Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Lee, 2-Capps, 5-Lavagnino, 3-Hartmann · Absent: 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
Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital Stroke Care Resolution
- A hospital representative thanked the Board for a resolution recognizing efforts to strengthen stroke care.
- The speaker highlighted rapid response times, tool investments, and staff dedication.
- No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded during this segment.
Election Integrity and Security
- Staff from the Sheriff's and Elections Offices confirmed security coordination and clarified federal law regarding law enforcement at polling places.
- Protocols include a lieutenant at the Command Center, ballot escorts, and escalation procedures for disturbances.
- Public comment addressed concerns about potential ICE presence and urged adherence to voter intimidation guidelines.
- No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
National Correctional Officers Week
- A Sheriff's Office representative addressed the Board to honor custody deputies, support staff, and correctional counselors.
- No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Speed Limit Updates
- Staff proposed reducing speed limits on Santa Claus Lane, San Antonio Creek Road, and reclassifying California Avenue based on traffic surveys.
- The Board approved the first reading of the ordinance amending these speed limits.
- Signage installation is scheduled to occur 30 days after Board approval.
Workforce Housing Project (117 East Carrillo Street)
- Staff recommended authorizing negotiations with SOLA as the primary partner for a 100-unit affordable housing project.
- Alternative negotiations with the County Housing Authority, Pacific Companies, and AMG Land Group were authorized if SOLA talks fail.
- The Board passed a motion to authorize negotiations with an addition directing staff to negotiate a local nonprofit partner.
AB 2561 Workforce Vacancy and Recruitment Report
- Human Resources presented a report showing a 9% average vacancy rate and 8.88% annual turnover rate for 2025.
- Challenges identified included cost of living, housing costs, and civil service processes, with physicians facing a 38.23% vacancy rate.
- The Board passed a motion to receive and file the report.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Recognition
- United Way representatives thanked the Board for the partnership in administering the ERAP during the pandemic.
- No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Fire Enforcement Appeals Board Proposal
- Public comment argued that including "same practical effect" appeals creates due process issues and questioned board impartiality.
- No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness
- The County Fire Chief highlighted fuel reduction efforts supported by grants and urged residents to maintain defensible space.
- No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Chapter 15 Amendments and 2026 Fee Study Update
- The Fire Department proposed fee increases for certificates, plan checks, and permits, projecting a revenue increase of $547,191.
- Amendments included synchronizing the Board of Appeals with administrative changes and clarifying Brown Act compliance.
- The Board approved the first reading of the ordinance to adopt these amendments.
Elections Division Update
- The Chief Deputy Registrar noted over 250,000 ballots mailed and addressed concerns regarding federal agents at polling places.
- No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Santa Ynez Valley Airport (KIZA) Compliance
- A presenter raised concerns regarding non-permitted commercial flight instruction and the airport authority's status under the Public Records Act.
- No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Information Technology Department Initiatives
- The IT Department presented initiatives to modernize the public safety radio network, implement Acela software, and expand GIS.
- No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Single Audit Report
- The Board reviewed the single audit report for federal and state programs, which indicated clean opinions for listed departments.
- A motion to approve the audit report was made, seconded, and passed.
Continuation of Items
- Several agenda items were continued to the May 12th meeting via passed motions.
Planning Commission Appeal
- The Board discussed a Planning Commission appeal and passed a motion to approve the staff recommendation.
Fire Engine Access Photo
- A board member commented on a photograph regarding fire engine access, noting the difficulty and tightness of the space.
- No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Election Night Logistics and Reporting
- Discussion covered vote return reporting based on geography and counting ballots received after Election Day if postmarked by Election Day.
- No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Social Services Funding
- A board member inquired about maintaining Social Services funding, noting over $5.3 million had been restored to the department.
- No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Administrative Resolutions
- The Board passed resolutions honoring Sabina Baraja, United Way, and various awareness months including Mental Health and Wildfire Preparedness.
- Additional resolutions proclaimed Stronger Starts Day of Action and National Correctional Officers Week.
Budget Revision Requests
- The County Executive Office presented budget revision requests which were continued to the May 12th meeting.
Fire Department Board of Appeals
- The Fire Department presented recommendations for Board of Appeals revisions, but a four-fifths vote was not available.
- The item was continued to a future date.
Public Comment on Staffing and Vacancies
- Speakers discussed the impact of eliminating positions on workload, service quality, and patient safety.
- Supervisor Lavagnino noted that layoffs are driven by funding cuts.
- No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Housing Development Project Discussion
- Staff recommended pursuing an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Solar Impact (SOLA) for affordable housing.
- The Board passed a motion to advance the item for future negotiation.
Public Works Emergency Response Report
- The Public Works Director presented a report on emergency response actions regarding flooding and storms.
- The Board approved the report via a passed motion.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Sheriff Coroner's Office Agreement Amendment
- The Board considered a first amendment to an agreement for Early Access Stabilization Services.
- The item was continued to the May 12th meeting via a passed motion.
Administrative Agenda Approval
- The Board approved the balance of the administrative agenda, excluding specific items, via a passed motion.
Departmental Item 6: Local Housing Marketing Program
- The Board held a hearing on an ordinance adding Chapter 52 to the County Code for a Local Housing Marketing Program.
- A motion was passed to accept the staff recommendation with an addition requiring a report at 90% occupancy.
Closed Session
- The Board met in closed session to discuss a conference with labor negotiators regarding a County Executive Officer candidate.
- The Board also discussed a public employee appointment for the County Executive Officer.
- No reportable action was taken.
Full summary
Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital Stroke Care Resolution
- A representative from Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital addressed the Board to thank them for a resolution recognizing the hospital's efforts to strengthen stroke care. The speaker highlighted rapid response times, investments in tools and training, and staff dedication. No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Election Integrity and Security
- Public comment was received regarding election integrity, with a speaker advocating for open voter rolls to ensure transparency. Staff from the Sheriff's Office and Elections Office presented on security measures, confirming coordination between offices. They clarified that federal law generally prohibits federal law enforcement or military presence at polling places, with limited exceptions, and stated they do not anticipate ICE presence. Security protocols include a lieutenant at the Elections Command Center, deputies escorting ballots, and escalation procedures for disturbances. Public comment was also received from a representative of Indivisible Santa Barbara expressing concern regarding potential ICE presence and urging strict adherence to state and federal guidance on voter intimidation. No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
National Correctional Officers Week
- A representative from the Sheriff's Office addressed the Board to honor National Correctional Officers Week, recognizing the work of custody deputies, support staff, and correctional counselors. No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Speed Limit Updates
- Staff from the Transportation Division and Public Works presented proposed speed limit changes for three locations based on Engineering Traffic Surveys:
- Santa Claus Lane (Carpinteria): Proposal to establish a 30 mph speed zone for the northern portion, reduced from 35 mph, due to increased pedestrian and bicycle activity.
- San Antonio Creek Road: Proposal to reduce the speed limit to 35 mph from 40 mph, citing pedestrian activity, lack of sidewalks, and hidden driveways.
- California Avenue (Orcutt): Proposal to reclassify the road as a residential district with a 25 mph prima facie speed limit, removing it from the county code as a specific safety zone in accordance with Assembly Bill 43.
- Signage installation was noted to occur 30 days after Board approval. A motion was made to approve the first reading of the ordinance amending speed limits. The motion was seconded and passed.
Workforce Housing Project (117 East Carrillo Street)
- Staff from the Community Services Department presented a recommendation to authorize negotiations with a selected developer for a workforce housing project on county-owned land at 117 East Carrillo Street. The project aims to provide affordable housing through a public-private partnership involving a long-term ground lease. Staff recommended SOLA as the primary partner for negotiations, citing their experience and proposal to use factory-built methods. Staff also recommended authorizing negotiations with the County Housing Authority, Pacific Companies, and AMG Land Group as an alternative if negotiations with SOLA are unsuccessful. The proposal includes approximately 100 units, with 83 units targeted for households at 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). Discussion covered construction costs, design guidelines, factory-built housing, and community engagement. A motion was made to authorize negotiations with the selected developers, deferring the surplus property exemption to a future date, with an addition directing staff to negotiate a local nonprofit partner. The motion was seconded and passed.
AB 2561 Workforce Vacancy and Recruitment Report
- Staff from Human Resources presented the countywide workforce report required by AB 2561 for calendar year 2025. The report indicated 4,732.45 budgeted full-time equivalent positions, an average vacancy rate of 9%, and an annual turnover rate of 8.88%. Challenges identified included cost of living, housing costs, and civil service processes. Bargaining Unit 10 (physicians and psychiatrists) had a vacancy rate of 38.23%. Public comment was received regarding IT staff vulnerabilities and the stress of vacancies. A motion was made to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded and passed.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Recognition
- Public comment was received from United Way representatives thanking the Board for the partnership in administering the ERAP during the pandemic. No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Fire Enforcement Appeals Board Proposal
- Public comment was received regarding a proposal to create a board to hear appeals of fire enforcement orders. The speaker argued that including "same practical effect" appeals creates a due process issue and that a board composed largely of fire marshals would lack impartiality. No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness
- The County Fire Chief addressed the Board regarding Wildfire Prevention Week, highlighting the department's resources, fuel reduction efforts supported by grants, and urging residents to maintain defensible space and sign up for emergency alerts. No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Chapter 15 Amendments and 2026 Fee Study Update
- The Santa Barbara County Fire Department presented amendments to Chapter 15 of the County Code, including a 2026 Fee Study Update. Amendments to Appendix A (Board of Appeals) were proposed to synchronize with administrative changes and clarify Brown Act compliance. Amendments to Section 105 (permits) proposed adjusting fee structures for large events and festivals while keeping ministerial permits for low-risk activities fee-free. The study projected a revenue increase of $547,191. Proposed fee increases included Fire Protection Certificates, sprinkler plan checks, tent inspections, conditional use permits, and land use permitting. New fees were proposed for fire safety film standby and agricultural burn permits. The Fire Department recommended the first reading of an ordinance to adopt these amendments, with a provision to review fee performance after six months and implement an annual index-based adjustment mechanism. A motion was made to approve the first reading of the ordinance. The motion was seconded and passed.
Elections Division Update
- Martin Cobos, Chief Deputy Registrar, presented an update on the upcoming election, noting over 250,000 ballots mailed, 18 drop boxes, and 61 polling places. The division addressed U.S. Postal Service processing changes, signature verification, and the use of the VoteCal system. Concerns regarding federal agents at polling places were addressed, noting that observers are permitted and law enforcement partners are prepared. No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Santa Ynez Valley Airport (KIZA) Compliance
- Shawn Sullivan of Above All Aviation presented concerns regarding non-permitted commercial flight instruction at Santa Ynez Valley Airport, citing Chapter 4 of the County Code and FAA obligations. The presenter argued the airport authority is functionally equivalent to a public body under the California Public Records Act. No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Information Technology Department Initiatives
- The Information Technology Department presented three key initiatives: modernizing the public safety radio network, implementing Acela software for permitting, and expanding Geographic Information Systems. No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Single Audit Report
- The Board reviewed the single audit report for federal and state programs, which indicated clean opinions for listed departments. A motion to approve the audit report was made, seconded, and passed.
Continuation of Items
- Several agenda items were continued to May 12th. Motions to continue specific items were made, seconded, and passed.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Planning Commission Appeal
- Discussion took place regarding a Planning Commission appeal. A motion to approve the staff recommendation regarding the appeal was made, seconded, and passed.
Fire Engine Access Photo
- A board member commented on a photograph presented as evidence regarding fire engine access, noting the difficulty of access and tightness of the space. No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Election Night Logistics and Reporting
- Discussion occurred regarding election night logistics, including vote return reporting based on geography and the counting of ballots received after Election Day if postmarked by Election Day. No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Social Services Funding
- A board member inquired about maintaining Social Services funding without cuts, noting over $5.3 million had been restored to the department. No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Administrative Item 1: Resolution Honoring Sabina Baraja
- A resolution was presented to honor Sabina Baraja upon her retirement from the Clerk Recorder Assessor Department. The resolution was moved, seconded, and passed.
Administrative Item 2: Resolution Honoring United Way of Santa Barbara County
- A resolution was presented to commend United Way of Santa Barbara County for administering the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The resolution was moved, seconded, and passed.
Administrative Item 3: Stronger Starts Day of Action
- A resolution was presented to proclaim May 9, 2026, as Stronger Starts Day of Action for Children in Santa Barbara County. The resolution was moved, seconded, and passed.
Administrative Item 4: National Correctional Officers Week
- A resolution was presented to proclaim the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as National Correctional Officers Week. The resolution was moved, seconded, and passed.
Administrative Item 5: Compost Awareness Week
- A resolution was presented to proclaim the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as Compost Awareness Week. The resolution was moved, seconded, and passed.
Administrative Item 6: Mental Health Month
- A resolution was presented to proclaim May 2026 as Mental Health Month in Santa Barbara County. The resolution was moved, seconded, and passed.
Administrative Item 7: National Stroke Awareness Month
- A resolution was presented to proclaim May 2026 as National Stroke Awareness Month. The resolution was moved, seconded, and passed.
Administrative Item 8: Wildfire Community Preparedness Month
- A resolution was presented to proclaim May 2026 as Wildfire Community Preparedness Month. The resolution was moved, seconded, and passed.
Administrative Item 12: Single Audit Reports
- The Auditor-Controller's Office presented recommendations regarding single audit reports for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. No motion or vote was recorded in this transcript segment for a final decision on the audit report itself, though the item was discussed.
Administrative Item 17: Budget Revision Requests
- The County Executive Office presented budget revision requests. The item was requested to be continued to the May 12th board meeting. The request to continue the item was moved, seconded, and passed.
Administrative Item 19: Fire Department Board of Appeals
- The Fire Department presented recommendations regarding revisions to the rules and regulations of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department's Board of Appeals and the appointment of candidates. Public comment was received. It was determined that a four-fifths vote was not available on this item. The item was continued to a future date.
Public Comment and Discussion on Staffing and Vacancies
- Significant public comment was provided regarding staffing vacancies and proposed layoffs. Speakers from SEIU Local 620, Public Health, and the Sheriff's Office discussed the impact of eliminating positions on workload, service quality, and patient safety. Supervisor Lavagnino addressed the board regarding budget and staffing issues, noting layoffs are driven by funding cuts. No formal motion, vote, or decision was recorded in this segment.
Housing Development Project Discussion
- A presentation was given regarding a Request for Proposals for affordable housing on county property. Staff recommended pursuing an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Solar Impact (SOLA). Supervisor Lavagnino moved to advance the item for future negotiation. The motion to advance the item was moved, seconded, and passed.
Other Announcements and Procedural Matters
- Announcements were made regarding remote participation, the requirement for a four-fifths vote on specific items, and the absence of Supervisor Hartmann and Chair Nelson.
Administrative Item 27 (Public Works Department)
- The item concerned a Public Works Director's Report on emergency response actions regarding flooding and storms. A request was made to trail the item to immediately precede the closed session agenda. The Board approved the request. Later, a motion was made to approve the report. The motion was seconded and passed.
Administrative Item 28 (Sheriff Coroner's Office)
- The item concerned a first amendment to an agreement with California Health and Recovery Solutions for Early Access Stabilization Services. A motion was made to continue this item to the May 12th meeting. The motion was seconded and passed.
Administrative Agenda Approval
- A motion was made to approve the balance of the administrative agenda, excluding specific items. The motion was seconded and passed.
Administrative Item 2
- A motion was made to approve the item. The motion was seconded and passed.
Administrative Item 4
- A motion was made to approve the item. The motion was seconded and passed.
Administrative Item 19
- Public comment was received regarding the item. A motion was made to approve the item. The motion was seconded and passed.
Resolutions
- Resolution 1 was read into the record. A motion was made to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded and passed. Several other resolutions were presented and approved via motion and second, including those recognizing the Sheriff's Office, a family center on Haley Street, and the Fire Marshal's promotion ceremony.
Departmental Item 1 (County Executive Office)
- A hearing was held to consider a report on elections information. Discussion focused on election security, fraud prevention, and concerns regarding federal agents at polling places. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
Departmental Item 2 (Public Works Department)
- A hearing was held to consider the first reading of an ordinance amending speed limits. A motion was made to approve the first reading. The motion was seconded and passed.
Departmental Item 3 (Human Resources Department)
- A hearing was held to consider the annual county workforce vacancies, recruitment, and retention report. A motion was made to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded and passed.
Departmental Item 4 (Fire Department)
- A hearing was held to consider the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 15 regarding fees updates. A motion was made to approve the first reading. The motion was seconded and passed.
Departmental Item 5 (Community Services Department)
- A hearing was held to consider a workforce housing development at 117 East Carrillo Street. A motion was made to accept the staff recommendation with the addition of directing staff to negotiate a local nonprofit partner. The motion was seconded and passed.
Departmental Item 6 (Planning and Development Department)
- A hearing was held to consider the first reading of an ordinance adding Chapter 52 to the County Code, entitled "Local Housing Marketing Program." A motion was made to accept the staff recommendation with the addition of a reporting requirement at 90% occupancy. The motion was seconded and passed.
Closed Session
- The Board met in closed session to discuss a conference with labor negotiators regarding a County Executive Officer candidate and a public employee appointment for the County Executive Officer. The Board took no reportable action.
Announcements and Public Comment
- Announcements were made regarding Mental Health Awareness Month, an award received by the General Services Facilities Division, and a new county video series on technology. General public comment was received on various topics.
Ordinance Amendment Regarding Monitoring and Reporting Requirements
- Unidentified Speaker 49 presented proposed language for a new section to be added to an ordinance, including a reporting requirement triggered at 90% occupancy. No formal motion, second, or vote was recorded in this transcript segment regarding the adoption of this language.
Recognition of 2026 Mental Health Month
- Maria Valencia, Chair of the Behavioral Wellness Commission, addressed the Board to recognize 2026 Mental Health Month. No formal motion, second, or vote was recorded in this transcript segment.