MINUTES
OXNARD CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
September 16, 2025
A. ROLL CALL, POSTING OF AGENDA
At 5:01 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 W. Third Street, Oxnard, California. Councilmembers Gabriela Basua (arrived at 5:08 p.m.), Luis A. Mc Arthur, Bert E. Perello, Michaela Perez, Gabriela Rodriguez (arrived at 5:10 p.m.), Aaron Starr and Gabriel Teran were present. The City Clerk stated that the agenda was posted on Thursday, September 4, 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; Kenneth Rozell, Chief Assistant City Attorney and Lourdes A. Lopez, City Clerk.
CONSIDERATION OF TELECONFERENCE PARTICIPATION PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 2449
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
No public comments were received. Mayor Pro Tern Teran recused himself due to a conflict of interest and his professional involvement with the County of Ventura. At 5 :03 p.m., the City Council recessed to a closed session.
C. CLOSED SESSION (5:00 PM)
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code Section
54956.9( d)(l ))
Name of case: In re: Purdue Pharma L.P., et al.
United States Bankruptcy Court Southern District of New York, Case No. 19-23649 (SHL)
Legislative Body: City Council
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code Section
54956.9( d)(l ))
Name of case: National Prescription Opiate Litigation commonly known as the "Secondary Manufacturers Settlements " (see, www.nationalopiodsettlement.com and www.oag.ca.gov/opiods).
Legislative Body: City Council
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At 5:34 p.m., the City Council reconvened in an open session in the Council Chambers.
The Chief Assistant City Attorney announced that there were no reportable actions out of closed session.
D. APPOINTMENT ITEMS (5:30 PM)
1. SUBJECT : Presentation by the County of Ventura Public Health Agency on Measles. (30 minutes)
Dr. Uldine Castel, Ventura County's Public Health Officer provided an update on measles and encouraged the community to stay up to date with vaccines. Discussion ensued among the Council and Dr. Castel. No public comments were received. No action was required.
RECESSED
The City Council took a briefrecess at 5:54 p.m.; the meeting resumed at 6:03 p.m.
E. OPENING CEREMONIES (6:00 PM)
At 6:03 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 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, September 4, 2025 at the Library, City Hall kiosk, City Administrative Offices and on the website.
The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States led by Councilwoman Rodriguez, followed by a moment of silence for Albert Garcia, retired Equipment Operator with the City of Oxnard Environmental Resources .
Staff members present were Alexander Nguyen, City Manager; Ashley Golden, Assistant City Manager; Eric Sonstegard, Assistant City Manager; Kenneth Rozell, Chief Assistant City Attorney; Javier Chagoyen-Lazaro, Chief Financial Officer; Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director; KJ May, Construction Project Manager; Eric Hume!, Grants Coordinator ; Steve Naveau , Human Resources Director; Samantha Shapiro, Project Manager and Lourdes A. Lopez, City Clerk.
F. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating the Week of September 17 - 23, 2025 as "Constitution Week."
Mayor Mc Arthur read the proclamation and presented it to Jason Zaragoza, Assistant City Attorney. No public comments were received.
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2. SUBJECT : Presentation of a Commendation to the El Rio Fastpitch 12u for Winning the 2025 USA Softball Western B National Championship , and El Rio Fastpitch 14u for Winning the 2025 USA Softball C State Championship.
Councilrnernbers presented certificates to the players and coaches. League President Albert Trevino made some remarks. No public comments were received.
G. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA AND NON -ACTION ITEMS
Public comments were received from Yajaira Arroyo; Alondra Mendoza; Juan Carlos Diaz; Marlen Ramirez ; Valeria Reyes; Chris Cisneros ; Genevieve Flores-Haro ; Willie Lubka; Julissa Pena; Aurora ; Maria Navarro ; Karla Godinez Lopez; Sarah Wilczewski; Karla Alejandra; Julio Almazan ; Eulalia Mendoza ; Jorge Toledano; Vanessa Teran; Estella; Glenn Sutherland ; Ronald Arruejo; Vanessa Valdez; Greg Runyon; Fernando Gutierrez; Vivana Barajas ; Larry Stein; Bev Dransfeldt and Odette Moran.
At 6:56 p.m. the City Council voted to continue with Items Not on the Agenda and Non Action Items past the 30 minutes allotted.
It was moved by Councilm ember Perella, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Teran, to suspend the rules to allow the Council to accept speakers past the allotted thirty minutes . VOTE:
Perello, Perez, Rodriguez , Starr, Teran, Basua and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 7-0.
RECESSED
The City Council took a briefrecess at 7:52 p.m.; the meeting resumed at 8:03 p.m.
Note: The City Manager requested to give his update after Council Business .
I. CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AUTHORITY /SUCCESSOR AGENCY /FINANCING
AUTHORITY BUSINESS /COMMITTEE REPORTS
The members of the Council provided brief announcements regarding various activities.
Mayor Pro Tern Teran asked that the City Manager bring back to the City Council an agenda item that would provide options for legal representation and services for those facing legal challenges .
Councilwoman Basua directed the City Manager to discuss with the County the possibility of entering into an MOU with the Public Defender ' s Office to match one attorney and bring back to the City Council an agenda item for consideration.
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Councilwoman Perez and Mayor Mc Arthur requesting an agenda item regarding SB 627, SB 805, AB 1108 and look into Newsom vs Trump case.
Mayor Mc Arthur also requested that staff look at alternate resources besides the County of Ventura to provide legal representation for Oxnard residents.
Councilmember Perella and Councilwoman Basua requested an agenda item on background checks for soccer coaches.
Councilmember Perella requested an update on the parking structure elevators.
Public comment was received from Manuel Herrera.
H. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/SECRETARY
Candy Campbell , Emergency Services Manager provided an update on Disaster Preparedness work that is taking place in our City. The Chief Financial Officer and Assistant City Manager Sonstegard provided an update regarding Standard & Poor's (S&P) two credit rating upgrades (Water Fund upgrade to A+ and Wastewater Fund to A+ with a stable outlook).
J. REVIEW OF INFORMATION /CONSENT AGENDA
Item Nos. L-2 and L-6 were reviewed and discussed among the Council and staff.
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 for September 2, 2025 and the special meeting minutes for August 19, 2025.
2. City Manager Department
SUBJECT: Updates to Citizen Advisory Group (CAG) Bylaws & Adoption of Library Board Bylaws.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 16,003:
1. Incorporating modifications to the Citizen Advisory Group (CAG) Bylaws; and
2. Establishing Bylaws for the Library Board.
(This item did not originate in committee.)
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3. Finance Department
4. 6.
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 months of June 2025 and July 2025.
(This item did not originate in Committee)
Finance Department
SUBJECT: City's Monthly Investment Report for the period ending July 2025.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file the monthly investment report. This is an information item.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Third Amendment to Agreement 32300182 with MERJTO Foundation for Education and Engagement Services at Ormond Beach.
RECOMMENDATION : That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a Third Amendment to Professional Services Agreement 32300182 with MERJTO Foundation in the amount of $65,999 for a new total not-to-exceed amount of $285,000 and extend the term to March 1, 2028, for education and engagement services.
(This item did not originate in Committee as it is a continuation of an item previously approved by the City Council on February 21 , 2023.) Consent Item Nos. L-1, L-3*, L-4*
It was moved by Councilm ember Perella, seconded by Councilwoman P erez, to approve the Information/Consent items as presented. VOTE: Perella , Perez, Rodriguez , Starr, Teran, Basua and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 7-
0. *Items L-3 and L-4 were for information only. No action was required.
Consent Item No. L-2
It was moved by Councilman Starr, seconded by Councilwoman Rodrigu ez, to approve Information/Consent L-2 as amended by staff. VOTE: Perez, Rodriguez , Starr, Teran, Basua, Perella and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 7-0.
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Consent Item No. L-6
The Public Works Director and Grants Coordinator presented and were available to answer questions . Discussion ensued among the Council and staff. No public comments were received.
It was moved by Councilwoman Perez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Teran, to approve Information/Consent Item L-6 as presented. VOTE: Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 7-0.
OXNARD HOUSING AUTHORITY
At 9:24 p.m., the joint meeting with the Oxnard Housing Authority concluded.
At 9:24 p.m., it was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Teran, seconded by Councilmember Perello , to extend the meeting past 10:00 p.m. VOTE: Perello, Perez, Rodriguez , Starr, Teran, Basua and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 7-0.
M. PUBLIC HEARINGS
N. REPORTS
1. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Agreement 32600091 with Hazen and Sawyer for Professional Engineering & Consulting Services for Effluent Pump Station Improvements. (10 minutes)
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute an Agreement with Hazen and Sawyer for a term of five years from September 15, 2025, to September 15, 2030, for a total amount not to exceed $2,415,738 for Professional Engineering Services related to the Effluent Pump Station Improvements Project PW 25-100.
(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 comments were received.
It was moved by Councilman Starr, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Teran, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 7-0.
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2. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Public Project Agreement 32600126 with Jilk Heavy Construction , Inc. for Mandalay Bay Seawalls (West Hemlock Street Seawall Repairs) Project , Specification No. PW 24-129. (10 minutes)
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize:
1. A total of $2,586,765 in Project funds for the Mandalay Bay Seawalls (West Hemlock Street Seawall Repairs) Project, Specification No. PW 24-129 ;
2. The Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Jilk Heavy Construction, Inc. in the amount of$2,210 ,910 for the Project and approve a Project contingency amount of $221,091 (10%) with Jilk Heavy Construction , Inc. for a total not to exceed value of $2,432,001 for the Project ; and
3. A Project allocation amount of$154 ,764 (~7%) for engineering , inspection , survey and project management for the 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.)
The Public Works Director and Construction Project Manager May presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
No public comments were received . The City Clerk stated that there were 32 written comments in support of this contract.
It was moved by Councilwoman Rodriguez , seconded by Councilm ember Perella, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Rodriguez , Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 7-0.
3. Human Resources Department
SUBJECT: Resolutions Approving the Ratified Tentative Agreements with the Oxnard Mid-Managers Association , International Union of Operating Engineers, and a Resolution Approving the Salary and Benefits for Executive and Unrepresented Employees. (10 minutes)
RECOMMENDATION : That the City Council adopt the resolutions approving the tentative agreements with the Oxnard Mid-Managers Association (Resolution No. 16,004), the International Union of Operating Engineers (Resolution No. 16,005), and approving the salary and benefits for the Executive and Unrepresented Employees (Resolution No. 16,006).
(This item did not originate in Committee .)
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The Human Resources Director and Chief Financial Officer presented and were available to answer questions . Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
Public comment was received from Larry Stein.
It was moved by Councilwoman Basua, seconded by Councilwoman Rodriguez, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 6-1 with Councilman Starr voting no.
4. Finance Department
SUBJECT: Delegation of City Council Investment Authority. (10 minutes) RECOMMENDATION: That City Council provide direction to staff on the Delegation of City Council Investment Authority.
The Chief Financial Officer, Assistant City Manager Sonstegard and Chief Assistant City Attorney reviewed the options available under Government Code Section 53601(p) and 53060 and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff. No public comments were received.
It was moved by Councilman Starr, seconded by Councilwoman Basua, directed staff to investigate Option No. 1, including the request for proposals and return to City Council. VOTE: Basua, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez , Starr, Teran and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 7-0.
0 . ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on the agenda, and without objection, Mayor Mc Arthur adjourned the meeting at 10:45 p.m.
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City Clerk Mayor