MINUTES

FEBRUARY 28, 2005, at the Elephant Bar in Goleta

Attendees:

President Susan Warnstrom called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. The attendees were introduced. All present participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States.

Approval of Minutes: Motion, second, unanimous, to approve the Minutes of the January 24, 2005 meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: Chuck Arnold reported the checking account has $2,385.62 and the savings account $1,397.19 for a total of $3,782.81.

Web Site Report: Larry Meyer reported the mailing list will be down a few hours this Saturday,

Guest Speaker: Susan Rose, Supervisor of the Santa Barbara County Second Supervisorial District: Supervisor Rose said she represents from the City of Santa Barbara to a part of the City of Goleta. She is the Chair of the Board of Supervisors this year. Her presentation is a summary State of the County. Regarding the County Split, there are 11 determinations regarding fiscal, geographic, and administrative issues. Regarding economic viability of the new county, it appears that either taxes will be increased or the level of service will be reduced. The proposed new county seat is Santa Maria. The election will be held June 2006. If it passes with a majority in both the new county and the current county, the transition will be from June 2007 to June 2009. The Board of Supervisors will discuss the report of the split commission before their process is finalized.

The County Budget is on sound financial footing despite the raids from the State. The Board will look at funding sources and revenue streams prior to approving new projects. Supervisor Rose said the County is losing $50 million yearly to ERAF. Funding for road maintenance and public works projects is a struggle. The County and the Chumash have negotiated an agreement regarding the 6.9 acres they are annexing. Two-thirds of the land will be a cultural site and park, the remainder being a museum and parking lot. Fess Parker’s project with the Chumash is currently dormant. The County’s Housing Element is being updated and the Planning Commission is reviewing sites for rezoning for additional housing. While there is sufficient high-end and low-end housing, there is a major shortage for housing in the middle.

Regarding the Highway 101 Corridor, a variety of issues, options and packages are being considered. Housing and transportation are regional issues. Planning and Development’s process improvement commenced 18 months ago. The Board is assessing what worked and what didn’t regarding the recent storms and the damage they caused.

LAFCO Report: Cathy Schlottmann reported the Lompoc Valley MSRs have been completed. The next area to be completed is the Santa Maria Valley. Brooks Firestone is the new County member. Selection of the new public member is proceeding.

S B Co. Vector Control District: Mitch Bernstein said the Vector Control District started the process 6 months ago to annex the remainder of the north county including the 5 cities. There will be a Proposition 218 ballot measure this spring.

Legislative Report: George Emerson gave an update on the bills this legislative session. There are 1,800 proposed Assembly bills and 1,000 proposed Senate bills. CSDA has formed subcommittees to review them. The annual Government Affairs gathering will be held May 16-17^th.

Planning & Development Department Change: Tom Stone asked we consider supporting the County Planning & Development in a proposed change. Section 65402 of the Government Code states that when a government agency buys, sells, or builds on property, it must first obtain a determination that it conforms to the General Plan. It is proposed these determinations be made by the Director of the Planning Department instead of the Planning Commission. The Chapter Executive Committee will consider this at their next meeting. If any district has input, direct it to the Executive Committee.

Annual Meeting Location: President Warnstrom asked about meeting sites for our annual meeting. Suggestions included the Goleta Holiday Inn, the Double Tree, and the Pacifica Suites.

New Business: None.

Old Business: None.

Adjournment President Susan Warnstrom adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m. The next meeting will be Monday, March 28, 2005

Cathy Schlottmann