Board of Supervisors — 2022-05-03

CEO Report

• Staff announced the hosting of the SoCal Interscholastic Cycling League Championship and upcoming events at Lake Cachuma.
• The Clerk/Recorder/Assessor requested volunteers for the June 7 primary, outlining eligibility and training requirements.
• General Services reported the soft launch of the upgraded cloud-based county website, including accessibility improvements and page removals.

Administrative Agenda

• Supervisor Nelson requested to pull Item A1 regarding a service contract amendment to allow for further questions.
• Supervisor Nelson highlighted an agreement with the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District on youth violence and cannabis education.
• The board approved the balance of the administrative agenda, continuing Item A1 until May 17.

Resolutions

• The board adopted a resolution of commendation for Senior Deputy Probation Officer Dwayne Erdmann upon his retirement.
• Resolutions were adopted proclaiming National Correctional Officers Week, Wildfire Community Preparedness Month, and Mental Health Month.
• The board honored four Public Health Department employees as Employees of the Month for May 2022.

First Five Santa Barbara County Children and Families Commission – Code Amendment

• Staff requested an ordinance amendment to broaden the public health representative slot to allow for Dr. Vonda Reynoso's appointment.
• The change is necessary because the current ordinance limits the role specifically to the county health officer.
• The board approved the recommendation to amend the code to facilitate the new appointment.

First Five Santa Barbara County Children and Families Commission – ARPA Funds for Child Care Sector Support

• Staff presented options for using $2 million in ARPA funds to address a significant supply-demand gap in infant and toddler care.
• Supervisors debated allocation methods, noting that scholarships alone would not solve structural shortages and suggesting demographic-based allocation.
• The board directed First 5 to prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) to ensure competitiveness and leverage future funding.

Probation Department – FY 2022-2023 Public Safety Realignment Act Plan

• Staff presented the Realignment Plan, highlighting a 26% decrease in post-release supervision populations and a 120% increase in pre-trial populations.
• Supervisors inquired about diversion processes for individuals with mental health issues, staffing ratios, and recidivism data.
• The board approved the staff recommendations for the FY 2022-23 plan.

Community Services Department – CDBG and HOME Funds Annual Action Plan (FY 2022-2023)

• Staff presented funding recommendations for 17 CDBG public services, 4 capital projects, and 44 Human Services General Fund programs.
• Supervisors discussed the lack of funding for Meals on Wheels, with staff noting geographic distribution priorities.
• The board accepted the staff recommendation with the condition to return for additional direction if excess funds remain.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Presentation

• Staff and external representatives provided an overview of the $550 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and its funding opportunities.
• The Public Works Director noted that five county bridges are below a sufficiency rating of 50, making them eligible for rehabilitation funds.
• The board received and filed the presentation, determining the item is exempt from CEQA.

Long-Range Planning Division Work Program (FY 2022–2025)

• Staff outlined current accomplishments, including ADU ordinance amendments and Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans, and remaining work for the fiscal year.
• Supervisors discussed the balance between state-mandated work, policy support for the Board, and the pace of public process.
• The board accepted the staff recommendations and received the file.

PR Investments LLC and Far Western Liquor Inc. Appeal (Orchid Gas Station)

• Staff recommended denying the appeal and granting de novo approval of the gas station project at 3616 Orchard Road.
• Appellants raised concerns about traffic safety and business impact, while the applicant cited the site's historical land use and community need.
• The board denied the appeal, adopted the mitigated negative declaration, and approved the project subject to conditions.

Closed Session

• The board recessed to discuss existing and anticipated litigation involving significant exposure to civil liability.
• Staff reported that the board took no reportable action during the closed session.

• Meeting Date: May 3, 2022 Body: Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors

Roll Call and Pledge

• All supervisors were present. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minutes

• April 11, 12, and 14, 2022 (Budget Workshops): A motion to approve the minutes was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
• April 19, 2022: A motion to approve the minutes was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

CEO Report

• Community Services: Staff announced that Santa Barbara County Parks and Cochuma Lake Recreation Area hosted the SoCal Interscholastic Cycling League Mountain Bike Racing Championship, featuring 1,100 student athletes. Championships are scheduled for May 13–15 at Lake Cachuma.
• Clerk/Recorder/Assessor: Staff announced the need for poll workers for the June 7 statewide primary. Requirements include being a registered/pre-registered voter or lawful permanent resident, availability for election day (6 am–9 pm), and attendance at mandatory training the week of May 23.
• General Services: Staff announced the soft launch of the upgraded county website (CountyVespi.org). The new cloud-based system includes a redesigned homepage, improved accessibility, and the removal of 500 out-of-date pages. The next phase involves intranet redesign and standardizing calendars/forms.

Supervisor and Clerk Announcements

• Supervisor Announcements: Supervisor Nelson announced that the Santa Barbara Chapter of the Association of Women in Communications honored six county communicators for their work during crises.
• Agenda Order: The Clerk announced that Departmental Item 7 (Planning and Development, LRP Work Program) would be heard before Departmental Item 6 (Planning and Development, Orchid gas station appeal).
• Accessibility and Broadcast: Closed captioning is available on the CSB TV 20 YouTube channel, with implementation for broadcast cable channel 20 in progress. Meetings are broadcast live in Spanish for Cox (South County) and Comcast (North County) subscribers via Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).
• Public Participation: Face coverings are no longer required indoors, though Public Health encourages masking in crowded areas. Virtual comments can be made via Zoom by registering in advance, with a three-minute limit per speaker.

Administrative Agenda

• Item A1 (Behavioral Wellness): Supervisor Nelson requested to pull this item to allow time for further questions regarding a second amendment to a service contract with Big Green Cleaning Company.
• Item A4 (Behavioral Wellness): Supervisor Nelson highlighted an agreement with the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District regarding youth violence and cannabis use education.
• Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the administrative agenda, with Item A1 continued until May 17. The motion passed unanimously.

Resolutions

• Item A24 (Resolution of Commendation): Honored Senior Deputy Probation Officer Dwayne Erdmann upon his retirement after over 24 years of service. The resolution was adopted.
• Item A25 (Resolution): Proclaimed the week of May 1–7, 2022, as National Correctional Officers Week. The resolution was adopted.
• Item A26 (Resolution): Proclaimed May 2022 as Wildfire Community Preparedness Month. The resolution was adopted.
• Item A27 (Resolution): Proclaimed May 2022 as Community Action Month and celebrated 55 years of ComUnify service. The resolution was adopted.
• Item A28 (Resolution): Proclaimed May 2022 as Mental Health Month. The resolution was adopted.
• Item A29 (Resolution of Accommodation): Honored Gus Mejia, Nancy Hansen, Jeannie Slay, and Dan Trowbridge of the Public Health Department as Employees of the Month for May 2022. The resolution was adopted.

General Public Comment

• One member of the public spoke via Zoom regarding concerns about the newly announced Disinformation Governance Board under the Department of Homeland Security, citing First Amendment concerns.

Departmental Agenda

Item 1: First Five Santa Barbara County Children and Families Commission – Code Amendment

• Discussion: Staff explained that the County Health Officer requested relief from his duties on the First Five Commission due to pandemic pressures and recommended Dr. Vonda Reynoso (Director of Public Health) as his replacement. The current ordinance limits the public health representative slot specifically to the "county health officer." An amendment is required to broaden the language to allow appointment from the "Public Health Department" to facilitate Dr. Reynoso's appointment.
• Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the recommendation.
• Vote: The motion passed unanimously.

Item 2: First Five Santa Barbara County Children and Families Commission – ARPA Funds for Child Care Sector Support

• Discussion: Staff presented data and options for the use of $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the child care sector. Key data points included a significant supply-demand gap for infants and toddlers, with a deficit of over 8,000 spaces. Three options were presented: family and parental support (scholarships), sector infrastructure (business support and capacity expansion), or a community Request for Proposals (RFP).
• Board Discussion: Supervisors discussed the strategic use of the limited funds, noting that $2 million is insufficient to solve the structural shortage but could leverage additional resources. Concerns were raised that directing funds solely to family scholarships would not address the underlying structural shortage. There was consensus that the upcoming expansion of Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK) would reduce demand for preschool slots while increasing the relative scarcity of infant/toddler care. Supervisors debated allocation methods, suggesting that allocation should be based on age demographics and identified child care deserts rather than geographic district boundaries. Staff recommended an RFP process to ensure competitiveness and to position the county to potentially match future federal or state funds.
• Public Comment: Two speakers addressed the board regarding their readiness to partner with the county or participate in an RFP process.
• Motion: Supervisor Williams moved to adopt the summary provided by the CEO regarding the direction for First 5 to prepare an RFP on the county’s behalf. The motion was seconded.
• Vote: The motion passed unanimously.

Item 3: Probation Department – FY 2022-2023 Public Safety Realignment Act Plan

• Discussion: Staff presented the FY 2022-23 Realignment Plan, developed by the Community Corrections Partnership (CCP). The plan emphasizes evidence-based treatment, case management, and a balanced approach to jail population management, mental health, and housing. Key points included a 26% decrease in combined Post-Release Community Supervision and Post Sentence Supervision populations from October 2020 to October 2021, and a 120% increase in the pre-trial population from January 2021 to January 2022. The total AB 109 program budget is $18.1 million.
• Q&A: Supervisors asked questions regarding the process for diverting individuals with mental health issues from jail, staffing ratios relative to population growth, recidivism data, and the use of growth funds. Staff provided responses explaining diversion dependencies, risk-based staffing, legislative impacts on recidivism comparisons, and fiscal stability measures.
• Motion: Supervisor Hart moved to approve the staff recommendations A through C. The motion was seconded.
• Vote: The motion passed unanimously.

Item 4: Community Services Department – CDBG and HOME Funds Annual Action Plan (FY 2022-2023)

• Discussion: Staff presented the annual action plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds, as well as Human Services General Fund allocations. The county received 17 applications for CDBG public services, 4 for CDBG capital projects, and 44 for Human Services General Fund programs. Recommendations were made for funding various programs and projects, including a new grant for the Santa Barbara Teen Legal Clinic’s restorative justice project and capital projects such as septic system replacement and HVAC upgrades.
• Q&A: Supervisors asked about the lack of funding for Meals on Wheels in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara. Staff noted that the Human Services Commission prioritized geographic distribution and beneficiary numbers. Supervisor Williams suggested waiting until the CEO’s office completes a comprehensive analysis of senior meal costs and gaps across the county before directing any potential surplus CDBG funds to specific agencies.
• Public Comment: Several speakers addressed the board, requesting consideration for unfunded agencies, supporting recommended grants, and thanking the board for recommended funding.
• Motion: A motion was made to accept the staff recommendation with the addition that the board return for additional direction concurrent or subsequent to the presentation if there is excess money allocated. The motion was seconded.
• Vote: The motion passed.

Closed Session

• The board recessed for a closed session to discuss existing litigation and anticipated litigation involving significant exposure to civil litigation, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9. Upon reconvening, staff reported that the board took no reportable action during the closed session.

Item 5: Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Presentation

• Discussion: Staff and representatives from Thomas Walters & Associates and Congressman Salud Carbajal’s office presented an informational overview of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides $550 billion in new spending. Funding opportunities were detailed across transportation, climate/energy/environment, water resiliency, broadband, and resilience/safety sectors. The county is participating in a broadband strategic planning process using $200,000 in ARPA funding and supported a $100,000 feasibility study for waterfront infrastructure.
• Public Works Update: The Public Works Director stated that the legislation provides significant funding for bridges, culverts, and resiliency projects. Five county bridges are below a sufficiency rating of 50, and 32 are in the 50–80 range, making them eligible for rehabilitation or replacement funds.
• Motion: A motion was made to receive and file the presentation, provide any additional direction, and determine the item is exempt from CEQA. The motion was seconded.
• Vote: The motion passed unanimously.

Item 7: Long-Range Planning Division Work Program (FY 2022–2025)

• Discussion: Staff presented a summary of accomplishments for the current fiscal year, including the submission of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance amendments to the Coastal Commission and progress on the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans. Staff outlined remaining work for the fiscal year, including support for the Active Transportation Plan, the Housing Element Update, and the Safety Element Update. Staff recommended holding on certain non-mandated projects to prioritize state-mandated work and proposed a limited expansion of Long-Range Planning if funding becomes available.
• Board Comments: Supervisors discussed the focus of Long-Range Planning on state programs versus serving as the policy arm for the Board, the pace of progress, and the balance between thorough public process and efficiency. Staff acknowledged the Board’s feedback and committed to working closely with the Board to integrate objectives and determine appropriate levels of public input.
• Motion: A motion was made to accept the staff recommendations and receive the file. The motion was seconded.
• Vote: The motion passed unanimously.

Item 6: PR Investments LLC and Far Western Liquor Inc. Appeal (Orchid Gas Station)

• Recusals and Ex Parte Disclosures: Supervisor Lavagnino recused from the item. Supervisor Nelson disclosed extensive ex parte communications regarding the project. Supervisors Williams and Hart reported no ex parte communications.
• Staff Presentation: Staff presented the appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s and Planning Commission’s approval of a gas station development plan and minor conditional use permit at 3616 Orchard Road. Staff summarized the three appeal issues raised by the appellants: consistency with code, traffic and circulation, and visual resources and utilities. Staff responded that the project meets all LUDC requirements, is consistent with the Orchid Community Plan, and that the applicant will pay into the Alternative Transportation Fund and underground all required utilities. Staff recommended that the Board deny the appeal, make the required findings for approval, adopt the mitigated negative declaration and mitigation monitoring program, and grant de novo approval of the project subject to conditions.
• Public Comment and Rebuttal: Appellants argued that the project would negatively impact neighboring businesses and exacerbate existing traffic safety issues. The applicant stated that the project reestablishes a land use that existed on the site for over 30 years and serves a community need. Staff explained that the intersection currently operates at Level of Service (LOS) C and that time-based turn restrictions are the only feasible mitigation measure to return the intersection to LOS C. A community member raised concerns regarding child safety at Lakeview Junior High School.
• Board Discussion: Supervisors discussed the project's consistency with zoning, the challenging nature of the intersection, and the necessity of the gas station in the area.
• Motion: Supervisor Lawson moved to deny the appeal, make the required findings for approval, adopt the mitigated negative declaration, and grant de novo approval of the project. The motion was seconded.
• Vote: The motion passed.