Meeting Summary
Present: 5-Lavagnino, 3-Hartmann, 2-Capps, 4-Nelson, Williams
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
CEO’s Report and Appointments
- CEO Mona Miyasato announced three new senior leadership appointments to fill retiring positions.
- Tanya Heitman was appointed as Assistant County Executive Officer, succeeding Terry Nisich.
- Holly Benton was selected as Chief Probation Officer, succeeding Tanya Heitman.
- Kirk Lagerquist was appointed as General Services Director, succeeding Jeanette Pell.
Women’s History Month Resolution
- The Board adopted a resolution recognizing March 2023 as Women’s History Month.
- The resolution highlights themes of digital innovation, gender equality, and local achievements.
National Doctors Day Resolution
- The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming March 30, 2023, as National Doctors Day.
- The measure honors physicians and medical staff serving Santa Barbara County.
Retirement Resolutions
- The Board adopted resolutions honoring Carl Thornton, Eric Schneider, and Leslie Ann Wells for their long service.
- Additional resolutions were adopted for Joseph M. Pazano, Sonia Thompson, and Jeanette Pell.
- The Board also honored Terry Nisich and Terry Moss-Nichols for their contributions to the County.
Home American Rescue Plan Loan Documents
- The Board approved loan documents with Good Samaritan Shelter for a property acquisition in Santa Maria.
- The item passed with one abstention following a request for a separate roll-call vote.
Professional Legal Services Agreement
- The Board approved an agreement for professional legal services with Perkins Coie LLP.
- Staff detailed the selection process, including firm research, interviews, and conflict checks.
Computer Aided Dispatch System Agreement
- The Board approved an agreement with Central Square Technologies for an on-premises dispatch system.
- The project aims to support unified dispatch and improved emergency response models.
Cayo Real Campus Master Plan EIR
- The Board approved a professional service agreement for the Cayo Real Campus Master Plan Programmatic EIR.
- Staff clarified that the EIR provides options for future campus utilization without obligating specific actions.
Commission for Women 2023 Women’s History Month Service Awards
- The Board received and filed the 2023 Women’s History Month Service Awards.
- Recipients included organizations and individuals from all five districts, such as the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara and LEAP.
Compensation and Benefits Resolution
- The Board adopted a resolution establishing CPI-U based salary increases for elected department heads, capped at 5%.
- The resolution includes a provision stopping future sick leave accrual for elected officials while retaining existing balances.
- Staff noted that the District Attorney’s salary is determined by the CPI-U standard, potentially diverging from other legal heads.
Long Range Planning Division Work Program (FY 2023–2026)
- The Board adopted the three-year work program for the Long Range Planning Division.
- Key priorities include the housing element update, Ag Enterprise Ordinance, and zoning amendments.
- Staff recommended delaying the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan and Coastal Resiliency LCPA to focus on mandated items.
Closed Session
- The Board met in closed session to discuss existing and anticipated litigation.
- No reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Meeting Start and Roll Call
- The March 21, 2023, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order. The Clerk of the Board called the roll, and all five supervisors were present. The board pledged allegiance to the flag.
Approval of Minutes
- Agenda Item: Approval of the minutes from the March 14, 2023, meeting.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
CEO’s Report and Appointments
- CEO Mona Miyasato announced three new appointments: 1. Assistant County Executive Officer: Tanya Heitman, formerly Chief Probation Officer, was appointed to replace retiring Terry Nisich. The position coordinates Health and Human Services and Public Safety Departments. 2. Chief Probation Officer: Holly Benton was selected by the Superior Court to succeed Tanya Heitman. Benton previously served as Chief Deputy Probation Officer. 3. General Services Director: Kirk Lagerquist was appointed to succeed retiring Jeanette Pell. Lagerquist previously served in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps.
Clerk’s Announcements
- The Clerk noted an addendum posted on March 17, 2023, adding Administrative Items 36 and 37 to the agenda. Administrative Item 37 was requested to be presented prior to Administrative Item 34. Spanish translation availability and public comment procedures were reviewed.
Administrative Agenda – Item Pulls and Bulk Approval
- Item Pulls: Supervisor Capps requested to pull Administrative Item 10. The public requested to speak on Administrative Item 3, which was subsequently pulled.
- Motion: Acceptance of the balance of the administrative agenda (Items A3, A5, A9, and A10).
- Action: A motion was made.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
- Note: The Chair indicated these items would be tabled until after the resolutions due to the number of employees present for retirement recognitions.
Administrative Item 28: Women’s History Month Resolution
- Sponsors: Supervisors Capps and Hartman.
- Discussion: The resolution recognizes March 2023 as Women’s History Month, highlighting themes of digital innovation, gender equality, and the achievements of women in the county.
- Action: The resolution was read into the record.
- Vote Outcome: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 29: National Doctors Day Resolution
- Sponsors: Supervisors Capps and Labanino.
- Discussion: The resolution proclaims March 30, 2023, as National Doctors Day, honoring physicians and medical staff in Santa Barbara County.
- Action: The resolution was read into the record.
- Vote Outcome: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 30: Retirement Resolution for Carl Thornton
- Sponsor: Supervisor Williams.
- Discussion: The resolution honors Carl Thornton for over 18 years of service to the General Services Department, specifically in the Communications Division.
- Action: The resolution was read into the record.
- Vote Outcome: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 31: Retirement Resolution for Eric Schneider
- Sponsor: Supervisor Williams.
- Discussion: The resolution honors Eric Schneider for over 22 years of service to the Planning and Development Department, specifically in the Building and Safety Division.
- Action: The resolution was read into the record.
- Vote Outcome: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 32: Retirement Resolution for Leslie Ann Wells
- Sponsor: Supervisor Capps.
- Discussion: The resolution honors Leslie Ann Wells for over 28 years of service to the Public Works Department, specifically in the Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division.
- Action: The resolution was read into the record.
- Vote Outcome: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 33: Retirement Resolution for Joseph M. Pazano
- Sponsor: Supervisor Labanino.
- Discussion: The resolution honors Joseph M. Pazano for over 24 years of service to the Human Resources Department, specifically in the Employee Relations Division.
- Action: The resolution was read into the record.
- Vote Outcome: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 37: Retirement Resolution for Sonia Thompson
- Sponsor: Supervisor Hartman.
- Discussion: The resolution honors Sonia Thompson for her years of service to the County, including roles in the County Executive Office, Parks Department, and Office of Emergency Management.
- Action: The resolution was read into the record.
- Vote Outcome: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 34: Retirement Resolution for Jeanette Pell
- Sponsor: Board of Supervisors.
- Discussion: The resolution honors Jeanette Pell for over six years of service as Director of General Services, noting her work on infrastructure projects, IT modernization, and fleet electrification.
- Action: The resolution was read into the record.
- Vote Outcome: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 35: Retirement Resolution for Terry Nisich
- Sponsor: Board of Supervisors.
- Discussion: The resolution honors Terry Nisich for over 20 years of service to the County Executive Office.
- Action: The resolution was read into the record by CEO Mona Miyasato.
- Vote Outcome: Passed and adopted.
Resolution Honoring Terry Moss-Nichols
- The Board read a resolution honoring Terry Moss-Nichols for her 20 years of service to the County of Santa Barbara, noting her roles as Parks Director and Assistant County Executive Officer. The resolution highlighted her oversight of various county functions, including emergency management, mental health systems, and pandemic response. Supervisor Nielsen read the resolution, which stated it was adopted by a unanimous vote. Terry Moss-Nichols responded with remarks thanking her colleagues, the CEO, the Board, and her family. One public comment was received via Zoom from Lee Heller, who expressed gratitude for Moss-Nichols’ work, specifically mentioning Animal Services. The Chair closed public comment for the remainder of the agenda.
Administrative Item 3: Home American Rescue Plan Loan Documents
- The Board considered recommendations regarding the approval and execution of loan documents with Good Samaritan Shelter for the acquisition and improvement of a single-family residence in Santa Maria (4th District). Supervisor Torres requested a separate roll-call vote, stating she could not support the item at that time due to procedural concerns regarding the district, though she acknowledged the deadline for matching funds. A motion was made by Supervisor Lavagnino and seconded by Supervisor Hartmann. The item was voted on, with one member abstaining. The motion passed.
Administrative Item 5: Professional Legal Services Agreement
- The Board considered an agreement for professional legal services with Perkins Coie LLP, requiring a four-fifths vote. Supervisor Torres raised constituent concerns regarding the firm’s political reputation and requested clarification on the selection process. County Council staff explained the process involved researching six firms, interviewing attorneys, negotiating rates and discounts, and conducting conflict checks. Supervisor Torres stated she was satisfied with the explanation and supported the recommendation. The item was taken up for a vote along with other administrative items.
Administrative Item 9: Computer Aided Dispatch System Agreement
- The Board considered an agreement between the Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District and Central Square Technologies LLC for an on-premises computer aided dispatch system, requiring a four-fifths vote. Supervisor Torres highlighted the item as a significant step toward unified dispatch and improved emergency response models. The Chair noted the goal of sending the closest available resource. The item was taken up for a vote along with other administrative items.
Administrative Item 10: Cayo Real Campus Master Plan EIR
- The Board considered a professional service agreement with Ultra Systems Environmental Incorporated for the Cayo Real Campus Master Plan Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (2nd District). Supervisor Capps requested clarification on whether the process was synchronized with efforts to identify county properties for the housing element. Staff confirmed that the Programmatic EIR creates a palette of options for the Board to decide on future utilization of the campus and does not obligate the Board to specific actions. Supervisor Capps noted that further discussion on the housing element would occur at the April 4th meeting. The item was taken up for a vote along with other administrative items.
Vote on Administrative Items 5, 9, and 10
- A motion was made by Supervisor Hartmann and seconded to approve the staff recommendations for Administrative Items 5, 9, and 10. The items passed.
General Public Comment
- Public comment was opened for items not on the agenda.
- Edward Crowe spoke regarding a mass eviction at the Sweeps apartment complex in Isla Vista (6711 El Callejo Rd), alleging the evictions were for "renovation" to bypass rent caps.
- County Council Staff explained that tenants may be eligible for relocation assistance under the 2019 State Tenant Protection Act and County Chapter 44.
- Alejandra Torres (speaking as a tenant) described her situation as a mother of two facing eviction while recovering from surgery, stating she had not received assistance despite calling the office.
- Sam Zespi spoke as a tenant and first-generation college student, arguing that the relocation fees (one month's rent) were insufficient given the high cost of housing in Santa Barbara, and called for policy changes to stop "rent evictions."
- Matthew Kustra requested a public presentation and comment period on the draft housing element before state approval, expressing concern that rezoning agricultural land near Goleta for high-density development would negatively impact the environment and local ecology.
- George Alvarez expressed support for the tenants and concerns about the loss of farmland. He also raised concerns about the incomplete Guadalupe levee, requesting transparency from the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the project's status and cost, and citing recent flooding on Pioneer Street.
- Supervisor Capps urged affected tenants to contact her office for resources and legal remedies. Supervisor Hartmann noted that the housing element would be discussed on April 4th and attributed the housing and eviction issues to UCSB’s failure to build required housing, mentioning an ongoing lawsuit.
Departmental Item 1: Commission for Women 2023 Women’s History Month Service Awards
- The Board considered recommendations regarding the 2023 Women’s History Month Service Awards. Allison Wales, Chair of the Commission on Women, presented the awards via Zoom. The recipients were:
- District 1: Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara (represented by Jamie Dufek).
- District 2: Lori Goodman and LEAP (formerly Isla Vista Youth Projects).
- District 3: Ronna Barrett.
- District 4: Casa of Hope (represented by Ellen Torres).
- District 5: HOPE (House of Pride and Equality).
- Representatives from the Women’s Fund, LEAP, and Casa of Hope accepted the awards and spoke about their organizations' missions. Public comment was received from Tracy Beard, a member of the Commission, who congratulated the recipients and announced upcoming town halls on childcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Supervisors Torres, Lavagnino, Capps, and Hartmann each commented on their district’s recipients and thanked the Commission members.
Motion to Receive and File
- A motion was made by Supervisor Hartmann and seconded to receive and file the Departmental Item 1. The motion passed.
Departmental Item 2: Compensation and Benefits Resolution
- The Board considered recommendations regarding the compensation and benefits resolution and salary increase for elected department heads. The Chair invited staff to proceed.
Agenda Item: Compensation and Benefits Resolution and Salary Increase for Elected Department Heads (Initial Presentation)
- Presentation: The Clerk of the Board presented a long-term recommendation for wages and benefits for elected department heads. The proposal includes using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U) as the methodology for wage increases, capped at a 5% maximum. The adjustment would use the preceding October CPI-U, effective in the pay period containing October 1. The total cost for the five elected department heads is $93,210. The recommendation also includes establishing a separate resolution for elected department heads to remove inapplicable benefits, such as sick leave accrual, which was previously included in a combined resolution with appointed department heads.
- Discussion: Board members discussed the appropriateness of sick leave accrual for elected officials. Supervisor Torres questioned the logic of elected officials accruing sick leave and expressed support for removing this benefit moving forward. County Counsel confirmed the Board has the discretion to stop future accrual but noted legal complexities regarding whether this could be applied during the current term versus future terms. Supervisor Hartmann raised concerns about maintaining salary parity among the three legal department heads (District Attorney, County Counsel, and Public Defender) if different methodologies are used for their respective salary increases. Staff indicated that while the Board controls the County Counsel and Public Defender salaries, the District Attorney’s salary is determined by the proposed CPI-U standard, potentially leading to divergence over time.
- Action: The Board decided to trail the item to the end of the meeting to allow time for legal review and potential drafting of language to address the sick leave accrual issue.
Agenda Item: Planning and Development Department – Long Range Planning Division Work Program (FY 2023–2026)
- Presentation: Staff presented the three-year work program for the Long Range Planning Division. Key accomplishments in the current fiscal year included the housing element update, Ag Enterprise Ordinance preparation, and amendments to cannabis and child care ordinances. The proposed work program for the next fiscal year includes the housing element update, circulation element updates, environmental justice element, safety element updates, Ag Enterprise Ordinance completion, and zoning ordinance amendments (including ADUs and SB9). Staff recommended delaying the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan and the Coastal Resiliency LCPA to focus resources on mandated items and the housing element.
- Public Comment:
- The League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara urged the Board to prioritize housing solutions, specifically requesting a permanent funding source for affordable housing, prioritization of county-owned properties for lower-income housing, and implementation of specific housing element programs related to tenant protection and rental incentives.
- Kathleen Rosenthal, representing the Santa Ynez Valley Riders and SAVE Santa Barbara Equestrian Trails, requested clarification on the oversight structure for the County-wide Recreation Master Plan, noting concerns about the assignment of responsibilities to Development Review and the lack of a dedicated parks planner.
- Discussion: Supervisor Torres expressed frustration with the volume of state-mandated work limiting the Board’s ability to prioritize local projects and streamline processes. Supervisor Capps emphasized the need for a steady source of funds for low-income housing. Supervisor Torres moved to adopt the staff recommendation for the work program.
- Vote: The motion to adopt the staff recommendation was seconded. The vote was passed.
Agenda Item: Closed Session
- Discussion: The Board met in closed session to discuss existing litigation (Murray v. County of Santa Barbara, Inmates of Santa Barbara County Jail v. Sheriff, Joyce Dudley v. County of Santa Barbara) and one item of anticipated litigation.
- Action: The Board took no reportable action.
Agenda Item: Compensation and Benefits Resolution and Salary Increase for Elected Department Heads (Return from Closed Session)
- Discussion: The Board reconvened to address the previously trailed item. Staff presented revised language for Section 7A of the resolution, stating that each elected department head in office as of January 2023 shall no longer accrue sick leave, and all future elected department heads will be ineligible to accrue sick leave. The change is effective April 3, allowing current officials to retain already accrued balances. Supervisor Torres confirmed this language met her request to stop future accrual without taking away existing balances.
- Clarification: A board member clarified that accrued sick leave for elected department heads would be maintained until the resolution becomes effective. The discussion also addressed the government code regarding salary reductions for elected public offices, noting a statute prohibiting salary reductions during an election year after a candidate has filed candidacy forms. The board confirmed that none of the elected officials are currently in an election year.
- Motion to Adopt Staff Recommendation: A motion was made to adopt the staff recommendation, including the alterations and the attachment discussed. The motion was seconded.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Adjournment
- The chair noted that Supervisor Williams had left to attend another meeting with the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. The meeting was adjourned, with the next session scheduled for April 4 in Santa Barbara.