CITY OF PORT HUENEME
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, November 17, 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 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 “City Council 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 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 que no hablan ingles reciban la misma oportunidad de dirigirse directamente al cuerpo legislative de una agencia local.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes -November 17, 2025, Page 1 of 9 * 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 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 $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 Perez 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
PUBLIC COMMENT
City Clerk Georgianna Alvarez noted that a written public comment had been received and was 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:
• David Aviles
• Greg Ross
AGENDA APPROVAL FOR CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, and passed unanimously to approve the City Council Agenda of November 17, 2025.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - November 17, 2025, Page 2 of 9 CONFLICT OF INTEREST and LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES -None
PRESENTATIONS
A. QUARTERLY EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
• 25 years of service - Ryan Bates, Sergeant
Sergeant Ryan Bates was recognized and presented with a certificate of recognition for his years of service with the City.
B. NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH PROCLAMATION
Councilmember Gama read the proclamation into record and proclaimed November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month in Port Hueneme, calling upon residents, schools, agencies, and community partners to honor the resilience and leadership of Native American peoples; to learn from local Tribal histories and cultures; and to engage in activities that advance understanding, respect, and partnership throughout our community.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Hernandez and Mayor Pro Tern Lopez requested to pull Consent Calendar Item No. 2 for discussion.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez, to pull Consent Calendar Item No. 2, and approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1, and 3 -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 November 3, 2025, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
3. RESOLUTION RATIFYING VENTURA COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT (VCFPD) ORDINANCE NO. 34 BUILDING STANDARDS
1. Adopted Resolution No. 4554, a Resolution entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Port Hueneme, California, Ratifying Ventura County Fire Protection District (VCFPD) Ordinance No. 34, Article 3 Section 903, Article 3 Appendix Band Article 4 Section 604.11 Pertaining to Building Standards for Application within the Jurisdictional Boundaries of the City,” which allows the Ventura County Fire Protection District to enforce certain building standards within the City of Port Hueneme.
2. Authorized the Building Official to file a copy of the findings of the Ventura County Fire Protection District together with a copy of Article 3 Section 903, Article 3 Appendix B and Article 4 Section 604.11 of Ordinance 34 to the California Department of Housing and Community Development and California Building Standards Commission.
4. AMENDMENT OF THE EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT GROUP SALARY SCHEDULE TO
MOVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DUTIES FROM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO CITY MANAGER S OFFICE. AND TO REINSTATE THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR POSITION
Approved the amended Executive Management salary schedule which:
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - November 17, 2025, Page 3 of 9
1. Reclassifies the Community and Economic Development Director to the Community Development Director, moving Economic Development Duties to the City Manager’s Office, and implementing a corresponding reduction in salary range for the position;
2. Reclassifies the City Manager’s Administrative Analyst classification to the City Manager’s Management Analyst, and adjusts the salary range, which will support the City Manager in Economic Development responsibilities being reassigned to the City Manager’s Office, resulting in needed capacity improvements identified in Strategy 8 of the City's Economic Development Plan;
3. Reinstates the previously frozen Community Development Director Position, which had not been filled due to budget constraints, in order to recruit and fill the Community Development Director Position;
4. Approved an appropriation of $133,000 to fund the position for the remainder of the fiscal year with a reorganization plan to be presented to Council prior to next fiscal year to fund the position.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
2. REGISTER OF DISBURSEMENTS
Recommendation: Receive and file the City’s register of disbursements for the period of October 28, 2025 through November 6, 2025.
City Manager James Vega answered clarifying questions.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, to approve Consent Calendar item No. 2, as presented.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
5. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT 2025 EDITIONS
OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
Recommendation:
1. Open the public hearing to take testimonial and documentary evidence; and
2. Close the public hearing and consider the evidence; and
3. Adopt by title only, and waive further reading of an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Port Hueneme, California, Amending Article VIII, Building Regulations, of the Port Hueneme Municipal Code Incorporating the California Building Standards Code by Reference as Follows: (1) California Building Code (CBC) with Appendices C, G, I and J, California Residential Building Code (CRC) with Appendix BF, and California Green Building Standards Code (CGBSC), 2025 Editions; (2) California Electrical Code (CEC), 2025 Edition; (3) California Plumbing Code (CPC), 2025 Edition; (4) California Mechanical Code (CMC), 2025 Edition; (5) California Administrative Code (CAC), 2025 Edition; (6) California Energy Code CENC), 2025 Edition; (7) California Existing Building Code (CEBC), 2025 Edition; (8) California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, 2025 Edition (9) International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), 2024 Edition; (10) International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), 2024 Edition; (10) Gypsum Association Fire Resistive Design Manual, Twenty-Third Edition, GA-600-2024; and making miscellaneous revisions to Article VIII, Building Regulations, to provide consistency with the California Building Standards Code; and
4. Find the project to be categorically exempt from CEQA.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - November 17, 2025, Page 4 of 9 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.
Building Official Tom Juzwiak presented the report.
The public hearing was opened at 7:02 p.m. There were no public comments. The public hearing was closed at 7:02 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Councilmember Perez to:
1. Adopt Ordinance No. 828, by title only, and waive further reading of an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Port Hueneme, California, Amending Article VIII, Building Regulations, of the Port Hueneme Municipal Code Incorporating the California Building Standards Code by Reference as Follows: (1) California Building Code (CBC) with Appendices C, G, I and J, California Residential Building Code (CRC) with Appendix BF, and California Green Building Standards Code (CGBSC), 2025 Editions; (2) California Electrical Code (CEC), 2025 Edition; (3) California Plumbing Code (CPC), 2025 Edition; (4) California Mechanical Code (CMC), 2025 Edition; (5) California Administrative Code (CAC), 2025 Edition; (6) California Energy Code CENC), 2025 Edition; (7) California Existing Building Code (CEBC), 2025 Edition; (8) California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, 2025 Edition (9) International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), 2024 Edition; (10) International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), 2024 Edition; (10) Gypsum Association Fire Resistive Design Manual, Twenty-Third Edition, GA-600-2024; and making miscellaneous revisions to Article VIII, Building Regulations, to provide consistency with the California Building Standards Code; and
2. Find the project to be categorically exempt from CEQA.
Motion passed 5-0, by Roll Call Vote, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
6. CONSIDER INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 10 TO ARTICLE
V OF THE PORT HUENEME MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING SHORT-TERM
RENTALS
Recommendation:
1. Continue 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, Chapter 10 to Article V of the Port Hueneme Municipal Code Regulating Short-Term Rentals”; and
4. Find the project to be categorically exempt from CEQA; and
5. Take such additional related action that may be desirable.
City Clerk Georgianna Alvarez affirmed Proof of Publication and that 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 followed.
The continued public hearing was opened at 7:40 p.m.
City Clerk Alvarez noted that a written public comment had been received.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes -November 17, 2025, Page 5 of 9 Public comments were provided in person by the following:
• Paul J. Quigley
• David Scrivner
• Jan Berk
• Dawn Durazo
• Tony Delatore
The public hearing was closed at 7:57 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gama to table the discussion to December 1 and return with a new ordinance providing alternatives to the posting requirements—either to remove or rewrite them—and to remove separation requirements. Comments followed.
Councilmember Gama withdrew his motion. Clarifying discussion followed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Gama, 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, Chapter 10 to Article V of the Port Hueneme Municipal Code Regulating Short-Term Rentals”; and
2. Find the project to be categorically exempt from CEQA; and
3. Remove the posting requirement and separation requirement.
Motion passed 3-2, by Roll Call Vote, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Perez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: Hernandez, Lopez; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Clarifying discussion followed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Mayor McQueen-Legohn to rescind the previously approved motion.
Motion passed 5-0, by Roll Call Vote, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Gama, 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, Chapter 10 to Article V of the Port Hueneme Municipal Code Regulating Short-Term Rentals”; and
2. Find the project to be categorically exempt from CEQA; and
3. Amend the posting requirement and remove the separation requirement.
Discussion followed.
After substantial discussion, the motion was restated. It was determined that the original motion did not accurately reflect Council’s intended action. The motion was clarified as follows: A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Gama, to bring back the ordinance amending the posting requirement and removing the separation requirement.
Motion passed 3-2, by Roll Call Vote, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Perez, Lopez
NOES: Hernandez, McQueen-Legohn; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None CC Regular Meeting Minutes -November 17, 2025, Page 6 of 9 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez regarding the annual permit fee, proposing to keep the initial fee at $995 and reduce the renewal fee to $500. Motion failed for lack of second.
7. CANNABIS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT COMPLIANCE REVIEW AND FINDING OF
EXEMPTION FROM CEQA
Recommendation:
1. Open the public hearing to take testimonial and documentary evidence; and
2. Close the public hearing and consider the evidence; and
3. Adopt a resolution determining that the following cannabis businesses are in compliance with their respective Development Agreements: Freedom 1st Association (Skunkmasters); Westside Professional Management, LLC (Wheelhouse); Tech Delivery Solutions, LLC (Royal Kush); Harbor Management Group DBA (SafePort); and Tradecraft Farms -Port Hueneme, LLC; and
4. Adopt resolutions determining that the following cannabis businesses are in partial compliance with their respective Development Agreements: BB&SE, Inc; Bleu Diamond, LLC; DBO Investments PH, LLC (From the Earth); Innovative Concepts Investment Group, LLC (I Heart Cannabis); Port Retail (Tree Factory); and
5. Adopt a resolution determining that Front Door Enterprises (EcoMeds) is out of compliance and in default of its Development Agreement and direct staff to provide written notice of the City’s intent to revoke the agreement if the default is not cured within 30 days; and
6. Make a determination the project is exempt under CEQA; and
7. 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 began presenting the report. Mayor Pro Tern Lopez recessed the meeting at 8:46 p.m. Mayor McQueen-Legohn reconvened the meeting at 8:53 p.m. Deputy City Manager Charles Peretz resumed the presentation. Questions followed.
The public hearing was opened at 9:07 p.m. There were no public comments. The public hearing was closed at 9:07 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez to:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 4555, a resolution determining that the following cannabis businesses are in compliance with their respective Development Agreements:
Freedom 1st Association (Skunkmasters); Westside Professional Management, LLC (Wheelhouse); Tech Delivery Solutions, LLC (Royal Kush); Harbor Management Group DBA (SafePort); and Tradecraft Farms -Port Hueneme, LLC; and
2. Adopt Resolutions determining that the following cannabis businesses are in partial compliance with their respective Development Agreements: BB&SE, Inc (Resolution No. 4556); Bleu Diamond, LLC (Resolution No. 4557); DBO Investments PH, LLC (From the Earth) (Resolution No. 4558); Innovative Concepts Investment Group, LLC (I Heart Cannabis) (Resolution No. 4559); Port Retail (Tree Factory) (Resolution No. 4560); and
3. Adopt Resolution No. 4561, a resolution determining that Front Door Enterprises (EcoMeds) is out of compliance and in default of its Development Agreement and direct staff to provide written notice of the City’s intent to revoke the agreement if the default is not cured within 30 days; and
4. Make a determination the project is exempt under CEQA; and
5. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - November 17, 2025, Page 7 of 9 Motion passed 5-0, by Roll Call Vote, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
BUSINESS ITEMS
8. DISCUSSION OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND ALLOCATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 FUNDING CYCLE
Recommendation: Receive an update from the City’s City/Port Joint Committee Representatives on the Community Benefit Fund status and provide direction.
City Manager James Vega presented the report. Questions followed.
Public comments were provided in person by the following:
• Jan Berk
• Adam Vega
Discussion followed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, to receive an update from the City’s City/Port Joint Committee Representatives on the Community Benefit Fund status and provided direction authorizing the City/Port Joint Committee Representatives to make decisions on Council’s behalf at the upcoming City/Port Committee meeting.
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:
• Veterans Day Ceremony
• Police Dispatch Communication Center
• Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony & Pancakes with Santa Claus • 32nd Annual Senior Holiday Luncheon
• Upcoming Council meeting topics
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council provided comments and reports regarding the following topics:
Councilmember Perez:
• Nothing to report
Councilmember Gama:
• Commended County for road work on Hueneme Road
• Responded to Mayor Pro Tern Lopez’ comments about himself and the Port of Hueneme • Trucks’ impact on roads
• Lithium-ion batteries -Expressed concerns and desire for discussion • BEACON - Meeting canceled
• Ventura County Animal Services - Upcoming meeting; shelter overstocked Councilmember Hernandez:
• Noted absence at last Council meeting; indicated she is up to date on City matters • Attended all meetings except Clean Power Alliance (CPA) Committee meeting CC Regular Meeting Minutes -November 17, 2025, Page 8 of 9 • CPA - $250,000 grant program
• Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) - Internship opportunity for aspiring planners
• 2025 State of the Region by Ventura County Civic Alliance - Suggested inviting David Maron to present to Council
• Thanked everyone for their condolences and support following the passing of her mother Mayor Pro Tern Lopez:
• Calleguas Water Tour of the Delta Conveyance Project - noted water storage issues need for infrastructure investment, and aging water delivery system • Knights of Columbus Veterans Dinner and City’s Veterans Day Ceremony Mayor McQueen-Legohn:
• Attended all meetings
• The Salvation Army of Oxnard/Port Hueneme - Shoutout to Lieutenant Aviles; 1 st Annual
Kettle Kickoff Luncheon; noted it serves both Oxnard and Port Hueneme; invited Council to volunteer as bell ringers with her
There was Council consensus for Councilmember Gama to deliver the Native American Heritage Month proclamation to the Owens Valley Career Development Center.
REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS -None
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 10:21 p.m. to its next regular meeting scheduled for Monday December 1, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Gaorgiajjfina Nicole Alvarez, MMC
City Clerk
Approved this 1
st day of December, 2025:
Martha R. McQueenfLeaohn
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - November 17, 2025, Page 9 of 9