Meeting Summary
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At a glance
2026 Officer Elections
- The board discussed historical rotation practices for leadership positions.
- Director Lavagnino was appointed Chair and Director Brown was appointed Vice-Chair for 2026.
- The motion to approve the officer appointments passed unanimously.
Director's Report
- Staff updated the board on CAPCOA retreat outcomes and alignment with CARB priorities.
- The report noted 130 air quality sensors require deployment by June 2026 to secure federal funding.
- Board members were asked to assist in identifying potential host locations for the remaining sensors.
2026 Committee Appointments
- Board members were designated to serve on the Executive and Hearing Board Nominating Committees.
- Representatives were also assigned to the South Central Coast Basin-Wide Control Council for 2026.
- The motion to approve the appointment slate passed unanimously.
Clean Air Fund Program Update
- Staff presented an update on air quality projects financed using settlement funds.
- Two new projects totaling $60,000 were proposed for HVAC maintenance and an educational exhibit.
- The board authorized expenditures up to $60,000 for the proposed Buelton community projects.
- Staff member Jim Fredrickson was recognized for retirement after 35 years of service.
Passed 11–0 · unanimous
Closed Session
- The board convened a closed session to conduct a conference with labor negotiators.
- Employee organizations ETA, SEIU Local 620, and Unrepresented Employees were involved.
- The Clerk reported that no reportable action was taken during the session.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- Chair Julian called the January 15 meeting of the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District Board of Directors to order. Roll call was conducted, and a quorum was established. The board observed the Pledge of Allegiance.
Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2026
- The board discussed the historical rotation between Board of Supervisors and City Council for these positions. A motion was made by Director Nelson and seconded by Director Lee to appoint Director Lavagnino as Chair and Director Brown as Vice-Chair for the 2026 year. The motion passed unanimously.
Passed 11–0 · unanimous
Closed Session
- The board adjourned to closed session to conduct a conference with labor negotiators pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6 with employee organizations ETA, SEIU Local 620, and Unrepresented Employees. Upon reconvening, the Clerk reported that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Approval of Minutes
- The board considered the minutes of the October 16, 2025 meeting. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Director Hartman and seconded by Director Silva. The motion passed unanimously.
Passed 9–0 · unanimous
Administrative Items
- There were no administrative items pulled for discussion by the public or board members. A motion to approve the administrative items was made by Director Silva and seconded by Director Hartman. The motion passed.
Passed 9–1 · against: Mosby
Director's Report
- Staff presented a report regarding the CAPCOA Board annual retreat and alignment with CARB priorities. Topics included modifications to CARB's Landfill Methane Gas Regulation, a satellite methane program, community engagement grants, and a roadmap for reducing air toxics. Staff reported on the Air Quality Sensors for Schools program, noting that 130 sensors remained to be deployed by June 2026 to secure federal funding. Staff requested assistance from board members in identifying potential host locations.
Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)
- Amanda Clark, Compliance Manager at Coastal Blooms Nursery, requested a program review of the cannabis permitting program's costs and effectiveness following the July 2024 Rule 210 amendments. She noted concerns regarding increased fees and duplicative permitting. Staff explained that a cost reimbursement process was adopted based on CAC recommendations to ensure fees were accurate and coordinated with County Planning and Development to minimize duplication. Staff committed to calculating associated costs and reporting back to the CAC and the Board. The Chair indicated the matter would be agendized for a future meeting.
Discussion Item I-1: Committee Appointments
- The board considered appointments to the Executive Committee, Hearing Board Nominating Committee, and the South Central Coast Basin-Wide Control Council for the 2026 calendar year.
- Executive Committee: Chair Lavagnino, Vice-Chair Brown, and Director Julian.
- Hearing Board Nominating Committee: One representative from each of the five Board of Supervisor Districts (Directors Lee, Pierotti, Hartman, Nelson, and Patino).
- South Central Coast Basin-Wide Control Council: Director Pierotti (Primary) and Director Silva (Alternate).
- A motion to approve the slate as presented was made by Director Silva and seconded by Director Nelson. The motion passed unanimously.
Discussion Item I-2: Clean Air Fund Program Update
- Planning Division Supervisor Jim Fredrickson presented an update on the Clean Air Fund Program, established to finance air quality projects using settlement funds. Previous projects included landscape equipment electrification, EV charging stations, and clean air rooms. The presentation detailed five approved projects in the Lompoc community and proposed two new projects in the Buelton community: HVAC maintenance and filters for Oak Valley Elementary School ($20,000) and an interactive educational exhibit for the Santa Ynez Valley Children's Museum ($40,000). A motion was made to receive the update and authorize expenditures up to $60,000 for the Buelton projects. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
- Following the discussion, Director Lee recognized Jim Fredrickson for his retirement after 35 years of service to the district.
Passed 11–0 · unanimous
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for March 19.