City Council and Successor Agency
Regular Meeting
July 14, 2026
Council Chambers
City Hall
6:30 p.m.
MINUTES
1) CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm by Mayor Mendez. 2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3) ROLL CALL
Members Present:
Albert Mendez, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez, and John Garnica Members Absent:
Carrie Broggie
Also Present:
Erika Herrera, City Manager, and Tiffany Israel, City Attorney 4) APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Christina Villaseñor motioned, seconded by John Garnica to approve of the agenda Motion carried by the following voice vote: AYES: Albert Mendez, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez, John Garnica NOES: None ABSENTS:
Carrie Broggie ABSTAINS: None
5) PRESENTATIONS
5.A) FOOD SHARE PRESENTATION
Department: City Clerk
Monica White, President & CEO of Food Share presented on item 5.A.
5.B) VENTURA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
Department: Community Services
5.C) PROCLAIMING NATIONAL PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH -
JUNE 2026
Department: City Clerk
5.D) RECOGNITION OF THE FILLMORE 8U ALL-STARS TEAM AND
COACHES AND THE HERITAGE VALLEY BLAZERS TEAM AND
COACHES
Department: City Clerk
Mayor Mendez recognized the Fillmore 8U All-Stars Team and Coaches and the Heritage Valley Blazers Team and Coaches by providing them with appreciation certificates.
6) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jimena Cortes
Eric Cardenas
Christina Marotti
Rossana P. Foote
7) CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS,
COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
Mayor Mendez: No reports.
Councilmember Villaseñor: Councilmember Villaseñor addressed several issues during the meeting. Firstly, she clarified that Rancho Sespe is not within the City of Fillmore’s jurisdiction but rather in the unincorporated area of Ventura County, advising the public commenter to direct their concerns to the County. She expressed willingness to assist by connecting them with the local community representative and sharing traffic study data from along HWY 126th. Secondly, Villaseñor highlighted the City of Fillmore’s resources for immigrants, particularly in light of recent tragic news involving immigrant deaths. She reminded the community of a Spanish-language workshop on immigrant rights and resources, available on the city’s YouTube page, which includes legal, rental housing, and food share information. Villaseñor emphasized the City’s commitment to supporting the immigrant community and reiterated the availability of these resources in both Spanish and English.
Councilmember Garnica: Councilmember Garnica participates in monthly luncheons with local veterans from Fillmore Peru, where they share experiences and raise money for causes like the Fire Department’s “Choice for Tots” fundraiser. On July 7, Garnica met with the Mayor, City Manager, and State Assembly representative Jackie Irwin to discuss Fillmore and the valley’s needs. Garnica is committed to being a strong advocate for the community’s concerns, echoing Councilmember Villaseñor sentiment that while they may not be able to directly address requests, they can effectively voice these issues to decision-makers.
Councilmember Rodriguez: No reports.
8) CONSENT CALENDAR
8.A) JUNE 9, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Department: City Clerk
JUNE 9, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
8.B) JUNE 23, 2026 - SPECIAL JOINT MEETING MINUTES
Department: City Clerk
JUNE 23, 2026 - SPECIAL JOINT MEETING MINUTES
8.C) CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JULY 14, 2026
Department: Finance
CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-JULY 14, 2026.pdf
8.D) FIRST AMENDMENT TO JOINT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY
OF FILLMORE, CITY OF SANTA PAULA, AND COUNTY OF VENTURA
FOR OPERATIONAL FUNDING OF THE SPIRIT OF SANTA PAULA
HARVARD SHELTER
Department: Administration
SR - FIRST AMENDMENT TO JOINT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF FILLMORE, CITY OF SANTA PAULA, AND COUNTY OF
VENTURA FOR OPERATIONAL FUNDING OF THE SPIRIT OF SANTA
PAULA HARVARD SHELTER
8.E) CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE NOTIFICATION
Department: City Clerk
SR - 2026 CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE NOTIFICATION
(2161507.1).pdf
8.F) CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF AN UPDATED CALPERS
PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE
Department: Administration
SR - PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE 07.01.2026.pdf
8.G) FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE GIS PROFESSIONAL BLOCK
SUPPORT AGREEMENT WITH PRO-WEST & ASSOCIATES INC
Department: Administration
SR - PROWEST FIRST CONTRACT AMENDMENT.pdf
8.H) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT
TO THE AGREEMENT WITH LOCALITY MEDIA LLC DBA FIRST DUE
Department: Fire / Safety
SR- AMENDMENT TO THE FIRST DUE CONTRACT(2160904.1).pdf
8.I) AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE INSTALLATION OF PHASE 1 OF
THE CATCH BASIN RETROFIT PROJECT, PROJECT
SPECIFICATION No. 25-12
Department: Public Works
SR - AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE INSTALLATION OF PHASE 1
OF THE CATCH BASIN RETROFIT PROJECT.pdf
John Garnica motioned, seconded by Christina Villaseñor to approve of Consent Items 8A–8I. Motion carried by the following voice vote: AYES: Albert Mendez, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez, John Garnica NOES: None ABSENTS: Carrie Broggie ABSTAINS: None
9) NEW BUSINESS
9.A) DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE AND TWO ALTERNATES
FOR LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND
EXPO
Department: City Clerk
SR - DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATS ALTS - LEAGUE OF CA CITIES 2026
Christina Villaseñor motioned, seconded by John Garnica to approve keeping Villasenor as the delegate and Mayor Mendez and Mayor Pro Tem Garnica as alternates Motion carried by the following voice vote:
AYES: Albert Mendez, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez, John Garnica NOES: None ABSENTS: Carrie Broggie ABSTAINS: None Ana Cendejas, Deputy City Clerk presented item 9.A.
9.B) AMENDMENT TO THE ADOPTED 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALENDAR
Department: Administration
SR - AMENDMENT TO THE ADOPTED 2026 CC MEETING
CALENDAR
Erika Herrera, City Manager presented item 9.B.
Christina Villaseñor motioned, seconded by John Garnica to approve canceling the meeting and rescheduling the item to the first meeting in September, with the option to schedule a special meeting if needed Motion carried by the following voice vote: AYES: Albert Mendez, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez, John Garnica NOES: None ABSENTS: Carrie Broggie ABSTAINS: None
9.C) APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS AND APPROVAL OF A COSTAR REAL
ESTATE RESEARCH SUBSCRIPTION TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Department: Administration
SR - COSTAR SUBSCRIPTION (ECON DEVELOPMENT)
(2160640.1).pdf
Manuel Minjares presented on item 9.C.
John Garnica motioned, seconded by Mario Rodriguez to approve Approve a one-time appropriation from General Fund reserves in the amount of $9,312, plus a prorated amount for the initial partial first month, to fund a CoStar real estate research subscription for FY 2026- 27; Approve a 12-month term at $860 per month ($10,320 annually) for greater flexibility; subscription agreement with CoStar Group, Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney, for two (2) user licenses to support the City's economic development efforts; and Direct staff to include future subscription costs in the FY 2027-28 operating budget. Motion carried by the following voice vote: AYES: Albert Mendez, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez, John Garnica NOES: None ABSENTS:
Carrie Broggie ABSTAINS: None
9.D) INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 26-997 AMENDING FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.04.020 TO UPDATE THE POWERS OF
THE CITY MANAGER TO ALLOW THE CITY MANAGER TO APPLY
FOR GRANTS
Department: Administration
SR - ORDINANCE GRANT AUTHORITY.pdf
Tiffany Israel, City Attorney presented item 9.D.
Christina Villaseñor motioned, seconded by Mario Rodriguez to approve an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Fillmore, California, amending Fillmore Municipal Code Section 2.04.020 to update the powers of the City Manager to authorize the City Manager to apply for grants consistent with the City's adopted legislative platform. Motion carried by the following voice vote: AYES: Albert Mendez, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez, John Garnica NOES: None ABSENTS:
Carrie Broggie ABSTAINS: None
9.E) ADOPTION OF POLICY NO. 123-ADOPT-A-TRAIL-PROGRAM
Department: Administration
SR - ADOPT A TRAIL .pdf
Erika Herrera, City Manager presented item 9.E.
Mario Rodriguez motioned, seconded by Christina Villaseñor to approve Resolution No. 26-4123 establishing the City of Fillmore Adopt-A-Trail Program by adopting Policy No. 123 – Adopt-A-Trail Program Policies, Rules and Procedures; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to administer the Adopt-A-Trail Program and approve, execute, renew, amend, suspend, and terminate Adopt-A-Trail Agreements. Motion carried by the following voice vote: AYES: Albert Mendez, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez, John Garnica NOES: None ABSENTS:
Carrie Broggie ABSTAINS: None
9.F) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE
APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
WILLDAN FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., APPROVING A DEPOSIT AND REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT WITH WILLIAMS HOMES, INC.,
AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO PROCEED WITH THE FORMATION
OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 7 (CREEKSIDE)
Department: Finance
SR - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CFD 7
Debra Cavaletto, Finance Director presented item 9.F.
Christina Villaseñor motioned, seconded by John Garnica to approve Resolution No. 26-4124 authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements and engagement letters with Columbia Capital Management, LLC and Willdan Financial Services, Inc. for professional services related to the formation of Community Facilities District No. 7 (Creekside) and future bond financing activities; approve the Deposit and Reimbursement Agreement between the City of Fillmore and Williams Homes, Inc. for reimbursement of City costs associated with the formation of Community Facilities District No. 7 (Creekside) and any future financing activities; authorize staff to proceed with the necessary proceedings for the formation of Community Facilities District No. 7 (Creekside), subject to future City Council approvals; authorize staff to retain additional consultants and financing professionals, as necessary, including appraisers, market absorption consultants, fiscal agents, trustees, disclosure counsel, underwriters, and other professionals required to complete the CFD formation and financing process, subject to available funding and applicable City purchasing requirements; and authorize the City Manager to execute related amendments, engagement letters, and administrative documents necessary to implement the intent of this resolution, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney. Motion carried by the following voice vote: AYES:
Albert Mendez, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez, John Garnica NOES: None ABSENTS: Carrie Broggie ABSTAINS: None
9.G) CREEKSIDE TRACT 6053 LOT 134 ACCESS EASEMENT
AGREEMENT AND LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH HOA
Department: Engineering
SR - CREEKSIDE TRACT 6053 LOT 134 ACCESS EASEMENT AND
LICENSE AGREEMENT.pdf
Roxanne Hughes, P.E., City Engineer presented item 9.G.
John Garnica motioned, seconded by Mario Rodriguez to approve and authorize the City Manager to execute and record the Lot 134 access and utility easement agreement for restricted access and utility services through the City Well #8 access road on Parcel E of Final Map 6053 in a form approved by the City Attorney; and Authorize the City Manager to execute and record a license and covenant agreement with the Creekside Home Owners Association (HOA) for the HOA to construct, own and maintain certain facilities related to the abandoned oil well within a City street within the tract, and private storm drain improvements within the City Well #8 access road on Parcel E of Final Map 6053 and to maintain private landscaping in City right of way on Goodenough Road and the in-tract public streets Motion carried by the following voice vote: AYES: Albert Mendez, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez, John Garnica NOES: None ABSENTS: Carrie Broggie ABSTAINS: None
9.H) CONSIDERATION OF AN EXTENSION TO THE OFFSITE
IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR
THE PEOPLES SELF HELP HOUSING CORPORATION PROJECT
LOCATED AT SANTA CLARA STREET AND PALM AVENUE
Department: Engineering
SR - PEOPLE’S SELF HELP HOUSING OFFSITE IMPROVEMENT
AGREEMENT.pdf
Roxanne Hughes, P.E., City Engineer Presented item 9.H.
Mario Rodriguez motioned, seconded by Christina Villaseñor to approve authorizing the City Manager or her designee to execute an extension of the Offsite Improvement Agreement (OIA), granting the developer an additional year to complete the offsite improvements. Motion carried by the following voice vote: AYES: Albert Mendez, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez, John Garnica NOES: None ABSENTS: Carrie Broggie ABSTAINS: None
9.I) REJECTION OF BID PROTEST AND AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS NO. 24-03A AND
NO. 24-03B, PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT AND
PRESERVATION PROJECT
Department: Engineering
SR -REJECTION OF BID PROTEST AND AWARD OF CONTRACTS
FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS NO. 24-03A
AND NO. 24-03B, PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT AND
PRESERVATION PROJECT
Roxanne Hughes, P.E., City Engineer presented item 9.I.
Christina Villaseñor motioned, seconded by Mario Rodriguez to approve a budget adjustment of $1,257,091 in Street Improvements Fund 467 and $68,876 in Bike Path Maintenance Fund 211, as described; reject the bid protest submitted by Toro Enterprises, Inc. for Project Specification No. 24-03A; award a contract to J&H Engineering General Contractors for the construction of Project Specification No. 24-03A, Pavement Rehabilitation Project FY 2025–26, for street overlay work in the amount of $1,165,516.80 for the Base Bid only, excluding the Additive Alternate for paving on Santa Clara Street; award a contract to Pavement Coatings Co. for the construction of Project Specification No. 24-03B, Pavement Preservation Project FY 2025–26, for street slurry seal work in the amount of $460,250.00; authorize the City Manager to approve construction change orders up to the contingency amount of $139,900 for Project Specification No. 24-03A, as recommended and approved by the Construction Manager and City Engineer; and authorize the City Manager to approve construction change orders up to the contingency amount of $55,300 for Project Specification No. 24-03B, as recommended and approved by the Construction Manager and City Engineer. Motion carried by the following voice vote: AYES: Albert Mendez, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez, John Garnica NOES:
None ABSENTS: Carrie Broggie ABSTAINS: None
9.J) APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 25-08, SANTA
CLARA STREET WATER LINE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Department: Engineering
SR - APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 25-08, SANTA
CLARA STREET WATER LINE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Roxanne Hughes, P.E., City Engineer presented item 9.J.
John Garnica motioned, seconded by Christina Villaseñor to approve the budget adjustment of $112,600 from TDA Article 8(a) Fund 204 Local Transportation and $654,085 from Fund 504 Water Replacement Reserve to Fund 453 Water CIP, and establish the necessary appropriations; award a contract to Toro Enterprises, Inc. for the construction of Project Specification No. 25-08, Santa Clara Street Waterline Project FY 2025–26, for Bid Schedules A, B, and C in the amount of $555,726.56; and authorize the City Manager to approve construction change orders up to the contingency amount of $44,458.44 for Project Specification No. 25-08, as recommended and approved by the Construction Manager and City Engineer. Motion carried by the following voice vote: AYES: Albert Mendez, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez, John Garnica NOES: None ABSENTS: Carrie Broggie ABSTAINS: None
9.K) AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO WILLDAN
FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR A MUNICIPAL FUNDING FEASIBILITY
STUDY FOR PARKS, RECREATION, AND DOWNTOWN ECONOMIC
VITALITY
Department: Administration
AWARD OF PSA FOR MUNICPAL FUNDING FEASABILITY STUDY
SR.pdf
Erika Herrera, City Manager presented item 9.K.
Christina Villaseñor motioned, seconded by John Garnica to approve an allocation for Fiscal Year 2026–2027 in the amount of $113,577.50; approve a Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Financial Services in the amount of $227,155 for preparation of a Municipal Funding Feasibility Study for Parks, Recreation, and Downtown Economic Vitality; authorize the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney; and authorize the City Manager to execute any nonsubstantive amendments necessary to carry out the intent of the agreement. Motion carried by the following voice vote: AYES: Albert Mendez, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez, John Garnica NOES:
None ABSENTS: Carrie Broggie ABSTAINS: None
10) CITY MANAGER
Eduardo Malagon Captain, Fillmore Chief of Police:Provided an update on Fourth of July weekend fireworks activity, including the number of related service calls.
Joe Bellomo, PE, Public Works Director: Provided an update on Well 10.
Erika Herrera, City Manager: Provided an update on pothole repair efforts and reminded the community to attend the City of Fillmore's 2026 Summer Music Series, held on Friday evenings.
Manuel Minjares, Assistant City Manager: Provided an update on the ERP grant, the City's newly redesigned website, and homelessness response initiatives. Since January 2026, significant funding has been allocated toward website improvements, shelter operations, invoice payments, ongoing development costs, rapid rehousing, and other homelessness programs.
Current efforts include covering moving expenses and rental assistance for clients while building partnerships with property managers. The goal is to provide stable, long-term housing, with rental assistance available for up to two years. This approach is similar to the Files project, which includes 13 housing units. Positive progress was reported, including a high number of program enrollments in June. Staff continue to assist clients with transportation and obtaining necessary documents, although client mobility remains an ongoing challenge. An environmental issue involving a protected species has delayed cleanup activities. The City must comply with Department of Wildlife guidelines, preventing the use of heavy equipment until after July, when a biologist will complete additional assessments. Shelter staff continue to successfully connect more clients with services. Efforts also remain focused on supporting the Harbor shelter and securing additional funding for program management, which could benefit the Mountain Street housing project. The presentation concluded with an invitation for questions.
11) ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Mendez adjourned the meeting.
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned. These minutes summarize the final decisions made by the City Council at the referenced meeting.
The meeting was also audio recorded, and the recording is available for review.
In the event of any ambiguity regarding the Council’s final decisions, the audio recording shall be used to interpret the Council’s intent. The audio recording shall serve as the official record of the proceedings whenever, in the Council’s opinion, the minutes are insufficient. An audio copy of the City Council meeting proceedings is available by contacting the Fillmore Deputy City Clerk.
Prepared by:
______________________________________________
Ana Cendejas, Deputy City Clerk