Board of Supervisors

Meeting Summary

Present: 2-Capps, 4-Nelson, 5-Lavagnino

This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.

The Community Services Department moved a federally funded tenant-based rental assistance item to the March 21 meeting.
The Clerk announced an addendum adding a Public Works item regarding a Central Coast Water Authority exchange request.

A public speaker raised concerns about agricultural rezoning, which the Chair clarified was outside the scope of this water transfer item.
The Board approved the exchange request via a unanimous motion.

The Board recessed to discuss two cases of anticipated litigation and significant civil exposure.
Upon reconvening, the Clerk reported that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.

The March 7, 2023, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order. The roll call was taken, noting that Supervisor Caps was absent and Supervisor Labanino was participating remotely. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Passed 4–0 · unanimous

Item: Board announcements and agenda changes.
Discussion:
The Community Services Department announced that an item regarding a federally funded tenant-based rental assistance program, to be administered by the City of Santa Maria, has been moved to the March 21, 2023, meeting. Public notice for this item has been extended to March 21.
The Clerk announced an addendum posted on March 3, 2023, adding Administrative Item 1 from the Public Works Department regarding the Central Coast Water Authority exchange request.
Information was provided on how to provide verbal public comment virtually via Zoom.

Item: Central Coast Water Authority exchange request (Public Works Department).
Public Comment:
One member of the public expressed concern regarding the rezoning of agricultural land for high-density housing, citing environmental risks and impacts on infrastructure and schools. The Chair noted that the agenda item pertained to a water transfer, not housing rezoning, and directed the speaker to general public comment for future concerns.
Another member of the public attempted to speak but was not heard; no further requests to speak were recorded for this specific item.
Action: A motion to approve the item was made and seconded.
Vote: The motion passed unanimously via roll call vote.

Passed 4–0 · unanimous

Item: Comments on items not on the agenda.
Discussion:
One speaker addressed the prevention of train hazards involving tankers in the Guadalupe area, suggesting collaboration between local entities and the railroad. The speaker also commented on media transparency regarding local police matters.
Another speaker discussed the county’s draft housing element proposal, expressing concern over the distribution of new housing units, specifically the concentration of lower and moderate-income housing in a specific area. The speaker requested more time for community engagement and an emergency hearing before the proposal is submitted to the state.
The Chair responded by clarifying that the Board has not yet debated or agreed to the proposed rezones, which require environmental review. The Chair stated that the submission to the state involves policies that were previously debated and supported, and that there is significant time remaining in the process before any determinations on rezoning are made.

Item: Public comment regarding closed session items.
Discussion:
One speaker, representing the Santa Maria Public Airport, requested that the Board join the City of Santa Maria in sending a letter to the chair of the Region 3 Central Coast Water Quality Control Board. The letter would request a pause in enforcement action against the airport, the city, and the county regarding groundwater contamination. The speaker argued that this would allow time to seek cleanup funds from state representatives and avoid costly litigation, while preventing the spread of contamination.

Item: Anticipated litigation and significant exposure to civil litigation.
Action: The Board recessed to closed session to discuss two cases of anticipated litigation.
Outcome: Upon reconvening, the Clerk reported that the Board took no reportable action during the closed session.

Action: The meeting was adjourned, with the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 14, in Santa Maria.