MINUTES
OXNARD CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
February 6, 2024
A. 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 City Clerk called the roll and announced the posting of the agenda. Councilmembers Gabriela Basua, Oscar Madrigal, Bert E. Perello, Gabriel (Gabe) Teran, Arthur Valenzuela, Mayor Pro Tem Bryan A. MacDonald, and Mayor John C. Zaragoza were present.
Housing Commissioner Jose Andrade attended the meeting in person and arrived at 6:00 p.m. Housing Commissioner Francisco Vega was absent.
THE FOLLOWING LEGISLATIVE BODIES ARE MEETING: City Council and Housing Authority.
CONSIDERATION OF TELECONFERENCE PARTICIPATION PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 2449.
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS (None received.) C. CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Name of case: Flor Martinez v. City of Oxnard; et al.
Ventura County Superior Court Case No. 202000539143CUPA Legislative Body: City Council
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code section 54957.6) Agency designated representatives: Ashley Golden, Assistant City Manager, Steve Naveau, Director of Human Resources and Jason Benites, Chief of Police.
Employee organization: Oxnard Peace Officers Association (OPOA) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS - (Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 5208 Cypress Road, Oxnard, CA (222-0-042-110) Agency Negotiator: Emilio Ramirez, Housing Director
Negotiating Party: Darcy Taylor, Habitat for Humanity
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
Legislative Body: City Council
At 4:31 p.m., the City Council recessed into a closed session. At 6:17 p.m., the City Council reconvened in an open session in the Council Chambers. Stephen Fischer, City Attorney announced FEBRUARY 6, 2024 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 2
that no reportable actions resulted from closed session for items C.1, C.2 and C.3.
D. OPENING CEREMONIES (6:00 PM)
Mayor Zaragoza led the pledge of allegiance.
E. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating the Month of February 2024 as "Black History Month."
Mayor Zaragoza read the proclamation and presented it to members of the Juneteenth Celebration Committee of Ventura County including Dr. Vincent Stewart, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Community Action of Ventura County and Chair of the Ventura County Civil Service Commission; Angela Mitchell Landers; Kimberly M. Thomas; and Dr. Martha McQueen-Legohn, Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Port Hueneme. The committee members accepted the proclamation and said a few words.
2. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating the Month of February 2024 as "Parent Leadership Month."
Mayor Zaragoza read the proclamation and presented it to Kathleen Van Antwerp, Executive Director and Jackie Flores-Ortega, Outreach Specialist Parent Voice Coordinator with the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Ventura County; they thanked the Council for the recognition and said a few words.
F. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public comments were received from Commissioner Ronald Arruejo (Presentation: Relative Oxnard Influence in Ventura County Supervisor Elections, Districts 1, 3, & 5); Farah Stack (Clean Power Alliance); Abrah Steward (Clean Power Alliance); Ashley Gongora (affected by flooding due to severe storms); Ray Blattel (request to meet with Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Treasurer); Joe Comett (Clean Power Alliance); Martha Polanco (affected by flooding due to severe storms); Emigdia Reyes (affected by flooding due to severe storms); Vanessa Teran, Policy Director (Clean Power Alliance); Maria Navarro, CAUSE (Clean Power Alliance presentation and requested assistance for the displaced residents due to floods).
G. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/SECRETARY
1. City Manager Department
SUBJECT: Severe Storms Emergency Actions.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council ratify Director Orders regarding the Severe FEBRUARY 6, 2024 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 3
Storms Local Emergency proclaimed by the Director of Emergency Services on December 27,2023, and related actions taken pursuant to the Severe Storms Local Emergency.
Alex Nguyen, City Manager introduced George Kostyrko, Public Information Officer with the U.S.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Disaster Recovery, who presented on the SBA low interest federal disaster loans for residents and businesses impacted by the damage due to the storms in Ventura County. Public comments were received from Manuel Herrera and Deirdre Frank. No formal action was taken.
H. CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AUTHORITY/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/FINANCING AUTHORITY
BUSINESS/COMMITTEE REPORTS
The members of the Council provided brief announcements regarding their various activities.
Cultural & Community Services Department
SUBJECT: Appointment of Two Representatives to the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council approve the recommendation from the Senior Services Commission and appoint two Senior Services Commissioners to the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council.
This item did not originate in Committee.
Terrel Harrison, Cultural and Community Services Director presented and was available to answer questions. No public comments were received
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem MacDonald, seconded by Councilmember Perello, to approve the recommended action as presented. VOTE: Basua, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, Teran, Valenzuela, and Zaragoza voted in favor; motion passed 7-0.
I. REVIEW OF INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Items K-1 through K.6 were discussed among the Council and staff.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Public comments were received from Jesus Rojas (K.6).
INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
1. City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes.
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RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the minutes of January 2, 2024 regular meeting as presented.
Finance Department
SUBJECT: Accounting and Financial Reporting Risk Assessment Update.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive the Risk Assessment Update regarding accounting and financial reporting as part of the Internal Control Integrated Framework pursuant to City of Oxnard Finance Policy (FPOL) 1.05.
(The Finance and Governance Committee approved 3-0 on January 9, 2024, to approve the staff recommendation and to forward the item for Council approval.)
3. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Agreement 32400384 with IDS Group, Inc. for Landscape Architecture Services for the Durley Park Improvement Project.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with IDS Group, Inc. in the amount of $691,379 with a term date of February 7, 2024 through January 31, 2026 for Landscape Architecture Services for the Durley Park Improvement Project (C2333).
(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.)
Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Agreements 32400369 and 32400362 for Acquisition of Easements for the Oxnard Boulevard & Saviers Road Signal Improvements Project (No. C1703).
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the:
1. Mayor to execute a Right of Way Agreement and Easement Deed (A-8545) for APN 219-0- 031-065 to purchase Permanent Sidewalk Easement located at Saviers Road/Bryce Canyon/Thomas Avenue;
2. Mayor to execute a Right of Way Agreement and Easement Deed (A-8546) for APN 222-0- 102-010 to purchase Permanent Sidewalk Easement located at Saviers Road/Pleasant Valley Road; and
3. City Manager to take any additional necessary actions to facilitate the acquisition of the property consistent with the terms of the transaction approved by the City Council. (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.)
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5. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Professional Services Agreement 32400346 with Huitt-Zollars, Inc. for the 4th Street Mobility Improvements and the Downtown Bus Stop Improvements Projects.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize:
1. The Mayor to execute an Agreement with Huitt-Zollars, Inc. in the amount of $772,053.47 for architectural and engineering design services for the 4th Street Mobility Improvements Project (C2204) and the Downtown Bus Stop Improvements Project (C2415); and
2. A budget appropriation of $175,834.83 from the available fund balance of the Circulation System Improvement Fees Fund 350 to the Downtown Bus Stop Improvements Project (C2415).
(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.)
6. City Attorney Department
SUBJECT: Adoption of No-Fault Just Cause Eviction Ordinance No. 3042.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 3042 titled:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OXNARD AMENDING SECTION 27-4 OF THE OXNARD CITY CODE REGARDING NO-FAULT JUST CAUSE
EVICTIONS OCCURRING AS THE RESULT OF A DEMOLITION OR SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL."
It was moved by Councilmember Perello, seconded by Councilmember Teran, to approve the recommended action as presented. VOTE: Basua, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, Teran, Valenzuela, and Zaragoza voted in favor; the motion passed 7-0.
L. REPORTS
City Treasurer
SUBJECT: City Treasurer's Quarterly Investment Report for the Period Ending December 29, 2023.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file the report. (This item did not originate in Committee.)
Phillip Molina, City Treasurer presented and was available to answer questions. No public comments were received. The report was received and filed, no formal action was required.
2. Finance Department
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SUBJECT: FY 2023-24 Budget Mid-Year Review.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Receive an update on the FY 2023-24 revenue and expenditure projections for major funds,
2. Approve budget amendments within the Golf, Development Impact Fees, Contributions Trust and Facilities Maintenance, and related Funds as explained in this report. (This item did not originate in a committee.)
Javier Chagoyen-Lazaro, Chief Financial Officer presented and answered questions. Public comments were received from Manuel Herrera.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem MacDonald, seconded by Councilmember Valenzuela, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Basua, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, Teran, Valenzuela, and Zaragoza voted in favor; motion passed 7-0.
3. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Public Project Agreement 32400352 with Toro Enterprises, Inc., for Citywide Alley Resurfacing - Fremont North Neighborhood Alley Restoration Project, Specification No.
PW 24-11.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize:
1. A total of $4,592,368 in Project funds for the Citywide Alley Resurfacing - Fremont North Neighborhood Alley Restoration Project, Specification No. PW 24-11;
2. The Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Toro Enterprises, Inc. in the amount of $3,891,837 for the Project;
3. A Project contingency amount of $389,184 (10%) with Toro Enterprises, Inc. for a total not to exceed value of $4,281,021 for the Project;
4. A Project allocation amount of $311,347 (8%) for engineering, inspection, survey and project management; and
5. A project budget appropriation transfer in the total amount of $4,592,368 from 12 Alleyways Project No. C2111 to Citywide Alley Resurfacing Project No. C2102 within the General Fund (101) for $165,368 and the Measure O Fund (104) for $4,427,000. (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.)
Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director presented and was available to answer questions. No public FEBRUARY 6, 2024 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 7
comment was received.
It was moved by Councilmember Teran, seconded by Councilmember Valenzuela, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Basua, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, Teran, Valenzuela, and Zaragoza voted in favor; motion passed 7-0.
4. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Golf Management Agreement.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council authorize staff to enter into negotiations with American Golf Corporation for a new Agreement to manage the River Ridge Golf Club operations.
(The Public Works and Transportation Committee was scheduled to consider this item on January 9, 2024. That meeting was canceled and the item is being brought directly to Council for action due to time constraints.)
Steve Howlett, Assistant Public Works Director presented and was available to answer questions. No public comment was received.
It was moved by Councilmember Perello, seconded by Councilmember Madrigal, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Basua, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, Valenzuela, and Zaragoza voted in favor; motion passed 6-1. Councilmember Teran voted against.
5. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: First Amendment to Trade Services Agreement 32300370 with R.A. Atmore & Sons, Inc. for Citywide On-Call Abatement Services.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a First Amendment to a Trade Services Agreement with R.A. Atmore & Sons, Inc. to increase the not to exceed amount from $200,000 to $1,400,000 through June 30, 2025, for citywide on- call abatement services.
(The Public Works and Transportation Committee was scheduled to consider this item on January 9, 2024. That meeting was canceled and the item is being brought directly to Council for action due to time constraints.)
Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director was available to answer questions. No public comment was received.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem MacDonald, seconded by Councilmember Basua, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Basua, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, Teran, Valenzuela, and Zaragoza voted in favor; motion passed 7-0.
6. Community Development Department
SUBJECT: On-Call Consulting Services for Community Development.
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RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Approve and authorize the execution of a Second Amendment to the Agreement with Rincon Consultants, Inc. for on-call contract planning services, increasing the agreement amount by $500,000 for a total agreement amount of $1,750,000; and
2. Approve and authorize the execution of a First Amendment to the Agreement with CSG Consultants, Inc. for on-call contract planning services, increasing the agreement amount by $250,000 for a total agreement amount of $500,000. (The Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Development Committee was scheduled to consider this item on 1/9/2024. That meeting was canceled and the item is being brought directly to Council for action due to time constraints.) Jeff Pengilley, Community Development Director and Joe Pearson II, AICP, Planning and Environmental Services Manager were available to answer questions. No public comment was received.
It was moved by Councilmember Teran, seconded by Councilmember Basua, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Basua, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, Teran, Valenzuela, and Zaragoza voted in favor; motion passed 7-0.
7. Housing Department
SUBJECT: Accessibility Remodel Project at Colonia Site.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Oxnard:
1. Approve and authorize the Housing Director to execute a firm-fixed price contract in the amount of $2,418,020 with MDJ Management (Agreement Number A-8544) using funds from the Housing Authority of the City of Oxnard's Business Activities Fund, for properties located at 1040, 1070-C, 1100-B, 1130 E. Colonia Road; and
2. Authorize the Housing Director to execute the work orders) for work to be performed. (This item did not originate in Committee. The project was included in the Housing Authority of the City of Oxnard's Capital Fund Program Five-Year Action Plan which was approved by the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Oxnard on April 6, 2021.) Emilio Ramirez, Housing Director presented and answered questions. No public comment was received.
It was moved by Councilmember Valenzuela, seconded by Councilmember Teran, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Basua, MacDonald, Madrigal, Perello, Teran, Valenzuela, Zaragoza, and Housing Authority Commissioner Andrade voted in favor; motion passed 8-0. Commissioner Vega was absent.
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M. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on the agenda, and without objection, Mayor Zaragoza adjourned the meeting at 8:48 p.m.
R. Chaparro
ROSE CHAPARRO
City Clerk