Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Lee, 2-Capps, 3-Hartmann, 5-Lavagnino, 4-Nelson
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Administrative Agenda
- The Board approved the February 10, 2026, meeting minutes and a resolution regarding a departing staff member.
- Human Resources position transfers were approved unanimously by the Board.
- A consolidated motion passed to approve emergency response reports, flood control projects, and various agency appointments.
Resolution of Appreciation for Court Executive Officer
- The Board presented a resolution recognizing the Chief Executive Officer's 38.5 years of service.
- The CEO addressed the Board on collaborative efforts regarding mental health and housing instability.
- The Board formally received the resolution and expressed appreciation for the officer's tenure.
Behavioral Health Connect (BH Connect) Initiative
- The county opted into Performance Outcomes Incentives and Individual Placement and Support due to projected financial gains.
- Participation in Assertive Community Treatment and other specific service models was declined due to fiscal burdens.
- A decision on Community Transition In-Reach Services was deferred pending further operational analysis.
- The IMD-FFP waiver was rejected citing a projected annual negative fiscal impact of approximately $776,456.
Sidewalk Vending Ordinance and Pilot Program
- Staff presented a proposed ordinance and six-month pilot program to regulate vending in unincorporated areas.
- An amendment was adopted to clarify that vending restrictions near schools apply only during school-sponsored events.
- The Board unanimously adopted the ordinance and approved the pilot program with a directive to review enforcement staffing.
No decision 0–0
Ordinance Amendment for Waste Service in Isla Vista
- The Board considered amendments to solid waste service regulations, including redefining dwelling categories and increasing minimum service levels.
- Changes were made to limit residential parcels to one waste account and mandate year-round uninterrupted service.
- A waiver for screening containers from public view was proposed until July 1, 2028.
- The ordinance amendment was approved and adopted unanimously by the Board.
Appeal of Coastal Development Permit (Promised Land LLC / San Ysidro Creek Wall Repair)
- The Board heard an appeal regarding a permit to legalize a historic sandstone wall repair completed in 2018.
- Staff findings indicated the project complies with floodplain standards and is exempt from CEQA.
- The Board voted to deny the appeals and grant de novo approval for the Coastal Development Permit.
Small Business Disaster Relief Assistance
- Staff announced the availability of low-interest disaster loans for businesses impacted by late December 2025 storms.
- Eligible organizations were directed to ReadySBC.org for application details.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on this informational item.
Closed Session
- The Board discussed existing litigation involving Abdullah v. the County.
- The Board conferred with labor negotiators regarding ongoing negotiations.
- No reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Administrative Agenda
- The Board approved the minutes from the February 10, 2026, regular meeting. A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the Administrative Agenda, excluding specific items for separate consideration; the motion passed unanimously. Item A1, a resolution regarding a departing staff member, was approved following board remarks. Item A11, concerning Human Resources position transfers, was approved unanimously. Items A14 through A23, covering topics such as emergency response reports, flood control projects, groundwater agency appointments, loan repayment terms, road system certification, Measure A programming, investment reports, commission reappointments, floodplain management ordinances, and court security services, were addressed as a single item. Following public comment and discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve these items; the motion passed unanimously.
Resolution of Appreciation for Court Executive Officer
- A resolution was presented to recognize the 38.5 years of service of the Chief Executive Officer of the Santa Barbara Superior Court. The CEO addressed the Board regarding collaboration on mental health, substance use, and housing instability. The Board received the resolution and expressed appreciation for the service.
Behavioral Health Connect (BH Connect) Initiative
- Staff presented the state's BH Connect initiative, a five-year demonstration project to transform the county's behavioral health system. The presentation outlined four components: Performance Outcomes Incentives, Evidence-Based Practices (EBP), Community Transition In-Reach Services, and the IMD-FFP waiver. Staff reported that the county opted into the Performance Outcomes Incentives and the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) EBP component due to projected financial gains. The county decided not to opt into Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), Forensic ACT (FACT), Coordinated Specialty Care, or Clubhouse Services due to projected revenue losses or fiscal burdens. A decision on Community Transition In-Reach Services was deferred pending further operational and fiscal analysis. The county also decided not to opt into the IMD-FFP waiver, citing a projected annual negative fiscal impact of approximately $776,456 and the requirement to expand the Psychiatric Urgent Facility capacity. A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the presentation; the motion passed unanimously. The item was determined not to be subject to CEQA.
Sidewalk Vending Ordinance and Pilot Program
- Staff presented a proposed ordinance and a six-month pilot program to regulate sidewalk vending in unincorporated areas. The proposal aims to define permissible operations, restrict high-risk activities (such as open-flame grilling), and establish time, place, and location restrictions, including a 500-foot buffer around schools during school-sponsored events. The pilot program includes a compliance team and a storage location for impounded equipment, with a total cost of $42,022.10. Public comment was received regarding enforcement challenges, unfair competition, and public safety. Supervisor Hartmann proposed an amendment to clarify that the vending restriction near schools applies specifically during school-sponsored events rather than as a blanket restriction. The Board agreed to table the item briefly to incorporate the amendment. Following the recess, a motion was made and seconded to adopt the ordinance and approve the pilot program, including a directive for staff to review work schedules to address enforcement needs. The motion passed unanimously.
No decision 0–0
Ordinance Amendment for Waste Service in Isla Vista
- The Board considered an ordinance amendment to Chapter 17 of the County Code regarding mandatory solid waste service in Isla Vista. Staff presented six major changes: clarifying that only property owners or managers may subscribe to service; limiting residential parcels to one waste account; redefining single-unit dwellings into "small" and "large" categories; increasing minimum service levels to include recycling and larger carts; requiring consolidation of service for larger properties; and mandating uninterrupted year-round service. Staff also proposed a waiver of the requirement to screen containers from public view until July 1, 2028. Public comment was received regarding litter, illegal dumping, and the need for updated regulations. A motion was made and seconded to approve and adopt the ordinance amendment as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
Appeal of Coastal Development Permit (Promised Land LLC / San Ysidro Creek Wall Repair)
- The Board heard an appeal regarding a coastal development permit for the repair of a historic sandstone boulder wall along San Ysidro Creek in Montecito. The project involved legalizing an as-built repair completed in 2018 following a debris flow. The applicant presented evidence that the wall is over 85 years old and the repair was a "like-for-like" restoration that did not alter flood conveyance. Staff findings indicated the project complies with floodplain standards and is exempt from CEQA. Appellants argued regarding the scope of the original emergency permit and potential impacts on neighboring properties. A motion was made and seconded to deny the appeals, make the required findings to approve the Coastal Development Permit, determine the action is exempt from CEQA, and grant de novo approval. The Board voted to approve the motion. The outcome was passed.
Small Business Disaster Relief Assistance
- Staff announced the availability of low-interest disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration for businesses and private nonprofits impacted by late December 2025 storms. Eligible organizations were directed to ReadySBC.org for application details. No motion or vote was taken on this item.
Closed Session
- The Board met in closed session to discuss existing litigation (Abdullah v. the County) and to confer with labor negotiators. No reportable action was taken.
Public Comment
- Public comment was received on various matters not listed on the agenda. Topics included alleged wrongful termination and harassment at the Good Samaritan Shelter; unregulated food vendors and the micro-kitchen program; personnel transfers within the County Executive Office and housing policies in the Lompoc Valley; a conservatorship case involving Armando Isabel Perez; human trafficking and the work of the faith community; and concerns regarding the restaurant industry and permit costs. Speakers also addressed the Kingdom Causes action plan to end child sexual exploitation and the work of the Isla Vista Community Services District. No formal motions were made by the Board in response to these comments.