MINUTES
OXNARD CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
July 27, 2023
ROLL CALL, POSTING OF AGENDA
At 4:30 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 Assistant City Clerk called the roll and announced the posting of the agenda. Councilmembers Gabriela Basua, Councilmember Oscar Madrigal; Bert E. Perello, Gabriel (Gabe) Teran, Arthur Valenzuela Zavala, Mayor Pro Tem Bryan A.
MacDonald, and Mayor John C. Zaragoza were present.
Councilmember Madrigal arrived at 4:33 p.m. Councilmember Basua arrived at 4:47 p.m.
Staff members present in person were Alexander Nguyen, City Manager; Shiri Klima, Deputy City Manager; Stephen M. Fischer, City Attorney; Kenneth Rozell, Chief Assistant City Attorney; Michelle (Elle) McCarron, Assistant City Attorney; Jason Benites, Police Chief; Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director; Joseph Marcinko, Assistant Public Works Director; Steve Howlett, Assistant Public Works Director; Emilio Ramirez, Housing Director; Albert Ramirez, Assistant Housing Director; Brenda Lopez, Housing Programs Manager; Annie Jensen, Project Manager; Terrel Harrison, Cultural and Community Services Director; Philip Molina, City Treasurer; Javier Chagoyen-Lazaro, Interim Chief Financial Officer; Robert Ruben, IT Business Solutions Director; Lisa Baker, Assistant Human Resources Director; Elsa Brown, Affordable Housing Program Manager; Denise Morehouse, Assistant Police Chief; Kathleen Mallory, Planning and Sustainability Manager; and Dee Lai, Assistant City Clerk.
Brittany Lawless, Community Development Partners, Senior Development Manager participated via ideoconference.
THE FOLLOWING LEGISLATIVE BODIES ARE MEETING: City Council and Oxnard Parking Authority.
CONSIDERATION OF TELECONFERENCE PARTICIPATION PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 2449 B. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
No public comments were received
C. CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1))
City of Oxnard v. Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 20STCP00929
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1))
OPV Coalition; et al. v. Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency; et al., Santa Barbara Superior Court Case No. VENCI00555357
At 4:33 p.m., the City Council recessed into a closed session. At 5:14 p.m., the City Council reconvened in an ›pen session in the Council Chambers. Stephen Fischer, City Attorney, announced that the City Council by a vote of 7-0 has directed its legal counsel to forgo appealing the denial of the city's third cause of action in the Fox Canyon GMA litigation that challenged the GMA's CEQA finding. Alternatively, the City Council authorized its legal counsel to file a cross-appeal challenging Judge Kin's denial of the City's CEQA cause of action if the GMA files an appeal of the Court's ruling that invalidated the GMA's allocation ordinance.
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D. APPOINTMENT ITEMS
1. City Manager Department
SUBJECT: Presentation by the County of Ventura on Vector Control.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive the verbal report regarding the Ventura County Resource Management Agency, Environmental Health Division Vector Control Program and provide comments.
Ron Ventura, Ventura County Environmental Health Division Vector Control Manager, and Cary Svoboda, Ventura County Environmental Health Division Vector Control Program Lead, presented and answered the City Council's questions. No public comments were received. Discussion ensued among the council and staff.
2. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Presentation of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission Report.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive a presentation from the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission.
Angela Whitecomb, Chair of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission, presented and answered the City Council's questions. No public comments were received. Discussion ensued among the council and staff.
E. OPENING CEREMONIES
Mayor Zaragoza led the pledge of allegiance.
F. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. SUBJECT: Presentation of the Oxnard Housing Authority Education Scholarship Program.
Emilio Ramirez, Housing Director, stated that the Oxnard Housing Authority education scholarships are privately funded and offered to Section 8 participants. He introduced the scholarship's three sponsors, Montecito Bank & Trust, Ventura County Credit Union, and the City of Port Hueneme, all of whom congratulated the scholarship recipients. Basant Gendi, Tania Salceda, Stephanie Nieto, Shavonne Asberry, and Ana Christine Negrete were among the five scholarship awardees, each of whom received $1500 as well as a Chromebook. Shavonne Asberry and Ana Christine Negrete, along with their families, joined the Council on the dais to accept the ceremonial checks, expressed their gratitude, and spoke briefly. Tania Salceda, Stephanie Nieto, and Basant Gendi were not present at the meeting. Tania Salceda was represented by her mother, Norma Moreno. The council expressed gratitude to the scholarship sponsors, the Oxnard Housing Authority, and wished the scholarship recipients the best of luck in their future pursuits.
G. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public comments were received from Ray Blattel (fireworks), Jack Villa (traffic and pedestrian safety).
H. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/SECRETARY
1. City Manager Department
SUBJECT: Local Government Fun Fact: Oxnard Education Attainment Statistics.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Public and City Council receive a City Manager discussion about Oxnard's statistics.
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The City Manager, Alex Nguyen, reminded everyone about National Night Out on August 1, 2023. He added that six neighborhoods are organizing events that will begin at various times. He stated that Community Action of Ventura County will continue to assist with utility bill payments. Under "local government fun facts," Alex illustrated the Ventura Community College District's funding. The councilmembers were given the summer reading book Paved Paradise by Alex.
Public comments were received from Barbara Macri-Ortiz, Manuel Herrera, and Bryan Rodriguez.
I. CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AUTHORITY/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/FINANCING AUTHORITY
BUSINESS/COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilmember Valenzuela Zavala thanked all the staff for their work. He hoped everyone enjoyed the month without council meetings and that many city members will be at the Cowboy camps.
Councilmember Perello commented on several topics, including neighborhood council meetings, traffic cameras, speeding, fireworks, and Jack Villa after seeing him in the hospital. With no council meeting in August, he hoped everyone enjoyed their summer break. He said that if a special meeting was required, the council would be accessible. He was grateful for the legal team's excellent work on the litigation. He expressed appreciation to those who attended the meeting, congratulated the scholarship winners, and wished them luck in their future pursuits.
Councilmember Basua stated that she will be returning her children to school and then becoming an empty nester.
Councilmember Madrigal thanked everyone who volunteered their time during the summer break to assist our community's youngsters. He referenced the police department's soccer summer camp last month. He was invited to a preview event for Seafood City Supermarket, a new market. He stated that teachers make terrible students because he can do the assigned summer reading in 10 minutes.
Councilmember Teran commented on several topics, including whether or not the book Paved Paradise is available in PDF format; fireworks; police calls for service; navigation applications and Google Maps; speed restrictions; traffic flow; and street paving. Councilmember Teran expressed appreciation to the city manager for the assigned reading. He stated that the council would be available during the legislative recess and that city staff is still working on future items in September and beyond.
Mayor Pro-Tem MacDonald stated that Gold Coast Transit and the Local Teamsters Union have reached a labor agreement. He spoke about the dangers of fireworks and how the police enforced them.
No public comments were received.
City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Appointment of Member to Serve on the City's Senior Services Commission (CAGs).
RECOMMENDATION: That the Mayor, with the approval ofthe City Council, appoint Linda Calderon to the Senior Services Commission representing District 6.
Dee Lai, Assistant City Clerk, was available to answer questions. No public comments were received.
Discussion ensued among the council and staff.
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It was moved by Councilmember Valenzuela Zavala, seconded by Councilmember Basua, to approve the recommended action as presented. VOTE: Basua, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, Teran, Valenzuela Zavala, and Zaragoza voted in favor; the motion passed 7-0.
2. City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Appointment of Member to Serve on the City's Senior Services Commission (CAGs).
RECOMMENDATION: That the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council, appoint Naomi Ontiveros to the Senior Services Commission representing District 4.
Dee Lai, Assistant City Clerk, was available to answer questions. No public comments were received.
Discussion ensued among the council and staff.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem MacDonald, seconded by Councilmember Teran, to approve the recommended action as presented. VOTE: Basua, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, Teran, Valenzuela Zavala, and Zaragoza voted in favor; the motion passed 7-0.
3. City Manager Department
SUBJECT: City Council Resolution To Create A Volunteer Internship Program with Stipend.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt a Resolution No. 15,733 creating a volunteer internship program with a stipend.
Alex Nguyen, City Manager, was available to answer questions. A public comment was received from Bryan Rodriguez. Discussion ensued among the council and staff.
It was moved by Mayor Zaragoza, seconded by Councilmember Perello, to approve the recommended action as presented. VOTE: Basua, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, Teran, Valenzuela Zavala, and Zaragoza voted in favor; the motion passed 7-0.
REVIEW OF INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Items L-1 through L.10 were discussed among the Council and staff.
K. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
No public comments were received.
L. INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the minutes of the June 29, 2023 regular meeting as presented
2. Police Department
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SUBJECT: Resolution Commending Alex Arnett for over Thirty-Two Years of Service to the City of Oxnard
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt a Resolution No. 15.734 commending Alex Arnett for over thirty-two years of service to the City of Oxnard Police Department.
3. Police Department
SUBJECT: Resolution Commending Daniel Casson for over Thirty-Three Years of Service to the City of Oxnard.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt a Resolution No. 15,735 commending Daniel Casson for over thirty-three years of service to the City of Oxnard Police Department.
City Manager Department
SUBJECT: List of City Manager Approved Contracts - Informational Only.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file the list of City Manager approved contracts for the period January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023. (This item did not originate in Committee.)
5. Police Department
SUBJECT: Military Equipment Policy and Ordinance.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Find that each type of military equipment identified in the Oxnard Police Department's Annual Military Equipment Report complies with the standards set forth in Government Code Section 7071(d); and
2. Renew Ordinance 3014, continuing authorization for the funding, acquisition, and use of military equipment by the Oxnard Police Department.
6. Police Department
SUBJECT: Office of Traffic Safety - STEP Grant.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt a Resolution No. 15,736 authorizing:
1. The City Manager to apply for $455,161.44 in grant funds from the State of California, Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), to be used for the FY 2023-2024 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (S.T.E.P.);
2. The City Manager or designee to execute grant agreements and appropriate funds upon confirmation of grant award;
3. The Chief Financial Officer or designee to submit financial reports and grant claims and approve budget appropriations for use of OTS funds; and
4. The Chief of Police or designee to submit all program related progress or status reports.
7. Finance Department
SUBJECT: Fourth Amendment to Tyler Technologies Software as an ERP Service Agreement (A- 8767) resulting in contract savings of $606,502.00.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Fourth Amendment with Tyler Technologies Software as an ERP Service "SaaS" Agreement resulting in a net contract savings of $606,502.
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8. Information Technology Department
SUBJECT: Second Amendment with Korel for IT Recruiting Services.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a Second Amendment to Professional Services Agreement 32300297 with Kore1 LLC to increase the value of the agreement from $200,000 to $500,000 through December 31, 2024, for information technology recruitment services.
9. Fire Department
SUBJECT: Ratify submission of application for 2022 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) (In kind match of $36,393 required).
RECOMMENDATION: The Oxnard City Council adopt a Resolution No. 15,737:
1. That ratifies the submission of a grant application to the Ventura County Office of Emergency Services for the 2022 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) in the amount of $36,393 for the purpose of offsetting the salary and benefits of the Emergency Services Manager, and the required salary match of $36,393;
2. That authorizes the City Manager or designee to execute the grant agreement if funds are awarded to the City;
3. That authorizes the Chief Financial Officer or designee to submit financial reports and grant claims, approve budget appropriations for the use of grant funds and perform all other
1. requined financial a fire Chier or designee to submit non: Amancial reports.
4. That authorizes the Fire Chief or designee to submit non-financial reports.
10. Housing Department
SUBJECT: Transformative Climate Communities Grant Application RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Adopt a Resolution No. 15,738:
a. authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to submit a Transformative Climate Communities Program grant application for $2,400,000 in partnership with Many Mansions; b. authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute and submit all grant documents including, but not limited to, applications, agreements, and payment requests, that may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the grant;
c. authorizing the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to submit financial reports and grant claims, and approve budget appropriations for the use of the grant funds; and d. authorizing the Housing Director, or designee, to submit non-financial reports; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a conditional funding award letter, committing $1,200,000 of HOME American Rescue Plan funding to Many Mansions for the construction of Aspire Apartments, an eighty-eight-unit mixed-use affordable rental housing project located at 536-538 Meta Street.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
Consent Items L.1 - L.10
It was moved by Councilmember Teran, seconded by Councilmember Valenzuela Zavala, to approve the JULY 27, 2023 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL Page 17
recommended action with the correction to the June 29, 2023 minutes to indicate that Councilmember Teran participated in person rather than remotely. VOTE: Basua, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, Teran, Valenzuela Zavala, and Zaragoza voted in favor; the motion passed 7-0.
1. REPORTS
1. City Treasurer
SUBJECT: City Treasurer's Quarterly Investment Report for the Period Ending June 30, 2023.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file the report.
Phillip Molina, City Treasurer, was available to answer questions. No public comments were received. The report was received and filed; no formal action was required.
2. Housing Department
SUBJECT: Exclusive negotiation agreement between the City of Oxnard, the Parking Authority of the City of Oxnard and The Daly Group.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council and the Board of the Parking Authority of the City of Oxnard authorize the Mayor and Chair, respectively, to execute the Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with The Daly Group regarding the Social Security Administration Building (425 South B Street), North Fifth Street, and the surrounding surface parking between B and C Streets and Fourth Street in downtown Oxnard, otherwise known as "Plaza Park North". (This item was not considered by a Council Committee. The development of Plaza Park North was included in the discussion with the City Council on April 4, 2023.) ¿milio Ramirez, Housing Director, presented and answered questions. A public comment was received from Abel Ramirez. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem MacDonald, seconded by Councilmember Madrigal, to approve the recommended action as presented. VOTE: Basua, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, Teran, Valenzuela Zavala, and Zaragoza voted in favor; the motion passed 7-0.
3. Housing Department
SUBJECT: Grant of Easement to Southern California Edison on a portion of City owned property located at 251 South A Street in Downtown. (10 minutes) RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Grant a 409 square foot easement to Southern California Edison on the City-owned property located at 251 South A Street consistent with Exhibit A and Exhibit B; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to take all necessary actions to execute the easement, in consultation with the City Attorney's office.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
Emilio Ramirez., Housing Director, and Brittany Lawless, Community Development Partners' Senior Development Manager, presented and answered questions. No public comments were received. Discussion ensued among the council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Valenzuela Zavala, seconded by Councilmember Perello, to approve the recommended action as presented. VOTE: Basua, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, Teran, Valenzuela Zavala, JULY 27, 2023 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL Page 8
and Zaragoza voted in favor; the motion passed 7-0.
4. Police Department
SUBJECT: Motorola Radio Purchase.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Oxnard Police Department to "piggyback" onto the County of Los Angeles Master Agreement No. MA-IS- 2240228-1 with Motorola Solutions to purchase communication equipment, and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute a purchase order in the amount of $3.217,496.00 for the equipment purchase.
Denise Morehouse, Assistant Police Chief, presented and answered questions. No public comments were received. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Valenzuela Zavala, seconded by Councilmember Basua, to approve the recommended action as presented. VOTE: Basua, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, Teran, Valenzuela Zavala, and Zaragoza voted in favor; motion passed 7-0.
5. City Manager Department
SUBJECT: Ormond Beach Status Update.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Receive an update on the current status of Ormond Beach; and
2. Provide additional comments and indicate its support of the direction of the Ormond Beach Restoration and Public Access Project Plan (OBRAP) document.
Annie Jensen, Project Manager, presented and answered questions. Public comments were received from Pat Brown and Barbara Macri-Ortiz. The report was received and filed; no formal action was required.
6. City Manager Department
SUBJECT: Approval of a Funding Agreement between the City and the County of Ventura for the New Family Justice Center in Oxnard.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Funding Agreement with the County of Ventura for $2,000,000 for the purchase of the building located at 554-555 South A Street for the Oxnard Family Justice Center; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the necessary actions to effectuate the transfer of funds.
This item was pulled from the agenda. No action was taken.
N. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on the agenda, and without objection, Mayor Zaragoza adjourned the meeting at 8:42 p.m.
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DEE LAI
Interim City Clerk