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
Cannabis Taxation and Enforcement Budget Report
- Staff reported $1.7 million in collections against a $6 million annual projection due to two non-compliant operators.
- Supervisors discussed persistent odor complaints despite high compliance rates with carbon filtration units.
- The board directed the CEO's office to return with an item addressing staffing, permit processing, and odor abatement challenges.
National Family Caregivers Month Proclamation
- A resolution was adopted to proclaim November 2023 as National Family Caregivers Month in Santa Barbara County.
- The measure recognizes the contributions of family caregivers and IHSS providers within the community.
Allan Hancock College Bachelor's Degree Support
- The board adopted a resolution supporting Allan Hancock College's application to offer a Bachelor of Science degree.
- Proponents highlighted the economic necessity of local degree programs to reduce student costs for out-of-region education.
Economic Alliance Foundation 10th Anniversary Recognition
- A resolution was passed to recognize the 10th anniversary of the Economic Alliance Foundation.
- The board acknowledged the organization's leadership in promoting entrepreneurship and workforce development.
Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Continuance
- The hearing on amending County Code Chapter 46A regarding inclusionary housing was continued to January 23, 2024.
- No public comment was received regarding the request to postpone the item.
Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C REN) Amendment and Arup Agreement
- The board approved a first amendment to the 3C REN Memorandum of Agreement and a contract with consulting firm Arup.
- Staff detailed $205 million in secured funding through 2031, with approximately $15 million allocated to Santa Barbara County.
- Supervisors requested clarification on administrative overhead costs and geographic reporting to ensure local benefit.
Legislative Advocacy Reports and 2024 Platform Adoption
- Staff presented 2023 federal and state legislative reports highlighting accomplishments in transportation funding and disaster relief.
- The board adopted the 2024 Legislative Platform containing eight principles and 54 planks effective January 1, 2024.
Child Welfare Services Comprehensive Prevention Plan
- Staff presented a plan to shift focus from reactive protection to early intervention using federal Families First funding.
- Key priorities include improving access to economic resources, mental health services, and substance abuse care for specific communities.
- Implementation is phased over three years, beginning with an RFP for the community pathway by March 2024.
Closed Session
- The board discussed existing litigation, anticipated civil liability exposure, and a public employee appointment.
- No reportable action was taken on any of the matters discussed during the closed session.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting was called to order by Chair Bob Nelson. The Clerk confirmed the presence of all supervisors, and the board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
- Discussion: The minutes from the November 7, 2023, meeting were presented for approval.
- Motion: Supervisor Joan Hartman moved to approve the minutes.
- Second: The motion was seconded by Supervisor Hartman.
- Decision: The motion passed upon a voice vote.
CEO's Report: "Your County, Your Heroes"
- Discussion: A video from the "Your County, Your Heroes" series was presented, honoring Deputy Probation Officers Monica Hernandez and Nelson Maldonado for their work in client reintegration, employment assistance, and substance abuse treatment. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.
Clerk's Announcements and Agenda Changes
- Discussion: The Clerk provided updates regarding several agenda items:
- Administrative Item 9: Salary information for the proposed Community Services Department Director (Jesus Armas) was summarized, noting a bi-weekly salary of approximately $8,432 effective January 22, 2024.
- Administrative Item 28: A correction was noted regarding the sponsor of an amendment to a professional services agreement with Corollo Engineers; the sponsors are the Public Works Department and Laguna County Sanitation District Board of Directors.
- Administrative Item 47: Clarification was provided that the appointment of Roy Reed to the Planning Commission (4th District) is effective December 1, 2023.
- Departmental Item 1: The Community Services Department requested a continuance of the hearing regarding an ordinance to amend County Code Chapter 46A (Inclusionary Housing) to the January 23, 2024 meeting. No public comment was received on the continuance request.
Administrative Item 6: Fiscal Year 2023-2024 First Quarter Budget Status Report (Cannabis Taxation and Enforcement)
- Discussion: Supervisor Bob Nelson removed this item from the consent agenda for discussion regarding cannabis revenue shortfalls and odor abatement enforcement. Staff reported that total collections reached $1.7 million after a 30-day reporting window, below the annual projection of $6 million. Two operators failed to report and will not be able to renew licenses; otherwise, compliance is at 100%. Regarding odor abatement, staff noted 174 carbon filtration units are installed in the Carpinteria Valley with approximately 70 pending. While many operators are compliant with Odor Abatement Plans (OAPs), complaints persist. The enforcement protocol involves a tiered system escalating to carbon filtration if odor is detected in residential zones. Supervisors discussed the disconnect between reported compliance and ongoing complaints, the high number of appeals, and the need for broader discussion on best available technologies and staffing. Supervisor Steve Lavagnino raised concerns regarding regulatory consistency with other industries and economic impacts. Public comment was provided by Karen Hanenstein regarding policy distinctions between North and South County neighborhoods.
- Motion: Supervisor Bob Nelson moved to adopt the staff recommendation to receive and file the report, with a directive for the CEO's office to work with Planning and other departments to bring back an item addressing successes and challenges with odor abatement, including staffing and permit processing capabilities.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed upon a voice vote.
Consent Agenda (Balance of Items)
- Discussion: The board addressed the balance of the consent agenda, incorporating corrections for Administrative Item 28 and effective date clarifications for Administrative Item 47.
- Motion: Supervisor Bob Nelson moved to accept the balance of the consent agenda with the specified modifications.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed upon a voice vote.
Administrative Item 51: Proclamation of National Family Caregivers Month
- Discussion: A resolution was presented to proclaim November 2023 as National Family Caregivers Month in Santa Barbara County, recognizing family caregivers and IHSS providers. Representatives from United Domestic Workers (UDW) were present.
- Motion: The resolution was adopted.
- Decision: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 52: Resolution in Support of Allan Hancock College Bachelor's Degree
- Discussion: A resolution was presented to express support for Allan Hancock College's application to offer a Bachelor of Science in Applied Professional Studies. Dr. Kevin Walters, President of Allan Hancock College, spoke regarding the economic necessity of local degree programs and cost barriers for students attending out-of-region universities.
- Motion: The resolution was adopted.
- Decision: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 53: Resolution Recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the Economic Alliance Foundation
- Discussion: Sponsored by Supervisor Williams and Supervisor Hartman, a resolution was introduced to recognize the 10th anniversary of the Economic Alliance Foundation (Econ Alliance). The resolution acknowledged the organization's leadership in promoting entrepreneurship and economic vitality across various sectors. Victoria Connor, Initiatives Director for Econ Alliance, addressed the board regarding the organization's role in workforce development and broadband strategy.
- Motion: A motion was made to adopt the resolution.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
General Public Comment
- Two members of the public addressed the board on matters not on the agenda. Teresa Vogel, a mental health practitioner, spoke regarding the impact of behavioral health staff and urged fair contract negotiations. Ashley Freeman, an RN, discussed staffing shortages, the need for competitive compensation, and incentives for higher education. Supervisor Nelson requested clarification on survey statistics referenced by Ms. Freeman, which were confirmed to be from a MEADS survey distributed to the public health team.
Departmental Item 1: Ordinance to Amend County Code Chapter 46A (Inclusionary Housing)
- Discussion: The Community Services Department requested a continuance of the hearing regarding an ordinance to amend inclusionary housing provisions to the January 23, 2024 meeting. No public comment was received on the continuance.
- Motion: A motion to continue the item was made.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed, and the item was continued.
Departmental Item 2: First Amendment to the Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C REN) Memorandum of Agreement and Arup Agreement
- Discussion: Staff presented a hearing regarding the First Amendment to the 2019–2025 Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C REN) Memorandum of Agreement with Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties, and an agreement with consulting firm Arup. Presenters detailed existing energy-saving programs and proposed new programs for 2024 targeting commercial businesses, critical facilities, and agriculture. The network has secured $205 million in funding through 2031, with approximately $15 million allocated to Santa Barbara County. Supervisors questioned the financial scale, eligibility of elderly populations, program breadth, and voting requirements. Clarification was provided that the $6 million allocation covers four fiscal years (2024–2027) and the Arup contract is a two-year agreement costing $820,000. Supervisor Nielsen expressed concern regarding return on investment and administrative overhead costs. Presenters noted that program development requires initial investment and that oversight by the California Public Utilities Commission validates the program's success.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the First Amendment to the 3C REN Memorandum of Agreement, the agreement with Arup, and authorization to extend the Arup term for up to one year if necessary. The motion required a four-fifths vote.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: Following discussion on funding sources and cost controls, the motion passed.
Item 3: Tri-County Renewable Energy Network (3C REN) Program Update and MOA Discussion
- Discussion: Discussion focused on the design and administration of energy efficiency programs under the 3C REN initiative. Staff explained that program designs have shifted to pay for comprehensive energy upgrades based on energy saved. A public comment noted that the current model keeps economic benefits local. Supervisor Nelson raised concerns regarding administrative overhead, requesting a breakdown of costs per household and a business plan to verify funds are reaching taxpayers. Staff agreed to provide the business plan and ongoing reporting. Supervisor Nelson further requested geographic reporting to ensure Santa Barbara County dollars benefit local taxpayers. Clarification was provided that while the item originally listed a four-fifths vote due to a budget revision, the current action requires only a majority vote; the budget revision will be addressed in a future meeting.
- Motion: Supervisor Capps moved to accept the staff report.
- Second: Supervisor Hartman seconded the motion.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Item 4: 2023 Legislative Advocacy Reports and Adoption of 2024 Legislative Platform
- Discussion: Staff presented 2023 annual reports from federal and state legislative advocates and requested adoption of the 2024 legislative platform, effective January 1, 2024. The federal report highlighted disruptions including debt limit crises and government shutdowns, with key accomplishments in transportation/HUD funding and FEMA disaster relief. The state report noted a significant budget deficit leading to scaled-back future investments, alongside legislative activities regarding conservatorship processes and behavioral health policy. The 2024 Legislative Platform contains eight principles and 54 planks, including updates on economic vitality, homelessness, children/families, behavioral health/criminal justice integration, resilient infrastructure, sustainable infrastructure funding, and streamlining public assistance eligibility.
- Motion: Supervisor Hartman moved to accept the legislative platform and receive/file the annual reports.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Item 5: Child Welfare Services Comprehensive Prevention Plan
- Discussion: Staff presented the Child Welfare Services Comprehensive Prevention Plan, developed in alignment with the federal Families First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA). The plan aims to shift focus from reactive child protection to early intervention and prevention. It utilizes FFPSA funding redirections and a state block grant to support primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention activities. Key priorities include improving access to economic resources, mental health services, parent education, and substance abuse care, with a focus on Latinx, Mixteco, and Native American communities. Implementation is phased over three years, beginning with an RFP for the community pathway by March 2024. Supervisor Capps inquired about the rationale for prioritizing specific areas of need and metrics for success. Staff explained that selected priorities are primary drivers of child welfare involvement and that success is defined as intervening early to keep families out of the system.
- Motion: Supervisor Nelson moved to receive and file the report.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Closed Session Reconvening and Report
- The board reconvened from a closed session held earlier in the meeting regarding existing litigation (Joyce Dudley v. County of Santa Barbara), anticipated litigation involving significant exposure to civil liability, and a public employee appointment for the Director of Child Support Services. A report was provided stating that the board discussed these matters but took no reportable action on any of them. No motions were made, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.