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
Compassion Day Resolution
- The Board adopted a resolution designating July 6, 2025, as Compassion Day to honor the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday.
- A representative from the Tibetan community addressed the Board to express gratitude for the designation.
- Supervisors highlighted the significance of the resolution before its formal adoption.
Goleta Beach Restaurant Concession Agreement
- Staff recommended a First Amendment to the concession agreement to extend the lease term.
- Chair Kaps supported the extension as necessary to address historical flooding issues at the site.
- The Board approved the staff recommendation to modify the agreement.
Architectural Design Services Agreement
- Staff proposed an agreement with RRM Design Group to create pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plans.
- Concerns regarding private sector competition were addressed by clarifying the county currently lacks such plans.
- The Board approved the agreement, noting estimated savings of $20,000 to $25,000 for applicants.
Flood Benefit Assessment Program
- Staff presented a proposal for a 3.02% assessment increase based on the Consumer Price Index for fiscal year 2025–2026.
- Board members inquired about funding allocations for the Montecito Flood Control Master Plan and debris basin deployment.
- The Board approved actions A through D to maintain funding levels for flood control operations.
Fee Ordinance for Transportation Division
- Staff proposed a hybrid fee ordinance for development review services to achieve 100% cost recovery.
- Supervisor Nelson expressed concerns about the fee magnitude and lack of written screening criteria.
- The Board approved the ordinance with a direction for Public Works to return in one year with a progress report.
Emergency Shelters Zoning Ordinance Amendments
- Staff initially proposed amendments to align county codes with new state laws regarding emergency shelters.
- The Board deferred action to request the addition of "security" as an objective standard.
- Upon return, the Board approved the revised proposal including the new security standard.
Cali Real Campus Master Plan and Final EIR
- Staff presented a 30-year strategic vision involving 18 projects to modernize the county-owned campus.
- Board members questioned funding sources but confirmed no immediate financial commitment was requested.
- The Board approved the Master Plan, Design and Development Standards, and certified the Final Environmental Impact Report.
Closed Session
- The Board discussed existing litigation and public employee performance evaluations in closed session.
- No reportable action was taken on the items discussed during the closed session.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Roll Call
- The Board of Supervisors meeting for June 24, 2025, was called to order by Chair Kaps. A roll call confirmed the presence of Supervisors Lavinino, Lee, Hartman, Nelson, and Chair Kaps. The meeting proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
- A motion was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Nelson to approve the minutes from the June 10 meeting and the June 17 budget hearing. The motion passed.
Clerk Announcements
- The Clerk announced an addendum regarding Administrative Item 14 (Community Services Department), which amended not-to-exceed service agreement amounts for the Santa Barbara Alliance for Community Transformation (SB Act) and Santa Maria Valley FBSMV to $39,750 and $40,000, respectively. The item was added to the balance of the administrative agenda. The Clerk also noted that Administrative Item 1, a resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Solving Shoes store, would be presented as an honorary resolution due to the honoree's absence. Instructions for public participation via Zoom were provided.
Administrative Agenda
- Supervisor Nelson withdrew Administrative Item 29, and Chair Kaps withdrew Administrative Item 12 for separate consideration. A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the administrative agenda, excluding Items 12 and 29. The motion passed.
Resolutions
- Compassion Day Resolution: Administrative Item 2, sponsored by Supervisor Hartman, was presented to adopt a resolution honoring the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama and designating July 6, 2025, as Compassion Day in Santa Barbara County. The resolution was read into the record. A representative from the Tibetan community addressed the Board expressing gratitude. Following comments from Supervisor Hartman and Chair Kaps regarding the significance of the resolution, the Board adopted the resolution.
Administrative Item 12: Goleta Beach Restaurant Concession Agreement
- Staff presented recommendations regarding a First Amendment to the Goleta Beach restaurant concession agreement. Chair Kaps expressed support, noting the need for a longer lease term to address past flooding issues. Supervisor Lee commented on the quality of the restaurant. A motion was made by Chair Kaps and seconded by Supervisor Hartman to support the staff recommendation. The motion passed.
Administrative Item 29: Architectural Design Services Agreement
- Staff presented recommendations regarding an agreement with RRM Design Group for architectural design review services, including the development of pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plans. Supervisor Nelson raised concerns regarding potential competition with the private sector. Staff clarified that the county currently has no pre-approved ADU plans and that the proposed plans were adapted from existing designs to meet county requirements, estimating savings of $20,000 to $25,000 in design costs for applicants and reduced permitting times. Following clarification, Supervisor Nelson expressed comfort with the proposal. A motion was made by Supervisor Nelson and seconded by Supervisor Hartman to approve the item. The motion passed.
General Public Comment
- Five members of the public provided comments on various topics, including litigation regarding an SB9 lot split application, a request for re-evaluation of a complaint regarding a false arrest, requests for funding for youth suicide prevention initiatives, and advocacy for home care providers and the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program.
Departmental Item 1: Flood Benefit Assessment Program
- Staff from the Flood Control and Water Conservation District presented a hearing to consider recommendations for the fiscal year 2025–2026 flood benefit assessment program. The proposal included a 3.02% increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to maintain funding levels. Supervisor Nelson supported the item. Supervisor Hartman inquired about funding for the Montecito Flood Control Master Plan and requested clarification on county versus private responsibilities for creek maintenance. Chair Kaps asked about the allocation of funds between prevention and disaster relief. Staff explained that recent storm response consumed a significant portion of funds. Supervisor Hartman also asked about the deployment of debris basins following wildfires. A motion was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Lee to approve actions A through D. The motion passed.
Departmental Item 2: Fee Ordinance for Transportation Division
- Staff from the Public Works Transportation Division presented a hearing to consider a proposed fee ordinance for development review and plan check services, aiming to achieve 100% cost recovery. The proposal includes a hybrid model allowing for fixed fees or hourly deposits. Supervisor Hartman asked about the impact of state mandates on review discretion. Supervisor Nelson raised concerns regarding the magnitude of the fee increase, the potential to discourage permitting, and the lack of written screening criteria. Supervisor Nelson stated he could not support the item in its current form. Supervisor Hartman moved to approve actions A through C with a direction for Public Works to return in one year with a progress report and benchmark county comparisons. Supervisor Lee seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Departmental Item 3: Emergency Shelters Zoning Ordinance Amendments
- Staff presented a proposal to amend the County's Land Use and Development Code and Coastal Zoning Ordinance to align with new state laws regarding emergency shelters. Staff noted that while current capacity meets the 2024 point-in-time count, contracts for three shelters are set to terminate prior to the end of the current housing element cycle. The initial proposal included four objective standards: sufficient parking, a screened intake area, on-site management, and a minimum distance between shelters. Board members discussed the adequacy of the standards, with one Supervisor expressing concern regarding the lack of limits on occupants or length of stay and suggesting standards for noise and security. Staff clarified that state law provides a list of allowable objective standards and that noise is not among them. The Board decided to defer action on the item and directed staff to return with a revised proposal including "security" as an additional objective standard.
Cali Real Campus Master Plan, Design and Development Standards, and Final Environmental Impact Report
- Staff from the General Services Department presented the Cali Real Campus Master Plan, associated Design and Development Standards, and the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The Master Plan outlines a 30-year strategic vision involving 18 projects to modernize the campus. The Final EIR identified potentially significant impacts that were determined to be less than significant after mitigation. Board members questioned funding sources, noting high estimated costs and budget constraints. Staff confirmed the plan serves as a roadmap for future funding and that no immediate funding commitment was requested. Public comment was received regarding affordable housing models, public engagement, and the potential impact on the downtown core. Board members noted the project is a county-owned initiative outside the coastal zone. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendations, including adopting the Master Plan, Design and Development Standards, certifying the Final EIR, and adopting the Findings of Fact. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Return to Emergency Shelter Zoning Ordinance Amendments
- The Board returned to the Emergency Shelter Zoning Ordinance Amendments item. Staff presented a recommendation to amend the proposed zoning ordinance to include a fifth objective standard regarding security, adopting language directly from Government Code 65583(a)(4)(B). A motion was made to include this additional security standard in the amendments (items A through E). The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Closed Session
- The Board convened in closed session to discuss three items of existing litigation and public employee performance evaluations for various department directors. Upon reconvening, it was reported that the Board took no reportable action on these items.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.