MINUTES
OXNARD CITY COUNCIL
May 20, 2025
A. ROLL CALL, POSTING OF AGENDA
At 5:02 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; Michaela Perez:; Gabriela Rodriguez; Aaron Starr and Gabriel Teran were present. The City Clerk stated that the agenda was posted on Thursday, May 8, 2025 and the amended agenda on Friday, May 16, 2025 at the Library, City Hall kiosk, City Administrative Offices and on the website.
CONSIDERATION OF TELECONFERENCE PARTICIPATION PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 2449
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
No public comments were received.
At 5:03 p.m., the City Council recessed to a closed session. At 5:08 p.m., Councilwoman Gabriela Basua was present.
C. CLOSED SESSION (5:00 PM)
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Name of case: Julian Lopez v. City of Oxnard
Workers' Compensation Case No.: ADJ10272261; ADJ9305425; ADJ8281345 (OXN) Legislative Body: City Council
NOTE: Removed from the agenda
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code section 54957.6) Agency designated representatives: Ashley Golden, Assistant City Manager and Steve Naveau, Director of Human Resources
Employee organizations: Service Employees International Union CTW, CLC, Local 721 (SEIU Local 721); International Union of Operating Engineers AFL-CIO, Local No. 501 (IUOE Local 501); Oxnard Mid-Managers Association (OMMA); International Association of Firefighters, AFL-CIO (IAFF), Local 1684 Legislative Body: City Council
D. OPENING CEREMONIES (6:00 PM)
At 6:20 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 Gabriela Basua; Luis A. Mc Arthur; Bert E. Perello; Michaela Perez; Gabriela Rodriguez; Aaron Starr; and Gabriel Teran were present.
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Stephen Fischer, City Attorney announced that no reportable actions resulted from the closed session.
The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States led by Leticia Alejandre, a student at Oxnard Adult School, followed by a moment of silence.
Additional staff members present were Alexander Nguyen, City Manager; Ashley Golden, Assistant City Manager; Javier Chagoyen-Lázaro, Chief Financial Officer; Kenneth Rozell, Chief Assistant City Attorney; Michelle McCarron, Assistant City Attorney; Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director; Tim Beaman, Assistant Public Works Director; Brian Yanez., Assistant Public Works Director; Brenda Lopez, Interim Housing Director; Terrel Harrison, Cultural & Community Services Director; Jason Benites, Police Chief; Rocky Marquez., Assistant Police Chief; Steve Trickle, Commander and Lourdes A.
López, City Clerk.
E. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Certificate of Congratulations to Vernon "VJ" Nickleberry on the Occasion of his 100th Birthday.
Supervisor Vianey Lopez congratulated and presented a certificate to Mr.
Nickleberry on behalf of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors.
Daniel Mora with Local 585 LiUNA presented to plaque.
Councilwoman Perez read the proclamation and presented it to Mr. Nickleberry who thanked the City Council for the recognition.
2. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating May 2025 as "Arthritis Awareness Month."
Councilwoman Rodriguez read the proclamation and presented it to Jess Camarillo who thanked the City Council for the recognition.
3. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating May 26, 2025 as "Memorial Day."
Mayor Mc Arthur read the proclamation and presented it to Manuel Gonzales, Sergio Garcia; Nick Benavidez and Louis Morris with the Disabled Veterans Ventura County Chapter 24 who thanked the City Council and invited everyone to attend the Memorial Day event at Plaza Park.
F. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public comments were received from Maria Elena Saldana (various issues), Alicia Percell (parking structure and anti-camping ordinance); Israel Gomez-Vera (ABX2-1); Larry Stein (anniversary, accessibility to staff and parking structure); Drew Williams (tenant anti- May 20, 2025 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 3
harassment ordinance); Andy (anti-harassment ordinance) and Manuel Herrera (bond issues).
G. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/SECRETARY
The City Manager commented on various items, including the Public Works open-house on May 21% at Plaza Park; Memorial Day on May 26" and Pride Flag Raising on June 2, 2025.
Deirdre Frank (youth programs and fire pits).
H. CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AUTHORITY/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/FINANCING
AUTHORITY BUSINESS/COMMITTEE REPORTS
The members of the Council provided brief announcements regarding their various activities.
Councilwoman Perez and Mayor Pro Tem requested an agenda item regarding bond litigation update.
Councilman Starr requesting an agenda item on a city-wide anti-camping ordinance.
REVIEW OF INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Item Nos. K-2, K-3, K-5, K-6, K-8, K-10 and K-13 were reviewed and discussed among the Council and staff.
J. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Public comment was received from Larry Stein (K-10) and Caller Ending 2524 (K-8).
K. INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
1. City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the regular meeting minutes of April 29, May 6, 2025.
2. Cultural & Community Services Department
SUBJECT: Oxnard After School Education Safety Agreement.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a one-year agreement (A-8586) with the Oxnard School District (OSD) for the City to receive an amount not to exceed $4,470,000 to operate the After-School Education and Safety Program with a City match of $130,000 of in-kind services. (As of the posting of this agenda, there was not yet an outcome from the Community Services, Public Safety, and Housing & Development Committee.) May 20, 2025 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 4
Cultural & Community Services Department
SUBJECT: Hueneme After School Education Safety Agreement.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the Partnership Agreement (A-8589) and Memorandum of Understanding (A-8590) with the Hueneme Elementary School District (HESD) for the City of Oxnard to receive the total amount of $7,408,328 to provide services under the California After School Education and Safety (ASES) program at ten (10) HESD schools during FY 25-26, FY 26-27 and FY 27-28.
(As of the posting of this agenda, there was not yet an outcome from the Community Services, Public Safety, and Housing & Development Committee.)
4. Cultural & Community Services Department
SUBJECT: Adoption of Ordinance No. 3059 Library Board City Code Updates.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 3059 titled:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OXNARD, CALIFORNIA AMENDING
THE OXNARD CITY CODE TO REDUCE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE
OXNARD LIBRARY BOARD TO FIVE MEMBERS."
(The Community Services, Public Safety, Housing and Development committee approved 3-0 on April 8, 2025. The City Council approved the first reading of the ordinance by a vote of 7-0 on April 29, 2025.)
5. Finance Department
SUBJECT: Agreement for Annual Financial Audits and Single Audits for Federally Funded Programs for Fiscal Years 2024-25 through 2028-29.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a five-year agreement (No. 325000539) with Macias Gini & O'Connell, LLP in the amount of $1,219,895 for annual financial audits and Single Audits for Federally funded programs.
(As of the posting of this agenda, there was not yet an outcome from the Finance and Governance Committee.)
6. Finance Department
SUBJECT: Monthly Report and Accounting of All Receipts, Disbursements, and Fund Balances.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file this report and accounting of all receipts, disbursements and fund balances for the month of March 2025.
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(This item did not originate in Committee.)
Fire Department
SUBJECT: Resolution Commending Fire Marshal Stephen McNaughten For Twenty-Three Years of Service to the City of Oxnard Fire Department.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 15,864 commending Fire Marshal Stephen McNaughten for twenty-three years of service to the City of Oxnard Fire Department.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
8. Housing Department
SUBJECT: Adoption of Ordinance No. 3058 Just Cause Evictions and Tenant Protections (Just Cause) Code Amendments.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Ordinance 3058 titled:
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OXNARD, CALIFORNIA AMENDING
SECTIONS 27-3, 27-4 AND 27-10 AND ADDING SECTION 27-13 TO THE
OXNARD CITY CODE PERTAINING TO JUST CAUSE EVICTIONS AND
TENANT PROTECTIONS
(The Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Development Committee approved the amended recommendation, 3-0 on March 25, 2025.)
9. Human Resources Department
SUBJECT: Adoption of Ordinance No. 3060 Amendment to CalPERS Contract.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 3060 titled:
Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Oxnard Authorizing an Amendment to the Contract between the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System and the City Council of the City of Oxnard. (The City Council approved the first reading of the ordinance by a vote of 7-0 on April 29, 2025.)
10. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Senate Bill 1 (SB1) Local Streets and Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) Project List for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 15,865 to:
I. Adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-26 project list of Senate Bill 1 (SB1) proposed projects that will be funded in part or solely with Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account revenues; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to take whatever actions are necessary and appropriate to carry out the purpose and intent of the resolution.
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(Public Works and Transportation Committee approved 3-0 on April 22, 2025)
11. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Resolution to Approve the Sewer System Management Plan Update.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 15,866 to approve a Sewer System Management Plan Update for the Public Works Wastewater Division.
(This item did not originate in Committee as the prior plan was previously approved by the City Council.)
12. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Agreement 32500508 with Southern California Edison for the Relocation and Addition of Electrical Infrastructure at the Water Resource Recovery Facility.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Southern California Edison in the amount of $711,443.62 for the relocation and addition of electrical infrastructure at the Oxnard Water Resource Recovery Facility as it relates to the Wastewater Reliability Project C2201.
(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.)
13. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Closing Resolution for Wastewater Reliability Project C2201.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt "closing" Resolution No. 15,867 for the State of California to execute the State Revolving Fund Loan Agreement with the City and issue the funds for the City's wastewater projects that have been approved by the State Water Resources Control Board. (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.)
Mayor Pro Tem Teran recused himself from Items K-2 and K-3 due to the potential conflict of interest because of the professional work with the local school districts.
Consent Items K-1, K-4, K-7, K-9, K-11 and K-12
It was moved by Mayor Mc Arthur, seconded by Councilwoman Perez, to approve the Information/Consent item as presented. VOTE: Mc Arthur, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran and Basua voted in favor; the motion carried 7-0.
Consent Item K-2 and K-3
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It was moved by Mayor Mc Arthur, seconded by Councilwoman Rodriguez, to approve the Information/Consent item as presented. VOTE: Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Basua and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 6-0-1 with Mayor Pro Tem Teran recused himself from Items K-2 and K-3 due to the potential conflict of interest because of the professional work with the local school districts.
Consent Item K-5
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, seconded by Councilwoman Rodriguez, to approve the Information/Consent item as presented. VOTE: Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Mc Arthur and Perello voted in favor; the motion carried 7-0.
Consent Item K-6
Discussion ensued among Council and staff. No action is required as this is a receive and file.
Consent Item K-8
It was moved by Councilwoman Basua, seconded by Councilwoman Perez, to approve the Information/Consent item as presented. VOTE: Rodriguez, Teran, Mc Arthur, Basua, Perello and Perez voted in favor; the motion carried 6-1, with Councilman Starr voting no.
Consent Item K-10
It was moved by Councilwoman Basua, seconded by Councilman Starr, to approve the Information/Consent item as presented. VOTE: Starr, Teran, Mc Arthur, Basua, Perello, Perez and Rodriguez voted in favor; the motion carried 7-0.
Consent Item K-13
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, seconded by Mayor Mc Arthur, to approve the Information/Consent item as presented. VOTE: Teran, Mc Arthur, Basua, Perello, Perez and Rodriguez voted in favor; the motion carried 6-1 with Councilman Starr voting no.
L. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Mid-Cycle Update to the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2025-2029. (20 minutes)
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Hold a public hearing to approve and adopt updates to the 2025-2029 City of Oxnard Five-Year Capital Improvement Program;
2. Approve project budget appropriations of $2,310,599 in Fiscal Year 2024-25 consisting of $250,000 from the Circulation System Improvement Fee Fund (Fund 350, Subfund 8040) available fund balance for the Five Points Intersection Improvements Project C2208, $1,050,000 from the Facilities Maintenance Internal Fees Fund (Fund 735) available fund balance for the May 20, 2025 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 8
Elevator Modernization Project C2602, $7,415 from the Tax Allocation Bond (TAB) Fund (Southwinds Project Area, Fund 315) available fund balance for the Southwinds Bench and Trash Enclosures (C2330) and $1,003,184 from the Tax Allocation Bond (TAB) Fund (Ormond Project Area, Fund 315) available fund balance for the Arterial Street Resurfacing Project C2205, as well as the corresponding Capital Outlay Fund (Fund 301) appropriation increase in the same amounts as noted in the financial impact section;
3. Approve a project budget appropriation transfer of $201,375 from existing Cultural and Community Services General Fund (Fund 101) operating budget to the Elevator Modernization Project C2602, as well as the corresponding Capital Outlay Fund (Fund 301) appropriation in the same amount as noted in the financial impact section;
4. Authorize the Public Works Director, or designee, to submit a budget modification request for an additional $4,488,171.50 in grant funds from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and, if awarded, approve necessary budget appropriations for use in the Central Trunk Sewer Pipe Replacement Project (C2029);
5. Approve an interfund transfer reimbursement of $341,960.14 from TAB Fund (Ormond Project Area Fund 315) to Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) Fund (Fund 185) for Fiscal Year 2023-24 street repairs related to the Hueneme Road Resurfacing Project C2205 and any necessary budget appropriations for the transfer;
6. Approve project budget unappropriations from various funds and subfunds as noted in the financial impact section; and
7. Approve the updates to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
(Public Works and Transportation Committee approved 3-0 on April 22, 2025 to forward to Council for further discussion.)
Councilmembers reported on the ex parte communications received on this item.
The City Clerk announced the affidavit of publication published in Vida Newspaper on May 8, 2025 and stated there were no written communications received on this item.
Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director and Morgan Kessler, City Engineer were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
At 9:33 p.m., the 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 Mc Arthur, seconded by Councilwoman Rodriguez, 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.
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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 Mayor Pro Tem Teran, amendment is to change the source of funding from Measure O fund to voluntary donations for the renaming of John C. Zaragoza Oxnard Transit Center signage. VOTE: Starr voted in favor, the motion failed 1-6 with Councilmembers Perez, Rodriguez, Teran, Basua, Mc Arthur and Perello voting no.
It was moved by Councilwoman Rodriguez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Rodriguez, Teran, Basua, Mc Arthur, Perello and Perez voted in favor; motion carried 6-1 with Councilman Starr voting no.
M. REPORTS
Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Third Amendment to Agreement A-8368 with Toter, LLC for the Purchase of Residential Curbside Collection Carts and Parts. (10 minutes) RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a Third Amendment to Agreement No. A-8368 with Toter, LLC in the amount of $650,000 for a new total not to exceed $2,735,000 and extend the term date to May 28, 2026, for the replenishment of curbside carts and parts. (This item did not originate in Committee as this is an extension of an agreement previously approved by City Council.)
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 Councilmember Perello, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Starr, Teran, Basua, Mc Arthur, Perello, Perez and Rodriguez voted in favor; motion carried 7-0.
2. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Public Project Agreement 32500499 with Blois Construction, LLC for Ventura Road And Rice Avenue Sewer Main Replacement Project, Specification No.
PW 23-119. (10 minutes)
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RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize:
1. A total of $5,937,896 in Project funds for the Ventura Road And Rice Avenue Sewer Main Replacement Project, Specification No. PW 23-119;
2. The Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Blois Construction, LLC in the amount of $4,750,316 for the Project and a Project contingency amount of $712,548 (~15%) for a total not to exceed value of $5,462,864 for the Project;
3. A Project allocation amount of $475,032 (~10%) for engineering, inspection, survey and project management for the Project; and
4. A budget appropriation of $170,896 from the Wastewater Operating Fund (611) available fund balance, as well as the corresponding Wastewater Capital Fund (612) appropriation increase in the same amount for this Project (C2309).
(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 comment was received from Larry Stein. Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director and Michelle McCarron, Assistant City Attorney were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Perello, seconded by Mayor Mc Arthur, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Teran, Basua, Mc Arthur, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez and Starr voted in favor; motion carried 7-0.
3. Police Department
SUBJECT: Police Department 2024 Annual Military Equipment Use Report. (15 minutes)
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Receive the Police Department's annual report concerning its inventory and use of military equipment, in accordance with Government Code sections 7070-7075.
2. Approve the renewal of City of Oxnard Ordinance 3014, which is codified in Oxnard City Code Section 2-212 as the City's "Military Equipment Policy" as required by Government Code section 7071 (e) (1).
3. Approve the continuing authorization for the funding, acquisition, and use of military equipment by the Oxnard Police Department's military equipment inventory as required by Government Code section 7071 (e)(2).
4. Approve the acquisition and use of the following military equipment items:
a. Five (5) 40mm projectile launchers
b. Twenty-four (24) .223 caliber rifles
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(This item did not originate in Committee.)
Public comments were received from Larry Stein and Greg Runyon. Jason Benites, Police Chief; Rocky Marquez, Assistant Police Chief and Steve Trickle, Commander were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Mayor Mc Arthur, seconded by Councilman Starr, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Teran, Basua, Mc Arthur, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez and Starr voted in favor; motion carried 7-0.
N. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on the agenda, and without objection, Mayor Mc Arthur adjourned the meeting at 10:57 p.m.
LOURDES A. LÓPEZ
City Clerk Mayor