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Board of Supervisors — 2023-09-12

Board of Supervisors — 2023-09-12September 12, 2023

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BodyBoard of Supervisors
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 September 12, 2023

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Meeting Summary

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Present: 5-Lavagnino, Hermann, 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

  • The county received a National Clean Cities Group award for alternative fuel vehicle leadership.
  • General Services Fleet Operations secured $210,000 in rebates for 30 electric vehicles.
  • The Line 96 crude oil pipeline decommissioning was completed in July with no incidents.
  • The Agricultural Commissioner reported ongoing inspections for exotic fruit flies with no local findings.

Clerk Announcements

  • An agenda addendum was posted to include a closed session item and the Santa Maria River channel realignment.
  • Administrative Item 21 was corrected to reflect the 5th District and noted as requiring a four-fifths vote.
  • The annual salary for the incoming Human Resources Director was summarized verbally as approximately $225,000.

Supervisor Remarks

  • Supervisor Capps acknowledged the death of a student in Isla Vista.
  • The supervisor expressed a commitment to working with the Isla Vista Community Services District on bluff safety.

Noxious Weed Grant Program

  • Public comment requested the expansion of the eradication program to address larger areas and more species.
  • Supervisor Hartmann supported investigating further actions by the Agricultural Commissioner’s office.
  • The board approved the item unanimously.

Dignity Health BBA Marion Regional Medical Center Agreement

  • Marion Hospital reported that the Crisis Stabilization Unit has treated nearly 600 patients since opening.
  • Representatives noted that 70% of patients transitioned back to the community rather than inpatient care.
  • The board approved the second amendment to the services agreement unanimously.

Compliance and Accountability Report

  • Supervisor Hartmann identified this as a new function within the CEO’s office to track audit follow-ups.
  • The report is part of the Renew 2020 initiative to systematically monitor compliance.
  • The board approved the report unanimously.

Countywide Community Workforce Agreement

  • The agreement applies to projects over $10 million to ensure local workforce hiring.
  • Supervisor Nelson expressed concern about potential increased costs and stated he could not support the item.
  • The board approved the staff recommendation by a 3-2 vote.
Passed 3–2 · against: Lavagnino, Nelson

Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)

  • Public comment endorsed the project and emphasized the importance of evacuation planning in the foothills.
  • The board approved the agreement with DUDEC to develop the CWPP and transportation study.
  • The motion passed unanimously.

Emergency Permit for SoCal Edison Transmission Right-of-Way

  • Public comments were divided, with one speaker citing past slope destabilization and another noting storm debris removal.
  • An SCE representative stated that erosion controls were in place and the project addressed recent rain damage.
  • The board approved the emergency permit unanimously.

Public Works Director’s Report on Emergency Response

  • Residents of Guadalupe highlighted the impact of flooding on the community, farmers, and infrastructure.
  • Supervisor Lavenino noted that a related specific issue would be heard shortly.
  • The board approved the report and continuation of emergency actions unanimously.

Fifth Amendment to Agreement with California Forensic Medical Group (WellPath)

  • Public speakers urged a delay in contract renewal pending review of grand jury reports on deaths in custody.
  • WellPath’s Regional Director stated that delaying the contract would cause financial hardship due to staffing retention issues.
  • The board approved the staff recommendation with directions for the item to return in October for further oversight options.

Social Services Contracts

  • The board approved a contract with the Workforce Development Board for the High Road Construction Careers program.
  • The board approved a subgrant agreement for the Breaking Barriers Summer Youth Empowerment and Employment program.
  • Both items were approved unanimously after being inadvertently pulled from the consent agenda.

Resolution of Commendation for Lillian Martinez

  • The board adopted a resolution honoring Lillian Martinez of First Five Santa Barbara County.
  • She was recognized as the September 2023 Employee of the Month.
  • The resolution passed unanimously.

Resolution Proclaiming September as Suicide Prevention Month

  • The resolution recognized suicide as a public health issue and highlighted the 2023 theme "Connect, Communicate, Care."
  • Speakers shared personal stories and emphasized the importance of awareness and support.
  • The board adopted the resolution unanimously.

Resolution of Commendation for Club Comité Cívico Mexicano de Guadalupe

  • The board honored the club for its 100th anniversary and contributions to the Guadalupe community.
  • The resolution was adopted unanimously.

Resolution Proclaiming September as Hunger Action Month

  • The resolution commended the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County for combating food insecurity.
  • A representative discussed the ongoing impact of food insecurity and the organization’s strategic plans.
  • The board adopted the resolution unanimously.

Planning and Development Department – Extra Health Service and Retirement Waiver

  • The department requested approval to rehire a retired employee to assist inspection services due to staffing vacancies.
  • Supervisor Lavagnino noted that the Retirement Board limits such waivers to a six-month window under PEPRA.
  • Supervisor Nelson supported the request due to the emergency nature of the staffing gap.
  • The board approved the waiver.

Santa Maria River Channel Realignment

  • Public Works requested up to $8 million in local funding to restore the river channel before an executive order expires.
  • Staff recommended immediate debris and sediment removal as a temporary measure pending state or federal solutions.
  • Public comment supported the action due to El Niño urgency, while one speaker raised ecological concerns.
  • The board approved the staff recommendations for both the County and the Flood Control District.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategic SEDS Plan Update

  • The County Executive Office presented an update to the five-year regional economic development strategy.
  • The plan was developed with over 400 stakeholders and unlocks federal funding sources for the region.
  • A 30-day public comment period was opened, with finalization anticipated around Thanksgiving.
  • The board received the presentation in file unanimously.

Closed Session

  • The Clerk reported that the board met in closed session to consider existing litigation and labor negotiations.
  • The board also considered a public employee appointment for the Community Services Director.
  • No reportable action was taken on these items.

Repeal and Amendment of County Code Chapters 18 and 18C

  • Staff proposed amendments to align local health and sanitation ordinances with recent state law changes.
  • Key changes include updating provisions for fentanyl contamination and clarifying delegation of authority.
  • Supervisor Nelson expressed concern about misdemeanor classifications for violations, though staff noted alignment with state law.
  • The board approved the first reading and continued the hearing to September 19.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Update

  • The County Energy Manager reported decreased utility usage and the near-completion of the Betteravia campus solar and battery project.
  • The project is expected to save $415,000 annually, and ten additional sites have been identified for solar and storage.
  • The county is developing a strategic roadmap to achieve net-zero energy by 2035.
  • The board received and filed the staff report.

FY 2022-2023 Fourth Quarter Budget Status Report and Cannabis Taxation Update

  • The General Fund ended the quarter with a positive variance of $27.2 million.
  • The Sheriff’s Department deficit was closed using Prop 172 fund balance and ARPA funds.
  • Cannabis tax revenue for FY 2022-23 was $6.1 million, with FY 2023-24 projections at $7.5 million.
  • The board received and filed the report.

County Broadband Efforts and Strategic Plan Implementation

  • Staff presented an update on the broadband strategic plan, focusing on access, affordability, and resiliency.
  • The county secured a $1 million LATA grant and is applying for approximately $15.8 million in federal last-mile funding.
  • The Chief Information Officer noted that South County currently relies on a single fiber route, posing a resiliency risk.
  • The board received and filed the update.

Full summary

Meeting Start and Roll Call

  • The September 12, 2023, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order. Roll call confirmed all supervisors were present, and the board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes

  • Item: Approval of the minutes from the August 29, 2023, meeting.
  • Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously.

CEO’s Report

  • The County Executive Office reported on several items:
  • The county received an award for alternative fuel vehicle leadership from the National Clean Cities Group for adopting a zero-emission vehicle policy.
  • General Services Fleet Operations received rebates totaling $210,000 for the purchase of 30 Nissan Leaf electric vehicles, reducing the per-vehicle cost to $31,000.
  • The Planning Department and General Services facilitated the decommissioning of the Line 96 crude oil pipeline, a project funded by a $550,000 grant from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, which was completed in July with no incidents.
  • The Agricultural Commissioner noted a statewide warning from the California Department of Food and Agriculture regarding exotic fruit flies. No findings have been detected in Santa Barbara County, but inspections are ongoing.

Clerk Announcements

  • An addendum to the agenda was posted on September 8, adding a closed session item for a Community Services Department appointment and Departmental Item 7 (Santa Maria River channel realignment).
  • Administrative Item 21 (ratification of emergency contracts for Santa Maria Courts) was noted as requiring a four-fifths vote and was corrected to reflect the 5th District.
  • Administrative Item 15 (appointment of the Human Resources Director) was noted; per Government Code, the salary information was summarized verbally: Christine Schmidt’s annual salary effective January 2, 2024, is approximately $225,000.
  • Public participation methods and contact information for the Clerk’s office were provided.

Supervisor Remarks

  • Supervisor Capps acknowledged the death of a student in Isla Vista and expressed commitment to working with the Isla Vista Community Services District on bluff safety.

Consent Agenda

  • Action: Several items were pulled from the consent agenda for individual discussion (Items A1, A6, A14, A16, A18, A24, A25, A28, A29, A30).
  • Motion: A motion was made to approve the balance of the consent agenda, including the adoption of the agenda addendum.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 1: Noxious Weed Grant Program

  • Discussion: Public comment was received requesting the Agricultural Commissioner expand the scope of the noxious weed eradication program to address a larger area and more weed species, citing fire risks. Supervisor Hartmann supported investigating further actions by the Ag Commissioner’s office.
  • Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the item.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 6: Dignity Health BBA Marion Regional Medical Center Agreement

  • Discussion: Supervisor Nelson highlighted the partnership between the county and Marion Hospital for the Crisis Stabilization Unit. Representatives from Marion Hospital reported that the unit, opened in September 2022, has treated nearly 600 patients, with 70% transitioning back to the community rather than inpatient care. They noted the unit costs approximately $4.5 million annually and relies on county support, grants, and donations.
  • Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the second amendment to the services agreement.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 14: Compliance and Accountability Report

  • Discussion: Supervisor Hartmann noted this is a new function within the CEO’s office to systematically track audit follow-ups, part of the Renew 2020 initiative.
  • Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the report.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 16: Countywide Community Workforce Agreement

  • Discussion: Supervisor Hartmann and Supervisor Nelson discussed the negotiations, noting the agreement applies to projects over $10 million to ensure local workforce hiring. Supervisor Nelson expressed concern about potential increased costs and stated he could not support the item at this time.
  • Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the staff recommendation.
  • Vote: Passed by a 3-2 vote.
Passed 3–2 · against: Lavagnino, Nelson

Administrative Item 18: Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)

  • Discussion: Public comment endorsed the project, emphasizing the importance of public engagement and coordination for evacuation planning in the Santa Barbara foothills.
  • Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the agreement with DUDEC to develop the CWPP and transportation study.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 24: Emergency Permit for SoCal Edison Transmission Right-of-Way

  • Discussion: Public comments were divided. One speaker argued the permit was an abuse of the emergency process and cited past slope destabilization by SCE. An SCE representative stated the project addressed storm debris and road ruts from recent rains, distinct from the 2019 incident, and that erosion controls were in place. The board discussed drainage and future storm preparation.
  • Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the emergency permit.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 25: Public Works Director’s Report on Emergency Response

  • Discussion: Public comments from Guadalupe residents highlighted the lack of foresight in flood prevention, the impact on the community and farmers, and the need for infrastructure repairs and levees. Supervisor Lavenino noted that a related specific issue would be heard shortly.
  • Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the report and continuation of emergency actions.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 28: Fifth Amendment to Agreement with California Forensic Medical Group (WellPath)

  • Discussion: Public speakers urged the board to delay the contract renewal until responses to grand jury reports regarding deaths in custody and service gaps (specifically mental health availability from 11 PM to 7 AM) are reviewed. WellPath’s Regional Director acknowledged delays in providing the annual report and stated that delaying the contract would cause financial hardship due to staffing retention issues. Supervisors discussed the need for oversight, Medi-Cal billing accuracy, and benchmarks for intake times. Supervisor Hartmann moved to approve the staff recommendation with the direction that the item return as a D-item in October with options for Public Health oversight and inclusion of grand jury/Murray evaluations.
  • Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the staff recommendation with the specified directions for the October return.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously.

Administrative Items 29 and 30: Social Services Contracts

  • Note: These items were inadvertently pulled by staff but required a vote.
  • Item 29: Contract with the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and Managed Career Solutions for the High Road Construction Careers program.
  • Item 30: Subgrant agreement with the Foundation of California Community Colleges and Managed Career Solutions for the Breaking Barriers Summer Youth Empowerment and Employment program.
  • Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve both items.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 32: Resolution of Commendation for Lillian Martinez

  • Action: A resolution was adopted honoring Lillian Martinez of First Five Santa Barbara County as the September 2023 Employee of the Month.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 33: Resolution Proclaiming September as Suicide Prevention Month

  • Discussion: The resolution recognized suicide as a public health issue and highlighted the 2023 theme "Connect, Communicate, Care." Speakers shared personal stories and emphasized the importance of awareness and support.
  • Action: A resolution was adopted proclaiming September 2023 as Suicide Prevention Month in Santa Barbara County.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 34: Resolution of Commendation for Club Comité Cívico Mexicano de Guadalupe

  • Action: A resolution was adopted honoring the club for its 100th anniversary and contributions to the Guadalupe community.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 35: Resolution Proclaiming September as Hunger Action Month

  • Discussion: The resolution commended the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County for its work in combating food insecurity. A representative from the Food Bank discussed the ongoing impact of food insecurity and the organization’s strategic plans.
  • Action: A resolution was adopted proclaiming September 2023 as Hunger Action Month in Santa Barbara County.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously.

General Public Comment

  • Suicide Prevention and Veterans: A speaker discussed the prevalence of suicide, particularly among veterans, and called for increased federal government assistance. The speaker criticized the educational system for specific curricula and advocated for parental authority in moral decision-making.
  • Homelessness: A speaker stated that homelessness is a manageable issue given available funds and called for stronger leadership and commitment from the Board.
  • Construction Industry Support: Joshua Medrano, representing the Tri-Counties Building Construction Trade Council, thanked the Board and Assemblymember Greg Hart for their support of the Community Workforce Agreement (CWA). He acknowledged the efforts of staff and legal counsel in establishing the CWA since 2014.
  • Other: A request to speak was noted for George Alvarez, but the transcript ends before his comment is recorded.

Departmental Item 1: Planning and Development Department – Extra Health Service and Retirement Waiver

  • Discussion: The Planning and Development Department requested approval to rehire retired employee Eric Snyder to provide critical assistance to inspection services due to staff vacancies and long-term leave. Supervisor Lavagnino noted that the Retirement Board has determined such waivers must comply with PEPRA, limiting the duration to a six-month window. Supervisor Nelson stated that while he typically opposes such waivers, he supports this specific request due to the emergency nature of the staffing gap.
  • Motion: Supervisor Lavagnino moved to approve items A through C per staff recommendation.
  • Second: Supervisor Hartmann seconded the motion.
  • Vote: Passed.

Departmental Item 7: Public Works Department and Flood Control and Water Conservation District – Santa Maria River Channel Realignment

  • Discussion: Public Works presented a request for funding to restore the Santa Maria River to its normal channel following historic rainfall that caused the river to breach its banks, flooding farmland, homes, and the Guadalupe sewage treatment plant. The presentation highlighted that Governor Newsom’s executive order, which allows work in dry waterways, expires on November 1. Staff recommended "Option 3": immediate local funding (up to $8 million) for debris and sediment removal to realign the river before the executive order expires. Staff emphasized this is a temporary measure, not a permanent fix, and noted that state and federal agencies have not provided financial solutions.
  • Public Comment: Speakers expressed support for the immediate action, citing the urgency of the El Niño season, the loss of beach access, damage to agricultural land, and the need to protect the wastewater treatment plant. One speaker from Los Padres Forest Watch raised concerns about ecological impacts of channel excavation, noting that river meandering is a natural process. Other speakers emphasized the economic and social importance of beach access and the necessity of the county acting as the "first and last line of defense" given the lack of state/federal response.
  • Board Discussion: Supervisors discussed the temporary nature of the fix, the potential for long-term maintenance partnerships with the agricultural community, and the fiscal implications of using local funds without guaranteed reimbursement. Supervisor Lavagnino noted this was the first time in his tenure the county was recommending local funding in lieu of state/federal funds for such a project. Supervisor Nelson highlighted the need for long-term solutions and the fiscal strain on the general fund. Supervisor Katz supported the staff recommendation, emphasizing the imperative to act quickly.
  • Motion (Board of Supervisors): Supervisor Lavagnino moved to approve staff recommendations A, B, and C.
  • Second: Supervisor Hartmann seconded the motion.
  • Vote: Passed.
  • Motion (Flood Control and Water Conservation District): Supervisor Lavagnino moved to approve recommended items A through D.
  • Second: Supervisor Hartmann seconded the motion.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously.

Departmental Item 2: County Executive Office – Comprehensive Economic Development Strategic SEDS Plan Update

  • Discussion: The County Executive Office presented an update to the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan (SEDS). This is a federally recognized five-year strategy that unlocks federal funding sources for regional economic development in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. The plan was developed through a collaborative effort involving over 400 stakeholders.
  • Presentation Details: Melissa James, President and CEO of REACH, presented an overview of the draft SEDS and the opening of a 30-day public comment period. She highlighted recent regional collaborations, including the REACH 2030 plan and various federal and state funding opportunities related to clean tech, aerospace, and offshore wind. Jeff Julie Sitton Perniski outlined the structure of the plan, which includes a vision statement, four guiding principles, and three main goals: People, Innovation, and Place. She detailed the public comment process, noting that comments can be submitted via email and will be reviewed by the strategy committee. The timeline anticipates finalization and submission to the EDA around Thanksgiving, with potential board adoption in January or February.
  • Q&A:
  • Supervisor Hartman asked if the county had previously completed a SEDS and how it specifically aids in securing federal funding. James and Marcel explained that while not strictly mandatory for all grants, it is often a prerequisite or a significant competitive advantage. Hartman also inquired about the "technology" target industry. James stated that REACH is working to define the region's specific niche in tech.
  • Supervisor Capps asked about the specificity of priorities and who is responsible for implementation. Perniski explained that the implementation plan will detail project priorities over the five-year horizon.
  • Supervisor Nelson discussed the county's role in economic development, particularly regarding housing and business retention. He noted a business relocation from Goleta to Oxnard and the need for better education infrastructure in the Santa Maria Valley. James mentioned REACH’s "Practitioners Network." Nelson also raised concerns about grid reliability and the role of offshore wind. James explained that the region is analyzing onshore infrastructure needs for offshore wind.
  • Supervisor Lavagnino expressed support for the regional collaboration.
  • Supervisor Hartman raised the issue of the mismatch between local jobs and skills, advocating for more four-year educational options in the region.
  • Motion: A motion was made to receive the presentation in file.
  • Second: The motion was seconded.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously.

Closed Session Report

  • Discussion: Andy Gutierrez, Clerk of the Board, reported that the board met in closed session to consider three items: existing litigation (Rubo v. County of Santa Barbara), conferences with labor negotiators for various employee associations, and a public employee appointment for the Community Services Director. The board took no reportable action on these items.

Departmental Item 3 (D3): Public Health Department – Repeal and Amendment of County Code Chapters 18 and 18C

  • Discussion: Lars Seifert, Environmental Health Director, presented proposed amendments to Santa Barbara County Code Chapter 18 (Health and Sanitation) and Chapter 18C (Certified Unified Program Agency, CUPA). The amendments are intended to align local ordinances with recent state law changes and a CalEPA audit directive. Key changes include repealing outdated sections in Chapter 18 and incorporating them into Chapter 18C, clarifying the delegation of authority to the County Director of Environmental Health Services, updating provisions to reflect the addition of fentanyl to the Methamphetamine Contaminated Property Cleanup Act, and relocating release reporting sections. Seifert noted that these changes are administrative and do not alter programmatic requirements.
  • Q&A:
  • Supervisor Nelson asked about the department’s obligation regarding toxic substances in public spaces and unsheltered encampments. Seifert explained that the department participates in homeless encampment assessment teams to identify and remove hazardous chemicals.
  • Public Comment: Claire Wineman of the Grower Shipper Association requested the removal of language in Section 18C-55 that classifies violations as misdemeanors.
  • Supervisor Nelson expressed concern about the misdemeanor classification for violations, suggesting a tiered approach.
  • Staff Response: Seifert and Andy Gutierrez explained that the misdemeanor language mirrors existing state law and that the county ordinance is being aligned with state requirements. Gutierrez noted that the language is existing Chapter 18 text being moved to Chapter 18C.
  • Supervisor Hartman asked if the county is obligated to have ordinances at least as strict as the state. Gutierrez confirmed that local ordinances cannot be less restrictive than state law.
  • Supervisor Nelson maintained his concern about the potential for unintentional criminal liability but acknowledged the alignment with state law.
  • Motion: Supervisor Hartman moved to approve the staff recommendation (A through D), which includes approving the first reading of the ordinances to repeal specified sections in Chapter 18 and amend Chapter 18C, waiving the full reading, and continuing the hearing to September 19 for adoption.
  • Second: Supervisor Capps seconded the motion.
  • Vote: Passed unanimously.

Departmental Item 4 (D4): General Services Department – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Update

  • Discussion: Brandon Kaysen, County Energy Manager, presented an update on the county’s energy efficiency programs and renewable energy efforts. Key points included electricity procurement through PG&E and SCE utilizing Community Choice Aggregators, a decrease in electricity and natural gas usage compared to 2019–2020 levels, completed LED upgrades, and the development of Zero Net Energy (ZNE) facilities. The Betteravia campus project (950 kW solar, 820 kWh battery) is nearly complete, with an expected annual savings of $415,000. Ten additional sites have been identified for solar and storage. The county is developing a strategic roadmap to integrate sustainability goals, with a target of net-zero energy by 2035.
  • Questions and Comments:
  • Supervisor Nelson inquired about the potential size of the solar array at the Northern Branch Jail and suggested a strategy to prioritize projects that can be self-funded or financed via PPAs.
  • Supervisor Hartmann asked about the technical implications of expanding the jail project under NEM 3.0 versus NEM 2.0 and highlighted the importance of electricity reliability.
  • Supervisor Capps asked how the initiatives tie into the Climate Action Plan and requested more fiscal analysis and cost savings data in the roadmap.
  • Supervisor Lavagnino noted that the real-time solar generation dashboard for the Calle Real site has been down and asked for an alternative public access point.
  • Public Comment: Farrah Stack of the Community Environmental Council urged the county to move forward quickly on energy efficiency, solar, and battery storage projects and encouraged the county to seriously consider PPAs.
  • Supervisor Nelson asked if the battery systems are used for load shaving in addition to backup power. Kaysen confirmed they serve both purposes.
  • Motion: Supervisor Capps moved to receive and file the staff report.
  • Second: Supervisor Nelson seconded the motion.
  • Vote: Passed.

Departmental Item 5 (D5): FY 2022-2023 Fourth Quarter Budget Status Report and Cannabis Taxation Update

  • Discussion: Paul Clemente, Budget Director, and Brittany Oderman, Deputy CEO, presented the fourth-quarter budget status and cannabis taxation update. The General Fund ended with a positive variance of $27.2 million. The Sheriff’s Department had a $1.5 million deficit, closed using Prop 172 fund balance and ARPA funds. The county aims to preserve the 2022-23 year-end carryover for the 2024-25 budget, but anticipated one-time needs may exceed the carryover. Regarding cannabis, all required tax reports were received by the deadline. Four enforcement actions resulted in the confiscation of 550+ plants and 20 lbs of product. Nine new business licenses were issued. Q4 gross tax receipts were $2 million; total FY 2022-23 revenue was $6.1 million. FY 2023-24 projections are $7.5 million. Total program cost is $5.6 million.
  • Questions and Comments:
  • Supervisor Lavagnino asked about tools used to forecast cannabis revenue.
  • Supervisor Hartmann asked for the net profit of the cannabis program.
  • Supervisor Nelson noted that if costs are known, fees should be adjusted to ensure full cost recovery, excluding enforcement.
  • Supervisor Capps asked about the impact of new dispensaries on revenue projections.
  • Supervisor Nelson asked about the timeline for the cannabis tax measure and the status of "best available technology" discussions for odor control.
  • Supervisor Hartmann asked who regulates retail product quality.
  • Motion: Supervisor Capps moved to receive and file the report.
  • Second: Supervisor Lavagnino seconded the motion.
  • Vote: Passed.

Departmental Item 6 (D6): County Broadband Efforts and Strategic Plan Implementation

  • Discussion: Jasmine McGinty, Principal Analyst with the County Executive Office, presented an update on the implementation of the broadband strategic plan completed in January 2023. The presentation covered three overarching goals: achieving access through improved infrastructure, achieving affordability and adoption, and achieving resiliency and redundancy. The County has participated in the California Middle Mile Advisory Council and is coordinating with the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) on last-mile deployment. The County secured a $1 million Local Agency Technical Assistance (LATA) grant from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The County is applying for the Last Mile Federal Funding Account (FFA), with an allocation of approximately $15.8 million for Santa Barbara County. Chris Cherwin, Chief Information Officer, detailed the status of the California Golden State Network. It was noted that South County currently relies on a single fiber route along Highway 101, posing a resiliency risk.
  • Motion: Supervisor Nielsen moved to receive and file the update on County broadband efforts and strategic plan implementation, and to provide other direction to staff as necessary.
  • Second: Supervisor Hartmann seconded the motion.
  • Vote: Passed.

Adjournment

  • Following the vote, the Chair requested a moment of silence for victims of flooding in Libya. The meeting was then adjourned to Tuesday, September 19, in Santa Maria.