Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Nelson, 5-Lavagnino, Williams, 3-Hartmann
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
CEO’s Report and Announcements
- Fire Department announced ongoing vegetation management projects and upcoming defensible space inspections.
- Registrar of Voters initiated recruitment for poll workers for the June 7, 2022, primary elections.
- Administrative updates included agenda corrections, scheduling changes, and salary disclosures for Behavioral Wellness staff.
Resolution of Accommodation for Mary Housel
- The Board adopted a resolution honoring Mary Housel for her service to the county library system.
- The resolution recognized her leadership in branch library renovations and her work securing technology and funding.
- Community members cited increased patron visits and her mentorship as key contributions.
Resolution of Accommodation for Elisa Ann Ponce
- The Board adopted a resolution honoring Elisa Ann Ponce upon her retirement from the Sheriff’s Office.
- The resolution recognized her over 26 years of service in records and administrative roles.
- Sheriff Bill Brown praised her as an essential support staff member and "unsung hero."
Resolution of Accommodation for Deputy Charlie Urig
- The Board adopted a resolution honoring Deputy Charlie Urig upon his retirement after over 20 years of service.
- The resolution recognized his roles as a patrol officer, Community Resource Deputy, and court services staff.
- Sheriff Bill Brown described Urig as a personification of community policing and noted his election as Mayor of Solvang.
Resolution Proclaiming National Poetry Month
- The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming April 2022 as National Poetry Month in Santa Barbara County.
- The resolution recognized student poets Madeline Miller, Kunday Chikowero, and Sierra Mayerl.
- Student poets shared their work via video and Zoom, highlighting the county’s support for youth literary programs.
Resolution Proclaiming National Arab American Heritage Month
- The Board adopted a resolution declaring April 2022 as National Arab American Heritage Month.
- The resolution cited the contributions of Arab Americans to society and the presence of the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara.
- A representative from the Islamic Society spoke in support, noting the organization’s long-standing community service.
TEFRA Hearing for CEDA Revenue Obligations for Kate School
- The Board held a public hearing regarding a proposed $22 million revenue obligation for Kate School.
- The funds would support the transformation of Raymond Commons into an Academic Inquiry Center.
- The Board approved the recommendation, noting the County’s role was limited to holding the hearing while the school handles debt repayment.
Animal Services City and Jurisdictional Contract Fee Scenarios
- Staff presented four cost recovery scenarios for Animal Services contracts, with Scenario A representing the lowest increase.
- Public commenters generally supported Scenario A or a phased approach to maintain municipal partnerships and service levels.
- The Board directed staff to proceed with Option C using a five-year phase-in with a 2.5% CPI adjustment.
- Staff confirmed that rebuilding the volunteer program and establishing an advisory council are current priorities.
Commission for Women 2022 Women’s History Month Service Awards
- The Commission for Women presented five award recipients for their contributions to education, journalism, and civil rights.
- Recipients included Teresa Alvarez, Allie Cortez, Raisa Gorgi, Mary Mann Maronville, and LaWanda Lyons-Pruitt.
- The Board received and filed the item, recognizing the recipients' community impact.
Measure A Program of Projects for Fiscal Years 2022–2023 and 2026–2027
- Public Works presented funding distribution options for the Measure A program, noting a 16% negative impact on the 3rd District under the current formula.
- Staff recommended a formula adjustment to a 75% lane mile/25% population split to mitigate disparity.
- The Board accepted the staff recommendation, noting the total infrastructure backlog remains at $294 million.
State General Fund Allocation for Foothills Forever Project
- The Board considered recommendations for state general fund allocation for the Foothills Forever Project.
- The motion included acknowledgments of support from state legislators and recognition of the Board’s contributions.
- The Board unanimously passed the motion to accept the staff recommendation.
Closed Session
- The Board discussed existing litigation involving Espaillat v. Gill and County of Santa Barbara.
- The Board engaged in real property negotiations regarding the San Marcos Preserve in the 2nd District.
- No reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Roll Call
- The April 19, 2022, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order in the Santa Maria hearing room. The Clerk of the Board called the roll, noting that Supervisor Nelson was absent. The Board proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
- The Board considered the approval of the minutes from the April 5, 2022, meeting. A motion was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
CEO’s Report and Announcements
- The CEO’s report included announcements regarding:
- Fire Department: Ongoing vegetation management projects in San Antonio Creek, San Marcos foothills, Lombok Valley, Burnt Mesa, San Ynez Valley, and Tepeskay. Defensible space inspections are scheduled to begin in June.
- Registrar of Voters: Recruitment of poll workers for the June 7, 2022, statewide direct primary elections.
- Behavioral Wellness: The Alcohol and Drug Program’s participation in a new pilot project for stimulant treatment.
- The Clerk of the Board provided the following administrative announcements:
- Agenda Addendum: Administrative Item 30 (Resolution proclaiming April 2022 as National Arab American Heritage Month) was added to the agenda.
- Salary Disclosure: Verbal summary of contract compensation for Dr. Fred Burge and Mary Pat Sweeney (Behavioral Wellness Department) for FY 2022–2023, with Ms. Sweeney’s compensation not to exceed $48,476.
- Correction: Administrative Item 5 (Lita Valley Library Advisory Commission reappointment) was corrected to reflect the Second and Third Districts, rather than the First and Third.
- Scheduling Change: Administrative Item 8 (Foothills Forever Project state general fund allocation) was requested to trail after closed session.
- Hearing Date: Administrative Item 21 (Santa Maria River levee trail study) was requested to be set for a hearing on May 17, 2022.
- Agenda Order: Departmental Item 4 (Animal Services contract fee scenarios) would be heard immediately following Departmental Item 1.
- Public Participation: Reminders regarding Spanish interpretation, virtual participation via Zoom, and updated public comment procedures.
Public Comment on Administrative Item 9
- Item: Agreement with REACH for the preparation of a comprehensive economic development strategy.
- Comment: Andy Caldwell (CoLab) spoke in opposition, arguing that REACH spends more time reporting on others' work than performing recruitment, and that the county’s permit process and environmental review obstacles hinder industrial job creation for low-income residents.
Public Comment on Administrative Item 19
- Item: Donations of pharmaceutical replenishments and safety net support from Direct Relief International to the Public Health Department.
- Comment:
- A representative from Direct Relief International expressed gratitude for the partnership and highlighted the $341,000 contribution providing a safety net for low-income residents.
- Andy Caldwell (CoLab) spoke in opposition, characterizing the funding as patronage and arguing that taxpayer money should not be used for activist organizations.
- Rachel Johnson (Santa Barbara City College Foundation) expressed gratitude for the Board’s leadership in the grant process and the support for youth educational services.
- Dr. Naomi H. Madison (identified in transcript as Dr. Lee Mattinson/Leone H. Madison) spoke in support, stating that the Fund for Santa Barbara has a proven track record in community engagement and that the county developing its own process would have taken more time.
- Chelsea Lancaster spoke in support, citing the Fund for Santa Barbara’s regional equity study and the importance of addressing racial equity gaps.
Approval of Balance of Administrative Agenda
- The Board considered the approval of the balance of the administrative agenda, including the corrections and scheduling changes noted in the announcements.
- Discussion: Supervisors thanked the Fund for Santa Barbara for its role in the grant application process for racial equity and justice programs.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the balance of the consent calendar agenda.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Administrative Item 24: Resolution of Accommodation for Mary Housel
- Action: The Board adopted a resolution honoring Mary Housel for her service to the advancement and development of the county library system.
- Details: The resolution recognized her leadership in the relocation and renovation of the Orchid, Kiyama, and Los Alamos branch libraries, her work in securing technology and funding, and her service on the Library Advisory Committee.
- Comments: Mary Housel thanked the Board and supporters. Carol Greger (Friends of the Orchid Library) spoke in support, citing increased patron visits and Housel’s mentorship.
- Outcome: The resolution was passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 25: Resolution of Accommodation for Elisa Ann Ponce
- Action: The Board adopted a resolution honoring Elisa Ann Ponce upon her retirement from the Sheriff’s Office after over 26 years of service.
- Details: The resolution recognized her roles as Records Specialist and Administrative Office Professional Senior, and her contributions to the Warrants and Criminal Records Bureaus.
- Comments: Sheriff Bill Brown praised her as an "unsung hero" and essential support staff. Elisa Ponce thanked the Board.
- Outcome: The resolution was passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 26: Resolution of Accommodation for Deputy Charlie Urig
- Action: The Board adopted a resolution honoring Deputy Charlie Urig upon his retirement from the Sheriff’s Office after over 20 years of service.
- Details: The resolution recognized his service as a patrol officer, Community Resource Deputy in Solvang, and in court services.
- Comments: Sheriff Bill Brown described Urig as a personification of community policing and noted his subsequent election as Mayor of Solvang. Charlie Urig thanked the Board and expressed his commitment to service.
- Outcome: The resolution was passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 27: Resolution Proclaiming National Poetry Month
- Action: The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming April 2022 as National Poetry Month in Santa Barbara County and recognizing student poets Madeline Miller, Kunday Chikowero, and Sierra Mayerl.
- Details: The resolution highlighted the Academy of American Poets’ designation of April as National Poetry Month and the county’s support for programs like Poetry Out Loud and the Youth Poet Laureate.
- Comments:
- Kunday Chikowero (via video) read a poem titled "Family."
- Madeline Miller (via Zoom) read a poem about sea anemones and expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
- Supervisor Williams expressed appreciation for the students' work.
- Outcome: The resolution was passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 30: Resolution Proclaiming April 2022 as National Arab American Heritage Month
- Discussion: The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Hartman to declare April 2022 as National Arab American Heritage Month in Santa Barbara County. The resolution cited the contributions of Arab Americans to various sectors of society, their history in North America, and the presence of the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara. Mukhtar Khan, representing the Islamic Society, spoke in support of the resolution, noting the organization’s long-standing service to the community.
- Action: The Board adopted the resolution.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Departmental Item 1: TEFRA Hearing for CEDA Revenue Obligations for Kate School
- Discussion: The Board held a public hearing regarding the California Enterprise Development Authority (CEDA) issuance of tax-exempt or taxable revenue obligations for the benefit of Kate School in Carpinteria. A representative explained that the proposed $22 million issuance would fund the transformation of Raymond Commons into an Academic Inquiry Center, including student services, academic support, and active educational spaces. It was clarified that the County’s role was limited to holding the public hearing, while Kate School would be legally responsible for debt repayment.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the recommendation.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 4: Animal Services City and Jurisdictional Contract Fee Scenarios
- Discussion: The Public Health Department presented four cost recovery scenarios for Animal Services city and jurisdictional contracts for Fiscal Year 2022-23. The presentation included a history of funding sources, including tobacco settlement and general fund contributions, and an analysis by MGT consultants.
- Scenario A: Total cost with continued tobacco settlement and general fund support (7.2% increase).
- Scenario B: Total cost without tobacco settlement support (20.6% increase).
- Scenario C: Total cost without general fund contribution (20.8% increase).
- Scenario D: Total cost without tobacco settlement or general fund support (34.3% increase).
- Staff noted that the unincorporated area represents 32% of the county population and would be affected by reductions in tobacco settlement funds. Staff requested direction on which scenario to pursue and noted that consumer fee analysis is ongoing.
- Public Comment: Six members of the public spoke on the item.
- Bernard Pelmanson (ASAP Cats): Recommended Scenario A to maintain municipal partnerships and quality care, arguing that sudden significant increases could lead to fragmentation of services.
- Elizabeth Reed: Urged the Board to support Scenario A to keep the county animal services viable, warning that cities might seek private alternatives if costs rise too sharply. She suggested exploring grants and utilizing community volunteers.
- Gene Silva (Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter): Supported a cost increase no greater than Scenario A, citing increased animal populations and service disruptions. Recommended working with an advisory council to evaluate needs.
- Kendra Duncan O’Connor (Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter): Urged the selection of Scenario A to avoid burdening the shelters, noting that service levels have already decreased due to the closure of the Lompoc shelter.
- Dr. Lee Heller: Argued against aggressive cost recovery, suggesting Scenario A or a phased approach. Noted that cities are facing financial hardships and that losing contract partners would negatively impact countywide services. Offered to assist with grant applications.
- Jill Anderson (Shadows Fund): Urged the Board to reconsider raising costs for cities at this time, suggesting a steady course to maintain cohesive services and stakeholder collaboration.
- Board Discussion:
- Supervisor Williams asked about the potential for grant funding. Staff confirmed that the department has received small grants and is interested in pursuing more, including opportunities through the Correct Shelter Medicine program.
- Supervisor Hart expressed support for the principle of cost recovery but preferred a phased approach to maintain partnerships.
- Supervisor Williams stated a preference for a gradual approach closer to Scenario A to signal value to partners while moving toward cost recovery.
- Supervisor Lavendino asked for clarification on why some city contract amounts decreased in the analysis. Staff explained that the MGT analysis realigned per capita rates, which had drifted due to population changes and previous cost-of-living adjustments, resulting in some cities seeing a decrease to a new baseline.
- Continued Discussion: The Board discussed the methodology for cost recovery, noting that the City of Santa Barbara’s significant cost increase is partly due to its participation only in sheltering services rather than full cost recovery, meaning it does not share in licensing revenue. Staff presented two phased-in scenarios for Option C (without general fund support, including TSAC settlement dollars): a three-year phase-in and a five-year phase-in.
- Three-Year Scenario: Year 1 increase of $139,000, increasing annually by $139,000 plus a 2.5% CPI adjustment. Total cost at the end of three years would be $537,000.
- Five-Year Scenario: Year 1 increase of $83,000, increasing annually by $83,000 plus a 2.5% CPI adjustment. Total cost at the end of five years would be $657,000.
- Staff Clarification: Staff noted that these figures are estimates based on current costs and that actual costs in Year 5 may differ. Staff also clarified that the formula would not be changed unless directed by the Board, as changing revenue sharing would impact other jurisdictions.
- Motion: A motion was made to proceed with Option C using a five-year phase-in with a 2.5% CPI adjustment in years 2, 3, 4, and 5. The motion also included staff recommendations A, C, and D.
- Vote: The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
- Additional Notes: Staff confirmed that rebuilding the volunteer program is a priority and intended to be one of the most robust ever. An advisory council is expected to be in place by the end of the month.
Departmental Item 2: Commission for Women 2022 Women’s History Month Service Awards
- Discussion: The Commission for Women presented five award recipients for their contributions to the community:
- 1. Teresa Alvarez (1st District): Executive Director at the Carpinteria Children’s Project; Chair of Future Leaders of America. 2. Allie Cortez (2nd District): Clinical youth outreach worker in the Santa Barbara Unified School District; co-founder of BINDSTAR Latinx. 3. Raisa Gorgi (3rd District): Founder of the San Ynez Valley News. 4. Mary Mann Maronville (4th District): Founder and CEO of SEAG (Students for Ecoeducation and Agriculture). 5. LaWanda Lyons-Pruitt (5th District): President of the Santa Maria and Lompoc chapter of the NAACP.
- Remarks: Board members and the Commission Chair offered remarks recognizing the recipients' work in education, community journalism, youth outreach, and civil rights.
- Motion: A motion was made to receive and file the item, following staff’s recommendation.
- Vote: The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 3: Measure A Program of Projects for Fiscal Years 2022–2023 and 2026–2027
- Discussion: Public Works presented the Measure A program of projects, focusing on the distribution of funding for operations, deferred maintenance, and grant-funded projects.
- Funding Distribution: The current distribution in the South County is 50% based on lane miles and 50% based on population. Due to census and redistricting changes, this formula results in a 16% negative impact on the 3rd District.
- Options Presented:
- 1. Continue the existing 50% population/50% lane mile formula. 2. Recommended: A formula adjustment to mitigate disparity, discussed as a 75% lane mile/25% population split. 3. Distribute 100% by lane miles (need). 4. No specific distribution formula, using funds for grant matching and highest-need areas.
- Asset Management: The total infrastructure backlog is $294 million, with a $134 million pavement backlog (a 7% decrease from the previous year). The Pavement Condition Index (PCI) increased by 2 points to 58 in 2021.
- Motion: A motion was made to accept the staff recommendation.
- Vote: The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Closed Session
- Items:
- 1. Existing litigation under Government Code Section 54956.9: Espaillat v. Gill and County of Santa Barbara. 2. Real property negotiations under Government Code Section 54956.8: San Marcos Preserve in the 2nd District. Negotiating parties include Channel Islands Restoration, Alamal LSC, Alamal Foundation, and Otis Califf.
- Outcome: The Board took no reportable action.
Administrative Item 8: State General Fund Allocation for Foothills Forever Project
- Discussion: The Clerk presented the item from the County Executive Office regarding recommendations for state general fund allocation from the California Natural Resources Agency for fiscal years 2021–2022 for the Foothills Forever Project. No public comments were received.
- Motion: A motion was made to accept the staff recommendation. The motion included acknowledgments of support from state assembly members and the state senator, as well as recognition of the Board of Supervisors’ contributions to the project’s completion.
- Vote: The motion was put to a vote.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment
- Decision: The Chair announced the meeting was adjourned until Tuesday, May 3rd, in Santa Barbara.