MINUTES
OXNARD CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
May 19, 2026
A. ROLL CALL, POSTING OF AGENDA
At 6:03 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, 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, May 7, 2026, and the amended agenda on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 in the kiosk at City Hall, Oxnard Public Library, City Administrative Offices and on the City's website
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; Javier Chagoyen-Lázaro, Chief Financial Officer; Michael Wolfe, Public Works Director; Brenda Lopez, Housing Director; Jeff Pengilley, Community Development Director; Joe Pearson, Planning Manager; Jamie Peltier, Planning Supervisor; Julie Estrada, Cultural Arts Manager and Lourdes A. López, City Clerk.
CONSIDERATION OF TELECONFERENCE PARTICIPATION PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 2449
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
C. CLOSED SESSION
D. APPOINTMENT ITEMS
E. OPENING CEREMONIES (6:00 PM)
The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States led by the Oxnard Veterans Committee.
F. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation Commemorating May 25, 2026 as "Memorial Day."
Councilwoman Rodriguez presented the proclamation to Mike Vivenzio, Rick Gutierrez, Sal Gonzales and Manuel Gonzales who thanked the City Council and invited everyone to attend the Memorial Day event at Plaza Park.
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2. Cultural & Community Services Department
SUBJECT: Presentation of a Resolution Commending Marisue Eastlake.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 16,039 commending Marisue Eastlake for over twenty years of exemplary service to the City of Oxnard.
No public comments were received
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, seconded by Councilmember Perello, to approve the Resolution No. 16,039 as presented. VOTE: Perello, Perez, Rodriguez., Starr, Teran, Basua and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 7-0.
SUBJECT: Presentation of a Commendation to Casa De Vida on the Occasion of its 20th Anniversary.
Councilman Starr presented the Commendation to Julie Moreno 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 Larry Stein; Greg Runyon; Eric Andrist; Sarah Wilczewski; and Manuel Herrera.
H. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
The City Manager provided comments on several matters, including: 1.) Public Works Open House taking place on May 204 at Plaza Park; 2.) Memorial Day on May 26 at Plaza Park; 3.) Progress Pride Flag raising ceremony on June 1st.; and 4.) Insect Festival on June 6th at Plaza Park.
CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS/COMMITTEE REPORTS
The members of the Council provided brief announcements regarding various activities.
J. REVIEW OF INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Item Nos. L-3, L-5 and L-10 were reviewed and discussed among the Council and staff.
K. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
Public comments were received from Eric Andrist and Larry Stein.
L. INFORMATION/CONSENT AGENDA
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City Clerk Department
SUBJECT: Approval of Oxnard City Council Minutes.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the regular meeting minutes for April 30 and May 5, 2026.
3. Community Development Department
SUBJECT: Deferred Development Impact Fee Agreement for Aspire Apartments.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Oxnard City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement (A-8614) with Aspire Apartments, LP, a California limited partnership deferring development impact fees, until the time of final inspection or the date the certificate of occupancy is issued, whichever comes first, in the amount of $2,223,063.54 for the Aspire Apartments Project PZ 21-200-01 (Downtown Design Review Permit).
(This item did not originate in Committee. Aspire Apartments was approved at a public hearing by the Community Development Director on June 27, 2022. Also, pursuant to Government Code Section 66007, the City must allow for the deferral of these impact fees and charges upon request.)
4. Cultural & Community Services Department
SUBJECT: Amendment to Agreement for Library Software.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a First Amendment to Agreement 32300321 with SirsiDynix in the amount of $113,703.83 for a total agreement value of $373,341.83 and extend the term of the Agreement to May 31, 2028, for the purpose of continuing use of SirsiDynix integrated library software in order to provide enough time to bid out new software and migrate systems as needed.
(This item did not originate in committee.)
5. Cultural & Community Services Department
SUBJECT: Request for appropriation of funds from the Public Art Fund for the installation of Public Art
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Authorize the Cultural Arts Commission, with City staff support, to administer a public call for artists for the design of asphalt art to be installed by an experienced operator in the Central Business District in support of the Downtown Vision Plan and the 4th Street Mobility Project; and MAY 19,2026 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL PAGE 4
2. Appropriate $150,000 from the Public Art Fund (PAF) available fund balance to the Downtown Arts Hub Murals Program (Project M1802) for the design and installation of asphalt art in the Central Business District. (The Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Development Committee approved 3-0 on April 28, 2026.)
6. 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 March 2026; and
2. Receive and file the list of City Manager-approved contracts for the month of March 2026.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
Finance Department
SUBJECT: Quarterly Sale and Disposal of Surplus City Property.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council authorize the Purchasing Agent to dispose of 67 units of surplus property, including fleet vehicles and trailers, via public auction. In accordance
with City Code Section 4-54(B), City Council authorization is required for the disposal of surplus items with an individual value exceeding $500. (The Finance & Governance Committee voted 3-0 on April 28, 2026.) Finance Department
SUBJECT: Update on the Financial Corrective Action Plan (FCAP) for Closing Past Audit Findings.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive an update on the Financial Corrective Action Plan (FCAP) for closing past audit findings. (As of the posting of this agenda, there was not yet an outcome from the Finance and Governance Committee.)
10. Police Department
SUBJECT: Resolution Commending Assistant Chief Denise Morehouse.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 16,040 commending Assistant Chief Denise Morehouse for over thirty years of exemplary service to the City of Oxnard Police Department.
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(This item did not originate in Committee.)
11. Police Department
SUBJECT: In Time Services Inc. - Services Agreement Amendment.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a First Amendment to Agreement 32400506 with InTime Services Inc., to increase the not-to-exceed amount from $136,680 to $287,450, and extend the term date to June 30, 2029, for cloud-hosted scheduling management software. (This item did not originate in Committee.)
12. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Public Project Agreement 32600467 with Danny Letner, Inc. dba Letner Roofing Company for the Environmental Resources: MRF Roof Repair at Del Norte Facility Project (Rebid), Specification No. PW 26-33R.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize:
1. A total of $469,299.50 in Project funds for the Environmental Resources:
MRF Roof Repair at Del Norte (Rebid), Specification No. PW 26-33R;
2. The Mayor to execute an Agreement with Danny Letner, Inc., dba Letner Roofing Company in the amount of $360,999.50 for the Project and approve a Project contingency amount of $72,200.00 (~20%) with Danny Letner, Inc., dba Letner Roofing Company for a total not to exceed value of $433,199.50 for the Project;
3. A Project allocation amount of $36,100.00 (~10%) for engineering, inspection, survey and project management for the Project; and
4. A project budget appropriation in the amount of $272,205 from the Solid Waste Operations Fund (631) available fund balance, as well as the corresponding transfers in the Solid Waste Capital Fund (632) for the Environmental Resources: MRF Roof Repair at Del Norte Facility Project (C2538).
(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 Nos. L-1, L-4, L-6, L-7, L-8, L-11 and L-12 It was moved by Councilman Starr, seconded by Councilmember Perello, to approve the Information/Consent Items as presented. VOTE: Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Perello and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 6-0. Councilwoman Basua was absent.
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Consent Item No. L-2 and L-9*
*Consent Item L-2 and L-9 will be listed in the Oxnard Housing Authority minutes.
Consent Item No. L-3
The Community Development Director presented and were available to answer questions.
Councilman Starr requested that, in the future, a copy of the filing described in Government Code Section 66007 ("On or before August 10 of each year, the building official of the local agency shall furnish in writing to the county auditor a description of each parcel of land for which a performance bond or letter of credit has not been posted within the local agency's jurisdiction upon which fees or charges are unpaid and the amount of the unpaid fees or charges.") be provided to the City Council when it is submitted to the County Auditor.
It was moved by Councilmember Perello, seconded by Councilman Starr, to approve the Information/Consent Items as presented. VOTE: Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 7-0.
Consent Item No. L-5
The Cultural Arts Manager, Public Works Director and Assistant City Attorney McCarron presented and were available to answer questions.
It was moved by Councilman Starr, seconded by Mayor Mc Arthur, to approve the Information/Consent Items as presented. VOTE: Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 7-0.
Consent Item No. L-10
It was moved by Councilmember Perello, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mc Arthur, to approve the Information/Consent Items as presented. VOTE: Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 7-0.
OXNARD HOUSING AUTHORITY
At 7:33 p.m., the joint meeting with the Oxnard Housing Authority concluded.
M. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Community Development Department
SUBJECT: Avalon Homes, a 56 unit single-family condominium development, located at a property generally at the northeast side of the intersection at Beachcomber Street and Harbor Boulevard bound by West Fifth Street, Harbor Boulevard, Catamaran Street and the Edison Canal (APNs: 196-0-010-275, -225, and -235).
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
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1. Conduct a public hearing; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 16,041 certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report EIR No. 2016-01 for the Avalon Homes Project (Governor's Office of Planning and Research State Clearinghouse No. 2016051075); and
3. Adopt Resolution No. 16,042 approving Planning and Zoning Permit No. 16-300-03 for a Tentative Subdivision Map subject to certain findings and conditions of approval; and
4. Adopt Resolution No. 16,043 upholding the Planning Commission's decision to approve Planning and Zoning Permit No. 16-400-02 for a Coastal Development Permit, subject to certain findings and modified conditions of approval.
(This item did not originate in Committee.)
Councilmembers reported on the ex parte communications received on this item.
The City Clerk announced the affidavit of publication published in Vida Newspaper on May 7, 2026 and stated there were four (4) written communications received on this item.
The Planning Supervisor, Planning Manager, Community Development Director and Housing Director, Chief Assistant City Attorney and City Manager presented and were available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
Tanner Shelton with Sanbell presented and discussed the proposed project.
CITY COUNCIL RECESS
At 8:22 p.m., the City Council recessed and at 8:31 p.m., the City Council reconvened.
Mayor Mc Arthur opened the public testimony portion of the public hearing.
Public comments were received from Manuel Herrera, Gabrielle Vignone, Frank Barajas, Barbara Macri-Ortiz, Felix Bobritsky, Larry Stein, Alexis Schmidt and Larry McGrath.
Without objection, the Council approved closing the public testimony portion of the public hearing.
Discussion followed among the Council and staff. Mr. Shelton stated that the parties agreed to reserve the six inclusionary units for a 90-days marketing period exclusively for City residents. The Applicant also agreed that the City would be responsible for certifying and verifying residency eligibility.
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It was moved by Mayor Mc Arthur, seconded by Councilwoman Basua, to approve the recommended action with the addition of marketing for the first 90 days for the affordable units for Oxnard residents who have lived in the City for thirty-six months.
VOTE: Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez and Mc Arthur voted in favor; motion carried 7-0.
At 9:40 p.m., Mayor Mc Arthur was absent and Mayor Pro Tem presided.
It was moved by Councilwoman Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Perello, to suspend the order of the agenda and moved to Report No. 2. VOTE: Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez and Starr voted in favor; the motion carried 6-0. Mayor Mc Arthur was absent.
Mayor Pro Tem stated for the record that he will be recusing himself from Agenda Item N-2.
It was moved by Councilwoman Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Perello, to suspend the order of the agenda and moved to Report No. 3. VOTE: Starr, Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez and Rodriguez voted in favor; the motion carried 6-0. Mayor Mc Arthur was absent.
N. REPORTS
Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Second Amendment to Agreement A-8281 with Kennedy Jenks Inc. for Construction Management Services and Budget Appropriations for the Oxnard Wastewater Treatment Plant Reliability Improvement Project PW 20-102.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to:
1. Execute a Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Kennedy Jenks Inc. to increase the not-to-exceed amount from $4,514,536 to $5,703,885 and extend the term date to October 31, 2027, for additional construction management services for the Oxnard Wastewater Treatment Plant (OWTP) Reliability Improvement Project (C2201);
2. Authorize a project budget appropriation transfer in the amount of $1,500,000 from the Wastewater OWTP: Effluent Pump Station Improvements Project (C2235) within the Wastewater Operating Fund (611) to the Oxnard Wastewater Treatment Plant (OWTP) Reliability Improvement Project (C2201), for continued professional construction management services, as well as construction costs and engineering support services until the Project is completed; and
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3. Authorize a project budget appropriation in the amount of $5,200,000 from the Wastewater Operating Fund (611), as well as the corresponding transfers in the Wastewater Capital Fund (612) to the Oxnard Wastewater Treatment Plant (OWTP) Reliability Improvement Project (C2201), for continued professional construction management services, as well as construction costs and engineering support services until the Project is completed. (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.
The Public Works Director presented and was available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilman Starr, seconded by Councilmember Perello, to approve the recommended action as presented. VOTE: Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, Teran, Basua, Perello, Perez and Mc Arthur voted in favor; motion carried 7-0.
At 9:46 p.m., Mayor Mc Arthur presided.
2. Housing Department
SUBJECT: First Amendment to the Oxnard Navigation Center Operations Agreement with Mercy House for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the First Amendment to Agreement 32600011 between the City and Mercy House Living Centers ("Mercy House") for the provision of shelter and navigation center operations; Authorize the City Manager to appropriate the use of Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) funds and recognize revenue in the amount of $96,215 to increase the Agreement amount for Agreement 32600011 between the City and Mercy House from $3,355,407.75 to 3,451,622.75; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to appropriate and recognize revenue of $252,873.66 in PLHA funds and $12,838.64 in California State Grant funds to cover the City's increased cost share under Agreement A-8462 between the City and County of Ventura for navigation center operations. (This item did not originate in Committee.)
Mayor Pro Tem stated that because this affects an existing cost agreement between the City and the County of Ventura. Out of abundance of caution, due to a potential remote interest, he recused himself from this item.
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At 9:48 p.m., Mayor Pro Tem was not present.
The Housing Director presented and was available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Perello, seconded by Councilwoman Basua, to approve the recommended action as presented. VOTE: Perez, Rodriguez, Teran, Basua, Perello and Mc Arthur voted in favor; motion carried 5-1-1. Councilman Starr voted no and Mayor Pro Tem recused himself.
M. PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2027- 2031.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council provide input on the draft CIP and recommend that the City Council:
1. Hold a public hearing to receive public testimony regarding the proposed 2027-2031 City of Oxnard Five-Year CIP;
2. Approve the existing carryover CIP projects and the proposed new funding as outlined in the staff report for Category 1 projects;
3. Reaffirm the carryover CIP projects in Category 2;
4. Approve the project prioritization lists in Categories 3 and 4 outlined in the staff report and adopt the 2027-2031 City of Oxnard Five Year CIP; and
5. Direct staff to finalize the 2027-2031 CIP and General Fund/Measure O amounts for Category 4 projects once the City's FY 2026-2027 operating budget has been completed as approved CIP funding allows. (The Public Works and Transportation Committee on April 28, 2026, recommended the item to be forwarded to Council for discussion and review with changes made to the staff's recommended prioritization for 16 Category 4 and Category 5 projects.)
Councilmembers reported on the ex parte communications received on this item.
The City Clerk announced the affidavit of publication published in Vida Newspaper on May 7, 2026 and stated there were no written communications received on this item.
Mayor Mc Arthur opened the public testimony portion of the public hearing.
Public comments were received from Helen Matter, Olivia Benavidez, Deborah Arevalo, Larry Stein, Ellis Carter and Abel Ramirez Magana.
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Without objection, the Council approved closing the public testimony portion of the public hearing.
It was moved by Councilmember Starr, seconded by Councilmember Perello, to adopt the staff's recommended priority listing over the Public Works and Transportation Committee's recommended priority listing.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Teran, seconded by Councilmember Perez, to amend the original motion to add Johnson Creek Park and Colonia Park restrooms to move up in priority after the fire station overhead doors replacement project.
The order of priority will be as follows:
1. Neighborhood Street Resurfacing
2. Citywide Alleyway Resurfacing
3. Arterial Street Resurfacing
4. Advanced Alley Maintenance Program
5. Oxnard Police Department Parking Lot
6. Fire Station Overhead Doors Replacement
7. Colonia Park Restroom Renovation
8. Johnson Creek Park Restroom Renovation
VOTE on Mayor Pro Tem amendment: Basua, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, and McArthur voted in favor. The Mayor Pro Tem amendment carried 7-0; thus, it became the main motion.
VOTE on the main motion: Basua, Perello, Perez, Rodriguez, Starr, Teran, and McArthur voted in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
N. REPORTS
1. Finance Department
SUBJECT: 2025 Single Audit Report and FY 24-25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Summary Presentation.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council ratify and approve the 2025 Single Audit Report, the Fiscal Year 2025-25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and Fiscal Year 2024-25 Warrants Register in the Form of that AFR (As of the posting of this agenda, there was not yet an outcome from the Finance and Governance Committee.)
(Presentation will be live upon consultant's request.)
The City Clerk announced that this item is removed from the agenda.
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O. ADJOURNMENI
There being no further business on the agenda, and without objection, Mayor Mc Arthur adjourned the meeting at 11:06 p.m.
Lowdus Al. Lina
LOURDES A. LÓPED
City Clerk