MINUTES
OXNARD CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
September 20, 2022
A. ROLL CALL, POSTING OF AGENDA
At 4:31 p.m., Mayor John C. Zaragoza called to order the regular meeting of the Oxnard City Council, in the City Hall Council Chambers at 305 W. Third Street, Oxnard, California. The City Clerk called the roll and announced the posting of the agenda Councilmembers Vianey Lopez, Oscar Madrigal, Bert E. Perello, Gabriel (Gabe) Teran, Mayor Pro Tem Bryan A. MacDonald, and Mayor John C.
Councilmember Gabriela Basua was absent.
Councilmember Gabe Teran left the meeting at 5:35 p.m., and rejoined the meeting at 6:52 p.m.
Staff members present in person were Alexander Nguyen, City Manager; Ashley Golden, Assistant City Manager; Stephen M. Fischer, City Attorney; Jennie Kelly, Assistant City Attorney; Michelle (Elle) McCarron, Assistant City Attorney; Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director; Joseph Marcinko, Assistant Public Works Director; Tatiana B. Arnaout, P.E., City Engineer; Omar Castro, Water Division Manager; Abraham Maldonado, Water Resources Manager; Megan Schneider, Public Works Water Conservation/Outreach Supervisor; Jeff Pengilley, Community Development Assistant Director; Mike More, Human Resources Risk Manager and Rose Chaparro, City Clerk.
Staff member Shiri Klima, Deputy City Manager; Jason Benites, Police Chief; Alexander Hamilton, Fire Chief; Eden Alomeri, Revenue & Licensing Director & Assistant City Treasurer; participated via videoconference.
THE FOLLOWING LEGISLATIVE BODIES ARE MEETING: City Council.
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS (None received.) C. CLOSED SESSION (4:30 PM)
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—-EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Name of case: Starr v. City of Oxnard
Ventura County Superior Court, Case No. 56-2017-00494475-CU-WM-VTA Legislative Body: City Council
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code section 54957.6) Agency designated representatives: Alex Nguyen, City Manager and Steve Naveau, Director of Human Resources
Employee organizations: International Association of Firefighters, AFL-CIO (IAFF), Local No. 1684; Oxnard Public Safety Managers Association (OPSMA) Legislative Body: City Council
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 2
Name of case: Pedroso v. City of Oxnard
Ventura County Superior Court, Case No. 56-2020-00542336-CU-WT-VTA Legislative Body: City Council
At 4:33 p.m., the City Council recessed to a closed session. At 5:40 p.m., the City Council reconvened in open session in the Council Chambers. The City Attorney announced that items C.1, C.2, and C.3 were reviewed and that there were no reportable actions out of closed session.
D. APPOINTMENT ITEMS (5:00 PM)
•
1. City Manager Department
SUBJECT: Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau (OCVB) Annual Report. (15/10/5) RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive the OCVB FY 21-22 Annual Report. (Live presentation by Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO, Julie Mino.) Julie Mino Buffo, President & CEO and Brittney Hendricks, Vice President of Marketing & Communications with Visit Oxnard presented to Council their annual report. They provided an overview of the operations, accomplishments over the past year, activities included in their program, as well as the different ways in which they market and promote the City of Oxnard. They answered Council's questions.
2. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Presentation by City Staff on Drought Response Actions and Current Drought Conditions. (10/10/10)
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive a verbal report by City staff on the Water Conservation Update Report.
Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director provided Council a report on the drought response activities being implemented by staff, an update on the current drought conditions, and the water conservation efforts being implemented by the City. Public comments were received from Patricia Brown. Report was received and filed, no official action was required.
E. OPENING CEREMONIES (6:00 PM)
The flag salute was followed by a moment of silence.
F. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating September 15 through October 15, 2022 as "Hispanic Heritage Month."
Mayor Zaragoza read the resolution and presented it to Javier Gomez, Artistic Director and Founder of Inlakech Cultural Arts Center and thanked him for his service to the community by creating, promoting, instructing and supervising the educational cultural arts program, as a cultural arts educator with a focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives. Director Gomez made a few remarks.
2. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating the Month of October 2022 as " Multicultural Month" in the City of Oxnard.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 3
Mayor Zaragoza read the proclamation and presented it to Chair Adam Lopez for the City of Oxnard's Community Relations Commission (CRC). He was recognized and commended for his contributions, outstanding accomplishments, and dedication to the community.
G. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Dolores Lopez (VCTC Free Fare Program - Youth Ride Free), Patricia Brown (Drought, Sound System and Air Conditioning), Veronica Rivera (Food Trucks), Chris Hernandez (Unlicensed Street Vendors), Veronica Rivera (La Bonita Tacos - Street Vendors), and Jessica Ochoa (Street Vendors - Taco Trucks).
H. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/SECRETARY
1. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Reconsideration of Local Emergency and Ratification of Director Orders Regarding the Water Shortage Emergency and Mandatory Water Conservation Measures.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution #15,631 confirming the need to continue the local emergency declared on May 17, 2022, due to drought conditions and lack of adequate water supply; and
2. Adopt Resolution #15,632 ratifying DES Order No. 22-04 of the Director of Emergency Services modifying mandatory water conservation measures required during the local emergency.
It was moved by Mayor Zaragoza, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem MacDonald, to approve the recommended action as presented. VOTE: Lopez, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, and Zaragoza voted in favor; motion passed 4-0. Councilmember Basua was absent and Councilmember Teran was absent during this vote.
I. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Perello spoke about food vendors and the presentation made by the County of Ventura Health Division. He attended the Seaview Neighborhood Council and the Harbor Neighborhood Council meetings. He asked staff to address the public restrooms located at the South West Park which are highly used by the public. He also made some comments regarding political sign locations.
Councilmember Madrigal also asked staff to address the public restrooms located at Colonia Park which are also highly used by the public. He attended the Colonia Neighborhood Council meeting and reported that it was well attended and that it was good to see the residents attend and participate. He also attended the Back to School Night at Fremont School. He reminded the public to be safe when riding bicycles and crossing the streets.
Mayor Pro Tem MacDonald announced that VCTC started a new program for students to ride the bus free of charge with proper identification. He also encouraged residents to take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train to San Diego instead of driving and to utilize public transportation whenever possible.
Councilmember Lopez attended the Blackstock Neighborhood Council meeting. She visited the Halaco Engineering Company Superfund Site in South Oxnard. She attended the 2022 League of Cities Annual Conference and represented the City.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 4
Councilmember Teran thanked the County of Ventura for the event held in memory of Supervisor Carmen Ramirez. The event was well attended by members of the County of Ventura and residents from the City of Oxnard. He attended the Wagon Wheel Neighborhood Council and the Riverpark Neighborhood Council meetings. He reminded the public that September is Suicide Prevention Month.
He announced the upcoming meeting regarding the South Oxnard Aquatic Center. He asked staff to review the list for the signal light upgrades and asked if the lights at the intersection of Doris and Ventura Road qualify for this upgrade.
Mayor Zaragoza reported attending a meeting with the County of Ventura to review proposals for the Fisherman's Wharf. Councilmember Perello, City Manager and City Attorney attended as well. He attended the "El Grito" celebration at Plaza Park. He also attended a presentation regarding pedestrian safety with Councilmember Lopez, Councilmember Perello, the Public Works Director, and the City Manager.
REVIEW OF INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Items L-1 through L-6 were discussed among the Council and staff.
K. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Public comments were received from Amanda Meere (L.6).
L. INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
1. City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the minutes of the July 5, 2022 and July 19, 2022 regular meetings as presented.
2. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Amendment to Agreement No. 9315-21-PW with Econolite Systems Incorporated for Traffic Signal Preventive, Emergency and Non-Emergency Maintenance Services.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a First Amendment to Agreement 9315-21-PW with Econolite Systems Incorporated to increase the not to exceed amount from $200,000 to $300,000 for traffic signal preventive, emergency and non- emergency maintenance services.
(Public Works and Transportation Committee approved 3-0.) Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Agreement A-8484 with Weck Laboratories, Inc. for Contract Laboratory Chemical Testing Services.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the:
1. Mayor to execute Agreement A-8484 with Weck Laboratories, Inc. for a term of one year with the option to extend for two consecutive periods of one year each upon the written agreement of both parties for a maximum possible contract term of three years, and for a total contract not-to- exceed amount over the entire possible contract term of $1,700,000 for laboratory chemical testing services; and
SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 5
2. Purchasing Agent to execute amendments to extend the term of Agreement A-8484 up to a maximum term of three years.
(Public Works and Transportation Committee approved 3-0.) Public Works Department
SUBJECT: City of Oxnard Water Division 2019-2021 Public Health Goals Report.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file the 2019-2021 Public Health Goals Report.
(Public Works and Transportation Committee approved 3-0.)
5. Fire Department
SUBJECT: Adoption Resolution #15,633 Approving the 2022 Update of the Ventura County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution #15,633 approving the 2022 update of the Ventura County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
City Manager Department
SUBJECT: Activation of the Wagon Wheel Neighborhood Council.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council certifies that the Wagon Wheel Neighborhood has completed the action necessary to participate in the Neighborhood Council Program. voted in favor; motion passed 6-0. Councilmember Basua was absent.
M. REPORTS
1. Community Development Department
SUBJECT: Proposed City-wide Residential Curb Cut Program to enhance the parking availability in residential areas by allowing curb cuts while minimizing impacts to existing on-street parking inventories. (0/15/15)
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution #15,634 titled: "A' Resolution of the City Council of the City of Oxnard Adopting a City-Wide Residential Curb Cut Program." Jeff Pengilley, Community Development Assistant Director, presented and answered questions. Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director was also available to answer questions. Public comments were received from Patricia Brown. Written comments were received and provided to Council. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Teran, seconded by Councilmember Madrigal, to approve the recommended action as presented. VOTE: Lopez, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, Teran, and Zaragoza voted in favor; motion passed 6-0. Councilmember Basua was absent.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 6
2. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Agreement A-8492 with Toro Enterprises, Inc. for Lift Station Improvements Project (Stations 1, 2, and 30), Specification No. PW 21-89. (0/5/5) RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the following for a total of $3,586,800 in Project funds for the Lift Station Improvements Project (Stations 1, 2, and 30), Specification No. PW 21-89 (Project No. 226601):
1. The Mayor to execute Agreement A-8492 with Toro Enterprises, Inc. in the amount of $2,989,000 for the Project;
2. A Project contingency amount of $298,900;
3. A Project allocation amount of $298,900 for engineering, inspection, survey and project management; and
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to approve a budget appropriation in the amount of $2,686,800 from the available Wastewater Operations Fund Balance for the use of this Project. (This item did not originate in Committee as this is a capital improvement project specifically listed in the City's Capital Improvement Program budget, which was previously approved by the City Council.)
Tatiana B. Arnaout, P.E., City Engineer, presented and answered questions. No public comments were received. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem MacDonald, seconded by Councilmember Perello, to approve the recommended action as presented. VOTE: Lopez, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, Teran, and Zaragoza voted in favor; motion passed 6-0. Councilmember Basua was absent.
N. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on the agenda, and without objection, Mayor Zaragoza adjourned the meeting at 7:59 p.m.
R. Chaparro
ROSE CHAPARRO
JOHN C. ZARAGOLA
City Clerk