Meeting Summary
Present: 3-Hartmann, 4-Nelson, 5-Lavagnino, 1-Lee, Katz
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
Home Visiting Week Resolution
- Public Health staff presented on the program's role in early childhood development and family stability.
- A representative from Healthy Families America provided a testimonial regarding service impacts.
- The Board acknowledged the presentation without recording a formal motion or vote.
Juneteenth Independence Day Resolution
- Community representatives spoke on the holiday's historical significance and announced local events.
- Public comment included concerns regarding political alliances and alleged racial tensions.
- Supervisor Hartman moved to adopt the resolution, which was seconded by Supervisor Lavinino.
- The motion carried via voice vote.
Behavioral Wellness Treatment Beds
- Recommendations were made to add treatment beds at the Champion Healing Center for justice-involved individuals.
- A NAMI Santa Barbara County representative supported the initiative citing reduced incarcerations.
- Supervisor Hartman moved to approve the item, and the motion carried via voice vote.
Behavioral Wellness Grant Funding
- Supervisor Hartman reported on forming an ad hoc committee to explore funding expansion options.
- A Board member expressed continued advocacy for arts funding within this context.
- The Board approved the item via a motion that carried by voice vote.
County Council Contract Amendment
- The Board considered a contract amendment with Oppenheimer Investigations Group LLP requiring a four-fifths vote.
- Public comment requested disclosure of funds spent on personal investigations.
- Supervisor Hartman clarified the Board's supervisory role over County Counsel versus District Attorney cases.
- The motion to approve the item carried via voice vote.
No decision 0–0
Cannabis Business Licensing Fee Ordinance
- Staff clarified confusion regarding acreage caps for cultivation, excluding processing activities.
- The Board directed staff to finalize cap numbers based on issued, approved, and submitted acres.
- No vote was taken as the item remained under discussion for further clarification.
IT Department Imagery Contract Amendment
- Supervisor Nelson questioned the necessity of the contract compared to publicly available mapping services.
- Staff explained that contracted imagery offers specific resolution standards and oblique views not found in public sources.
- Supervisor Nelson moved to approve the third amendment, which carried via voice vote.
Opposition to Offshore Oil Leasing Resolution
- The item sought to reaffirm opposition to new offshore oil leasing under the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Program.
- Public comment supported the resolution citing environmental risks and local self-determination.
- Supervisor Lavinino opposed the resolution, arguing fossil fuels remain necessary during the energy transition.
- The motion passed with a 3-2 vote following a roll call.
Passed 3–2 · against: Nelson, Lavagnino
Public Works Fee Ordinance Hearing
- A hearing was scheduled regarding a proposed fee ordinance for development review services.
- The item was continued to June 24 due to a lack of public comment requests on the continuance.
- The motion to continue the item carried via voice vote.
Williamson Act and Agricultural Preserve Program Update
- Staff presented an overview of the program covering tax assessment methodologies and enforcement procedures.
- Discussion focused on declining questionnaire return rates and delays caused by compliance evaluations.
- Suggestions were made to modify the APAC composition to include more agricultural experts.
- The Board voted to receive and file the report.
Mental Health Services Act Annual Update
- Staff presented the three-year program expenditure plan for fiscal years 2025–2026 totaling approximately $51.5 million.
- Priorities included expanding Full Service Partnership services and addressing workforce recruitment.
- The presentation outlined the transition to the Behavioral Health Services Act under Proposition 1.
- The Board approved and adopted the annual update via a passed motion.
CARE Act Update and SB 43 Presentation
- Staff reported receiving 17 petitions for the CARE Act since its December 2024 implementation.
- Preparations for SB 43 included hiring Public Guardian staff and updating policies for psychiatric placements.
- Board members discussed the intersection of these acts with civil liberties and resource allocation.
- The Board adopted staff recommendations A through D regarding the updates and implementation.
2025 Annual Homelessness Update
- Data indicated nearly 1,400 individuals transitioned into permanent housing in 2024.
- Visible homelessness increased by 15%, driven largely by a 42% rise in vehicular homelessness.
- Staff reported investing over $26 million to resolve encampments and shelter or house 464 people.
- The Board accepted the presentation and staff recommendations via a passed motion.
Public Hearing on Employment Vacancies
- Data showed an average countywide vacancy rate of 12.5% with identified obstacles including high living costs.
- A public speaker highlighted low pay and wage inequities as contributors to turnover in social services.
- Staff agreed to review requirements regarding whether state-mandated hearings must occur during regular meetings.
- The Board approved items A through C regarding the hearing via a voice vote.
Closed Session
- The Board discussed labor negotiations with United Domestic Workers of America Local 3930.
- Real property negotiations for specific assessor's parcel numbers were addressed.
- Public employee performance evaluations for various department directors were reviewed.
- No reportable action was taken during the session.
Full summary
Call to Order and Announcements
- The meeting was called to order by Chair Katz. The Clerk confirmed the presence of Supervisors Hartman, Nelson, Lavinino, Lee, and Chair Katz. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the Clerk announced agenda amendments posted on June 6, 2025, regarding Behavioral Wellness service agreements, cannabis business licensing fees, and flood control projects. An oral report was provided concerning a performance-based salary adjustment for the County Council as required by Government Code Section 54953(c)(3).
Administrative Agenda: Approval of Minutes and Balance of Items
- The Board considered the approval of minutes from the previous meeting. A motion was made to approve the balance of the administrative agenda with corrections noted by the Clerk. The motion was seconded and carried via voice vote.
Resolution: Home Visiting Week (Administrative Item 1)
- Sponsored by Supervisor Lee, this item sought to adopt a resolution proclaiming June 9–13, 2025, as Home Visiting Week in Santa Barbara County. Public Health staff and home visitors presented on the program's role in early childhood development, family stability, and equity. A representative from Healthy Families America provided a testimonial regarding the impact of services on families facing challenges. The Board acknowledged the presentation; no formal motion or vote was recorded for this specific resolution in the transcript.
Resolution: Juneteenth (Administrative Item 2)
- Sponsored by Supervisor Hartman, this item sought to adopt a resolution proclaiming June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth Independence Day. Community representatives spoke on the holiday's historical significance and announced local events. Public comment was received from a resident expressing concerns regarding political alliances and alleged racial tension involving individuals recognized in the resolution. A Board member commented on the value of public discourse. Supervisor Hartman moved to adopt the resolution, and Supervisor Lavinino seconded. The motion carried via voice vote.
Administrative Item 4: Behavioral Wellness Treatment Beds
- This item concerned recommendations for adding treatment beds at the Champion Healing Center for justice-involved individuals. A representative from NAMI Santa Barbara County spoke in support of the initiative, citing its success in reducing incarcerations and hospitalizations. Supervisor Hartman moved to approve the item, and it was seconded. The motion carried via voice vote.
Administrative Item 11: Behavioral Wellness Grant Funding
- This item addressed grant funding for behavioral wellness programs. Supervisor Hartman reported on the formation of an ad hoc committee to explore options for expanding these funds. A Board member expressed continued advocacy for arts funding within this context. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. The motion carried via voice vote.
Administrative Item 14: County Council Contract Amendment
- This item considered a contract amendment with Oppenheimer Investigations Group LLP, requiring a four-fifths vote. Public comment was received from a resident requesting disclosure of funds spent on personal investigations. Supervisor Hartman clarified that the Board supervises the County Counsel but does not control District Attorney enforcement cases. A motion was made to approve the item and seconded. The motion carried via voice vote.
Administrative Item 20: Cannabis Business Licensing Fee Ordinance (Second Reading)
- This item involved the second reading of an ordinance amending cannabis business licensing fees regarding acreage caps. Supervisor Lee noted the item was pulled to clarify confusion regarding specific acreage being capped. Staff clarified that the Board had previously directed staff to finalize cap numbers based on issued, approved, and submitted cultivation acres, excluding processing. No vote was taken as the item remained under discussion for clarification.
Administrative Item 25: IT Department Imagery Contract Amendment
- This item considered a third amendment to an agreement with Pictometry International Corp. for aerial imagery services, requiring a four-fifths vote. Supervisor Nelson questioned the necessity of the contract compared to publicly available mapping services and raised concerns regarding public access. Staff explained that the contracted imagery offers specific resolution standards, known collection dates, and oblique views not available in public sources, noting contractual restrictions on public download or export. Supervisor Nelson moved to approve the item, and Chair Katz seconded. The motion carried via voice vote.
Administrative Item 30: Opposition to Offshore Oil Leasing
- Sponsored by Supervisors Hartman and Nelson, this item sought to reaffirm the County's opposition to new offshore oil leasing in response to the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Leasing Program. Public comment was received from representatives of the Environmental Defense Center and Heal the Ocean supporting the resolution. Supervisor Hartman spoke on environmental risks and local self-determination, while Supervisor Nelson noted renewed community activism. Supervisor Lavinino stated opposition to the resolution, arguing that while the County supports renewable energy transition, it cannot oppose oil production without also limiting usage, citing the continued necessity of fossil fuels during the transition period. Chair Katz emphasized the Board's recent unanimous support for electrification and renewable energy initiatives. Supervisor Hartman moved to adopt the resolution, and Supervisor Nelson seconded. A roll call vote was conducted. The motion passed with a 3-2 vote.
Passed 3–2 · against: Nelson, Lavagnino
General Public Comment
- Five members of the public addressed non-agendized items. One speaker criticized the Board's political agendas regarding AMR settlement costs and natural oil seeps. An AmeriCorps member shared a personal story regarding homelessness services. A United Way representative provided an update on AmeriCorps programs following a federal court injunction restoring funding in California. One speaker was unable to be heard as they had left the room. A representative from CoLab presented data challenging the Board's stance on oil and gas emissions, citing wildfire emissions, offshore seeps, and economic impacts of production restrictions.
Departmental Agenda: Public Works (Item 1)
- A hearing was scheduled regarding a proposed fee ordinance for development review services. A motion was made to continue the item to June 24 due to lack of public comment requests on the continuance. The motion was seconded and carried via voice vote.
Agenda Item 2: Williamson Act Overview and Agricultural Preserve Program Update
- Staff from the Agricultural Commissioner's Office, Planning and Development, and the Assessor's Office presented an overview of the Williamson Act and the Agricultural Preserve Advisory Committee (APAC). The presentation covered program history, tax assessment methodologies, compliance monitoring, and enforcement procedures. Key statistics noted included approximately 505,000 acres enrolled in the program, representing 67% of agriculturally zoned land. Staff detailed the distinction between non-renewal and cancellation processes. Discussion focused on declining questionnaire return rates (from 74% in 2015 to 64% in 2024), costs associated with non-renewal cases, and enforcement challenges. Board members expressed concern regarding delays caused by full compliance evaluations during permit processing; staff indicated code amendments are being considered to narrow the scope of review for specific applications. A suggestion was made to consider modifying APAC composition to include more agricultural experts appointed by the Board. Public comment was provided by a representative of the Grower Shipper Association supporting the Williamson Act. A motion was made to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item 3: Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Annual Update and BHSA Transition
- Staff from the Behavioral Wellness Department presented the annual update for the MHSA three-year program and expenditure plan for fiscal years 2025–2026, noting this is the final year before transitioning to the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) in July 2026. The total anticipated revenue and expenditure is approximately $51.5 million. Priorities identified included expanding Full Service Partnership services, improving emergency department navigation, increasing prevention and education for youth and families, implementing programs for older adults, and addressing workforce recruitment. Staff reported increases in assisted outpatient treatment staff, peer assessment teams, and a 30% expansion of the access screening team. The presentation outlined the transition to BHSA under Proposition 1, which redefines the framework without additional funding. Board members discussed interactions between county mental health services and schools, including the M-Well program and the Child Youth Behavioral Health Integrated Plan (CYBHI). A motion was made to approve and adopt the three-year program expenditure plan annual update. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item 4: CARE Act Update and SB 43 Presentation
- Staff from the Behavioral Wellness Department, Public Guardian's Office, and Treasurer Tax Collector presented updates on the Community Assistance Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act and Senate Bill 43 (SB 43). Regarding the CARE Act, implemented December 1, 2024, staff reported receiving 17 petitions as of May 2025. Early successes included individuals completing voluntary care agreements and transitioning to housing. Regarding SB 43, which expands involuntary holds to include severe substance use disorder, staff detailed preparations including hiring three Public Guardian staff members and conducting training with law enforcement and medical professionals. Policies regarding placement in psychiatric health facilities are being updated for approval by June 2025. Board members discussed the intersection of the CARE Act and SB 43, civil liberties, and resource allocation. A motion was made to adopt staff recommendations A through D regarding the CARE Act update and SB 43 implementation. The motion was seconded and passed.
Closed Session
- The Board convened in closed session to discuss labor negotiations with United Domestic Workers of America Local 3930, real property negotiations for specific assessor's parcel numbers, and public employee performance evaluations for various department directors. No reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Agenda Item 5: 2025 Annual Homelessness Update and Encampment Resolution Strategy
- Staff from the Community Services Department presented the 2025 annual homelessness update. Data indicated nearly 1,400 individuals transitioned into permanent housing in 2024. The total number of people known to be experiencing homelessness increased by 124 (less than 3%) to 4,457 according to HMIS data. The Point-in-Time count showed a 15% overall increase in visible homelessness, driven largely by a 42% increase in vehicular homelessness since 2022, while the unsheltered population decreased by 25% compared to 2022. Staff noted a strategic shift toward prevention and diversion, with first-time homelessness cases dropping to 1,712. Regarding encampment resolution, staff reported investing over $26 million in the last three years, resolving 1,110 encampments and sheltering or housing 464 people. The presentation addressed the upcoming expiration of pandemic-era funding (ARPA) and outlined a strategic shift toward achieving "functional zero" for chronic homelessness. Board members discussed data trends, successes in specific areas, and challenges regarding youth and vehicular homelessness. A motion was made to accept the presentation and staff recommendations. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item 6: Public Hearing on Employment Vacancies (Assembly Bill 2561)
- Staff from the Human Resources Department presented information required by Assembly Bill 2561 regarding employment vacancies. Data for calendar year 2024 indicated an average countywide vacancy rate of 12.5%, with 965 vacancies filled and a turnover rate of 9.5%. Only one bargaining unit exceeded the 20% vacancy threshold, though no union requested additional information. Identified obstacles to hiring included the high cost of living, the civil service process, outdated classification specifications, and health benefit costs. Initiatives to address these challenges include expanding employee referral programs and updating job classifications. The public hearing was opened; SEIU 721 did not appear due to scheduling conflicts. Board members asked questions regarding inter-agency recruitment and HR support. A member of the public representing SEIU Local 620 addressed the Board, commending the hearing procedures but highlighting low pay and wage inequities as contributors to turnover, specifically citing a starting wage of $24/hour for social services case aid positions. The speaker urged prioritization of vacancy reduction and retention strategies. A procedural inquiry was raised regarding whether state-mandated hearings must be held during regular Board meetings; staff agreed to review requirements. A motion was made to approve items A through C regarding the hearing. The motion was seconded and carried via voice vote. The motion passed.