Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Lee, 3-Hartmann, 4-Nelson, 5-Lavagnino, 2-Capps
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
Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
- Supervisor Laura Capps was unanimously elected as the 2025 Board Chair.
- Supervisor Bob Nelson was unanimously elected as the 2025 Board Vice-Chair.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
LGBTQ+ Community Resolution
- The board adopted a resolution affirming commitment to LGBTQ+ safety and inclusion.
- Public comment included support from community organizations and one opposition regarding state laws.
Homeland Security Grant Program Authorization
- Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2024 HSGP authorization were approved via voice vote.
- Public discussion addressed wildfire protection plans and wireless infrastructure risks.
Sheriff's Canine Donation Acceptance
- The board considered accepting $55,668 in donations for two new canine teams and equipment.
- Representatives from the Sheriff's Benevolent Posse detailed their fundraising mission.
Board, Commission, and Committee Appointments
- The board approved 2025 appointments to various boards, commissions, and committees.
- Specific adjustments included transitioning members to full roles on LAFCO and the Library Advisory Committee.
Cold Spring Canyon Bridge Historic Designation
- The bridge was designated a county historic landmark due to its engineering and architectural significance.
- Staff confirmed the designation would not inhibit necessary maintenance or emergency work.
No decision 0–0
Behavioral Wellness Crisis Services Update
- Data presented showed increased admissions at the Crisis Stabilization Unit and Credo 47 Sobering Center.
- The board received an update on plans for a permanent sobering center with increased capacity.
2025 Legislative Platform Adoption
- The board adopted the 2025 legislative platform with amendments regarding workforce housing definitions.
- New issues added included Community Disaster Recovery Reform and Stafford Act revisions.
Five-Year Forecast and Budget Policies
- The five-year forecast indicated potential deficits in four of the next five years with depleting reserves.
- The board adopted budget development policies prioritizing balanced programs and housing permitting streamlining.
Closed Session
- The board discussed existing litigation involving American Medical Response West and Peterson.
- No reportable action was taken on these matters during the closed session.
Full summary
Installation Ceremony and Board Convening
- The meeting commenced with the installation of officials elected in 2024 and the convening of the 2025 Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. The ceremony included a presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence for President James Earl Carter Jr., and an invocation. County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato introduced the supervisors: Roy Lee (1st District), Laura Capps (2nd District), Joan Hartman (3rd District), Bob Nelson (4th District), and Steve Lavinino (5th District). All members took the oath of office.
Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
- Nominations were called for the 2025 leadership positions. Supervisor Bob Nelson moved to nominate Laura Capps as Chair; the motion was seconded by Supervisor Joan Hartman. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously. Subsequently, Supervisor Laura Capps moved to nominate Supervisor Bob Nelson as Vice-Chair; the motion was seconded by Supervisor Joan Hartman. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Remarks and Presentations
- Outgoing Chair Steve Lavinino delivered remarks before passing the gavel to Chair Capps. Incoming Chair Capps invited remarks from the supervisors. Supervisor Nelson addressed fiscal responsibility, infrastructure, public safety, homelessness, and affordable housing. Supervisor Hartman discussed emergency response capabilities and board collaboration. Supervisor Lee outlined priorities including cannabis policy reform, affordable housing, economic development, and quality of life. Chair Capps emphasized workforce housing and good governance. The program concluded with a poetry reading, a musical performance, and a keynote address by Gwen Lurie.
Regular Meeting Proceedings and Approval of Minutes
- Chair Capps called the January 7, 2025, meeting to order. A quorum was confirmed. Supervisor Bob Nelson moved to approve the minutes from the December 17, 2024, meeting; the motion was seconded by Supervisor Roy Lee. The vote resulted in one abstention and the remaining members voting in favor. The motion passed.
CEO Report and Agenda Announcements
- The County Executive Officer reported there was no CEO report for this meeting. The Clerk announced that Administrative Item 10 (paralegal position recommendations) had been withdrawn at the department's request and would be added to the balance of the administrative agenda. Instructions regarding public participation were provided.
Administrative Agenda Approval
- A motion was made to approve the administrative agenda, excluding Item 113 and the withdrawn Administrative Item 10. The motion was seconded. A voice vote was held, and the motion passed.
Administrative Item 1: Resolution in Support of the LGBTQ+ Community
- Sponsored by Supervisors Capps and Lee, this item sought to adopt a resolution affirming the county's commitment to the safety and inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals and condemning discriminatory language. Public comment was received from various community organizations in support and one member of the public in opposition regarding state laws and school discussions. A motion was made to approve Administrative Item 1 (combined with Item 13); the motion was seconded. A voice vote was held, and the motion passed.
Administrative Item 2: Employee of the Month Commendation
- Sponsored by Supervisor Capps, this item sought to commend Kelsey Gerkens-Petita as the January 2025 Employee of the Month for contributions to county communications. The resolution was read, and the award was presented. The item was adopted by consensus during the presentation; no formal vote was recorded.
Administrative Item 13: Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)
- This item considered recommendations regarding Fiscal Year 2024 HSGP authorization, requiring a four-fifths vote. Public comment was received regarding wildfire protection plans and risks associated with wireless infrastructure. The item was combined with Administrative Item 1 for voting purposes. As noted above, the motion to approve both items passed via voice vote.
Administrative Item 21: Sheriff's Canine Donation
- Sponsored by the Sheriff-Coroner's Office, this item considered accepting donations totaling $55,668 for two new canine teams and equipment. The Sheriff presented the teams and their training capabilities. Representatives from the Sheriff's Benevolent Posse spoke regarding their fundraising mission. No formal motion or vote was recorded in this segment; the item was discussed as part of the agenda review.
General Public Comment
- Fourteen members of the public addressed the board on topics not listed on the agenda, including:
- Wireless Ordinance and SB 9: Requests to separate Senate Bill 9 from telecommunications ordinance amendments due to concerns regarding fire risks, property values, environmental review exemptions, and radiation.
- Space Industry Partnership: Calls to withdraw from a Memorandum of Understanding with Vandenberg Space Force Base and the REACH organization due to concerns over sonic booms, toxic chemical releases, and economic concentration.
- Immigration and Federal Law Enforcement: Comments urging non-obstruction of federal law enforcement regarding human trafficking and illegal re-entry, alongside advocacy for maintaining sanctuary county status.
- Senior Housing: Acknowledgment of the board's response to requests regarding a moratorium on converting senior mobile home parks.
Departmental Item 1: Board, Commission, and Committee Appointments
- The board conducted a hearing to consider recommendations for 2025 appointments to various boards, commissions, and committees. Discussions involved reviewing current assignments, filling vacancies, and transitioning members from alternate to full membership positions. Specific adjustments included Supervisor Nelson moving to a full membership role on LAFCO, Supervisor Lee being assigned to the Library Advisory Committee and Juvenile Justice Coordination Council, and various swaps regarding the Area Agency on Aging and Kids Policy Network assignments. A motion was made to adopt the appointments listed as items A through AA; the motion was seconded. The vote resulted in the motion carrying.
Departmental Item 2: Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission Designation of Cold Spring Canyon Bridge
- The Planning and Development Department presented a hearing regarding the recommendation to designate the Cold Spring Canyon Bridge as a county historic landmark. Staff reported the bridge met eligibility requirements due to engineering significance and architectural design. Public comment was received regarding potential impacts on neighboring properties and the nomination process. Board members inquired about the impact of the designation on future repairs and emergency work, specifically regarding a temporary suicide barrier. Staff clarified that the resolution would not inhibit necessary maintenance. A motion was made to approve the designation with recommended modifications (Option B); the motion was seconded. The vote resulted in the motion carrying.
No decision 0–0
Departmental Item 3: Behavioral Wellness Crisis Stabilization Services and Sobering Center Update
- The Behavioral Wellness Department presented an update on the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) and the Credo 47 Sobering Center. Data showed increased admissions at both facilities since reopening or operation commencement. Staff outlined efforts to increase law enforcement utilization and discussed plans for a permanent sobering center with increased capacity. Board members asked questions regarding staffing, coordination, and future capacity needs. A motion was made to receive the presentation; the motion was seconded. The vote resulted in the motion carrying.
Departmental Item 4: Federal and State Legislative Advocacy Report and 2025 Platform
- The County Executive Office presented the 2024 annual report on legislative advocacy and proposed the 2025 legislative platform. Presenters reviewed federal accomplishments, noted delays due to divided government, and outlined priorities for 2025, including tax cuts, spending reductions, and immigration enforcement under the incoming administration. Key pending projects included the Oasis Senior Center and Lompoc Animal Shelter. The presentation detailed the development of the 2025 Legislative Platform, which was streamlined by the Legislative Program Committee. Public comment resulted in proposed amendments to broaden the definition of workforce housing and oppose reductions in inclusionary affordable housing requirements, as well as new issues regarding Community Disaster Recovery Reform and Stafford Act revisions. Board members discussed the county's ranking on FEMA's National Risk Index for agricultural losses. A motion was made to receive and file the annual report, adopt the 2025 Legislative Platform with proposed redline changes, and find that the actions do not constitute a project under CEQA; the motion was seconded. The vote resulted in the motion carrying.
Agenda Item 5: Five-Year Forecast and Budget Development Policies
- The Budget Director presented the General Fund five-year forecast and proposed budget development policies for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The forecast indicated potential deficits in four of the next five years, with reserves projected to be depleted within one to two years. Revenue projections showed slowing growth driven by property tax. Significant cost drivers identified included jail medical services, Northern Branch Jail operations, expiring state grants, and staffing gaps. Proposed policies included requiring balanced programs for General Fund contributions and refining accountability measures regarding one-time funds. Funding priorities were outlined, including housing permitting streamlining. Board discussion focused on the forecast's implications for service levels and the distinction between one-time and ongoing funding. A motion was made to approve staff recommendations A through D: receive and file the five-year forecast, adopt the 2025-26 budget development policies, review funding priorities, and adopt the focused priority area for housing permitting streamlining; the motion was seconded. The vote resulted in the motion carrying.
Closed Session
- The board entered a closed session to discuss two items of existing litigation: American Medical Response West v. County and Peterson v. County. Following the discussion, the board reported that no reportable action was taken on these matters.
Adjournment
- Following the conclusion of the closed session report, the meeting was adjourned.