MINUTES
OXNARD CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
February 3, 2026
A. ROLL CALL, POSTING OF AGENDA
At 4:32 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. Perello (arrived at 4:33 p.m.), Michaela Perez, Gabriela Rodriguez, Aaron Starr, Gabriel Teran and Luis A. Mc Arthur were present. The City Clerk stated that the agenda was posted on Thursday, January 22, 2026, and the amended agenda on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at the Library, City Hall kiosk, City Administrative Offices and on the website.
Staff members present were Alexander Nguyen, City Manager; Ashley Golden, Assistant ity Manager: Eric Sonstegard
Andrew Gonzalez, Deputy City Attorney; Rob Ruben, Chief Information Officer 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. At 4:33 p.m., the City Council recessed into a closed session.
C. CLOSED SESSION (4:30 PM)
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code Section
54956.9(d)(1))
Name of case: Marquez v. City of Oxnard
Ventura County Superior Court, Case No. 56-2022-00562770-CU-PO-VTA Legislative Body: City Council
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code Section
54956.9(d)(1))
Name of case: Gold v. City of Oxnard
Ventura County Superior Court, Case No. 2023CUPP010160
Legislative Body: City Council
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code section 54956.9(d)(4))
FEBRUARY 3, 2026 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 2
Based on existing facts and circumstances, the City Council shall decide whether to initiate litigation in one potential case.
Legislative Body: City Council
At 5:21 p.m., the City Council reconvened in an open session in the Council Chambers.
The City Attorney announced that there are no reportable action out of closed on Item Nos. C-1 and C-2. The City Council will reconvene later in the meeting to address Item No. C-3.
D. APPOINTMENT ITEMS (5:00 PM)
City Manager Department
SUBJECT: Department Workshop: City Manager's Office, City Attorney's Office, & Information Technology.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file an update report from the City Manager, City Attorney and the Chief Information Officer concerning information related to functions, priorities, challenges, and anticipated future needs.
The Chief Information Officer, City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney McCarron, Assistant City Attorney Zaragoza, Deputy City Attorney Gonzalez and the City Manager presented and discussed departmental challenges and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
No public comments were received.
This was a receive and file. No action was required.
E. OPENING CEREMONIES (6:00 PM)
At 6:08 p.m., Mayor Luis 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 Luis A. Mc Arthur were present. The City Clerk stated that the agenda was posted on Thursday, January 22 2026, and the amended agenda on Wednesday, January 28, 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 Vanessa Villa, a student with the Boys & Girls Club. Mayor Mc Arthur announced a moment of silence for Commander Scott Aaron, Pamela Thornton, Jeaneen Bellitti and William Bill Terry.
Staff members present were Alexander Nguyen, City Manager; Ashley Golden, Assistant City Manager; Eric Sonstegard, Assistant City Manager; Stephen Fischer, City Attorney; Michelle McCarron, Assistant City Attorney; Andrew Gonzalez, Deputy City Attorney; FEBRUARY 3, 2026 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 3
Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director; Chris Peyton, Water Manager; Brenda Lopez, Housing Director; Alba Marshall, Rent Stabilization Analyst; Steve Naveau, Human Resources Director and Lourdes A. López, City Clerk
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating the Month of February 2025 as "Black History Month."
Mayor Mc Arthur presented the proclamation to the Sonia Akintonde with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Dr. Vincent Stewart with the MLK Committee of Ventura County, Lekishia White with the Ventura County Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Angela Mitchell with Juneteenth and various other organizations, who thanked the City Council and shared upcoming events.
County Clerk and Recorder Michelle Ascencion announced the upcoming election and the stated that the County will be open on Saturday, February 14, 2026 to conduct group weddings.
2. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating the Month of February 2025 as "Parent Leadership Month."
Councilwoman Rodriguez read the proclamation and presented it to Dr. Kathleen Van Antwerp, Executive Director with Partnership for Safe Families who thanked the City Council for the recognition.
G. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA AND NON-ACTION ITEMS
Public comments were received from Dan Pinedo, Sarah Wilczewski, Greg Runyon and Larry Stein.
H. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/SECRETARY
The City Manager commented on the weed superbloom and the recent recognition from the Government Finance Officers Association recognizing the City of Oxnard Finance Department for excellence in financial reporting.
1. CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AUTHORITY/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/FINANCING
AUTHORITY BUSINESS/COMMITTEE REPORTS
The members of the Council provided brief announcements regarding various activities.
Councilman Starr made a request on how we handle dog barking incidents.
1. City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Appointment of Mayor Mc Arthur to Regional Defense Partnership.
FEBRUARY 3, 2026 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 4
RECOMMENDATION: That the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council, appoint Luis A. Mc Arthur to represent the City of Oxnard on the Regional Defense Partnership (RDP).
Discussion ensued among the Council. No public comments were received.
It was moved by Mayor Mc Arthur, seconded by Councilwoman Rodriguez, to approve the appointment as presented. VOTE: Rodriguez, Starr, Basua, Perello and Mc Arthur voted in favor; Councilwoman Perez and Mayor Pro Tem Teran voted no. The motion carried 5-2.
City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Appointment of Members to Serve on the City's Citizen Advisory Groups (CAGs) Boards and Committees.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council:
1. Appoint Brian Landers to the Measure O Citizen Oversight Committee as an at- large member; and
2. Appoint Ana Maria Van Hoven to the Mobilehome Park Rent Review Board as an at-large member.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
Public comments were received from Larry Stein and Eric Andrist.
It was moved by Councilmember Perello, seconded by Councilwoman Perez, to approve the appointments as presented. VOTE: Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
J. REVIEW OF INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
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 20, 2026.
2. Finance Department
SUBJECT: Monthly Investment Report for the period ending December 31, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION: This is an information item for the City Council to receive and file.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
FEBRUARY 3, 2026 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 5
Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Second Amendment to Envision VTA FD Auto, LLC, dba Envision Ford Lincoln Oxnard Agreement 32500315 for Automotive Mechanical Inspection, Maintenance, and Repairs.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a Second Amendment to Fleet Services Agreement 32500315 with Envision VTA FD Auto, LLC, dba Envision Ford Lincoln Oxnard in the amount of $200,000, for a new not-to-exceed agreement value of $340,000 for automotive parts, diagnosis, services, and warranty repairs.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
Consent Item Nos. L-1, L-2 and L-3
It was moved by Councilwoman Rodriguez, seconded by Councilwoman Perez, to approve the Information/Consent as presented. VOTE: Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
M. PUBLIC HEARINGS
N. REPORTS
1. Housing Department
SUBJECT: Resolution Establishing Administrative Regulations regarding the Fair Rate of Return Petition Regulations to Implement the City's Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council review and approve the proposed Resolution No. 16,019 establishing administrative regulations to implement the provisions of the Rent Stabilization Ordinance regarding Fair Rate of Return Petition regulation.
(The Community Services, Public Safety, and Housing & Economic Development Committee approved 3-0 on January 13, 2026, to approve the staff recommendation, with modifications, and to forward the item for Council approval) Public comments were received from Karla Godina Lopez, Maria Navarro and Dawn Durazo.
Assistant City Attorney McCarron, Deputy City Attorney Gonzalez, Housing Director, Rent Stabilization Analyst Marshall and Assistant City Manager Golden presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, seconded by Councilmember Perello to:
"approve the proposed resolution establishing administrative regulations to FEBRUARY 3, 2026 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 6
implement the provisions of the Rent Stabilization Ordinance regarding Fair Rate of Return Petition regulation and document for at least six months on how the process is working, with a report back to the City Council in Quarter 2 of the next fiscal year." VOTE: Perello, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran and Me Arthur voted in favor; Councilwoman Basua and Perez voted no. The motion carried 5-2.
2. Housing Department
SUBJECT: Lease Agreement with Teatro de las Américas.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Authorize the Mayor to execute a Lease Agreement (A-8604) with Teatro de las Américas for the use of property owned by the City located at 321 West Sixth Street for a term of three years with two one-year options to extend the Agreement, at the discretion of the City Manager, for a total of five years, at an annual fee of $1 and quarterly rent up to $2,970 of their quarterly gross revenues in excess of $10,560; and
2. Authorize the Mayor to forgive past due rent to the City in the amount of $15,690 for past due rent through January 2026, plus a daily pro-rata share through February 2026.
(The Community Services, Public Safety, and Housing & Economic Development Committee approved 2-1 on January 13, 2026, to approve the staff recommendation, with amendments, and to forward the item for Council
Public comments were received from Ana Van Hovên, Saul Escobedo, Juliana Acosta, Heather Luhn, Margaret Cortese, Moiteo Escobedo Collazo and Manuel Herrera.
The Housing Director and Assistant City Manager Golden presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilman Starr, seconded by Councilmember Perello, to forgive the debt, enter into a three-year lease agreement with monthly rents starting at $300 for the first year, $600/month for the second year, and $900/month the third year Councilwoman Rodriguez made an amendment to the motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, to forgive the debt, enter into a three-year agreement with monthly rents starting at $200 for the first year, $400/month for the second year, and $600/month the third year.
VOTE on Councilwoman Rodriguez's amendment: Perez, Rodriguez, Teran, Basua and Perello voted in favor of the amendment; Councilman Start and Mayor Mc Arthur voted no. The Rodriguez motion carried 5-2 and became the main motion.
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VOTE on the main motion: Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
3. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Introduction of Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Ordinance.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council introduce and waive first reading of the proposed Ordinance No. 3075 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OXNARD AMENDING ARTICLE IV OF
CHAPTER 22 OF THE CITY CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY PERTAINING TO THE REGULATION OF CROSS-CONNECTION AND BACKFLOW STANDARDS.
(The Public Works and Transportation Committee approved 3-0 on January 27, 2026 with an amended Ordinance.)
Public comments were received from Ronald Arruejo.
The Public Works Director and Water Manager presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff. After further discussion, staff agreed to send annual notices 45 days ahead of residential testing deadlines.
It was moved by Councilman Starr, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, to approve the recommended action as presented. VOTE: Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
4. Human Resources Department
SUBJECT: Resolution Approving the Ratified Tentative Agreement with International Association of Firefighters, Local 1684
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt a resolution approving the tentative agreement with the International Association of Firefighters, Local 1684. (This item did not originate in Committee.)
Discussion ensued among the Council and staff. There were no public speakers.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, seconded by Councilwoman Rodriguez, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Rodriguez, Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez and Mc Arthur voted in favor; Councilman Starr voted no. The motion carried 6-1.
At 11:09 p.m., the City Council recessed to a closed session. At 11:21 p.m., the City Council reconvened in an open session in the Council Chambers. The City Attorney stated that the City Council reconvened in Closed Session to discuss Item C-3 and stated that the City Council by unanimous vote has directed the City Attorney to join FEBRUARY 3, 2026 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 8
an amicus curiae brief to be filed in Newson versus Trump, regarding the district court's grant of plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction in joining defendants from deploying California National Guard members in Los Angeles and directing them to return control to Governor Newsom.
O. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on the agenda, and without objection, Mayor Mc Arthur adjourned the meeting at 11:22 p.m.
LOURDES A. LÓPEZ LUIS A MC ARTHUR
City Clerk