Meeting Summary
Present: Katz, 4-Nelson, 5-Lavagnino, 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
Resolution of Commendation for Brian Swanson
- The Board adopted a resolution honoring Brian Swanson for his 28 years of service to the Probation Department.
- The resolution detailed his background, including U.S. Air Force service and roles in juvenile and adult probation divisions.
- The motion to adopt the resolution passed.
Resolution Recognizing Lompoc Veterans Memorial Building Foundation
- The Board adopted a resolution recognizing the foundation’s leadership in renovating the 1936 WPA-built memorial structure.
- The resolution highlighted funding sources and contributions from local organizations and individuals.
- The motion to adopt the resolution passed.
Resolution of Commendation for Barton Clark
- The Board adopted a resolution honoring Barton Clark for over 21 years of service to the Probation Department.
- The resolution noted his roles in juvenile and adult divisions and his work as a training instructor.
- The motion to adopt the resolution passed.
Human Trafficking Awareness Month
- The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming January 2023 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Santa Barbara County.
- Public commenters outlined the Task Force’s strategic plan and the challenges of identifying labor trafficking.
- The motion to adopt the resolution passed.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
- The Board adopted a resolution declaring January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
- Public commenters cited data on rising anti-Semitic incidents and urged specific actions such as staff surveys and anti-bigotry education.
- The motion to adopt the resolution passed.
Homelessness Update and Community Action Plan
- Staff reported that local goals to rehouse 1,000 people and add 100 units were met in 2022.
- The Board authorized the Community Services Director to apply for up to $6 million in California Encampment Resolution Funding.
- Staff detailed strategies for increasing housing access, delivering supportive services, and resolving encampments.
Home Delivery of Meals (Senior Nutrition)
- The Board approved an amendment to allocate $600,000 in ARPA funds for senior meal providers.
- The funds were split into two equal pots of $300,000 for pandemic-related costs and matching grants.
- The amended motion to adopt the Director’s recommendation passed.
Broadband Strategic Plan
- Staff presented the final Santa Barbara County Broadband Strategic Plan developed with ARPA funding.
- The Board approved the resubmittal of the Ladder Grant application as a first step.
- Public commenters expressed support for collaboration on digital literacy and affordability programs.
Rocky Nook Park Historic Landmark Designation
- The Board approved the designation of Rocky Nook Park as a County Historic Landmark.
- The approval included exemptions for Public Works maintenance, passive recreation uses, and internal roadways.
- The motion to approve the designation with proposed resolution language passed.
LUDC Amendment for Housing (SB 35)
- The Board approved an ordinance amendment package to implement a streamlined permit process for SB 35 projects.
- The package includes new chapters for expedited review and objective design standards for multi-unit development.
- The motion to approve the item passed.
Removal from Montecito Planning Commission
- The Board supported the Chair’s decision regarding the removal of a member from the Montecito Planning Commission.
- Public commenters spoke in opposition to the removal, citing the individual’s history of service.
- The motion passed.
Modification to Board of Supervisors 2023 Committee Appointments
- The item involved a modification to the Board of Supervisors 2023 committee appointments.
- No specific motion or vote outcome was recorded for this item in the provided segments.
Emergency Response Action and Impacts of Flooding and Storms
- Staff reported approximately $90 million in damage to public infrastructure from recent historic rainfall events.
- A representative provided updates on disaster assistance, noting public assistance damages estimated at $150 million.
- The Board received the reports on storm impacts and FEMA/State updates.
CEO Report and Appointments
- The CEO announced the appointment of Jose Chang as Agricultural Commissioner and Mohamed Hammami as Director of Public Health.
- The CEO provided a status report on storm emergencies and employee engagement surveys.
- The Chair introduced the new County Administrator to the Board and staff.
Closed Session
- The Board met in closed session to discuss two items of existing litigation in Santa Barbara Superior Court.
- The Board took no reportable action during the closed session.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Approval of Minutes (January 10, 2023)
- Discussion: No significant discussion was recorded.
- Action: A motion to approve the minutes was made and seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Consent Calendar (Items A-22, A-24, A-25, A-27, A-31, A-34, A-35)
- Discussion:
- Item A-25 (Village Square Subdivision): Supervisor Nelson requested the item be pulled from the consent calendar. Staff confirmed the item would be continued to a future meeting. Public comment was limited to the continuance; speakers wishing to comment on the project itself were directed to general public comment.
- Item A-27 (Montecito Planning Commission Removal): No public comment or board questions were recorded in this segment.
- Item A-31 (Resolution of Commendation for Brian Swanson): No specific discussion recorded in this segment.
- Item A-34 (Human Trafficking Awareness Month): The Chair acknowledged the work of the task force and county departments. One public comment was received.
- Item A-35 (International Holocaust Remembrance Day): The Chair emphasized the importance of Holocaust scholarship and standing against hate.
- Action: A motion to approve the consent calendar, including the continuance of items A-22 and A-24, was made and seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Administrative Item 30 – Resolution of Commendation for Brian Swanson
- Discussion: The resolution honored Brian Swanson upon his retirement from the Probation Department after 28 years of service. It detailed his background, including U.S. Air Force service, degrees in Criminology, and roles in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County Probation Departments, including Juvenile Division Manager and Superintendent of the Juvenile Justice Center.
- Action: The Board adopted the resolution.
- Decision: Passed.
Agenda Item: Administrative Item 31 – Resolution Recognizing Lompoc Veterans Memorial Building Foundation
- Discussion: The resolution recognized the Lompoc Veterans Memorial Building Foundation for leadership in renovating the Lompoc Veterans Memorial Building. It detailed the foundation’s formation in 2008, the renovation of the 1936 WPA-built structure, funding sources (grants, Home Depot, Lompoc Rotary), and contributions from Home Depot employees and Lompoc Federal Penitentiary inmates. Specific individuals recognized included Alice Milligan (Chair), Frank Grubb (Treasurer), and Scott Hodgkins (Facilities Manager).
- Action: The Board adopted the resolution.
- Decision: Passed.
Agenda Item: Administrative Item 33 – Resolution of Commendation for Barton Clark
- Discussion: The resolution honored Barton Clark upon his retirement from the Probation Department after over 21 years of service. It detailed his background, including his work as a pastor, his career in probation starting in 2000, roles in juvenile and adult divisions, and his work as a training instructor.
- Action: The Board adopted the resolution.
- Decision: Passed.
Agenda Item: Administrative Item 34 – Human Trafficking Awareness Month
- Discussion: The resolution proclaimed January 2023 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Santa Barbara County. It cited statistics on global human trafficking, the role of the Santa Barbara County Human Trafficking Task Force, and the importance of education and awareness. Public commenters, including representatives from Kingdom Causes and the District Attorney’s Office, outlined the Task Force’s three-year strategic plan, existing and new action groups, and the challenges of identifying labor trafficking.
- Action: The Board adopted the resolution.
- Decision: Passed.
Agenda Item: Administrative Item 35 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day
- Discussion: Supervisors Hartman and Capps introduced a resolution declaring January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Santa Barbara County. The resolution recited the historical facts of the Holocaust and the moral responsibilities of individuals and societies. Public commenters, including the Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), cited data showing a 34% increase in anti-Semitic incidents in 2021 compared to 2020. The ADL representative urged the Board to adopt the resolution and requested four specific actions: include action items in future resolutions, direct the County Administrator to survey staff annually on respect for minority populations, provide anti-bigotry education for staff, and explore reestablishing the Human Relations Commission. Other speakers shared personal family histories and emphasized the importance of solidarity and education.
- Action: The Board adopted the resolution.
- Decision: Passed.
Agenda Item: Departmental Item 1 – Homelessness Update and Community Action Plan
- Discussion: Staff presented a progress report on the County’s response to homelessness. Local goals set in late 2021 to rehouse 1,000 people and add 100 units to the development pipeline were met, with 1,050 persons rehoused and 109 units added in 2022. The report indicated a 49% increase in persons served by the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) from 2019 to 2022. Staff noted that inflow of persons seeking services outpaced outflow to permanent housing by a ratio of 2:1 in 2022.
- Strategies: Staff reviewed five strategies: increasing access to safe/affordable housing (including interim housing sites in partnership with Dignity Moves), delivering tailored supportive services (including a housing retention services model costing approximately $25,000 annually), building a collective action plan and improving data sharing (HMIS end-users increased from 69 to over 250), strengthening support systems (including CalAIM implementation), and building provider capacity.
- Encampment Resolution: Staff detailed Year 1 progress, including the appointment of an Encampment Response Coordinator, mapping of 961 sites, and removal of 232 inactive/abandoned sites. Challenges included limited shelter beds and displacement issues.
- Board Discussion: Supervisor Lavagnino questioned the low acceptance rate of shelter placements and expressed concern over the $89 million spent on homelessness with worsening conditions. He advocated for a model moving individuals into tiny homes/shelters. Supervisor Capps inquired about the partnership with UC Santa Barbara for behavioral health training. Staff clarified that federal and state laws require the offer of shelter or relocation options before removing encampments.
- Action: The Board received and filed the presentation. The Board authorized the Community Services Director to submit an application for up to $6 million to the California Interagency Council on Homelessness for the second round of California Encampment Resolution Funding (CERF 2) and to execute related certifications.
- Decision: Passed.
Agenda Item: Departmental Item 2 – Home Delivery of Meals (Senior Nutrition)
- Discussion: The Director of Social Services presented findings from surveys and interviews with senior meal providers. Providers expressed a need for stable, ongoing funding to reduce the burden of annual fundraising and to cover increased costs resulting from the pandemic. The department noted that current county funding totals approximately $167,000. The Director recommended allocating $600,000 in ARPA funds into two parts: a $75,000 fund for local matching grants and a $525,000 fund for existing providers to apply for assistance with increased pandemic-related costs.
- Amendment: During discussion, the recommendation was amended to split the $600,000 into two equal pots of $300,000 each: one for grants covering increased COVID-related costs for the coming fiscal year, and one for matching funds, with the remaining balance to be revisited in one year for reallocation if unused.
- Action: A motion was made to adopt the Director’s recommendation as amended.
- Decision: The amended motion passed.
Agenda Item: Departmental Item 3 – Broadband Strategic Plan
- Discussion: Staff presented the final Santa Barbara County Broadband Strategic Plan, developed with $200,000 in ARPA funding. Key points included alignment with state and federal efforts, development of an open-access GIS tool, and recommended actions such as maintaining asset inventory, adopting "dig once" policies, and participating in the countywide Joint Powers Agreement (JPA). The plan was approved by the SBCAG Board in December 2022. Next steps include applying for a Local Agency Technical Assistance Grant.
- Public Comment: Eleanor Gartner from Cox Communications expressed support for the plan and offered to collaborate on digital literacy and affordability programs. An SBCAG representative outlined next steps, including submitting the Ladder Grant application to the CPUC and investigating potential legislative changes.
- Action: The Board received the presentation.
- Decision: No specific motion or vote outcome is recorded for a final decision on the plan in this segment, though the Board approved the resubmittal of the Ladder Grant as a first step.
Agenda Item: Departmental Item 4 – Rocky Nook Park Historic Landmark Designation
- Discussion: Staff presented the recommendation from the Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission (HLAC) to designate Rocky Nook Park as a county historic landmark. The nomination began in 2016, was suspended in 2019, and revived in April 2022. HLAC unanimously endorsed the designation.
- Public Comment: Multiple speakers supported the designation, citing the park’s historical significance, its role in the founding of the Presidio and Mission, and its ancestral importance to the Chumash tribe. Others raised concerns about safe passage, bridge placement, and the impact on maintenance and capital improvements. One speaker objected to the designation on the condition that it does not hinder necessary maintenance or public safety improvements to the county right-of-way.
- Board Discussion: Board members debated whether capital improvements should be exempt from HLAC review to avoid delays. Staff proposed exemption language to allow for maintenance, operations, and minor capital improvements (e.g., restroom replacements, playground updates) without requiring HLAC approval. The exemptions would cover existing passive recreation uses, administration buildings, parking areas, and internal roadways. New uses or major changes to the park's character would still require HLAC review.
- Action: A motion was made to approve the historic landmark designation with proposed resolution language exempting: (1) Public Works maintenance/capital improvements, (2) Parks existing passive recreation uses, (3) administration building and parking, and (4) internal roadway and parking areas. The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed, designating Rocky Nook Park as a County Historic Landmark.
Agenda Item: Departmental Item 5 – LUDC Amendment for Housing (SB 35)
- Discussion: Staff presented an ordinance amendment package to implement a streamlined permit process for SB 35 projects and establish objective design standards for multi-unit and mixed-use development. The package includes two new chapters in the Land Use and Development Code: one for the expedited review process under SB 35, and one for objective design standards. The Planning Commission recommended approval on January 11 with a 5-0 vote. Staff recommended that the ordinance be exempt from environmental review under CEQA.
- Board Discussion: Supervisors expressed appreciation for the staff's work in completing the item quickly, noting the additional workload associated with the housing element.
- Action: A motion to approve the item was made and seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Administrative Item 27 – Removal from Montecito Planning Commission
- Discussion: The item concerned the removal of Susan Keller from the Montecito Planning Commission. Public commenters, including Paula Lopez-Ochoa and Susan Keller, spoke in opposition to the removal, citing Keller’s long history of service and arguing that the process was driven by personal reasons rather than failure to perform duties. The Chair discussed the removal of a slate of individuals from a committee, noting that appointees serve at the will of the supervisor. Board members expressed support for the Chair’s authority to make these decisions.
- Action: The Board supported the Chair’s decision regarding the committee appointments.
- Decision: Passed.
Agenda Item: Administrative Item 36 – Modification to Board of Supervisors 2023 Committee Appointments
- Discussion: The item was added to the agenda via an addendum posted on January 20. It involved a modification to the Board of Supervisors 2023 committee appointments.
- Action: No specific motion or vote outcome is recorded in the provided segments for this specific item, though it was included in the agenda adjustments.
Agenda Item: Administrative Item 37 – Emergency Response Action and Impacts of Flooding and Storms
- Discussion: The item was added to the agenda via an addendum posted on January 20. It concerned emergency response action and impacts of flooding and storms.
- Public Works Report: Staff reported on the impact of recent historic rainfall events, estimating approximately $90 million in damage to public infrastructure, including $50 million in debris removal and $22 million in permanent restoration work eligible for FEMA reimbursement. Approximately $8 million in storm response work was completed, in progress, or in contract. Major roads impacted included Union Valley Parkway, Refugio Road, Gibraltar Road, East Mount Road, Tepiscay Canyon, Halama Road, and Miguelito Canyon. The Randall Road debris basin was completed with the assistance of the National Guard. Lake Cachuma rose approximately 53 feet during the event. Staff indicated they were transitioning from time-and-materials contracts to bidding contracts to maximize FEMA reimbursement.
- FEMA/State Update: A representative provided updates on disaster assistance, noting public assistance damages estimated at $150 million and agricultural impacts estimated at $35 million. Six local assistance centers have served about 300 households. A joint federal/state/local Disaster Recovery Center is planned for North and South County. Residents are encouraged to register for FEMA assistance and SBA loans.
- Action: The Board received the reports.
- Decision: No specific motion or vote outcome is recorded for a final decision on this item in the provided segments.
Agenda Item: General Public Comment
- Discussion:
- Los Alamos/Village Square Project: Residents expressed opposition to the project, citing a 2005 EIR that did not account for current climate change impacts and water issues. They requested a subsequent EIR and a delay in construction. One speaker criticized the planning process, noting insufficient notice to homeowners.
- Holocaust Education: George Alvarez spoke on the importance of Holocaust education and called for strict laws against hate symbols.
- Guadalupe Levy: George Alvarez requested the board send a letter to FEMA regarding the need for a levy in Guadalupe to prevent property damage from floods.
- Community Recognition: A representative from the Tepeskaya community expressed appreciation for county agency personnel’s response to a recent storm event, specifically acknowledging Supervisor Bob Nelson, Andy O’Brien of Public Works, and Santa Barbara County Fire Department personnel.
- Human Services Commission: A member of the public inquired about the timeline for the board to receive recommendations regarding funding for the Human Services Commission.
- Action: Comments were received and filed.
- Decision: No motion or vote recorded.
Agenda Item: CEO Report and Appointments
- Discussion:
- Appointments: The CEO announced the appointment of Jose Chang as Agricultural Commissioner and Director of Weights & Measures, and Mohamed Hammami as Director of the Department of Public Health.
- Storm Emergencies: The CEO provided a status report on storm emergencies, including federal and state disaster declarations. Kelly Hubbard (Office of Emergency Management) provided a brief status report.
- Employee Engagement: The CEO discussed employee engagement and equity/inclusion surveys, noting that training on bias and anti-Semitism is being reviewed for inclusion.
- New County Administrator: Chair Williams introduced the new County Administrator, who thanked the Board and staff for the opportunity to serve Santa Barbara County.
- Action: No motion or vote recorded for this report.
- Decision: N/A.
Agenda Item: Closed Session Litigation
- Discussion: The Board met in closed session to discuss two items of existing litigation: Suzanne Duca v. County of Santa Barbara and Christopher Anderson v. County of Santa Barbara, both in Santa Barbara Superior Court.
- Action: The Board took no reportable action.
- Decision: N/A.
Adjournment
- Action: The meeting was adjourned to February 7th.