Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Nelson, Williams, 3-Hartmann, 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
Resolution Honoring Anna Anelia Norton
- The Board adopted a resolution to honor Anna Anelia Norton's retirement from the District Attorney's Office after over 25 years of service.
- Assistant District Attorney Kelly Duncan spoke in support of the recognition during the presentation.
- The motion to adopt the resolution passed unanimously.
Gun Violence Awareness Month Resolution
- A resolution was adopted proclaiming June 2024 as Gun Violence Awareness Month and honoring Moms Demand Action.
- Kendall Pata from Moms Demand Action spoke regarding the organization's impact in Santa Barbara County.
- Board members commented on the initiative before the unanimous adoption of the resolution.
Resolution Honoring Jeff Rathwell
- The Board adopted a resolution recognizing Jeff Rathwell's retirement from the County Executive Office after 37 years of public service.
- CEO Mona Miyasato read the resolution while Jeff Rathwell and Supervisor Nielsen provided remarks on his tenure.
- The motion to honor Mr. Rathwell passed unanimously.
Synergy Programs Inc. Services Agreement Renewal
- The Board considered renewing the services agreement with Synergy Programs Inc. for mental health and residential care through 2027.
- Public comment addressed performance metrics, discharge rates, and the need for more subacute treatment beds.
- Director Navarro explained that data reflects a small number of individuals requiring higher acuity care due to an aging population.
- The motion to approve the agreement renewal passed unanimously.
Jail Health Care Study Session Report
- Vice Chair Caps highlighted the report as part of ongoing efforts regarding healthcare for incarcerated individuals with severe mental illness.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on this item during the administrative agenda.
- The Board noted the item for further discussion within departmental items later in the meeting.
Workday Subscription Rights Amendment
- The Board considered an amendment to the Workday subscription order form while addressing project timeline delays and costs.
- Staff reported that Phase One targets an October 1 go-live date at risk due to resource constraints, while Phase Two is paused.
- Supervisors determined they could work informally with staff on the project without a formal board motion or ad hoc committee.
- The motion to approve the amendment passed unanimously.
North Branch Jail Expansion Project (Bridging Design Services)
- The Board reviewed recommendations for bridging design services regarding a potential 30-bed step-down facility concept and cost estimate.
- Public comment expressed concerns about expanding incarceration capacity and emphasized the need for public input on facility design.
- The motion was amended to direct staff to return with a report on staffing and overtime data related to the North Branch Jail.
- The amended motion passed unanimously.
Contribution to Solvang Senior Center
- The Board considered a recommendation to provide a $25,000 contribution to the San Ynez Valley Senior Advisory Council for their new building project.
- Public comment was received from Ellen Albertoni in support of the funding request.
- The motion to approve the contribution passed unanimously.
No decision 0–0
Flood Control Benefit Assessment Program
- Staff presented a hearing on the flood benefit assessment program, proposing a 4.03% increase for fiscal years 2024 through 2025 to offset inflation.
- Data showed significant reductions in fund balances across various flood zones due to emergency response costs from recent storm events.
- The Board approved actions A through D as outlined in the staff report, with a second reading scheduled for July 9th.
Grand Jury Report Response and Justice System Updates
- Departments presented responses to the Grand Jury report regarding WellPath contract services, staffing vacancies, and mental health coverage.
- The Board agreed that staffing shortfalls are frequent and noted that a nine-month contract extension includes provisions for 16.6 additional healthcare positions.
- Recommendation 3 regarding nighttime mental health coverage will be implemented through a Memorandum of Understanding between B-Well and the jail.
- The motion to approve the grand jury response items passed unanimously.
Seventh Amendment to WellPath Agreement
- Staff proposed a nine-month extension to the WellPath agreement with enhanced liquidated damages provisions for staffing vacancies exceeding 30 days.
- Discussion centered on staffing challenges, financial penalties, and potential overpayments due to past vacancies estimated at approximately $200,000.
- The Board directed the Sheriff's Office to conduct an analysis of potential overpayments and options for recovery as part of the annual report.
- The motion to approve the contract extension passed unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
KPMG Operational Performance Review – Child Support Services
- KPMG presented a review highlighting commendations for virtual service delivery and a Tableau dashboard alongside four key recommendations.
- Recommendations included analyzing child support orders in arrears, enhancing marketing, increasing data sharing, and improving collaboration with courts.
- The Department Director confirmed that implementation has begun, including developing detailed dashboards and a collectability study.
- The motion to approve the staff recommendation passed unanimously.
Passed 3–0 · unanimous
KPMG Operational Performance Review – Clerk-Recorder, Assessor, and Elections Office
- KPMG presented commendations for workload management tools and recommended pursuing digital vital records and enhancing staff productivity tracking.
- Public comment raised concerns regarding election security, mail-in ballot costs, and the use of Dominion Voting Systems.
- Board members responded to comments before approving the staff recommendation regarding the review findings.
- The motion passed unanimously.
KPMG Operational Performance Review – Auditor-Controller's Office
- KPMG offered commendations for leadership in the County YDRP project and recommended enhancing performance measurement and risk assessment methodologies.
- The Auditor-Controller acknowledged staffing challenges but noted approximately 20 new hires in the last three months.
- The office confirmed plans to conduct a countywide risk assessment and increase internal audit staff from 1.5 to five people.
- No formal motion or vote was recorded as the discussion concluded with departmental responses to Board inquiries.
Renew 22 Implementation and Staff Recommendation
- Discussion focused on the completion of the Renew 22 initiative, which involved self-measurement and third-party analysis by KPMG.
- Speakers noted that work is ongoing with future half-day workshops scheduled to track implementation progress.
- The motion to approve the staff recommendation regarding this item passed unanimously.
Closed Session
- The Board recessed to discuss existing litigation involving Frontier California Inc. and Jane Doe v. American Medical Response West.
- A conference with labor negotiators for all bargaining units was also held during the closed session.
- No reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The June 25, 2024, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order by Vice Chair Caps. A roll call confirmed the presence of Supervisors Nielsen, Williams, Hartman, and Vice Chair Caps. Supervisor Lavagnino (Chair) joined shortly after the start. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of Minutes
- A motion was made to approve the minutes from the June 18 meeting. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
CEO's Report: "Your County, Your Heroes"
- The CEO presented a video segment featuring Margie Hunt, Team Supervisor for the Behavioral Wellness Access Line. The presentation highlighted the operations of the 24-7 crisis and referral line, including call volume, staffing, and the importance of connecting callers to mental health and substance use services. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.
Announcements
- The Clerk announced procedures for public participation via Zoom and provided contact information for the Clerk's office.
Administrative Agenda Adjustments
- Items A35 (Supervisor Nielsen), A41 (Supervisor Williams), A32 (Vice Chair Caps), and A66 (Public) were pulled from the administrative agenda for later discussion. Requests were received regarding Items 6 and A41. A motion was made to approve the balance of the administrative agenda, including Item A32. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 1: Resolution Honoring Anna Anelia Norton
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Caps was presented to honor Anna Anelia Norton upon her retirement from the District Attorney's Office after over 25 years of service. Kelly Duncan, Assistant District Attorney, spoke in support. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
Administrative Item 2: Gun Violence Awareness Month Resolution
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Caps was presented to proclaim June 2024 as Gun Violence Awareness Month and to honor Moms Demand Action in Santa Barbara County. Kendall Pata from Moms Demand Action spoke in support, and Board members commented on the organization's impact. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
Administrative Item 3: Resolution Honoring Jeff Rathwell
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Lavagnino was presented to honor Jeff Rathwell upon his retirement from the County Executive Office after over 37 years of public service, including seven years with Santa Barbara County. CEO Mona Miyasato read the resolution. Jeff Rathwell and Supervisor Nielsen provided remarks regarding his tenure. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
Administrative Item 6: Synergy Programs Inc. Services Agreement
- The Board considered a recommendation to renew the services agreement with Synergy Programs Inc. for institutions for mental diseases and adult residential care for fiscal years 2024 through 2027. Public comment was received from Gail Osherenko and Suzanne Gordon regarding performance metrics, specifically discharge rates to higher levels of care, and the need for more subacute treatment beds and public involvement in facility planning. Director Navarro responded that data reflected a small number of individuals with complex medical issues requiring higher acuity care due to an aging population. Supervisor Nielsen moved to approve Item A-6. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Williams. The vote passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 32: Jail Health Care Study Session Report
- The Board reviewed a report-out on the jail health care study session. Vice Chair Caps highlighted the item as part of ongoing efforts regarding healthcare for incarcerated individuals with severe mental illness. No formal motion or vote was taken; the item was noted for further discussion in departmental items later in the meeting.
Administrative Item 35: Workday Subscription Rights Amendment
- The Board considered an amendment to the order form for Workday subscription rights. Supervisor Nielsen requested an update on the project timeline, noting delays and costs. Staff reported that Phase One (finance module) targets an October 1 go-live date, which is at risk due to resource constraints, while Phase Two (HCM/payroll) is paused. Supervisor Nielsen proposed creating an informal ad hoc committee to engage with the project team. After discussion regarding Brown Act compliance, it was determined that supervisors could work informally with staff without a formal board motion. Supervisor Nielsen moved to approve Item A-35. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Hartman. The vote passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 41: North Branch Jail Expansion Project (Bridging Design Services)
- The Board considered recommendations regarding bridging design services for the North Branch Jail Expansion Project, specifically a concept and cost estimate for a potential 30-bed step-down facility. Public comment was received from Gail Osherenko, Lynn Gibbs, Suzanne Gordon, and Karen Hauenstein regarding the need for subacute treatment beds to reduce jail cycling, concerns about expanding incarceration capacity, and the necessity of public input on facility design. Supervisor Hartman moved to approve the item with direction for staff to update the jail staffing study and analyze overtime data from 2010 to 2024. Following legal counsel's recommendation regarding agenda procedures, the motion was amended to direct staff to return with a report on staffing and overtime related to the North Branch Jail, which could include an additional study if necessary. The amended motion was seconded by Supervisor Nielsen. The vote passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 66: Contribution to Solvang Senior Center
- The Board considered a recommendation regarding a $25,000 contribution to the San Ynez Valley Senior Advisory Council (Solvang Senior Center) for their new building project. Public comment was received from Ellen Albertoni in support of the funding. Supervisor Hartman moved to approve Item A-66. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Nielsen. The vote passed unanimously.
No decision 0–0
General Public Comment
- The Board received 25 requests for public comment on items not on the agenda. Speakers addressed two primary topics: county employee retention and election integrity. Regarding employee retention, social workers and union representatives highlighted high turnover rates in Child Welfare Services and Department of Social Services attributed to burnout, inadequate compensation, and overwhelming workloads. They urged the Board to support contract negotiations for SEIU 721 members to close wage gaps with neighboring counties. Regarding election integrity, speakers representing the Santa Barbara Voter Integrity Project (SBVIP) and others presented concerns about the current voting system, citing alleged violations of voter registration laws and anomalies in vote tallying patterns. They requested that the Board place an item on the agenda to discuss returning to paper ballots, in-person voting with ID verification, and hand-counted precinct elections.
Departmental Item D1: Flood Control Benefit Assessment Program
- The Public Works Department presented a hearing regarding the flood benefit assessment program for fiscal years 2024 through 2025. Staff explained that the program allows for annual increases up to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to maintain funding levels against inflation. The proposed increase for the upcoming fiscal year is 4.03%. Staff presented data showing significant reductions in fund balances across various flood zones due to emergency response costs from recent storm events, particularly a 48% drop in the South Coast Flood Zone. No public comment was requested. A motion was made and seconded to approve actions A through D as outlined in the staff report. The motion passed unanimously. The item is scheduled to return to the Board on July 9th for a second reading and final adoption.
Departmental Item D6 / Departmental Item 6: Grand Jury Report Response and Justice System Updates
- The County Executive Office, Sheriff's Office, and Probation Department presented responses to the 2023–2024 Grand Jury report regarding WellPath contract services at the county jail. Staff detailed proposed responses to findings on staffing vacancies, staffing credits, nighttime mental health coverage, and annual reporting. The Board agreed that staffing shortfalls occur frequently; a nine-month contract extension for WellPath includes provisions for 16.6 additional healthcare positions. The Board acknowledged a lack of accounting for staffing credits in previous years, with retroactive calculations underway. Recommendation 3 regarding nighttime mental health coverage will be implemented through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between B-Well and the jail. Regarding annual reporting, the Board noted that juvenile facility reporting has been timely while jail reporting has fallen out of compliance; penalties for late reports will not be implemented as the Sheriff and Probation Departments are responsible for submission. Staff also provided updates on diversion programs, alternative sentencing, CalAIM planning, and an updated Sequential Intercept Map. Supervisor Capps moved to approve the items related to the grand jury response, and Supervisor Hartman seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 5: Seventh Amendment to WellPath Agreement
- Staff presented a proposal for a nine-month extension (Seventh Amendment) to the agreement with California Forensic Medical Group (WellPath) for medical and mental health services at jail facilities and probation. Key modifications included enhanced liquidated damages provisions ($200 per day per position for staffing vacancies exceeding 30 days), clarified language regarding payment reductions for staffing shortfalls, removal of jail-based competency treatment from this contract, and the addition of 16.6 Full-Time Equivalents (FTE) to improve healthcare services. Discussion centered on staffing challenges, the effectiveness of financial penalties, and potential overpayments due to past vacancies. Supervisor Nelson requested an audit extending further back than the current contract year. Staff indicated they were rectifying credits for the period from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, with potential credits estimated at approximately $200,000. County Counsel advised a "meet and confer" approach before pursuing formal disputes. Public comment was received from the League of Women Voters supporting contract improvements but expressing concern over ongoing non-compliance in crisis performance measures. Supervisor Williams moved to approve the staff recommendation for the contract extension and directed the Sheriff's Office and County Counsel to return with an analysis of potential overpayments and options for recovery as part of the annual report. The motion was modified by County Counsel to clarify that the Sheriff's Office would conduct the analysis and County Counsel would review it for legal implications. Supervisor Hartman seconded the motion. The vote passed unanimously.
Closed Session
- The Board recessed to closed session to discuss existing litigation (Frontier California Inc. v. County, Jane Doe v. American Medical Response West v. County) and a conference with labor negotiators for all bargaining units. No reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Departmental Item 2 / Departmental Item 3: KPMG Operational Performance Review – Child Support Services
- KPMG presented an overview of its operational performance review for the Child Support Services department, highlighting commendations for virtual service delivery and a Tableau dashboard. Four key recommendations were made: analyzing child support orders in arrears, enhancing marketing and outreach, increasing data sharing capabilities, and enhancing collaboration with courts and human service agencies. The Department Director responded, stating agreement with findings and noting that implementation has begun, including developing detailed dashboards and collaborating on a collectability study. A Supervisor expressed support for the whole-person care model and made a motion to approve the staff recommendation. A second Supervisor seconded the motion. The vote passed.
Passed 3–0 · unanimous
Departmental Item 3 (Continued): KPMG Operational Performance Review – Clerk-Recorder, Assessor, and Elections Office
- Following a brief recess to establish a quorum, the meeting reconvened to address the KPMG review of the Clerk-Recorder, Assessor, and Elections Office. KPMG presented commendations regarding workload management tools and metrics dashboards. Three key recommendations were highlighted: continuing the pursuit of digital vital records for the Clerk-Recorder, enhancing staff productivity tracking for the Assessor, and performing a fee analysis for the Elections Office. Department representatives agreed with all eight recommendations in the report. During public comment, six speakers addressed concerns regarding election security, the cost of mail-in ballots versus hand-counted systems, the use of Dominion Voting Systems, and alleged discrepancies in voter registration data. They called for terminating the contract with Dominion Voting Systems and transitioning to paper ballots. Board members responded to the comments, with one Supervisor expressing frustration with recurring election fraud claims and another noting the trend of "sore loserism." A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation regarding the KPMG review. A second was provided. The vote passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 4: KPMG Operational Performance Review – Auditor-Controller's Office
- KPMG presented its final operational performance review for the Auditor-Controller's Office, offering commendations for leadership in the County YDRP project and training programs. Four key recommendations were highlighted: enhancing performance measurement, strengthening risk assessment methodologies, reevaluating the internal audit plan, and enhancing property tax budget forecasting through collaboration with the Assessor's Office. The Auditor-Controller responded, acknowledging staffing challenges but noting approximately 20 new hires in the last three months. The office confirmed plans to conduct a countywide risk assessment and increase internal audit staff from 1.5 to five people. Board members acknowledged staffing improvements and expressed support for a shared dashboard with the Assessor's Office. No formal motion or vote was recorded in this segment; the discussion concluded with departmental responses to Board inquiries regarding recruitment strategies.
Renew 22 Implementation and Staff Recommendation
- Discussion focused on the completion of the Renew 22 initiative, involving self-measurement, third-party analysis by KPMG, and the development of improvement strategies. Speakers noted that the work is ongoing, with future half-day workshops scheduled to track implementation. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation regarding this item. The motion was seconded. No public comment was requested or received. The motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned with a notice that the next session is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9th, in Santa Barbara.