Meeting Summary
Present: 5-Lavagnino, Williams, 4-Nelson, 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
State of Emergency
- The Board approved recommendations regarding the existing state of emergency.
- Supervisor Nelson requested a roll-call vote for the item.
- The motion to approve the recommendations passed.
In-Kind Donations to Animal Services
- Public comments highlighted improvements in volunteer hours, foster placements, and shelter facilities.
- Speakers discussed the partnership between Animal Services, Shadows Fund, Canine Pals, and the Santa Barbara Animal Care Foundation.
- No motion or vote was recorded for this item.
First Amendment to Agreement with Fish & Associates
- Supervisor Nelson moved to not proceed with the contract extension due to cost and conflict of interest concerns.
- Staff explained the extension was necessary due to a late submission in the ambulance RFP protest process.
- The Board voted to reject the amendment and directed staff to seek other outside expertise via purchase order if needed.
No decision 2–1
Santa Claus Lane Street Gate Improvement
- Property owners raised concerns regarding the placement of ADA accessible spaces.
- Public Works staff explained the use of PRO WAG guidelines for parking placement.
- Supervisor Williams suggested walking the area with concerned parties to address their questions.
US 101 Corridor Coastal Access Projects
- A speaker addressed economic and financial disruptions to local businesses caused by construction.
- The speaker urged the Board to address the impacts on local property owners.
- No motion or vote was recorded for this item.
Countywide Community Workforce Agreement Resolution
- Supervisors debated the timing of a special hearing scheduled for the Friday after Thanksgiving.
- Supervisor Nelson argued for more notice, while Supervisor Williams supported the timing to conclude the process.
- The Board adopted the staff recommendation for the scheduled hearing.
National Family Caregivers Month
- The Board considered a resolution proclaiming November 2022 as National Family Caregivers Month.
- A representative from UDW highlighted the growing need for support for in-home caregivers.
- Supervisor Williams commented on demographic shifts increasing demand for caregiving services.
- The resolution was passed and adopted.
Honoring Supervisor Greg Hart
- The Board considered a resolution honoring Supervisor Hart for his four years of service.
- Board members and public speakers acknowledged Hart’s leadership and contributions.
- The resolution was passed and adopted unanimously.
Farm Worker Resource Center Grant (AB 941)
- Staff presented details on the grant, including a 25% local match and a preference for a mobile service model.
- Public speakers urged the Board to authorize the application to secure resources for farm workers.
- Supervisors debated the fiscal implications of committing to ongoing costs with one-time grant funds.
- The motion to authorize the application and commit local matching funds failed.
Farm Worker Resource Center Grant Application (Reconsideration)
- Staff clarified that the county is not obligated to extend the program beyond the initial 14-month period.
- Supervisor Nelson suggested housing the program within the Department of Social Services to ensure local control.
- Supervisor Lavagnino supported the resource center but opposed partnering with the state for financial reasons.
- The Board passed a motion to proceed with the application, provided the program is located in the Department of Social Services.
Adoption of the 2022 California Fire Code
- Staff explained that the 2022 code supersedes the 2019 version, including updates for lithium batteries and wildfire risk.
- Staff noted that no fee increases are proposed with this adoption.
- The Board approved staff recommendations A through C unanimously.
Adoption of the 2022 California Building Standard Codes
- Staff described this as a routine three-year update carrying forward most previous local amendments.
- A minor new amendment was proposed to better protect the county right-of-way during construction.
- Supervisor Williams expressed a desire to use the update to streamline processes.
- The Board approved staff recommendations A through C unanimously.
Child Care Facilities and Minor Ordinance Amendments
- Staff presented amendments to comply with state law and reduce barriers for child care operators.
- Key changes include allowing large family daycare homes by right and introducing a low-level permit option.
- The package also included minor ordinance cleanups for electric vehicle and hydrogen fueling stations.
- The Board approved staff recommendations A through C unanimously.
Hossle Rezone and Tentative Tract Map
- The project involves rezoning a 5.5-acre parcel and subdividing it into five lots in the Orchid Community Plan area.
- Supervisor Nelson reported ex parte communications regarding easements and water issues.
- The Board required the applicant to extinguish an existing ingress and egress easement prior to recordation.
- The Board approved recommended actions A through D, including the additional language regarding easement abandonment.
Closed Session
- The Board entered closed session to discuss one item of anticipated litigation.
- Staff reported that the Board took no reportable action upon reconvening.
Full summary
Meeting Overview
- The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors convened on November 29, 2022. The roll call was taken, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The Clerk announced that the Board would consider a first amendment to the contract with Andrea Dillard, RN, with total compensation for the period of July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, not to exceed $49,500. Procedures for in-person and virtual public comment were outlined, noting that face coverings are no longer required but masking and social distancing are encouraged.
Minutes
- Item: Minutes of the November 1, 2022 meeting.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes.
- Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Administrative Agenda
- Item A11: State of Emergency
- Discussion: Supervisor Nelson requested a roll-call vote.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the recommendations regarding the existing state of emergency.
- Outcome: Passed.
- Item A27: In-Kind Donations to Animal Services
- Discussion: Public comments were received from Dr. Heller and Jill Anderson (Shadows Fund) regarding the partnership between Animal Services, Shadows Fund, Canine Pals, and the Santa Barbara Animal Care Foundation. Comments highlighted improvements in volunteer hours, foster placements, and the addition of outdoor day yards at the Santa Maria shelter.
- Action: No motion or vote was recorded for this item.
- Item A32: First Amendment to Agreement with Fish & Associates (Ambulance RFP)
- Discussion: Supervisor Nelson questioned the necessity of extending the contract with Fish & Associates by $50,000 to assist with the protest and appeal process of the ambulance RFP, citing potential conflicts of interest and cost concerns. Staff explained that the protest period had been extended due to a late submission. Supervisor Hart and Supervisor Williams expressed reservations about outsourcing expertise during the protest phase. Supervisor Lavagnino argued for allowing the process to play out without board intervention at this stage but preferred an independent third party over internal staff if assistance were needed.
- Action: Supervisor Nelson moved to not move forward with the first amendment to the contract with Fish & Associates. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: Passed. Staff was directed to continue the process and seek other outside expertise via purchase order if necessary, without returning to the Board for this specific extension.
- Item A37: Conversion of Purchase Contract to Board Agreement (Santa Claus Lane Street Gate Improvement)
- Discussion: Dennis Bosnich, representing property owners, raised concerns about the placement of ADA accessible spaces and requested a briefing on the project. Public Works staff explained the extensive public process and the use of PRO WAG guidelines for ADA parking placement. Supervisor Williams noted the long history of the project and suggested walking the area with the concerned parties.
- Action: No motion or vote was recorded for this item.
- Item A38: Second Amendment to MOU for US 101 Corridor Coastal Access Projects
- Discussion: Joe Armendariz spoke regarding the economic and financial disruption to businesses on Santa Claus Lane due to construction, urging the Board to address the impacts on local property owners.
- Action: No motion or vote was recorded for this item.
- Item A58: Countywide Community Workforce Agreement Resolution
- Discussion: Supervisor Nelson expressed frustration with the timing of a special hearing scheduled for the Friday after Thanksgiving, arguing for a full hearing with more notice. Supervisor Williams supported the timing, citing the need to conclude the process before a colleague’s departure and the practicality of having a quorum. Supervisor Hart noted that deadlines often drive deal-making.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the staff recommendation for the set hearing.
- Outcome: Passed.
- Balance of Administrative Agenda
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the administrative agenda.
- Outcome: Passed.
No decision 2–1
Passed 3–1 · against: Lavagnino
Resolutions
- Item A56: National Family Caregivers Month
- Discussion: The Board considered a resolution proclaiming November 2022 as National Family Caregivers Month. Robert Gibson from UDW (United Domestic Workers of America) spoke on behalf of in-home supportive services caregivers, highlighting the growing need for support and presenting the RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council App. Supervisor Williams commented on demographic shifts in California that will increase demand for caregiving services.
- Outcome: Passed and adopted.
- Item A57: Honoring Supervisor Greg Hart
- Discussion: The Board considered a resolution honoring Supervisor Greg Hart for his four years of service as the 2nd District County Supervisor and his transition to the California State Assembly. Public comments were received from Dr. Van Dale-Brunelso and Dr. Lee Heller. Board members Lavagnino, Nelson, Williams, and Hartman offered remarks acknowledging Hart’s leadership style and contributions. Supervisor Hart thanked the Board and staff.
- Outcome: Passed and adopted unanimously.
General Public Comment
- No requests to speak were received for general public comment.
Departmental Agenda
- Item 1: Farm Worker Resource Center Grant (AB 941)
- Discussion: Staff presented details regarding the Farm Worker Resource Center grant program established by AB 941. The Department of Community Services and Development released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) on November 15, 2022. The grant offers two awards of $833,000 each to counties in two regions, with a third award to the next highest scorer. Santa Barbara County is in Region 2. Key requirements include a 25% local match, services provided in English, Spanish, and an indigenous language, and engagement of community partners. The application deadline is December 21, 2022, and the notice of intent is due December 14, 2022.
- Staff clarified that the department can maintain control of operations and serve as the primary provider. Staff indicated a preference for a mobile service model over a brick-and-mortar facility. Fiscal considerations included the likelihood that the 15% administrative cost cap would be insufficient, requiring additional local funds, and the fact that the grant is expenditure-driven. Staff noted that the state has not committed to extending funding beyond May 2024.
- Twenty public speakers addressed the Board. The majority urged the Board to authorize the application, highlighting the lack of accessible state resources for farm workers, the importance of language access, and the trust built between the Public Health Department and the farm worker community during the pandemic. Several speakers recommended locating the center in Santa Maria. One speaker representing the Grower Shipper Association requested that agricultural employers be treated as valued partners. Another speaker suggested a six-month approach for broader community engagement. One speaker from the NAACP supported moving forward despite the short turnaround time.
- Supervisors discussed the fiscal implications, with some noting that committing to a program with ongoing costs of approximately $1 million annually using one-time grant funds conflicts with budget principles. Some Supervisors advocated for taking time to develop a comprehensive plan and engage stakeholders before applying. Others supported moving forward immediately to secure the funding.
- The CEO clarified that while a majority vote is required for today’s action to authorize the application, a four-vote majority will be required in June to appropriate the necessary local matching funds. Staff confirmed that the board’s support and commitment to matching funds are required for the grant application.
- Action: A motion was made to authorize the Public Health Department to apply for the Farm Worker Resource Center grant and to commit the county to the required local matching funds.
- Outcome: Failed.
- Item 2: Farm Worker Resource Center Grant Application (Reconsideration/Alternative Motion)
- Discussion: The Board discussed a state grant application for a Farm Worker Resource Center. Staff recommended proceeding with the application, noting that the county’s local funding commitment would be approximately $250,000. Staff clarified that the grant is for a 14-month period and that the county is not obligated to extend the program beyond that initial period. Supervisors discussed the potential for the grant to fund a mobile unit and the importance of learning from the pilot program to determine future sustainability.
- Supervisor Nelson raised concerns regarding community trust and the expenditure of taxpayer dollars, suggesting that the program should be housed within a county department, specifically the Department of Social Services, rather than a community-based organization, to ensure local control and trust. Staff indicated that while the grant application requires identifying community partners, the county could maintain oversight and control of funds within a county department. Supervisor Lavagnino clarified that he supports the resource center and mobile unit but opposes partnering with the state for financial reasons, preferring a Santa Barbara County-based approach.
- Action: A motion was made to proceed with the staff recommendation, with the proviso that the program be located in the Department of Social Services and that funds be expended within the county organization using county resources. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: Passed.
- Item 3: Adoption of the 2022 California Fire Code
- Discussion: The Fire Department presented a hearing to consider amending Chapter 15 of the Santa Barbara County Code to adopt the 2022 California Fire Code with local amendments. Staff explained that the 2019 code will be superseded by the 2022 version on January 1, 2022, regardless of local action. The updates include changes related to lithium battery storage, wildfire risk, and industry practices. Staff noted that no fee increases are proposed with this adoption. Staff also addressed questions regarding internal inconsistencies, such as speed hump variances and fireworks noise notifications, explaining that the Fire Marshal has discretion to grant variances and that noise issues may be better addressed through the land use code.
- Action: Supervisor Nelson moved to approve staff recommendations A through C. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: Passed unanimously.
- Item 4: Adoption of the 2022 California Building Standard Codes
- Discussion: The Planning and Development Department presented a hearing to consider adopting the 2022 California Building Standard Codes and local amendments to Chapter 10 of the Santa Barbara County Code. Staff noted that this is a routine three-year update, carrying forward most previous local amendments related to topographical, climate, seismic, and fire hazards. One minor new amendment was proposed to better protect the county right-of-way and adjacent properties during construction.
- Supervisor Williams expressed a desire to use the code update opportunity to streamline processes.
- Action: A motion was made to approve staff recommendations A through C. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: Passed unanimously.
- Item 5: Child Care Facilities and Minor Ordinance Amendments
- Discussion: The Planning and Development Department presented proposed amendments to the County Land Use Development Code (LUDC), Montecito Land Use Development Code (MLUDC), and Article 2 (Coastal Zone). The primary focus was on amending regulations for child care facilities to comply with state law (Senate Bill 234) and to reduce barriers for operators. Key changes include allowing large family daycare homes by right in all dwellings, introducing a low-level permit option for daycare centers serving 50 children or fewer, and relaxing development standards for daycare centers in assembly uses. The package also included minor ordinance cleanups, such as allowing electric vehicle charging stations and hydrogen fueling stations without a zoning permit.
- Supervisors expressed support for the changes, noting the critical need for child care and the economic importance of supporting operators. Supervisor Nelson asked about the definition of "child" (18 and under), which staff confirmed is derived from state law. Public comment was received from a member of the Child Care Planning Council, who thanked the Board for the work.
- Action: A motion was made to approve staff recommendations A through C. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Closed Session
- The Board entered closed session to discuss one item of anticipated litigation under Government Code Section 54956.9. Upon reconvening, staff reported that the Board took no reportable action.
Departmental Agenda (Continued)
- Item 6: Hossle Rezone and Tentative Tract Map
- Discussion: The Planning and Development Department presented the Hossle Rezone (15RZN-00000-00004) and Tentative Tract Map (15TRM-000000-00011). The project involves rezoning a 5.5-acre parcel from 2E1 to 1E1 and subdividing it into five lots in the Orchid Community Plan area. Staff noted that the Planning Commission had recommended approval in 2017, but the project was delayed pending easement agreements, which were finalized in April 2022. Access and utilities will be provided via the Vintage Ranch tract to the south. Staff recommended approval based on consistency with the General Plan, Orchid Community Plan, and CEQA findings (Mitigated Negative Declaration).
- Supervisor Nelson reported ex parte communications with the applicant and a neighbor regarding easements and water issues. The applicant stated they had been waiting approximately 10 years for market conditions and easements to align. Supervisor Nelson asked for clarification on access, and staff confirmed that existing access to the north is not necessary for this project due to the new access from the south.
- A board member noted that the project was contemplated in the community plan over 25 years ago and had been under review since a 2017 planning commission hearing. The discussion highlighted the need for executive housing options to retain professionals such as doctors, attorneys, and farmers in the Santa Maria Valley and Santa Barbara County.
- Project Modification: The board member requested that the applicant agree to extinguish an existing 30-foot wide ingress and egress easement to the north of the project site (APN 103-200-064), which terminates into the proposed Storm Drain Basin. The applicant confirmed willingness to abandon the easement prior to recordation. The board member proposed adding specific language to the access section of the project description to memorialize this requirement prior to the approval of the zoning clearance for the first structure. The applicant accepted the proposed verbiage.
- Action: A motion was made to approve recommended actions A through D, including the additional language regarding the easement abandonment as read into the record.
- Outcome: Passed.
Adjournment and Future Meetings
- Decision: The meeting was adjourned.
- Future Meetings: Special meetings were scheduled for Friday, December 2nd, and Tuesday, December 6th, both to be held in Santa Barbara. The chair noted that the location was selected to provide certainty regarding the venue, as the status of the Santa Maria hearing room was uncertain.