Meeting Summary
Present: 5-Lavagnino, 3-Hartmann, 4-Nelson, 1-Lee
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
Commendation Resolutions
- The Board adopted resolutions honoring three retiring employees for their long service to the county.
- Vincent Ray Buck was commended for over 22 years with the Sheriff's Department.
- Angelica Munoz and Martin J. Wilder were recognized for 22 and 37 years of service respectively.
Goleta Beach Parking Lot Rehabilitation
- The Board approved a $1.2 million construction contract for Phase 2 pavement rehabilitation.
- Staff recommendation was adopted via voice vote to proceed with the project.
Health Department Grants and Agreements
- A $25,000 grant from Maddie's Fund was accepted by the Health Department.
- Pet food supply agreements with Mars and Central Pet Distribution were approved.
Haven Energy Battery Storage System MOUs
- The Board approved Memorandums of Understanding for battery energy storage systems after addressing bonding concerns.
- Discussion focused on exclusivity clauses, site qualifications, and a requirement for 10-year bonding.
Planning and Development Fee Ordinance
- An ordinance amending planning and development fees passed its second reading despite public opposition.
- Concerns regarding CEQA compliance for 5G structures were noted before the motion passed via roll call.
Passed 4–1 · against: Nelson
No decision 2–1
2026 Legislative Platform
- The Board adopted the final draft of the 2026 legislative platform organized around eight core principles.
- An amendment was included to address "builder's remedy" reforms balancing state housing goals with local control.
Workforce Housing Development RFP
- Authorization was granted to issue an RFP for workforce housing on the former Probation Building site.
- The project will utilize a public-private partnership model with net zero energy standards and low-to-moderate income preferences.
Five-Year Fiscal Forecast
- Staff presented a forecast projecting a cumulative need for $66 million in new revenue or cost reductions over five years.
- Key deficit drivers identified include health services, safety net gaps, and jail expansion debt service.
First Quarter Budget Status Report
- The General Fund is projected to end the fiscal year with a $6.5 million positive position.
- Significant overtime costs in the Sheriff's Office were noted alongside savings from vacant positions in other departments.
Land Use and Development Code Amendments
- Proposed amendments regarding permit streamlining and housing density were continued to January 27, 2026.
- The Board requested staff analysis on Director authority scope, open space requirements, and commercial district impacts.
Election Timing for County Offices
- Proposals to shift election cycles for the Treasurer-Tax Collector and other officials were not acted upon.
- The Board directed staff to provide further analysis on governance structures and timing by October.
Sable Offshore Corporation Permit Transfer Appeals
- The Board denied permit transfer appeals from ExxonMobil to Sable Offshore Corporation based on operator capability findings.
- Supervisor Hartman recused herself due to a financial interest, while the motion to deny passed via roll call.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting on December 16, 2025, was called to order by Chair Kaps. Following a roll call confirming the presence of all supervisors, a moment of silence was observed in tribute to Nian Gonzalez, a Transportation Maintenance Leader who passed away on November 26, 2025. The Board approved the minutes from the December 9, 2025, hearing via a voice vote.
- The CEO presented announcements regarding Chief Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Karapetian being named Attorney of the Year and the swearing-in of Garrett Huff as the new Fire Chief following the retirement of Chief Mark Hartwig. The Clerk announced an addendum to the agenda adding Departmental Item 7 and noted that Administrative Items A13, A31, and A34 had been pulled for separate consideration. The Board approved the balance of the administrative agenda, excluding the pulled items, via a voice vote.
Commendation Resolutions
- The Board adopted three resolutions of commendation:
- Vincent Ray Buck: Sponsored by Supervisor Hartman, this resolution commended Sheriff's Deputy Special Duty Vincent Ray Buck upon his retirement after over 22 years of service. The item was adopted.
- Angelica Munoz: Sponsored by Supervisor Nelson, this resolution commended Angelica Munoz upon her retirement from the Probation Department after over 22 years of service. The item was adopted.
- Martin J. Wilder: Sponsored by Supervisor Nelson, this resolution commended Martin J. Wilder upon his retirement from the Public Works Department after 37 years of service. The item was adopted.
Administrative Item 13: Goleta Beach Parking Lot Rehabilitation
- This item concerned the award of a construction contract for Phase 2 of the Goleta Beach parking lot pavement rehabilitation (Project PRJ1053), totaling $1.2 million. Chair Kaps moved to approve the staff recommendation, and Supervisor Nelson seconded. The motion passed via voice vote.
Administrative Items 22 and 23: Health Department Grants and Agreements
- These items concerned the acceptance of a $25,000 grant from Maddie's Fund (Item 22) and pet food agreements with Mars and Central Pet Distribution (Item 23). Chair Kaps moved to approve the staff recommendations for both items, and Supervisor Nelson seconded. The motions passed via voice vote.
Administrative Item 31: Haven Energy Battery Storage System MOUs
- This item concerned Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Haven Energy for battery energy storage systems. Staff provided updates regarding the expiration of the Self-Generation Incentive Program, maintenance costs, vendor qualifications, and bonding requirements. Supervisor Nelson raised concerns regarding exclusivity clauses, grant site qualification criteria, and the need for 10-year bonding. Supervisor Hartman moved to approve the staff recommendation, and Chair Kaps seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed.
Administrative Item 34: Planning and Development Fee Ordinance
- This item concerned the second reading of an ordinance amending fees for planning and development services. Public comment was received opposing the fee increase due to CEQA compliance concerns regarding 5G structures. Supervisor Nelson requested a roll call vote. Chair Kaps moved to approve the staff recommendation, and the motion was seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed.
Departmental Item 1: Legislative Report and Platform
- The Board heard an informational report on the 2025 annual legislative activities and the proposed 2026 legislative platform. The presentation covered federal highlights regarding budget reconciliation and housing legislation, as well as state highlights concerning the 2025 budget process and a projected $18 billion deficit for 2026. No motion or vote was taken during this segment.
Agenda Item 1: Legislative Platform and Annual Report (Action)
- Staff presented the final draft of the 2026 legislative platform, organized around eight core principles including job growth, local control, and climate sustainability. Supervisor Hartman proposed an amendment to include language regarding "builder's remedy" reforms to balance state housing objectives with local discretion. A motion was made to adopt the 2026 legislative platform as amended. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item 2: Request for Proposals (RFP) for Workforce Housing Development
- Staff requested authorization to issue an RFP for workforce housing development on county-owned land at the former Probation Building site (117 East Carrillo Street). The proposal involves a public-private partnership model where the county contributes land via a long-term ground lease. Discussion focused on applying "net zero" energy standards and defining income levels for residents. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation, which included directing staff to proceed with the RFP process with a preference for low-to-moderate income housing while allowing developer proposals on income mixes, applying all-electric/net zero standards, and making a CEQA finding that the project is not a project. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item 3: Five-Year Fiscal Forecast (FY 2026–2031)
- Staff presented an informational hearing on the five-year fiscal forecast, indicating an ongoing deficit situation where revenue growth has not kept pace with costs. Key cost drivers identified included Health and Human Services losses, safety net service gaps, and criminal justice costs related to jail expansion debt service. The forecast projects a cumulative need for $66 million in new revenue or cost reductions over five years. No motion was made or vote taken during this segment.
Agenda Item: Five-Year Budget Forecast and Strategic Planning (Action)
- Following the presentation of the five-year budget forecast, which detailed projected deficits in health services, homelessness support, and jail operations, a motion was made to receive the report. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Fiscal Year 2025-26 First Quarter Budget Status Report
- Staff presented a first-quarter update showing the General Fund projected to end the year with a $6.5 million positive position. Variances were noted, including significant overtime costs in the Sheriff's Office and savings in other departments due to vacant positions. Board members requested a separate hearing on Sheriff's Office overtime costs. A motion was made to receive and file the report and determine it is not a project under CEQA. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Ordinance Streamlining and Housing Accommodation Amendments (Workshop)
- Staff presented an informational workshop on code streamlining and amendments to facilitate higher density housing. No action was requested, and no motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item 6: Land Use and Development Code Amendments (Part 2)
- Staff presented proposed amendments divided into process streamlining and housing element implementation. Streamlining proposals included shifting decision-making authority for certain permits to the Director, allowing waived hearings for minor conditional use permits, and standardizing permit expiration dates. Housing element proposals included reducing front setbacks, increasing height allowances in high-density areas, and modernizing density metrics in commercial zones. Board discussion focused on the scope of Director authority, variance processing, open space requirements, and potential impacts on commercial districts. Public comment was received regarding inclusionary affordability and CEQA consistency. A motion was made to continue the item to January 27, 2026, to allow staff time to address Board questions and provide alternative options. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item 7: Ordinance to Change Election Timing for Treasurer-Tax Collector/Public Administrator
- Supervisor Nelson presented a proposal to amend the County Code to change the election timing for the Treasurer-Tax Collector/Public Administrator from the gubernatorial cycle to the presidential cycle. Discussion included concerns about the timing of the proposal and suggestions to analyze converting elected positions to appointed roles. No motion was made or vote taken on the substance of the ordinance; the Board acknowledged the need for further staff analysis regarding governance structures.
Agenda Item 5: Election Cycle for County Offices
- The Board discussed a proposal to move election cycles for the Sheriff, District Attorney, and Elections Official to the presidential cycle. Concerns were raised regarding insufficient public notification and timing. Supervisor Nelson indicated a willingness to withdraw the request for immediate action due to lack of support and timing issues. The Board agreed to continue the conversation in the future, directing staff to provide further analysis by October. No formal motion was made or voted upon to change election cycles at this meeting.
Agenda Item 6: Sable Offshore Corporation Permit Transfer Appeals
- The Board heard an appeal regarding the Planning Commission's approval of permit transfers from ExxonMobil to Sable Offshore Corporation for the Santa Ynez Unit, Popco gas plant, and Los Flores Pipeline System. Supervisor Hartman recused herself due to a disqualifying financial interest revealed by new information regarding pipeline proximity to her property. Staff recommended denial based on Sable's record of noncompliance and financial stability concerns. Appellants supported the staff recommendation, citing environmental risks and regulatory violations. The applicant argued that operator capability findings were preempted by federal law and that alleged violations were minor. Public comment was heard from 24 speakers.
- Following deliberation, a motion was made to accept two late documents into the record; this motion failed. A subsequent motion was made to adopt the staff's recommendation for findings of denial regarding Sable's operator capability. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed. The meeting was adjourned.