Meeting Summary
Present: 3-Hartmann, Katz, 4-Nelson, 5-Lavagnino, 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
- The County Executive Office introduced a new video series titled "Your County, Your Heroes" featuring county employees.
- The first segment highlighted Clarissa Ornelas, a social services worker from the Public Defender’s Office.
- The video detailed her work with justice-involved individuals experiencing homelessness.
Recognition of the Stockdale Family / Bellefonte, France Commemoration
- The Stockdale family discussed a June 2023 resolution honoring French residents who rescued American airmen in 1943.
- Dave Stockdale noted the Board’s resolution is now displayed in the mayor’s office in Bellefonte.
- The family presented medals to the Board members during the 80th-anniversary commemoration.
Clerk’s Announcements
- An addendum corrected the fiscal years for the Crisis Stabilization Unit RFP to 2023–2028.
- The Planning and Development Department withdrew the Clinics Inc. Cannabis Cultivation Project appeal.
- Public Works and General Services withdrew the Toro Canyon Oil Water Separator Project easement item.
Administrative Item 13: Cannabis Business Licensing Fee Ordinance Amendments
- The Board considered amendments to the cannabis business licensing fee ordinance.
- A separate roll call vote was taken on this specific administrative item.
- The motion to approve the amendments passed.
Passed 4–1 · against: Lavagnino
Administrative Item 29: National Preparedness Month Resolution
- The Board considered a resolution to proclaim September 2023 as National Preparedness Month.
- The resolution highlighted the 2023 theme of preparing for older adults and urged residents to register for emergency alerts.
- Stacy Silva from the County Office of Emergency Management presented on recent weather events and NOAA radio distribution.
- The Board adopted the resolution.
Departmental Item 2: Toro Canyon Oil Water Separator Project (Withdrawal)
- The Board considered the withdrawal of the resolution of necessity to acquire easements for the project.
- A public comment was received regarding the withdrawal decision.
- The motion to withdraw the item passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 1: Lower Mission Creek Flood Control Project (Reach 4)
- Staff recommended adopting a resolution of necessity to initiate eminent domain proceedings for the flood control project.
- A property owner spoke in opposition, arguing the project alignment changed to impact his property more significantly.
- Staff clarified that the current design is in substantial conformance with the Environmental Impact Report.
- The Board approved the staff-recommended actions to proceed with the project.
Departmental Item 3: Coastal Resources Mitigation Fund Grants
- Staff outlined the allocation of 2022 and 2023 CRMF grants derived from oil and gas project fees.
- Applicants presented proposals for coastal acquisitions, wildlife education, accessibility devices, and habitat restoration.
- The Board discussed the funding source status and the specific needs of each applicant organization.
- The Board adopted the staff recommendations with an alteration increasing the Land Trust allocation to $500,000.
Agenda Item 4: County Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Project Update and Workday Implementation
- Staff presented an update on the Workday ERP system implementation, with Phase 1 scheduled for November.
- The presentation detailed the need for a dedicated Workday Support Organization to manage the new system.
- The Board reviewed the fiscal impact, including a request for additional reserve funds and new positions.
- The Board adopted the staff recommendation for the ERP project update.
Administrative Agenda (Consent Calendar) – Rescission and Re-vote
- The Board rescinded the initial approval of the administrative agenda to address a potential conflict of interest.
- Supervisor Hartman recused herself from the vote on Administrative Item 25 regarding the Lost Florist Pipeline System.
- The Board approved the remaining administrative agenda items excluding Item 25.
- The Board separately approved Administrative Item 25 with Supervisor Hartman abstaining.
Closed Session
- The Board recessed to discuss the appointment or reappointment of the Human Resources Director.
- Upon reconvening, the Board reported that no reportable action was taken.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Roll Call
- The August 29, 2023, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order. Roll call confirmed the presence of all five supervisors. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of Minutes (August 22, 2023)
- A motion to approve the minutes from the August 22 meeting was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
CEO’s Report
- The County Executive Office presented a report introducing a new video series titled "Your County, Your Heroes," featuring county employees. The first featured employee was Clarissa Ornelas, a social services worker from the Public Defender’s Office. A video segment detailing her work with justice-involved individuals experiencing homelessness was played.
Recognition of the Stockdale Family / Bellefonte, France Commemoration
- The Stockdale family was introduced to discuss a resolution passed by the Board on June 6, 2023, honoring the community of Bellefonte, France. The resolution acknowledged French residents who rescued six American airmen from a crashed B-17 in 1943 and the subsequent sacrifices made by the local community. Dave Stockdale presented details of the 80th-anniversary ceremony in Bellefonte, noting that the Board’s resolution was presented to the mayor and is now displayed in the mayor’s office. The Stockdale family presented medals to the Board members.
Clerk’s Announcements
- The Clerk of the Board provided the following announcements:
- Addendum to Administrative Item 2: The fiscal years for the Santa Barbara County Crisis Stabilization Unit RFP were corrected to 2023–2028. A text correction was noted regarding the conversion of the unit from unlocked to locked status.
- Withdrawal of Administrative Item 26: The Planning and Development Department requested withdrawal of the item concerning the Clinics Inc. Cannabis Cultivation Project appeal, as the applicant withdrew their appeal.
- Withdrawal of Departmental Item 2: The Public Works and General Services Departments requested withdrawal of the item regarding easements for the Toro Canyon Oil Water Separator Project due to a real property exchange agreement.
- Schedule: The departmental agenda was expected to begin around noon.
Balance of Administrative Agenda (Initial Vote)
- A motion to approve the balance of the administrative agenda, including items with addendums, was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Note: This vote was later rescinded and re-voted upon; see "Administrative Agenda (Consent Calendar) – Rescission and Re-vote" below.
Administrative Item 13: Cannabis Business Licensing Fee Ordinance Amendments
- A separate roll call vote was taken on Administrative Item 13, regarding amendments to the cannabis business licensing fee ordinance. The motion was made and seconded. The motion passed with a vote of 4 to 1.
Passed 4–1 · against: Lavagnino
Administrative Item 29: National Preparedness Month Resolution
- The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Williams to proclaim September 2023 as National Preparedness Month in Santa Barbara County. The resolution highlighted the 2023 theme of preparing for older adults and urged residents to register for emergency alerts and update emergency kits. Stacy Silva from the County Office of Emergency Management presented, noting recent weather events and the distribution of NOAA weather radios to seniors in rural communities. The resolution was adopted.
General Public Comment
- Daryl Scheck, Executive Director of SEIU Local 620, provided public comment. He thanked the Board for their service, expressed support for county employment and workforce housing, and invited the Board to the Labor Day celebration at Pioneer Park.
Closed Session
- The Board recessed to closed session to discuss the appointment/reappointment of the Human Resources Director. Upon reconvening, the Board reported that no reportable action was taken.
Departmental Item 2: Toro Canyon Oil Water Separator Project (Withdrawal)
- The Board considered the withdrawal of Departmental Item 2, regarding a resolution of necessity to acquire easements for the Toro Canyon Oil Water Separator Project. One member of the public stated that if the Board did not agree with the withdrawal, she would not comment. A motion to withdraw the item was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 1: Lower Mission Creek Flood Control Project (Reach 4)
- The Board held a public hearing on Departmental Item 1, regarding a resolution of necessity to acquire easements for the Lower Mission Creek Flood Control Project, Reach 4, in Santa Barbara. Staff presented the project details, noting it is a cooperative effort between the County Flood Control District, the City of Santa Barbara, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Staff recommended adopting a resolution of necessity to initiate eminent domain proceedings while continuing negotiations with remaining property owners.
- Public Hearing: Mark Edwards, a property owner affected by the project, spoke in opposition. He argued that the project alignment had changed from the original Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to save a structure on the opposite bank, resulting in greater impact to his property, including the removal of sycamore trees. He suggested alternative solutions such as raising existing walls.
- Staff Response: Staff explained that upstream improvements would increase water flow to Reach 4, necessitating the current design. Staff clarified that negotiations with property owners were ongoing regarding price. Staff confirmed that the current alignment was in substantial conformance with the EIR, though the trees were planted after the EIR was completed.
- Board Discussion: Supervisors discussed the necessity of the project for flood control, noting recent flood events. Supervisor Williams emphasized the long-standing nature of the project and the need for community-wide flood control improvements. Supervisor Nelson expressed support for the staff recommendation, noting the legal framework for eminent domain and just compensation.
- Decision: A motion to approve the staff-recommended actions (A through C) was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 3: Coastal Resources Mitigation Fund Grants
- The Board considered the allocation of 2022 and 2023 Coastal Resources Mitigation Fund (CRMF) grants. Staff outlined that funds are derived from annual fees paid by three oil and gas projects, with half allocated to coastal acquisitions and half to general allocation projects. For the combined 2022-23 cycle, the county received nine proposals.
- Coastal Acquisition: One proposal was received from the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County requesting $750,000 to acquire 48 acres (Gaviota Overlook) to add to the Arroyo Hondo Preserve. The total available acquisition funds were $971,771. Staff recommended a partial award of $375,000, contingent on the county approving public access limitations and use restrictions aligned with the existing preserve’s deed. Staff also recommended deferring the remaining $596,777 to the Fund Deferral Program for future cycles.
- General Allocation: Eight proposals were received seeking more than the available $305,337. Staff recommended the following allocations:
- 1. Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network: Limited grant for a "Wild Welcome Packet" to educate the public on protecting wildlife. 2. NatureTrack: Full grant request for four beach-friendly wheelchair TRAX devices to facilitate access for students and seniors with disabilities. 3. Santa Cruz Island Foundation: Full grant request for the Channel Islands Education Center in Carpinteria. 4. County Community Services (Lookout Park): $30,000 for pedestrian and equestrian access improvements and landscaping in Summerland. 5. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: Full grant request for the Hammonds Meadow Restoration Project, including capping the site with topsoil to protect the archaeological site (Shalawa) and restore native habitat. 6. Fish Reef Project: Partial award of $50,000 for the Goleta Kelp Reef Restoration study, contingent on securing necessary state and federal permits. 7. City of Lompoc: Partial grant for a study on trash capture devices for storm drain inlets to prevent debris from entering the ocean. 8. Lompoc Unified School District: Full grant request for the design and installation of a Cal Coastal Wetlands exhibit at Cabrillo High School.
Applicant Presentations and Board Questions
- Funding Source Status: A board member inquired about the status of the San Ynez oil and gas unit. Staff confirmed the unit is inactive, reducing annual contributions from approximately $240,000 to $26,000.
- Acquisition Details: A board member asked about the purchase price of the Gaviota Overlook property. Staff clarified that the total purchase price was $2.75 million, and the CRMF grant request was intended to partially repay the Land Trust’s reserve funds used for the quick acquisition. Staff explained that public access to the new property would be managed similarly to the existing Arroyo Hondo Preserve.
- Future Opportunities: A board member asked if the deferred funds were earmarked for specific known projects. Staff stated there are no imminent opportunities but identified potential future acquisitions, such as the Gaviota Terminal Company property and the Freeport-McMoRan property, as long-term possibilities.
Applicant Presentations (Detailed)
- 1. Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network: The applicant challenged staff’s assertion that many species they care for lack a coastal nexus. They cited examples of raccoons, skunks, owls, and migratory birds utilizing coastal dunes, estuaries, and bluffs. They argued that watershed connections and migration patterns link inland habitats to the coast, and that public education on wildlife protection is relevant to coastal residents. 2. NatureTrack: The applicant presented a demonstration of the "Freedom Tracks" device, which converts manual wheelchairs into battery-powered all-terrain vehicles. They reported that the previous CRMF grant allowed them to purchase three units, increasing their inventory to 11. They requested four additional units to ensure availability for monthly beach trips, senior living facility visits, and school programs. 3. Santa Cruz Island Foundation: The applicant described the Channel Islands Education Center in Carpinteria, funded by over $5 million in private donations. The center features exhibits on the California Channel Islands, including a Juana Maria exhibit, a Richard Diebenkorn gallery, and a courtyard gallery with island-themed installations. 4. County Parks Department: The applicant presented the Lookout Park improvement project in Summerland. The site, formerly an oil processing facility, is a popular stop for commuters. The project aims to improve pedestrian and equestrian access, add seating and picnic areas, and address drainage issues. 5. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: The applicant detailed the Hammonds Meadow Restoration Project. The site is the last vestige of the Shalawa Chumash village, designated as an archaeological site with deed restrictions preventing soil penetration. To address weed infestations and fire hazards without disturbing the archaeology, the plan involves capping the meadow with 8-10 inches of topsoil over a barrier, followed by irrigation and planting of native coastal species. 6. Fish Reef Project: The applicant presented the Goleta Kelp Reef Restoration study. They proposed deploying 16 "Sea Cave" structures (concrete domes) in a 60x60 foot area off Goleta Beach to restore giant kelp forests. The technology has been successfully used in Baja California and South Carolina. The five-year study will monitor kelp recruitment, marine life colonization, and carbon sequestration. 7. Land Trust for Santa Barbara County: The applicant discussed the Gaviota Overlook acquisition, adding 48 acres to the Arroyo Hondo Preserve. This is the first new conservation on the Gaviota Coast in 15 years. The property includes rolling hills and coastal drainages, expanding the preserve to 830 acres and adding 1.6 miles of trails. The applicant explained that they purchased the property for $2.75 million using reserve funds because traditional funding sources do not typically reimburse completed purchases. They requested $500,000 (higher than the staff recommendation of $375,000) to fully pay for the acquisition and begin trail improvements, allowing them to maintain a "strike fund" for future rapid-response conservation opportunities. 8. City of Lompoc: The applicant presented the stormwater system pool trash capture plan, seeking $65,000 to identify high-priority inlets and cost-effective devices to prevent trash from entering the San Miguelito Creek, San Ynez River, and the estuary at Ocean Beach. The applicant noted that compliance with state mandates is required by 2030 and that the grant would ease the financial burden on ratepayers. 9. Cabrillo High School Aquarium: Student head curators presented the Coastal Gallery Expansion Project. The aquarium, established in 1986 and expanded in 2002, is operated by students in the Aquarium Science Career Technical Education pathway. The presentation focused on Phase 1, the CalCoastal Wetlands Exhibit, which will simulate a coastal boardwalk experience and replace four older exhibits. The total project cost is approximately $600,000. The applicants reported having secured $500,000 from other sources and requested the remaining $100,000 from the board.
Board Discussion and Motion (CRMF Grants)
- Supervisor Nelson expressed support for the staff’s recommendations regarding secondary programs and the allocation to the land trust, citing the importance of public access and the land trust’s commitment to it. He also acknowledged the local economic impact of the oil industry, which provides the funding for these grants. Supervisor Lavagnino agreed with the allocations and highlighted the impact of the Nature Track program. Supervisor Hartman supported the land trust’s strike fund and expressed interest in hearing about coastal restoration projects.
- Supervisor Garcia raised a concern regarding the attribution of the funding, suggesting that the county should be listed as the source rather than just the pass-through entity to ensure public awareness of the county’s involvement. Supervisor Lavagnino countered that the funds are private money from permit holders and that the county is merely evaluating and signing off on the applications, arguing that naming the county as the origin might be misleading. Supervisor Nelson proposed a compromise: while not requiring it in the motion, he suggested that recipient organizations acknowledge their relationship with the county.
- A motion was made to adopt the staff recommendations, with an alteration increasing the allocation to the land trust from $375,000 to $500,000. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 4: County Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Project Update and Workday Implementation
- Nancy Anderson from the County Executive Office introduced the update on the Workday Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which replaces existing finance, human resources, and payroll software. The project aims to standardize processes, improve data transparency, and reduce risk. Kyle Slattery, Chief Deputy Controller and Project Manager, detailed the project phases: Phase 1 (Financials) is scheduled to go live in November, and Phase 2 (Human Capital and Payroll) is scheduled for the following spring. Slattery noted that change orders had adjusted the timeline and scope, including the removal of the Workday Adaptive Planning software, resulting in a net cost of zero for these changes.
- Chris Sherwin, Chief Information Officer, outlined the need for a dedicated Workday Support Organization (WSO) to provide system administration, technical support, and functional support to the 4,000+ county staff who will use the system. The WSO will be housed in the IT Department, with Mark Garcia serving as the newly selected WSO Manager. The organization will include functional analysts from the Auditor-Controller’s Office and Human Resources. Governance will be maintained through the existing Workday Steering Committee, which will continue as the Executive Governance Committee.
- Mark Garcia, WSO Manager, explained that the size of the support organization was determined through research with other counties, the implementer Accenture, and Workday. He stated that recruitment for the new positions would begin in the coming weeks, and a managed services contract would be used to support the initial go-live period.
- Nancy Anderson presented the fiscal impact. The total cost for the current fiscal year was $5.2 million. The request was for an additional $1.82 million from reserves to cover staffing costs, leaving approximately $1 million in the reserve. Ongoing costs for software, services, and staffing are estimated at $4.8 million annually. These costs will be covered by General Fund contributions and a countywide cost allocation plan reimbursement of approximately $2.9 million. The board had previously added nine positions for the project; the current request is for an additional 13 positions (9 in HR/ITD and 4 in the Auditor-Controller’s Office), bringing the total WSO workforce to 17 positions.
Board Discussion (ERP)
- Supervisor Hartman asked for specific examples of how the system would improve efficiency, noting that current systems, while clunky, function. Chris Sherwin explained that the current county uses over 100 legacy systems with disconnected databases, making data retrieval difficult. Workday would consolidate these into a single shared database, improving visibility and integration. Kyle Slattery provided an example of the travel reimbursement process, which currently involves paper forms and manual scanning, and would be streamlined into a digital workflow within Workday. Supervisor Lavagnino noted that currently, generating a vacancy report can take days because data is scattered across different systems, whereas Workday would allow for real-time data access.
- Supervisor Capps asked if the new positions were in addition to existing staff. Nancy Anderson confirmed that the 17 WSO positions are new, while existing departmental staff are currently working on the implementation. After stabilization, existing positions may be evaluated for reallocation or reduction through attrition.
- Supervisor Lavagnino asked about the selection process for Workday. Chris Sherwin stated that he was hired after the selection and that other county CIOs were also moving to Workday, confirming it as a standard platform.
- Supervisor Nielsen asked about public-facing benefits and integration capabilities. Chris Sherwin explained that Workday’s modern database allows for integration with hundreds of other applications, improving data sharing and reporting. He also noted that Workday is incorporating AI capabilities through regular updates.
- A board member expressed concern regarding the impact of new positions and efficiencies on the workforce, noting that cost avoidance may lead to future reductions in staffing. The member highlighted the dynamic nature of county governance due to AI and business-like systems, emphasizing the need to monitor both technology deployment and service delivery. The member acknowledged the presenter’s knowledge and stated an intention to share the presentation with constituents who expect the county to operate efficiently.
- A motion to adopt the staff recommendation was made and seconded. The motion passed.
Administrative Agenda (Consent Calendar) – Rescission and Re-vote
- The Chair requested a motion to address a procedural issue. The Clerk noted a request to recall the vote on the administrative agenda to clarify the record regarding a potential conflict of interest for Supervisor Hartman concerning Administrative Item 25 (a hearing request for an appeal on the change of ownership for the Lost Florist Pipeline System, formerly Plains All American Lines 901 and 903).
- Legal counsel recommended reversing the order of operations: first rescind the prior approval of the entire administrative agenda (except previously pulled items), then allow Supervisor Hartman to recuse herself, and finally vote on Item 25 separately. The Chair confirmed that because this is the same meeting, the action is a "rescission" rather than a "reconsideration."
- Motion 1 (Rescission): A motion to rescind the initial motion to approve the administrative agenda, with the exception of items A13 and A26, was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
- Recusal: Supervisor Hartman recused herself from the subsequent vote on Item 25. The Clerk noted that for consent calendar items, recusal does not require leaving the room.
- Motion 2 (Administrative Agenda Excluding Item 25): A motion to approve the administrative agenda with the exception of items A13, A25, and A26 was made and seconded. The motion passed.
- Motion 3 (Item A25): A motion to approve Administrative Item 25 was made and seconded. The motion passed (Supervisor Hartman abstained due to recusal).
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned to Tuesday, September 12, 2023, in Santa Maria.