MINUTES
City Council and Successor Agency Regular Meeting
August 11, 2026
Council Chambers
City Hall
6:30
p.m.
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, John Garnica, Carrie Broggie, Christina Villaseñor, and Mario Rodriguez Members Absent:
None.
Members Excused:
None.
Also Present:
Erika Herrera, City Manager, and Tiffany Israel, City Attorney 4)
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Christina Villaseñor motioned, seconded by Mario Rodriguez to approve of the Agenda Motion carried
by the following voice vote: AYES: Albert Mendez, John Garnica, Carrie Broggie, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez NOES: None ABSENTS: None ABSTAINS: None EXCUSED: None. 5)
PRESENTATIONS
5.A)
UNITED WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (UWCD) BOND PRESENTATION Department:
City Clerk
Victoria Quiroz presented item 5.A.
6)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Cintya Pazuros
Donnie Sue Sheppard
Derek Fouarge
Kianna Landon
7)
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS Councilmember Broggie: Councilmember Carrie Broggie reported that her participation in committee meetings was limited over the past two months due to a vacation and a missed meeting, resulting in light council-related activity recently. However, she will resume her normal schedule of committee participation starting this Friday. She has no further commission or committee updates at this time. Additionally, Councilmember Broggie will continue hosting twice-monthly porch gatherings at her home, open to all constituents, on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 6:00 PM, providing a platform for community members to engage in open conversation and ask questions.
Councilmember Villaseñor: Councilmember Villaseñor highlighted the city’s prior strategic investment in IT security through Apex, noting its importance in protecting local water systems and emergency response infrastructure amid recent hacking incidents in Minnesota and Northern California. He summarized the Ventura County Healthcare Agency’s community forum about the planned closure of Santa Paula Hospital by December 31, 2029, outlining three options for future healthcare: a costly but small 4–5 bed micro hospital, a preferred medical office building with expanded urgent care and outpatient services, and a basic urgent care facility that was least favored by the community. Villaseñor encouraged residents to voice their opinions at the August 18 Board of Supervisors meeting and recognized local disability advocate Marissa Rodriguez for her July Disability Pride Month commendation from the city of Ventura.
Mayor Pro Tem Garnica: Mayor Pro Tem Garnica reported on several recent activities and concerns. He met with constituents about traffic issues on Foothill Drive, where parked cars hinder two-way traffic, and suggested involving engineers before considering a one-way street solution. He also addressed the quick resolution of the Sonic red curb issue, thanks to city staff and community involvement. Garnica attended the annual joint powers insurance authority meeting, noting that while liability insurance rates are increasing, workers’ compensation rates remain stable. He praised the city staff for the successful “Music in the Park” event, which attracted 500 to 1000 attendees, and highlighted the importance of social media promotion. Additionally, he participated in the health and wellness spa grand opening, a building industry association meeting in Ontario focused on housing solutions, and emphasized the need for a critical perspective on developers’ proposals.
Councilmember Rodriguez: Councilmember Rodriguez mentioned that the situation is similar to that of the council he has had a dark couple of months, and he is currently lacking information. He expressed a sense of foreboding about the upcoming months due to the increase in meetings, but he assured that he will provide more information to the group he is part of.
Mayor Mendez: shared their experience that he has also been dark, but shared that he attended the Air Pollution Control Board Meeting, where the agenda was light, focusing mainly on grants for organizations in Ojai to promote farming. He also attended a meeting about the Santa Paula hospital with Council Member Villaseñor. Additionally, he also expressed appreciation for the public works team, highlighting their hard work in patching up roads and their excellent response time, extending thanks to Joe Bellomo and his team. 8)
CONSENT CALENDAR
8.A)
JULY 14, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE
Department:
City Clerk
JULY 14, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES_files.pdf
8.B)
SECOND READING TO ADOPT 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 NO. 26-997 CM APPLYING FOR GRANTS_2ND READING( 2167645.2)
8.C)
AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF TWO NEW PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT VEHICLES AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT SUCH PURCHASE Department:
Public Works
SR - AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF TWO NEW PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT VEHICLES .pdf
8.D)
APPROVAL OF THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A PERGOLA AT DELORES DAY PARK AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ADA PARKING SPACE Department:
Public Works
SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A PERGOLA AT DELORES DAY PARK AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ADA PARKING SPAC
8.E)
AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT THROUGH THE SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM Department:
Public Works
SR - AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT THROUGH THE SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM
8.F)
FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE N. FILLMORE STOREFRONT ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT Department:
Public Works
SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE N. FILLMORE STOREFRONT ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT
8.G)
CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-AUGUST 11, 2026
Department:
Finance
CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-AUGUST 11, 2026.pdf
John Garnica motioned, seconded by Christina Villaseñor to approve the Consent Calendar items 8.A. though 8.G
Motion failed
by the following voice vote: AYES: None NOES: None ABSENTS: None ABSTAINS: None EXCUSED: None. 9)
NEW BUSINESS
9.A)
VENTURA COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY REPORTCOUNTYWIDE RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT FIREWORKS Department:
Administration
Erika Herrera, City Manager presented item 9.A.
Public Testimony:
Derek Fouarge
SR - GRAND JURY FIREWORKS.pdf
Christina Villaseñor motioned, seconded by John Garnica to approve Receive and file the 2025-2026 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Report titled Countywide Response to Public Complaints About Fireworks. Agree with the Civil Grand Jury Findings (F-01 through F-08) applicable to the City ofFillmore. Determine that no additional action is required by the City, as the recommendations directed to the City have already been addressed through existing City practices or the recommendations are directed to other agencies.
Motion carried
by the following voice vote: AYES: Albert Mendez, John Garnica, Carrie Broggie, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez NOES: None ABSENTS: None ABSTAINS: None EXCUSED: None.
9.B)
PRESERVATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT - UPDATE TO APPOINTMENT OF STANDBY OFFICERS Department:
City Clerk
Deputy City Clerk Ana Cendejas presented item 9B. Updates to standby officers names.
Standby Officers appointed:
Mayor Albert Mendez is listed with Manuel Minjares as the 1st standby officer, Connie Quintana as the 2nd standby officer, and Angel Garcia as the 3rd standby officer. Mayor Pro Tem John Garnica is listed with Natalie Garcia as the 1st standby officer, Beverly Garcia as the 2nd standby officer, and no 3rd standby officer. Councilmember Carrie Broggie is listed with Brian McCarthy as the 1st standby officer, Scott Broggie as the 2nd standby officer, and Ernie Villegas as the 3rd standby officer. Councilmember Christina Villaseñor is listed with Carina Forsythe as the 1st standby officer, Nancy Rodriguez as the 2nd standby officer, and Jaclyn Ibarra as the 3rd standby officer. Lastly Councilmember Mario Rodriguez is listed with Daniel Gonzalez as the 1st standby officer, Brandy Lengning as the 2nd standby officer, and no 3rd standby officer.
SR - UPDATE TO APPOINTMENT OF STANDBY OFFICERS.pdf
9.C)
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 26-999 TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 16.07 TO THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER TO ESTABLISH CROSS-CONNECTION AND BACKFLOW STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS FOR WATER LINES Department:
Public Works
Joe Bellomo, PE Public Works Director presented item 9.C.
SR - FIRST READING ORD 26-999 TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 16.07 TO THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER TO ESTABLISH CROSS-CONNECTION AND BACKFLOW STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS FOR WATER LINES John Garnica motioned, seconded by Christina Villaseñor to approve introducing the first reading of Ordinance 26-999 to create a Cross-Connection Control Program (“CCCP”) and Backflow Prevention (“BP”) requirements for water lines as Fillmore Municipal Code Chapter 16.07 for compliance with State law pertaining to the Safe Water Drinking Act: An ordinance of the City Council of the city of Fillmore, California, adopting a new chapter 16.07 to establish cross-connection and backflow standards and regulations.
Motion carried
by the following voice vote: AYES: Albert Mendez, John Garnica, Carrie Broggie, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez NOES: None ABSENTS: None ABSTAINS: None EXCUSED: None.
9.D)
APPROVAL OF THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF WELL NO. 10 DRILLING AND WELL NO. 5 DESTRUCTION PROJECT, PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 25-03 Department:
Public Works
Joe Bellomo, PE Public Works Director presented item 9.D.
SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR PROJECT SPEC NO. 25-03.pdf Mario Rodriguez motioned, seconded by Christina Villaseñor to approve 1. Accept the services provided for the Construction of Well No. 10 Drilling and Well No. 5 Destruction Project, Project Specification No. 25-03, (“Project”), performed by Pacific Coast Well Drilling (“Contractor”);2. Authorize staff to file the attached Notice of Completion; 3. Authorize the Public Works Director to exonerate the performance and payment bonds; and 4. Authorize the final payment to the Contractor of owed retention and Release on Contract pending clearance of the 30-day lien period, provided no stop payment notices are received.
Motion carried
by the following voice vote: AYES: Albert Mendez, John Garnica, Carrie Broggie, Christina Villaseñor, Mario Rodriguez NOES: None ABSENTS: None ABSTAINS: None EXCUSED: None. 10)
CITY MANAGER
Assistant City Manager Manuel Minjares, Chief Gurrola, and Chief Malagon provided updates on the ERF encampment grant, environmental cleanup, and public safety efforts. Minjares reported that while one resident was successfully placed in the Spirit Shelter, they later left and tragically passed away, and a new rapid housing placement application is under review. The City works toward the Terrace project breaking ground by year-end. Cleanup efforts are delayed by nesting season, with volunteers and a 40-foot roll-off container addressing debris until a thorough cleaning can occur. Chief Gurrola discussed the Arundo fire mitigation project, with phase two scheduled for fall once environmental restrictions lift, and highlighted coordination with conservation groups to restore property near Socket Village. Chief Malagon stated that the core homeless population remains about 14, though transient traffic fluctuates, and extra patrols continue to ensure safety, with no significant crime spikes reported beyond litter and minor debris issues.
City Manager Erika Herrera announced a special city council meeting on Wednesday, 19th, at 7:30 PM, immediately following the planning commission meeting. The meeting’s purpose is to discuss options for the upcoming November municipal election, as only the three incumbent council members—Mario Rodriguez (District 1), Albert Mendez (Mayor, District 3), and Carrie Broggie (District 4)—completed the nomination process by the closing date of this past Friday at 4 PM. During the meeting, staff will present options under California election law, outline statutory requirements, necessary council actions, and discuss potential fiscal savings from not conducting an election. The meeting is open to the public, with the agenda published 24 hours prior, as per the Brown Act requirements. 11)
CLOSED SESSION
11.A)
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION -THE CITY COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT A CLOSED SESSION, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 54956.9(D)(2), BECAUSE THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION IN 3 CASES.
Department:
Administration
CLOSED SESSION - AUGUST 11, 2026.pdf
12)
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