Board of Supervisors — 2023-05-02

Compost Hauling and Marketing Agreement

• Public Works recommended an agreement with Araghman Corporation for compost hauling services.
• Public comment questioned facility commissioning definitions and the use of diesel trucks versus electric vehicles.
• The Board approved the motion to adopt the agreement following discussion on vehicle alternatives.

Santa Barbara Dark Sky Week Resolution

• Supervisor Williams sponsored a resolution to proclaim April 15–22 as Santa Barbara Dark Sky Week.
• Public speakers expressed support for the aesthetic and ecological benefits of the proclamation.
• The Board adopted the resolution after it was read into the record.

Daniel Ellsberg Week Resolution

• Supervisor Williams sponsored a resolution recognizing Daniel Ellsberg's history as a whistleblower and activist.
• Public comment was received in support of the proclamation for April 24–30.
• The Board adopted the resolution following standard procedural steps.

Mental Health Month Resolution

• Supervisor Capps sponsored a resolution to proclaim May 2023 as Mental Health Month.
• Public speakers and Board members highlighted children's mental health and student-led initiatives.
• The Board adopted the resolution after receiving public comment.

Wildfire Community Preparedness Month Resolution

• Supervisor Hartman sponsored a resolution to proclaim May 2023 as Wildfire Community Preparedness Month.
• Fire Marshal Rob Hazard and Joan Hartmann provided supportive public comment.
• The Board adopted the resolution following its reading into the record.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace Recognition

• Supervisor Hartman sponsored a resolution recognizing the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Santa Barbara County North Chapter.
• Representatives presented on the organization's mission to build beds for children in need.
• The Board adopted the resolution after receiving public comment from honorees and representatives.

Employee of the Month Commendation

• Supervisor Williams sponsored a resolution commending Aram Alvarez and Eva Camarena as May Employees of the Month.
• Department heads also presented recognition for employees Irem and Eva.
• The Board adopted the resolution following public comment from the honorees' representatives.

Sheriff's Office Military Equipment Use Policy

• The Sheriff's Office presented an annual report on specialized equipment including drones and armored vehicles.
• Board members discussed safety necessities, equipment definitions, and transparency concerns.
• The Board approved receiving the report and adopting an ordinance to amend the Military Equipment Use Policy.

Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS)

• The District Attorney's Office requested authorization to release an RFP for a system to automate digital evidence handling.
• Discussion covered expanding data sharing to Health and Human Services and addressing discovery inefficiencies.
• The Board approved releasing the RFP and determined the project is exempt from CEQA.

First Five Santa Barbara County Extra Help Appointment

• First 5 requested approval to appoint Suzanne Hayes as an extra help employee for technical assistance.
• The appointment is intended to support recruitment transitions for up to 100 hours annually.
• The Board approved the motion to authorize the appointment.

Solid Waste Services Ordinance Amendment

• Public Works proposed modifying Chapter 17 to allow multiple trash haulers in unincorporated areas.
• Marburg Industries presented their proposal while Board members discussed cost and service level concerns.
• The Board approved the ordinance modification to enable consideration of competitive proposals.

HOME Consortium and CDBG Action Plan

• Community Services presented the FY 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan including funding for housing and public services.
• Public comment requested full funding for shelter operations and raised concerns about allocation processes.
• The Board approved the action plan and directed staff to improve communication of priorities to the Commission.

Active Transportation Plan (ATP)

• Public Works presented an aspirational plan prioritizing 50 pedestrian and bicycle corridors.
• Public comment supported safety goals but raised concerns regarding specific trail details and e-bike governance.
• The Board adopted the plan with an amendment adding the Alamar to Mission Canyon corridor as an aspirational goal.

Jail Population Levers Initiative

• The Board reviewed initiatives aimed at reducing jail population and improving case flow efficiency.
• Discussion emphasized the importance of timely discovery in expediting court proceedings.
• The Board approved the staff recommendation regarding the initiative.

Sheriff's Office Drone Acquisition Acceptance

• The Board considered accepting a donated Brink Lemur S drone for tactical and search-and-rescue operations.
• The equipment was previously awarded via grant funding and noted in the annual report.
• The Board approved receiving and filing the presentation regarding the acceptance of the donated drone.

Tenant Protection and Eviction Moratorium

• Board members discussed the need for a rent eviction moratorium following public comment on displacement.
• One member noted existing county ordinances exceed state protections but expressed intent to engage state leaders.
• The Board approved a motion to implement a rent eviction moratorium.

Closed Session

• Staff reported on existing litigation and anticipated civil actions regarding the Leslie Wells matter.
• The Board met in closed session to discuss these legal items as required by law.
• No reportable action was taken following the closed session discussion.

General Public Comment and Announcements

• The Clerk of the Board announced an addendum to the closed session agenda removing a labor negotiation item and requested to continue Administrative Item 4 (Behavioral Wellness Department agreement) to the May 16 meeting. Procedures for public participation via Zoom were outlined. During general public comment, speakers addressed housing crises, tenant protections regarding Core Spaces evictions, mental health awareness, active transportation plans, and solid waste services. Specific requests included a moratorium on substantial remodels, stronger Just Cause ordinances, and the right to return for tenants. Other comments covered concerns about misinformation spread by landlords, support for CDBG funding for shelters, and opposition to specific trail inclusions in the Active Transportation Plan due to a lack of detail. Additional public comment was received regarding homelessness, warming center funding, CDBG fund allocation, and housing issues. Board members responded to comments regarding legal options for rent stabilization and the need for state-level legislative support.

Administrative Item 17: Compost Hauling and Marketing Agreement

• The Public Works Department presented a recommendation regarding an agreement with Araghman Corporation for compost hauling and marketing. Public comment was received from Andy Caldwell representing CoLab, who questioned the definition of "commissioning" for the facility, inquired about marketability issues preventing product distribution within the county, and asked why diesel trucks were being used instead of electric vehicles as suggested by state goals. Following discussion regarding electric truck availability and CNG alternatives, a motion was made to approve the item. The motion was seconded and passed.

Administrative Item 33: Santa Barbara Dark Sky Week Resolution

• Supervisor Williams sponsored a resolution to proclaim the week of April 15 through April 22, 2023, as Santa Barbara Dark Sky Week, citing aesthetic and ecological benefits. Public comment was received from Kathleen Rosenthal and a representative from "We Watch," who expressed support for the resolution. The resolution was read into the record, moved, seconded, and adopted.

Outcome: Passed.

Administrative Item 34: Daniel Ellsberg Week Resolution

• Supervisor Williams sponsored a resolution to proclaim the week of April 24 through April 30, 2023, as Daniel Ellsberg Week, recognizing his history as a whistleblower and activist. Public comment was received from Elizabeth Robinson. The resolution was read into the record, moved, seconded, and adopted.

Outcome: Passed.

Administrative Item 35: Mental Health Month Resolution

• Supervisor Capps sponsored a resolution to proclaim May 2023 as Mental Health Month in Santa Barbara County. Public comment was received from Tony Navarro, Rod Pearson, Ruth Ackerman, and E-Planet Thunderstriker. A Board member acknowledged the first week of Mental Health Month, highlighting children's mental health and student-led initiatives. The resolution was read into the record, moved, seconded, and adopted.

Outcome: Passed.

Administrative Item 36: Wildfire Community Preparedness Month Resolution

• Supervisor Hartman sponsored a resolution to proclaim May 2023 as Wildfire Community Preparedness Month. Public comment was received from Fire Marshal Rob Hazard and Joan Hartmann. The resolution was read into the record, moved, seconded, and adopted.

Outcome: Passed.

Administrative Item 37: Recognition of Sleep in Heavenly Peace Santa Barbara County North Chapter

• Supervisor Hartman sponsored a resolution to recognize the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Santa Barbara County North Chapter for building beds for children in need. Public comment was received from Matt Grant and Colleen Grant, and a representative from Santa Barbara County Beds for Kids presented on the organization's mission. The resolution was read into the record, moved, seconded, and adopted.

Outcome: Passed.

Administrative Item 38: Employee of the Month Commendation

• Supervisor Williams sponsored a resolution commending Aram Alvarez and Eva Camarena as the May 2023 Employees of the Month. A department head also presented recognition for employees Irem and Eva. Public comment was received from the honorees' representatives. The resolution was read into the record, moved, seconded, and adopted.

Outcome: Passed.

Departmental Item 1: Sheriff's Office Military Equipment Use Policy and Annual Report

• The Sheriff's Office presented on Assembly Bill 481 regarding the annual reporting and policy adoption for specialized law enforcement equipment, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), armored rescue vehicles, and kinetic energy weapons. The presentation detailed the 2022 annual report and noted the acquisition of a Brink Lemur S drone via grant funding. Public comment was received from a volunteer supporting Good Samaritan Shelter and Bridge House regarding funding concerns. Board members discussed the necessity of the equipment for safety, the definition of "military" equipment, and transparency. A motion was made to receive and file the presentation, approve the introduction of an ordinance to readopt and amend the Military Equipment Use Policy, and waive the full reading of the ordinance. The motion was seconded and passed.

Departmental Item 2: Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS)

• The District Attorney's Office, in collaboration with criminal justice partners, presented a request to release a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) to automate the ingestion, storage, and distribution of digital evidence. Staff discussed expanding data sharing to include Health and Human Services departments and addressing inefficiencies in the discovery process. Public comment was received from Eli Rizlenjani of the Public Defender's Office regarding challenges with digitizing older cases. Board members asked about future workload for digitizing prior cases and interoperability with city police body camera systems. A motion was made to receive and file the presentation, authorize the release of the RFP, and determine that the project is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act. The motion was seconded and passed.

Departmental Item 3: First Five Santa Barbara County Extra Help Service and Retirement Waiver

• Wendy Sims-Moulton of First 5 requested approval to appoint Suzanne Hayes as an extra help employee for up to 100 hours annually to provide technical assistance during a recruitment transition. A motion was made to approve the appointment. The motion was seconded and passed.

Departmental Item 4: Solid Waste Services Ordinance Amendment (Chapter 17)

• The Public Works Department presented a proposal to modify Chapter 17 of the County Code to allow for one or more haulers for trash in the unincorporated area, moving away from a single-hauler requirement to enable consideration of Marburg Industries' proposal. A representative from Marburg Industries addressed the Board regarding their proposal. Board members discussed concerns regarding cost increases, service levels, and the potential creation of "islands" of service. A motion was made to approve actions A through C in the staff report (approving the ordinance modification). The motion was seconded and passed.

Departmental Item 5: HOME Consortium and CDBG Action Plan

• The Community Services Department presented the Santa Barbara County Home Consortium and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Urban County Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan, including a substantial amendment to the FY 2022-2023 plan. Staff detailed funding allocations for public services, capital projects, and affordable housing. Public comment was received from Sylvie Bernard (Good Samaritan Shelter), Ben Remo, and Jamie Collins (Girls Link Carpinteria) requesting full funding for shelter operations and community center investments. Board members discussed the role of the Human Services Commission, funding alignment with Board priorities, and concerns regarding a disconnect between essential partners and the Commission's allocation process. Questions were raised about ARPA funds and cost-of-living adjustments for partners like Good Sam. A Board member requested staff be directed to explore better communication of Board priorities to the Commission. A motion was made to approve actions A through E in the staff report. The motion was seconded and passed.

Departmental Item 6: Active Transportation Plan (ATP)

• The Public Works Department presented the County Active Transportation Plan, an aspirational document focusing on pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Staff covered the planning process, prioritization of 50 corridors, and cost estimates. Board members asked about coordination with the Recreation Master Plan, policies to prevent abandonment of right-of-ways, funding constraints, and the governance of electric bikes. Public comment was received from Scott Wentz (Cars Are Basic), Claire Weinman (Grower Shipper Association), Kathleen Rosenthal, Heather Deutsch (MOVE Santa Barbara County), and representatives from Santa Ynez Valley Riders and SAVE Santa Barbara County Equestrian Trails. Speakers expressed support for safety goals but raised concerns regarding specific trail inclusions due to a lack of detail. Board members requested the addition of the corridor between Alamar and Mission Canyon as an aspirational goal. A motion was made to approve actions A and B (approval and adoption of the plan and a finding that the action is exempt from CEQA) with the requested amendment regarding the Alamar/Mission Canyon corridor. The motion was seconded and passed.

Departmental Item 7: Jail Population Levers Initiative

• The Board reviewed a presentation on initiatives aimed at reducing jail population and improving case flow, including the DEMS project. Discussion focused on the importance of timely discovery in expediting court proceedings. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation regarding the initiative. The motion was seconded and passed.

Departmental Item 8: Sheriff's Office Drone Acquisition Acceptance

• The Board considered the acceptance of a donated Brink Lemur S drone (UAS) previously awarded via grant, noting its role in tactical operations and search and rescue. A motion was made to receive and file the presentation regarding the acceptance of the donated equipment. The motion was seconded and passed.

Tenant Protection and Eviction Moratorium

• Following public comment regarding tenant displacement, misinformation, and legal implications of existing ordinances, Board members discussed the need for a rent eviction moratorium. One member noted that the county ordinance already exceeds state protections but expressed intent to engage with state leaders. A motion was made to approve a rent eviction moratorium. The motion was seconded and passed.

Litigation Report

• Staff reported on existing litigation (Emerging Acquisitions v. Leslie Wells) and anticipated litigation regarding whether to initiate civil action. The Board met in closed session to discuss these items. No reportable action was taken following the closed session.

Minutes Approval

• Motions were made to approve minutes from April 4, 6, and budget workshops on April 18, 19, and 21. The motion to approve the April 4 and 6 minutes was seconded and passed. The motion to continue the April 18, 19, and 21 minutes was seconded and passed.

Consent Agenda

• A motion was made to approve the balance of the consent agenda (excluding Item A-17). The motion was seconded and passed.

Additional Discussion Items

• RFP Implementation and Staff Training: A discussion was held regarding an upcoming RFP involving DEMS software, focusing on staff training numbers, procedural workflows, and standardized file numbering. A motion was made and seconded; however, no final decision or vote outcome was recorded in the transcript for this specific item.
• Acknowledgments Regarding Project Staff: Comments were made acknowledging the contributions of Sarah Gill and Mark Garcia to the project. No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded.
• Legal Representation for Core Spaces Matter: John Tine of Tine Taylor Fox Howard addressed the board as new legal counsel for Core Spaces, requesting that the Board stay additional legislative acts to allow time for collaboration with tenants. No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded.
• Request for Extra Help Retirement Waiver (Leslie Wells): Andrea Geis presented a request to approve an extra help retirement waiver to rehire Leslie Wells prior to the expiration of the standard six-month post-retirement waiting period to support internal candidates in a rotation program. No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in the transcript segment.