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Board of Supervisors — 2024-12-17

Board of Supervisors — 2024-12-17December 17, 2024

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BodyBoard of Supervisors
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 December 17, 2024

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Meeting Summary

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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

Resolution Honoring John Lansing Duncan

  • The Board adopted a resolution recognizing Mr. Duncan's retirement and over a decade of service to the Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission.
  • Mr. Duncan addressed budget constraints and fee structures before receiving unanimous support from the Board.

Resolution Honoring Wendy Sims-Moten

  • A resolution was passed unanimously to honor Ms. Sims-Moten's eight years of leadership on the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board.
  • Supervisors commended her initiatives focused on education equity and children's care during her remarks.

Resolution Honoring Supervisor Doss Williams

  • The Board unanimously adopted a resolution celebrating Supervisor Williams' more than 20 years of public service across multiple policy areas.
  • A video presentation and remarks from colleagues highlighted his work on clean energy, homelessness, and disaster recovery.

Certification of Election Results

  • The Clerk Recorder Assessor presented recommendations to certify the November 5, 2024, general election results.
  • Despite public comments alleging fraud, the Board voted to approve the certification of the election outcomes.

Rincon Consultants Agreement Amendment

  • The Community Services Department recommended a fifth amendment to expand climate action planning services with Rincon Consultants Inc.
  • Supervisor Nelson opposed the budget expansion and requested a roll call vote before the item passed 4 to 1.
No decision 2–0

Budget Revision Requests

  • The County Executive Office sought approval for four budget revisions, including reallocating $3.7 million from a UCSB settlement.
  • The Board unanimously approved the revisions to direct funds toward community use in Isla Vista.

Farmworker Housing Zoning Amendments

  • Supervisors Williams and Hartman proposed zoning amendments to create ministerial options for permanent farmworker multifamily housing.
  • Public commenters supported the housing initiative while emphasizing the need for dignified wages and medical access.

Goleta Union School District Expanded Learning Programs Pilot

  • The Board approved a $145,000 contribution to fund a universal aftercare pilot program for Transitional Kindergarten through third grade.
  • Supervisors supported the initiative as a productive use of discretionary funds to assist working families.

Sheriff-Coroner's Office Annual Truth Act Report

  • The Sheriff presented data showing an increase in ICE requests and rearrests, prompting discussion on due process and community trust.
  • Public commenters expressed concerns over family separation and the chilling effect of enforcement actions on local communities.

Sheriff's Cooperation with ICE and Related Data Report

  • The Board received a report on voluntary cooperation with ICE and discussed statistical crime rates among undocumented individuals.
  • A unanimous motion directed the Sheriff to return to the Board if circumstances change regarding these protocols.

Proposed Santa Barbara County Wine Improvement District (SBCWID)

  • Staff and the Vintners Association proposed a special assessment district funded by a 1% levy on direct-to-consumer wine sales.
  • The Board unanimously adopted a resolution of intent to form the district, pending city consent and future public hearings.

Closed Session

  • The Board discussed litigation matters involving Lori Corson, Yana Zimmer, and American Medical Response West.
  • Real property negotiations regarding 17100 Cali Mariposa Arena in Gaviota were also addressed during the closed session.

Full summary

Meeting Call to Order and Administrative Procedures

  • The December 17, 2024, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order with a roll call confirming the presence of all members. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the December 10, 2024, regular meeting; the motion passed unanimously.
  • The County Executive Officer reported on the Public Defender's Sleeping Bag Drive, which distributed over 200 sleeping bags and other items to individuals experiencing homelessness, supported by community donations exceeding $2,800. The report also noted holiday office closures from December 25, 2024, through January 1, 2025.
  • The Clerk announced administrative updates, including a summary of recommended salary increases for various county executives (Item 26) and an addendum adding Item 54 regarding contributions to the Goleta Union School District and Harding School Foundation. The closed session agenda was amended to include litigation regarding American Medical Response West v. County of Santa Barbara.
  • Regarding the bulk approval of the administrative agenda, specific items (A1, A3, A14, A18, A21, A48, and A54) were pulled for separate consideration. A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the administrative agenda excluding these items; the motion passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 1: Resolution Honoring John Lansing Duncan

  • A resolution was presented to honor John Lansing Duncan upon his retirement from the Santa Barbara County Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission (HLAC), recognizing his service since 2011 and advocacy for historic resources. Mr. Duncan addressed the board, thanking members and raising concerns regarding HLAC's budget constraints and "full cost recovery" fees. Former Supervisor Gail Marshall and current Supervisors Hartman and Williams offered remarks supporting his service. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution; the item passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 2: Resolution Honoring Wendy Sims-Moten

  • A resolution was presented to honor Wendy Sims-Moten upon her retirement from the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Trustees, recognizing her eight years of service and initiatives in education and equity. Ms. Sims-Moten addressed the board regarding the importance of children's care and education. Supervisors Capps, Hartman, Williams, and Nelson offered remarks on her leadership. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution; the item passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 3: Resolution Honoring Supervisor Doss Williams

  • A resolution was presented to honor Supervisor Doss Williams for over 20 years of public service, highlighting his work on clean energy, public safety, homelessness, tenant rights, and disaster recovery. A video presentation summarized his career achievements. Public commenters and a Congressional Certificate presenter spoke in support of his service. Supervisors Nelson, Hartman, Capps, and Chair Lavagnino offered remarks, followed by a response from Supervisor Williams. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution; the item passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 14: Certification of Election Results

  • The Clerk Recorder Assessor Elections Department presented recommendations to certify the results of the November 5, 2024, presidential general election. Public commenters representing "New California State" urged the board not to certify the results, alleging fraud and legal contradictions regarding voting machines and voter rolls. A motion was made and seconded to approve the certification of the election results; the item passed.

Administrative Item 18: Rincon Consultants Agreement Amendment

  • The Community Services Department presented a recommendation for the fifth amendment to the agreement with Rincon Consultants Inc. for climate action planning services. Supervisor Nelson stated opposition to the budget expansion and requested a roll call vote. A motion was made and seconded to approve the amendment; the item passed 4 to 1.

Administrative Item 21: Budget Revision Requests

  • The County Executive Office presented a request to approve four budget revision numbers, requiring a four-fifths vote. Supervisor Capps noted the item moved $3.7 million from a UCSB settlement into county coffers for community use in Isla Vista. A motion was made and seconded to approve the budget revisions; the item passed unanimously.

Administrative Item 48: Farmworker Housing Zoning Amendments

  • Supervisors Williams and Hartman presented recommendations to amend zoning ordinances to create ministerial options for permanent farmworker multifamily housing. Public commenters representing growers, farmworkers, and organizers expressed support for addressing housing needs while emphasizing the necessity of dignified wages, medical access, and transportation. The transcript concludes during public comment on this item; no motion or vote outcome is recorded in the provided text.

Administrative Item 54: Goleta Union School District Expanded Learning Programs Pilot

  • The item proposed a $145,000 contribution to the Goleta Union School District for a universal aftercare pilot program targeting Transitional Kindergarten through third grade. A school district representative explained the funding would expand care at La Patera School and extend hours to support working families. Supervisor Williams emphasized creating an "opt-out" enrollment mechanism. Other supervisors expressed support for the initiative as a productive use of discretionary funds. A motion was made and seconded to approve the contribution; the item passed unanimously.

General Public Comment

  • The Clerk reported one request for general public comment via Zoom, but the speaker did not join the meeting. Consequently, no comments were received, and the segment was closed.

Departmental Agenda Item 1: Sheriff-Coroner's Office Annual Truth Act Report

  • The Sheriff-Coroner's Office presented its annual report on compliance with AB 4, AB 2792, and SB 54. Sergeant Jeff Kohler detailed legal requirements regarding ICE notifications and community forums. The report noted an increase in ICE requests from 101 in 2022 to 141 in 2023, with five individuals rearrested by ICE in 2023. Board members questioned the nature of charges leading to notifications and discussed due process concerns. The Public Defender's Office confirmed receiving simultaneous notifications and noted an increase in transfers. Supervisors discussed the "Ventura model" for early notification protocols. Eighteen members of the public spoke, highlighting concerns regarding family separation, due process violations, and the chilling effect on community trust. No formal motion was moved or seconded during this segment; the Board acknowledged the report and testimony without taking a vote in this portion of the meeting.

Agenda Item 1: Sheriff's Cooperation with ICE and Related Data Report

  • Public comment continued regarding the Sheriff's voluntary cooperation with ICE. Speakers expressed divergent views, with some arguing for legal requirements to report federal crimes and others urging an end to voluntary cooperation due to due process concerns and community trust issues. Specific anecdotes were shared regarding transfers after court-ordered service completion. The Sheriff defended the online custody list as a tool for victims and families. Board members discussed statistical crime rates among undocumented individuals and expressed concern over the increase in ICE notifications and transfers. A motion was made to receive the report and direct the Sheriff to return to the Board if circumstances change, including staff recommendations A and B. The motion was seconded; the vote passed unanimously.
  • Following this item, the Board entered a closed session to discuss litigation matters (County of Santa Barbara v. Lori Corson, Yana Zimmer v. County, and American Medical Response West v. County) and real property negotiations regarding 17100 Cali Mariposa Arena in Gaviota. Upon reconvening, the Board reported that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.

Agenda Item 2: Proposed Santa Barbara County Wine Improvement District (SBCWID)

  • The Board held a hearing on recommendations to form a Santa Barbara County Wine Improvement District (WID). Staff and the Santa Barbara Vintners Association presented a proposal for a special assessment district funded by a 1% levy on direct-to-consumer wine sales to support marketing and brand awareness. Public comment was received from six speakers; supporters argued the WID is essential for economic survival against competing regions, while opponents raised concerns regarding mandatory assessments and First Amendment issues. Board members questioned indemnification structures, the scope of the assessment, and the timeline for formation. The Vintners Association confirmed they would indemnify the county. A motion was made to adopt the resolution of intent to form the SBCWID, request consent from all eight cities, set a public meeting for January 14, 2025, and set a final hearing for February 11, 2025. The motion was seconded; the vote passed unanimously.

Adjournment

  • The meeting was adjourned until January 7, 2025.