MINUTES

September 24, 2007 at The Meadows, Solvang

President Jim Raggio called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States. Attendees introduced themselves.

Approval of Minutes: Motion, second, unanimous, to approve the Minutes of August 27, 2007 as presented.

Treasurer’s Report: Chuck Arnold reported the checking account balance is $3,018.23 and the savings balance is $3,410.72, for a total of $6,428.95.

LAFCo Update: John Fox noted the next LAFCo meeting will be October 11^th, concerning the Sphere of Influence for the area between the cities of Goleta and Santa Barbara. He also noted he spent time meeting with the Grand Jury discussing special districts, referring them to the President of the State Cemetery Association for further questions.

Legislative Update: George Emerson said SB 619 is now a two year bill. It proposes to reduce contract retention from 10% to 5%.

Chapter Website: Larry Meyer asked for articles for posting on our website.

Future Meetings and Speakers: Ralph Heim will be the speaker at our annual meeting, and Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee will speak at our December 3^rd meeting.

Old Business: None.

New Business: None.

Guest Speaker: Andy Caldwell, Executive Director of C.O.L.A.B (Coalition of Labor, Agriculture, and Business): Andy Caldwell said C.O.L.A.B. has been a watchdog agency in Santa Barbara County for 17 years, it has interests in common with many, but not special interests, trying to focus on the big picture. He said the valleys of Santa Maria and Santa Ynez are shifting. The recent Measure D effort was opposed, whereas the recent Lompoc Hospital and Hancock College bond measures were supported. Santa Barbara County has an annual $100 million deficit in road maintenance funding. The County is also considering another tax measure for hospital emergency funding. Some of the issues we are facing include the costs for the early presidential election, MediCal requirements and funding, Goleta Beach, public works encroachment, county pension fund stability, repairs to the Santa Maria levee, long term costs, in both money and water, for the steelhead. The challenge for Santa Barbara County is residents wanting an agricultural-rural county along with a healthy economy.

Adjournment: President Raggio adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. The next monthly Chapter meeting will be held Monday, October 29^th at The Meadows Restaurant, Solvang, California. The speaker will be Ralph Heim.

Cathy Schlottmann