Board of Supervisors — 2023-03-21

Good morning. I will call to order the March 21st, 2023 meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. There are open seats here in the front folks so and it's great to see so much of the county family all here in one place. Madam Clerk please call the roll.

Good morning, Chair and Supervisors. It is great to see everyone here today for those who are watching today the room is packed as we have a lot of retirement resolutions on but before we get to the retirement resolutions I have three appointments three announcements of new appointments we've made and so I wanted to take care This morning, and one is announcing that the Assistant County Executive Officer who's replacing Terry Nisich in my office is Tanya Heitman our former Chief Probation Officer. And I'd like Tanya to come up to the podium for a few minutes. She will be coordinating the county's Health and Human Services and Public Safety Departments. This is a new restructured position that combines many of the key duties performed by Assistant CEO Terry Nisich who's retiring at the end of this month in a vacant position once filled by Barney Malekian.

I keep on saying Chief Heitman. Assistant CEO Heitman began her career with the Probation Department in 1990 and has been the chief probation officer since December 2017, so please join me in welcoming Tanya in her new position.

Chair Williams, Supervisors, thank you. Many would have predicted I'd be here for a retirement resolution instead of an introduction as Assistant CEO but I'm very appreciative of the support that you all have provided me and I'm excited to be joining Mona's team I have enjoyed a lot of great relationships with department heads as well as your board over the years and I'm hoping that will allow me a little grace as we, as I learn this new role. I look forward to being apart of Mona's team at the CEO's office and continuing to support your board. Thank you.

Next, Chair Williams is the successor to Tonya Hyattman as a Chief Probation Officer. The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara presiding Judge Pauline Maxwell has selected Holly Benton to succeed Tonya Hyattman and Holly come to the podium. Ms. Bettins comes into the role of the Chief Probation Officer after serving as the county's chief deputy probation officer since 2018 prior to her time with our County Holly worked her way up the ranks learning every aspect of the field of probation during her 28 years of experience in San Bernardino County Please join me in welcoming Holly as our new chief probation officer

Chair Williams, members of the board. It is very humbling to have been entrusted by the court with the responsibility of leading the probation department. Our department is over 300 skilled and dedicated officers and staff. And I'm proud to work with them and I'm proud to serve them as their chief. I have to take a moment on my second day as chief to acknowledge and thank our outgoing Chief Tanya Heitman for her vision, her leadership and the insight that she brought to the department. She has 32 years of service to probation, the last five as chief. And she has helped to navigate some incredibly difficult challenges systemically and also has led us through, you know, some amazingly waves of change that have come through the community corrections field.

So she leaves big shoes to fill but I am excited about the opportunities that change brings and I'm looking forward to working with your board on the ongoing collaborative community partnerships and projects that we have going as well as all of our priorities that your board has set. Thank you.

And Chair, last but not least is our new General Services Director Kirk Lagerquist. Kirk is assuming the duties from Jeanette Pell who's retiring at the end of this month He recently concluded a 27-year career with the United States Navy Civil Engineer Corps, where he established a proven track record of executive leadership in public project and program management. He served as the military equivalent of a Public Works Director at both large and small Navy installations. He has a Master's of Science in civil engineering from University of Colorado. Please welcome Kurt as our new General Services Director.

Chair Williams, Supervisors. I want to thank you for trusting in me to be hired into this position. I look forward to the great opportunities and serving this county and very thankful to have turnover with Ms. Jeanette Pell. And I know we'll recognize her in a few minutes but it's been great to have that face-to-face and look forward to building upon the legacy that she's built within general services and continuing on so thank you very much.

That concludes my announcements here.

Madam Clerk are there any announcements or changes to our agenda?

Chair Williams and members of the board, I do have a few quick announcements this morning. We posted an addendum on Friday March 17th amending today's administrative agenda. The administrative agenda was amended to reflect the addition of Administrative Item 36 from the Fire Department and Administrative Item 37, a resolution to be presented. We respectfully request that Administrative Item 37 be presented prior to Administrative Item 34. These changes can be added to the balance of the administrative agenda.

Spanish translation via Zoom is available and Spanish translation for our YouTube channel will be uploaded after the meeting has concluded. For the Board of Supervisors methods of public participation and to provide public comment on general public comment or in an item on the board's agenda, please see page 2 of the agenda Individuals that would like to provide verbal public comment virtually may do so via Zoom by registering in advance via the link available on page 2. If you have any questions, please contact the Clerk of the Board's Office at 805-568-2240. That concludes my announcements for this morning.

Now let's turn to the administrative agenda. I have down as polls A3, A5, A9. Is there any other items that the board members wish to pull?

Yes, Chair Williams. A10 please.

And then is there any items that the public wishes to pull? Madam Clerk.

Chair Williams and members of the board we have a request to speak on administrative item three.

OK well that's pulled so that will be convenient. I'd like a motion on the balance of the administrative agenda. That's accepting A3, A5, A9 and A10. So moved. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed? Then I'm going to trail these items until after the resolutions because we've got too many good county employees in the room. In six years, the most I've seen. This is like as many as the old oil fights back in the... So this says a lot about the women and men that are being celebrated today and it also says a lot about the strength of the county family so that's really amazing to see.

So let's start with A-28.

Chair Williams and members of the board, Administrative Item 28 is sponsored by Supervisor Capps and Supervisor Hartman. It is to adopt a resolution recognizing the month of March 2023 as Women's History Month in Santa Barbara County. Joining us here in person we have members of the Women's Commission. If you'll make your way to the podium, Supervisor Capps and Supervisor Hartman will read the resolution into the record.

Okay, Resolution Women's History Month in Santa Barbara County. Whereas, the month of March is known as Women's History Month and International Women's Day was on March 8th, 2023. The month and the day are a global celebration of the economic, cultural, social, and political achievements of women. This year's themes for Women's History Month is DIGITAL, Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality, and International Women's Day It's a pleasure to be here.

Over 1,862 women own their own businesses while the largest demographic of people living in poverty are female ages 18 to 24 at 18.1%. And

Whereas the County of Santa Barbara wishes to uphold the achievements, educate on the challenges and provide more exposure to the rights of women in gender equality and equity. We envision a Santa Barbara County that is free of bias stereotypes and discrimination. That is diverse equitable and inclusive. And that empathetically celebrates and values our differences.

Whereas the County of Santa Barbara is grateful for the leaders and volunteers with the Women's Commission, whose mission is to promote the equitable and equal status and well-being of women in Santa Barbara County. And

whereas the County of Santa Barbara has a history of exceptional women who carry forth the tradition of providing support for all who live work play and support our region. We thank the thousands of women leaders, community organizers and organizations, women in STEM who fight for justice equity and positive change for our county yet we have a long way to achieve true equity. These women are ceaseless in showing us the light and pathway for true change.

Now, therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved that this Board of Supervisors declares March Women's History Month and is especially grateful to those women who serve the constituents of Santa Barbara County.

Passed and adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Santa Barbara County State of California this 21st day of March 2023 by the unanimous vote of all members present.

Alison, would you like to say something on Zoom?

Yes. Thank you. I apologize for not being there. It was a lot of back and forth in a lot of decisions this morning. I'm sorry I'm not there. But I'd like to thank the supervisors for this resolution and acknowledgement of Women's History Month. We've come a long way, we still have a long way to go in many respects and I think the board for their support and for this resolution. And I'm so sorry I can't be there or could not be there this morning.

I miss people darn it but we chose the safety route. So thank you again for your support and we'll be back soon for the service award, so thank you.

Thank you Ms. Wales. Supervisor Hart?

I'm sorry, well I just wanted forgot I had my light on from our little reading but I did want to thank Allison for her leadership and having had a difficult drive down I think she made the good choice.

Chair Williams and members of the board, Administrative Item 29 is sponsored by Supervisor Caps and Supervisor Lavinino. It is to adopt a resolution proclaiming March 30th, 2023 as National Doctors Day. Joining us here in person we have Dr. Cooper. Please join us at the podium and I will now read the resolution into the record. Whereas National Doctors Day recognized by the nation on March 30th, 2023 provides an opportunity to honor physicians and medical staff who commit themselves to public service by helping to ensure the good health of their communities. Whereas the County of Santa Barbara wishes to celebrate the professional sacrifices and contributions made by doctors of Santa Barbara County, California. And whereas we honor and commend doctors, advanced practice providers, nurses and healthcare workers for the excellent care and service offered to their patients and their patient's families especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And whereas we highlight the devotion and dedication to excellence and high-quality patient care despite logistical and financial challenges, public health crises and natural disasters. And whereas we extend gratitude to our local physicians who work hard to protect the health of all residents of Santa Barbara County. And whereas we honor the talent and dedication of all physicians who continue to provide top quality care to residents of Santa Barbara County Now therefore be it hereby ordered to resolve that this Board of Supervisors declares March 30th, 2023 as National Doctors Day and is especially grateful to those who serve the constituents of Santa Barbara County passed and adopted today.

Thank you Supervisors for proclaiming March 30th as National Doctors Day, and thanks to all of you who serve our great county. Never did I imagine the full and rich personal and professional life I would have here when I started at Sansum Clinic, Cottage Hospital, and the Santa Barbara County Clinic 42 years ago. We are so fortunate to have an exceptionally skilled and caring medical community, and I feel especially grateful to be a physician at Sansum Clinic for the entirety of my career.

This is our clinic's 102nd year of service, and it is a privilege to care for our patients. On behalf of the 250 doctors and healthcare providers at Sansum, we are truly honored to receive this recognition. Thank you.

A30.

Chair Williams and members of the Board, Administrative Item 30 is sponsored by Supervisor Williams. It is to adopt a Resolution of Commendation honoring Carl Thornton upon his retirement from the General Services Department after over 18 years of faithful and dedicated service to the citizens of Santa Barbara County. Joining us here in person we have Carl. If you will make your way to the podium I will now read the resolution into the record.

Whereas Carl Thornton started his career with the County of Santa Barbara in 2005 as a telecommunications chief with the Communications Division of General Services. Whereas over the years, Carl has worked and led many exciting projects such as upgrading the phone system to a centralized system, adding four-digit and five-digit dialing, as well as various enhancements to the system Implementing state-mandated E911, being a disaster response worker at the EOC as logistics communications head lead.

Upgrades to the public safety radio network installing radio telecom and satellites to the new county EOC and upgrades to the public safety radio network whereas Carl's job knowledge experience and leadership have contributed greatly to the overall success of the Communications Division and General Services Department Carl is commended for his faithful and devoted services to the county's community, especially public safety first responders and mutual aid partners.

Carl's gentle and pleasant demeanor will be greatly missed by his friends and associates throughout the county. Now therefore be it hereby ordered a resolve that this Board of Supervisors honors and commends Carl Thornton for his 18 years of exemplary service to the citizens of Santa Barbara County and employees of the General Services Department passed and adopted today.

Chair Williams, members of the board. It's delightful to be here today to honor Carl and because he's leaving us and he has all these really important projects to finish I thought I'd retire too so So I understand that Carl is going to do a lot of fishing and he is offered to teach me how to fish so I wish him the best and I'd like to turn it over to Chris

Thank you, Jeanette. I just want to add a few things. Carl has served the county for 36 years. He has done a remarkable job and he's well regarded and well respected by everyone here at the county. You leave big shoes to fill and we're going to miss you, Carl.

I would just like to say it's been an honor and a privilege to work for the county for so long, and I just wish you guys all the best going forward.

A 31.

Chair Williams and members of the Board, Administrative Item 31 is sponsored by Supervisor Williams. It is to adopt a resolution of commendation honoring Eric Schneider upon his retirement from the Planning and Development Department after over 22 years. of faithful and dedicated service to the citizens of Santa Barbara County. Joining us here in person we have Eric if you'll make your way to the podium I will now read the resolution into the record Whereas Eric Snyder's commitment to public service began with his enlistment in the Army in 1970, where he honorably served in the Vietnam War as a helicopter crew chief with the 4th Aviation Company, 4th Infantry Division from 1971 to 1972. His service was followed by a 50-year career in the construction industry.

Eric began his 22-year career in the Building and Safety Division in 2000 as a building permit technician and worked his way up to senior building engineer inspector. And has dedicated himself to providing inspection services to tens of thousands of construction projects throughout the Santa Barbara County and driving more than half a million miles without an accident.

Eric has also worked tirelessly as a team leader on inspection teams that conducted safety inspections in the wake of several natural disasters in Santa Barbara County, including the Gap Fire, Tee Fire, Jesusita Fire, and the Thomas Fire Eric also led teams that conducted safety inspections of more than 600 structures in the wake of the January 9th, 2018 debris flows. With his retirement, Eric's attention to detail and psychopedic knowledge of the building code and commitment throughout his inspections will be a great loss to the department although some local contractors may not share in this loss.

Whereas Eric Schneider, who is well known for his compassionate professionalism, sound judgment, wise counsel, exceptional dedication and exemplary service has decided to retire and work on his golf game and enjoy the passage of time with his wife Shirley. Now therefore be it hereby ordered resolved that this Board of Supervisors of Santa Barbara County does hereby acknowledge Eric Schneider for his long-time commitment to the citizens of Santa Barbara County passed and adopted today.

So, wow this became a thing

Hello, everyone. My name is Eric Snyder, Senior Building Inspector in Santa Barbara County. First of all, I would like to thank the Board of Supervisors for adding this presentation to a very busy calendar. I am surprised and honored. I would also like to thank my co-workers, friends, family and contractors for joining us here today. Two of my family members traveled all the way from Washington State just to be here.

Lauren and Dane, we ordered special the rain for you so you would feel at home. Thanks for coming. I cannot possibly summarize the last 22 years in a five-minute speech. That's a story for another day. What I can tell you about is the extraordinary group of people that I work with. These talented and dedicated teammates work in planning and development, and they are largely responsible for the accolades and acknowledgments presented here today.

There's an old adage that says it takes a village. Because of that, I would like to accept and share today's resolution with all of my P&D teammates. Like many of you, I have passions in my life. My wife, my family, my career, to name a few. And when it comes to work, doing something you love is not really work. When I came to Santa Barbara County, I just knew that I found a place that felt right.

This place was where I was supposed to be, and I was doing what I was meant to be doing. The job has not always been easy and there have been significant challenges along the way. Some of those challenges brought me close to my physical and mental limits, but I always knew I could count on my teammates to pull me through. Was it work always easy? It was not.

Was it worth the cost? Without question. In closing, I would like to say it has been my honor to work beside all of you here. Truth be told the last 22 years have been some of the finest years of my entire life and it's mostly because of the people I call my teammates. I will miss this place. I will miss the work and I will surely miss all of you. Thank you

So I'm lucky I made it in the elevator. Jeanette, thank you. Eric, I just wanted to say that we are so grateful for the service that you've given the department. He always has a smile. He always has a calm demeanor. It doesn't matter if there's an emergency going on or it's a regular day. He has been a truly dedicated employee to the department and he's done an exceptional job. And I think I'd like to see a raise of hands for the people, the contractors that are here that are to support Eric.

That tells you something right there. He has been an amazing employee and we really wish you well and there's huge shoes to be filled with your position and we will really greatly miss you. And I know that Kevin Green would like to say a few words for you too. Oh he's done okay now yeah. But just congratulations. We really wish you well

a 32

Chair Williams and members of the Board, Administrative Item 32 is sponsored by Supervisor Caps. It is to adopt a resolution of commendation honoring Leslie Ann Wells upon her retirement from the Public Works Department after over 28 years of faithful and distinguished service to the citizens of Santa Barbara County. Joining us here in person we have Leslie Ann Wells. Please make your way to the podium and I will read the resolution into the record.

Please proceed.

Whereas Leslie Wells began employment with the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department in the Solid Waste and Utilities Division, now called the Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division as extra help in May 1995 and became a regular employee in August 1995 as a solid waste program specialist. And whereas, upon promotion to Solid Waste Program Manager, now program business leader general. She implemented a franchise solid waste collection system and developed several innovative waste reduction programs including the residential green waste collection program and mandatory commercial recycling program. And whereas, due to her high level of competency and experience, Leslie promoted to Deputy Director in November 2018. As Deputy Director, Leslie was instrumental in the procurement of 149 million in bond funding to develop the construction of the Tahequas Resource Center which diverts recyclable and salvageable organic material from the landfill in compliance with California State Senate Bill 1383.

And whereas Leslie is respected by her staff, county leadership, local agency partners, community members and all whom she comes into contact with. And whereas Leslie's 28 years of commitment knowledge mentoring and experience as well as her killer enchiladas and other delicious dishes that she frequently shares with her colleagues during office potlucks will be greatly missed.

Now, therefore be it ordered and resolved that this Board of Supervisors recognizes and thanks Leslie Ann Wells for her 28 years of public service to the citizens of Santa Barbara County. And wishes her the best in her well-deserved retirement passed and adopted today.

Good morning Mr. Chair and board members, and as the clerk read we're all here this morning to honor Leslie Wells on behalf of the County of Santa Barbara, the Public Works Department and the Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division that she led for her 28 years of dedicated public service. And as you heard in the resolution Leslie has been instrumental throughout her career with the Resource Recovery Division on setting the vision and achieving that division's goals for almost three decades. So, that's pretty incredible.

Thanks to Leslie's creativity and skill set she and her team have developed recycling programs and public information campaigns across this county. And it's allowed the community to divert over 70% of their municipal solid waste so that's pretty incredible in this time frame. That same creativity is what Leslie and her team used to develop and construct the Resource Center, the largest construction project in the county's history. When that project is fully online it's projected to divert over 85% of our municipal solid waste so that's pretty incredible.

Leslie has been committed to providing residents and businesses with cost effective innovative and environmentally sound solutions to manage our solid waste throughout her career. And she takes a tremendous amount of pride in continually striving to improve our services and responsiveness to the needs of the community we serve every day for the last 28 years.

Lessee's overall value in all areas of solid waste have proven unmatched in the last 28 years, and personally I'm extremely thankful that she accepted the offer to be part of the Public Works Executive Leadership Team. She's quite a teammate, she's quite a leader, and we're truly going to miss her at Public Works, and I wish her all the best.

Good morning Chair Williams, members of the board. I apologize, I tend to be a bit more on the verbose side and not quite as quick as my colleague Carl Thornton but I'll try and rip through this one. Thank you. I am very, very honored to receive this resolution this morning. I feel forever grateful to have had the opportunity with the county to pursue a career that merged my strong beliefs in environmental protection with improving the quality of life in the community where I grew up and where I chose to raise my own family.

This job for the last 20 years has been very challenging and motivating. New issues constantly crop up that require new solutions, reality which actually makes the job a lot of fun. Not many people know that our division including the Laguna County Sanitation District are enterprise funds. As a result we receive no general funds. We must be entirely financially self-sufficient We are challenged every day to operate our facilities and programs cost effectively, and to satisfy our customers.

I wanted to shed light on the team at Public Works, and in the Resource Recovery Division in particular. This team is resilient. COVID required our facility supervisors and their staff to immediately pivot their operations in order to create a safe place for both our employees and members of the public while continuing to manage our region's waste day in and day out.

Sorry, I'm going to feel very passionate about this team. They are committed. In October 2021, the Alice Hall fire tore through our landfill and resource center within a couple of hours and continued to burn there for two days. Our facility was significantly impacted. Our operations, engineering and compliance staff immediately mobilized to make the necessary improvements and build safeguards against upcoming storms to protect our infrastructure.

Incredibly we were back serving our community receiving waste materials within two weeks of the fire. Additionally, working diligently with our fiscal section and risk management. We were able to receive full reimbursement for these repairs from our insurance. They are creative. The state has continually adopted new regulations to fight climate change. Our staff has embraced these new regulations and has designed and implemented a range of new programs to allow our region to not only meet but exceed organics recovery requirements, and they're persistent.

Implementing large-scale projects in our community is challenging however Our division and the greater public works department has been able to design and invest in the infrastructure necessary to meet the needs of our community as well as strict environmental regulations. I feel confident I am leaving the division in excellent hands. I would be remiss if I didn't highlight that we have accomplished these things through constant collaboration with other county departments, our partner jurisdictions, community stakeholders, regulatory agencies and our local private companies.

Without all of their contributions many of our programs and projects could never be implemented I want to personally thank your board and previous boards for providing the support that is necessary to pursue these important projects. I also want to thank our department director Scott McAulpin, and my previous boss Mark Schlight for giving me the freedom and trust to look for new ways to do things.

Lastly, I want to thank my friends and my husband of 30 years. Mark Russo for being my rock and partner in raising her two sons and supporting me on this great journey. Thank you.

A33.

Chair Williams and members of the board, administrative item number 33 is sponsored by Supervisor Lavinino. It is to adopt a resolution of commendation honoring Joseph M Pazano upon his retirement from the Human Resources Department after over 24 years of faithful and distinguished service to the citizens of Santa Barbara County. Joining us here in person we have Joseph. If you will make your way to the podium I will now read the resolution into the record.

Whereas Joseph M. Pazano, known as Joe or the Professor was first hired as a personnel analyst beginning on September 8th 1998 and has recently announced his retirement from county service effective March 31st 2023 after over 24 years of dedicated civil service. Joe has tackled every challenge imaginable in his long and storied career. He demonstrates that employee relations is never about winning or losing, but rather building the best relationship possible with every union representing county employees. And whereas Joe has modeled this by being honest fair and understanding of each union and their concerns and needs doing the right thing as he sees it in every contact with a union.

Joe has performed an exemplary manner in every negotiation, investigation, disciplinary issue and grievance. And legend has it that the professor possesses a magic wand not only one but two magic eight balls that he has used on countless occasions to resolve challenges believed impossible by mere mortals. And whereas when extremely difficult issues such as the pandemic occurred, the employee relations was dealt with unprecedented changes. Joe was able to lead 10 unions to a single conclusion that worked in everyone's interest and whereas Joe has blessed us with quick wit and uncanny ability to express and dimensify complex troubles of the human condition through classic Greek and Roman literature And whereas Joe has been a kind and generous colleague, teacher and mentor to countless fellow county employees who will miss him dearly when he leaves county service.

And find his shoes difficult to fill. Now therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved that this Board of Supervisors commends Employee Relations Division's Chief Joe Pozzano for his faithful and distinguished service to the County of Santa Barbara congratulates him on his retirement, and wishes him many happy years to come passed and adopted today.

Good morning, this is a bittersweet moment for me and the county HR team. It's impossible to find adequate words to express sufficiently the gratitude and appreciation that I in the county HR team have for Joe Pisano, an exemplary 24 year county employee but I will try. To know Joe is to know his commitment to fostering relationships through honesty and responsiveness.

Joe's diligence and dedication is evident through his work product, his collaboration, and mentorship. To know Joe is to also know that his love for exceptional food, quality wine, and bourbon are unparalleled. One of Joe's significant attributes, and he does have many outstanding qualities. But the one that stands out, Joe is always a gentleman Sir Richard Steele had Joe in mind when he wrote, the definition of gentleman is never to be affixed to life's circumstances but to his behavior in them.

And I think you all know that Joe's predisposition under any circumstance is to be calm, listen, listen harder and then respond with generosity and thoughtfulness. Yes, yes, he'll also throw in some history, Greek and Roman mythology or humor So sometimes- And have an extraordinary next chapter.

Well that's a hard act to follow. Chair Williams, Supervisors thank you so much for this I'm honored truly. I'm surprised too looking back at two and half decades almost of county service it all seems kind of unlikely really was one of those guys growing up and even in my 20s and 30s that didn't really know what he wanted to do when he grew up Somehow I found my way to the county and when I accepted an entry level job in the Human Resources Department, it was actually the Personnel Department in 1998. I couldn't really know how closely aligned the county would prove to be in terms of the two things that I did get clarity on in terms of what I wanted to do which was to do work that was meaningful and interesting.

Boarded I hit the jackpot, meaningful and interesting work when I came to work for the county. Especially when I found my way into employee relations where our business really is the concern for the wages hours in terms and conditions of employment for the county workforce. When I think about how many dedicated county workers work so hard and spend so much time at work, I can't help but think that what we do in employee relations really does have impact.

And while it's been challenging at times, it's more often been rewarding and always interesting. I can't step away from the podium without thanking a few folks this morning. First, I'd like to thank the many colleagues who taught me so much and helped me so much over the years. And among that group, I include my partners on the labor side. There are lots of good folks working to do good work on that side of the table too.

I have to also single out Maria Elena and Mona. I'm so appreciative of the leadership and integrity that they brought to the intersection of their work in mind over the years, and of course I'm extraordinarily grateful to the board for its direction and the support that enabled us to get through some difficult times and to do some things that were worth doing.

Finally, I want to thank my wife Anne who has stood by me through lots of long work days and work weeks. And I greatly appreciated her support as well. Somehow in the face of all that I have to be grateful for you know thank you seems at once totally inadequate but absolutely necessary so thank you. Thank you everyone. I appreciate it.

Mr. Chair, Supervisor Lavagnino.

Joe you know when I was first question are we going to be open tomorrow? I'm just curious there's nobody left but I can't let this go by this moment. We have 43 4400 jobs out there but there's no job that's more singular in its need for somebody that is just 100% transparent Honest, above reproach. We put our trust in you as you sit down with our employees and they are looking at you as the face of the county as well.

So you've not only lived up to that high standard, you have blown it away and set a whole new bar of excellence so I'm worried about who's coming in after you but I really appreciate You know, the trust that you've built with our employees. Every time I talk to the other side they're always saying hey we don't always agree with you but we trust Joe and we know he's being honest with us so that's all we can ask for thank you for your service.

Item number 37

Chair Williams and members of the Board, Administrative Item 37 is sponsored by Supervisor Hartman. It is to adopt a resolution of commendation honoring Sonia Thompson upon her retirement from the County of Santa Barbara for her years of faithful and dedicated services to the citizens of Santa Barbara County. Joining us here in person we have Sonia. If you will make your way to the podium I'll now read the resolution into the record.

Whereas Sonia Thompson began the first two years of her career with the County of Santa Barbara at the county executive office as an executive secretary, starting in July 2006. And whereas after six and a half years as an administrative professional working with both the county executive office and the county parks department supporting various efforts including legislative activities and human resources.

And whereas Sonia was promoted to Department Specialist 2 with the Office of Emergency Management Division in 2016, managing the division's day-to-day business accounting and facilities maintenance. And whereas she has administered the divisions various grant programs including the County Homeland Security Program Grant and Emergency Management Performance Grant Providing an estimated 6.2 million in equipment, training plans and resources to enhance the protection of the County of Santa Barbara's residents from domestic and international terrorism.

Sonia decided to go back to college for her Bachelor's of Science in Public Sector Management finishing in May 2020 At the California State University of Northridge as the first in her family to go to college. Sonia became an inspiration to her family with her eldest daughter and sister graduating college, and her youngest daughter completing her master's this year.

And whereas Sonia has actively supported multiple EOC activities in multiple roles including the Whittier fire, Alamo fire, Holiday Fire, Thomas fire, and subsequent Montecito debris flow. Conception boat incident, cave fire, COVID-19 response, alfalfa fire and more. And whereas Sonia has earned a happy retirement to enjoy more time with her husband two daughters and grandbaby while she pursues her many passions as an avid boater hiker lover of wine and world traveler Now therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved that this Board of Supervisors honors Sonia Thompson for her years of dedicated service to the citizens of Santa Barbara County, and congratulates her upon her retirement passed and adopted today.

I just wanted to briefly share, Chair and Supervisors. I didn't give Sonia a heads up on this. I kind of submitted it and she's very private and keeps herself. I learned that she was graduating with her degree when she asked if she could do an internship project in emergency management education with our team. So I just really wanted to recognize how much she has done for this county. And I know not a lot of people will know her name But her, not only the grants management but she's the one in the back who is making sure every 214 for every hour of every employee who has worked every disaster in the last six years and OEM and every department has turned in appropriate form to be able to get our FEMA money back.

And so she's just, she's really been the workhorse behind all those disasters and documentation And all of our Homeland Security funding and other grant funding. And I wanted to make sure that was recognized for her service in doing that, so thank you.

Thank you for this recognition. It's truly an honor and I'd just like to say that over the last 16 years, I've had the opportunity to work with so many county employees especially the last six at the EOC through the many disasters and So I can honestly say I've seen firsthand You know the hard work that We all put in, everybody puts in from all the different departments within the community. And I just wanna say, it's their hard work that makes it a great county and community and I appreciate being part of that bigger effort. So thank you to Santa Barbara County for allowing me to serve the community. Thanks again.

A34.

Chair Williams and members of the board, Administrative Item 34 is sponsored by the Board of Supervisors. It is to adopt a resolution of commendation honoring Jeanette Powell upon her retirement from the General Services Department after over six years of faithful and distinguished service to the citizens of Santa Barbara County. Joining us in person we have Jeanette. If you will make your way to the podium I'll now read the resolution into the record.

Whereas Jeanette Powell served in the public service for the past 33 years and for the past six of those as the Director of General Services for the County of Santa Barbara. And whereas, Jeanette's impact can be seen in buildings and improvement projects across the county from the renovations of the county-owned building that now houses the new Isla Vista Community Center, Fire Station 27 in Nuku'yama, the Cayeriao Campus Master Plan, San Ynez Valley Airport improvements Santa Maria Juvenile Hall improvements, the design of our new probation headquarters and most notably leading the charge through design and construction of the new state-of-the-art 133,000 square foot northern branch jail in Santa Maria. And whereas Jeanette helped the community go green by installing an array of solar panels at the county's Betteravia complex Implementing the electric vehicle program, spearheading the county's transition to zero emission fleet.

Switching out gas-powered sedans for electric, installing charging stations across the county and most recently expanding the program to include light duty trucks and vans. And whereas she has led information technology to new heights bringing county services digital implementing DocuSign migrating to Office 365, she was instrumental in setting up a new standalone IT department. And whereas she is praised for being a wonderful leader who saw the best in her employees often promoting within and prioritizing employee recognition. Her leadership and support have been crucial in providing quality customer service to all county employees Her innovative thinking also led general services through COVID, providing county departments with logistics setting up remote or county-wide while providing quality service during the pandemic.

And whereas Jeanette has earned a happy retirement to enjoy more family time with her husband Mark of 44 years, her two rescue dogs Sarah Lee and Stella, her son Patrick who married Jessie and has two daughters Lennox and Preston, and two pugs Lola and Eleanor And son Christopher who is married to Kylie and has two sons Camden and Atlas, and two Boston Terriers Penelope and Wednesday. After retirement Jeanette looks forward to spending more time with her four grandchildren watching all of their sporting events and working on her garden and reading. Jeanette's life is all about her family and she plans to spend more time with all of them. Now therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved that this Board of Supervisors honors Jeanette Pell for her years of dedicated services to the citizens of Santa Barbara County, and congratulates her upon her retirement passed and adopted today.