MINUTES
OXNARD CITY COUNCIL
June 3, 2025
A. ROLL CALL, POSTING OF AGENDA
At 4:33 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; Aaron Starr and Gabriel Teran were present. The City Clerk stated that the agenda was posted on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the Library, City Hall kiosk, City Administrative Offices and on the website.
Staff members present were Alexander Nguyen, City Manager; Ashley Golden, Assistant City Manager; Eric Sonstegard, Assistant City Manager and Lourdes A. López, City Clerk.
CONSIDERATION OF TELECONFERENCE PARTICIPATION PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 2449
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
No public comments were received. Councilman Starr stated "that he is recusing himself from Closed Session Item C-1 due to the potential conflict of interest. The City of Oxnard is not a defendant in this case. Neither am I, nor is Moving Oxnard Forward. Once the case is no longer seal, the identity of the defendant or defendants will be disclosed and while I believe my involvement in this case as a Qui Tam Plaintiff is aligned with the City's interest, I can foresee a scenario where that can no longer be the case, and for that reason, I am recusing myself from this item C-1."
At 4:34 p.m., Councilwoman Gabriela Basua was present and stated that she will be recusing herself from Closed Session Item C-2 because of the potential conflict of interest regarding her employment with the City of Port Hueneme.
At 4:36 p.m., the City Council recessed to a closed session. At 4:37 p.m., Councilwoman Gabriela Rodriguez was present.
C. CLOSED SESSION (4:30 PM)
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code Section
54956.9(d)(1) (filed under seal pursuant to Government Code Section 12652) and ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)) regarding whether to intervene in the action filed under seal: one potential case.
Ventura County Superior Court
Legislative Body: City Council
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2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code section 54956.9(d)(4))
Based on existing facts and circumstances, the City Council shall decide whether to initiate litigation in one potential case.
Legislative Body: City Council
City Attorney Fischer announced: "On Item C-2: the City Council by unanimous voted with Councilwoman Basua having recused herself and not participating in the matter at all, has directed the City Attorney to initiate an action. The action, the defendants and the other particulars shall, once formally commence be disclosed to any person upon inquiry, unless to do so would jeopardize the City's ability to effectuate service of process on one or more of the unserved parties, or that to do so would jeopardize the City's ability to conclude existing settlement negotiations to its advantage." D. APPOINTMENT ITEMS (5:30 PM)
1. City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Presentation by the County of Ventura on Vector Control. (20 minutes) 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.
Cary Svoboda and Steven Solomon with the Ventura County Resource Management Agency, Environmental Health Division, Vector Control Program presented and answered the City Council's questions. No public comments were received.
E. OPENING CEREMONIES (6:00 PM)
At 6:14 p.m., Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur presided and called to order the regular meeting of the Oxnard City Council concurrently with the Oxnard Housing Authority in the City Hall Council Chambers at 305 W. Third Street, Oxnard, California. Councilmembers Gabriela Basua, Luis Mc Arthur, Bert E. Perello, Michaela Perez, Gabriela Rodriguez, Aaron Starr and Gabriel Teran were present.
The City Clerk called the roll and announced that the agenda was posted on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the Library, City Hall kiosk, City Administrative offices and on the City of Oxnard website.
The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States led by Jose Luis Ramirez, a student at Anacapa Adult Transition School, followed by a moment of silence in honor of former City employee Roger Rider.
Staff members present were Alexander Nguyen, City Manager; Ashley Golden, Assistant City Manager; Stephen Fischer, City Attorney; Brenda Lopez, Interim Housing Director; Jeff Pengilley, Community Development Director; Kenneth Rozell, Chief Assistant City Attorney; Elle McCarron, Assistant City Attorney;
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Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director; Jason Benites, Police Chief; Dale McAlpine, Commander; Alexander Hamilton, Fire Chief; Julie Estrada, Cultural and Community Services Manager and Lourdes A. López, City Clerk.
F. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating June 12, 2025 as "Philippine Independence Day Flag Raising."
Mayor Mc Arthur read the proclamation and presented it to Grace Tuazon, Sonia Armedilla and Alvin Manzanilla who thanked the City Council for the recognition.
Public comment were received from Ronald Arruejo.
2. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating June 21, 2025 as the "34th Annual Juneteenth Celebration."
Mayor Mc Arthur read the proclamation and presented it to Angela Mitchell Landers, Bruce Stewart and Julia Dixon who thanked the City Council for the recognition and invited everyone to participate in the 34 annual Juneteenth celebration on June 21, 2025 at Plaza Park.
3. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating June 2025 as "Pride Month in the City of Oxnard."
Councilwoman Rodriguez invited Grupo Danza, Cetilizhi Nauhcampa, Obsidian, the Amber Show, Diversity Collective of Ventura County, Oxnard LGBTQIA+, HOPE Counseling Center, PFLAG Ventura, One Step a La Vez, Fillmore is Proud, Ventura County Public Health, Get Loved Movement, Mixteco Indigenous Community Organizing Project, Transverse, Oxnard College Rainbow Resource Center, Oxnard College Rainbow Café and Queer Affair Club of Oxnard College. Councilwoman Perez read the proclamation and presented it to the various groups present who thanked the City Council for this recognition.
Public comments were received from Sean Ennloe, Dr. Sandra I. Aldana and Steven Auclair.
G. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public comments were received from Greg Runyon (passing of former Dr. Holden); Manuel Herrera (various issues); and Eric Andrist (various issues).
H. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/SECRETARY
The City Manager commented on various items, including the 5 Annual Insect Festival, reporting of fireworks and stated that June is Elder and Disability Abuse Awareness Month and introduced Commander Cody Collet who stated that residents can call and report the abuse.
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I. CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AUTHORITY/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/FINANCING
AUTHORITY BUSINESS/COMMITTEE REPORTS
The members of the Council provided brief announcements regarding their various activities.
REVIEW OF INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Item Nos. L-4 and L-8 were reviewed and discussed among the Council and staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Teran stated that he is recusing himself from Item L-8 due to the nature of his work with the County of Ventura.
K. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
No public comments were received.
L. INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
1. City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the regular meeting minutes of May 20, 2025.
2. Cultural & Community Services Department
SUBJECT: Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Grant Application and Revenue Approval.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 15,868:
1. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to accept the award of $645,000 in federal AmeriCorps grant funds with a local match of $71,688 over three years to be used for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program grant;
2. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute grant agreements;
3. Authorizing the Chief Financial Officer or designee to submit financial reports, grant claims and approve special budget appropriations for the use of the grant funds; and 4. Authorizing the Cultural and Community Services Director or designee to submit non-financial reports.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
3. 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
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Senior Services Commission to appoint Chair Alice Sweetland and Commissioner Gloria Massey Chinea to the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
Cultural & Community Services Department
SUBJECT: Ordinance Revising the Cultural Arts Commission Powers & Duties.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the first reading by title only and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 3061 titled:
"ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OXNARD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING
SECTION 2-131 TO THE OXNARD CITY CODE UPDATING THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION"
(Community Services, Public Safety, Housing and Development committee approved 3-0 on May 13, 2025).
5. Finance Department
SUBJECT: Accounting and Financial Risk Assessment Update.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file 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. (Finance and Governance Committee approved 3-0 on May 13, 2025).
6. Finance Department
SUBJECT: City's Monthly Investment Report for the period ending April 2025.
RECOMMENDATION: This is an information item for the City Council to receive and file.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
8. Police Department
SUBJECT: Ventura County Animal Services Agreement FY 2025-26.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign an amendment to the services agreement (A-8151) with the County of Ventura Animal Safety and extend the agreement one additional year; and
2. Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a Service Level Request in the amount of $3,100,658.94 for budgeted cost of animal care services for FY 25- 26, with estimated additional costs and credit offsets for a projected total net
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cost of $2,742,633.94, for the sixth year of a six-year agreement (A-8151) with the County of Ventura to provide animal safety services. (This item did not originate in Committee since this is a continuation of a previous item approved by the City Council on July 2, 2024.)
Consent Items L.-1, 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 items as presented. VOTE: Mc Arthur, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran and Basua voted in favor; motion passed 7-0.
Consent Item No. L-4
Cultural and Community Services Manager Estrada was available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Mayor Me 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; motion passed 7-0.
Consent Item No. L-8
Mayor Pro Tem recused himself and left the dias.
The Police Chief, Commander McAlpine and Esteban Rodriguez with the County of Ventura Animal Shelter were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilwoman Basua, seconded by Councilmember Perello, to approve the Information/Consent item as presented. VOTE: Perello, Perez, Rodriguez., Starr, Basua and Mc Arthur voted in favor; motion passed 6-0-1 with Mayor Pro Tem Teran recused himself due to a potential conflict of interest due to the nature of his work with the County of Ventura.
M. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Finance Department
SUBJECT: FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget Public Hearing. (90 minutes) RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council conduct a public hearing on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Proposed Budget for the City of Oxnard and Oxnard Housing Authority and provide staff direction regarding any adjustments to the Proposed Budget, in preparation for budget adoption on June 17, 2025.
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OXNARD HOUSING AUTHORITY
At 8:08 p.m., the joint meeting with the Oxnard Housing Authority concluded.
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 22, 2025 and stated that four written communications were received from Lawrence Stein on this item.
The City Manager, Assistant City Manager Sonstegard, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Assistant City Attorney 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 Phil Molina.
Without objection, the Council approved closing the public testimony portion of the public hearing. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
2. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Resolution to Levy Assessments in Mandalay Beach Maintenance District. (10 minutes)
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council, acting as the legislative body for the Mandalay Beach Maintenance District:
1. Hold a Public Hearing on June 3, 2025, to receive public testimony regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 assessments for the Mandalay Beach Maintenance District; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 15,869 to levy the special tax assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-26 within the Mandalay Beach Maintenance District for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
(Public Works and Transportation Committee approved 2-1 on May 13, 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 May 22, 2025 and no written communications were received on this item.
The Public Works Director and Special Districts Manager 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 Caller Ending in 4716.
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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 Councilmember Perello, seconded by Mayor Mc Arthur, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Rodriguez, Teran, Basua, Mc Arthur, Perello and Perez voted in favor; motion passed 6-1, with Councilman Starr voting no.
N. REPORTS
1. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Landscape Maintenance Districts Initiation of Proceedings to Levy Assessments, Approval of a Consolidated Engineers Report, and Declaration of Intention to Levy Assessments. (10 minutes) RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council, acting as the legislative body of the City of Oxnard Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs):
1. Adopt "Resolution No. 15,870* of the City Council of the City of Oxnard, California, initiating proceedings to levy assessments against real property for Fiscal Year 2025-26 in connection with the city's landscape maintenance districts";
2. Adopt "Resolution No. 15,871* of the City Council of the City of Oxnard, California, approving a consolidated engineer's report regarding assessments against real property for Fiscal Year 2025-26 in connection with the city's landscape maintenance districts";
3. Adopt "Resolution No. 15,872* of the City Council of the City of Oxnard, California, declaring its intention to levy assessments against real property for fiscal year 2025-26 in connection with the city's landscape maintenance districts" setting the Public Hearing for June 17, 2025;
4. Approve a one-time fund balance contribution from the General Fund to LMD-49 in the amount of $54,802 as outlined in this staff report; and
5. Approve a distribution of LMD-54 reserve fund balance in the amount of $31,386 to the equivalent benefit units in LMD-54 as outlined in this staff report.
(Finance and Governance Committee approved 2-1 on May 13, 2025) Public comments were received from Alicia Percell and Doug Partello. The Public Works Director and Special Districts Manager were available to answer questions.
Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilwoman Rodriguez, seconded by Councilwoman Perez, to approve Recommendation Nos. 1, 2 and 3 as recommended. VOTE: Teran, Basua, Mc Arthur, Perello, Perez and Rodriguez voted in favor; motion carried 6-1 with Councilman Starr voting no.
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*Councilmember Perello voted yes with recusal on LMD No. 13 and Councilman Starr voted no with exception of LMD No. 30 to which he's recusing.
Recommendation Nos. 4 and 5
It was moved by Councilwoman Rodriguez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, to approve Recommendation Nos. 4 and 5 as recommended. VOTE: Rodriguez, Perez, Perello, Mc Arthur, Basua, Teran and Starr voted in favor; motion carried 7-0.
At 9:39 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 Councilmember Perello, to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. VOTE: Basua, Perello, Perez., Rodriguez., Starr, Teran and Mc Arthur voted in favor; motion carried 7-0.
2. Community Development Department
SUBJECT: Ordinance Designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones. (20 minutes) RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the first reading by title only and waive further reading of the proposed Ordinance No. 3062 titled:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OXNARD, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 14, ARTICLE XIX TO THE OXNARD CITY CODE DESIGNATING FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES."
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
No public comment was received. The Community Development Director and Fire Chief were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Perello, seconded by Councilwoman Rodriguez, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Teran, Basua, Perello, Mc Arthur, Perez, Rodriguez and Starr voted in favor; motion carried 7-0.
Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Public Project Agreement 32500494 with C.S. Legacy Construction, Inc. for Oxnard Beautification and Cleanup Project, Specification No. PW 24-62. (10 minutes)
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize:
1. A total of $2,765,624.79 in Project funds for the Oxnard Beautification and Cleanup Project, Specification No. PW 24-62;
2. The Mayor to execute an Agreement with C.S. Legacy Construction, Inc. in the amount of $2,506,996.79 for the Project and approve a Project contingency amount
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of$129,314.00 (~5%) for a total not to exceed value of $2,636,296.79 for the Project;
3. A Project allocation amount of $129,314.00 (~5%) for engineering, inspection, survey and project management for the Project;
4. Authorize a maximum amount of $1,600,000 budget appropriation, and corresponding transfer in revenue in the same amount, in the Capital Outlay Fund (301) to the Oxnard Beautification and Cleanup Project (C2317), funded from a transfer of existing FY 2024-25 General Fund (101) appropriations;
5. Approve project budget appropriations of $1,074,578 in Fiscal Year 2024-25 consisting of $870,000 of available fund balance from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund (320) and $204,578 of available fund balance from the Tax Allocation Bond (TAB) Fund (HERO Project Area, Fund 315) to the Oxnard Beautification and Cleanup Project (C2317) and corresponding Capital Outlay Fund (301) transfer in/appropriation in the same amount;
6. Authorize the Public Works Director, or designee, to apply for a turf replacement rebate program up to a maximum amount of $638,500 with Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California and to approve the budget appropriations, once awarded, for use in the Oxnard Beautification and Cleanup Project (C2317).
7. Incorporating the Oxnard Beautification and Cleanup project into the adopted 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program; and
8. Incorporating the Del Sol Community Garden Activation project into the 2025- 2029 Capital Improvement Program.
(This item did not originate in Committee as these are grant-funded projects whose grant applications were previously approved by the City Council.) Public comments were received from Angela Whitecomb. The Public Works Director and Assistant City Attorney McCarron were available to answer questions.
Discussion ensued among the Council and staff. The City Clerk stated that written comments were received from Ana Carrillo and Juan Navarro.
It was moved by Councilman Starr, seconded by Mayor Mc Arthur, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Basua, Perello, Perez, Mc Arthur, Rodriguez, Starr and Teran 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 10:18 p.m.
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LOURDES A. LÓPEZ LUISA. MC ARTHU
City Clerk Mayd