Meeting Summary
Present: 5-Lavagnino, 1-Lee, 3-Hartmann, 4-Nelson, Kaps
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
Employee and Commemorative Resolutions
- The Board adopted resolutions honoring two Community Services employees for HMIS software upgrades.
- A resolution proclaiming International Women's Day was passed following remarks from Girls Inc.
- The Public Health Department's 100th anniversary was commemorated with an adopted resolution.
Compensation Ordinance Amendments
- The Board considered amendments to the compensation ordinance for elected officials after public comment.
- A motion to proceed with a roll call vote on the item was made and passed.
Passed 3–1 · against: Nelson
Ambulance Services Provider Agreement
- Staff recommendations regarding an exclusive agreement with American Medical Response West were reviewed.
- The Board adopted the staff recommendation via a roll call vote.
Passed 3–2 · against: Lee, Nelson
PetSmart Charities Grant
- The Board considered accepting a $25,000 grant award for Animal Services requiring a four-fifths vote.
- Following supportive remarks, the motion to approve the grant was passed.
Arroyo Hondo Bridge Historic Designation
- Staff and Caltrans confirmed the bridge meets eligibility requirements with no opposition from the owner.
- Discussion addressed maintenance responsibilities, structural integrity, and public access concerns.
- The Board approved the designation with a modification to the legal description regarding the mile marker.
Hot Springs Trailhead Enforcement
- A pilot program was proposed to increase Sheriff's overtime enforcement during high fire risk days.
- Discussion covered wildfire risks, illegal watershed modifications, and parking congestion issues.
- The Board unanimously passed a resolution directing staff to coordinate enforcement and develop a management plan.
Roadside and Sidewalk Vending Task Force
- Staff presented data on public health hazards and the limitations of current enforcement tools for unpermitted vendors.
- The District Attorney expressed willingness to participate in a task force despite civil suit challenges.
- A six-month task force anchored in the CEO's office was established using existing resources.
Countywide Renewable Energy Development Project
- Staff recommended Power Purchase Agreements over direct ownership to meet April 2026 interconnection deadlines.
- Concerns regarding the Downtown Campus site and future housing development were addressed by staff.
- The Board approved staff recommendations for all proposed solar projects while noting battery storage needs further study.
Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Amendments
- Staff proposed extending affordability terms to 90 years and applying requirements to 100% rental developments.
- Discussion focused on financial feasibility, state law compliance, and potential impacts on North County development.
- The Board passed the amendments following a roll call vote after reviewing residual land value analysis.
Passed 4–1 · against: Nelson
Second Quarter Budget Status Report
- The General Fund is projected to end the fiscal year with a $12 million positive variance due to higher tax revenues.
- Specific shortfalls were noted in Cannabis Tax, Parks Division projects, and Sheriff's Department overtime costs.
- Supervisors discussed the discrepancy between an 11% vacancy rate and the overall budget surplus before filing the report.
Board Letter Items
- The Board moved to approve Items A and B contained in the board letter.
- The motion was seconded and carried upon voting.
Closed Session
- No closed session report was included in this meeting summary.
Full summary
Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The March 4, 2025, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair Kaps. Following roll call and the pledge of allegiance, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the February 25 meeting; the motion passed. The CEO reported no updates for the morning session. Regarding the Administrative Agenda, items A-10, A-11, and A-12 were pulled for separate discussion. A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the administrative agenda excluding those three items; the motion passed.
Resolutions
- Employees of the Month: A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Kaps honored Javier Celedon and David Webster of the Community Services Department as March 2025 Employees of the Month for their work upgrading the Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) software. Following remarks from department representatives regarding the project's technical complexity and cost savings, the resolution was passed and adopted.
- International Women's Day: A resolution sponsored by Supervisors Kaps and Hartman proclaimed March 8, 2025, as International Women's Day in Santa Barbara County. After remarks from Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara regarding their advocacy work, the resolution was passed and adopted.
- Public Health Department Centennial: A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Kaps commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department. Following remarks from Dr. Mohamed Hammami regarding centennial celebrations and staff dedication, the resolution was passed and adopted.
Compensation Ordinance Amendments (Administrative Item 10)
- The Board considered amendments to the Compensation Ordinance and Resolution for elected officials. Public comment was received regarding the scope of raises and accountability. A motion was made and seconded to proceed with a roll call vote on the item; the motion passed.
Passed 3–1 · against: Nelson
Ambulance Services Provider Agreement (Administrative Item 11)
- The Board considered recommendations regarding an exclusive ambulance services provider agreement between the County and American Medical Response West (AMR). A request for a roll call vote was made. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the staff recommendation; the motion passed via roll call vote.
Passed 3–2 · against: Lee, Nelson
PetSmart Charities Grant (Administrative Item 12)
- The Board considered the acceptance of a $25,000 grant award from PetSmart Charities for Animal Services, which required a four-fifths vote. Following remarks expressing support for the donation, a motion was made and seconded to approve the item; the motion passed.
Historic Landmarks Designation: Arroyo Hondo Bridge (Departmental Item 1)
- A hearing was held regarding the Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission's (HLAC) designation of the Arroyo Hondo Bridge as a County Historic Landmark. Staff presented findings that the bridge meets eligibility requirements based on architectural significance and historical value. Caltrans, the property owner, expressed no opposition. Discussion focused on maintenance responsibilities, structural integrity, and public access. HLAC Chair Keith Kaufman Gray clarified processes for future repairs and plaque installation. A motion was made and seconded to approve the designation with a staff-recommended modification to the legal description regarding the mile marker; the motion passed.
Hot Springs Trailhead Enforcement (Departmental Item 2 / Agenda Item 2)
- The Board held a hearing regarding enforcement at the Hot Springs Trailhead on red flag warning days through 2025, requiring a four-fifths vote. Staff presented a pilot program to increase Sheriff's Office overtime enforcement during high fire risk days to reduce wildfire ignition risks and improve safety, utilizing funds from an unused balance originally set aside for a parking study. Discussion covered visitation volumes driven by social media, illegal watershed modifications (construction of pools), fire risks, parking congestion impeding emergency access, and jurisdictional boundaries between park rangers and law enforcement. Public commenters expressed support for enforcement measures to mitigate fire risks and illegal modifications, with one speaker requesting the removal of language regarding "illegal watershed modification" from the resolution. Supervisor Lee moved to approve the resolution directing county staff to coordinate with various agencies to implement enforcement strategies and develop a comprehensive management plan. Supervisor Lavigne seconded the motion. The motion was put to a vote and passed unanimously.
Roadside and Sidewalk Vending Task Force (Agenda Item 3)
- Supervisor Lee recused himself from this item due to ownership of a local restaurant pending a letter from the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). The Board held a hearing regarding recommendations for forming a task force to address unlawful roadside and sidewalk vending. Staff presented data on public health and safety hazards associated with unpermitted vendors, including food safety risks, lack of refrigeration, open flames near gas stations, illegal dumping, and traffic obstructions. Staff noted that state laws have decriminalized vending, limiting local enforcement tools to administrative fines which are often ineffective. The District Attorney's office noted challenges in identifying specific entities for civil suits but expressed willingness to participate in a task force. Public comment highlighted economic impacts on licensed businesses, food safety concerns, and potential labor trafficking. Board members discussed the limitations of current enforcement mechanisms, the need for a multi-jurisdictional approach, and fiscal impacts. It was clarified that the proposed task force would rely on existing resources coordinated by the CEO's office without new funding or staffing. Supervisor Hartman moved to establish a task force anchored in the CEO's office with a six-month duration to report back to the Board. Supervisor Nielsen seconded the motion. The motion was adopted and passed.
Countywide Renewable Energy Development Project (Agenda Item 4)
- Staff from the General Services Department presented an update on eight proposed solar development sites, some including battery energy storage systems (BESS). Staff compared direct ownership versus Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), recommending PPAs to avoid capital outlays and debt financing while meeting Net Energy Metering 2.0 (NEM 2.0) interconnection deadlines in April 2026. Missing this deadline could shift projects to a less favorable tariff, reducing net savings by 20–30%. Discussion focused on the feasibility of completing projects within the timeframe, staffing capacity, and supply chain lead times. Concerns were raised regarding the Downtown Campus project and whether committing to a solar PPA would preclude future workforce housing development; staff clarified that negotiations could proceed but the Board retains the ability to halt them based on upcoming housing studies. It was noted that the current proposal does not include battery storage, which requires further investigation. Public comment supported distributed energy resources for grid safety and economic necessity. Supervisor Hartman moved to approve staff recommendations A, B (all projects), and C. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Lee. After deliberation regarding the Downtown Campus site and battery storage, the Board voted on the motion; the motion passed.
Amendment to County Code Chapter 46A (Inclusionary Housing) (Agenda Item 5)
- The Board held a hearing to consider amendments to the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (IHO) to align with the updated Housing Element and recent state laws. Staff presented recommendations to replace the term "residential second unit" with "accessory dwelling unit" (ADU), extend the affordability term for ownership units from 45 years to 90 years, and apply IHO requirements to 100% rental housing developments. Discussion ensued regarding short-term rental restrictions for existing permits, the 90-year affordability term, and the application of inclusionary requirements to rental projects. Supervisor Nielsen expressed concern that these requirements could deter development in North County areas. Staff explained that state law (AB 1505) permits such requirements and presented a pro forma analysis suggesting rental projects remain financially feasible. A consultant provided residual land value analysis indicating a buffer exists in current market conditions. Supervisor Hartman moved to approve staff recommendations A through C. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Lee. Following discussion, the Board conducted a roll call vote; the motion passed.
Second Quarter Budget Status Report (Fiscal Year 2024-2025) (Agenda Item 6)
- The County Executive Office presented the second quarter budget status report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. The General Fund is projected to end the fiscal year with a positive variance of approximately $12 million, driven by higher-than-anticipated property taxes and transient occupancy tax revenues. Specific variances included a projected $700,000 shortfall in Cannabis Tax due to cultivator attrition, a negative variance of $570,000 in Community Services (Parks Division) due to project delays, and a negative variance of approximately $3 million in the Sheriff's Department driven by overtime costs. The report noted an 11% vacancy rate across the county. Supervisors discussed the discrepancy between high vacancy rates and budget variances. The Board received the report and filed it as recommended.
Board Letter Items
- Speaker_30 moved to approve Items A and B contained in the board letter. The motion was seconded by Speaker_14. Upon calling for a vote, the motion carried.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned with the next session scheduled for Tuesday, March 11.