Meeting Summary
Present: 3-Hartmann, 4-Nelson, Williams, 2-Capps, 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
Storm Response and Emergency Proclamation
- The board ratified a local emergency proclamation declared due to recent storm impacts.
- Reports indicated 506 evacuation orders were issued with no loss of life or serious injury.
- Public Works estimated response and repair costs at approximately $5 million for debris and flooding.
- Staff advised that bluffs and trees remain an imminent threat until further inspections are completed.
Crestwood Behavioral Health Service Agreement Amendment
- The board approved a second amendment to the service agreement for the Champion Healing Center.
- Discussion focused on a pilot project adding four beds for justice-involved conservatees.
- Funding for the new beds will come from the state's Community Corrections Partnership rather than the county general fund.
Treasurer's Investment Pool Report
- The report covered investment performance for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
- Prudent strategies generated an additional $14 million in revenue during 2023.
- Approximately $5.6 million was returned to the county general fund and $1 million to special districts.
Annexation of Keysight 2 to Orcutt Community Facilities District
- The board held a hearing on annexing the Orkut Gateway Retail Commercial Center into the district.
- Staff presented election results showing all six votes cast by the property owner favored annexation.
- The motion to approve staff recommendations regarding the levy of special taxes passed unanimously.
No decision 0–0
KPMG Operational Performance Review: Agricultural Commissioner Department
- Findings commended the department for its agricultural pass program and technology implementation.
- Recommendations included restructuring cross-licensure rotations and enhancing community engagement.
- Staff noted that inspector realignment was completed in March 2023 with further implementations scheduled for fall 2024.
KPMG Operational Performance Review: Public Works Department
- The review identified 14 recommendations, highlighting three key areas for board attention.
- Priorities include enhancing data tracking for maintenance and implementing an asset management database.
- Staff confirmed that work is underway on data centralization and adding positions to manage aggregation.
KPMG Operational Performance Review: Crisis Services
- Recommendations included developing a single county-wide crisis team and incorporating peer support staff.
- Director Navarro reported that implementation has begun, including monthly meetings with law enforcement.
- Discussion covered the new state-funded Expanded Mobile Crisis Benefit and Medi-Cal reimbursement structures.
Mobile Crisis Benefit Plan and Co-Response Teams
- The board approved actions regarding the mobile crisis evaluation and service volume increases.
- Supervisors inquired about operational logistics and funding mechanisms for individuals without Medi-Cal coverage.
- It was confirmed that six total co-response teams are currently operating across the county.
Potable Reuse Study and Groundwater Recharge Evaluation
- Staff presented findings identifying four potential projects for planning-level evaluation.
- Two options were outlined for groundwater recharge in the Santa Maria Valley, including a fast-track high-salt treatment project.
- The board agreed to return after a second study contract with Carollo Engineers is completed in August.
No decision 0–0
Grant Funding and Project Costs Discussion
- Discussion focused on revenue streams beyond ratepayers, noting USPR grants could cover up to 35% of costs.
- The ongoing study aims to develop a report compliant with USPR grant application requirements.
- A motion was passed unanimously regarding items related to the funding discussion.
Closed Session
- The board recessed to consider anticipated litigation regarding whether to initiate civil action in one case.
- Upon reconvening, it was reported that no reportable action was taken on this matter.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Roll Call
- The February 6, 2024, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair Lavagnino. A roll call confirmed the presence of all five supervisors. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
- A motion was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Nelson to approve the minutes from the January 23, 2024, meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Modifications and Ex-Parte Item
- The Clerk announced several agenda changes: Administrative Item 2 (a resolution supporting the Amara people of Ethiopia) was withdrawn; a correction memo for Administrative Item 13 updated the effective date to February 5, 2024; and Departmental Item 1 was continued to the March 19, 2024, meeting at the request of the Public Works Department. An ex-agenda item regarding the ratification of a local emergency proclamation declared by County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato on February 5, 2024, due to storm impacts, was added to the administrative agenda pursuant to Government Code section 54954.2. A motion was made and seconded to hear this item; the motion passed unanimously.
County Executive Officer's Report: Storm Response
- The County Executive Office presented a report on the February 2024 storm event, including updates from various department heads. Evacuation orders were issued for 506 properties and lifted after safety confirmation; no loss of life or serious injury was reported. The Fire Department activated a Type 3 Incident Management Team for 48 hours. Public Works reported minor damage, debris cleanup, and localized flooding in South Coast areas, with estimated response and repair costs of approximately $5 million. General Services noted a minor flood at the courthouse sunken garden resolved by auxiliary pumps. Emergency Management reported approximately 35 community damage reports, which was below the threshold for federal assistance requests. Board members discussed call volumes, school closure decisions, and current bluff and tree safety risks. Staff advised that bluffs and trees remain an imminent threat until inspected.
Resolutions (Administrative Items 1, 3, 4, and 5)
- A motion was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Williams to approve Administrative Items 1, 3, 4, and 5. The motion passed unanimously.
- Item 1: Adopted a resolution honoring Michelle Perez Ibarra of the Probation Department as the February 2024 Employee of the Month.
- Item 3: Adopted a resolution proclaiming February 2024 as Black History Month in Santa Barbara County.
- Item 4: Adopted a resolution proclaiming the week of February 4–10, 2024, as Scouts Week in Santa Barbara County.
- Item 5: Adopted a resolution proclaiming February 2024 as COMM unifies 211 Community Celebration Month.
Remaining Administrative Agenda
- Supervisor Capps requested to pull Administrative Item 7 from the consent agenda for discussion, and Supervisor Nelson requested to pull Administrative Item 21 for comment. A motion was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Nelson to approve the balance of the administrative agenda, incorporating the withdrawal of Item 2, the correction to Item 13, and the ex-agenda item approval. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 7: Crestwood Behavioral Health Service Agreement Amendment
- This item concerned a second amendment to the fiscal years 2020–2024 service agreement with Crestwood Behavioral Health Inc. for the Champion Healing Center Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC). Discussion focused on a pilot project adding four beds for justice-involved conservatees, funded by the state's Community Corrections Partnership rather than the county general fund. A motion was made by Supervisor Capps and seconded by another board member to approve Administrative Item 7. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 21: Treasurer's Investment Pool Report
- This item covered the Treasurer's Investment Pool Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, and the investment policy statement. Discussion highlighted that prudent investment strategies generated an additional $14 million in revenue in 2023, with approximately $5.6 million returned to the county general fund and $1 million to special districts. A motion was made by Supervisor Nelson to approve Administrative Item 21. The transcript ends before the second and vote outcome are recorded.
General Public Comment
- One member of the public addressed the Board regarding the conflict in Gaza, criticizing a previous resolution commending Israel's efforts for peace and advocating for a resolution supporting equal rights for all people in Palestine. No motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Departmental Item 1: Continuation Request
- The Board considered a request to continue Departmental Item Number One (pavement impact studies) to the March 19, 2024 agenda. A motion was made by Supervisor Nelson and seconded by Supervisor Hartman to move the item forward. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 2: Annexation of Keysight 2 to Orcutt Community Facilities District
- The Board held a hearing regarding the annexation of the Orkut Gateway Retail Commercial Center (Keysight 2) into the Orcutt Community Facilities District. Staff presented results from a special election in which all six votes cast by the property owner were in favor of the annexation and the levy of special taxes. A motion was made by Supervisor Nelson and seconded by Supervisor Hartman to approve staff recommendations. The motion passed unanimously.
No decision 0–0
Departmental Item 3: KPMG Operational Performance Review of the Agricultural Commissioner Department
- The Board held a hearing on KPMG's operational performance review of the Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner Department. Findings commended the department for its agricultural pass program and technology implementation. Recommendations included restructuring the cross-licensure rotation program, enhancing community engagement, improving front-office technology, and developing an enhanced quality control framework. The Agricultural Commissioner agreed with the recommendations and noted that realignment of inspector positions had been completed in March 2023, with other implementations scheduled for fall 2024. A motion was made to receive and file the KPMG review and approve staff recommendations A through C. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 4: KPMG Operational Performance Review of the Public Works Department
- The Board held a hearing on KPMG's operational performance review of the Santa Barbara County Department of Public Works. The review identified 14 recommendations, highlighting three for the Board: enhancing data tracking for maintenance prioritization, implementing an asset management database for flood control infrastructure, and enhancing technology enablement. Staff noted that work is underway on data centralization and adding staff positions to manage data aggregation. A motion was made to approve staff recommended actions A through C. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 5: KPMG Operational Performance Review of Crisis Services
- The Board held a hearing on KPMG's operational performance review of the Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness Department's Crisis Services. Recommendations included developing a single county-wide crisis team, establishing clear roles, incorporating peer support staff, stationing staff in emergency departments and jails, improving marketing, and creating shared dashboards with law enforcement. Director Navarro reported that implementation had begun, including monthly management meetings with law enforcement and the development of a collaborative dashboard. Discussion covered the new state-funded Expanded Mobile Crisis Benefit, Medi-Cal reimbursement structures, and factors contributing to increased call volume. The transcript ends before a motion is made or voted upon for this item.
Mobile Crisis Benefit Plan and Co-Response Teams (Continuation of Departmental Item 5)
- Discussion focused on the implementation of the Mobile Crisis Benefit Plan, noting an increase in service volume due to a protocol shift where teams respond to all calls rather than screening them out. The distinction was made between mobile crisis teams (operating independently) and co-response teams (pairing clinicians with law enforcement). It was confirmed there are six total co-response teams across the county. Supervisors inquired about operational logistics, access lines, and funding mechanisms for individuals without Medi-Cal coverage. A motion was made by Supervisor Capps to approve staff recommended actions A through D regarding the mobile crisis evaluation. The motion was seconded by Chair Lavagnino. The motion passed unanimously.
Potable Reuse Study and Groundwater Recharge Evaluation
- Staff from the Public Works Department, Water Agency, and Laguna County Sanitation District presented findings from a countywide potable reuse evaluation and a groundwater recharge evaluation for the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin. The countywide study identified four potential projects for planning-level evaluation. The Laguna County Sanitation District presentation outlined two project options for groundwater recharge in the Santa Maria Valley: a "fast track" high-salt treatment project and a larger project involving additional reverse osmosis units. Supervisors questioned governance, financial modeling, legal implications regarding the adjudicated status of the Santa Maria groundwater basin, and funding mechanisms. Staff confirmed a second contract with Carollo Engineers is underway to continue planning and demonstration phases, with a report expected in August. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item during this segment; the discussion concluded with an agreement to return to the board after the completion of the second study.
No decision 0–0
Grant Funding and Project Costs Discussion
- Discussion occurred regarding potential revenue streams for project costs beyond ratepayers, noting that the USPR grant could cover up to 35% of project costs. The ongoing study aims to develop a report compliant with USPR grant application requirements. A motion was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Williams regarding items A and B. The motion passed unanimously.
Closed Session: Anticipated Litigation
- The board recessed into a closed session to consider one item of anticipated litigation, specifically deciding whether to initiate civil litigation in one case. Upon reconvening, it was reported that the board took no reportable action on this matter.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned with the next session scheduled for Tuesday, February 13, 2024.