AGENDA
OXNARD CITY COUNCIL
May 6, 2025
A. ROLL CALL, POSTING OF AGENDA
At 4:34 p.m., Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur presided and called to order the regular meeting of the Oxnard City Council convened in the Council Chambers at 305 West Third Street, Oxnard, California. Councilmembers Luis A. Mc Arthur; Bert E. Perello; Michacla Perez; Gabriela Rodriguez, Aaron Starr and Gabriel Teran were present. The City Clerk stated that the agenda was posted on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at the Library, City Hall kiosk, City Administrative Offices and on the website.
Councilwoman Gabriela Basua was not feeling well and therefore, participated remotely.
ONSIDERATION OF TELECONFERENCE PARTICIPATION PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 2449
BAPUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
No public comments were received.
At 4:36 p.m., the City Council recessed to a closed session.
Stephen Fischer, City Attorney announced that no reportable actions resulted from the closed session.
C. CLOSED SESSION (4:30 PM)
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code Section
54956.9(d)(1))
Name of case: Crystal Walker v. City of Oxnard
Ventura Superior Court Case No. 2023CUOE17130
Legislative Body: City Council
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code Section
54956.9(d)(1))
Name of case: Kenneth York v. City of Oxnard
Workers' Compensation Case No. ADJ13504345
Legislative Body: City Council
D. APPOINTMENT ITEMS (5:15 PM)
1. Housing Department
SUBJECT: Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association Annual Report. (15 minutes)
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RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file the Fiscal Year 2023- 24 Annual Report on the Oxnard Downtown Management District. (This item did not originate in Committee)
Albert Ramirez., Assistant Housing Director introduced Abel Magana, Executive Director for the Oxnard Downtown Improvement Association, who gave his report.
Chair Angela Whitecomb commented on the successful renewal and expansion of the District. Public comment was received from Mark Spellman. Discussion ensued among the Council and Mr. Magana. No action was required.
2. Cultural & Community Services Department
SUBJECT: Senior Services Commission Annual Report.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council receives the Senior Services Commission annual report.
Alice Sweetland, Chair of the Senior Services Commission gave a report. Public comment was received from Deirdre Frank. Discussion ensued among the Council and Commissioners. No action was required
E. OPENING CEREMONIES (6:00 PM)
At 6:51 p.m. Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur presided and called to order the regular meeting of the Oxnard City Council in the City Hall Council Chambers at 305 West Third Street, Oxnard, California. Councilmembers Luis A. Mc Arthur; Bert E. Perello; Michaela Perez; Gabriela Rodriguez, Aaron Starr; and Gabriel Teran were present.
Councilwoman Gabriela Basua was not feeling well and therefore, participated remotely.
The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States led by Madison Palacios-Vera, a student at Rio Mesa High School, followed by a moment of silence in honor of Herbert David Nowlin, Jr. who passed away on April 2, 2025.
Additional staff members present were Alexander Nguyen, City Manager; Ashley Golden, Assistant City Manager; Javier Chagoyen-Lázaro, Chief Financial Officer; Jennifer Hiraoka, Senior Manager Internal Controls; Kenneth Rozell, Chief Assistant City Attorney; Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director; Steve Howlett, Assistant Public Works Director; Brian Yanez., Assistant Public Works Director; Tim Beaman, Assistant Public Works Director; Brandon Lopez, Parks Manager; Brenda Lopez, Interim Housing Director; Albert Ramirez, Assistant Housing Director; Jeff Pengilley, Community Development Director; Joe Pearson, III, Planning Manager; Daniel Houck, Associate Planner, and Lourdes A. López, City Clerk.
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F. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating the Month of May 2025 as "Older Americans Month."
Councilwoman Perez read the proclamation and presented it to Chair Alice Sweetland and the Senior Services Commissioners. Ms. Sweetland and the Commissioners thanked the City Council for the recognition.
2. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating May 2025 as "Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month."
Mayor Mc Arthur read the proclamation and presented it to Jen Benitez, with PINAYSPHERE. Ms. Benitez thanked the City Council for the recognition.
G. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public comments were received from Maria Elena Saldana (Save the Arts) and Larry Stein (length of Council meetings).
H. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/SECRETARY
The City Manager commented on various items, including: South Oxnard Center Block Party on May 17; Public Works open house on May 21% at Plaza Park; and Jeff Pengilley, Community Development Director stated that May 2025 is Building & Safety month which highlights the importance of safe and sustainable buildings in our community.
L. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS/COMMITTEE REPORTS
The members of the Council provided brief announcements regarding their various activities.
Councilmember Perello requested that Channel Islands Neighborhood Council (Water Quality) make a presentation to the City Council.
Councilwoman Perez requested that we schedule Oxnard College President to provide updates on the work that they are doing in September or October.
City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Appointment of Members to Serve on the City's Citizen Advisory Groups (CAGs) (5 minutes)
RECOMMENDATION: That the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council, appoint Jose Cano to the Cultural Arts Commission representing District 4.
No public comment was received. Discussion ensued among the Council.
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It was moved by Mayor Mc Arthur, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, to approve the appointment of Jose Cano to the Cultural Arts Commission. VOTE: Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 7-0.
REVIEW OF INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Item Nos. L-1 and L-4 were discussed among the Council and staff.
K. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Public comment was received from Larry Stein (credit card merchant fee).
L. INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
1. City Manager Department
SUBJECT: Update on Status and Accomplishments of Current Measure O Projects.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file this report. (The Measure O Citizen Oversight Committee heard this update at its April 24, 2025 meeting).
2. Finance Department
SUBJECT: Monthly Investment Report for the period ending March 31, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION: This is an information item for the City Council to receive and file.
(This item did not originate in Committee)
Finance Department
SUBJECT: Establishing a Section 115 Trusts for OPEB and Pension Liabilities.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 15,861 establishing a Section 115 Trust for OPEB and Pension liabilities; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with the Trust Administrator, Custodian, and Trustee to create a 115 Trust accounts for the funding of future OPEB and Pension liabilities.
(The Finance and Governance Committee approved 3-0 on April 22, 2025)
4. Finance Department
SUBJECT: Third Amendment with Paymentus for Credit Card Merchant Services.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to
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execute the Third Amendment to the agreement with Paymentus (9046-20-CT), for credit card merchant services, extending the term of agreement to December 31, 2027, and increasing the contract amount by $702,000 for a not-to-exceed contract amount of $1,783,720.
(The Finance and Governance Committee approved 3-0 on April 22, 2025)
5. Finance Department
SUBJECT: Agreement with Tyler Technologies, Inc. for Credit Card Merchant Services.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a five-year agreement with Tyler Technologies, Inc. (A-8584) for credit card merchant services.
(The Finance and Governance Committee approved 3-0 on April 22, 2025)
6. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Agreement 32500458 with Carollo Engineers, Inc. for a Biosolids Master Plan.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute an Agreement with Carollo Engineers, Inc. for an initial term of one year from May 6, 2025, to May 5, 2026, with the option for a one-year period extension ending May 5, 2027, for a total contract amount not to exceed $423,422 for the development of a Biosolids Master Plan for the Wastewater Division. (Public Works and Transportation Committee approved 3-0 on April 8, 2025) Consent Items L-1
Item L-1 is a receive and file, no action is required.
Consent Items L-4
It was moved by Councilmember Perello, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, to approve the Information/Consent item as presented. VOTE: Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 7-0.
Consent Items L-2, L-3, L-5 and L-6
It was moved by Councilmember Perello, seconded by Mayor Mc Arthur, to approve the Information/Consent item as presented. VOTE: Perez., Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 7-0.
M. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Housing Department
SUBJECT: 2025-2029 Ventura County Regional Consolidated Plan, 2025-2029 Ventura County Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, and the
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2025-2026 Annual Action Plan. (10 minutes)
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing to receive comments regarding the 2025-2029 Ventura County Regional Consolidated Plan, the 2025-2029 Ventura County Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, and the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Community Planning and Development;
2. Approve the 2025-2029 Ventura County Regional Consolidated Plan and the 2025-2029 Ventura County Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice;
3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designees, to incorporate any recommended changes resulting from public input to the Ventura County Regional Consolidated Plan, the Ventura County Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, and 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan;
4. Approve the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan and incorporate the final HUD allocations into the Plan and authorize the budget appropriations to fund the administration and activities in the Plan;
5. Authorize the City Manager, or his designees, to make any budgetary adjustments within ten percent, or $200,000, whichever is greater - per the Citizen Participation Plan of the proposed budget in the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan that is approved by City Council; and
6. Authorize the City Manager, or his designees, to execute HUD agreements and sign all agreements for the implementation of the Ventura County Regional Consolidated Plan, Ventura County Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, and Annual Action Plan including subrecipient, interdepartmental, and intradepartmental agreements.
(The Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Development Committee approved 3-0 on April 8, 2025.)
Councilmembers reported on the ex parte communications received on this item.
The City Clerk announced the affidavit of publication published in Vida Newspaper on April 3, 2025 and stated there were no written communications received on this item.
Brenda Lopez, Interim Housing Director and Albert Ramirez, Assistant Housing Director were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
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Mayor Mc Arthur opened the public testimony portion of the public hearing.
Public comment was received from Larry Stein.
Without objection, the Council approved closing the public testimony portion of the public hearing.
Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilman Starr, seconded by Councilmember Perello, to approve the recommended action as presented. VOTE: Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez and Mc Arthur voted in favor; motion carried 7-0.
2. Community Development Department
SUBJECT: Appeal of the Planning Commission's decision to uphold the Director's decision to approve The Pointe Apartments project at 2801 N. Oxnard Blvd. (50 minutes).
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Find the Project to be consistent with Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR No. 00-03) and subsequent addendums prepared for the RiverPark Specific Plan and therefore exempt from further environmental review pursuant to Sections 15162 through 15164 and 15183 of the CEQA Guidelines; and
2. Adopt a resolution denying the Appeal and upholding the Planning Commission's decision to uphold the Community Development Director's approval of Planning and Zoning Permit No. 23-200-01 (Development Design Review Permit), subject to certain findings and conditions.
Councilmembers reported on the ex parte communications received on this item.
The City Clerk announced the affidavit of publication published in Vida Newspaper on April 24, 2025 and stated there were 4 written communications received on this item that have been previously provided to the City Council.
Joseph Gonzalez., Attorney representing the Appellant (SAFER) stated his objection to the Environmental Impact Report, endanger wildlife, density of the project and noise pollution.
Tony Locacciato, Environmental Planning Consultant for the project commented on the environmental impact report.
Ann Walsh of Shea Properties stated that weed abatement is done twice a year.
Kenneth Rozell, Chief Assistant City Attorney; Jeff Pengilley, Community Development Director; Joe Pearson II, Planning Manager; and Daniel Houch,
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Associate Planner were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
Mayor Mc Arthur opened the public testimony portion of the public hearing.
Public comment was received from Greg Runyon.
Without objection, the Council approved closing the public testimony portion of the public hearing
Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilman Starr, seconded by Mayor Mc Arthur, to approve the recommended action as presented. VOTE: Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez and Mc Arthur voted in favor; motion carried 7-0.
At 9:27 p.m., the City Council voted to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m., and take action on the remainder of the items on the agenda.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, seconded by Councilmember Perello, to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. VOTE: Basua, Mc Arthur, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr and Teran voted in favor; motion passed 7-0.
N. REPORTS
Finance Department
SUBJECT: 2024 Single Audit Report. (40 minutes)
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council receive the 2024 Single Audit Report from the audit firm Eadie + Payne and summary presentation from the City's external financial auditors, Eadie + Payne, LLP.
(The Finance and Governance Committee approved 3-0 on April 22, 2025) Brandon Ferrell of Eadie + Payne, LLP gave an overview of the single audit report.
Public comment was received from Larry Stein. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff. No formal action was required.
Finance Department
SUBJECT: Update on the Financial Corrective Action Plan (CAP) for Closing Past Audit Findings. (10 minutes)
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive an update on the Financial Corrective Action Plan (FCAP) for closing past audit findings. (The Finance and Governance Committee approved 3-0 on April 22, 2025)
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No public comment was received. Javier Chagoyen-Lázaro, Chief Financial Officer and Jennifer Hiraoka, Senior Manager Internal Controls were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff. No formal action was required.
3. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Three General Service Agreements with GreenCoast Landscapes Inc. for Landscape Maintenance Services for Citywide Street and Median Landscapes. (10 minutes)
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the following Agreements with GreenCoast Landscapes Inc. for an initial term of three years each from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, with an option for two consecutive one-year extensions ending June 30, 2030, for landscape maintenance services in Citywide Street and Median Landscapes:
1. Agreement 32500412 for a total amount not to exceed $3,819,000;
2. Agreement 32500413 for a total amount not to exceed $4,294,000; and
3. Agreement 32500414 for a total amount not to exceed $3,527,000. (Public Works and Transportation Committee approved 3-0 on April 8, 2025) No public comment was received. Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director and Steve Howlett, Assistant Public Works Director were available to answer questions.
Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilman Starr, seconded by Mayor Mc Arthur, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez., Starr and Mc Arthur voted in favor; motion carried 7-0.
4. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Four Service Agreements with GreenCoast Landscapes Inc. for Landscape Maintenance Services for Citywide General Fund Parks. (10 minutes) RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the following Agreements with GreenCoast Landscapes Inc. for an initial term of three years each from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, with an option for two consecutive one-year period extensions ending June 30, 2030, for landscape maintenance services in City General Fund Parks:
Agreement 32500408 for a total amount not to exceed $913,000; Agreement 32500409 for a total amount not to exceed $822,000; Agreement 32500410 for a total amount not to exceed $1,827,000; and Agreement 32500411 for a total amount not to exceed $1,008,000. (Public Works and Transportation Committee approved 3-0 on April 8, 2025)
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No public comment was received. Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director; Steve Howlett, Assistant Public Works Director and Brandon Lopez, Parks Manager were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilman Starr, seconded by Councilwoman Rodriguez, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Basua, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez., Starr, Teran and Mc Arthur voted in favor; motion carried 7-0.
Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 2025-26 Utility Ratepayers Assistance Program (Project Assist) Update. (15 minutes)
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 15,863 for the Utility Ratepayers Assistance Program (Project Assist) for Fiscal Year 2025-26 to assist eligible Oxnard residents and authorize staff to grant financial relief equal to a monthly $25.00 maximum credit per utility bill charged to residential customers who meet the eligibility requirements discussed in this staff report up to the amount funded for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and
2. Authorize staff to fund Project Assist in Fiscal Year 2025-26 by utilizing $270,000 that has been paid to the City for current and prior year late penalties from City utility customers.
(Public Works and Transportation Committee approved 3-0 on April 8, 2025) No public comment was received. Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director and Brian Yanez, Assistant Public Works Director were available to answer questions.
Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, seconded by Councilmember Perello, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua and Mc Arthur voted in favor; motion carried 7-0.
6. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Applications to the 2025 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Call for Project Nominations for Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program Grant Funds. (10 minutes)
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the:
1. Submission of four grant applications for Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program in various amounts, with an 11.47% match requirement:
2. City Manager, or designee, to execute the grant agreements;
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3. Finance Director, or designee, to submit financial reports, grant claims, and approve budget appropriations for the use of grant funds; and
4. Public Works Director, or designee, to submit non-financial reports. (This item did not originate in Committee as it is for capital improvement projects specifically listed in the City's Capital Improvement Program budget, which was previously approved by the City Council.)
Public comment was received from Larry Stein. Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director was available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilman Starr, seconded by Councilwoman Rodriguez, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello and Mc Arthur voted in favor; motion carried 7-0.
Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Third Amendment to Professional Services Agreement A-8491 with Tetra Tech, Inc. for Professional Engineering Services for the Kamala and Hobson Cast Iron Pipe Replacement Project. (10 minutes)
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a Third Amendment to an Agreement with Tetra Tech, Inc. (Tetra Tech) to increase the not-to-exceed amount from $947,000 to $1,051,500 and extend the term through December 31, 2026, for the additional design work required for the Kamala and Hobson Cast Iron Pipe Replacement 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.)
No public comment was received. Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director and Tim Beaman, Assistant Public Works Director were available to answer questions.
Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilwoman Rodriguez, seconded by Councilman Starr, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Mc Arthur, Perez., Perello, Basua, Teran, Starr and Rodriguez voted in favor; motion carried 7-0.
Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Golf Management Agreement 32600001. (10 minutes) RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the Golf Management Agreement with American Golf Corporation for a five-year term ending on June 30, 2030, with an option of a single five-year extension ending on June 30, 2035.
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(This item did not originate in Committee since this is a continuation of a previous item approved by the City Council on December 17, 2024) No public comment was received. Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director was available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, seconded by Councilwoman Rodriguez, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Mc Arthur and Perello voted in favor; motion carried 7-0.
O. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on the agenda, and without objection, Mayor Mc Arthur adjourned the meeting at 11:05 p.m.
Sands lois
City Clerk