Meeting Summary
Present: Katz, 4-Nelson, 5-Lavagnino, 3-Hartmann, 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
Emergency Alert System Test and Awards
- The Office of Emergency Management announced a nationwide alert system test scheduled for October 4.
- Supervisor Nelson noted the presentation of a "Santa Barbara Beautiful" award to Dignity Moves.
Refugio Road Pedestrian Trail Naming
- The Board approved naming the trail in honor of Karina DeVelasquez, who died at the location in 2015.
- A unanimous vote authorized placing a commemorative boulder with a plaque near the path.
Employee Commendations and Resolutions
- Kerry Gallagher was retroactively honored as the July 2023 Employee of the Month for juvenile justice work.
- Adrian Garcia received recognition as the October 2023 Employee of the Month for emergency response efforts.
- The Board adopted resolutions proclaiming Domestic Violence Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Bike to School Day.
- October 3 was designated as Seasonal Flu Kickoff Day with on-site vaccinations offered.
Winter Storm Preparation
- Staff presented updates on reservoir levels, flood control basin clearing, and debris removal projects for the upcoming season.
- A new ombudsman position within Planning and Development was proposed to assist property owners with creek repair permits.
- The Board received and filed the report following inquiries about debris flow risks and staffing concerns.
Water Resources Update
- The County Water Agency reported that the previous water year was the wettest in 25 years and discussed groundwater levels.
- Staff outlined a $500,000 grant for landscape rebates and ongoing studies regarding indirect potable reuse.
- The Board directed staff to return with the indirect potable reuse study and revisit stormwater capture investment options.
Straus Wind Energy Project Appeal
- The applicant withdrew their appeal regarding the Golden Eagle Take Permit for the project.
- The Board accepted the withdrawal, noting the project aims to be fully operational within the month.
Closed Session
- The Board discussed existing litigation involving the City of Goleta and Southern California Gas Company.
- No reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The October 3, 2023, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order by Supervisor Bob Nelson. The Clerk called the roll, confirming the presence of all supervisors. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of Minutes
- Discussion: The minutes from the September 19, 2023, meeting were presented for approval.
- Action: Supervisor Joan Hartman moved to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
CEO's Report and Announcements
- Discussion: The Office of Emergency Management announced a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert System scheduled for October 4, 2023, at 11:20 a.m., conducted by FEMA and the FCC. Supervisor Nelson noted the presentation of a "Santa Barbara Beautiful" award to Dignity Moves for a transitional homeless housing project.
- Agenda Changes: The Clerk announced that Departmental Item 3 (an appeal regarding the Straus Wind Energy Project) was withdrawn by the applicant. The department requested the Board accept the withdrawal.
Consent Agenda
- Discussion: Supervisor Hartman removed Administrative Item A6 from the consent agenda for separate consideration.
- Action: Supervisor Hartman moved to approve the balance of the consent agenda. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 6: Naming Refugio Road Pedestrian Trail
- Discussion: This item proposed naming the Refugio Road Pedestrian Trail in honor of Karina DeVelasquez, a 15-year-old who died in a traffic accident at the location in 2015. Supervisor Hartman provided background on the project, noting it requires a unanimous vote and involves placing a boulder with a plaque near the path.
- Action: Supervisor Hartman moved to approve the item. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Hartman.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 22: Commendation of Kerry Gallagher
- Discussion: A resolution was presented to retroactively honor Kerry Gallagher of the District Attorney's Office as the July 2023 Employee of the Month for her work in juvenile justice. Chief Deputy District Attorney Anne Knutson provided comments on Gallagher's contributions.
- Action: The resolution was adopted.
- Outcome: Passed.
Administrative Item 23: Commendation of Adrian Garcia
- Discussion: A resolution was presented to honor Adrian Garcia of the General Services Department as the October 2023 Employee of the Month for his work in building maintenance and emergency response during recent storms.
- Action: The resolution was adopted.
- Outcome: Passed.
Administrative Item 24: National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- Discussion: A resolution was presented to proclaim October 2023 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Santa Barbara County. Representatives from Domestic Violence Solutions spoke regarding upcoming community events.
- Action: The resolution was adopted.
- Outcome: Passed.
Administrative Item 25: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Discussion: A resolution was presented to proclaim October 2023 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the "Every Woman Counts" program and screening statistics. Representatives from the Public Health Department spoke on the importance of early detection.
- Action: The resolution was adopted.
- Outcome: Passed.
Administrative Item 26: National Bike and Walk to School Day
- Discussion: A resolution was presented to support the designation of October 4, 2023, as National Bike and Walk to School Day. Representatives from MOVE! Santa Barbara County spoke on active transportation initiatives. Supervisor Hartman commented on the importance of safe routes for students.
- Action: The resolution was adopted.
- Outcome: Passed.
Administrative Item 27: Seasonal Flu Kickoff Day
- Discussion: A resolution was presented to proclaim October 3, 2023, as Seasonal Flu Kickoff Day. Public Health officials offered flu vaccinations to attendees during the meeting.
- Action: The resolution was adopted.
- Outcome: Passed.
General Public Comment
- Discussion: George Alvarez spoke regarding river dredging in Guadalupe, expressing concerns about environmental regulations impacting farmers and levee stability. He also requested that police officers be granted more authority to make judgment calls regarding individuals with mental health issues under 72-hour hold protocols.
Departmental Item 1: Winter Storm Preparation (2023-2024)
- Discussion: Staff from the Fire Department, Public Works, and Planning and Development presented on preparations for the upcoming storm season, noting a high likelihood of wet conditions due to El Niño patterns. Updates were provided on reservoir levels (Kachuma at 90%, Twitchell at 20%), flood control basin clearing, and debris removal projects along the Santa Maria River. Staff discussed the creation of an ombudsman position within Planning and Development to assist property owners with creek repair permitting. Community preparedness measures, including emergency alerts and evacuation protocols, were reviewed.
- Questions/Comments: Supervisors inquired about debris flow risks, the potential for a "dry" El Niño, and staffing concerns regarding the new ombudsman role. Staff confirmed that official monitoring for fire burn scars had ended but noted that saturation could alter conditions.
- Action: Supervisor Lavinino moved to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Hartman.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 2: Water Resources Update 2023 Groundwater Basin Summary
- Discussion: The County Water Agency presented an annual update on water supplies, noting that the previous water year was the wettest in 25 years. The presentation covered groundwater levels, reservoir status (Kachuma and Twitchell), State Water Project allocations, desalination, and recycled water projects. Staff discussed a $500,000 grant for landscape rebates to encourage water conservation and ongoing studies regarding indirect potable reuse.
- Questions/Comments: Supervisors asked about the details of the rebate program, opportunities for stormwater capture on athletic fields, and the status of direct versus indirect potable reuse regulations. Public comment was provided by Roberta Jaffe regarding the need to update the county's environmental thresholds for groundwater, which were last revised in 1992. Staff confirmed that Planning and Development is aware of the need to update these thresholds.
- Action: Supervisor Hartman moved to receive and file the reports, with a direction to return with the indirect potable reuse study as a Departmental item upon completion and to revisit the stormwater capture study with investment options. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Nelson.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 3: Straus Wind Energy Project Appeal
- Discussion: This item concerned an appeal of a Planning Commission approval regarding a Golden Eagle Take Permit for the Straus Wind Energy Project. As previously announced, the applicant withdrew the appeal. Gordon McDougall, CEO of BiVA, appeared via Zoom to thank staff and confirm that the project aims to be fully operational within the month.
- Action: Supervisor Lavinino moved to accept the withdrawal of the item. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Hartman.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
Closed Session
- Discussion: The Board convened in closed session to discuss existing litigation: City of Goleta v. Southern California Gas Company.
- Action: No reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned, with the next meeting scheduled for October 10, 2023, in Santa Maria.