CITY OF PORT HUENEME
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, October 6, 2025
Port Hueneme City Hall
250 North Ventura Road, Port Hueneme, CA 93041
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 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 California Public Records Act. Written comments should be submitted to the City Clerk by 3:00 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 (include 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 (include agenda item number if applicable)”. Written comments received by the deadline will be provided to the City Council prior to the meeting and posted to the City’s website.
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, comuniquese con [email protected]. * Segun el Codigo de Gobierno de California 54954.3, si una persona utiliza un traductor durante las declaraciones publicas, el cuerpo legislativo 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 -October 6, 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. 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. Councilmember Gama 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 Pro Tern Lopez
PUBLIC COMMENT
City Clerk Georgianna Alvarez noted that written public comments had been received and were provided to the City Council prior to this meeting. In addition, the comments had been posted to the City’s website and included in the agenda packet binder that’s available in front of the Council Chamber for public review.
Public comments were provided in person by the following:
• Luis Mendez
• Anne Hogya
• Zach Baliva
CC Regular Meeting Minutes -October 6, 2025, Page 2 of 9
AGENDA APPROVAL FOR CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, and passed unanimously to approve the City Council Agenda of October 6, 2025.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST and LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES -None
PRESENTATIONS
A. 211 VENTURA COUNTY STATS & SERVICES UPDATE FOR PORT HUENEME - Presented by Interface Children & Family Services
Interface Children & Family Services Chief Communications Officer Kelly Brown gave an update on the 211 Ventura County Stats & Services for the City of Port Hueneme.
B. BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Councilmember Hernandez read the proclamation into record, recognizing October 2025 as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” in the City of Port Hueneme and encouraged the community to raise awareness and support the ongoing fight against breast cancer. The proclamation was presented to Lisa Morris and Briana Silva, Committee Members of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of West Ventura County.
C. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Mayor McQueen-Legohn read the proclamation into record, recognizing October 2025 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in the City of Port Hueneme and encouraged the community to participate in programs and outreach efforts aimed toward educating and supporting those who are victims of domestic violence. The proclamation was presented to Victim Services and Family Justice Centers Administrator Rachel Watkins, Supervising Victim Advocate Celia (Sally) Cardona, and Victim Advocates Paulina Lupian, Marissa Griffin, and Vivian Hernandez, from the Victim & Community Services Division of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Hernandez requested to pull Consent Calendar Item No. 5 for discussion.
Mayor Pro Tern Lopez requested to pull Consent Calendar Item Nos. 6, 7, and 8.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, to pull Consent Calendar Item Nos. 5, 6, 7, and 8, and approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1 - 4, as presented.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
City Council:
1. MINUTES
Approved the September 15, 2025, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
2. REGISTER OF DISBURSEMENTS
Received and filed the City’s register of disbursements for the period of September 8 2025 through September 22, 2025.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes -October 6, 2025, Page 3 of 9
3. RATIFICATION OF LABOR CONTRACT WITH PORT HUENEME SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION (SEIU) LOCAL 721
Approved and ratified a one-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City of Port Hueneme and the Service Employees’ International Union (SEIU) Local 721 for the contract period July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026.
4. CONTRACT AWARD TO FIDUCIARY EXPERTS LLC FOR SERVICES TO THE CITY S
EMPLOYEE REITREMENT BENEFITS PLANS BY PROVIDING FINANCIAL COMPLIANCE. RISK MANAGEMENT. PLAN DESIGN AND FIDUCIARY OVERSIGHT Approved the contract with Fiduciary Experts LLC as the finalist firm in response to the City’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for fiduciary advisory service related to employee’s retirement benefits.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
5. EXPANSION OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND SCHOLARSHIP PROJECT TO
INCORPORATE SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS IN NAVY JUNIOR RESERVE
OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS AT HUENEME HIGH SCHOOL
Recommendation: Direct the City’s Joint City/Port Committee Representatives to propose both agencies support the expansion of the Community Benefit Fund scholarship project to incorporate a community service-based scholarship for Hueneme High School students enrolled in the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC).
City Manager James Vega and Mayor Pro Tern Lopez answered clarifying questions.
There were no public comments. Discussion followed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Councilmember Perez, to use the existing application process and include the NJROTC in our invitation to apply.
Discussion followed.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
6. AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE MATERIALS
Recommendation: Approve the sole source purchase of materials, from Royal Industrial Solutions Ventura, in the amount of $18,178, to upgrade the Seaview Sewer lift station MCC1 (Main Control Cabinet); and in the amount of $25,390 to upgrade Pleasant Valley Station MCC1.
7. CONTRACT AWARD FOR PLEASANT VALLEY STATION WETWELL
REHABILITATION
Recommendation: Approve the award of a contract to Vortex Companies, in the amount of $47,645.00, to rehabilitate the Pleasant Valley Sewer lift station wetwell, and authorize staff to utilize H-GAC cooperative purchasing agreement for completion of the work.
8. CONTRACT AWARD FOR SEAVIEW STATION WETWELL MAINTENANCE Recommendation: Approve the award of a contract to Vortex Companies, in the amount of $53,725.00, to rehabilitate the Seaview sewer lift station wetwell located at Seaview Street and Market Street, and authorize staff to utilize H-GAC cooperative purchasing agreement for completion of the work; and approve an appropriation of Wastewater funds in the amount of $8,725 to complete this project.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes -October 6, 2025, Page 4 of 9 ITEM NOS. 6, 7, AND 8
City Manager James Vega provided a clarifying comment. Public Works Program Manager Brian Fomenko answered clarifying questions. Discussion followed.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, seconded by Councilmember Perez, to approve Consent Calendar item Nos. 6, 7, and 8, as presented.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE IV OF THE PORT
HUENEME MUNICIPAL CODE TO CLARIFY PROHIBITED WHEELED VEHICLE
ACTIVITY ON THE HUENEME PIER
Recommendation:
1. Open the public hearing to take testimonial and documentary evidence; and
2. Close the public hearing and consider the evidence; and
3. Introduce for first reading, by title only, waiving further reading of an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Port Hueneme, California amending Section 4301 of Chapter 4 of Article IV of the Port Hueneme Municipal Code to clarify prohibited wheeled vehicle activity on the Hueneme Pier”; and
4. Find the project to be categorically exempt from CEQA; and 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.
Deputy City Manager Charles Peretz presented the report.
The public hearing was opened at 7:29 p.m.
Public comments were provided in person by the following:
• Greg Ross
The public hearing was closed at 7:32 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez to:
1. Introduce for first reading, by title only, waiving further reading of an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Port Hueneme, California amending Section 4301 of Chapter 4 of Article IV of the Port Hueneme Municipal Code to clarify prohibited wheeled vehicle activity on the Hueneme Pier”; and
2. Find the project to be categorically exempt from CEQA. Discussion followed.
Motion passed 5-0, by Roll Call Vote, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
CC Regular Meeting Minutes -October 6, 2025, Page 5 of 9
BUSINESS ITEMS
10. OVERVIEW OF HOMELESS LIAISON OFFICER POSITION AND SERVICES Recommendation: Receive a presentation on the Flomeless Liaison Officer Position and Services from the Community Resources Officer.
Community Resources Officer Zach Frum presented the report. Police Chief Federico provided additional input.
Public comments were provided in person by the following:
• Janis Berk
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, seconded by Councilmember Perez, to receive a presentation on the Homeless Liaison Officer Position and Services from the Community Resources Officer. Comments followed.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
11. REACH HUENEME DONATION FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT CANINE UNIT Recommendation: Accept the REACH Hueneme Donation for the Police Department’s Canine Unit for the purpose of obtaining a drug search only, non-apprehension dog and approve a net-zero appropriation of funds in the amount of $26,800 to the General Fund.
Police Chief Federico presented the report. Questions followed. Tom Fiala, Treasurer of REACH, provided input.
Public comments were provided in person by the following:
• Becky Breuning
• John T. Medlen
• Rich Rollins
• Janis Berk
Written public comments were received.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, to accept the REACH Hueneme Donation for the Police Department’s Canine Unit for the purpose of obtaining a drug search only, non-apprehension dog and approve a net-zero appropriation of funds in the amount of $26,800 to the General Fund. Discussion followed.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
12. DETERMINE TIMELINE AND PROCESS FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
FOR CITY ATTORNEY SERVICES
Recommendation: Approve the proposed process to receive, review and select a Proposal for City Attorney Services.
City Manager James Vega presented the report. Questions followed. There were no public comments.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes -October 6, 2025, Page 6 of 9 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, seconded by Councilmember Perez, to approve the proposed process to receive, review and select a Proposal for City Attorney Services.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
13. REVIEW OF LOT COVERAGE STANDARDS
Recommendation: Receive and file the report, and determine whether to direct staff to proceed with a potential modification to lot coverage standards by incorporating such a change into the City’s recently revised landscaping standards.
City Manager James Vega presented the report. Questions followed.
Public comments were provided in person by the following:
• Janis Berk
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez, to receive and file the report, and directed staff to proceed with a potential modification to lot coverage standards by incorporating such a change into the City’s recently revised landscaping standards. Discussion followed.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
City Manager James Vega provided comments and reports regarding the following topics:
• 2025 Lifeguard & Jr. Lifeguard Wrap-Up
• 2025 California Coastal Cleanup
• Recreation and Community Services upcoming events: 4
th Annual Touch-A-Truck and 4
th
Annual Spooktacular
• Cybersecurity at the Ray D. Prueter Library
• Promenade closed due to dredging
• Upcoming Council meeting topics
Questions followed.
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council provided comments and reports regarding the following topics:
Councilmember Perez:
• Attended Committee meetings
• Association of Defense Committees - discussed outcomes of pending defense authorization bills and potential future agenda items, including: drone airspace security, foreign investment land, tech and equipment, critical infrastructure resilience and disaster response, installation force protection, and Alaska Defense Forum Councilmember Gama:
• California Coastal Cleanup
• Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer awareness
CC Regular Meeting Minutes -October 6, 2025, Page 7 of 9 Councilmember Hernandez:
• Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG) meeting - presentations on Delta Conveyance Project and the role of elected officials during disasters • CAUSE event - immigration rights, youth leadership, environmental justice, housing, voting rights, and workers’ rights
• Cal State Channels Islands Site Authority Meeting and President’s Dinner - highlighted designations/recognitions received and rising enrollment • Oxnard College 50 Year Anniversary and Mural dedication • Clean Power Alliance retreat-100% GHG-free energy by 2035, CPA ownership of power infrastructure (EV chargers, microgrids, transmission lines) • Banana Festival
• Holiday Inn Express -renovations and permit process
• Redistricting webinar (Prop 50)
• Regional Defense Partnership (RDP) Strategic Planning meeting • League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Brunch • League of California Cities Annual Conference
• Port Hueneme Beach recognized as one of the cleanest beaches in California by Heal the Bay
• California Coastal Cleanup
• Cybersecurity awareness
Councilmember Gama:
• IRS phone scam warning
Mayor Pro Tern Lopez:
• Congratulated the Port of Hueneme on the Banana Festival • Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) meeting - small business loan program for storefront improvements
• LULAC meeting & Women’s Empowerment Brunch
Mayor McQueen-Legohn:
• Attended Committee meetings
• Banana Festival
• Sent Caltrans information to City Manager for review
• VCTC - Rideshare Week, “Less Miles, More Smiles”; 428 emergency roadside callboxes have been removed due to low use; extended tow services • Noted upcoming travel dates
• Upcoming California Transit Association (CTA) Conference & Expo
REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Hernandez:
1. Requested a certificate for Tony Volante’s 90th birthday. Councilmember Hernandez withdrew her request and will instead circulate a birthday card for Council’s signature.
Mayor Pro Tern Lopez:
1. Requested an item be added to a future Council agenda to establish a transparent process to accept donations, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez. Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
2. Requested an item be added to a future Council agenda to discuss adding a Trunk or Treat event next year, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez. Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes -October 6, 2025, Page 8 of 9
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 9:49 p.m. to its next regular meeting scheduled for Monday October 20, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Georgian icole Al
City Clerl<
Approved this 20th day of October, 2025:
Martha R. McQueen-Lpgphn, May
CC Regular Meeting Minutes -October 6, 2025, Page 9 of 9