UnGovr Words

Board of Supervisors — 2025-03-11

Board of Supervisors — 2025-03-11March 11, 2025

Switch meeting
BodyBoard of Supervisors
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 March 11, 2025

Click any transcript line to jump the video there.

Meeting Summary

  1. PendingQueued for transcription.
  2. AIYou are hereAuto-transcribed and summarized; not yet human-verified.
  3. VerifiedReviewed and corrected by a person.

Present: 4-Nelson, 5-Lavagnino, 1-Lee, 3-Hartmann, 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

Tibet Day Proclamation

  • The Board adopted a resolution to proclaim March 10, 2025, as Tibet Day in Santa Barbara County.
  • Authorization was granted to display the Tibetan flag on March 20, 2025, following public support from a Tibetan Lama.

Inclusionary Housing Ordinance

  • The Board adopted an ordinance amending County Code Chapter 46A regarding inclusionary housing requirements.
  • This action represented the second reading of the measure sponsored by the Community Services Department.
Passed 4–1 · against: Nelson

Encampment Response Protocol

  • The Board approved revised encampment response protocols to ensure safety, legal compliance, and food security in agricultural areas.
  • Staff highlighted existing housing investments like Hope Village while addressing public concerns about compassion and shelter capacity.

2024 Comprehensive Plan Annual Progress Report

  • The Board received and filed the report noting slow affordable housing production and potential non-compliance with state ARENA requirements.
  • Discussion covered workforce preference programs, ADU law updates, and the possibility of streamlined approvals under SB 35 (now SB 423).

Cannabis Odor Community Forum in Carpinteria

  • The Board authorized a special meeting rather than a community forum to ensure Brown Act compliance and transparency.
  • Staff was directed to investigate live-streaming options with a $5,000 cost cap to address public notice and accessibility concerns.
Passed 3–2 · against: Lavagnino, Hartmann

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Informational Report

  • The Board directed the legislative committee to advocate for Assembly Bill 303 to restore local control over BESS permitting.
  • Directives included reviewing notification distances, mandating air quality monitoring, and requiring on-site personnel for projects.

Correctional Health Monitoring and CalAIM Initiative

  • The Board received updates on jail health audits showing full compliance at the Juvenile Justice Center but non-compliance in adult facilities.
  • Public Health was tasked with overseeing the CalAIM justice-involved initiative to integrate social and clinical care for Medi-Cal populations.

Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (2025–2030)

  • The Board granted preliminary conceptual approval for a $109.73 million program covering infrastructure, building improvements, and maintenance.
  • Discussion focused on funding sources, deferred maintenance backlogs, and the need to balance capital investment with long-term debt avoidance.

Closed Session

  • No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.

Full summary

Opening Remarks and Memorials

  • The meeting opened with a memorial tribute to Jim Blinds, a community leader from Santa Maria. Supervisors Nelson and Lavinia spoke regarding his contributions to local charities, the Community Bank of Santa Maria, and Allan Hancock College. The Board acknowledged his family and legacy before proceeding with the roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes

  • The Board considered the minutes from the March 4, 2025 meeting. A motion to approve was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Lee. The motion passed.

Agenda Announcements and Withdrawals

  • The Clerk announced that Departmental Item Number 4 (Public Health Department hearing on environmental health services fee resolutions) had been withdrawn at the department's request. Administrative Items 3, 10, and 13 were pulled by Board members, and Administrative Item 5 was pulled by a member of the public. A motion to approve the balance of the administrative agenda was made by Supervisor Nelson and seconded by Supervisor Hartman; the motion passed. Subsequently, a separate motion to formally withdraw Departmental Item Number 4 was made by Supervisor Nelson and seconded by Supervisor Lee. The motion passed.

Resolution: Proclamation of Tibet Day (Administrative Item 1)

  • The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Hartman to proclaim March 10, 2025, as Tibet Day in Santa Barbara County and to authorize the display of the Tibetan flag on March 20, 2025. The resolution cited historical events regarding the 1959 uprising, human rights concerns, and the ongoing struggle for Tibetan freedom. Depo Durku, a Tibetan Lama, addressed the Board in support of the resolution. Supervisor Hartman provided additional comments supporting the cultural significance of the proclamation. The resolution was adopted by the Board.

Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (Administrative Item 3)

  • The Board considered a second reading of an ordinance to amend County Code Chapter 46A regarding inclusionary housing, sponsored by the Community Services Department. Supervisor Nelson requested a roll call vote. A motion to adopt the staff recommendation was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Lee. The motion passed.

Encampment Response Protocol (Administrative Item 5)

  • The Board considered recommendations regarding revisions to the encampment response protocol, sponsored by the Community Services Department. This item had been pulled by a member of the public who later joined via Zoom. Gina Quiroz of the Committee for Social Justice spoke in opposition to the protocol, arguing it lacks compassion and does not address homelessness or provide sufficient shelter beds. Supervisor Nelson responded that the protocols are necessary for safety, legal compliance, and food security in agricultural areas, highlighting existing investments in housing solutions like Hope Village. Supervisor Hartman added comments supporting the effort to create a better system. A motion to approve the staff recommendation was made by Supervisor Nelson and seconded by Supervisor Lee. The motion passed.

2024 Comprehensive Plan Annual Progress Report (Administrative Item 10)

  • The Board considered the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Annual Progress Report from the Planning and Development Department. This item was pulled by Supervisors Lee and Hartman. Director Plowman provided a summary of progress, noting slow production of affordable housing units and potential non-compliance with state ARENA requirements, which could trigger streamlined approval processes under SB 35 (now SB 423). Discussion focused on the definition of "insufficient progress," the status of workforce preference programs, low-income community revitalization efforts, and updates to ADU laws and zoning ordinances. Supervisor Hartman questioned why this report was not combined with the upcoming Long Range Work Program; staff indicated they could review this practice. A motion to receive and file the report was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Nelson. The motion passed.

Community Forum on Cannabis Odor in Carpinteria (Administrative Item 13)

  • The Board considered a request from Chair Kaps to hold a community forum on cannabis odor in Carpinteria. Public comment was provided by Karen Hauenstein, who criticized the existing cannabis ordinance for unfairly impacting North County businesses while odor issues persist in South County. Supervisor Lee expressed support for bringing the discussion to the Carpinteria community.
  • Discussion focused on the legal classification of the event under the Brown Act. Chair Kaps proposed a "community forum" format to allow for open dialogue without strict time limits. Supervisors Hartman and Lavinia raised concerns that because two supervisors (Kaps and Nelson) had already discussed the issue, adding a third supervisor would legally constitute a special Board meeting rather than a community forum, requiring full staff support, official notice, and adherence to Brown Act procedures. Supervisor Nelson explained that due to prior discussions on the topic, a formal special meeting was necessary to include Supervisor Lee and ensure transparency.
  • Concerns were raised regarding the lack of public notice for the proposed Friday meeting, the absence of live streaming or broadcasting capabilities at the Carpinteria City Hall venue, and the potential for confusion with the upcoming March 18 ordinance hearing. Staff clarified that written comments from the special meeting could be submitted for the record on March 18. Supervisor Nelson moved to authorize the special meeting, directing staff to investigate recording or live-streaming options with a cost cap of $5,000, which Supervisors Nelson and Lee offered to cover if necessary. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Lee. The Board conducted a roll call vote on the motion to hold the special meeting. The motion passed.
Passed 3–2 · against: Lavagnino, Hartmann

General Public Comment

  • The Board opened the floor for general public comment on items not on the agenda. Eight requests were received. Speakers addressed the following topics:
  • Housing and Incarceration: A speaker noted rising costs for jail housing units and requested information on county-wide efforts to reduce incarceration, including housing development and services for individuals with severe mental illness.
  • Sanctuary Status and Federal Policy: A speaker criticized the Board regarding sanctuary status policies, referencing federal legislation such as the SAVE Act.
  • Mobile Home Rent Control: A speaker discussed the 1979 Mobile Home Rent Control Ordinance, requesting a discussion on updating the ordinance to align with state law changes.
  • Fee Cost Recovery: A representative for CoLab argued that charging businesses for non-billable hours is unreasonable under California Government Code and requested a hearing to analyze fee assessments.
  • Carpinteria Meeting Notice: Lorraine McIntyre expressed concern regarding the lack of notice for the upcoming Carpinteria meeting.
  • Property Inspection and Salaries: Diana Sandoval addressed a property inspection dispute with the Planning and Development Department and commented on Board salary increases.
  • No motions were made or voted upon during this segment.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Informational Report (Departmental Item 1)

  • The Community Services Department, assisted by Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), presented an informational report regarding battery energy storage systems in the context of the Moss Landing fire incident. Presenters outlined state goals for decarbonization and noted a 97% reduction in emergency response incidents at BESS facilities over the last decade. The presentation distinguished between older nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries and newer lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, noting that current county projects utilize outdoor installations with individual containers, sensors, and automatic shutoffs. Staff explained that local BESS projects require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), environmental review, and hazard analysis. The California Energy Commission offers an "opt-in" certification for large projects to bypass local permitting, though new legislation (AB 303) aims to restore local authority. Staff detailed the status of facilities in Goleta and Nipomo, noting that Emergency Management is coordinating with San Luis Obispo County on joint response plans. The Fire Marshal explained that current fire protection plans rely on time, distance, and shielding rather than direct water application for lithium-ion fires.
  • Board members asked questions regarding the timeline for the CPUC investigation into Moss Landing, permitting pathways, coordination with neighboring jurisdictions, differences in risk between project types, the lack of decommissioning bonds, security measures, and liability. Thirteen members of the public spoke; some supported BESS adoption citing safety improvements and grid reliability, while others expressed concern over safety risks, toxic gas release, and the lack of Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) for fast-tracked projects. A representative from PG&E clarified that the Moss Landing facility involved multiple owners and explained how battery storage enhances grid resilience.
  • Supervisors discussed the need for transparency, better communication with residents, and alignment of regulations with those applied to oil and gas projects. Concerns were raised regarding the financial stability of companies acquiring these projects and long-term liabilities. Supervisor Hartman moved to direct the legislative committee to advocate for Assembly Bill 303 (AB 303) to increase local control over BESS projects. The motion included directives to review notification distances and siting requirements, mandate air quality monitoring, require on-site personnel, and proceed with developing proposals for battery storage at two county sites previously reviewed. The motion also stated that the proposed action is an organizational administrative activity not subject to CEQA. Chair Kaps seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Public Health Department – Correctional Health Monitoring and CalAIM Justice Involved Initiative (Agenda Item 2)

  • The Public Health Department presented a report on the Correctional Health Team's activities regarding healthcare monitoring in county correctional facilities, followed by an overview of the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) justice involved initiative. The team, established seven months ago, monitors compliance with service level agreements for the healthcare provider, WellPath, and Behavioral Wellness services at the Juvenile Justice Center. Audit results for the third quarter of 2024 showed full compliance at the Juvenile Justice Center but noted non-compliance in specific areas at adult facilities, including initial health assessments, prescription medication verification, and safety cell checks for mental health patients. Staff shortages were identified as a contributing factor. Recommendations were made to WellPath to improve medical oversight.
  • The department outlined short-term and long-term activities, including increasing audit sample sizes and expanding monitoring of chronic disease management. The team proposed a schedule to report to the Board quarterly initially, transitioning to semi-annual reporting once improvements are demonstrated. Supervisors questioned the relationship between the Correctional Health Team and Behavioral Wellness, the distinction between moderate and severe mental health cases, and reasons for non-compliance regarding initial health assessments. It was clarified that intake screenings within two hours are compliant, but comprehensive assessments required within two weeks are frequently delayed. Commander Sullivan of the Sheriff's Office stated the department is working to enforce contract compliance and fill staffing vacancies, with a new contract expected for Board consideration on April 1st.
  • The presentation continued with an update on the CalAIM initiative, which integrates social care with clinical care for vulnerable Medi-Cal populations in juvenile justice, probation, and county jails. Key components included pre-release health screenings, risk assessments, care coordination, reentry planning, and provision of medications upon release. Public Health proposed a leadership role in overseeing CalAIM implementation, leveraging its status as an Enhanced Care Management provider. The proposed model involves WellPath providing clinical services while Public Health manages care coordination, oversight, billing audits, and EHR implementation. Discussion focused on funding, staffing, and sustainability, with anticipated revenue of $4 million to $6 million from Medi-Cal billing. Administrative costs would need to be covered by state implementation grants or existing departmental funds. The timeline requires the Sheriff's Department and Juvenile Justice Center to be operational by October 1, 2026, with Probation targeting April 1, 2026.
  • Public comment was received from a representative of the League of Women Voters, who expressed support for increased Public Health oversight but raised concerns regarding persistent non-compliance by WellPath. A motion was made to receive and file the Public Health Department's 2024 update on jail health monitoring and audits, receive and file the update on the CalAIM justice-involved initiative and Public Health's role in implementation and oversight, and determine that this action is not a project within the meaning of CEQA. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.

Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Fiscal Years 2025–2030 (Agenda Item 2)

  • The General Services Department, along with representatives from Public Works and Community Services (Parks Division), presented the Annual Five-Year Capital Improvement Program. The proposed program includes $109.73 million in projects across fiscal years 2025 through 2030, covering land investments, building improvements, infrastructure, and maintenance. Presenters highlighted recent accomplishments, including the completion of Phase 2 of the Courthouse Roof Replacement, progress on the Cuyama Water Loop Phase 2, the Regional Fire Communication Center, and various park and flood control projects.
  • Key project highlights included:
  • General Services: Courthouse roof replacement phases, Santa Barbara Behavioral Wellness Headquarters design, and Probation Headquarters construction.
  • Public Works: East Mountain Drive Bridge replacement, Modoc Multi-Use Path construction, flood control improvements at debris basins, and Laguna Sanitation upgrades including recycled water distribution and tertiary skid replacement.
  • Parks: Goleta Beach storm repairs, Santa Claus Lane beach access improvements, and a new park in Vandenberg Village.
  • Discussion addressed funding sources, deferred maintenance backlogs, and specific project details. Supervisors inquired about the funding responsibility for the Santa Claus Lane project, noting it is primarily funded by Caltrans under a Memorandum of Understanding, though costs have increased. Questions were raised regarding Pavement Condition Index (PCI) scores across departments, with Public Works and General Services reporting a PCI of 57 and Parks at 54. Concerns were expressed about the growing deferred maintenance backlog and the need to balance capital investment with long-term debt avoidance. Specific inquiries included the scope of the Santa Claus Lane pedestrian crossing, the status of the indirect potable reuse study at Laguna Sanitation, and funding discrepancies for the Vandenberg Village project. Staff noted that $10 million in one-time discretionary funding proposed for FY 25-26 is derived from prior year savings and may not be available in future years due to anticipated budget deficits.
  • Discussion regarding fiscal planning and capital funding priorities continued. One supervisor noted the importance of establishing an ongoing budget section for capital needs rather than relying solely on surplus savings, citing upcoming challenges such as jail projects. Another supervisor reminded the board that discussions regarding ongoing set-asides for deferred maintenance would occur during budget development policy workshops in December. A staff member addressed the board's priority of building electrification and achieving zero net energy through the installation of electric heat pumps, water heaters, and solar systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • A motion was made by Supervisor Hartman to approve items A through D in the capital improvement project staff report (receiving and filing the detailed five-year CIP, granting preliminary nonbinding conceptual approval of the projects, referring new projects to the Planning Commission for conformity analysis with the comprehensive plan, and determining that the proposed actions do not constitute a project within the meaning of CEQA). The motion was seconded. The board voted in favor of the motion, and it passed.

Adjournment

  • The meeting was subsequently adjourned.