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Board of Supervisors — 2021-08-03

Board of Supervisors — 2021-08-03August 3, 2021

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BodyBoard of Supervisors
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 August 3, 2021

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Meeting Summary

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Present: 5-Lavagnino, 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

Acquisition of 630 Randall Road

  • Staff presented the acquisition as necessary to complete a debris basin in Montecito for flood control following the Thomas Fire.
  • The property owner and her attorney opposed the acquisition, citing prior assurances against eminent domain and federal funding restrictions.
  • County Counsel clarified that the Board is not bound by previous employee statements regarding the use of eminent domain.
  • The Board adopted the resolution and recommendations for the property acquisition.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous

Closed Session

  • The Board conferred with labor negotiators for various bargaining units.
  • The Board conferred with real property negotiators regarding the acquisition of 201 Temple Street in Summerland.
  • No reportable action was taken during the closed session.

Full summary

Meeting Details

  • Date: August 3, 2021
  • Body: Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors
  • Type: Special Meeting

Agenda Item: Administrative Agenda

  • Discussion: The Chair asked if any Board members or members of the public requested to pull items from the administrative agenda. No requests were received.
  • Motion: Supervisor Hartman moved to approve the administrative agenda.
  • Second: Supervisor Hart seconded the motion.
  • Decision: The motion passed unanimously.

Agenda Item: Departmental Item No. 1 – Acquisition of 630 Randall Road (APN 007120101)

  • Context: A hearing to consider recommendations regarding the acquisition of property by the Santa Barbara Flood Control and Water Conservation District for flood control purposes. A four-fifths vote was required.
  • Staff Presentation: Public Works staff presented information on the location of the proposed debris basin in Montecito, adjacent to San Ysidro Creek. Staff explained that the subject parcel is the only remaining parcel needed to complete the basin, which is designed to capture sediment and debris for community safety following the Thomas Fire and subsequent debris flows. Staff noted that previous offers to purchase the property or an easement were rejected by the owner.
  • Public Comment:
  • Catherine Montgomery (Property Owner): Expressed opposition to the acquisition, stating the property is her only remaining asset after personal losses. She cited a prior verbal assurance from a county employee that the property would not be taken by eminent domain.
  • Todd Amspoker (Attorney for Property Owner): Submitted documents including an email from a county employee stating the county would not use eminent domain, FEMA grant documents, and an EIR addendum. He argued that federal regulations prohibit the use of eminent domain for FEMA-funded projects and that the county’s discretion to condemn the property was removed because construction on other parts of the project had already commenced. He also raised concerns about the valuation of a neighboring property acquired by the county.
  • Board Discussion:
  • Supervisor Williams asked staff to clarify if the owner could retain ownership with certain uses. Staff confirmed that an exclusive easement and a memorial were offered but rejected.
  • Supervisor Hartman asked why the project was not built in phases and why the entire property was necessary. Staff responded that building the full basin maximizes community protection and allows for completion before winter rains, avoiding contractor demobilization/remobilization costs.
  • Chair Nelson asked County Counsel if the Board was bound by the prior employee statement. Counsel stated the County is not bound by that statement.
  • Motion: Supervisor Williams moved to adopt the resolution and recommendations for the acquisition.
  • Second: Supervisor Hartman seconded the motion.
  • Decision: The motion passed unanimously.

Closed Session

  • Items:
  • 1. Conference with labor negotiators for all bargaining units (unrepresented employees, managers, and executives). 2. Conference with real property negotiators regarding APN 005080006, 201 Temple Street, Summerland.
  • Outcome: The Board took no reportable action.

Adjournment

  • The meeting was adjourned until Tuesday, August 17, 2021, in Santa Maria.