Meeting Summary
Present: 2-Capps, 3-Hartmann, 4-Nelson, Williams, 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
Resolutions and Announcements
- The Board adopted seven resolutions honoring employees, organizations, and awareness months including Suicide Prevention and National Preparedness.
- Administrative announcements highlighted a new Probation Department building, SBA disaster loans for Lake Fire victims, and a grant for the Farmworker Resource Center.
- Public Works staff member Caitlin Haberlin was recognized as Associate of the Year for her contributions to textile recycling.
Dominion Voting Systems Agreement Amendment
- The Board approved a second amendment to the agreement with Dominion Voting Systems despite public concerns regarding electronic voting security.
- Staff clarified that Dominion is one of only two certified vendors in California and state law mandates the use of certified equipment.
- Budget discrepancies were addressed during the discussion prior to the unanimous approval of the staff recommendation.
Passed 4–1 · against: Nelson
Farmworker Living Wage Advisory Committee
- The Board established a temporary Ad Hoc Advisory Committee with a broadened scope to examine overall farmworker conditions rather than wages alone.
- Debate centered on whether a sector-specific focus might impact business viability versus the need to address unique challenges faced by agricultural workers.
- Supervisors Doss Williams and Joan Hartman were appointed to lead the committee following an amended motion that passed unanimously.
EPA Environmental Justice Grant Application
- The Board approved an application for an EPA grant in partnership with the Blue Sky Center to support the Resilient Cuyama Valley Initiative.
- Staff expressed optimism regarding the potential funding outcome during the discussion of this community change project.
Grand Jury Report Responses
- The Board acknowledged the 2023–2024 Grand Jury report on homeless encampments and approved a formal response to its findings.
- A separate response was adopted regarding in-custody deaths, covering healthcare monitoring, Medication Assisted Treatment expansion, and early representation programs.
- Staff updates included details on the REDI pilot program and communication protocols between booking officers and medical staff.
Patterson Point Apartments TEFRA Hearing
- The Board held a required tax-exempt housing hearing for the Patterson Point Apartments project in unincorporated Eastern Goleta.
- Discussion noted a budget increase from $12 million to $23.7 million, with one Supervisor expressing fiduciary concerns about the cost per unit.
- Staff attributed the cost increases to state funding deadlines and regional housing costs before the motion passed unanimously.
Passed 4–1 · against: Nelson
Encroachment Permit Fee Ordinance
- The Board approved an ordinance updating encroachment permit fees, including a new $5,000 one-time fee for parklets utilizing parking areas.
- Staff clarified that the fee applies retroactively to existing and future parklets to offset lost parking spaces.
- Concerns were raised about charging residents who voluntarily improve public right-of-way areas, prompting staff to review potential fee waivers.
Sable Offshore Pipeline Litigation Settlement
- Public comment requested a public hearing before finalizing a settlement with Sable Offshore Corporation regarding a 2015 pipeline spill.
- Speakers argued the County lacked jurisdiction over the pipeline restart and cited federal preemption issues.
- Supervisor Hartman recused herself from the matter due to a conflict of interest, and no formal vote was recorded during this segment.
Commission for Women Annual Report
- The Board received and approved the annual report outlining initiatives such as "Women Who Lead" events and material translation efforts.
- Former commissioners provided public comment requesting assistance in distributing invitations for an upcoming leadership event.
Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget Status Report
- The report showed a general fund positive variance of over $10 million driven by higher interest income, partially offset by lower tax collections.
- Discussion addressed a 13% staffing vacancy rate and the shortfall in cannabis tax revenue across various departments.
- The Sheriff's Department reported a turnaround from a projected deficit to a positive variance due to settlement funds and grants.
Crisis Stabilization Unit Utilization Report
- Following public comment on jail safety, Supervisor Hartman requested a future report on CSU sobering center utilization over the next 36 months.
- The Board voted to include this reporting request in the motion alongside recommendations for the Grand Jury response item.
Closed Session
- The Board recessed to confer with labor negotiators regarding all bargaining units.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting was called to order on September 10, 2024. Following a roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the August 27, 2024 regular meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
- The County Executive Officer presented announcements regarding the groundbreaking of a new zero net energy Probation Department building on Garden Street (anticipated completion fall 2026), the availability of SBA disaster loans for businesses impacted by the Lake Fire, and a nearly $2 million grant award for the Farmworker Resource Center. Additionally, Caitlin Haberlin of Public Works was recognized as Associate of the Year by the California Product Stewardship Council for her work on textile recycling.
- The Clerk announced an addendum regarding a second amendment to an agreement with Pictometry International and noted that Administrative Item 26 requires a verbal salary summary prior to action. A request was received to continue Departmental Item 2 (RCRC strategic plan update) to the October 1, 2024 meeting. Items 12, 16, 20, and 37 were pulled from the administrative agenda for separate discussion. A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the administrative agenda, including the continuance of Departmental Item 2. The motion passed unanimously.
Resolutions
- Item A1 (Employee of the Month): A resolution honoring Cody Leeds of the Agricultural Commissioner's Department as September 2024 Employee of the Month was adopted.
- Item A2 (Diaper Need Awareness Week): A resolution proclaiming September 23–29, 2024, as Diaper Need Awareness Week was adopted, recognizing the work of LEAP and the public health impacts of diaper need.
- Item A3 (Los Padres Forest Watch): A resolution honoring Los Padres Forest Watch for its 20th anniversary was adopted.
- Item A4 (Suicide Prevention Month): A resolution proclaiming September 2024 as Suicide Prevention Month was adopted, citing local statistics and committing the Board to awareness campaigns.
- Item A5 (Rotary Month of Service): A resolution proclaiming September 2024 as Rotary Month of Service was adopted.
- Item A6 (National Preparedness Month): A resolution proclaiming September 2024 as National Preparedness Month was adopted, encouraging residents to register for alerts and prepare emergency kits.
- Item A7 (SEE International): A resolution honoring SEE International for its 50th anniversary was adopted.
Administrative Agenda: Pulled Items
- Item A12 (Dominion Voting Systems Agreement Amendment): The Board considered a second amendment to the agreement with Dominion Voting Systems Inc. Public comment expressed concerns regarding electronic voting security. Staff addressed budget discrepancies and noted that Dominion is one of only two certified vendors in California, with state law requiring certified equipment. A motion was made and seconded to approve the staff recommendation. The motion passed.
- Item A16 (EPA Environmental Justice Grant Application): The Board discussed an application for an EPA Environmental Justice Community Change Grant in partnership with the Blue Sky Center for the Resilient Cuyama Valley Initiative. Staff expressed optimism regarding funding. No vote was taken during this segment; the item was later moved, seconded, and passed with staff recommendations following the discussion on farmworker wages.
- Item A20 (Grand Jury Report Response): The Board discussed a response to the 2023–2024 Grand Jury report on homeless encampments. While a full discussion was scheduled for a future meeting, the Board acknowledged the Grand Jury's work and ongoing county efforts. No vote was taken during this segment; the item was later moved, seconded, and passed with staff recommendations following the discussion on farmworker wages.
- Item A37 (Farm Worker Living Wage Advisory Committee): The Board discussed the creation of a temporary ad hoc advisory committee regarding farm worker living wages. Twelve requests for public comment were received.
Agenda Item: Farmworker Wages and Ad Hoc Committee Formation
- The Board debated the scope and necessity of an ad hoc committee regarding farmworker wages. Concerns were raised that focusing specifically on agriculture could signal a pathway toward a sector-specific minimum wage, potentially impacting business viability. Conversely, arguments were made that farmworkers face unique challenges requiring specific attention. Public comment was received from agricultural organizations opposing the proposal due to cost concerns and advocates supporting it to address poverty and housing issues.
- Supervisor Nelson suggested renaming the committee to broaden its scope beyond wages to include overall farmworker conditions. Supervisor Hartman agreed to this amendment. Supervisor Williams moved to create a temporary Ad Hoc Advisory Committee to work on an information item regarding farm worker conditions in Santa Barbara County, appointing Supervisors Doss Williams and Joan Hartman to the committee. The motion was amended to reflect the broader scope and seconded by Supervisor Hartman. The Board voted on the motion to establish the committee. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Sable Offshore Pipeline Litigation Settlement
- The Board received public comment regarding a settlement with Sable Offshore Corporation concerning litigation over a corroded pipeline that spilled in 2015. Speakers from environmental organizations argued that the County lacked jurisdiction over the pipeline's restart and requested a public hearing before finalizing any agreement, citing federal preemption issues. Supervisor Hartman recused herself from this matter due to a conflict of interest. No formal motion or vote was recorded regarding the settlement in this segment.
General Public Comment
- Public comment addressed the Sable Pipeline case, with speakers requesting a public hearing to reconsider the County's jurisdiction determination. Other comments included criticisms of recent board actions as partisan overreach, allegations of misconduct within Planning and Development and Building and Safety departments, requests for legislation regarding horse welfare standards in Buellton, and discussions on election integrity and wild horse sanctuaries.
Departmental Item 1: Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara – TEFRA Hearing for Patterson Point Apartments
- The Board held a required TEFRA hearing regarding tax-exempt multifamily housing revenue obligations for the Patterson Point Apartments project in unincorporated Eastern Goleta. Staff explained the necessity of the re-hearing due to time elapsed since the previous hearing and confirmed that the borrower, not the County, is liable for debt repayment. Discussion noted a budget increase from approximately $12 million to $23.7 million, with one Supervisor expressing concern regarding the cost per unit and stating an intention to vote against the hearing based on fiduciary concerns. Staff attributed cost increases to state funding deadlines and regional housing costs. No public comment was requested. A motion was made to approve staff recommendations (A, B, and C) and seconded. The motion passed.
Passed 4–1 · against: Nelson
Departmental Item 2: RCRC Strategic Plan Update
- This item was withdrawn from the agenda and continued to the October 1st meeting.
Departmental Item 3: Commission for Women Annual Report
- The Board received a presentation on the Commission for Women's annual report, which outlined initiatives including "Women Who Lead" events, sponsorship of local organizations, and efforts to rebrand and translate materials. Public comment was provided by former commissioners requesting assistance in distributing invitations for an upcoming leadership event. A motion was made to receive the report and approve recommendations A and B. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 4: Public Works Department – Encroachment Permit Fee Ordinance
- The Board considered an ordinance to update fees for encroachment permits, including a new $5,000 one-time fee for parklets utilizing parking areas. Discussion focused on whether the fee would apply retroactively; staff clarified it applies to both existing and future parklets to offset lost parking spaces. Concerns were raised regarding charging fees for residents who voluntarily improve public right-of-way areas. Staff agreed to review potential fee waivers in future updates. A motion was made to approve staff recommendations A through C and seconded. The measure passed unanimously.
Closed Session
- The Board recessed for a closed session to confer with labor negotiators regarding all bargaining units.
Departmental Item 5: Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Fourth Quarter Budget Status Report
- Budget Director Clemente presented the report, noting a general fund positive variance of over $10 million driven by higher interest income and other revenues, partially offset by lower property tax and cannabis tax collections. Specific departmental variances were detailed, including positive variances for Probation, Treasurer-Tax Collector, Public Works, and Auditor, and negative variances for CSD Parks and Long-Range Planning. The Sheriff's Department reported a turnaround from a projected deficit to a positive variance due to settlement funds and grants. Discussion addressed staffing vacancies (13% vacancy rate) and the cannabis tax shortfall. Supervisor Kaps moved to receive and file the report and make the CEQA determination (Actions A and B). The motion was seconded by Supervisor Hartman. The measure passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 6: Response to 2023-2024 Grand Jury Report on Deaths in Custody
- Staff presented a response to the Grand Jury report regarding six in-custody deaths, covering findings on healthcare monitoring, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) expansion, early representation programs, and monitoring of at-risk persons. Discussion addressed staffing levels, communication protocols between booking officers and medical staff, and the utilization of Crisis Stabilization Units. The Public Defender provided an update on the REDI pilot program. A motion was made to consider recommended actions A through C and seconded. The measure passed unanimously.
Motion Regarding CSU Sobering Center Utilization Report
- Following public comment on jail safety and communication protocols, Supervisor Hartman requested a future report on the utilization of the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) sobering center over the next 36 months. Supervisor Lavinino moved to include this request in the motion along with staff recommendations for items A through C. The motion was seconded. All members present voted in favor, and the motion passed.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned and scheduled to reconvene on September 17th in Santa Maria.