Meeting Summary
Present: Williams, 2-Capps, 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
County CEO Report
- The Planning Department received a Public Outreach Award for its housing tracking application.
- Staff highlighted the tool's role in monitoring regional needs assessments.
Administrative Commendations and Proclamations
- Resolutions were adopted to honor employees, retirees, and organizations across various sectors.
- May was proclaimed as Sexual Assault Awareness, AAPI Heritage, Bike, Wildfire Preparedness, Mental Health, Nurses, and Compost Awareness months.
- Specific recognitions included the opening of La Posada shelter and National Correctional Officers Week.
Behavioral Wellness Department Recommendations
- The board approved amendments to mental health service agreements and commission bylaws.
- Public comment raised concerns regarding contract transparency and budget allocations.
- All grouped items passed unanimously following staff presentation and discussion.
Wine Business Improvement Districts Feasibility Study
- Staff authorized an examination of tax records to assess the feasibility of proposed districts.
- Public comment included opposition citing legal concerns and support for regional competitiveness.
- The board approved the preliminary step to determine majority economic interest.
California Forensic Medical Group Agreement Amendment
- The board considered a sixth amendment to the jail medical services contract with WellPath.
- Speakers urged strict performance standards regarding court-ordered remedial plans.
- Staff confirmed ongoing negotiations to address community and grand jury concerns.
Stanford Appeal (Music Academy of the West)
- An appeal hearing regarding a conditional use permit was withdrawn by staff request.
- The item will be rescheduled within the next couple of months for further review.
Sheriff's Office Military Equipment Use Ordinance
- The board readopted the annual policy and ordinance required under Assembly Bill 481.
- Staff clarified that most inventory consists of standard law enforcement tools for safety.
- Public comment addressed civil rights concerns, maintenance costs, and transparency needs.
Laguna County Sanitation District Rates and Fees
- A 1.5% increase in the annual residential service charge was approved for fiscal year 2024-2025.
- Developer fees were adjusted based on current construction cost indices.
- The board noted the increase remains below the current Consumer Price Index.
No decision 0–0
Mission Canyon Sewer District Rates
- The annual sewer service charge for County Service Area 12 was maintained at $316.82.
- Staff confirmed a satisfactory reserve balance of $1.7 million exists for the district.
- Condition assessments for sewer extensions are conducted approximately every five years.
Benefit Assessments for Street Lighting Districts
- Base rates were maintained for Galena Valley and Isla Vista lighting districts.
- No benefit assessment was established for the unincorporated Santa Maria zone due to sufficient property tax revenue.
No decision 0–0
CDBG and HOME Annual Action Plan
- The board approved the fiscal year 2024 plan and amendments for prior years.
- Staff detailed fund allocations for affordable housing and public services amid lower HUD estimates.
- Discussion focused on distribution between unincorporated areas and member cities.
No decision 0–0
Closed Session
- Rachel Van Molen was unanimously reappointed as a County Council member.
- No reportable action was taken regarding performance evaluations.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Roll Call
- The May 7, 2024, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair Lavinino. The Clerk confirmed the presence of all supervisors. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the April 23, 2024, meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
County CEO Report
- Ms. Misato presented the County CEO's report, noting that the Planning Department received a Public Outreach Award from the American Planning Association's California Chapter for its "balancing tool," a map-based application used to track housing unit additions toward regional needs assessments.
No decision 0–0
Agenda Changes
- Supervisor Hartman requested to remove Item 43 (WellPath) from the administrative agenda. Additional requests were received to remove administrative items 13, 14, 15, 16, and 21. A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the administrative agenda excluding these specific items. The motion passed.
Administrative Item 1: Employee of the Month Commendation
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Lavinino was presented to commend Brie Velia of the Public Works Department as the May 2024 Employee of the Month, citing her adherence to organizational values and service during storm emergencies. Representatives from Public Works and Flood Control spoke regarding her contributions. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 2: Retirement Commendation
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Capps was presented to honor Hillary Hauser upon her retirement as Executive Director and Co-Founder of Heal the Ocean, recognizing her leadership in wastewater infrastructure advocacy. Hauser provided remarks on the organization's history and impact. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 3: Sexual Assault Awareness Month
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Williams was presented to proclaim April 2024 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, highlighting Denim Day and the work of local organizations including the North County Rape Crisis Center and STESA. Representatives from STESA spoke regarding their history and upcoming events. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 4: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Williams was presented to proclaim May 2024 as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, acknowledging historical milestones and contributions of AAPI individuals. Representatives from the Santa Barbara AAPI Solidarity Network, UCSB Filipino Culture Night, and the Asian American Affinity Group spoke regarding local history and cultural events. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 5: National Bike Month
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Capps was presented to proclaim May 2024 as National Bike Month and to honor MOVE Santa Barbara County for its work in teaching youth safe riding skills. Heather Deutsch, Executive Director of MOVE Santa Barbara County, spoke regarding the benefits of bicycling and equitable access. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 6: La Posada Opening Commendation
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Capps was presented to honor Dignity Moves for the opening of La Posada, a shelter providing over 80 tiny homes and wraparound services in South County. Erin Edelheit of Dignity Moves spoke regarding the collaborative effort to address homelessness. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 7: Wildfire Community Preparedness Month
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisors Capps and Hartman was presented to proclaim May 2024 as Wildfire Community Preparedness Month, addressing wildfire risks due to drought and climate change. Anthony Stornita, Deputy Chief of Emergency Operations, discussed the anniversary of the Jesusita Fire and prescribed fire initiatives. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 8: National Nurses Day and Week
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Hartman was presented to observe May 6, 2024, as National Nurses Day and the week of May 6–12, 2024, as National Nurses Week. Kelly Berrigan, Director of Public Health Nursing, acknowledged the efforts of public health nurses. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 9: Mental Health Month
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisors Lavinino and Capps was presented to proclaim May 2024 as Mental Health Month to enhance public awareness and dispel stigma. Tony Navarro and Pam Flint-Tambo of Be Well spoke regarding behavioral wellness needs and the "Light Up Green" campaign. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 10: National Correctional Officers Week Proclamation
- A resolution was presented to proclaim the week of May 5 through May 11, 2024, as National Correctional Officers Week, recognizing the Sheriff's Office Custody Branch. Sheriff Bill Brown and department representatives addressed the board regarding staff professionalism and inmate rehabilitation. A member of the public spoke regarding the stabilizing influence of correctional officer employment. The resolution was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 11: Compost Awareness Week Proclamation
- A resolution was presented to proclaim the week of May 7 through May 13, 2024, as Compost Awareness Week, outlining environmental benefits such as improved soil structure and reduced runoff. Bob Engel from Engle and Gray's Regional Composting Facility addressed the board regarding the facility's history and an upcoming event. The resolution was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Administrative Items 13, 14, 15, and 16: Behavioral Wellness Department Recommendations
- These items were grouped for consideration. Item 13 concerned a First Amendment to an agreement with Marrakee Allos for mental health services and the termination of the existing agreement. Item 14 addressed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding state hospital beds and an administrative fee participation agreement with CalMHSA. Item 15 proposed amendments to the Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness Commission bylaws. Item 16 involved a program funding agreement with Horn LLP for the Community Care Expansion Preservation Program. Denise Ellamy, a commissioner on the Behavioral Wellness Commission, spoke in opposition, citing concerns over long-term contracts, budget allocations, and transparency regarding bylaw changes. Following public comment, the items were moved by Supervisor Hartman, seconded by Supervisor Williams, and passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 21: Wine Business Improvement Districts
- The item authorized the examination of sales and transaction tax records by Citibus Advisors Inc. to assess the feasibility of proposed wine business improvement districts. Steve Pepe spoke in opposition, citing legal concerns regarding fee classification and potential financial burdens on small businesses. Tim Snyder spoke in support, arguing the measure was necessary for regional competitiveness. Staff clarified that this action was a preliminary step to determine majority economic interest before a formal district plan could be developed. The item was included in the group vote passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 43: California Forensic Medical Group Agreement Amendment
- The item considered the Sixth Amendment to the agreement with California Forensic Medical Group (WellPath) for medical and mental health services in the jail system. Maureen Earles and Gail Orsoranco spoke regarding concerns over WellPath's compliance with court-ordered remedial plans, urging strict performance standards. Custody Commander Ryan Sullivan responded that negotiations are ongoing to address community and grand jury concerns. The item was included in the group vote passed unanimously.
General Public Comment
- Several members of the public addressed issues not on the agenda: Maya Scoop-Rutten expressed concern regarding health department inspections and permit delays; Mark Preston requested a fiscal analysis of the revenue neutrality agreement offset between the County and the City of Goleta; Diana Sandoval discussed an unsafe bridge and alleged procedural failures by Building and Safety inspectors; Denise L. Amin spoke regarding contract transparency, board representation, and a personal legal matter involving the District Attorney's Office.
Departmental Item 1: Stanford Appeal (Music Academy of the West)
- The item was a hearing to consider an appeal regarding the Montecito Planning Commission's approval of a revised conditional use permit for the Music Academy of the West. Staff requested to withdraw the item due to the receipt of an appeal letter requiring additional time. Supervisor Nielsen inquired about the timeline, and staff indicated the item would likely be rescheduled within the next couple of months. A motion was made to accept staff's recommendation to withdraw the item, seconded by Supervisor Caput, and passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 2: Sheriff's Office Military Equipment Use Ordinance (AB 481)
- The item presented a request to readopt the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Military Equipment Use Policy and Ordinance, as required annually under Assembly Bill 481. Undersheriff Craig Bonner and Lieutenant Joe Schmidt presented on the equipment inventory, clarifying that most items are standard law enforcement tools used for safety and disaster response. The presentation outlined policy requirements for transparency and annual reporting. Public comment was received from four individuals; one opposed acquisition citing civil rights concerns, another expressed conditional support advocating for transparency and body camera usage, and a third raised concerns regarding maintenance costs and lack of prior notice. Staff confirmed public meetings are advertised but agreed to provide earlier notice in future years. Board members discussed the necessity of equipment for worst-case scenarios while emphasizing transparency. A motion was made to approve items A through E, seconded by another board member, and passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 3: Laguna County Sanitation District Rates and Fees
- The Public Works Department presented a recommendation regarding sewer rate charges, fees, and connection charges for fiscal year 2024-2025. Staff reported a proposed 1.5% increase in the annual residential service charge to $1,138.37, noting this is below the current CPI. Developer fees were also adjusted based on construction cost indices. One valid protest was received during the public noticing period. A board member expressed support for the modest increase as necessary for infrastructure maintenance. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation, seconded by another board member, and passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 4: Mission Canyon Sewer District (CSA 12) Rates
- The Public Works Department presented a resolution regarding sewer service charges and connection charges for County Service Area 12 for fiscal year 2024-2025. Staff reported the proposed annual rate of $316.82 remains unchanged from the previous year, with a satisfactory reserve balance of $1.7 million. Board members inquired about sewer extensions and repair prioritization; staff confirmed condition assessments are conducted roughly every five years. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation, seconded by another board member, and passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 5: Benefit Assessments for Street Lighting Districts
- The Public Works Department presented a hearing to establish benefit assessment rates for County Service Areas 3 and 31, and the North County Lighting District. Staff recommended maintaining base rates of $24 per year for CSA 3 (Galena Valley) and $12.93 per year for CSA 31 (Isla Vista). For the North County Lighting District, staff recommended establishing no benefit assessment for the unincorporated Santa Maria zone as property tax revenue is sufficient. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation, seconded by another board member, and passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 6: CDBG and HOME Annual Action Plan
- The Community Services Department presented the Santa Barbara County Home Consortium and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Urban County Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Action Plan, along with substantial amendments for fiscal years 2021-2023. Staff detailed the allocation of federal funds for affordable housing, public services, and capital projects, noting adjustments were required due to lower-than-estimated HUD allocations. Board members discussed the allocation process and distribution of funds between unincorporated areas and member cities. Staff agreed to review outreach strategies for future funding cycles. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation, seconded by another board member, and passed unanimously.
Closed Session: Public Employee Appointment/Reappointment (County Council)
- The board reported having met in closed session regarding the appointment and reappointment of public employees for the County Council. A motion was made to reappoint Rachel Van Molen as a county council member. The motion was seconded, and the board voted unanimously to approve the reappointment.
Closed Session: Performance Evaluation
- The board reported having met in closed session regarding performance evaluations. No reportable action was taken during this session.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for May 14th in Santa Maria.