Meeting Summary
Present: Katz, 3-Hartmann, 4-Nelson, 5-Lavagnino
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
Chair and Vice-Chair Selection
- Supervisor Lavinino was elected as the 2024 Chair and Supervisor Capps as Vice-Chair.
- Outgoing Chair Williams presented the gavel and emergency communication device to the incoming Chair.
- Chair Lavinino outlined proposed procedural changes for 2024, including agenda rearrangement and time limits for public comment.
CEO Report
- The CEO announced the appointments of Christine Schmidt as Human Resources Director and Meta Richardson as Child Support Director.
- The Planning and Development Department reported over 110 permits issued using new solar application software with one-day inspection turnaround.
- The Straus Wind Energy Project became operational at the end of December, delivering power to the state grid.
- Residents were reminded to submit storm damage reports for the December 20–21 storms via the ReadySBC website.
Agenda Adjustments
- The Board approved the withdrawal of Administrative Items 6, 14, and 15 regarding health funding and Fire Department policies.
- A continuance was granted for Administrative Item 26 concerning the Tahequs landfill to January 23, 2024.
- The Board approved the balance of the administrative agenda with these announced changes.
Human Trafficking Awareness Month Resolution
- The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming January 2024 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Santa Barbara County.
- Presenters from the District Attorney’s office and partner organizations highlighted upcoming community events and the importance of awareness.
- The resolution cited the prevalence of trafficking in the county and the work of the local Task Force.
Employee of the Month Resolution
- The Board adopted a resolution honoring Florentina Lopez of the Planning and Development Department as the January 2024 Employee of the Month.
- The resolution recognized Lopez’s service as a petroleum specialist since 2006 and his collaboration with other agencies.
- The Planning and Development Director and Lopez spoke in support of the recognition.
Commendation for Claire Gottsdanker
- The Board adopted a resolution honoring Claire Gottsdanker for her service on the Montecito Board of Architectural Review.
- The resolution recognized her decades of involvement in the Montecito land use community and her role in T-fire recovery.
- Gottsdanker spoke regarding her long-term residence in Montecito and her commitment to preserving the community.
Retirement Commendation for Joanie Maiden
- The Board adopted a resolution honoring Joanie Maiden upon her retirement from the Child Support Services Department after 30 years of service.
- The resolution recognized her leadership, innovation in customer service, and support for county initiatives.
- Maiden, her successor, and supporting supervisors spoke in favor of the commendation.
2024 Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees
- The Board confirmed 2024 appointments for various bodies, including the Area Agency on Aging, CSAC, and the Law Library Board of Trustees.
- Supervisor Capps was designated as the alternate for CSAC in place of Supervisor Nelson.
- Supervisor Lavinino was designated as the appointing supervisor for the Law Library Board of Trustees in place of Supervisor Hartman.
Percent for Arts Program
- The Board conceptually approved Option 3, which streamlines the process by replacing project-by-project calculations with a single annual allocation of $200,000 plus CPI.
- Staff recommended funding this with one-time dollars initially due to fiscal constraints, with a directive to return with specific sustainability options.
- The Board discussed the legal mechanism for implementing the change, noting the ability to rescind and readopt the ordinance if necessary.
Rooster Keeping Ordinance
- The Board adopted a revised ordinance regulating the number of roosters kept on a single premise in unincorporated areas based on acreage.
- Key revisions included limiting the maximum number of roosters without a permit to five on parcels larger than five acres and requiring specific enclosure standards.
- The ordinance exempts commercial poultry ranches, educational projects, veterinary hospitals, and approved animal welfare organizations.
RHNA Rezone Criteria
- The Board approved direction for the rezone criteria to meet the Regional Housing Needs Allocation of 5,664 units.
- Supervisors discussed priorities including affordability, public-private partnerships, and assessing county-owned sites for housing potential.
- Staff cautioned that creating mandates rendering projects financially infeasible could be viewed by the state as new barriers to housing development.
Closed Session
- The Board discussed existing litigation involving the University of California and American Medical Response West.
- The Board addressed anticipated litigation regarding a claim from Mr. Crable.
- The Board held labor negotiations with SEIU Local 620 and unrepresented employee managers/executives.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Chair Selection
- The January 9, 2024, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order. The Board accepted nominations for the 2024 Chair and Vice-Chair positions. Supervisor Nelson nominated Supervisor Lavinino for Chair and Supervisor Capps for Vice-Chair. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Outgoing Chair Williams presented the gavel and emergency communication device to incoming Chair Lavinino. Chair Lavinino outlined proposed procedural changes for 2024, including rearranging the agenda to place resolutions before the administrative agenda, defining a lunch break, and enforcing time limits for public comment.
Approval of Minutes
- The Board considered the approval of the minutes from the December 12, 2023, meeting. A motion was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
CEO Report
- The CEO presented announcements regarding two new director appointments: Christine Schmidt as Human Resources Director and Meta Richardson as Child Support Director. The CEO reported on the success of the Planning and Development Department’s new solar application software, noting over 110 permits issued with a one-day inspection turnaround. The CEO also announced that the Straus Wind Energy Project near Lompoc became operational at the end of December, delivering power to the state grid. A reminder was issued for residents to submit storm damage reports for the December 20–21, 2023, storms via the ReadySBC website.
Clerk Announcements and Agenda Adjustments
- The Clerk announced that departments requested the withdrawal of Administrative Items 6, 14, and 15. Item 6 concerned the Regional Health Authority funding agreement; Items 14 and 15 concerned Fire Department employee sheltering and Disaster Service Worker policies, respectively. The Clerk also noted a request for a continuance of Administrative Item 26 (regarding the Tahequs landfill) to January 23, 2024. The Board entertained a motion to approve the balance of the administrative agenda with the announced withdrawals and continuance. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Resolutions
- Administrative Item 1: Human Trafficking Awareness Month
- The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisors Williams and Capps to proclaim January 2024 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Santa Barbara County. The resolution cited the prevalence of trafficking in the county and the work of the Santa Barbara County Human Trafficking Task Force. Presenters from the District Attorney’s office and partner organizations spoke in support of the resolution, highlighting upcoming community events and the importance of awareness. Supervisors Capps and Williams expressed support for the initiative. The resolution was adopted.
- Administrative Item 2: Employee of the Month
- The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Lavinino to honor Florentina Lopez of the Planning and Development Department as the January 2024 Employee of the Month. The resolution recognized Lopez’s service as a petroleum specialist since 2006, his customer service, and his collaboration with other agencies. The Planning and Development Director and Lopez spoke in support of the resolution. The resolution was adopted.
- Administrative Item 3: Commendation for Claire Gottsdanker
- The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Williams to honor Claire Gottsdanker for her service on the Montecito Board of Architectural Review. The resolution recognized her decades of involvement in the Montecito land use community, including her work on the Montecito Community Plan and her role in the T-fire recovery. Gottsdanker spoke regarding her long-term residence in Montecito and her commitment to preserving the community. The resolution was adopted.
- Administrative Item 4: Retirement Commendation for Joanie Maiden
- The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Nelson to honor Joanie Maiden upon her retirement from the Child Support Services Department after 30 years of service. The resolution recognized her leadership, innovation in customer service, and support for county initiatives. Maiden, her successor, and Supervisors Nelson and Hartman spoke in support of the resolution. The resolution was adopted.
General Public Comment
- Two members of the public provided comment. One speaker discussed the Straus Wind Project and its impact on property rights, referencing specific individuals and alleging issues related to conservatorship fraud and specific county officials. Another speaker, appearing via Zoom, stated that they had been blocked from commenting on a Supervisor’s social media account regarding a call for a ceasefire in Gaza, alleging a violation of First Amendment rights and urging the Board to pass a resolution in support of a ceasefire.
Departmental Agenda
- Departmental Item 1: 2024 Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees
- The Board reviewed the 2023 appointments to various boards, commissions, and committees to determine 2024 appointments. The Board discussed and confirmed appointments for the following bodies: Area Agency on Aging, Beacon, Behavioral Wellness, CSAC, SenCal Health, Child Care Planning Council, Communify, Community Corrections Partnership, Debt Advisory Committee, Elected Officials Committee on Regional Homelessness Solutions, First Five, Golden State Connect Authority, Juvenile Justice Coordination Council, Kids Network Policy Council, Law Library Board of Trustees, Legislative Program Committee, Library Advisory Committee, LAFCO, Multi-jurisdictional Solid Waste Task Force, NACO, Psychiatric Health Facility PUF Governing Board, SB Serves Retirement Board, Rural County Representative of California (RCRC), and the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Board.
- Two changes were made to the 2023 appointments: 1. For the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), Supervisor Capps was designated as the alternate in place of Supervisor Nelson. 2. For the Law Library Board of Trustees, Supervisor Lavinino was designated as the appointing supervisor in place of Supervisor Hartman.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the appointments with the noted changes. The motion passed unanimously.
- Departmental Item 2: Percent for Arts Program
- The Community Services Department presented options for improving the implementation of the County’s Percent for Arts Ordinance. The presentation outlined three options, with staff recommending Option 3: streamlining the process by replacing project-by-project calculations with a single annual allocation of $200,000 plus CPI, derived from 1% of the structures and structural improvements capital projects line item. Staff clarified that the $200,000 figure is based on historic usage and proposed funding this with one-time dollars initially due to fiscal constraints. Staff explained that the current 1% process is often delayed because funds are routed through various departments without specified timelines. Staff and County Counsel discussed the legal mechanism for implementing Option 3, noting that the board could rescind the current ordinance and potentially readopt it later with different provisions.
- Four members of the public spoke in favor of increased arts funding and the implementation of Option 3, citing the importance of public art to community identity, economy, and well-being.
- A motion was made to conceptually approve Option 3 (Recommendation B), which involves a direct funding approach, and to direct staff to return with specific funding options for sustainability beyond the first year. The motion also included Recommendation A to receive the file and Recommendation C regarding CEQA. The motion was seconded. Supervisors discussed the fallback position if budget constraints prevented the full implementation, with staff confirming that the board could revert to the status quo if necessary. The motion passed unanimously.
- Departmental Item 3: Rooster Keeping Ordinance
- Staff from the Public Health Department presented a proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 7 (Animals and Fowl) of the Santa Barbara County Code to regulate and limit the number of roosters kept on a single premise in unincorporated areas. The proposal included limits based on acreage (e.g., 2 roosters for 1–5 acres, up to 20 for properties greater than 20 acres) and a permit allowing up to 25 roosters with specific care standards. The ordinance exempts commercial poultry ranches, educational projects (4-H, FFA), veterinary hospitals, and animal welfare organizations.
- Board members asked questions regarding animal welfare, evidence of cockfighting, current zoning violations, and the necessity of roosters for egg production. County Counsel noted that the county has authority to enforce sanitary and police ordinances and cited a 2019 Monterey County Court of Appeal case that upheld a similar rooster ordinance. The Agricultural Commissioner supported the ordinance as a reasonable compromise.
- Eighteen requests to speak were received. Speakers expressed both support and opposition. Supporters cited noise nuisances, potential links to illegal cockfighting, and animal welfare concerns. Opponents argued that the ordinance violated constitutional rights, conflicted with state right-to-farm laws, and would negatively impact 4-H, FFA, and legitimate hobbyists.
- Staff presented a revised version of the ordinance incorporating feedback. Key changes included limiting the maximum number of roosters without a permit to five on parcels larger than five acres, requiring roosters to be kept in enclosures that are 10 feet apart, covered, and large enough to separate food/water from elimination areas, prohibiting wire flooring, maintaining the 150-foot setback from property lines, and changing the exemption for animal welfare organizations to require approval by the Animal Services Director.
- Supervisor Hartman moved to adopt the revised staff recommendation, including the change to the animal welfare organization exemption. The motion was seconded. Supervisor Nelson stated she would not support the motion due to concerns about the process and the impact on hobbyists. Other supervisors expressed support for the revised ordinance. The motion passed.
Closed Session
- The Board entered closed session to discuss: 1. Existing litigation: County of Santa Barbara v. Regents of University of California and American Medical Response West v. County. 2. Anticipated litigation: A claim from Mr. Crable. 3. Labor negotiations: Conferences with SEIU Local 620 and unrepresented employee managers/executives. The Board took no reportable action in closed session.
- Departmental Item 4: RHNA Rezone Criteria
- Staff presented background information on the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements for the housing element update. The county must rezone property to meet its RHNA allocation of 5,664 units. Staff provided data on housing costs and income levels, noting that 55% of renters are cost-burdened. Staff outlined potential community benefits that could be required or encouraged in rezone projects, including providing greater than 20% of units as very low-income housing, creating moderate and upper-moderate income units, marketing new units to local employees first, and including childcare facilities, public parks, trails, or open space.
- The Board discussed criteria for the rezone process. Supervisor Capps outlined five proposed criteria: focusing on affordability (low and "missing middle" housing), incentivizing public-private partnerships, considering conditional rezoning, establishing local preference plans, and assessing county-owned sites for housing potential. Staff Director Meryl Brooks responded to these points, noting that higher densities stimulate a mix of housing types and that the inclusionary housing ordinance currently does not apply to rentals. Brooks cautioned that creating mandates that render projects financially infeasible could be viewed by the state as new barriers to housing development.
- Supervisor Lavagnino asked for clarification on developing housing on county-owned sites. Staff Director George Yatchian stated that a contract to analyze how to leverage county-owned sites for workforce housing will be brought to the board at the next meeting. Supervisor Nielsen asked whether the board would rezone parcels associated with Builders’ Remedy projects or pending projects. Brooks explained that rezoning Builders’ Remedy projects could provide design control through objective standards.
- Fourteen members of the public spoke. Comments included suggestions to prioritize site selection feasibility factors (water/sewer, transportation), focus on very low and moderate-price housing, prioritize county-owned and faith community sites, and establish employer-sponsored housing consortiums. Speakers also raised concerns about the impact of high-density housing on quality of life and the need for public amenities such as trails and parks.
- Staff responded that basic land use principles, such as urban boundary location and proximity to services, will be provided to the board for assessment during the rezone process. Staff suggested producing a one-page handout or website update reflecting the board’s comments.
- Supervisors discussed their priorities, including existing projects satisfying low or moderate income requirements, Builders’ Remedy projects re-entering the housing element process, four-bedroom units, local preference, youth sports facilities, conformance with community plans, and job-housing imbalance.
- A motion was made to approve items A, B, and C regarding the direction for the rezone criteria. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned, with the next session scheduled for Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at the Santa Barbara Future Housing Site.