Meeting Summary
Present: Katz, 3-Hartmann, 5-Lavagnino, 1-Lee, 4-Nelson
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
Child Support Awareness Month Resolution
- The board adopted a resolution proclaiming August 2026 as Child Support Awareness Month.
- Staff presented outreach efforts including library partnerships, radio segments, and workshops at the Lompoc Federal Correctional Complex.
Resolution Honoring Andrew Firestone
- A resolution was adopted to honor Andrew Firestone for his service to the county's nonprofit community.
- Board members acknowledged his contributions as an emcee, auctioneer, and strategist before he accepted the recognition.
Employee of the Month Resolution
- The board recognized Delis Estrada, Marco Marrera, and Justin Wyckoff as Employees of the Month for August 2026.
- Honorees from the Agricultural Commissioner's Weights and Measures Office were cited for contributions to crop reporting and pest prevention.
Resolution Honoring Mona Miyasato
- The board adopted a resolution honoring Mona Miyasato upon her retirement after over 12 years as County Executive Officer.
- Remarks highlighted her leadership during fiscal pressures, disasters, and the pandemic, followed by a video tribute and closing remarks from Ms. Miyasato.
Sheriff's Office Overtime Analysis Report
- The board received a report detailing operational changes that reduced overtime costs while addressing employee wellness and safety concerns.
- Under Sheriff Welch confirmed that enhanced review processes led to an arrest for overtime fraud.
- Discussion included the potential impact of the upcoming Deputy Sheriff's Association contract on future overtime levels.
Outdoor Festival License for 1805 Live
- The board approved the staff recommendation regarding an outdoor festival license for the organization 1805 Live.
- Board members expressed appreciation for the group and committed to assisting in identifying a new location for next year's event.
No decision 0–0
Cal Real Campus Solar Power Purchase Agreement Amendment
- The board approved an amendment to add a battery energy storage system to the existing solar power purchase agreement at Cal Real Campus.
- Staff confirmed the project supports zero net energy goals and provides 24-hour resilience for mission-critical facilities.
- Discussion focused on ensuring consistency with future land use regulations regarding battery storage safety and setbacks.
Deputy Sheriff's Association Memorandum of Understanding
- The board approved a new labor contract effective August 17, 2026, through July 2, 2028.
- Contract provisions include removing comp time from overtime calculations and adjusting portal-to-portal pay to control costs.
- Staff clarified that salary increases will be funded by an existing $812,000 set-aside designated for the Sheriff's Department.
State Budget FY 2026-27 Summary and County Impacts
- The board received a report on state budget impacts, noting most new funding is one-time in nature.
- Key points included a new sales tax on software subscriptions and waived local match requirements for CalFresh.
- Discussion addressed uncertainty regarding final allocations and potential recapture of general fund dollars previously set aside as reserves.
Hagfors Rezone Project (Case No. 25RZN-3)
- The board approved rezoning a 1.4-acre vacant parcel in San Ynez from Retail Commercial to General Commercial.
- The change permits new uses such as personal storage facilities while maintaining virtually identical development standards.
- Staff confirmed that future development would be subject to review by the Board of Architectural Review regarding visual impact.
Closed Session
- The board discussed three existing litigation matters and held a conference with labor negotiators for the Engineers and Technicians Association and CIU Local 620.
- County Counsel reported that no reportable action was taken on these items during the closed session.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The regular meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on August 18, 2026, was called to order by Chair Nelson. The Clerk confirmed the presence of all supervisors. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
- The board considered the minutes from the July 14, 2026, meeting. A motion to approve was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Lee. The motion passed unanimously.
County Executive Officer's Report
- No report was presented for this item.
Announcements
- The Clerk announced that Zoom is available solely for verbal public comment and not for viewing the meeting, directing attendees to alternative viewing options listed in the agenda.
Administrative Agenda (Bulk Approval)
- Items A8, A16, A28, and A33 were removed from bulk approval for individual consideration later in the meeting. Public comment was requested on Item A4. A motion was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Lee to approve all remaining administrative items with the exception of A8, A16, A28, and A33. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 1: Child Support Awareness Month Resolution
- The board considered a resolution sponsored by Chair Nelson to proclaim August 2026 as Child Support Awareness Month. Representatives from the Department of Child Support Services presented on outreach efforts, including library partnerships, a back-to-school drive, Spanish-language radio segments, and workshops at the Federal Correctional Complex Lompoc. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 2: Resolution Honoring Andrew Firestone
- The board considered a resolution honoring Andrew Firestone for his service to the county's nonprofit community. Mr. Firestone accepted the resolution and spoke regarding his family's commitment to volunteerism. Board members acknowledged his contributions as an emcee, auctioneer, and strategist. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 3: Employee of the Month Resolution
- The board considered a resolution honoring Delis Estrada, Marco Marrera, and Justin Wyckoff of the Agricultural Commissioner's Weights and Measures Office as Employees of the Month for August 2026. A representative presented details regarding their contributions to crop reporting, pest prevention, and environmental protection. The honorees accepted the recognition. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 4: Resolution Honoring Mona Miyasato
- The board considered a resolution honoring Mona Miyasato upon her retirement after over 12 years as County Executive Officer and more than 30 years of combined public service. The resolution detailed her leadership during fiscal pressures, disasters, and the pandemic, as well as efforts in modernizing operations and addressing homelessness and criminal justice issues. Public comment was provided by Robert Shaw and Dr. Lee Heller. A video tribute was presented, followed by remarks from board members regarding Ms. Miyasato's leadership and mentorship. Ms. Miyasato delivered closing remarks. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 8: Sheriff's Office Overtime Analysis Report
- The board considered recommendations regarding the Sheriff's Office overtime analysis report for July 2025 through June 2026. Under Sheriff Brad Welch reported on operational changes implemented to reduce discretionary service levels and institute additional controls, resulting in reduced overtime costs. Discussion included the impact of these measures on employee wellness and safety. Supervisor Capps inquired about a recent arrest related to overtime fraud; Under Sheriff Welch confirmed that enhanced review processes led to the identification and arrest of an individual for criminal conduct. The discussion also addressed the potential impact of the upcoming Deputy Sheriff's Association (DSA) contract on future overtime. A motion was made to receive the report as recommended, seconded by a board member. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 16: Outdoor Festival License for 1805 Live
- Staff presented a recommendation regarding an outdoor festival license for the organization 1805 Live. A representative from the organization appeared before the board. Discussion included appreciation for the organization's efforts and a commitment to assist in identifying a new location for the event in the following year. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation, seconded, and passed unanimously.
No decision 0–0
Administrative Item 28: Amendment to Cal Real Campus Solar Power Purchase Agreement
- Staff presented an amendment to add a battery energy storage system (BESS) to the existing solar power purchase agreement at the Cal Real Campus. The project includes a 1.4 megawatt photovoltaic array intended to support the county's zero net energy resolution and climate action plan by providing 24-hour resilience for mission-critical facilities, including the jail, public health, and mental health services. Staff confirmed that while the project does not meet the threshold for a utility-scale project, it will undergo full review and approval by Planning and Development and County Fire to ensure compliance with safety codes. Discussion focused on ensuring consistency between this project and future land use regulations regarding battery storage safety, setbacks, and public notification. Staff noted projected cost savings of $12.5 million over a 30-year lifespan due to fixed utility rates. A motion was made to approve the item, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 33: Deputy Sheriff's Association Memorandum of Understanding (Item 833)
- The board considered recommendations regarding the successor memorandum of understanding for the Deputy Sheriff's Association, effective August 17, 2026, through July 2, 2028. Staff presented a negotiated labor contract including provisions to control overtime costs by removing comp time and sick time from the calculation of base hours for overtime eligibility, implementing additional controls on comp time, and adjusting portal-to-portal pay provisions. Supervisor Lee inquired about the funding source; staff clarified that the salary increase will be funded by an existing $812,000 set-aside designated for the Sheriff's Department, with a budget revision to release these funds scheduled for the September 1 meeting requiring a four-fifths vote. Discussion included confirmation that the Alavista Foot Patrol remains unfunded as per previous budget cuts and a request for staff to provide an update on Isla Vista negotiations at the September 1 meeting. Supervisor Hartman requested further explanation from Human Resources Director Kristi Schmidt regarding how the contract terms affect overtime costs compared to the former agreement. A motion was made to approve Item 833, seconded, and passed unanimously.
General Public Comment
- Two members of the public provided comments on matters not on the agenda:
- Fred Razo requested that Code Section 7-31 (the apiary ordinance) be referred to staff for review, arguing that current fixed setback requirements disproportionately impact small residential apiaries and suggesting a tiered regulatory approach.
- Gina Rodarte-Quiroz, representing Families Act, urged the board to address a backlog in transferring inmates with serious mental illness to court-ordered treatment facilities, citing statutory obligations for timely psychiatric care.
Departmental Item 1: State Budget FY 2026-27 Summary and County Impacts
- Staff presented a report on the recently enacted state budget and its potential impacts on the county. Key points included that most new state funding is one-time in nature; a new sales tax on certain software subscriptions will generate revenue but also impose costs on county software expenditures; funding was provided for increased Medi-Cal and CalFresh administrative workloads related to HR 1, though some allocations are uncertain; the state budget waived local match requirements for CalFresh for three years, potentially freeing up $1.4 million annually; additional funding was allocated for the Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HAP) program subject to new accountability requirements; and no additional specific funding was provided for Proposition 36. Discussions addressed ongoing trailer bills regarding indigent care costs and AB 85 allocation freezes. Discussion focused on the uncertainty of final allocations and the need for future board review if state funds allow for the recapture of general fund dollars previously set aside as reserves. A motion was made to receive and file the report, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 2: Hagfors Rezone Project (Case No. 25RZN-3)
- Staff presented a request to rezone a 1.4-acre vacant parcel in San Ynez from Retail Commercial (C-2) to General Commercial (C-3). The rezone is intended to allow for uses not currently permitted in C-2, specifically a personal storage facility, as well as 15 other new uses such as agricultural processing and vehicle services. Staff noted that development standards remain virtually identical between the two zones and that the project is consistent with the San Ynez Valley Community Plan. No development is proposed at this time. Discussion addressed concerns regarding the visual impact of the site as a gateway to San Ynez, with staff confirming that future development would be subject to review by the Board of Architectural Review (BAR). Questions were raised regarding whether C-2 uses remain permissible under a C-3 designation; staff confirmed that all C-2 uses are allowed in C-3, though some permit requirements may be reduced. Staff reported that the application process took approximately 1.5 years and cost roughly $20,000 in fees and staff time. A motion was made to approve the rezone (including findings and ordinance adoption), seconded, and passed unanimously.
Closed Session
- The board recessed to closed session to discuss three existing litigation matters: County of Santa Barbara v. SJ Amoroso Construction, County of Santa Barbara v. Rosser, and Sabal Offshore v. County. The session also included a conference with labor negotiators for the Engineers and Technicians Association (ETA) and CIU Local 620.
Closed Session Report
- The County Counsel reported on actions taken during the closed session regarding the three litigation matters and the conference with labor negotiators. The report stated that the Board took no reportable action on these items. No motions were made or voted upon during this segment.
Adjournment
- The Chair announced the conclusion of the agenda and adjourned the meeting, scheduling the next regularly scheduled meeting for August 25th in the Santa Maria Hearing Room.