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Board of Supervisors — 2023-12-12

Board of Supervisors — 2023-12-12December 12, 2023

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BodyBoard of Supervisors
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 December 12, 2023

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Meeting Summary

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Present: 5-Lavagnino, 3-Hartmann, 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

Toys for Tots Drive Kickoff

  • The County Executive Office launched the annual drive with collection bins in administration buildings and fire stations through December 15.
  • Demand for new, unwrapped toys has doubled compared to previous years according to Unity Shop representatives.
  • Supervisors contributed specific items directly to the collection boxes during the meeting.

Mission Canyon Trailhead Improvements

  • Public Works presented a funding agreement with Southern California Edison for tunnel egress and parking adjustments in the First District.
  • The Board approved the item via voice vote following a brief public comment period with no substantive input.

Rooster Ordinance Hearing Setting

  • Public Health requested to set a hearing for January 9, 2024, regarding an ordinance to limit roosters per premise.
  • Two members of the public spoke in support of the measure citing noise concerns and animal welfare issues.
  • The Board approved setting the hearing date via voice vote.

Resolution of Commendation for Maria Salud Rodriguez de Martinez

  • Supervisor Lavenino sponsored a resolution honoring Ms. Rodriguez as the longest living Latina in Santa Maria.
  • The resolution recognized her birth date, family size, and resilience before being read into the record and adopted.

Resolution of Commendation for Alicia Hawkins

  • Supervisor Hartman sponsored a resolution honoring Ms. Hawkins upon her retirement after over 25 years with Planning and Development.
  • The resolution detailed her contributions to building safety and recovery efforts during the 2018 debris flow and COVID-19 pandemic.

Farm Worker Resource Center Project Update

  • Social Services reported that 3,578 farm workers were engaged and 1,000 connected to services under a state grant funded by AB 941.
  • Board members inquired about school supply demand, demographics, form completion challenges, and long-term sustainability.
  • The presentation was received and filed with further action planned for March.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives Update

  • Staff presented accomplishments including the D&I Advisory Council, Leadership Labs, and over $820,000 distributed through the Racial Equity Grant Program.
  • Dr. Bernita Perkins outlined a three-phase Community DEI Service and Engagement Plan addressing barriers like language access and hiring practices.
  • The Board received and filed the report, determining it does not meet CEQA requirements as a project.

Senate Bill 43 Implementation Delay

  • Behavioral Wellness and Public Guardian staff requested a two-year delay until January 1, 2026, citing insufficient infrastructure and lack of state funding.
  • Public comment included advocacy groups urging immediate implementation versus hospital administrators warning of overwhelmed emergency departments.
  • The Board adopted the staff recommendation for a two-year extension with a vote of 4-1.

Fiscal Year 2024–2025 Budget Development Report

  • The County Executive Office presented a five-year forecast showing projected deficits driven by health insurance, salary, and pension costs.
  • Staff proposed amending Budget Policy 3F to allow the deletion of funding for extended vacancies to address shortfalls.
  • The Board received the report and adopted the proposed budget development policies unanimously.

Fiscal Planning and Budget Overview Discussion

  • Discussion covered staffing vacancy policies, pension cost fluctuations, Sheriff's overtime costs, and property tax revenue normalization.
  • Staff agreed to review deferred maintenance allocation percentages based on backlog growth rates following concerns about distribution.
  • The Board adopted staff recommendations A through D regarding these fiscal planning matters.

Amendments to County Code Regarding Outdoor Festivals (Isla Vista)

  • The Sheriff's Office proposed amendments to prohibit outdoor festivals in residential zones and lower permit attendance thresholds to 250.
  • Proposed changes include elevating penalties to misdemeanors and allowing immediate shutdowns for serious offenses while emphasizing education first.
  • The Board supported the ordinance change following public comment from nine speakers generally favoring the amendments.

Termination of Contract with MSB Investors LLC

  • Public Works presented findings of alleged failures by MSB including regulatory violations, non-payment of fees, and safety incidents at the Tahequas project.
  • MSB Investors argued termination was unwarranted due to economic realities and proposed negotiations for a third-party investor.
  • The Board adopted the staff recommendation to terminate the contract and assume direct contracts with specific subcontractors.

Closed Session

  • No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.

Full summary

Call to Order and Administrative Matters

  • The December 12, 2023, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair Bob Nelson. Following roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the December 5th meeting; the motion passed unanimously via voice vote. The Clerk announced Administrative Item 11 regarding the appointment of Metta Richardson as Child Support Services Department Director with an effective date of January 8, 2024. A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the agenda, including Item 11; the motion passed unanimously via voice vote.

Toys for Tots Drive

  • The County Executive Office presented the kickoff for the annual Toys for Tots drive, sponsored by the Unity Shop and Marine Corps. Collection bins are located in county administration buildings and fire stations through December 15th for new, unwrapped toys intended for low-income children. Supervisors donated specific items to collection boxes. Angela Miller-Bevan of Unity Shop noted that demand has doubled compared to previous years.

Administrative Item 33: Mission Canyon Trailhead Improvements

  • The Public Works Department presented a funding agreement with Southern California Edison for trailhead improvements in the First District, including egress improvements at a tunnel and parking adjustments. One member of the public requested to speak but offered no comments. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item; the motion passed via voice vote.

Administrative Item 44: Rooster Ordinance Hearing Setting

  • The Public Health Department presented an item to set a hearing for January 9, 2024, regarding an ordinance to regulate and limit the number of roosters kept on a single premise in Santa Barbara County. Two members of the public spoke in support of the ordinance, citing noise concerns and animal welfare issues. A motion was made and seconded to set the hearing; the motion passed via voice vote.

Administrative Item 47: Resolution of Commendation for Maria Salud Rodriguez de Martinez

  • Supervisor Lavenino sponsored a resolution honoring Maria Salud Rodriguez de Martinez as the longest living Latina in Santa Maria. The resolution noted her birth date, family size, and resilience. Ms. Rodriguez and her family were present. The resolution was read into the record and adopted.

Administrative Item 48: Resolution of Commendation for Alicia Hawkins

  • Supervisor Hartman sponsored a resolution honoring Alicia Hawkins upon her retirement from the Planning and Development Department after over 25 years of service. The resolution detailed her career history, contributions to building safety, and support during the 2018 debris flow recovery and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Hawkins and Lisa Plotman, Director of Planning and Development, were present. The resolution was read into the record and adopted.

General Public Comment

  • Three members of the public provided comments on items not on the agenda regarding a previous ceremonial resolution concerning Israel, the Israel-Palestine situation, and personal trauma related to commercial cannabis tenants in Sabata Canyon.

Departmental Item 1: Farm Worker Resource Center Project Update

  • The Department of Social Services presented an update on the Farm Worker Resource Center (Proyecto Campesino), funded by a state grant under AB 941. The presentation covered project background, structure, and implementation since July 2023, including funding details ($833,000 state grant, $208,000 local match), needs assessment results, collaboration with over 40 partners, and services provided. As of November, 3,578 farm workers were engaged, with 1,000 connected to services. Board members asked questions regarding demand for school supplies, demographics, form completion challenges, CalFresh enrollment metrics, and sustainability beyond the grant period. Presenters noted that Santa Barbara County's model is being highlighted by the state as a best practice. A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the presentation, with action planned for March; the motion passed via voice vote.

Departmental Item 2: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives Update

  • Staff from multiple departments presented an update on countywide DEI initiatives following the December 2020 special meeting and January 2021 Statement of Commitment. Accomplishments included the establishment of the D&I Advisory Council, Leadership Labs, regional symposiums, and DEI toolkits. Community-facing efforts included expanded outreach by the Sheriff's Office, a behavioral health equity summit, the Equity Advisory and Outreach Committee (EAOC), the Promotoras Network, and the Racial Equity Grant Program, which has distributed over $820,000. Dr. Bernita Perkins presented the Community DEI Service and Engagement Plan, structured in three phases: assessment, action, and sustainable organization. Initial assessments identified barriers related to language access, feedback mechanisms, payment processes, inherent bias, and hiring practices. Board members discussed the need for cultural change, long-term assessment tools, and utilizing EAOC participants for diversity on other commissions. A motion was made by Supervisor Hartmann and seconded by Supervisor Nelson to receive and file the report and determine it does not meet CEQA as a project; the motion passed unanimously.

Departmental Item 3: Senate Bill 43 Implementation Delay

  • Staff from the Behavioral Wellness Department and Public Guardian's Office presented a request to defer the implementation of Senate Bill (SB) 43, which expands the definition of "gravely disabled" under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act to include individuals with severe substance use disorders. Staff requested a delay until January 1, 2026, citing the need to redesign policies, retrain staff, develop assessment criteria, and secure treatment capacity. Presenters noted that current infrastructure is insufficient for the projected tenfold increase in involuntary holds and that SB 43 lacks dedicated state funding. Board members discussed the necessity of a two-year delay versus shorter extensions. Public comment included perspectives from advocacy groups urging immediate implementation and testimony from hospital administrators warning that premature rollout would overwhelm emergency departments. A motion was made by Supervisor Hartman to adopt the staff recommendation for a two-year extension, seconded by Supervisor Lavenino. The motion passed with a vote of 4-1.

Departmental Item 4: Fiscal Year 2024–2025 Budget Development Report

  • The County Executive Office presented a budget development report including a five-year forecast for the General Fund. Key findings included projected moderate revenue growth outpaced by rising costs, leading to deficits in all five fiscal years of the forecast. Deficits are projected to be offset initially by unallocated revenues, after which budget reductions or additional revenue sources will be necessary. Cost drivers identified included health insurance growth, salary and pension increases, and policy commitments. The report addressed shortfalls in special revenue funds and proposed an amendment to Budget Policy 3F to allow the deletion of funding for extended vacancies. A motion was made to receive the report, adopt the proposed budget development policies (including the amendment to Policy 3F), and review funding priorities; the motion passed unanimously.

Agenda Item 4: Fiscal Planning and Budget Overview (Continued)

  • Discussion focused on fiscal projections, staffing vacancies, property tax revenues, and deferred maintenance allocations. Staff explained fluctuations in pension costs due to investment return smoothing and addressed concerns regarding consultant services for building permits. Regarding staffing, it was noted that there is no current formal policy for positions remaining vacant for extended periods, though departments are urged to fill them. Discussion covered Sheriff's Department overtime costs and property tax revenue normalization. Concerns were raised regarding the distribution of deferred maintenance funding, with staff agreeing to review allocation percentages based on backlog growth rates. A motion was made by Supervisor Hartmann to adopt staff recommendations A through D, seconded by Supervisor Capps; the motion passed.

Agenda Item 5: Amendments to County Code Regarding Outdoor Festivals and Public Nuisances (Isla Vista)

  • The Sheriff's Office presented a proposal to amend Santa Barbara County Code Chapter 6 (Outdoor Festivals) and Chapter 36 (Public Nuisances) to address public safety concerns in Isla Vista regarding large, commercialized parties. Proposed changes included extending the prohibition of outdoor festivals in perpetuity within residential zones, lowering the permit attendance threshold from 500 to 250, prohibiting ticketed or alcohol-selling festivals in residential zones, elevating penalties to misdemeanors, and allowing immediate shutdown of parties for specific serious offenses. Staff emphasized an "education first" approach using the Pretrial Restorative Justice Diversion Program. Public comment was received from nine speakers, generally supporting the amendments. A motion was made by Supervisor Capps to support the ordinance change, seconded by Supervisor Nelson; the motion passed.

Agenda Item: Termination of Contract with MSB Investors LLC (Tahequas Resource Recovery Project)

  • The Board held a hearing regarding the termination of the contract with MSB Investors LLC for the Tahequas Resource Recovery Project. Public Works staff presented findings detailing alleged failures by MSB, including failure to complete acceptance testing, regulatory violations, non-payment of liquidated damages and subcontractor fees, safety incidents, and interference with permit modifications. Staff recommended terminating the agreement while assuming direct contracts with specific subcontractors and engaging a temporary operator. MSB Investors LLC presented a rebuttal arguing that termination was not warranted due to unanticipated economic realities, claiming the County had not fully implemented tip fee increases or remitted funds, and proposing negotiations for a third-party investor. Public comment included recommendations for an independent oversight committee and concerns regarding systemic noncompliance. Board deliberation focused on financial implications, risks to subcontractors, and regulatory compliance. Supervisor Lavagnino expressed support for the staff recommendation, emphasizing the need to change habits regarding waste reduction. Supervisor Capps also expressed support, citing responsibility to ratepayers and the climate. A motion was made by Supervisor Hartmann to adopt the staff recommendation, seconded by Supervisor Lavenino; the motion passed.

Adjournment

  • The meeting was adjourned, with the next session scheduled for Tuesday, January 9, 2024.