Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Nelson, Williams, 2-Capps, 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
Santa Maria Riverbed Encampment Resolution
- Staff reported a multi-agency effort that housed 100 individuals and removed 150 tons of debris.
- Supervisors acknowledged the county's financial investment and the role of Hope Village in providing housing.
- Supervisor Hartman requested similar encampment resolution efforts for the Santa Ynez River in Lompoc.
Toys for Tots Drive Sponsorship
- The Board discussed sponsoring the Unity Shop and Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive through December 18.
- Collection bins were confirmed at county facilities, and several supervisors presented donated toys.
Employee of the Month Resolution
- A resolution was adopted to honor Monica Gagliardini of Child Support Services for her 25 years of service.
- Ms. Gagliardini received recognition alongside Department Director Meta Richardson and Supervisor Josie Felix.
Junior League Centennial Resolution
- The Board adopted a resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Junior League of Santa Barbara.
- The organization's President highlighted their work with at-risk youth and a new $100,000 grant initiative.
Impaired Driving Prevention Month Resolution
- December 2024 was proclaimed as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month in Santa Barbara County.
- Speakers from the District Attorney's office and MADD discussed statistics on alcohol-related crashes.
Support for Immigrants and Migrants Resolution
- A resolution was adopted affirming the county's commitment to safety and equal access regardless of immigration status.
- Representatives from the Immigrant Legal Defense Center and Santa Barbara City College spoke in support of the measure.
SURF 3 Encampment Strategy Update
- Staff reported that 173 individuals were enrolled in the program, with 48 successfully housed over five months.
- Supervisors directed staff to explore compensation models for property owners donating safe parking locations.
- The Board agreed to revisit site expansion and compensation recommendations at the January meeting.
Countywide Microsoft Licensing Agreement
- Supervisor Hartman highlighted cost savings achieved by consolidating IT licensing under a countywide contract.
- Discussion noted that the Sheriff's Department maintains a separate agreement but future integration is possible.
Farmworker Conditions Report
- A verbal report summarized findings from a forum on agricultural labor, highlighting issues with wages and housing.
- Public comment revealed a divide between growers opposing wage increases and advocates supporting a living wage ordinance.
- Supervisors identified housing as a primary intervention area and planned to tour successful projects in Ventura County.
Juvenile Ordinance Repeal
- The Board approved an ordinance to repeal codes related to Los Prietos Boys Camp and Counseling Education Centers.
- These facilities have been non-operational since 2010, necessitating the removal of outdated regulations.
SB 35 Coastal Zone Ordinance Amendment
- An ordinance was adopted to align coastal zone codes with state law by establishing a Qualifying Housing Streamline Review.
- The amendment exempts qualifying affordable housing projects from CEQA and subjects them to ministerial review.
No decision 0–0
Speed Limit Amendments
- The Board approved an ordinance reducing speed limits on specific roadways based on engineering surveys and safety laws.
- Changes include lowering school zone speeds at Los Olivos Elementary and reclassifying San Marcos Road as residential.
Montecito Flood Control Master Plan
- Staff presented Phase One of the plan, which targets a 100-year flood standard through creek widening and bridge upgrades.
- The Board unanimously adopted recommendations to proceed with the plan despite current funding gaps.
- Public comment urged against hardening creeks with concrete and advocated for a technical review team.
Closed Session
- The Board discussed two existing litigation matters involving Rosser International and SJM Amoroso Construction Company.
- Labor negotiators conferred regarding unrepresented employees, managers, and executives.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The December 3, 2024, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair LaVanina. A roll call confirmed the presence of all supervisors, followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the November 5, 2024, regular meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
CEO's Report: Santa Maria Riverbed Encampment Resolution
- Assistant CEO Wade Horton presented an update on the resolution of encampments in the Santa Maria Riverbed. The report detailed a multi-agency effort resulting in case management and housing support for 100 individuals, the removal of 150 tons of debris, and the rescue or treatment of numerous animals. Supervisors acknowledged the leadership involved, noted the county's financial investment despite jurisdictional boundaries, and highlighted the role of Hope Village in providing housing options. Supervisor Hartman called for similar efforts regarding the Santa Ynez River in Lompoc. No formal motion was taken on this report.
CEO's Report: Toys for Tots Drive
- The Board discussed the county's sponsorship of the Unity Shop and Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive, with collection bins located at county facilities through December 18. Several supervisors presented toys donated to the drive. No formal motion was taken.
Clerk's Announcements
- The Clerk announced several agenda changes: Administrative Item 8 (AB 1600 mitigation fee annual report) was continued to the December 17, 2024, meeting; Administrative Item 27 (Iron Mountain document shredding agreement) was withdrawn by the General Services Department; and a correction was noted for Administrative Item 50 regarding the Santa Maria River Realignment Project, authorizing an increase of $40,000 to the contingency amount, bringing the total to $67,000. Information regarding Zoom registration for public comment was also provided.
Administrative Agenda Approval
- Supervisors Hartman, Nelson, and Williams requested to pull specific items (A17, 831, and 58) from the administrative agenda for separate discussion. A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the administrative agenda, excluding Items A17, 831, and 58, and incorporating the continuance of Item 8 and withdrawal of Item 27. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 1: Employee of the Month Resolution
- A resolution was adopted to honor Monica Gagliardini of Child Support Services as the December 2024 Employee of the Month, recognizing her 25 years of service and leadership. Ms. Gagliardini, Department Director Meta Richardson, and Supervisor Josie Felix were present to receive the recognition.
Administrative Item 2: Junior League of Santa Barbara Centennial Resolution
- A resolution was adopted commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Junior League of Santa Barbara (JLSB), recognizing its commitment to women's leadership and community service. Jenny Elise Ramirez, President of JLSB, appeared via Zoom to discuss the organization's history, work with at-risk youth, and a $100,000 grant initiative for local nonprofits.
Administrative Item 3: National Impaired Driving Prevention Month Resolution
- A resolution was adopted proclaiming December 2024 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month in Santa Barbara County. The resolution cited statistics on alcohol-related crashes and recognized the efforts of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). District Attorney John Savarnak and MADD representative Victoria Plascencia spoke regarding the dangers of impaired driving.
Administrative Item 4: Resolution in Support of Immigrants and Migrants
- A resolution was adopted expressing support for immigrants and migrants in Santa Barbara County, affirming the county's commitment to safety, compassion, and equal access to services regardless of immigration status. Maria Salguero of the Immigrant Legal Defense Center and Leslie Marin-Juarez of the Santa Barbara City College Dream Center spoke in support of the resolution.
Administrative Item 17: California Encampment Resolution Funding (SURF 3) Update
- Supervisor Williams pulled this item for discussion regarding a five-month performance update on the SURF 3 strategy. Staff reported that 173 individuals had been enrolled and 48 housed. Discussion focused on the challenge of securing safe parking locations, which are currently donated without compensation. Supervisors Williams and Hartman directed staff to explore mechanisms for compensating property owners to expand capacity. Supervisor Nelson noted the lack of a safe parking lot in Santa Maria and suggested linking this issue with broader encampment strategy discussions scheduled for January. Staff agreed to return in January with recommendations regarding site expansion and potential compensation models. No formal motion was taken on this update.
Administrative Item 31: Countywide Microsoft Licensing Agreement
- Supervisor Hartman pulled this item to highlight the cost savings achieved by consolidating IT licensing agreements under a countywide contract. It was noted that the Sheriff's Department maintains a separate agreement (Item A56) but future integration was discussed. The IT Director addressed questions regarding the agreement structure. No formal motion was taken on this discussion.
Administrative Item 58: Verbal Report on Farmworker Conditions
- Sponsored by Supervisors Williams and Hartman, this item presented a verbal report following a November 12 forum on farmworker conditions. The report covered agricultural labor history, worker compensation, and issues including health, safety, housing, and upward mobility. Key concerns raised included high inflation, rising housing costs, overcrowding, wage theft, and the physical demands of the work. Supervisors noted that while minimum wages are insufficient for basic needs, growers face challenges such as high production costs and labor shortages. Housing was identified as a primary area for intervention, with proposals to prioritize farmworker housing on the long-range work plan, tour successful projects in Ventura County, and explore educational partnerships.
- Public comment was received from 24 members of the public. Speakers representing growers and agricultural businesses generally opposed a local minimum wage increase to $26 per hour, citing sustainability concerns, potential job losses, and competitive market pressures. They expressed support for addressing housing shortages as a more viable solution. Conversely, speakers representing farmworkers and community organizations advocated for a living wage ordinance, arguing that current wages are insufficient and that housing alone does not address the immediate root cause of inadequate compensation.
- No formal motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon during this segment. The item was informational, intended to inform the Board and public about the findings of the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee. Supervisors Hartman and Williams indicated their intent to bring future recommendations regarding farmworker housing to the Board for consideration at a subsequent hearing.
Administrative Item 58 (Sustainable Farming) and Item 1731
- Public comment was received regarding sustainable farming practices in North County, specifically concerning mobile heating units impacting nearby residents. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation for Item 58 (and Item 1731). The motion was seconded. Staff clarified that Item 58 was a "receive and file" action with no immediate decision required, though it included a recommendation to return to discuss housing on a future date. The Board voted in favor of moving forward with the items. The motion passed unanimously.
General Public Comment
- Two speakers addressed the Board. The first discussed concerns regarding federal audits of county benefit programs and alleged staff complicity in providing benefits to ineligible individuals. The second addressed crime and immigration, urging a distinction between honest immigrants and known offenders.
Departmental Item 1: Probation Department (Juvenile Ordinance Repeal)
- The Probation Department presented a first reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 20 of the Santa Barbara County Code to repeal ordinances related to Los Prietos Boys Camp and Counseling Education Centers, which have not been operational since 2010. A motion was made to approve items A, B, and C (the ordinance repeal). The motion was seconded. The Board voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 2: Planning and Development Department (SB 35 Coastal Zone Ordinance)
- The Planning and Development Department presented an ordinance package to align the county's coastal zone code with state law, specifically SB 35. This amendment establishes a "Qualifying Housing Streamline Review" process for multi-unit or mixed-use projects in specific coastal areas meeting affordability requirements (currently 50% affordable units). Qualifying projects are exempt from CEQA and subject to ministerial review. Board members discussed tracking progress on housing element implementation items and requested periodic reporting. Clarification was provided that the streamlined process applies only to residentially zoned areas, excluding agricultural zones. A motion was made to approve items A through E (the ordinance amendment and related actions). The motion was seconded. The Board voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously.
No decision 0–0
Departmental Item 3: Public Works Department (Speed Limit Amendments)
- The Public Works Department presented an ordinance to amend speed limits across the county based on engineering traffic surveys, the "Safety Corridor" law, and AB 43 provisions. The proposal includes establishing safety corridors with a 5 mph reduction on roadways with high rates of serious injuries and fatalities in Districts 1 through 4. Specific changes include lowering the school zone speed limit at Los Olivos Elementary from 25 mph to 15 mph, reclassifying San Marcos Road as a residential district (lowering the limit from 35 mph to 25 mph), reducing Modoc Road to 40 mph, and lowering San Miguelito Road to 45 mph. Board members inquired about criteria for school zone reductions and the timeline for implementation, which requires a 30-day waiting period after final approval. Public comment was received expressing support for the safety improvements. A motion was made to approve the ordinance. The motion was seconded. The Board voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously.
Closed Session
- The Board convened in closed session to discuss two existing litigation matters (County of Santa Barbara v. Rosser International and SJM Amoroso Construction Company v. County) and to confer with labor negotiators regarding unrepresented employees, managers, and executives. No reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Departmental Item 4: Flood Control and Water Conservation District (Montecito Flood Control Master Plan)
- The Flood Control District presented the Montecito Flood Control Master Plan Phase One. Staff outlined the history of flooding following the Thomas Fire debris flows and subsequent events. The plan aims to manage flood conveyance and debris capture, targeting a 100-year flood event standard. Preferred alternatives include widening approximately six miles of creeks to mimic natural conditions, replacing or upsizing 48 bridges and culverts, and identifying nine potential new or expanded debris basin locations. The plan is currently unfunded; implementation will require grants, assessment districts, or bond measures. Phase Two involves detailed engineering and environmental documentation, estimated to take two to five years, with construction spanning several decades. Board members discussed integrating groundwater recharge basins and the use of technology for monitoring. The item served as an informational update; no vote was taken at this time.
Public Comment on Montecito Flood Control Master Plan
- A representative from Santa Barbara Channel Keeper addressed the Board regarding the Montecito Flood Control Master Plan. The speaker argued against hardening creeks with concrete, citing environmental costs and the need to restore natural systems. Concerns were raised that the approach was developed without early consultation with regulatory agencies. The speaker advocated for the formation of a technical review team comprising permitting agencies, community members, and subject matter experts to collaborate with the county throughout the planning process.
Recommended Actions (Items A through D)
- The Board considered recommended actions labeled A through D regarding the Montecito Flood Control Master Plan. Supervisor Williams moved to adopt the recommendations. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Hartman. Upon calling for a vote, all members present voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment and Memorial Tribute
- Prior to adjourning, the Chair offered a tribute to Willie Galvan, a community leader and U.S. Army veteran who had recently passed away. The meeting was adjourned in his memory, with the next meeting scheduled for December 10 in Santa Barbara.