CITY OF PORT HUENEME
m\ City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
*
J City Council/Housing Authority/Surplus Property Authority / Commission Special Joint Meeting Minutes
Monday, May 19, 2025
Port Hueneme City Hall
250 North Ventura Road, Port Hueneme, CA 93041
5:45 PM Closed Session | 6:30 PM Regular Meeting
Watch Meetings Live or On-Demand
Official City Page: https://porthuenemeca.suiteonemedia.com YouTube: https://www.voutube.eom/@citvofporthuenemeqov
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/Authority 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 should be no more than 500 words and are subject to the Public Records Act. Written comments should be submitted to the City/Authority Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the City Council/Housing Authority meeting by email or directly to the City/Authority Clerk’s Office. Email [email protected] and enter “City Council (or Housing Authority) Public Comment” in the Subject line (and agenda item number if applicable). Mail or drop off written comments to the City/Authority Clerk’s Office located at 250 N. Ventura Road, Port Hueneme, CA 93041. Please clearly mark envelope with “City Council (or Housing Authority) 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, comum'quese 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 agenda 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 and CC/HA/SPA Special Meeting Minutes -May 19, 2025, Page 1 of 8 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. 5:45 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 item into record and announced that Councilmember Gama would be recusing himself.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9
Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1) Number of cases: One (1)
Discussion with legal counsel pending litigation when discussion in open session would prejudice the agency in the litigation.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST and LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES
Councilmember Gama recused himself from the closed session item out of an abundance of caution, due to his residence being located within 1,000 feet of the subject property.
CC Regular Meeting and CC/HA/SPA Special Meeting Minutes -May 19, 2025, Page 2 of 8
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor McQueen-Legohn recessed to the closed session meeting at 5:46 p.m. 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. 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 Councilmember Perez
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Joan Smyth indicated that, at the April 17, 2025, City Council meeting, the Council voted 4-0 (Councilmember Gama absent for having recused himself) to direct the City to pursue a legally binding compliance agreement with Surfside Motel. The Council further directed that, if an agreement could not be reached, the City would initiate litigation. City Attorney Joan Smyth reported that the City successfully entered into a legally binding compliance agreement with Mr.
Pini, owner of Surfside Motel, and that pursuant to the terms of the agreement, construction will be completed within one year. City Attorney Smyth further noted that the agreement includes additional provisions, including a stipulation that, should any terms be breached, Mr. Pini has agreed to the appointment of a receiver.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments were provided in person by the following:
• Victor Gallardo
• Becky Breuning
• Luis Mendez II
• Greg Ross
Public comments were submitted via email and read aloud by City Clerk Georgianna Alvarez by the following:
• Anonymous
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 May 19, 2025.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST and LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES - None
PRESENTATIONS
1. ARTHRITIS AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Councilmember Perez read the proclamation into record recognizing May 2025 as “Arthritis Awareness Month” and a short video was shared to raise awareness about arthritis. The proclamation was presented to Jessica Camarillo.
CC Regular Meeting and CC/HA/SPA Special Meeting Minutes -May 19, 2025, Page 3 of 8
2. ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH PROCLAMATION Councilmember Hernandez read the proclamation into record recognizing and proclaiming the month of May as “Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month”; and encouraged all residents to celebrate and deepen their understanding of the rich heritage and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
3. NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK PROCLAMATION & ANNUAL PROJECT UPDATE Mayor Pro Tern Lopez read the proclamation into record designating the week of May 18- 24, 2025, as “National Public Works Week”; and urged all citizens to join with representatives of the American Public Works Association and government agencies in activities, events, and ceremonies designed to pay tribute to our public works professionals, engineers, managers, and employees and to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protect our national health and safety, and to advance the quality of life for all. Public Works Director Fred Camarillo provided the annual Public Works update and was presented with the proclamation.
RECESS THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND CALL TO ORDER THE SPECIAL JOINT
MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND SURPLUS PROPERTY
AUTHORITY COMMISSION
Mayor/Chair McQueen-Legohn recessed the City Council Meeting and called to order the special joint meeting of the City Council, Housing Authority, and Surplus Property Authority Commission at 7:23 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Steven A. Gama, Laura D. Hernandez, and Misty Perez; Mayor Pro Tern Jess Lopez; and Mayor Martha R. McQueen-Legohn
Present: Housing Authority Members Robert Blackwell (departed at 7:56 p.m.), Steven A. Gama, Laura D. Hernandez, and Misty Perez; Vice Chair Jess Lopez; and Chair Martha R. McQueenLegohn
Present: Surplus Property Authority Commissioners Steven A. Gama, Laura D. Hernandez, and Misty Perez; Vice President Jess Lopez; and President Martha R. McQueen-Legohn
Absent: Housing Authority Member Johnny Brown
CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember/Member/Commissioner Hernandez, seconded by Councilmember/Member/Commissioner Perez, to approve the Consent Calendar, as presented. Motion passed unanimously with Housing Authority Member Brown absent.
Councilmembers/Authority Members/Commissioners:
4. MINUTES
Approved the May 5, 2025, Joint City Council, Housing Authority, Surplus Property Authority Commission Special Meeting Minutes.
PUBLIC HEARING
5. BIENNUAL BUDGET FISCAL YEARS 2025-26 AND 2026-27 BUDGET WORKSHOP #2 Recommendation:
1. Receive a report on the draft budget for Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27;
2. Provide feedback and general direction on the draft budget; and
3. Allow for public participation and comments for Council/Board consideration; and
4. Direct staff to incorporate any amendments and return for budget adoption on Monday June 2, 2025.
CC Regular Meeting and CC/HA/SPA Special Meeting Minutes -May 19, 2025, Page 4 of 8 City/Authority Clerk affirmed the proof of publication and a complete set of reports and exhibits were on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
City Manager James Vega presented the report. Questions and comments were made throughout the presentation. At 7:56 p.m. Housing Authority Member Blackwell left the meeting. City Attorney Joan Smyth announced that Mr. Blackwell had to depart but confirmed that a quorum remained present, and the meeting could proceed. In response to an inquiry from Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, City Manager James Vega indicated that he would provide City Council with information regarding the number of employees who are assigned take-home vehicles and the reasons for those assignments.
The public hearing was opened at 8:39 p.m.
Public comments were provided in person by the following:
• Luis Mendez II
Public comments were submitted via email and read aloud by City Clerk Georgianna Alvarez by the following:
• Jessica Baca
• Abraham Baca
The public hearing was closed at 8:52 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilmember/Member/Commissioner Hernandez, seconded by Mayor Pro TemA/ice ChairA/ice President Lopez, to:
1. Receive the report on the draft budget for Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27;
2. Provide feedback and general direction on the draft budget; and
3. Take into consideration any comments made; and
4. Direct staff to incorporate any amendments and return for budget adoption on Monday, June 2, 2025.
Discussion followed.
Motion passed 5-0-2, by a vote of the Housing Authority, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSENT: Blackwell and Brown; ABSTAIN: None
Motion passed 5-0, by a vote of the City Council and Surplus Property Authority Commission, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None
ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING
AUTHORITY, AND SURPLUS PROPERTY AUTHORITY COMMISSION
The special joint meeting of the City Council, Housing Authority, and Surplus Property Authority Commission adjourned at 9:09 p.m.
Approved this 2
nd Respectfully Submitted: day of June, 2025:
1L \ 0 km
Qecf>rgiarvia Nicole Alvarez, MMC, CPMC
City/Authority Clerk
CC Regular Meeting and CC/HA/SPA Special Meeting Minutes -May 19, 2025, Page 5 of 8
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Mayor McQueen-Legohn reconvened the City Council Regular Meeting at 9:09 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Councilmember Perez to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 6 - 9, as presented.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None
City Council:
6. MINUTES
Approved the May 5, 2025, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
7. REGISTER OF DISBURSEMENTS
Received and filed the City’s register of disbursements for the period of May 1, 2025 through May 7, 2025.
8. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR WORK RELEASE LABOR WITH THE VENTURA
COUNTY PROBATION AGENCY
Authorized the City Manager to execute a work release labor agreement with the Ventura County Probation Agency (VCPA) for a period of three years.
9. PROCUREMENT FOR PUBLIC WORKS GENERATOR
Approved the purchase of a 2025 Caterpillar Stationary generator set model D60-GC in the amount of $43,581.22, utilizing a cooperative purchasing agreement #60573.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
BUSINESS ITEMS
10. BEACH EROSION AUTHORITY FOR CLEAN OCEANS AND NOURISHMENT (BEACON) GOALS FOR FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025/26
Recommendation: Receive BEACON’S proposed goals for FY 2025/26 and provide direction.
City Manager James Vega presented the report. There were no public comments.
Discussion followed and included, but was not limited to, requests for clarification on the first bullet point, correction of typographical errors, and requested that staff follow up with BEACON to review the information provided for accuracy.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Councilmember Perez, to receive and file BEACON’S proposed goals for FY 2025/26 and provided direction to staff to seek clarification on the first bullet point: “Dredging at Channel Islands Harbor Sand Trap is a federal obligation involving funding from the USACoE and the US Navy and is not one of Navigation as it relates to Hueneme Beach and the Port of Hueneme”.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None
CC Regular Meeting and CC/HA/SPA Special Meeting Minutes -May 19, 2025, Page 6 of 8
11. CITY HALL ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER UPDATE
Recommendation: Receive an update regarding the Electric Vehicle (EV) charger at City Hall potentially losing the ability to recover costs and authorize staff to purchase a replacement dual-port EV charger to ensure the City can continue to offer EV charging and recover the costs associated with electricity usage.
City Manager James Vega presented the report. Questions followed. There were no public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez, to receive the update regarding the EV charger at City Hall potentially losing the ability to recover costs. Councilmember Perez withdrew her motion and made a new motion.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Gama, to approve staff’s recommendation of receiving the update regarding the EV charger at City Hall and authorizing staff to purchase a replacement dual-port EV charger to ensure the City can continue to offer EV charging and recover the costs associated with electricity usage.
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:
• Veterans Advisory Ad Hoc Committee - Now Accepting Applications • 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony
• Coffee With Your City
• 2025 Port Hueneme Summer Camp Program
• Upcoming Council Meeting topics
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council provided comments and reports regarding the following topics:
Councilmember Perez:
• None.
Councilmember Gama:
• Passing of Romeo Arellano - memorial plaque/memorial bench • Individual expectation and goals for the Port of Hueneme • Ventura County Animal Services - at full capacity, promote spay and neutering, new director
• Victor Gallardo
• Bike lane safety
• Auto transport truck
Councilmember Hernandez:
• Ventura County of Council of Governments (VCOG) meeting - presented a plaque to Hugh Riley for his years of service with VCOG, approved a broadband master plan • 2025 Coastal Cleanup organization
• Requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Michael Hyde and included Romeo Arellano per Councilmember Gama’s earlier comment - Mayor Pro Tern Lopez added Robert Aguilera to the request
CC Regular Meeting and CC/HA/SPA Special Meeting Minutes -May 19, 2025, Page 7 of 8 Mayor Pro Tern Lopez:
• None
Mayor McQueen-Legohn:
• World Trade Month Event at the Port of Hueneme
• Upcoming Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting - proclamation to be presented to Channel Islands Harbor in honor of their 60th Anniversary • Savvy Senior event
• Monthly meetings participation update
REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tern Lopez:
1. Requested an item be added to a future Council agenda to bring back information on what has been done already regarding a study of the southbound lane of Ventura Road and recommendations regarding the potential fora bicycle lane, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez. Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Councilmember Gama:
1. Requested an item be added to a future Council agenda regarding a brief discussion regarding Alex’s Lemonade Stand. City Manager James Vega explained that he is already planning to reach out to Mr. Victor Gallardo regarding Alex’s Lemonade Stand to see how the City can support the event at no cost, and therefore an agenda item is not needed at this time. Councilmember Gama withdrew his request.
Councilmember Hernandez:
1. Requested that Councilmembers limit their individual comments and discussion to 5 minutes out of respect for staff’s and the public’s time, and to encourage more concise discussions.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned in memory of Romeo Arellano, Michael Hyde, and Robert Aguilera at 10:11 p.m. to its next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, June 2, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
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City Clerk
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Approved this 2
nd day of June, 2025:
Marfjia R. McQueen-Legdhn, Mayor
CC Regular Meeting and CC/HA/SPA Special Meeting Minutes -May 19, 2025, Page 8 of 8