Meeting Summary
Present: 3-Hartmann, 5-Lavagnino, Williams, Hart, 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
Announcements and Agenda Changes
- Administrative Items 32 through 37 regarding Los Alamos Planning Advisory Committee appointments were withdrawn for later consideration.
- Staff clarified that Administrative Item 24 applies to both the 1st and 2nd Districts.
- The Clerk outlined updated methods for public participation, including virtual attendance options and mask requirements.
Administrative Agenda Approval
- The board approved the administrative agenda with exceptions for Items 12 and 18.
- Item 12 was excluded to be addressed immediately following the vote.
- Item 18 was excluded to allow time for a language review.
Administrative Item 12: COVID-19 Update
- Staff presented an update on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) protocols.
- Public comment addressed mandates, vaccine efficacy, and requests for peer-reviewed science.
- The board approved staff recommendations A through G.
Administrative Item 3: Behavioral Wellness Staffing Contract
- The item involved a first amendment to the contract with Jackson & Coker Locum Tenens LLC.
- The item was pulled from the general agenda for specific public comment.
- No new motion was taken as the item had already been approved in the earlier administrative agenda vote.
Administrative Item 41: Resolution of Commendation
- A resolution was presented to honor Danielle Rifillato for her 27 years of service to the County.
- The Clerk read the resolution into the record, noting her roles in statewide committees.
- The resolution was passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 42: Resolution Recognizing River of Giving
- A resolution was presented to recognize River of Giving and founder Maile Halmy for addressing food insecurity.
- Supervisor Hartman detailed efforts to provide food and household goods to families in the San Ynez Valley, Lompoc, and Los Alamos.
- The resolution was passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 18: Fire Board of Directors
- The item involved consent to the voluntary transfer of district ambulance transport responsibilities to the County.
- A revised resolution was made available to address language concerns.
- The board accepted the revised resolution.
Departmental Item 1: Commission for Women Annual Report
- The Commission presented an annual report highlighting virtual meetings, equity initiatives, and community partnerships.
- The report noted the appointment of Jennifer Baird to represent the Fourth District.
- The board received and filed the report and adopted the CEQA exemption.
Departmental Item No. 2: Certificates of Participation (COP) Financing Update
- Staff presented an update on COP financing for six capital projects, including the Main Jail Rehabilitation.
- A reimbursement resolution was proposed to cover project expenditures incurred prior to debt issuance.
- The board adopted the staff recommendations, including the reimbursement resolution and CEQA determination.
No decision 0–0
Departmental Item No. 3: Regional Fire Communications Facility (RFCF) Update
- The Fire Protection District proposed an 8,500-square-foot net-zero energy facility for regional dispatch.
- Cooperative dispatch agreements are in place or final with several local cities and districts.
- The board adopted recommended actions A through D as the Fire Protection District Board of Directors.
- The board adopted recommended actions A through E as the Board of Supervisors.
Closed Session
- The board discussed existing and anticipated litigation, including cases involving Purdue Pharma and Rosser International.
- Labor negotiations were discussed with the Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Firefighters SEIU Local 620, and unrepresented employees.
- The board reported one action taken: a decision to initiate litigation without disclosing parties or timing.
Departmental Item No. 4: FY 2021-2022 First Quarter Budget Update
- Staff reported a projected positive General Fund variance of $3.1 million at year-end.
- Key variances included a negative variance for the Sheriff’s Department and positive variances for Probation and General Revenues.
- The board received and filed the budget status report and made the CEQA determination.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Roll Call
- The November 16, 2021, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order. The Clerk of the Board called the roll, confirming the presence of all five supervisors. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
- The board considered the approval of the minutes from the November 9, 2021, meeting. A motion was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Announcements and Agenda Changes
- The Clerk of the Board provided announcements regarding the withdrawal of Administrative Agenda Items 32 through 37 (appointments to the Los Alamos Planning Advisory Committee) to be brought back at a later date. Staff clarified that Administrative Item 24 applies to both the 1st and 2nd Districts. The Clerk reminded the public of updated methods for public participation, including in-person and virtual attendance options and mask requirements.
Approval of Administrative Agenda
- The board moved to approve the administrative agenda with exceptions. The motion excluded Administrative Item 12 (to be addressed immediately following) and Administrative Item 18 (to be addressed later due to a language review). The motion included the withdrawal of Administrative Items 32 through 37. The motion was made and seconded. It passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 12: COVID-19 Update
- Staff presented a receiving file regarding an update on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Six members of the public spoke, addressing topics including mandates, vaccine efficacy, and requests for peer-reviewed science. The board closed public comment. A motion was made to approve staff recommendations A through G. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 3: Behavioral Wellness Staffing Contract
- This item involved a first amendment to the Behavioral Wellness Staffing Contract with Jackson & Coker Locum Tenens LLC for fiscal year 2021–2022. Although previously approved as part of the general administrative agenda motion, it was pulled for public comment. One member of the public spoke regarding the contract’s basis in infectious disease control. The board closed public comment. No new motion was taken as the item had already been approved in the earlier administrative agenda vote.
Administrative Item 41: Resolution of Commendation
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Hart was presented to honor Danielle Rifillato for her service to the County of Santa Barbara. The Clerk read the resolution into the record, noting Rifillato’s 27 years of service and roles in statewide committees. Joe Holland, County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor, and Danielle Rifillato spoke to the board. The resolution was passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 42: Resolution Recognizing River of Giving
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Hartman was presented to recognize River of Giving and founder Maile Halmy for mobilizing to address food insecurity during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Clerk read the resolution into the record. Supervisor Hartman detailed the efforts of Halmy and volunteers to provide food and household goods to families in the San Ynez Valley, Lompoc, and Los Alamos. The resolution was passed and adopted.
General Public Comment
- Five members of the public spoke on general topics. Danny Blunk requested the health department display peer-reviewed science supporting mask mandates and disclose vaccine ingredients. Maria Kessner cited the Brown Act regarding previous comments by Supervisor Williams. John Olenek, Caltrans District 5 Planning Manager, announced the initiation of a technical study for wildlife habitat connectivity along Highway 101 in the Gaviota Pass area and the formation of a stakeholder outreach group. Dr. Amy Smith discussed meeting conduct, First Amendment rights, and the definition of "citizen's arrest." Joshua Medrano, Tri-Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, promoted the council’s pre-apprenticeship programs.
Administrative Item 18: Fire Board of Directors
- This item involved consent to the voluntary transfer of district ambulance transport responsibilities and authority to the County of Santa Barbara in New Cuyama Exclusive Operating Area 3. The Chair noted that a revised resolution had been made available to address language concerns. A motion was made to accept the revised resolution. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 1: Commission for Women Annual Report
- The Commission for Women presented their annual report. Key points included continued monthly meetings via Zoom, a focus on equity and inclusion, partnerships with the Santa Maria March and NAACP, distribution of masks and sanitizer, "Women Speak Up" events, annual awards, and participation in the Veterans Stand Down event. The Commission discussed their collaboration with community organizations, adaptation to virtual meetings, and future goals including encouraging women to serve on local boards and expanding outreach to veterans and the North County Rape Crisis Center. The appointment of Jennifer Baird to represent the Fourth District was noted. Supervisors expressed appreciation for the Commission’s work and encouraged the continuation of in-person events. A motion was made to receive and file the report and adopt the CEQA exemption. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item No. 2: Certificates of Participation (COP) Financing Update
- Staff presented an update on proposed Certificates of Participation (COP) financing for six capital projects: Main Jail Rehabilitation, Public Safety Radio Network Replacement, Kachuma Lake RV Park Renovations, Probation Headquarters, Regional Fire Communications Center, and Fire Station 27 Replacement. Staff explained that the delay in issuance was due to the timeline for the Northern Branch Jail completion and IRS requirements. Staff proposed a "reimbursement resolution" to allow the county to reimburse project expenditures incurred prior to debt issuance. Supervisors inquired about the interest rate environment, debt capacity, and the funding mechanism for the Kachuma Lake RV Park. Staff confirmed that tax-exempt interest rates remain low and that anticipated revenue increases are expected to cover the debt service for the RV Park. A motion was made to adopt the staff recommendations, which included receiving and filing the update, adopting the reimbursement resolution, and making the CEQA determination. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
No decision 0–0
Departmental Item No. 3: Regional Fire Communications Facility (RFCF) Update
- The Fire Protection District presented an update on the Regional Fire Communications Facility (RFCF). The proposal involves constructing an 8,500-square-foot facility to house a regional dispatch center for fire and EMS services. Cooperative dispatch agreements have been signed or are in final stages with Montecito, Carpinteria-Summerlin, City of Santa Barbara, City of Santa Maria, and City of Lompoc. The building will be net-zero energy and LEED Silver certified. Estimated annual operating costs are $4.9 million. A conceptual plan was presented for a backup Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) in Santa Maria.
- Sheriff Brown spoke in opposition to separating the county’s emergency dispatch functions, citing cost concerns and arguing that the current multidisciplinary center has a proven track record. Supervisor Lavagnino responded that the board is accountable for the county budget and supports the move toward regionalization. Supervisor Nelson asked about the potential for future consolidation of law enforcement dispatch. Supervisor Williams countered that the Sheriff’s department had not acted on opportunities for borderless dispatch over the past four years. Supervisor Hart noted that the Sheriff’s Department was over budget in overtime. Chief Hartwig responded to concerns about delays, estimating the transfer delay to be approximately eight seconds and citing other California agencies that operate as secondary PSAPs.
- Several members of the public, primarily dispatchers and union representatives, spoke in opposition to the split, arguing that the current facility is capable of borderless dispatching and that funds should be used to upgrade existing equipment. They cited specific incidents where real-time communication between law enforcement, fire, and EMS dispatchers was critical.
- Supervisor Lavagnino clarified that no board member or fire official had disparaged the current dispatchers. Supervisor Nelson stated that the board is committed to investing in law enforcement dispatch needs. Supervisor Williams expressed support for borderless dispatch. Supervisor Hartman stated that the primary question of whether fire departments would commit financially had been answered by their presence and funding commitments.
- 1. Motion to Adopt Recommended Actions A through D (Acting as the Board of Directors for the Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District) A motion was made by Supervisor Lavagnino. The motion passed.
- 2. Motion to Adopt Recommended Actions A through E (Acting as the Board of Supervisors) A motion was made by Supervisor Lavagnino and seconded by Supervisor Hartmann. The motion passed.
Closed Session
- The Board entered closed session to discuss existing litigation, anticipated litigation, and labor negotiations. The existing litigation cases included County of Santa Barbara v. Purdue Pharma, In re Purdue Pharma, In re Mallinckrodt, and County of Santa Barbara v. Rosser International. Labor negotiations involved the Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Santa Barbara County Firefighters SEIU Local 620, and unrepresented employees, managers, and executives. Upon reconvening, the Board reported one action taken: a decision to initiate litigation. The Board noted that it was too early to disclose the parties or timing of the litigation.
Departmental Item No. 4: FY 2021-2022 First Quarter Budget Update
- Staff presented the first-quarter budget status update for July through September 2021. The General Fund projected a positive variance of $3.1 million at year-end. Key variances included a negative variance of $1.2 million for the Sheriff’s Department, a positive variance of $1.8 million for the Probation Department, and a positive variance of $1.6 million for General Revenues. Special Revenue Funds had no reportable variances. A motion was made to receive and file the FY 2021-2022 first-quarter budget and financial status report, provide other direction as appropriate, and make the CEQA determination that this is not a project. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned to Tuesday, December 7, 2021, in Santa Maria.