City Council Minutes – January 31, 2024 Page 1 of 5
MINUTES
CITY OF CAMARILLO CITY COUNCIL
CAMARILLO SANITARY DISTRICT
JOINT SPECIAL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
The Mayor called the special meeting of the City Council to order at 5:00 p.m.
The Chair called the special meeting of the Camarillo Sanitary District to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Council/Board Tony Trembley, Mayor
Present: Kevin Kildee, Vice Mayor
Martita Martinez-Bravo, Councilmember
Susan Santangelo, Councilmember
David Tennessen, Councilmember
Staff Present: Greg Ramirez, City Manager
Carmen Nichols, Assistant City Manager
Kristy Buxkemper, City Clerk
Dave Klotzle, Public Works Director
Rachel Richman, City Attorney
David Sanchez, Director of Community Development
Eric Tennessen, Police Department Commander
Mark Uribe, Finance Director
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was approved.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Review FY 2023/24 City Council Goals and Objectives and Establish FY 2024/25 Council Goals and Objectives
Assistant City Manager Nichols provided an overview of the progress on FY 2022/23 Goals and Objectives and reviewed the City’s Mission Statement and the roadmap for the development and execution of the strategic plan. Nichols provided a summary of productivity and performance measurements consistent with department work plans and performance measures.
Project updates were provided for the following topics:
• Public Safety
• Homelessness and Project Hope Support
• Healthy Camarillo
• Grant Funding and CIP Projects
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Public Safety:
Commander Eric Tennessen provided a report on the Camarillo Police Department Goal and Objectives, including a needs assessment summary and a request for consideration of the following:
• Addition of a Sergeant Cover Car / One Sergeant Position • Cover Car Modification / Addition of an 84-hour Cover Car • Opticom Emergency Vehicle Preemption
Tennessen indicated the requests aligned with the Council’s goals and objective to provide a safe community and responded to numerous questions and requests for additional information regarding the needs assessment, funding, and proposed additions.
Mayor Trembley recommended the inclusion of footnotes on specific metrics to provide additional clarity, and Councilmember’s asked about the duration of Opticom devices and the safety of the devices to avoid hacking possibilities. Commander Tennessen responded and confirmed that Opticom devices were widely used and had no risk of being hacked.
Homelessness and Project Hope Support:
Senior Management Analyst Lisette Torres introduced the project HOPE team. Deputy Jason Havelka provided a brief history of the project, current and future staffing, and a 2023 year in review; sharing success stories highlighting Project Hope’s continued efforts to provide resources to combat homelessness and mental illnesses. Updates included FY 2024/25 goals for the program including:
• Relocation of the one-stop to a location more suitable for the population it serves • Increased collaboration with local non-profits and other sectors to provide a wide range of services
• Completion of the City of Camarillo’s Homeless Strategic Plan • Increased contacts with homeless population
• Increased number of sheltered homeless clients
Havelka responded to questions pertaining to the number of contacts (208 total / 184 received assistance or some service), the process for initiation contact with the homeless, and the timing for the Homeless Strategic Plan.
Healthy Camarillo:
Senior Management Analyst Lisette Torres provided a summary of 2023 activities and the Healthy Camarillo Ad Hoc Committee including:
• Meeting with City of Rancho Cucamonga to learn about “Healthy RC initiative
• Held stakeholder meetings with the Camarillo Health Care District and the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District
• Discussed possible partnership, roles, structures, and creation of a Steering Committee • Contacted Ventura County Community Health Improvement Collaboration to learn about VC Community Health Needs Assessment
A report was provided regarding 2024 planned activities and deliverables, including an MOU, steering committee, communication strategy, and a needs assessment. Torres also confirmed that the initiative includes mental health, prevention of chronic disease, and access to health care.
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Grant Funding and CIP Projects:
Public Works Director Dave Klotzle provided an overview of the City’s extensive efforts to seek and utilize grant funding and an update on current CIP Projects including:
• Camarillo Hills Drain Replacement at Ventura Blvd. – Project No. SD-5052 • Standby Power at City Facilities – Project No. CH-5067 • Advanced Metering Infrastructure – Project No. WT-5080 • Pleasant Valley Road Bike Lanes – Project No. ST-5006 • Central Avenue Bike Lane – Project No. ST-5102
• Water Reclamation Plant Upgrades – Project No. SS-5118 & 5119 • Camarillo Train Station Undercrossing – Project No. ST-14-05 • Road Rehabiltiation – Project No. ST-5123
• Traffic Signal Improvements at Las Posas & Temple – Project No. TS-5094 • Dizdar Park Renovation and Expansion – Project No. CP-5095
RECESS at 6:43 P.M. / RECONVENE AT 6:49 P.M.
Assistant City Manager Carmen Nichols asked if Councilmembers had any questions on the memorandum provided with the agenda. City Council/Board members thanked staff for the presentation and hard work on the comprehensive update and provided feedback on the value of the metrics provided. They expressed their appreciation for staff’s hard work, the CIP Projects updates, and the overview of the grant funding efforts and opportunities.
Vice Mayor Kildee noted that he would like the City to help California State University Channel Islands to reach their full potential and goals. He requested that City staff meet with CSUCI on a continual basis.
Assistant to the City Manager Michelle D’Anna provided a brief overview of the distinction between a goal, objective and an action strategy to assist the City Council with their review and discussion.
Mayor Trembley led the Council in an extensive discussion reviewing the FY 2023/2024 Goals and Objectives and the Council /Board provided direction to staff on requested changes to incorporate into the draft FY2024/25 Goals and Objectives , to be presented for adoption at a future meeting.
Direction on Goals and Objectives included:
• Fiscal Management:
o New Objective:
Develop and implement a City Infrastructure Strategic Financial Plan, aligned with the adopted Capital Improvement Program, for planning and financing City infrastructure needs for FY 2024/25 through FY 2028/29.
The Plan shall be updated each fiscal year.
o New Action Strategy:
Retention of a financial advisor, firm, or financial consultant to prepare a draft strategic financial plan for financing city infrastructure for the next 5 years during the course of and aligned with our CIP.
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• Community Enrichment:
o New Objectives:
Explore opportunities and engage providers to improve cell phone coverage within the City of Camarillo.
Explore potential changes to the process and sources of funding, with an objective of increasing, the level of City financial support for nonprofit organizations serving City residents.
o New Action Strategies:
Explore enhancement of community enrichment by expanding communications to include educational topics and significant dates. Explore the possibility of a showcase for non- profits at a Christmas/Holiday event at the Camarillo Ranch.
Develop action strategies to align with department work plans and the “Healthy Camarillo” presentation.
• California State University Channel Islands:
o Revised Goal:
It is the goal of the City Council to maintain a close working relationship and Communication with the University.
• Land Use and Transportation: No Changes
• Environmental Resource Management:
o Revised Action Strategy:
Begin Continue implementation of the Wastewater Master Plan. o Removed Action Strategy (completed):
Evaluate the feasibility of switching City facility accounts from SCE to the appropriate CPA rate product.
• Community Redevelopment: No Changes
• Economic Development:
o Revised Goal:
Retain and expand a diverse and healthy small business environment in the City.
o Revised Action Strategy:
Evaluate specific opportunities to encourage increasing the expansion and attraction of life science businesses in Camarillo. including research and development (R&D) and testing of Cannabis.
o Removed Action Strategy (completed):
Engage the business community in exploring the enhancement and/or making outdoor dining permanent.
• Community Relations:
o Revised Objective:
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Enhance Continue opportunities to engage youth regarding issues that concern them and to develop future leaders.
o Revised Action Strategy:
Explore the creation of Youth Council under the auspice of the Camarillo Library. Continue to create opportunities for Camarillo youth to be engaged in civic partnership and City learning opportunities. • G
overnmental Relations: No Changes
• E
mployee Relations:
o Revised Goal:
It is the goal of the City Council to maintain an optimum work environment through competitive salaries, benefits, and training, and inclusivity. • Healthy Camarillo:
o New Action Strategies:
Staff will develop action strategies to align with the “Healthy Camarillo” deliverables discussed in the memorandum and presentation to align with our work plan.
Assistant City Manager Carmen Nichols provided closing comments and stated staff will return with proposed Goals, Objectives, and Action Strategies to Council for review at future Council meeting.
Mayor Trembley thanked staff for their hard work and emphasized the importance of the Goals workshop and the opportunity for setting the roadmap for staff.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
ATTEST:
Mayor City Clerk
FY 2023/24 Council Goals & Objectives
Mission Statement
“Dedicated to providing effective and efficient municipal services that promote a high quality of life, economic vitality, and a safe environment for all.”
FISCAL MANAGEMENT
GOAL: It is the goal of the City Council to maintain sound and conservative financial practices to ensure the fiscal sustainability of the City.
FY 23/24 Objectives
1. Pursue opportunities for diversification of City revenues through public and private sources.
2. Continue to identify and implement means and methods for streamlining internal and public-facing City operations.
3. Develop and implement a City Infrastructure Strategic Financial Plan, aligned with the adopted Capital Improvement Program, for planning and financing City infrastructure needs for FY 2024/25 through FY 2028/29. The Plan shall be updated each fiscal year.
City Council Action Strategies
4. Retention of a financial advisor, firm, or financial consultant to prepare a draft strategic financial plan for financing city infrastructure for the next 5 years during the course of, and aligned with, our CIP.
COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT
GOAL: It is the goal of the City Council to provide a safe and enriched environment where people can live, work and play.
FY 23/24 Objectives
1. Enhance community safety through continued emphasis on support of law enforcement, expanded public awareness and educational programs.
City of
Camarillo
Strategic Plan
a. Increase awareness and participation in Neighborhood Watch Program. b. Develop and implement appropriate education, enforcement, and assistance strategies to address homeless and mental health issues. c. Maintain the City’s involvement and collaboration with the VC Sheriff’s Department, VC Behavioral Health, and other agencies for assistance, as appropriate, in helping law enforcement respond to homelessness and calls involving mental health issues.
d. Develop and implement appropriate strategies to more effectively combat crime.
2. When the District is ready to move forward, continue working with Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District to address Senior Center and community recreation facility needs.
3. Explore various options for financially supporting the arts program and ways to commission public art to celebrate the identity and history of Camarillo.
4. Explore opportunities to foster an inclusive and accessible environment for all, including inclusivity and tolerance in our community.
5. Explore the establishment of a public/private community wellness initiative (“Healthy Camarillo”) focusing on prevalent community health issues.
6. Explore opportunities to enhance, restore and beautify the community through the involvement of volunteers.
7. Explore opportunities and engage providers to improve cell phone coverage within the City of Camarillo.
8. Explore potential changes to the process and sources of funding, with an objective of increasing, the level of City financial support for nonprofit organizations serving City residents.
City Council Action Strategies for FY 23/24
City Council to receive a presentation on “Healthy Camarillo”. Action strategies will be developed to align with goals of the program.
Explore enhancement of community enrichment by expanding communications to include educational topics and significant dates.
Explore the possibility of a showcase for non -profits at a Christmas/Holiday event at the Camarillo Ranch.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY CHANNEL ISLANDS
GOAL: It is the goal of the City Council to maintain a close working relationship and Communication with the University.
FY 23/24 Objectives
1. Continue interaction with the University, including its President, regarding City, University and student issues such as student services, housing, facilities, growth projections, economic development opportunities, research opportunities and the employment pipeline.
LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION
GOAL: It is the goal of the City Council to plan appropriate land uses, streets, bikeways, infrastructure, and transit system.
FY 23/24 Objectives
1. Continue to seek improvement on local traffic issues that impact our City.
2. Continue to work with Caltrans and Ventura County Transportation Commission to address improvements on the 101 Freeway and State Highway 34.
3. Encourage efforts by County of Ventura and California State University Channel Islands to create a bike trail from Calleguas Creek Bridge at Pleasant Valley Road to California State University Channel Islands.
4. Evaluate potential measures to improve public transit.
ENVIRONMENT/RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
GOAL: It is the goal of the City Council to provide cost -effective, efficient services to the public while minimizing impacts on the environment.
FY 23/24 Objectives
1. Continue to seek funding for recycled water storage.
2. Continue to emphasize water conservation measures.
3. Promote renewable energy generation and infrastructure projects in the city, including electrical vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and energy efficiency improvements.
4. Expand community education and outreach regarding recycling, waste reduction, hazardous materials, and organic waste.
5. Implement the transition of public transit and general use City vehicles and the infrastructure necessary to reduce greenhouse gases by electric, hybrid, or by other environmentally-friendly options.
City Council Action Strategies for FY 23/24
Begin Continue implementation of the Wastewater Master Plan.
Evaluate the feasibility of switching City facility accounts from SCE to the appropriate CPA rate product.
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
GOAL: It is the goal of the City Council to provide opportunities to redevelop and develop commercial, industrial and residential areas to improve services, businesses and housing, and to deter and alleviate blight.
FY 23/24 Objectives
1. Develop alternate methods to move forward with housing and non- housing projects without traditional redevelopment property tax increment and evaluate financing opportunities for instituting such projects.
2. Focus on the potential incremental redevelopment of the Camarillo Commons Specific Plan area by:
a. Affirmatively engaging property owners in the Plan area; and b. Identifying incentives that the City could offer to property owners willing to proceed with redevelopment projects in the Plan area.
3. Continue to assist other commercial property owners who have interest in revitalizing their properties.
4. Evaluate various options for enhancing the livability and economic viability of the Old Town area including, supporting grassroots efforts of a feasibility study of a Business Improvement District.
5. Encourage the development of appropriate infill housing projects that include affordable housing opportunities to help address the housing crisis in our area.
City Council Action Strategies for FY 23/24
Evaluate the feasibility of alternative statutory methods to provide financial incentives to property owners to commence redevelopment projects in the Camarillo Commons Specific Plan area.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
GOAL: It is the goal of the City Council to maintain a positive environment for new business, expansion and retention of existing businesses through staff assistance and provision of efficient processing of proposals.
FY 23/24 Objectives
1. Aggressively implement the City’s adopted Economic Development Strategic Plan.
2. Retain and expand a diverse and healthy small business environment in the City.
City Council Action Strategies for FY 23/24
Evaluate specific opportunities to encourage increasing the expansion and attraction of life science businesses in Camarillo, including research and development (R&D) . and testing of Cannabis.
Engage the business community in exploring the enhancement and/or making outdoor dining permanent.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
GOAL: It is the goal of the City Council to increase community engagement and effective communication with the community.
FY 23/24 Objectives
1. Enhance Continue opportunities to engage youth regarding issues that concern them and to develop future leaders.
2. Seek opportunities for community engagement as outlined in the Communication Guidelines and through improved technology.
City Council Action Strategies for FY 23/24
Explore the creation of Youth Council under the auspice of the Camarillo Library. Continue to create opportunities for Camarillo youth to be engaged in C ivic partnership and City learning opportunities.
GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
GOAL: It is the goal of the City Council to maintain effective communications with local, state and federal elected representatives and other local public agencies including schools, parks, and special districts.
FY 23/24 Objectives
1. Prioritize communications with other local public agencies that serve Camarillo residents and businesses.
2. Be proactive in defending the City’s interests concerning proposed legislation and regulatory issues, including but not limited to legislative efforts to reduce local municipal control in land use and housing decisions.
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
GOAL: It is the goal of the City Council to maintain an optimum work environment through competitive salaries, benefits, and training, and inclusivity.
FY 23/24 Objectives
1. Promote and encourage sustainable best practices in the workplace consistent with the Sustainability Master Plan and incentivize employees for personal work-related sustainability practices.