CITY OF PORT HUENEME
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, April 21. 2025
Port Hueneme City Hall
250 North Ventura Road, Port Hueneme, CA 93041
5:30 PM Closed Session | 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 del tiempo asignado a un miembro del publico que utilice un traductor para garantizar que las personas CC Regular Meeting Minutes -April 21, 2025, Page 1 of 9 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 $500 within the 12 months prior to the City decision. Any City elected or appointed Officer who has received a contribution totaling more than $500 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 often 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 $500 for a period of twelve (12) months following any proceeding described above. 5:30 PM -CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor McQueen-Legohn called the closed session meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Steven A. Gama, Laura D. Hernandez, Misty Perez; Mayor Pro Tern Jess Lopez; Mayor Martha R. McQueen-Legohn
Absent: None
PUBLIC COMMENT -None
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
City Attorney Joan Smyth read the closed session items into record.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9
Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(4) Number of potential cases: One (1)
Based on existing facts and circumstances, the legislative body of the local agency has decided to initiate or is deciding whether to initiate litigation.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST and LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES
Councilmember Gama indicated that, out of an abundance of caution due to the proximity of his residence, he would recuse himself for Closed Session Item A, as noted above.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor McQueen-Legohn recessed to the closed session meeting at 5:46 p.m.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes -April 21, 2025, Page 2 of 9 6:30 P.M. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER / FLAG SALUTE
Mayor McQueen-Legohn called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Lopez led the flag salute.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Steven A. Gama, Laura D. Hernandez, Misty Perez; Mayor Pro Tem Jess Lopez; Mayor Martha R. McQueen-Legohn
Absent: None
INSPIRATION
Given by Mayor McQueen-Legohn
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Joan Smyth provided the closed session report, indicating that, on a vote of 4-0 with Councilmember Gama recused, the City Council provided direction to initiate an action, and that, the action, the defendants, and the other particulars shall be disclosed to any person upon inquiry, once formally commenced, unless to do so would jeopardize service of process on the adverse parties or the ability to conclude existing settlement negotiations to the agency’s advantage.
PUBLIC
Public comments were provided in person by the following:
• Javier Garnica
• Becky Breuning
• Ned Branch
AGENDA APPROVAL FOR CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez and passed unanimously to approve the City Council Agenda of April 21, 2025.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST and LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES - None
PRESENTATIONS
1. POLICE DISPATCHER OF THE YEAR AWARD PRESENTED TO LINETTE ADAMS Police Chief Federico provided a brief overview and presented Police Dispatcher Linette Adams with a Certificate of Recognition for having received the Dispatcher of the Year Award.
2. EARTH DAY PROCLAMATION
Councilmember Gama read the proclamation into record proclaiming April 22, 2025 as “Earth Day” throughout the City of Port Hueneme and encouraged all citizens, businesses, and institutions to celebrate the Earth and promote the protection of our environment.
3. ARBOR DAY PROCLAMATION
Councilmember Hernandez read the proclamation into record proclaiming the fourth Wednesday in April as “Arbor Day” in the City of Port Hueneme; and encouraged all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day, support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and to plant and care for trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations. Charles Cable, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer, announced an upcoming event in celebration of Arbor Day and Earth Day.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes -April 21, 2025, Page 3 of 9
CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Councilmember Perez to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4 - 6, as presented.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None
City Council:
MINUTES
Approved the April 7, 2025, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
4. 5. REGISTER OF DISBURSEMENTS
Received and filed the City’s register of disbursements for the period of March 26, 2025 through April 15, 2025.
6. ACCEPTANCE OF THE HUENEME BEACH PARK WALKWAY REPLACEMENT AND SWINGSET WALKWAY AND PAD PROJECT: PROJECT NO 2024-07
1. Accepted the work performed by BSN Construction, Inc., for the Hueneme Beach Walkway Replacement and Swingset Walkway and Pad Project; Project No. 2024-07;
2. Directed the City Clerk to file the attached Notice of Completion in the Office of the County Recorder; and
3. Directed staff to release the project retention after recordation of the Notice of Completion, as no properly executed notices to stop payment have been filed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. APPROVAL OF A COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR THE HUENEME BEACH
PARK DUNE RESTORATION PROJECT AND DETERMINING THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA (PROJECT NO. PHCD-25-1)
Recommendation:
1. Open the public hearing to take testimonial and documentary evidence;
2. Close the public hearing and consider the evidence;
3. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Port Hueneme, California, Granting Approval of a Coastal Development Permit for the Hueneme Beach Park Dune Restoration Project Located at 550 E. Surfside Drive and Determining the Project is Exempt from CEQA (Project No. PHCD-25-1); and
4. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
City Clerk Georgianna Alvarez affirmed Proof of Publication and a complete set of reports and exhibits were on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
Community and Economic Development Director Tony Stewart presented the report. Joan Tharp, on behalf of the Ventura Surfrider Foundation, answered questions.
The public hearing was opened at 6:58 p.m. There were no public comments. The public hearing was closed at 6:58 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez, to adopt Resolution No. 4530, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Port Hueneme, California, granting approval of a Coastal Development Permit for the Hueneme Beach CC Regular Meeting Minutes -April 21, 2025, Page 4 of 9 Park Dune Restoration Project located at 550 E. Surfside Drive and determining the project is exempt from CEQA (Project No. PHCD-25-1); and take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
Motion passed 5-0, by Roll Call Vote, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None
BUSINESS ITEMS
8. PORT CONVOY QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES
Recommendation: Consider the attached Exhibit with responses from Oxnard Harbor Port (the “Port”) to questions from City Council to the Port regarding convoys/trucks and provide direction as appropriate.
City Attorney Joan Smyth presented the report. The following representatives of the Port provided additional input and answered questions: Christopher Pisano, Best Best & Krieger (BBK) Partner and legal counsel for the Port, Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director, and Austin Yang, Chief Financial Officer.
Public comments were provided by the following:
• Joan Tharp (in person)
• Jeffrey Scarberry (submitted via email and read by City Clerk Georgianna Alvarez) • Jan Berk (in person)
Discussion followed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez, to accept the report, put the discussion on record, and approve to take this issue for further discussion to the next CityPort Committee meeting. This motion was superseded and failed due to lack of a second.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez to accept the recommendation of staff and to receive the report. This motion was superseded and failed due to lack of a second.
Discussion followed.
A motion was made by Mayor McQueen-Legohn, seconded by Councilmember Perez, directing the City Manager and the City Attorney to return with information regarding: the gross of vehicle revenues; what it would cost for us to repair roads; how much has been spent on the repairing of roads from the funding that we’ve received from the Port; and an answer to Question No. 2. “If the trucks and their vehicles aren’t counted as vehicles, are they counted under one of the other methods/agreements?”.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None
9. CONSIDERATON OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND ALLOCATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025-2026 FUNDING CYCLE
Recommendation: Review applications for funding from the Community Benefit Fund, taking into consideration the recommendation provided by the Citizen Advisory CC Regular Meeting Minutes - April 21, 2025, Page 5 of 9 Commission, and offer guidance to the Council's representatives on the City/Port Committee.
Deputy City Manager Charles Peretz presented the report. Questions followed. At the request of City Council, Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director, and Kate Rodriguez of Equine Empowerment Foundation, commented.
Public comments were provided in person by the following:
• Thomas Fiala
Public comments were submitted via email and read by City Clerk Georgianna Alvarez by the following:
• Isaac Montes Martinez
Discussion followed. At the request of City Council, Rich Rollins provided his comments.
Discussion continued.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, seconded by Councilmember Gama, to move Item No. 15 to a priority level 2 at $10,000. Discussion followed.
Motion passed 4-1, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez
NOES: McQueen-Legohn; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None
Discussion continued.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Councilmember Perez to:
1. Approve the proposed priority levels for the Community Benefit Fund applications as follows:
a. Priority Level 1: Highest priority. Recommended for funding in the upcoming cycle;
b. Priority Level 2: Secondary priority. Recommended for funding if sufficient funds are available; and
c. Priority Level 3: Lower priority. Not recommended for funding at this time.
2. Request additional information for the following applications:
a. Item No. 2: REACH -Utility Box Project-Specify what the $6,000 cost covers. b. Item No. 3: Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme -Specify what the $10,000 covers regarding field trips and supplies; and
3. Consider the request from Nate’s Place Wellness & Recovery Center at the amount of $10,000.
Priority Levels and Allocations as proposed:
Level 1
1. Equine Empowerment Foundation $4,934
$6,000 -Requested additional information
specifying what this cost is for.
2. REACH (Utility Box Project)
$10,000 -Requested additional
information specifying what this cost is for
regarding field trips and supplies.
3. Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port
Hueneme
CC Regular Meeting Minutes -April 21, 2025, Page 6 of 9
4. Hueneme High School Robotics $10,000
5. Reel Guppy Outdoors $5,000
7. Port Hueneme Explorers $10,000
8. Nate's Place Wellness & Recovery Center $10,000
Total Priority Level 1Applications $55,934
Total Priority Level 1+ City-Port Initiatives $85,934
Level 2
9. ANIMO Theatre Productions $5,000
10. VFW Post 3935 $10,000
11. REACH (Walk of Freedom Project) $5,000
15. Randall Thomas $10,000 (moved up from Level 3)
Total Priority Level 2 Applications $30,000
Total Priority Level 1and 2 + City-Port Initiatives $115,934 Level 3
12. OPAC (Carpenter Mural) 10,000
13. OPAC (Pop Up Murals) 10,000
14. REACH (Contribution to SR Luncheon) 2,000
16.Hueneme Sister Cities 4,000
17.Triton Recycle Club -Pacifica High School 5,000 -7,000
18. United Water Conservation District 15,000
Total 46,000 - 48,000
10. RECOMMENDATION FOR CITY COUNCIL TO DIRECT STAFF TO DRAFT AN
ORDINANCE RESTRICTING THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF NITROUS OXIDE Recommendation: Direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance prohibiting the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide within the City of Port Hueneme in an effort to enhance public safety.
City Manager James Vega presented the report. Police Chief Federico and Community Resources Officer Zachary Frum provided additional input. Questions followed. There were no public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Councilmember Perez, to direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance prohibiting the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide within the City of Port Hueneme in an effort to enhance public safety.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None
11. BROADBAND MASTER PLAN UPDATE
Recommendation: Receive an update regarding the City’s Broadband Master Plan and approve recommended amendments to the plan resulting in a reduction of future project costs of approximately $4,293,000.
Information Systems Technology Manager Aaron Wedemeyer presented the report.
Questions followed. There were no public comments.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes -April 21, 2025, Page 7 of 9 A motion was made by Councilmember Gama, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, to receive the update regarding the City’s Broadband Master Plan and approve recommended amendments to the plan resulting in a reduction of future project costs of approximately $4,293,000.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
City Manager James Vega provided comments and reports regarding the following topics:
• Bubbling Springs Park partial reopening celebration with the Port Hueneme Little League • Ray D. Prueter Library Grand Reopening and unveiling of the mural • Bubbling Springs Park tour and ribbon cutting of new items opening at the park • Annual Spring Egg-Stravaganza
• Arbor Day & Earth Day celebration
• 2025 Hueneme Hero Award -Nomination period now open
• Short-term rental community survey
• Upcoming Council meeting topics
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council provided comments and reports regarding the following topics:
Councilmember Perez:
• None.
Councilmember Gama:
• Egg-Stravaganza
• Coastal Oak trees
• Upcoming event: South Oxnard Library Premiere, “Past, Present, and Future” • Beaches Erosion Authority for Clean Oceans and Nourishment (BEACON) Sand Summit announcement
Councilmember Hernandez:
• Upcoming Conferences: Clean Power Alliance Conference and Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Conference
• Bubbling Springs Park partial reopening celebration with the Port Hueneme Little League • Grocery Outlet Anniversary Celebration
• Public Safety Night-Congratulated Sergeant Tapia on his recognition • Recognized Administrative Professionals Day
• Requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Jackie Lou Cates Mayor Pro Tern Lopez:
• Knights of Columbus Oxnard Council 750 Public Safety Night Awards - congratulated Sergeant Tapia for being selected as Supervisor of the Year • Bubbling Springs Park partial reopening celebration with the Port Hueneme Little League • Ventura County Tax Foundation 2025 Economic Outlook -tariffs • Captain Rosemary Bryant Mariner Outpatient Clinic Open House Mayor McQueen-Legohn:
• Knights of Columbus Oxnard Council 750 Public Safety Night Awards - congratulated Sergeant Tapia
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - April 21, 2025, Page 8 of 9 • Hueneme Road widening event
• Naval Surface Warfare Center Community Stakeholder Engagement meeting - Navy test information session
• Egg-Stravaganza
• EV charger permit process update
• Back from travel and looking forward to participate in upcoming events REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - None.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned in memory of Jackie Lou Cates at 10:17 p.m. to its next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, May 5, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
i sxabgianna. (JJMIMP rgianha Nicole Alvarez, MMC, CPMC Clerl
Approved this 5
th day of May, 2025:
Martha R. McQueqn-Legohn, yor
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - April 21, 2025, Page 9 of 9