MINUTES
OXNARD CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
March 17, 2026
A. ROLL CALL, POSTING OF AGENDA
At 4:30 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, Aaron Starr, Gabriel Teran and Luis A. Mc Arthur were present. Councilwoman Gabriela Basua and Gabriela Rodriguez were absent. The City Clerk stated that the agenda was posted on Thursday, March 5, 2026, and the amended agenda on Wednesday, March 11, 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; Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director 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. The City Attorney announced that Councilwoman Gabriela Basua was absent and would be recusing herself from this item due to a conflict of interest pursuant to Government Code Section 87100. At 4:32 p.m., the City Council recessed into a closed session.
C. CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code Section
54956.9(d)(1))
Name of case: City of Oxnard v, Port Hueneme Water Agency (Arbitration Proceeding)
Legislative Body: City Council
At 5:20 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 session.
At 5:33 p.m., Councilwoman Gabriela Basua was present.
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D. APPOINTMENT ITEMS (5:00 PM)
Public Works Department
SUBJECT: United Water Conservation District Santa Felicia Dam Safety Project Update.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Receive and file an update regarding the United Water Conservations District's Santa Felicia Safety Project; and
2. Authorize the Mayor to sign the attached letter of support for the Santa Felicia Dam Safety Improvement Project.
(Live presentation by United Water Conservation District staff.) (This item did not originate in committee.)
The Public Works Director introduced Assistant General Manager Dr. Maryam Bral of the United Water Conservation District, who presented and discussed the benefits of this unique regional project and its importance to all residents in Ventura County.
Discussion ensued among the Council and Dr. Bral. No public comments were received.
1. SUBJECT: Presentation by Interface Children & Family Services on 211 Services.
Gerardo Gonzalez, Community Information Associate Director with Interface Children & Family Services presented and discussed the services that are available to Oxnard residents.
Discussion ensued among the Council and Mr. Gonzalez. No public comments were received.
E. OPENING CEREMONIES (6:00 PM)
At 6:09 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, Bert E. Perello, Michaela Perez, Aaron Starr, Gabriel Teran and Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur were present. Councilwoman Gabriela Rodriguez was absent. The City Clerk stated that the agenda was posted on Thursday, March 5, 2026, and the amended agenda on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at the Library, City Hall kiosk, City Administrative Offices and on the website.
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The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States led by Santino Enrique Preciado II, a student at Pacifica High School. Mayor Mc Arthur called for a moment of silence in recognition of the ongoing conflicts around the world.
Staff members present were Alexander Nguyen, City Manager, Ashley Golden, Assistant City Manager; Eric Sonstegard, Assistant City Manager, Stephen Fischer, City Attorney; Kenneth Rozell, Chief Assistant City Attorney; Elle McCarron, Assistant City Attorney; Jan Eraser, Wantewater, Crison Manage or rend oar. Wousin bie or and Died.
A. López, City Clerk.
The City Clerk announced that Agenda Item Nos. F-1 and L-9 are being removed from the agenda.
F. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating March 31, 2026 as "Cesar E.
Chavez Day." - removed from the agenda.
2. SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Designating March 2026 as "Women's History Month."
Councilwoman Bausa read the proclamation and presented to Co-Presidents Cheryl Collart and Kathy Morgan who thanked the City Council for the recognition.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA AND NON-ACTION ITEMS
Public comments were received from Deirdre Frank; Josie Mendez, Pam Hogarth, Angela DeCicco, Hillary Rushing, Jeanette, Pedro Toscano, Steven Nash, Doug Partello, Sarah Wilczewski, Eduardo Huerta, Larry Stein, Greg Runyon, Ronald Arruejo, Arthur Munoz, Larry Barbarine, JR Ruiz and Manuel Herrera. Written comments were received from Steven Nash.
H. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/SECRETARY
- City Manager Department
SUBJECT: City Manager's Corner: updates, announcements, clarifications, and local government fun facts on occasional Tuesdays.
The City Manager commented on St. Patrick's Day.
City Manager Department
SUBJECT: Receive an update on the Whistleblower Program item from the January 27, 2026 Finance & Governance Committee regarding the specific allegation that a city employee committed theft.
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RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive an update on the Whistleblower Program item from the January 27, 2026 Finance & Governance Committee regarding the specific allegation that a city employee committed theft. (This item did not originate in Committee.)
Public comments were received from Blair Brim, Eric Andrist (video), Alicia Percell, Eduardo Huerta and Doug Partello.
The City Manager and Assistant City Manager Sonstegard presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the City Manager and the Council. No action was required. It was a receive and file.
I. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS/COMMITTEE REPORTS
The members of the Council provided brief announcements regarding various activities.
Councilwoman Perez directed staff to review options for strengthening anti-fraud measures in public projects, as requested by the Carpenters during items not on the agenda.
1. City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Appointment of Members to Serve on the City's Citizen Advisory Group (CAGs) Boards and Committees.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council, make the following appointments:
1. To Measure O Citizen Oversight Committee: Alfonso Arroyo (neighborhood representative;
2. To Mobile Home Park Rent Review Board: Luis Armando Salazar (at- large);
3. To Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission: Alfonso Arroyo (at-large);
4. To Planning Commission: Edgar Fraire (at-large);
5. To Senior Services Commission: Maria Magdalena Tapia (at-large); and
6. To Library Board: Sahara Pena, Thomas Christian Nielsen, Michelle D.
Robledo-Canchola, Esthela Cazares, and Emily D. Ramsey (at-large); (This item did not originate in Committee.)
Public comments were received from Larry Stein and Ronald Arruejo.
It was moved by Mayor Mc Arthur, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, to approve the appointments as presented. VOTE: Perello, Perez, Starr, Teran, Basua and Mc MARCH 17, 2026 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 5
Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 6-0. Councilwoman Rodriguez was absent.
REVIEW OF INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Item L-9 was removed from the agenda.
K. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Public comments were received from Larry Stein.
L. INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
1. City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Approval of Oxnard City Council Minutes.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the regular meeting minutes of March 3, 2026.
3. Community Development Department
SUBJECT: City of Oxnard 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Oxnard City Council receive and file the City of Oxnard 2025 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report. (This item did not originate in Committee.)
4. Cultural & Community Services Department
SUBJECT: First Amendment to the Agreement with the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging for the Senior Nutrition Program.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a First Amendment to the Agreement with the County of Ventura (A-8595) for the Senior Nutrition Program Grant to increase the agreement amount by $40,000, resulting in a total agreement amount of $460,000, with no additional City match; and
2. Approve a budget appropriation recognizing $40,000 of additional FY 2025-26 Federal Grants (Fund 200) revenue and expenditure.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
5. Cultural & Community Services Department
SUBJECT: First Amendment to the Agreement with Azul Foundation for the Senior Nutrition Program Meals.
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RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a First Amendment to the Agreement with the Azul Foundation (32500510) to increase the agreement amount by $130,000, resulting in a total agreement amount of $350,000, to purchase meals for the Senior Nutrition Program. (This item did not originate in Committee.)
Finance Department
SUBJECT: Monthly Report of Accounting of All Receipts, Disbursements and Fund Balances & List of City Manager-approved contracts.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Receive and file the report and accounting of all receipts, disbursements and fund balances for the month of January 2026; and
2. Receive and file the list of City Manager-approved contracts for the month of January 2026.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
7. Housing Department
SUBJECT: Resolution Commending Cynthia Daniels.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 16,026 commending Cynthia Daniels for over six years of dedicated service to the Mobile Home Rent Review Board.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
8. Housing Department
SUBJECT: Resolution Commending Martin Lee Remmen.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 16,027 commending Martin Lee Remmen for over six years of dedicated volunteer service on the Mobile Home Rent Review Board.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
Information Technology Department
SUBJECT: IT Position Reclassification
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt a resolution to amend Resolution No. 15,885 to reclassify six existing full time equivalent positions in City service effective March 17, 2026 in accordance with the operating and capital budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
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(This item did not originate in Committee.) note: item removed from the agenda.
10. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Agreement 32600325 with Auto Body International, Inc. for Light and Medium Duty Paint and Body.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize an Agreement with Auto Body International, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 for an initial term of one year from March 23, 2026, to March 22, 2027, with the option for four consecutive one-year period extensions ending March 22, 2031, for light and medium duty paint and body work.
(Public Works and Transportation Committee approved 3-0 on February 24, 2026.)
11. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Agreement 32600348 with Downstream Services, Inc. for Stormwater Filter Replacement and Maintenance Services, Specification No. PW 26-59.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize an Agreement with Downstream Services, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $1,250,000 for an initial term of one year from March 20, 2026 to March 19, 2027, with the option for four consecutive one-year period extensions ending March 19, 2031, for stormwater filter replacement and maintenance services.
(Public Works and Transportation Committee approved 3-0 on February 24, 2026.) Consent Item Nos. L-1, L-3, L-5, L-6, L-7, L-8, L-10 and L-11 It was moved by Councilman Starr, seconded by Councilwoman Perez, to approve the Information/Consent Items as presented. VOTE: Perez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 6-0. Councilwoman Rodriguez was absent.
Consent Item No. L-4
It was moved by Councilman Starr, seconded by Mayor Mc Arthur, to approve the Information/Consent Item No. L-4 as presented. VOTE: Starr, Basua, Perello, Perez and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 5-0-1-1. Mayor Pro Tem recused himself due to a potential remote conflict of interest arising from professional work that he does for the County of Ventura. Councilwoman Rodriguez was absent.
Consent Item No. L-2*
*Consent Item L-2 will be listed in the Oxnard Housing Authority minutes.
Consent Item No. L-9*
*Consent Item L-9 was removed from the agenda.
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M. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Housing Department*
*Public Hearing Item No. M-1 will be listed in the Oxnard Housing Authority minutes.
OXNARD HOUSING AUTHORITY
At 9:01 p.m., the joint meeting with the Oxnard Housing Authority concluded.
2. Housing Department
SUBJECT: Ninth Amendment to the FY 2020-21 Annual Action Plan for CARES Act Funds (Substantial).
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing regarding the Ninth Amendment to the FY 2020/21 Annual Action Plan for CARES Act Funds (Substantial);
2. Approve the Ninth Amendment to the FY 2020/21 Annual Action Plan (Substantial) recommending use of a special allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under the CARES Act for two new public service programs to prepare, prevent, and respond to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic;
3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designees, to incorporate the amended CDBG funds under the CARES Act grant allocations into the FY 2020/21 Annual Action Plan and authorize any necessary budget appropriations and corresponding revenue recognition in CDBG funding (Fund 201) for the project;
4. Authorize the City Manager, or his designees, to execute the required documents for the submission of the amended FY 2020/21 Annual Action Plan;
5. Receive and file any comments made during the 30-day public comment period or made in person at the public hearing with the Amendment; and
6. Authorize the City Manager, or his designees, to execute agreements and sign all agreements for the implementation of the Annual Action Plan amendment including subrecipient and interdepartmental agreements. (This item did not originate in Committee.)
The City Clerk announced the affidavit of publication published in Vida Newspaper on February 12, 2026 and stated there were no written communications received on this item that have been previously provided to the City Council.
Councilmembers reported on the ex parte communications received on this item.
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The Housing Director presented and was available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
Mayor Mc Arthur opened the public testimony portion of the public hearing.
No public comments were received.
Without objection, the Council approved closing the public testimony portion of the public hearing.
Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, seconded by Councilmember Perello, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez, Starr and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 6-0. Councilwoman Rodriguez was absent.
Housing Department
SUBJECT: Second Amendment to the FY 2025-26 Annual Action Plan (Substantial).
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing regarding the Second Amendment to the FY 2025- 26 Annual Action Plan (Substantial);
2. Approve the Second Amendment to the FY 2025-26 Annual Action Plan (Substantial) recommending use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for public infrastructure improvements;
3. Authorize the City Manager or his designees, to incorporate the amended grant allocations into the FY 2025-26 Annual Action Plan and authorize any necessary budget appropriations and corresponding revenue recognition it CDBG funding (Fund 201) for the project;
4. Authorize the City Manager, or his designees, to execute the required documents for the submission of the amended FY 2025-26 Annual Action Plan;
5. Receive and file any comments made during the 30-day public comment period and made in person at the public hearing with the Amendment; and
6. Authorize the City Manager, or his designees, to execute all agreements for the implementation of the Annual Action Plan amendment including subrecipient and interdepartmental agreements.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
The City Clerk announced the affidavit of publication published in Vida Newspaper MARCH 17, 2026 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 10
on February 12, 2026 and stated there were no written communications received on this item that have been previously provided to the City Council.
Councilmembers reported on the ex parte communications received on this item.
The Housing Director and Public Works Director presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
Mayor Mc Arthur opened the public testimony portion of the public hearing.
Public comments were received from Eduardo Huerta.
Without objection, the Council approved closing the public testimony portion of the public hearing.
Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilwoman Perez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 6-0. Councilwoman Rodriguez was absent.
N. REPORTS
1. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Professional Services Agreement 32600350 with Hazen and Sawyer for Design and Construction Engineering Services for the Wastewater Interstage Pump Station Project.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to:
1. Execute an Agreement with Hazen and Sawyer for a term of five years from March 17, 2026, to March 16, 2031, for a total amount not to exceed $2,912,479 for Design and Construction Engineering Services; and
2. Authorize a project budget appropriation in the amount of $1,912,479 from the Wastewater Fund (611), as well as the corresponding transfers in the Wastewater Capital Fund (612) for the Design and Construction Engineering Services for the Wastewater Interstage Pump Station Project (C2544). (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.
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The Public Works Director and Wastewater Division Manager presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, seconded by Councilman Starr, to approve the recommended action. VOTE: Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 6-0. Councilwoman Rodriguez was absent.
O. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on the agenda, and without objection, Mayor Mc Arthur adjourned the meeting at 9:43 p.m.
Lands Q.s
LOURDES A. LÓPEZ
City Clerk Mayor