Minutes — Fillmore City Council, July 8, 2025

MINUTES
Fillmore City Council & Successor Agency Council Chambers Regular Meeting City Hall
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 6:30 p.m.
1) CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Christina Villaseñor called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Luis Rodriguez led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3) ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call:

Mayor Christina Villaseñor,
Mayor Pro Tem Albert Mendez
Councilmember Carrie Broggie
Councilmember John Garnica
Councilmember Luis Rodriguez
4) APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Albert Mendez motioned to approve the meeting’s agenda, seconded by Councilmember Carrie Broggie
Motion carried by the following 5-0 voice vote
AYES: Mayor Christina Villaseñor,
Mayor Pro Tem Albert Mendez
Councilmember Carrie Broggie
Councilmember John Garnica
Councilmember Luis Rodriguez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
5) PRESENTATIONS

5.A VENTURA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION PRESENTING ON

THE COUNTYWIDE SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN

Claire Grasty, director of public transit for VCTC, presented to the Council. She spoke about the planning of transit in the county, specifically in Fillmore.

Highlighted route changes and fare increases that will be coming to Fillmore’s bus routes.

Ms. Grasty took questions and comments from councilmembers after her presentation.

Councilmember Garnica asked about fare increases. Councilmember Broggie commented on the new buses recently purchased by VCTC. Councilmember Garnica asked about plans for the electrification of the buses. Mayor Villaseñor asked about the new changes to the bus routes in Fillmore, serving the high school, and transit routes for Fillmore students attending college classes at night.

Ms. Grasty answered each question and provided more details. Councilmembers thanked Ms. Grasty at the end of the discussion.
6) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Members of the public, Mya Yang, Sarah Cedilos, Mia Urbano, addressed the Council from the Ventura County Junior Fair Board. They provided details of the upcoming County Fair. They presented the County Fair poster for 2025 to the Council. Mayor Villaseñor thanked Ms. Yang, Ms. Cedilos, and Ms. Urbano for the information
7) CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE,

COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tem Mendez reported that he attended air pollution control board meeting, where Ventura County was honored for protecting the whales off of the county’s coast. He also attended economic development meeting, informed the public of Area 805 and the opportunities around autonomous vehicles.

Councilmember Mendez also toured a homeless shelter in Thousand Oaks. He commented that it was good to see what other cities are doing to address homelessness.

Councilmember Broggie reported that she will attend VCTC and VCOG meetings this week. She will be hosting porch talk for constituents to discuss issues facing Fillmore next week as well.

Councilmember Garnica reported that he attended the firefighter academy graduation and the Fourth of July car show last week and will be attending JPIA board meeting this month.

Councilmember Rodriguez spoke about the fireworks show on July 3 and July 4 car show, commented on missing May festival and expressed desire to have it

return. Rodriguez spoke about the economic development plan for downtown Fillmore and requested an agenda item or a report from the city manager on economic development for the next council meeting.

Asst. City Manager Minjares commented that he will have economic development as part of his city manager report.

Mayor Pro Tem Mendez moved to add regular updates on economic development to city manager’s report, Councilmember Garnica seconded.

Motion carried by the following 5-0 voice vote
AYES: Mayor Christina Villaseñor,
Mayor Pro Tem Albert Mendez
Councilmember Carrie Broggie
Councilmember John Garnica
Councilmember Luis Rodriguez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Rodriguez commented on the position of building inspector and code enforcement and asked what avenues are being explored to fill that position.

Asst. City Manager Minjares commented and said that he will be addressing the position in city manager report later in meeting.

Mayor Pro Tem Mendez spoke about the success of the Fillmore Little League team at recent tournament in Goleta.

Mayor Villaseñor commented on recent meetings, asked council to add agenda item for city to host a workshop for immigrant families for legal assistance.

Councilmember Rodriguez asked clarifying question on agenda item, Villaseñor clarified that it would be to direct staff to research immigration workshops.

Garnica and Rodriguez supported idea.

Broggie expressed need to follow the law and not circumvent the law, expressed support for information and education workshop.

Mayor Christina Villaseñor motioned to direct staff to explore hosting a workshop with resources for immigrants, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Albert Mendez Motion carried by the following 5-0 voice vote

AYES: Mayor Christina Villaseñor,
Mayor Pro Tem Albert Mendez
Councilmember Carrie Broggie
Councilmember John Garnica
Councilmember Luis Rodriguez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
8) CONSENT CALENDAR

8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JULY 8, 2025

8.B MARCH 25, 2025 MEETING MINUTES

8.C MAY 13, 2025 - MEETING MINUTES

8.D MAY 27, 2025 MEETING MINUTES

8.E JUNE 10, 2025 - MEETING MINUTES

8.F ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-985 GRANTING A NONEXCLUSIVE

FRANCHISE TO CRIMSON PIPELINE, LP FOR EXISTING HYDROCARBON

PIPELINE
Mayor Pro Tem Mendez moved to approve items 8A through 8F, Councilmember Garnica seconded.

9.A) SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE WILLDAN ENGINEERING SERVICES

CONTRACT FOR CITY ENGINEERING SERVICES
Public Works Director Joe Bellomo presented item to the Council.

Mayor Villaseñor commented that she appreciates the way the budget is broken down and knowing where the money is being spent.

Mayor Pro Tem Mendez echoed the Mayor’s comments on the budget breakdown.

Councilmember Garnica motioned to accept the recommendation of staff. Mayor Pro Tem Mendez seconded the motion.

9.B) APPROVAL OF THE SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN AND

DIRECTION TO STAFF TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE CERTIFICATION Director Bellomo presented the item to the Council.

Councilmember Garnica commented about history of sewer systems and how sewers are cornerstone of civilization.

Mayor Villaseñor commented that she appreciates the improvements in the new master sewer plan.

Mr. Bellomo commented that the city learned a lot from the audit of the sewer system.

Councilmember Garnica motioned to accept the recommendation of staff.

Councilmember Broggie seconded the motion.

9.C) CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR VEOLIA TO PROCEED

WITH REPAIRS TO THE FILLMORE WATER RECYCLING PLANT

Director Bellomo presented item to the Council.

Councilmember Garnica commented that city should consider preventative maintenance to sewer plant. Mr. Bellomo explained that the design build contract has practices that prevent catastrophic failures and anticipate maintenance.

Bellomo further explained the plan to prevent failures in the future and contract plans for maintenance and practices.

Mr. Garnica asked a follow-up question about waiting instead of planning for a replacement. Bellomo answered and said that he is more on top of Veolia and getting public works back on track.

Mayor Villaseñor commented that the city is being more proactive with water contractor.

Mayor Pro Tem Mendez asked about building in redundancies. In response, Mr.

Bellomo explained the parts of the sewer plant and their processes.

Councilmember Garnica motioned to accept the recommendation of city staff and Councilmember Rodriguez seconded the motion
Motion carried by the following 5-0 voice vote:

9.D) CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION REAPPOINTING A RESIDENT

COMMISSIONER TO THE AREA HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY

OF VENTURA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Asst. City Manager Manuel Minjares presented the item to the Council. City staff recommends the reappointment of Ms. Angela Bradley to the AHACV Board as a resident commissioner representing public housing residents on behalf of the City of Fillmore.

Mayor Villaseñor asked if Ms. Bradley provides updates to the Council on AHACV Board activities. Mr. Minjares replied that they could ask for updates from the commissioner.

Mayor Pro Tem Mendez moved to approve the reappointment of Ms. Bradley to the AHACV Board as a resident commissioner, Councilmember Broggie seconded.

Motion carried by the following 5-0 voice vote:

AYES: Mayor Christina Villaseñor,
Mayor Pro Tem Albert Mendez
Councilmember Carrie Broggie
Councilmember John Garnica
Councilmember Luis Rodriguez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

9.E) CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF UPDATED CITY OF FILLMORE

TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT POLICY
Accounting Supervisor Ambry Tibay presented this item to the Council. The travel policy was originally adopted in 1987 and amended throughout the years.

This update is to bring the policy in line with current IRS and GSA guidelines and allow the City Manager to amend the policy where the guidelines are silent.

Councilmember Broggie asked about the authority of the city manager to adjust the guidelines. Ms. Tibay answered that the city manager can approve costs that are outside the IRS and GSA guidelines. Ms. Broggie asked for an example of something outside of the guidelines and Ms. Tibay explained that use of city vehicles is one such example.

Mayor Pro Tem Mendez thanked Ms. Tibay for her work on this policy.

Mayor Pro Tem Mendez moved to approve the new travel reimbursement policy, Councilmember Garnica seconded.

Motion carried by the following 5-0 voice vote:

AYES: Mayor Christina Villaseñor,
Mayor Pro Tem Albert Mendez
Councilmember Carrie Broggie
Councilmember John Garnica
Councilmember Luis Rodriguez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

10) CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Asst. City Manager Minjares provided updates to the Council.

Mr. Minjares updated the Council on filling the code enforcement/building inspector position. Council will be presented with contract for code enforcement at the next Council meeting.

The police chief will be reporting on the service calls on July 4 at the August 12 meeting.

Mr. Minjares reported that he attended the Fourth of July car show and recognized public works employee Georgie Gerardo for this work on that event.

Councilmembers were invited to tour the Gold Coast recycling facility by EJ Harrison & Sons. Mr. Minjares sent out dates for tours to the councilmembers Economic Development Ad-Hoc Committee will be meeting with members of the business community at City Hall on July 11 to update the work that has been done and economic development planning. Mr. Minjares will be updating the Council on that meeting.

As part of the homeless services grant, the City has been meeting with service providers who will provide case management for the duration of the grant. The budget with HCD will need to be amended to implement case management services.

Mr. Minjares invited councilmembers to tour the wastewater treatment plant and will be sending out dates to visit.

Councilmember Garnica asked about the portion of the homeless services grant that will be spent on case management services. Mr. Minjares answered that about 1/8th of the grant will be spent on the case manager. Further explained that the city initially believed 2 case workers would be needed but now are seeking 1 case manager and a program manager to supervise the residents of encampments once they receive help. The City is seeking costs from the service provider.

Mr. Minjares introduced Sr. Management Analyst Angel Garcia to the Council and the public and explained his background and his role with the City. 11) CLOSED SESSION

11.A JULY 8, 2025 CLOSED SESSION

The City Council conducted a closed session to conference with legal counsel, pursuant to Government Code sections 54956.9(d)(2).

The Council went into closed session at 7:52 p.m. The Council reconvened at 8:24 p.m. with no action to report.
12) ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Christina Villaseñor adjourned the City Council meeting at 8:25 p.m. to the next meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at City Hall in Council Chambers.

Prepared by:
___________________________________
Jacob Tjoelker, Planning Technician

Fillmore City CouncilJuly 8, 2025

Fillmore City Council
July 8, 2025