Meeting Summary
Present: 3-Hartmann, 4-Nelson, 5-Lavagnino, 1-Lee, 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
Resolutions and Commendations
- The Board adopted resolutions proclaiming American Red Cross Month, Tsunami Preparedness Week, and Women's Equal Pay Day.
- Commendation resolutions were passed honoring Ron Wirth, Colonel Philip Conran, and Scott Hosking for their service.
- All resolutions were presented with remarks from honorees or representatives before unanimous adoption.
Inclusionary Housing Unit Acquisition
- The Board approved the acquisition of a housing unit at 2615 Caspia Lane for $160,000.
- Staff was directed to evaluate disposal options rather than immediately authorizing a resale of the property.
- The motion passed with specific instructions to defer action on the sale authorization pending further review.
Local Energy Performance Code
- The Board accepted staff recommendations to pause the development of a local energy performance code.
- This pause aims to align future standards with upcoming state regulations and coordinate with city jurisdictions.
- The motion to halt development was moved by Chair Kaps and seconded by Supervisor Nelson.
Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Second Reading
- The Board conducted a second reading of the ordinance amending County Code Chapter 46A regarding inclusionary housing.
- A motion to approve the ordinance was made, seconded, and passed following a roll call vote.
Passed 3–1 · against: Nelson
Treasurer-Tax Collector Departmental Items
- The Board granted a waiver to rehire retired employee Victoria Highland for six months to assist with bank reconciliations.
- An appeal regarding Transient Occupancy Tax penalties was denied due to legal constraints preventing waivers or formal payment plans.
- The Board upheld the Treasurer-Tax Collector's determination and adopted findings that the action is not subject to CEQA.
Women's History Month Service Awards
- Five recipients received 2025 Service Awards for contributions in immigration defense, climate advocacy, youth education, and veteran support.
- The Board moved to receive and file the Commission for Women's recommendations regarding these awards.
- A determination was made that this item is not subject to CEQA review.
Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation Annual Report
- The CEO presented the 2023 report highlighting $195,000 in leasehold improvements and $700,000 in student outreach funding.
- Board members discussed operational details, revenue streams, and the venue's solar energy sustainability efforts.
- The motion to accept staff recommendations and thank the Foundation passed unanimously.
Cannabis Odor Control Ordinance Amendments
- The Board approved amendments mandating multi-technology carbon filtration and certified Odor Abatement Plans within 12 months.
- An objective odor violation threshold of 7 Dilution-to-Threshold (D/T) was adopted based on staff recommendations.
- A proposal to reduce permitted acreage caps was deferred to a May meeting to allow for proper public notice.
No decision 0–0
Cannabis Taxation Compliance and Enforcement Report
- Staff reported $1.7 million in Q2 tax receipts with a projected annual revenue gap of approximately $1.4 million.
- Enforcement actions included the confiscation of over 300,000 live plants and significant amounts of processed product.
- The Board received the report and requested more detailed trend lines on resource allocation for future updates.
Cannabis Program Budget and Strategy
- Discussion focused on fiscal prudence, reserve usage, and the need for a strategic report prior to budget hearings.
- The Board approved items regarding the program's budget with a direction to seek further clarification on law enforcement at the next meeting.
- A motion was passed to approve the remaining agenda items related to the cannabis program strategy.
Closed Session
- The Board discussed real property negotiations for 900 Airport Road and potential civil litigation in closed session.
- Upon reconvening, the Clerk reported that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The March 18, 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 March 11, 2025, regular meeting; the motion passed unanimously.
- The Clerk announced two agenda modifications: Administrative Item A4 (honoring Dave Carlson's retirement) was continued to the April 8, 2025, meeting upon a motion by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Lee, which passed. Administrative Item A13 (Inclusionary Housing Ordinance) was noted as a second reading carried forward from the previous agenda.
- A motion was made by Supervisor Nelson and seconded to approve the balance of the administrative agenda, excluding items A10, A11, and A13 for separate discussion or vote; this motion passed.
Resolutions and Commendations
- American Red Cross Month: A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Lee proclaiming March 2025 as American Red Cross Month was presented following remarks from Richard Steele of the American Red Cross. The resolution was adopted.
- Tsunami Preparedness Week: A resolution sponsored by Chair Kaps proclaiming the week of March 22–30, 2025, as Tsunami Preparedness Week was presented with input from the Office of Emergency Management and County Parks. The resolution was adopted.
- Women's Equal Pay Day: A resolution sponsored by Supervisors Hartman and Kaps proclaiming March 25, 2025, as Women's Equal Pay Day was presented following remarks from Lucy Thomas Harrington of the AAUW. The resolution was adopted.
- Commendation of Ron Wirth: A resolution sponsored by Chair Kaps commending Ron Wirth for 38 years of service to Cottage Health was presented. Mr. Wirth and Supervisors Hartman and Kaps provided remarks. The resolution was adopted.
- Commendation of Colonel Philip Conran: A resolution sponsored by Supervisors Lee and Nelson honoring Colonel Philip Conran for his 1969 actions in Laos and supporting the upgrade of his Air Force Cross to the Medal of Honor was presented. Colonel Conran recounted the mission details, and supervisors offered remarks. The resolution was adopted.
- Commendation of Scott Hosking: A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Hartman honoring Scott Hosking upon his retirement from the General Services Department after 36 years was presented. Director Kurt Lagerquist and Mr. Hosking spoke regarding his career. The resolution was adopted.
Inclusionary Housing Unit Acquisition (Item A10)
- The Board considered the acquisition of an inclusionary housing unit at 2615 Caspia Lane in Summerlin for $160,000. Supervisor Nelson questioned whether purchasing and immediately reselling the property was the optimal use of funds compared to removing the covenant and redeploying the value elsewhere. Director Armbrust agreed that deferring action on the authorization to sell would allow staff to evaluate disposal options. Supervisor Nelson moved to approve items A, B, C, and E while directing staff to evaluate disposal options for Item D. The motion was seconded and passed.
Local Energy Performance Code (Item A11)
- The Board discussed recommendations to pause the development of a local energy performance code to align with upcoming state standards and coordinate with city jurisdictions. Chair Kaps moved to accept the staff recommendation to pause development. Supervisor Nelson seconded the motion, which passed.
Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Second Reading (Item A13)
- The Board conducted a second reading of an ordinance amending County Code Chapter 46A regarding Inclusionary Housing. A motion was made and seconded to approve the ordinance. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.
Departmental Items: Treasurer-Tax Collector and TOT Appeal
- Retirement Waiver: The Treasurer-Tax Collector requested a waiver to rehire retired employee Victoria Highland for six months to assist with bank reconciliations prior to Workday implementation. Supervisor Nelson moved to accept the staff recommendation, seconded by Supervisor Hartman. The motion passed.
- Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Appeal: The Board heard an appeal from Dmitar Yazichev regarding a final determination assessing $8,034.37 in TOT, TBID fees, penalties, and interest for unreported short-term rental activity. The applicant requested a waiver of penalties/interest and a payment plan. Staff noted the ordinance does not provide for waivers based on ignorance of the law or formal payment plans, though partial payments are accepted. Board members discussed legal constraints and the inability to create exceptions without setting inconsistent precedents. A motion was made to uphold the Treasurer-Tax Collector's determination, deny the appeal requests, adopt proposed findings, and determine the action is not subject to CEQA. The motion was seconded and passed.
No decision 0–0
Women's History Month Service Awards
- The Commission for Women presented 2025 Service Awards to five recipients: Julissa Pena, Erin Maker, Gina M. Gonzalez-Carbajal, Terri Lee Coleman, and Allison Wells. Presentations detailed their community contributions in areas including immigration defense, climate advocacy, youth education, nonprofit leadership, and support for women veterans. A motion was made to receive and file the recommendations and determine the item is not subject to CEQA. The motion was seconded and passed.
Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation Annual Report (2023)
- Rick Bowler, CEO of the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation, presented the 2023 annual report covering organizational structure, financial health, facility upkeep, and community engagement. Key highlights included $195,000 in leasehold improvements, $700,000 in outreach funding for over 20,000 students, and sustainability efforts generating 75% of the venue's energy needs via solar. Board members discussed operations, revenue streams, and arts funding distribution. Following public comment on outreach programs, a motion was made to accept staff recommendations A and B and thank the Santa Barbara Bowl. The motion was seconded and passed.
Closed Session
- The Board entered a closed session to discuss real property negotiations regarding 900 Airport Road in San Ynez and potential civil litigation. Upon reconvening, the Clerk reported that no reportable action was taken.
Cannabis Odor Control Ordinance Amendments (Items 5 & 6)
- Staff presented recommendations to amend Chapter 50 of the County Code and the Land Use and Development Code (LUDC) to strengthen odor abatement requirements for cannabis operations. Key provisions included:
- Mandating multi-technology carbon filtration or equivalent technology within 12 months of Board approval (targeting a March 31, 2026 deadline).
- Requiring Odor Abatement Plans (OAPs) certified by a licensed professional engineer.
- Establishing an objective odor violation threshold of 7 Dilution-to-Threshold (D/T) measured at the property line using a Nasal Ranger device.
- Implementing a sequential corrective action process triggered by specific complaint thresholds or staff observations exceeding the D/T limit.
- Requiring runtime meters and annual inspections.
- Discussion focused on the implementation timeline, extension processes, and enforcement protocols. The Board debated whether initial extensions should be handled administratively or by the Board; consensus was reached to allow one extension based on a County Executive Office recommendation with final Board action. A proposal to reduce permitted acreage caps was deferred to a future meeting in May to allow for proper public notice. Staff clarified that Southern California Edison does not anticipate major circuit upgrades needed within the 12-month timeframe, though individual panel upgrades may be required.
- Regarding the odor threshold, while some supervisors initially advocated for a lower standard of 4 D/T, staff recommended 7 D/T based on detection reliability and consultant findings. The Board agreed to adopt the 7 D/T violation threshold. Discussion also covered the potential use of a mobile application (Acela) for odor reporting, which staff agreed to explore.
- Motion on Chapter 50 Amendments: A motion was made to approve recommendations A, B, and C regarding Chapter 50 amendments, including affidavits, denial/revocation language, deadlines, and the extension process, with a directive for staff to return in May regarding background checks and other changes. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously without a roll call vote.
- Motion on LUDC/CZO Provisions: A motion was made to approve recommendations A through F regarding the Working Draft Code provisions, including MTCF definitions, phase-out of vapor systems, inspection schedules, runtime meters, and OAP certification, as amended by Board discussion on thresholds and extensions. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously without a roll call vote.
No decision 0–0
Cannabis Taxation Compliance and Enforcement Report (Item 7)
- Staff presented the Second Quarter FY 2024-25 report on cannabis taxation. Key data included $1.7 million in gross tax receipts for Q2, with a revised annual revenue projection of $5.4 million against a budgeted $6.1 million, indicating a projected gap of approximately $1.4 million to be covered by the fund balance. Enforcement actions in Q2 resulted in the confiscation of over 300,000 live plants and significant amounts of dry and processed product. Supervisors requested more detailed trend lines and context on resource allocation between compliance and criminal investigations. Staff acknowledged the request for improved reporting.
- Motion: A motion was made to receive the Q2 Cannabis Taxation Compliance and Enforcement Report and make a CEQA determination. The motion was seconded and passed.
Cannabis Program Budget and Strategy
- Discussion addressed the financial status of the cannabis program, including concerns regarding reserve usage and fiscal prudence. It was noted that a decision on the upcoming year's budget is required, and it was suggested that a strategic report be prepared prior to budget hearings. Supervisor Hartman moved to approve items A and B with a direction to receive further clarification on law enforcement at the next meeting, and to approve item C. Supervisor Nelson seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Adjournment
- The Chair announced the adjournment of the meeting and noted the next meeting date as April 1, 2025.