law and order and equity, concerns about rural crime, and the inclusion of local police chiefs in the discussion. The Sheriff announced that the county received a $2.49 million "Pathway Home" grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. A motion to approve the staff recommendation with the addition of a project timeline management system to track progress was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Closed Session
- The Board entered closed session to discuss anticipated litigation, real property negotiations (Guadalupe and Summerland), and labor negotiations for all bargaining units. Upon reconvening, County Counsel reported that the Board took no reportable action during the closed session.
Departmental Item 6: Public Safety Radio System Replacement Project
- Director Powell presented the status of the Public Safety Radio System Replacement Project, noting that the existing system is near end-of-life. Staff conducted a competitive selection process, and EF Johnson was selected based on a best-value evaluation. Two unsuccessful bidders filed protests, which were reviewed by a protest resolution committee that unanimously found the process fair and that EF Johnson offered the best value. The proposed Agreement No. 1 for final system design and installation totals $30,239,809. Public comment raised concerns about the CEQA exemption regarding the Santa Ynez Peak site and requested that the Board defer or dismiss the contract award until all documents requested under a Public Records Act request are produced and reviewed. County Counsel confirmed that the protest procedure was followed as laid out in the RFP and that the protests were denied. A motion to approve items A through E (authorizing the Chair to execute the agreement with EF Johnson not to exceed $30,239,809, approving the budget request, directing staff to return for updates, authorizing administration of the agreement, and determining CEQA exemption) was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Departmental Item 7: Utility Scale Solar Comprehensive Plan and Ordinance Amendments
- Planning and Development staff presented the scope of work for expanding utility-scale solar opportunities in unincorporated county areas. The proposed scope includes zoning amendments, Williamson Act uniform rules amendments, and comprehensive plan amendments. Currently, utility-scale solar is only permitted in a 600-acre overlay in the Cuyama Valley. Staff narrowed the proposed scope to Ag-1, Ag-2, and Public Utilities zones due to compatibility, land availability, and resource constraints. Discussion included concerns about excluding industrial zones and the Gaviota Coast Plan area, the need to include the Audubon Society’s development standards, and the efficiency of using limited Planning and Development staff resources for a broad scope. Public comment supported diverse agricultural operations, alternative energy development, and the conversion of agricultural land to solar farms. A motion to adopt the staff recommendation with the following modifications was made and seconded: 1. Include Ag-1, Ag-2, Public Utility, Professional Institutional, M1 Light Industry, M2 General Industry, MRP Industrial Research Park, and MCR zoning in the scope. 2. Include a Phase 2 component to flesh out the Gaviota Coast plan to facilitate utility-scale solar in industrial zones. 3. Direct staff to budget for the Phase 2 work. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 8: Gallard Appeal of Suarez Cannabis Cultivation Project
- Supervisors reported ex parte communications. A motion to accept post-deadline documents into the record was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Tina Mitchell from the cannabis team presented the appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of the Suarez Cannabis Cultivation Project. The project involves 34.7 acres of outdoor cannabis cultivation under hoop structures on a 78.27-acre parcel in the AG-2 zone in Cuyama Valley. The applicant and appellant reached a settlement agreement on July 8, 2021, including a one-to-one groundwater offset program and commitment to comply with the Cuyama Valley Cannabis Advisory Committee guidelines. Staff recommended denying the appeal, making required findings for approval, determining the PEIR is adequate, and granting de novo approval of the revised project subject to conditions in the July 9, 2021 memo. Public comment expressed appreciation for the Advisory Committee’s work, concern about water usage, and concerns about unanticipated consequences such as housing shortages and road maintenance. Discussion emphasized that the Cuyama Valley is not currently sustainable due to groundwater issues and viewed the cannabis agreement as a positive step toward sustainability. A motion to adopt the staff recommendations A, B, C, and D, including the changes in the project description elucidated during the discussion (incorporating the settlement agreement terms and guidelines), was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment
- Chair Nelson announced the meeting was adjourned, with the next session scheduled for Tuesday, August 17, in Santa Maria.