MINUTES
OXNARD CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
December 2, 2025
A. ROLL CALL, POSTING OF AGENDA
At 4:31 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, Bert E. Perella, Michaela Perez, Gabriela Rodriguez, Aaron Starr, Gabriel Teran and Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur were present. The City Clerk stated that the agenda was posted on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at the Library, City Hall kiosk, City Administrative Offices and on the website.
Staff members present were Alexander Nguyen, City Manager; Stephen Fischer, City Attorney; Steve Naveau, Human Resources Director; Jason Benites, Police Chief 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. At 4:33 p.m., the City Council recessed to a closed sess10n.
C. CLOSED SESSION (4:30 PM)
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(l))
Name of case: Kevin Thompson v. City of Oxnard
Workers' Compensation Case No.: ADJ16474439
Legislative Body: City Council
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(l))
Name of case: Jodie Schwabauer v. City of Oxnard
Workers' Compensation Case Nos.: ADJ16534100, ADJ16534076 , ADJ16533741, and ADJ16534043
Legislative Body: City Council
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(l))
Name of case: Ramiro Albarran v. City of Oxnard
Workers' Compensation Case Nos.: ADJ18892402, ADJ14352365, ADJ19907369, ADJ14352336, and ADJ14352367
Legislative Body: City Council
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At 5:29 p.m., the City Council reconvened in an open session in the Council Chambers.
The City Attorney announced that there were no reportable actions out of closed session.
D. APPOINTMENT ITEMS (5:00 PM)
1. Fire and Police Department
SUBJECT: Public Safety Workshop: Police Department and Fire Department Presentations.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file an update report from the Police Chief and Fire Chief, concerning information related to functions, priorities, challenges, and anticipated future needs.
The Fire and Police Chiefs presented and discussed departmental challenges and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
Public comments were received from Ray Blattel, Alicia Percell, Greg Runyon and virtual speaker ending in 1622.
No action was required, this is a receive and file.
E. OPENING CEREMONIES (6:00 PM)
At 7:01 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 Bert E. Perello, Michaela Perez, Gabriela Rodriguez, Aaron Starr, Gabriel Teran, Gabriela Basua and Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur were present. The City Clerk stated that the agenda was posted on Thursday, November 20, 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 Lily Stremcha, a student at Del Sol High School, followed by a moment of silence to remember Kenneth Austin, a long-time employee with the Information Technology Department who passed away on November 2, 2025.
Staff members present were Alexander Nguyen, City Manager; Stephen Fischer, City Attorney; Kenneth Rozell, Chief Assistant City Attorney; Michelle McCarron, Assistant City Attorney; Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director; Brian Yanez, Assistant Public Works Director; Tim Beaman, Assistant Public Works Director; Anthony Miller, Special Districts Manager; Jason Benites, Police Chief; Alexander Hamilton, Fire Chief and Lourdes A. Lopez, City Clerk.
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F. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. SUBJECT : SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating December 1, 2025 as "World AIDS Day."
Mayor Mc Arthur presented the proclamation to Celia Daniels and Elaine Ibarra of Diversity Collective Ventura County, who thanked the City Council for the recognition and offered brief remarks.
G. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA AND NON-ACTION ITEMS
Public comments were received from Alicia Percell; Clauid G; Valeria Reyes; Marlen R; Victor Solis; Larry Barbarine and Chris Cisneros.
H. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
The City Manager commented on updates regarding the upcoming Tamale Festival, the Oxnard Christmas Parade, Santa to the Sea, the Santa Float Tours, and acknowledged a Special Guest from the North Pole and special elf Cinnamon who were present.
I. CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AUTHORITY/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/FINANCING
AUTHORITY BUSINESS/COMMITTEE REPORTS
The members of the Council provided brief announcements regarding various activities.
Councilwoman Perez requested a resolution to oppose new offshore and gas leasing off the Central Coast.
Councilwoman Rodriguez stated that Open Door Studio is requesting to use two rooms at the Carnegie Art Museum.
1. City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Appointment of Member to Serve on the City's Community Relations Commission.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Mayor, with the concurrence of the City Council, make the following appointment to the Community Relations Commission: Rene Camper-Stewart (D4).
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
No public comments were received.
Councilwoman Rodriguez's comments addressed her choice of Rene Camper Stewart.
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It was moved by Mayor Mc Arthur, seconded by Councilman Starr, to approve the appointment of Rene Camper-Stewart to the Community Relations Commission.
VOTE: Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Basua, Teran, Perella and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
J. REVIEW OF INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
The City Clerk announced the removal ofltem L-1 from the agenda. Item Nos. L-3, L-5, L-6 and L-7 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 November 18, 2025.
*Removed from the agenda
2. City Manager Department
SUBJECT: Approve a Budget Appropriation for Gene and Jerry Jones Foundation Donations from Fiscal Years 2022, 2023, and 2024.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize an appropriation of $37,500 from the General Fund (Fund 101) available fund balance to transfer donations received from the Gene and Jerry Jones Foundation to a Contribution Trust Fund (Fund 571), as well as the corresponding transfer in and appropriation (Fund 571) in the same amount.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
3. Fire Department
SUBJECT: Closest Resource Automatic Aid Agreement between the City of Oxnard Fire Department, the City of Ventura Fire Department, and the Ventura County Fire Protection District.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Approve the formal adoption c,f a Closest Resource Automatic Aid Agreement (A-8602) between the Oxnard Fire Department, the Ventura Fire Department, and the Ventura County Fire Protection District; and DECEMBER 2, 2025 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGES
2. Authorize the Fire Chief to execute the Closest Resource Automatic Aid Agreement.
(The Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Development Committee approved 3-0 on October 28, 2025.)
4. Finance Department
SUBJECT: City's Monthly Investment Report for the period ending October 31, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION: This is an information item for the City Council to receive and file.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
5. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Purchase of Walking Floor Transfer Trailers and Deep Drop Tipper Transfer Trailers for the Environmental Resources Division.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize:
1. The Purchasing Agent to execute a Purchase Order with The Trailer Company, Inc. for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,400,000 for the purchase of four Walking Floor Transfer Trailers and seven Deep Drop Tipper Transfer Trailers; and
2. A budget appropriation of $228,207 from the available fund balance in the Environmental Resources Development Fund (634).
(Public Works and Transportation Committee approved 3-0 on October 28, 2025)
6. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Third Amendment to Agrc:ement 32400183 with Black Gold Industries for On-Call Citywide Hazardous and Unknown Waste Identification, Collection, and Disposal Services.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a Third Amendment with Black Gold Industries, increasing the amount by $420,000 for a new total contract value of $920,000 for known and unknown hazardous waste identification, collection, and disposal services. (This item did not originate in Committee since this is a continuation of a previous item approved by the City Council on October 17, 2023.) DECEMBER 2, 2025 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE6
7. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Special Tax and Bond Accountability Act Reports (SB 165)/CFD Annual Reports for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the Special Tax and Accountability Act Reports/CPD Annual Reports for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
Consent Item No. L-2
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Teran, seconded by Councilman Starr, to approve the Information/Consent items as presented. VOTE: Rodriguez, Starr, Basua, Teran, Perella, Perez and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
Consent Item No. L-3
At 8:09 p.m., Mayor Pro Tern Teran recused himself due to an abundance of caution with his professional work with the County of Ventura on Item No. L-3.
The Fire Chief was available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff. No public comments were received.
It was moved by Councilmember Perella, seconded by Councilwoman Perez, to approve Information/Consent Item L-3 as presented. VOTE: Starr, Basua, Perella, Perez, Rodriguez and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 6-0. Mayor Pro Tern Teran recused himself.
At 8:11 p.m., Mayor Pro Tern was present.
Consent Item No. L-4
No action was required, this is a receive and file.
Consent Item No. L-5
The Public Works Director and Assistant Public Works Director Yanez presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff. No public comments were received.
It was moved by Councilmember Perella, seconded by Councilman Starr, to approve Information/Consent Item L-5 as presented. VOTE: Basua, Teran, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
Consent Item No. L-6
The Public Works Director and Assistant Public Works Director Yanez presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff. No public comments were received.
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It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, seconded by Councilman Starr, to approve Information/Consent Item L-6 as presented. VOTE: Teran, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Basua and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
Consent Item No. L-7
The Public Works Director and Special Districts Manager presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff. No public comments were received. No action was required, this is a receive and file.
M. PUBLIC HEARINGS
N. REPORTS
1. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Public Project Agreement 32600204 with Filanc for Primary Clarifiers & Activated Sludge Tank Improvement Project, Specification No. PW 21-17.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize:
1. A total of $56,174,906 in Project funds for the Primary Clarifiers & Activated Sludge Tank Improvement Project, Specification No. PW 21-17;
2. The Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Filanc in the amount of $46,812,422 for the Project and approve a Project contingency amount of $4,681,242 (~10%) with Filanc for a total not to exceed value of $51,493,664 for the Project;
3. A Project allocation amount of $4,681,242 ( ~ 10%) for engineering, inspection, survey and project management for the Project;
4. A project budget appropriation in the amount $22,579,552 from the Wastewater Bonds/State Revolving Fund (SRF) (617), as well as the corresponding transfers in the Wastewater Capital Fund (612) for the Primary Clarifiers & Activated Sludge Tank Improvement Project (C1814);
5. A project budget appropriation in the amount $5,000,000 from the Wastewater Operating Fund (Fund 611), as well as the corresponding transfers in the Wastewater Capital Fund (612) for the Wastewater Collection Gravity Main Improvements Project (C2309);
6. Project budget unappropriations in the total amount of $18,950,159 from the Wastewater Bonds/State Revolving Fund (SRF) (Fund 617), consisting of $5,000,000 for the Wastewater Collection Gravity Main Improvements Project (C2309) and $13,950,159 for the Oxnard Wastewater Treatment Plant (OWTP) Reliability Project (C2201) as well as the corresponding transfers in the Wastewater Capital Fund (612) in both projects; and
7. A project budget unappropriation in the amount $3,397,350 from the Wastewater Operating Fund ( 611) and corresponding transfers in the DECEMBER 2, 2025 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGES
Wastewater Capital Fund (612) for the Primary Clarifiers & Activated Sludge Tank Improvement Prnject (C1814).
(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 Assistant Public Works Director Beaman presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
No public comments were received.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Teran, seconded by Councilmember Perella, to approve the recommended action. VOTE : Basua , Perello, Perez , Rodriguez , Starr, Teran and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
2. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Agreement 32600128 with Carollo Engineers , Inc. for Construction Management services for the Primary Clarifiers and Activated Sludge Improvements Project PW 21-17 .
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute an Agreement with Carollo Engineers , Inc. for an initial term of three years from December 3, 2025, to December 2, 2028, with the option for two consecutive one-year period extensions ending December 2, 2030, for a total amount not to exceed $3,781,680 for Construction Management and Inspection services for the Primary Clarifiers and Activated Sludge Tank Improvement Project PW 21-17 . (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 , Assistant Public Works Director and Assistant City Attorney McCarron presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
No public comments were received.
At 9:00 p.m., Councilwoman Basua was absent.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Teran, seconded by Councilwoman Perez, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran DECEMBER 2, 2025 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE9
and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 6-0. Councilwoman Basua was absent.
At 9:04 p.m., Councilwoman Basua was present.
3. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Fifth Amendment to Professional Services Agreement A-8294 with Brown and Caldwell for Primary Clarifiers and Activated Sludge Basins Improvement Project PW 21-17.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a Fifth Amendment to a Professional Services Agreement with Brown and Caldwell to increase the not-to-exceed amount from $1 ,349,868 to $2,609,075 and extend the term to June 30, 2028, for additional engineering services during construction required for the Primary Clarifiers & Activated Sludge Improvements PW 21-17.
(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 Assistant Public Works Director Beaman presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
No public comments were received.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Teran, seconded by Councilman Starr, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello 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 9:20 p.m.
City Clerk
~~•J
LUIS A.
Mayor