Meeting Summary
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
Women's History Month Resolution
- The Board adopted a resolution designating March 2024 as Women's History Month and March 8 as International Women's Day.
- The measure acknowledged the contributions of Women's Economic Ventures (WEAVE) to the community.
- Representatives from WEAVE accepted the resolution following its reading by the Board.
Auditor-Controller Contract Renewal
- The Board approved the renewal of the annual financial audit contract with Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corporation.
- Public comment was received regarding environmental impacts unrelated to the specific contract item.
- A unanimous motion passed to authorize the continuation of services under the existing agreement.
No decision 0–0
Board Meeting Schedule Amendment
- The Board amended the 2024 schedule to include a housing element rezone workshop on March 19, 2024.
- Discussion confirmed the inclusion of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and North County projects.
- A unanimous motion passed inviting UCSB and relevant housing projects to present at their discretion.
Public Works Department Director Appointment
- The Board considered the appointment of a new Public Works Department Director alongside project updates.
- Discussion addressed environmental studies, agricultural impacts, and right-of-way acquisition for a levee trail project.
- A motion to approve the staff recommendation passed with four votes in favor and one abstention.
Public Works Agreements
- The Board approved service agreements with Diani Building Corporation and Pacific Petroleum California Inc.
- Supervisor Nelson recused himself from these items due to campaign contributions from the involved vendors.
- Motions to approve both contracts passed unanimously among the remaining voting members.
Verizon Wireless Facility Appeal
- The Board heard an appeal regarding the Planning Commission's approval of a Verizon Wireless facility at Camino Mallorca.
- Staff recommended denying the appeal, citing technical constraints on alternative sites and CEQA exemption.
- The Board voted to deny the appeal, thereby upholding the Planning Commission's decision to approve the project.
No decision 0–0
Closed Session
- The Board convened in closed session to discuss three cases involving significant exposure to civil litigation.
- An additional item regarding the potential initiation of civil litigation was also considered.
- Upon reconvening, it was reported that no reportable action was taken on these matters.
Full summary
Approval of Minutes
- The Board considered the minutes from the February 27, 2024 meeting. A motion to approve was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Nelson. The Chair abstained. The motion passed via roll call vote.
Announcements and Agenda Changes
- The Clerk announced several administrative agenda changes: Administrative Item 1 (honoring Ted Sten) was continued to the April 2 meeting; Administrative Item 8 included a verbal summary of salary information for Chris Sneddon, effective April 1, 2024; and Administrative Item 25 (appointment of David Ketelar to the Behavioral Wellness Commission) was withdrawn at the department's request. Instructions regarding public participation methods were also provided.
CEO Report
- No report was presented by the County Executive Office.
No decision 0–0
Administrative Agenda: Balance of Items
- Board members requested to pull specific items for individual discussion, and the public requested to speak on several others. A motion was made to approve the balance of the administrative agenda, excluding Items 4, 7, 8, 16, 19, and 21. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 2: Women's History Month Resolution
- The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisors Capps and Hartman to designate March 2024 as Women's History Month and March 8 as International Women's Day in Santa Barbara County, acknowledging the work of Women's Economic Ventures (WEAVE). Speakers from WEAVE accepted the resolution. The item was adopted following the reading of the resolution and public acknowledgment; no formal vote was recorded in this segment.
Administrative Item 4: Auditor-Controller Contract Renewal
- The Board considered recommendations regarding the renewal of a contract with Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corporation for annual financial audits. Public comment was received regarding environmental impacts related to a separate project. A motion to approve the item was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Capps. The motion passed unanimously.
No decision 0–0
Administrative Item 7: Board Meeting Schedule Amendment
- The Board considered a resolution to amend the 2024 meeting schedule to add a housing element rezone workshop on March 19, 2024. Discussion focused on whether the workshop should include North County projects and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). Public comment was received requesting inclusion of specific North County sites. A motion was made by Supervisor Hartman to include the March 19 date, invite UCSB, and invite any North County housing element projects to present at their discretion. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Williams. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 8: Public Works Department Director Appointment
- The Board considered recommendations regarding the appointment of the Public Works Department Director. Discussion centered on a specific project involving a trail along a levee, including environmental studies, agricultural impacts, and right-of-way acquisition. Staff provided updates on preliminary engineering and the Environmental Impact Report timeline. Public comment was received expressing opposition or concerns regarding agricultural impacts and project design. A motion to approve the staff recommendation was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by the Chair. The motion passed with four votes in favor and one abstention.
Administrative Items 19 and 21: Public Works Agreements
- Supervisor Nelson recused himself from these items due to campaign contributions from involved vendors. Item 19 concerned an agreement for services with Diani Building Corporation, and Item 21 concerned an agreement with Pacific Petroleum California Inc. for hauling and storing waste liquids. A motion was made by Supervisor Hartman to approve both items, seconded by Supervisor Capps. The motions passed unanimously with one recusal.
General Public Comment
- Twelve members of the public provided comments on matters not on the agenda, including topics related to election integrity, voting systems, voter ID requirements, and mail-in ballot procedures. No motions were made or votes taken during this segment.
Departmental Item 1: Hearing on the Erickson Appeal of County Planning Commission Approval for Verizon Wireless at Camino Mallorca
- The Board heard an appeal regarding the County Planning Commission's approval of a Verizon Wireless facility at 6897 Trigo Road. Procedural matters included a motion to accept two late public comment letters, which was made by Supervisor Hartman, seconded by Supervisor Nelson, and passed. Supervisors reported ex parte communications, including site visits and meetings with the appellant and applicant representatives.
- Staff presented findings on four appeal issues: service area consistency, location history and intrusiveness, scale and character relative to recreational areas, and visibility/ordinance compliance. Staff recommended approval, determining the project is exempt from CEQA. The appellant argued the location was previously rejected, raised concerns regarding aesthetics, fire hazards, and property values, and requested the facility be moved to alternative poles on Fortuna Road. The applicant presented data on 14 rejected alternative sites due to technical constraints, safety requirements, or lack of existing structures, arguing the proposed location fills a critical coverage gap. Public comment was received from engineers, residents, and community members regarding RF energy levels, fire risks, pole stability, and aesthetic impacts. Rebuttal comments addressed the necessity of the facility for emergency capacity and network reliability.
- Board deliberation focused on visual character, utility density, and constraints imposed by federal law and county ordinances. A motion was made to deny the appeal, which included approving staff recommendations A through D (denying the appeal and granting de novo approval for the project). The motion was seconded. The motion passed, upholding the Planning Commission's decision to approve the facility.
No decision 0–0
Closed Session
- The Board recessed into a closed session to consider three cases involving significant exposure to civil litigation and one item regarding potential initiation of civil litigation. Upon reconvening, it was reported that no reportable action was taken on these items.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned with the next session scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Santa Maria.