CITY OF PORT HUENEME
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, January 6, 2025
Port Hueneme City Hall
250 North Ventura Road, Port Hueneme, CA 93041
6:30 PM Regular Meeting
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Public Comments
Public comments may be submitted in person or in writing.
In-Person: Complete a speaker request card located at the entrance of the Council Chamber and give it to the City Clerk. Your name will be called when it is your turn to speak. Public Comment is limited to 3 minutes per speaker, unless for good cause, the Mayor amends the time limit. A speaker’s time may not be transferred to another speaker.
Written: All written public comments shall be no more than 500 words and are subject to the Public Records Act. Written comments should be submitted to the City Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the City Council meeting by email or directly to the City Clerk’s Office. Email [email protected] and enter “City Council Public Comment” in the Subject line (and agenda item number if applicable). Mail or drop off written comments to the City Clerk’s Office located at 250 N. Ventura Road, Port Hueneme, CA 93041. Please clearly mark envelope with “Public Comment and meeting date”.
Translation Services
Use of a Translator
* The City shall provide a translator if one is requested by a member of the public with a 48-hour advance notice. If a 48-hour advance notice is not provided, the member of the public may provide their own translator. To request a translator, please contact [email protected]. * Per California Government Code 54954.3, if an individual utilizes a translator during Public Statements, the legislative body of a local agency shall provide at least twice the allotted time to a member of the public who utilizes a translator to ensure that non-English speakers receive the same opportunity to directly address the legislative body of a local agency.
* If the City provides a translator or translation equipment that allows for the simultaneous translation of the testimony, then no additional time shall be granted.
Uso de traductor
* La Ciudad proporcionara un traductor si un miembro del publico lo solicita con un aviso de 48 horas de anticipacion. Si no se avisa con 48 horas de anticipacion, el publico podra proporcionar su propio traductor.
Para solicitar un traductor, comumquese con [email protected]. * Segun el Codigo de Gobierno de California 54954.3, si una persona utiliza un traductor durante las declaraciones publicas, el cuerpo legislative de una agencia local debera proporcionar al menos el doble CC Regular Meeting Minutes -January 6, 2025, Page 1 of 9 del tiempo asignado a un miembro del publico que utilice un traductor para garantizar que las personas que no hablan ingles reciban la misma oportunidad de dirigirse directamente al cuerpo legislative de una agencia local.
* Si la Ciudad proporciona un traductor o equipo de traduccion que permita la traduccion simultanea del testimonio, entonces no se concedera tiempo adicional.
Americans with Disabilities Act
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, contact the office of the city clerk at (805) 986-6503 or [email protected]. Notice 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the city to make reasonable arrangements to allow participation in this meeting.
Levine Act Disclaimer
The Levine Act (Gov. Code, § 84308) requires any Party, Participant, or Agent in a Proceeding, as those terms are defined in Government Code section 84308 and Title 2, California Code of Regulations, Sections 18400 et seq. , before the City of Port Hueneme that involves any action or consideration to their contract, license, permit, or other entitlement for use to disclose any campaign contributions made to City elected or appointed Officers totaling more than $250 within the 12 months prior to the City decision. Any City elected or appointed Officer who has received a contribution totaling more than $250 within the preceding twelve (12) months from a Party, Agent, or Participant, shall disclose that fact on the record of the proceeding and shall not make, participate in making, or in any way attempt to use the Officer’s official position to influence the decision. Violations of Government Code section 84308 may result in a civil action brought by the FPPC for an amount up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) per violation. Any person who knowingly or willfully violates any provision of the Political Reform Act is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of up to the greater of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or three times the amount the person unlawfully contributed upon conviction for each violation. Any Party, Participant, or Agent is further prohibited from making, and any elected or appointed City Officer is prohibited from soliciting or accepting, any contribution in excess of $250 for a period of twelve (12) months following any proceeding described above. 6:30 PM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER / FLAG SALUTE
Mayor McQueen-Legohn called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and led the flag salute.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Steven A. Gama, Laura D. Hernandez, Misty Perez; Mayor Pro Tern Jess Lopez; Mayor Martha R. McQueen-Legohn
Absent: None
INSPIRATION
Given by Mayor McQueen-Legohn
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments were provided in person by the following:
• Becky Breuning
• Greg L. Ross
• Jan Berk
• Randall Thomas
Public comments were submitted via email and read by City Clerk Georgianna Alvarez by the following:
• Patty Page LaPenn
• Mary Serrato
• Dulce Setterfield
• Jeffrey Scarberry
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - January 6, 2025, Page 2 of 9
AGENDA APPROVAL FOR CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Councilmember Perez and passed unanimously to approve the City Council Agenda of January 6, 2025.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST and LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES -None
PRESENTATIONS
1. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION IN HONOR OF POLICE CHAPLAIN MERRICK CARTER
Police Chief Federico provided a brief overview of Chaplain Merrick Carter’s service as police chaplain and presented him with a Certificate of Recognition for his 25 years of dedicated volunteer service to the City of Port Hueneme Police Department and the community.
PRESENTATION BY POLICE CHIEF FEDERICO REGARDING 2ND 2. PHASE OF
DEVELOPING CULTURE OF WELLNESS WITHIN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT Police Chief Federico gave a presentation regarding the 2 nd phase of developing a culture
of wellness within the Police Department.
3. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. (MLK) DAY PROCLAMATION
Mayor Pro Tern Lopez read the proclamation into record and proclaimed January 20, 2025, as “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day.” City Manager James Vega announced the upcoming 39th Annual Ventura County Martin Luther King, Jr., Day event.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4 - 7, as presented.
Motion passed 5-0 as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None
City Council:
4. MINUTES
Approved the December 16, 2024, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
5. REGISTER OF DISBURSEMENTS
Received and filed the City’s register of disbursements for the period of December 9, 2024 through December 27, 2024.
SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO ADD SECTIONS 10590- 10594 TO CHAPTER 4 OF ARTICLE X OF THE PORT HUENEME MUNICIPAL CODE.
AS THEY RELATE TO RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD INFILL OVERLAY STANDARDS. AND TO APPROVE THE ADDENDUM TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT PREVIOUSLY PREPARED FOR THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
6. PROJECT
Read, by title only, waived further reading, and adopted Ordinance No. 822, an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Port Hueneme, California to add Sections 10590-10594 to Chapter 4 of Article X of the Port Hueneme Municipal Code, as CC Regular Meeting Minutes - January 6, 2025, Page 3 of 9 they relate to residential Neighborhood Infill Overlay Standards, adding the Neighborhood Infill Overlay zoning designation to certain properties, and repealing the Ventura West Specific Area Plan".
7. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE
FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLE X OF THE PORT HUENEME MUNICIPAL CODE: SECTION 10353 REGARDING ADMINISTRATIVE PERMITS: SECTION 10355 REGARDING TEMPORARY USE AND SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS: SECTIONS 10481 AND 10482 REGARDING PERMITTED AND CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED USES IN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL (C-1) ZONE: AND ADDING SECTIONS 10290-10295
REGARDING STANDARDS FOR ALCOHOL BEVERAGE SALES AND TOBACCO RETAILER ESTABLISHMENTS: AND TO FIND THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM CEQA Read, by title only, waived further reading, and adopted Ordinance No. 823, an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Port Hueneme, California amending the following Sections of the Port Hueneme Municipal Code, Article X: 10353 as it relates to Administrative Permits; 10355, related to temporary uses; 10481 and 10482, related to land uses permitted or conditionally permitted in the General Commercial (C-1) zone, respectively; and to add new Sections 10290-10295, related to standards for alcohol beverage sales establishments and tobacco retailers”.
PUBLIC HEARINGS -NONE.
BUSINESS ITEMS
8. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION SELECTING PORT HUENEME’S DEFAULT
RENEWABLE ENERGY TIER WITH THE CLEAN POWER ALLIANCE OF SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA AND APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE AND ALTERNATE TO THE
CPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Recommendation:
1. Select the Clean Power tier as the City of Port Hueneme’s default renewable energy tier with the Clean Power Alliance, which based on estimates provided by Clean Power Alliance, is anticipated to keep costs at the same level as standard Southern California Edison rates;
2. Authorize Staff to take action needed to exempt the City’s Street Lights from the Clean Power Alliance due to those being assessed differently resulting in an anticipated significant cost; and
3. Appoint a City representative and alternate to the Clean Power Alliance Board of Directors.
Deputy City Manager Charles Peretz presented the report. Clean Power Alliance (CPA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ted Bardacke and Senior Director of Government Affairs Gina Goodhill provided additional input. Questions followed.
Public comments were provided in person by the following:
• Luis Mendez
Councilmember Hernandez indicated that she would make a motion for staff recommendations, however, would like to discuss the appointments to the CPA Board of Directors. Mayor Pro Tern Lopez indicated a second to the motion. Councilmember Hernandez expressed interest in being appointed to the CPA Board of Directors.
Councilmember Gama indicated a second for both motions. For clarity, Mayor McQueenLegohn requested that the motions be made separately.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - January 6, 2025, Page 4 of 9 A motion was made by Councilmember Gama, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, to:
1. Select the Clean Power tier as the City of Port Hueneme’s default renewable energy tier with the Clean Power Alliance, which based on estimates provided by Clean Power Alliance, is anticipated to keep costs at the same level as standard Southern California Edison rates;
2. Authorize Staff to take action needed to exempt the City’s Street Lights from the Clean Power Alliance due to those being assessed differently resulting in an anticipated significant cost; and
Motion passed 5-0 as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None
Councilmember Gama nominated Councilmember Hernandez to be the primary City representative on the CPA Board of Directors. Discussion followed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Gama, to:
Appoint Councilmember Hernandez as the Primary City representative and Mayor Pro Tern Lopez as the Alternate to the Clean Power Alliance Board of Directors.
Motion passed 5-0 as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None
9. CITY COUNCIL LIAISON COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS FOR 2025 Recommendation: Discuss, reorganize, and appoint or reappoint Councilmembers to various committees, regional boards, and commissions for 2025.
City Manager James Vega presented the report and opened the floor to discussion.
Discussion followed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez to switch the alternate and the primary roles for Beaches, Erosions, Authority for Clean Oceans and Nourishment (BEACON).
Discussion followed. Discussion was paused to call for public comment. There were no public comments. Councilmember Gama sought confirmation that a motion was made by and that there was no second. The motion made by Councilmember Hernandez’ failed for lack of a second. Discussion followed. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, seconded by Councilmember Gama, to reappoint Councilmember Gama as the Primary and Councilmember Hernandez as the Alternate to BEACON. Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Discussion followed. A motion was made by Councilmember Gama, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez, to reappoint Councilmember Gama as the Primary and appoint Mayor Pro Tern Lopez as the Alternate to the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA). Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
There was Council consensus to appoint Mayor McQueen-Legohn and Mayor Pro Tern Lopez to the City-Port Committee as appointments are customarily the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tern positions.
Mayor McQueen-Legohn noted the appointments to the CPA Board of Directors were made earlier, therefore, no action was needed.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - January 6, 2025, Page 5 of 9 Discussion followed. A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez, to reappoint Councilmember Perez as the Primary and appoint Mayor Pro Tern Lopez to the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC-VC).
Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Discussion followed. Councilmember Hernandez nominated Mayor Pro Tern Lopez to the Federal Outreach and Advisory Council (FOAC). Mayor Pro Tern Lopez respectfully declined. A motion was made by Councilmember Gama to reappoint Councilmember Perez as the Primary. Councilmember Hernandez declared her interest to serve as Alternate. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, seconded by Councilmember Gama, to reappoint Councilmember Perez as the Primary and appoint Councilmember Hernandez as the Alternate to the Federal Outreach and Advisory Council (FOAC). Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Discussion followed. A motion was made by Councilmember Gama to reappoint Mayor McQueen-Legohn as Primary to the Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD). Discussion followed. A motion was made by Councilmember Gama, seconded by Councilmember Perez, to reappoint Mayor McQueen-Legohn as Primary and appoint Mayor Pro Tern Lopez as the Alternate to GCTD. Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Discussion followed. A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Gama, to reappoint Mayor McQueen-Legohn, reappoint Councilmember Hernandez, and appoint Mayor Pro Tern Lopez as Primaries to the Port Hueneme Water Agency and to reappoint Councilmember Perez as the Alternate. Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gama, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, and with Council consensus, to appoint all Councilmembers to the Port Hueneme Housing Authority Board.
Councilmember Gama nominated Mayor Pro Tern Lopez as Primary to the Regional Defense Partnership (RDP). Discussion followed. A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Gama, to appoint Mayor Pro Tern Lopez as the Primary and to reappoint Councilmember Hernandez as the Alternate to RDP. Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
City Manager James Vega indicated that the Sister City Committee has requested that the Committee be a separate entity from the City and will not require that members of Council be appointed to the Committee, and an item regarding the matter would be brought back at the next Council meeting for City Council’s consideration. Comments followed. There was Council consensus that no action be taken at this time for this Committee.
Discussion followed. A motion was made by Councilmember Gama, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, to reappoint Councilmember Hernandez as the Primary on the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Discussion followed. A motion was made by Councilmember Gama, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, to reappoint Councilmember Hernandez as the Primary on the Southern California Edison Government Advisory Panel (SCEGAP). Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Discussion followed. A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Gama, to appoint Councilmember Hernandez as the Primary and Mayor Pro Tern Lopez as the Alternate to the Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG). Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - January 6, 2025, Page 6 of 9 Discussion followed. There was Council consensus to have Councilmember Gama retain his position on the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) since he was appointed to a 4-year term.
Discussion followed. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, seconded by Councilmember Perez, to reappoint Councilmember Gama as the Primary and Councilmember Hernandez as the Alternate on the Ventura County Animal Services Commission (VCASC). Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Discussion followed. A motion was made by Councilmember Gama, seconded by Councilmember Perez, to reappoint Mayor McQueen-Legohn as the Primary on the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC). Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Discussion followed. A motion was made by Councilmember Gama, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, to reappoint Councilmember Hernandez as the Primary on Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance District Board (VCREA). Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Discussion followed. A motion was made by Councilmember Gama, seconded by Councilmember Perez, to reappoint Mayor McQueen-Legohn as Primary and Councilmember Hernandez as Alternate to the Ventura Regional Sanitation District (VRSD). Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Discussion followed. There was Council consensus that no action be taken at this time for this Committee due to pending direction from the Museum Governance Committee.
Discussion followed. In response to Councilmember Hernandez, to add a committee and position to the list with budget costs for travel and hotel accommodations, City Manager James Vega indicated to avoid any potential Brown Act violations a separate item can be brought back to Council for consideration at a future Council meeting.
10. SYNOPSIS OF AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY OF PORT HUENEME AND OXNARD HARBOR PORT (THE “PORT”)
Recommendation: Receive a synopsis of the Agreements between the City of Port Hueneme and Oxnard Harbor Port (the “Port”) and provide direction, as desired.
City Attorney Joan Smyth presented the report. Questions were asked and responded to throughout the presentation. City Manager James Vega indicated that questions that Council has identified would be tracked and researched by the City and that the City will contact the Port to ensure all parties have the same understanding.
Public comments were provided in person by the following:
• Jan Berk
• Austin Yang, Chief Financial Officer, Port of Hueneme Questions and comments followed. City Manager James Vega indicated that some questions for clarification were received so staff will proceed to get clarification and provide that information back to Council. There was no action taken, therefore, there was no vote.
11.2025 CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS SCHEDULE
Recommendation: Consider the list of presentations scheduled for 2025 and provide direction as desired.
City Manager James Vega presented the report. Discussion followed.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - January 6, 2025, Page 7 of 9 A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, to add Tsunami Awareness Month and National Women’s History Month to the month of March in the proposed presentation schedule. Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, to add National Emergency Preparedness Month and combine it with 9/11 and National Hispanic Heritage Month to the month of September in the proposed presentation schedule. Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, to add Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to the month of May in the proposed presentation schedule. Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Discussion followed. A motion was made by Councilmember Gama, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez, to ensure that the Native American Heritage Month Proclamation has language that is in line with the state and federal government and recognizes all Native American tribes. Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Discussion followed. Mayor McQueen-Legohn confirmed with the City Clerk for the record that there were no public comments.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
City Manager James Vega provided comments and reports regarding the following topics:
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Public Input Survey • Ventura Road Sewer Replacement Project
• Dredging update
• Swing set installation
• Upcoming Council meeting topics
Questions followed.
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council provided comments and reports regarding the following topics:
Councilmember Perez:
• None.
Councilmember Gama:
• VCAS -tour with New Director of VCAS
• BEACON -regional projects, expanding the science committee, budget increase, sand maintenance, Council expectations of BEACON, kelp forest • Recognized former Mayor Richard “Rich” Rollins
Councilmember Hernandez:
• Upcoming meetings: RDP strategic planning meeting; Navy League Luncheon • AWA; VCOG
• Mural debrief
• Upcoming SCAG meeting
Mayor Pro Tern Lopez:
• Gave thanks to City Attorney Joan Smyth and Port of Hueneme Chief Financial Officer Austin Yang for the report and clarifications made earlier regarding the City-Port Agreements.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - January 6, 2025, Page 8 of 9 Mayor McQueen-Legohn:
• No meetings this month
• Upcoming City Selection Committee
• Attending League of California Cities Mayors and Councilmembers Academy • Alaska Flight 261 Memorial
REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Gama:
1. Requested an item be added to a future Council agenda regarding goals and objectives for BEACON in the City of Port Hueneme, seconded by Councilmember Perez. Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Councilmember Hernandez:
1. Requested an item be added to a future Council agenda regarding short-term rentals based on the information submitted by Page LaPenn, seconded by Mayor McQueenLegohn. Motion passed unanimously, 5-0. In response for clarification, Councilmember Hernandez indicated that she’d like the report to outline where we are with short-term rentals, what the issue is, and what options there are for solutions for addressing the problem. Comments followed.
Mayor Pro Tern Lopez:
1. Requested an update on a previous request made by Councilmember Gama regarding parking and expanding driveways. City Manager James Vega indicated that the item is in progress, but includes a variety of parking issues and options and is anticipated to be brought back in the time frame proposed to Council, possibly the first meeting in March.
Councilmember Hernandez requested to close in honor of the 174 injured law enforcement officers and the 4 or 5 officers who lost their lives as a result of suicide following January 6 th
insurrection of last year.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned in memory of the injured and lost lives of the law enforcement officers who died as a result of the January 6
th insurrection, at 10:01 p.m. to its next regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
CPMC 7
ity Clerk
Approved this 21st day of January, 2025:
Majljna R. McQueenf-Legohn aior
CC Regular Meeting Minutes -January 6, 2025, Page 9 of 9