Meeting Summary
Present: Williams, 2-Capps, 5-Lavagnino, 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
Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program
- The Board considered recommendations to accept Fiscal Year 2021 funding for the program.
- The Board reviewed the submission of planning grant requests to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- The item was approved as part of the balance of the administrative agenda.
Project Funding Agreements
- The Board reviewed agreements with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for interpretive signs at Arroyo Burro Beach Park.
- The Board considered coastal access improvements at Goleta Park under the same funding agreements.
- The item was approved as part of the balance of the administrative agenda.
Radical Equity Grant Program
- The Board considered the contract with The Fund for Santa Barbara, which requires a four-fifths vote.
- Public comment was received regarding the program's implementation.
- The Board approved the item with the balance of the agenda.
State of Emergency
- The Board reviewed the circumstances surrounding the existing state of emergency.
- The Board passed a motion to address the state of emergency status.
Employee of the Month
- The Board adopted a resolution honoring Suzanne Grimacy of the Behavioral Wellness Department.
- Suzanne Grimacy was recognized as the December 2022 Employee of the Month.
- The resolution was read into the record and passed unanimously.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Genealogical Society Anniversary
- The Board adopted a resolution honoring the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society for its 50th anniversary.
- Arthur Sylvester, President of the society, spoke on behalf of the organization.
- The resolution was read into the record and passed unanimously.
Appointments
- The Board considered the appointment of the Agricultural Commissioner, Sealer of Weights and Measures, and Public Health Director.
- The Clerk reported proposed biweekly pay rates for the positions effective January 23, 2023.
- The Board passed the appointments unanimously.
Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities (DUCs) Amendment
- Staff presented a Land Use Element amendment identifying seven communities that meet DUC definitions under Senate Bill 244.
- The analysis documented infrastructure deficiencies in water, wastewater, and fire protection for these communities.
- The Board unanimously adopted the amendment, which is exempt from CEQA and does not authorize new development.
Passed 4–1 · against: Nelson
Summerland Citizens Association Appeal (Fuel Depot Sign)
- The Board heard an appeal regarding a rear wall sign for a gas station in Summerland.
- Staff determined the sign did not meet street frontage definitions and violated setback rules for non-conforming structures.
- The Board unanimously denied the appeal.
Cannabis Cultivation Project (Ceres Farms LLC)
- The Board reviewed an appeal for a cannabis cultivation project on a 16.77-acre parcel near Carpinteria.
- The applicant proposed extending the timeline for installing carbon scrubbers from 12 to 24 months.
- The Board unanimously granted the appeal and approved the project with a modified two-year timeframe for scrubber transition.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
FY 2023-2024 Budget Development Report
- Staff presented a five-year financial forecast including salary increases and rising retirement and health insurance costs.
- The report highlighted concerns regarding the Roads Operations Fund balance and potential losses in the Public Health Fund.
- The Board unanimously adopted staff recommendations for budget development policies.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Modoc Path Project
- A representative for Trees & Trails discussed the completion of the path within the Modoc Preserve.
- The coalition requested the board maintain oversight during the final design phase.
- No motion or vote was recorded for this item.
Housing Element Update
- A representative for the Citizens Planning Association raised concerns about transparency and community engagement in the update process.
- The representative questioned the allocation of housing units to the South Coast and requested a public hearing.
- No motion or vote was recorded for this item.
General Fund and Equity Funding
- A representative for COLAB questioned the use of public funds for equity and anti-racism initiatives.
- The representative urged the board to prioritize tangible, results-oriented projects such as road repairs.
- No motion or vote was recorded for this item.
Ex Parte Communications
- Supervisors reported various meetings with applicants, appellants, and community members regarding pending cases.
- Reports included discussions related to sign disputes and land use consultations.
- No motion or vote was recorded for this item.
Closed Session
- The board recessed to discuss existing and anticipated litigation, labor relations, and public employee appointments.
- No reportable action was taken in closed session.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Full summary
Administrative Agenda
- Minutes Approval (December 2 and December 6)
- Discussion: None recorded.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes.
- Decision: Passed.
- Administrative Item 5: Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program
- Discussion: The Board considered recommendations regarding the acceptance of Fiscal Year 2021 Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program funding and the submission of planning grant requests to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Motion: No specific motion or vote outcome is recorded for this item in isolation; it was included in the balance of the agenda.
- Decision: Included in the motion for the balance of the administrative agenda, which passed.
- Administrative Item 7: Project Funding Agreements
- Discussion: The Board considered recommendations regarding project funding agreements with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for interpretive signs at Arroyo Burro Beach Park and coastal access improvements at Goleta Park.
- Motion: No specific motion or vote outcome is recorded for this item in isolation; it was included in the balance of the agenda.
- Decision: Included in the motion for the balance of the administrative agenda, which passed.
- Administrative Item 9: Radical Equity Grant Program
- Discussion: The Board considered recommendations regarding the Radical Equity Grant Program contract with The Fund for Santa Barbara. This item requires a four-fifths vote. Public comment was received from Andy Caldwell via Zoom.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the item with the balance of the agenda.
- Decision: Passed.
- Administrative Item 18: State of Emergency
- Discussion: The Board considered recommendations regarding the circumstances of the existing state of emergency.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded.
- Decision: Passed unanimously.
- Administrative Item 52: Employee of the Month
- Discussion: The Board adopted a resolution of commendation honoring Suzanne Grimacy of the Behavioral Wellness Department as the December 2022 Employee of the Month. The resolution was read into the record.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded.
- Decision: Passed unanimously.
- Administrative Item 54: Genealogical Society Anniversary
- Discussion: The Board adopted a resolution honoring the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society upon its 50th anniversary. Arthur Sylvester, President of the society, spoke on behalf of the organization. The resolution was read into the record.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded.
- Decision: Passed unanimously.
- Administrative Item 56: Appointments
- Discussion: The Board considered recommendations regarding the appointment of the Agricultural Commissioner, Sealer of Weights and Measures, and Public Health Director. The Clerk reported the proposed biweekly pay rates for both positions, effective January 23, 2023.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded.
- Decision: Passed unanimously.
- Balance of Administrative Agenda
- Discussion: The Board moved to approve the remaining items, including Item A27 as amended.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the agenda.
- Decision: Passed.
Departmental Agenda
- Departmental Item 1: Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities (DUCs) Amendment
- Discussion: Staff presented an amendment to the Land Use Element regarding Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities as required by Senate Bill 244. The update identified seven communities (Casmalia, Gary, Sisquauk, Los Alamos, Cuyama, New Cuyama, and Venticopa) that meet the definition of DUCs. The analysis documented infrastructure deficiencies in water, wastewater, stormwater, and structural fire protection. Staff noted that two communities lack public water and five lack public sewer. The update is a research and analysis-based amendment that does not authorize new development or change land use and is exempt from CEQA. The County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the recommended actions.
- Decision: Passed unanimously.
- Departmental Item 2: Summerland Citizens Association Appeal (Fuel Depot Sign)
- Discussion: The Board held a hearing to consider the Summerland Citizens Association appeal (Case No. 22APL22) of the Planning Commission approval for the Fuel Depot The Point Signs Project. Late documents, including an appellate presentation and staff memo, were received and noted.
- Staff Presentation: Staff presented the appeal regarding a rear wall sign for a gas station in Summerland. The core legal issue involved the definition of "street frontage" under the sign ordinance. Staff indicated that the sign was located on a portion of the property abutting Highway 101, which does not have direct public access, and thus did not meet the definition of street frontage required for wall signs. Additionally, staff noted that the sign and associated lighting were located within a setback area of a non-conforming structure, which is prohibited from being enlarged or structurally altered. Staff clarified that the South County Board of Architectural Review had previously denied the rear wall sign, which the applicant appealed to the Planning Commission, which then approved it. Staff maintained that a sign mounted to the exterior is not considered a structural alteration but acknowledged the setback issue.
- Public Comment:
- Supporters of the applicant argued the sign was necessary for business identification, was compatible with the area, and that the property abuts the highway, making the sign visible and appropriate.
- Opponents, including representatives from the Summerland Citizens Association (SCA), argued that the sign violated the ordinance because the property lacks public access from the highway side. They contended that the sign constituted an illegal enlargement of a non-conforming structure within the setback and set a poor precedent for lighting and scale in the community.
- Board Discussion: Board members discussed the history of the project, noting that the sign was previously reviewed by the Summerland Board of Architectural Review. One board member expressed frustration with what they described as "policy whiplash," noting that the Summerland Citizens Association leadership had previously supported the project but later objected to the sign. Another board member emphasized the need to separate the issues of signage and lighting.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to deny the appeal.
- Decision: Passed unanimously.
- Departmental Item 3: Cannabis Cultivation Project (Case 22 APL 28) – Ceres Farms LLC
- Discussion: Staff presented the appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval for a cannabis cultivation project on a 16.77-acre parcel near Carpinteria. The project involves approximately 9.5 acres of cultivation in existing greenhouses and a processing building, with the removal of five unpermitted structures. The applicant proposed a modification to extend the timeline for installing carbon scrubbers from 12 to 24 months. Staff noted that the project is consistent with the Coastal Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan, and that Southern California Edison confirmed sufficient electrical grid capacity.
- Public Comment:
- One speaker expressed support for the project, citing the efficacy of carbon scrubbers as identified in a study by SCS Engineers, and urged the board to expedite the processing of changes to allow for flexibility in odor control.
- Another speaker, representing a local farm, expressed concern over odor impacts and the use of FOGCO (odor control product), noting health issues for family members and business impacts. This speaker urged the board to narrow the timeline for scrubber implementation and oppose extensions.
- Staff clarified that the County Air Pollution Control District confirmed no listed toxic air contaminants in the FOGCO formula and that enforcement staff logs and responds to all odor complaints.
- Board Discussion: The Board discussed the timeline for implementation and the potential for phased installation. A board member noted that the 12-month requirement was not based on specific technical data. Another board member supported the compromise, noting that voluntary inclusion in the odor abatement plan is more enforceable than a condition of approval that may not be in the ordinance.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to grant the appeal and approve the modified project with a modified condition allowing a two-year timeframe for the transition to carbon scrubbers.
- Decision: Passed unanimously.
- Departmental Item 4: FY 2023-2024 Budget Development Report
- Discussion: Staff presented the five-year financial forecast and proposed budget development policies for FY 2023-24. Key points included:
- Salary increases of approximately 3% in the first year, averaging 3.4% annually thereafter.
- Retirement costs assumed to increase by 5.6% annually.
- Health insurance costs anticipated to increase by 18% in the first year, averaging 10% annually thereafter.
- Available one-time balances include approximately $10 million in Account 9940 and $6.6 million in Proposition 172 public safety funds.
- Concerns were raised regarding the Roads Operations Fund, where expenses have been exceeding revenues, depleting fund balance.
- The Public Health Fund faces a potential $4 million loss due to 340B pharmacy changes, with state backfill covering less than 15% of the loss.
- New budget policies include Policy 3H, which allows for General Fund contributions to offset market-driven rate increases, and Policy 4F, which maintains a $2 million Proposition 172 fund balance for Sheriff’s hiring and overtime mitigation.
- Staff noted that the Legislative Analyst’s Office projects a $25 billion state deficit, which could impact county revenues.
- The forecast assumed a minimal surplus for fiscal year 23-24, followed by deficits in years 3, 4, and 5.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the staff recommendations A through D.
- Decision: Passed unanimously.
Other Items
- Modoc Path Project
- Discussion: A representative for Trees & Trails and landowners discussed the Modoc Path project. The coalition supports the completion of the path within the Modoc Preserve, consistent with the conservation easement. They thanked the board for securing a $5.4 million state grant and providing local matching funds. They requested the board to maintain oversight during the final design phase.
- Motion: No motion or vote outcome is recorded.
- Decision: N/A.
- Housing Element Update
- Discussion: A representative for the Citizens Planning Association (CPA) expressed concern about the transparency and community engagement in the housing element update process. CPA questioned the allocation of 73% of housing units to the South Coast and the lack of public input in the selection of parcels for high-density upzoning. They requested a public hearing, a record of private meetings, and assistance in meeting state deadlines to avoid state-imposed development rights.
- Motion: No motion or vote outcome is recorded.
- Decision: N/A.
- General Fund and Equity Funding
- Discussion: A representative for COLAB questioned the use of public funds for equity and anti-racism initiatives, arguing that outcomes are difficult to measure. They urged the board to consider tangible, results-oriented projects such as road repairs or educational support.
- Motion: No motion or vote outcome is recorded.
- Decision: N/A.
- Ex Parte Communications
- Discussion: Supervisors reported ex parte communications. Supervisor Lavinino reported meetings with applicants and appellants regarding a sign dispute. Supervisor Nelson reported a visit to Rose Story Farm and a conversation with Gail Ray Macon. Supervisor Capps reported meetings with the Summerland Citizens Association and the applicant’s land use consultant.
- Motion: N/A.
- Decision: N/A.
- Closed Session
- Discussion: The board recessed to closed session to discuss existing litigation (Trauga v. County of Santa Barbara, Murray v. County of Santa Barbara), anticipated litigation, labor relations, and two public employee appointments (Director of Public Health and Agricultural Commissioner).
- Motion: N/A.
- Decision: No reportable action taken in closed session.
- Adjournment
- Discussion: The board adjourned, with the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 10, 2023.
- Motion: N/A.
- Decision: N/A.