MINUTES
OXNARD CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
January 20, 2026
A. ROLL CALL, POSTING OF AGENDA
At 5:02 p.m., Mayor Pro Tern Gabriel Teran 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. Perella, Michaela Perez, Gabriela Rodriguez, Aaron Starr and Gabriel Teran were present. Councilwoman Gabriela Basua and Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur were absent. The City Clerk stated that the agenda was posted on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the Library, City Hall kiosk, City Administrative Offices and on the website.
Staff members present were Alexander Nguyen, City Manager; Eric Sonstegard, Assistant City Manager, Stephen Fischer, City Attorney; Terrel Harrison, Cultural and Community Services Director; Renee Rakestraw, Assistant Director of Cultural and Community Services; Julie Estrada, Cultural Arts Manager; Kathleen Ashmore, Library Manager; Jessy Tapia, Community Services Manager; Pamela Morrison, Community Services Manager and Lourdes A. Lopez, City Clerk.
CONSIDERATION OF TELECONFERENCE PARTICIPATION PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 2449
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
C. CLOSED SESSION
D. APPOINTMENT ITEMS (5:00 PM)
1. Cultural & Community Services Department
SUBJECT: Cultural and Community Services Workshop.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file an update report from the Cultural and Community Services Department concerning information related to functions, priorities, challenges, and anticipated future needs.
The Cultural and Community Services Director, Assistant Director Rakestraw, Cultural Arts Manager, Library Manager, Community Services Manager Tapia, Community Services Manager Morrison presented and discussed departmental challenges and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
Public comment was received from Karina Aguilar.
Written comments received from Brian Schumacher.
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E. OPENING CEREMONIES (6:00 PM)
At 6:35 p.m., Mayor Pro Tern Gabriel Teran 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 Bert E. Perello, Michaela Perez, Gabriela Rodriguez, Aaron Starr and Gabriel Teran were present. Councilwoman Gabriela Basua and Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur were absent. The City Clerk stated that the agenda was posted on Thursday, January 8, 2026 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 Rita Chavez a graduate of the Oxnard Fire Department EMS Corps. Councilmember Perello requested a moment of silence in memory of William Bill Terry, a resident of Oxnard, who was deeply involved in the community. Councilman Starr commented that the moment should also honor Commander Scott Aaron, a 21-year veteran with the Oxnard Police Department.
Staff members present were Alexander Nguyen, City Manager; Eric Sonstegard, Assistant City Manager, Stephen Fischer, City Attorney; Kenneth Rozell, Chief Assistant City Attorney; Javier Chagoyen-Lazaro, Chief Financial Officer; Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director; Brian Yanez, Assistant Public Works Director; Anthony Miller, Special Districts Manager; Mark Mandell, consultant with Mandell Municipal Counseling and Lourdes A.
Lopez, City Clerk.
F. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Presentation of a Resolution Commending Andrea Torres for over Forty Three Years of Exemplary Service to the City of Oxnard.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution 16,017 commending Andrea Torres for over forty-three years of exemplary service.
Mayor Pro Tern read the resolution and presented to Andrea Torres. Assistant Public Works Director Yanez expressed his appreciation for Andrea's dedication and commitment to the City.
It was moved by Councilmember Pere/lo, seconded by Councilwoman Rodriguez, to approve Resolution No. 16,017 as presented. VOTE: Perella, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr and Teran voted in favor. The motion carried 5-0. Councilwoman Basua and Mayor Mc Arthur were absent.
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G. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA AND NON-ACTION ITEMS
Public comments were received from Karla Alejandra, Eric Andrist and Greg Runyon.
Written comments were received from Lyric Aebi, Heather Schmidt and Blanca Ortega.
H. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
I. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS/COMMITTEE REPORTS
The members of the Council provided brief announcements regarding various activities.
Councilman Starr, Councilwoman Rodriguez and Mayor Pro Tern Teran requested an agenda item outlining what PEG funds have been spent.
Councilman Starr commented on how AB 253, California Residential Private Permitting Review Act is aiming to speed up the process and would like to see how that will impact us. He would like to see a report on what the Community Development Department is doing to implement this in a way that works best for those trying to get their projects through.
1. City Attorney Department
SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution Protecting the California Coast and Public Lands from Oil and Gas Drilling and Exploration.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 16,018 opposing new leases for oil and gas activities in public lands and off the coast of California.
Public comments were received from Alex Mantanona, Abrah Steward, Molly McCoy, Melissa Munoz, Eric Burschinger, Cesar, Larry Barbarine and Doug Partello.
Written comments were received from Ann Dorsey, Susan Brinkmeyer, Jon Huycke and Lauri Kamiel.
It was moved by Councilwoman Perez, seconded by Councilmember Perello, to approve the recommendation action as presented.
Discussion continued among the Council.
It was moved by Councilwoman Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Perez, to close the debate. VOTE: Perez, Rodriguez, Perello and Teran voted in favor. The JANUARY 20, 2026 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE4
motion carried 4-0. Councilman Starr abstained. Councilwoman Basua and Mayor Mc Arthur were absent.
On the original motion by Councilwoman Perez, to approve the recommendation action as presented. VOTE: Rodriguez, Perello, Perez and Teran voted in favor; Councilman Starr voted no. The motion carried 4-1. Councilwoman Basua and Mayor Mc Arthur were absent.
2. City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Appointment of Members to Serve on the City's Citizen Advisory Groups (CAGs).
RECOMMENDATION: That the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council, make the following appointments:
1. To Community Relations Commission: Alejandro Moises Castro (at large);
2. To Cultural Arts Commission: Jennifer Andrea Alvarez (at large); and
3. To Senior Services Commission: Lupe Servin Reyes (D-4). (This item did not originate in Committee.)
Public comments were received from Larry Barbarine.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Teran, seconded by Councilman Starr, to approve the appointments as presented. VOTE: Rodriguez, Starr, Perello, Perez and Teran voted in favor. The motion carried 5-0. Councilwoman Basua and Mayor Mc Arthur were absent.
J. REVIEW OF INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Item No. L-3 was reviewed and discussed among the Council and staff.
K. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
L. INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
1. City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Approval of Oxnard City Council Minutes.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approved the regular meeting minutes of January 6, 2026.
3. Finance Department
SUBJECT: Monthly Report and Accounting of All Receipts, Disbursements and Fund Balances.
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RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file this report and accounting of all receipts, disbursements and fund balances for the month of November 2025.
(This item did not originate in Committee)
4. Fire Department
SUBJECT: Ratification of Authorization to be a Sub-Recipient of the EDD Employment and Training Pathways Program Year 2025-2026.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Ratify the City Manager's authorization to be a sub-recipient of a Public Works Alliance grant application for EDD Employment and Training Pathways Program Year 2025-2026;
2. Approve an extension to the existing Limited Term positions that fulfil the obligations of the EMS Corps program through December 31 , 2027;
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to recognize grant award and approve budget appropriations for the use of State grant funding (Fund 210) upon award.
6. Public Works Department
SUBJECT : Public Project Agreement 32600272 with R. E. Schultz Construction, Inc., for Citywide Playground Replacement Project - Ololkoy (Oxnard) Beach Park Phase II, Specification No. PW 26-20.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize :
1. A total of $271,538 in Project funds for the Citywide Playground Replacement Project - Ololkoy (Oxnard) Beach Park Phase II, Specification No. PW 26-20;
2. The Mayor to execute an agreement with R. E. Schultz Construction, Inc. in the amount of $226,282 for the Project; and
3. Approve a Project contingency amount of$22,628 (~10%) with R. E.
Schultz Construction , Inc. for a total not to exceed value of $248,910 for the Project; and
4. A Project allocation amount of $22,628 (~10%) 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.)
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7. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: First Amendment to On-Call General Services Agreement 32600082 with Collicutt Energy Services, Inc. for Generator Maintenance Services for the Wastewater Division.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the execution of a First Amendment to an On-Call General Services Agreement with Collicutt Energy Services, Inc. (Collicutt) to increase the not-to-exceed amount from $220,000 to $495,000, for additional generator maintenance services for the Wastewater Division.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
8. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Agreement 32600206 with Innovative Engineering Systems, Inc. dba Agilitech for the Environmental Resources: Scale House and Truck Weigh Scale Replacement Project, Specification #25-104 and RFP #25-123.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute an Agreement with Innovative Engineering Systems, Inc. dba Agilitech for a total contract amount not to exceed $310,700.00 with an initial term of one year from January 21, 2026, and ending on January 20, 2027, with the option for two consecutive one-year period extensions ending January 20, 2029 for design, permitting, and construction support services for the Environmental Resources:
Scale House and Truck Weigh Scale 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.)
Consent Item No. L-3
The Chief Financial Officer and Assistant City Manager presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff. Staff requested that this item be reschedule to provide additional clarification.
Consent Item No. L-2 and L-5*
*Consent Item L-2 and L-5 will be listed in the Oxnard Housing Authority minutes.
Consent Item Nos. L-1, L-4, L-6, L-7 and L-8
It was moved by Councilwoman Rodriguez, seconded by Councilwoman Perez, to approve the Information/Consent items as presented. VOTE: Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr and Teran voted in favor. The motion carried 5-0. Councilwoman Basua and Mayor Mc Arthur were absent.
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OXNARD HOUSING AUTHORITY
At 8:24 p.m., the joint meeting with the Oxnard Housing Authority concluded.
M. PUBLIC HEARINGS
N. REPORTS
1. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Grant Application to the 2026 U.S. Department of Transportation Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the:
1. Submission of a grant application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) for $12,000,000 with a $3,000,000 or 20% match requirement from the Traffic Circulation Development Impact Fee Fund (350) Subfund 8040, for a total amount of $15,000,000 (if awarded, staff will return to the City Council to recommend recognizing and appropriating the grant and 20% match requirement);
2. City Manager, or designee, to execute the grant agreements;
3. Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to submit financial reports, grant claims 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 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 presented and 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 Rodriguez , to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Perello and Teran voted in favor. The motion carried 5-0. Councilwoman Basua and Mayor Mc Arthur were absent.
2. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Initiation of Proceedings to Establish Landscape Maintenance District 43A (Greenbelt Lighting Overlay) and Appropriation From General Reserve to Fund Proceedings.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council:
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1. Approve and authorize an appropriation of $40,000 from the General Fund Reserve to pay expenses (including expenses of conducting a Proposition 218 property owner mail ballot proceeding) associated with establishing a new overlay assessment district, with the same boundaries as LMD 43, to fund the Greenbelt Lighting Replacement Project C2407; and
2. Approve and authorize the Mayor to approve a resolution initiating proceedings to establish Landscape Maintenance District No. 43A (Greenbelt Lighting Overlay). (This item did not originate in Committee as this is in relation to 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, Special Districts Manager and Consultant Mandell presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
Public comments were received from Alicia Percell, Doug Partello and Eric Andrist.
Written comments were received from Joe Garcia and Heather Schmidt.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Teran, seconded by Councilwoman Perez, to postpone the item to a future date and go back to the community for another community meeting.
Discussion ensued among the Council. Councilwoman Perez withdrew her second.
It was moved by Councilman Starr to postpone this item indefinitely. The motion did not receive a second
Councilwoman Perez reinstated her second of Mayor Pro Tern 's motion, to postpone the item to a future date and go back to the community for another community meeting. VOTE: Rodriguez, Perez and Teran in favor. The motion carried 3-2; Councilmembers Starr and Perella voting no. Councilwoman Basua and Mayor Mc Arthur were absent.
0. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on the agenda, and without objection, Mayor Pro Tern Teran adjourned the meeting at 9:48 p.m.
City Clerk
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Mayor Pro Tern