MINUTES
OXNARD CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
February 17,2026
A. ROLL CALL, POSTING OF AGENDA
At 5:32 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, 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, February 5, 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 City Manager; Eric Sonstegard, Assistant City Manager, Stephen Fischer, City Attorney; 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 (5:30 PM)
1. City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Department Workshop: City Clerk Department Presentation.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file an update report from the City Clerk, concerning information related to functions, priorities, challenges, and anticipated future needs.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
The City Clerk presented and discussed departmental challenges and was 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 6:01 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 FEBRUARY 17, 2026 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 2
Hall Council Chambers at 305 W. Third Street, Oxnard, California. Councilmembers Gabriela Basua, Bert E. Perello, 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, February 5, 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 Yesenia Martinez, an 11h 'grade student at Channel Islands High School. Councilwoman Rodriguez requested a moment of silence in memory of Jim Merrill, former professor at Oxnard College. Councilmember Perello commented that the moment should also honor Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader and Robert Duvall.
Staff members present were Alexander Nguyen, City Manager; Eric Sonstegard, Assistant City Manager, Stephen Fischer, City Attorney; Javier Chagoyen-Lázaro, Chief Financial Officer; Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director; Jason Benites, Police Chief, Miguel Serrato, Police Commander; Rob Ruben, Chief Information Officer and Lourdes A.
López, City Clerk.
F. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Presentation of a Posthumous Resolution Commending Len Shulman.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt posthumous Resolution No. 16,021 commending Len Shulman for over eight (8) years of dedicated service to the Measure O Citizen Oversight Committee.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
Mayor Mc Arthur introduced the resolution honoring Len Shulman and presented it to Alphe Shuman, who expressed appreciation to the City Council for the posthumous recognition. Councilmember Perello also spoke about Mr. Shulman's many contributions and the numerous organizations and activities in which he was involved.
No public comments were received. Written comments were received from Ronald Arruejo.
It was moved by Mayor Mc Arthur, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, to approve the recommended action as presented. VOTE: Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
2. City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Presentation of a Resolution Commending Adam Lopez.
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RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 16,022 commending Adam Lopez for over seven (7) years of dedicated service to the Community Relations Commission.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
Mayor Mc Arthur presented Adam Lopez with a resolution commending him for his service to the Community Relations Commission. Adam Lopez thanked the City Council for the recognition.
It was moved by Councilmember Perello, seconded by Councilwoman Rodriguez, to Terany there Perme and Mc in as presentin a vor. E. Peez, drier, Star, SUBJECT: Presentation of Commendation Certificates to the Pacifica High School Boys Football Team for their victories in CIF-SS Division 3 Championship and the CIF - State Southern Regional 1A Championship.
Mayor Mc Arthur congratulated Pacifica High School for their victories and for making Oxnard proud of their accomplishments. Councilmembers distributed certificates of commendation to the boy's football team, cheerleaders and Coaches.
Coach Moon made some remarks.
G. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA AND NON-ACTION ITEMS
Public comments were received from: Eric Andrist, Sarah Wilczewski, Kris Iwasaki- Marquis, Jeannette, Curtis Thompson, Doug Partello and virtual speaker.
H. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/SECRETARY
The City Manager commented on the Chinese Lunar New Year.
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 Tem Teran stated that the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission has vetted a memorial program for memorial benches or trees in our public parks and requested that staff review the Commission's proposal and present it to the Committee.
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City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Appointment of a Member to the Ventura County Continuum of Care Alliance Governance Board.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council, appoint one member and one alternate member to the Ventura County Continuum of Care Governance Board
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
Mayor Mc Arthur opened the floor for nominations. Mayor Pro Tem Teran stated that he was able and willing to serve on this committee. Mayor Mc Arthur stated that he would be interested in serving as the alternate member.
It was moved by Mayor Mc Arthur, seconded by Councilwoman Perez, to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Teran as the member and Mayor Mc Arthur as the alternate member. VOTE: Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
J. REVIEW OF INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Item No. L-3, L-4, L-5 and L-6 were reviewed and discussed among the Council and staff.
K. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Public comment was received from Alicia Percell and Louise Ramirez.
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 February 3, 2026.
3. City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Resolution Commending Deirdre Frank.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 16,023 commending Deirdre Frank for over ten (10) years of dedicated service to the Measure O Citizen Oversight Committee.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
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City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Resolution Commending Joseph M. Munoz.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 16,024 commending Joseph M. Munoz for over 9 years of dedicated service to the Measure O Citizen Oversight Committee.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
City Manager Department
SUBJECT: Whistleblower Policy Revision.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 16,025 updating the City's Whistleblower Policy to reflect current legislation. (The Finance and Governance Committee approved 3-0 on January 27, 2026)
6. Finance Department
SUBJECT: Monthly Report and List of City Manager-approved contracts with Accounting of All Receipts, Disbursements and Fund Balances.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Receive and file the report and accounting of all receipts, disbursements and fund balances for the month of December 2025; and
2. Receive and file the list of City Manager-approved contracts for the month of December 2025.
(This item did not originate in Committee)
Consent Item No. L-1
The City Clerk stated for the record the changes to the February 3 City Council minutes as follows:
Bottom on Page 71 and top of page 72 for Item N-1 the motion should read:
"approve the proposed resolution establishing administrative regulations to 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."
And on page 73 for Item No. N-3: the motion should read: After further discussion, staff agreed to send annual notices 45 days ahead of residential testing deadlines.
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It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, seconded by Councilman Starr, to approve Item No. 1 as corrected by the City Clerk. VOTE: Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
Consent Item No. L-2 and L-7*
*Consent Item L-2 and L-7 will be listed in the Oxnard Housing Authority minutes.
Consent Item Nos. L-3 and L-4
It was moved by Mayor Mc Arthur, seconded by Councilwoman Rodriguez, to approve the Information/Consent Item Nos. L-3 and L-4 as presented. VOTE:
Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
Consent Item No. L-5
Assistant City Manager Sonstegard presented and was available to answer questions.
Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Perello, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, to approve Item No. 5 as presented. VOTE: Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
Consent Item No. L-6
The Chief Financial Officer presented and was available to answer questions.
Assistant City Manager Sonstegard stated that staff will look into agreement/contracts under $100,000. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff. This was a receive and file. No action was required.
OXNARD HOUSING AUTHORITY
At 8:21 p.m., the joint meeting with the Oxnard Housing Authority concluded M. PUBLIC HEARINGS
N. REPORTS
1. Police Department
SUBJECT: Downtown Security Contract.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with Citiguard, Inc. (32600276) for a term of up to five (5) years, for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,575,000 for security services in the Oxnard Downtown Management District (ODMD), the Oxnard Public Library, the Downtown Parking Structure, and the Oxnard Service Center. (The Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Economic Development approved 3-0 on January 27, 2026.)
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The Police Chief, Commander Serrato and the Public Works Director presented and was available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
Public comments were received from: Vanessa Valdez, Greg Runyon, Abel Magana, Sarah Wilczewski and Levi Duarte.
The Mayor requested that staff arrange for Citiguard to return to City Council to provide a presentation addressing the following:
The training security officers receive, including de-escalation techniques • Which officers carry equipment, how many, and what type of equipment is issued
• The checks and balances in place, including supervision and spot checks • Expected response times to incidents
• How unarmed officers protect themselves in the field
Accountability procedures and what the process entails
• The assessment and evaluation conducted after an incident to ensure it was handled appropriately
This presentation is intended to give Council a clearer understanding of Citiguard's operational standards safety protocols, and oversight practices.
It was moved by Councilmember Perello, seconded by Councilwoman Rodriguez, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Basua, Perello, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran and Mc Arthur voted in favor; Councilwoman Perez voted no. The motion carried 6-1.
2. Finance Department
SUBJECT: FY 2025-2026 Mid-Year Budget.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Receive an update on the FY 2025-26 revenue and expenditure projections for major funds;
2. Approve budget amendments to the General Fund (101), Street Maintenance Infrastructure Use Fee Fund (105), Transportation Development Act Fund (212), Capital Outlay Fund (301), Special Districts Fund (120/Subfund(2540), Development Impact Fees Fund - Circulation System Improvement Fees Subfund (350/Subfund 8040), Bond Assessment Districts Fund (500/Subfund 5050), Water Operating Fund (601), Environmental Resources Operating Fund (631), Golf Course Operating Fund (651), and the Public Liability and Property Insurance Fund (701), as explained in this report: and
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3. Approve adding and adopting the Environmental Resources Rollup Door Replacement Project to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
(This item did not originate in Committee)
Assistant City Manager Sonstegard and Chief Financial Officer presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
Public comments were received from Doug Partello.
Mayor requested a report from each department that outlines year-to-date expenditures, including current usage and percentage spent per line item. This will allow him to see where we are percentage wise.
It was moved by Councilwoman Basua, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, to approve the recommended action with the exception of Fund (101). VOTE: Perello, Perez, Rodriguez., Starr, Teran, Basua and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
Amendment to the motion by Councilman Starr to separate the budget amendment to the General Fund (101), seconded by Councilwoman Rodriguez. VOTE: Perez, Rodriguez, Basua, Perello, Teran and Mc Arthur voted in favor; Councilman Starr voted no. The motion carried 6-1.
At 9:46 p.m., the City 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 Councilmember Perello, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. VOTE: Basua, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran and Mc Arthur voted in favor; motion passed 7-0.
3. Finance Department
SUBJECT: ERP Annual Report and Ninth Amendment to the Agreement with Kreative Core Technologies, Inc. for ERP Implementation and IT Services Support.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a Ninth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Kreative Core Technologies, Inc. (9431-21-FN) in the amount of $11,490,000 for a new not to exceed contract amount of $21,510,000 and to extend the term of the Agreement to December 30, 2028, for project management services related to the discovery, documentation, implementation stabilization and ongoing IT support of all phases of the City's Multi-year enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation, as well as some additional IT non-ERP Projects.
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2. Approve an appropriation in the amount of $2,500,000 from the General Fund (101) available fund balance to fund the project C2034 ERP Implementation in FY 2025-26, and authorize the corresponding transfers for the project budget.
3. Receive and file the ERP system annual report.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
The City Manager, Assistant City Manager Sonstegard and Chief Information Officer presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
Public comments were received from Alicia Percell and Doug Partello.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, seconded by Councilwoman Rodriguez, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello and Mc Arthur voted in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
O. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on the agenda, and without objection, Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
LOURDES A. LÓPED LUIS A. M
City Clerk