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« CITY OF PORT HUENEME
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 15. 2025
Port Hueneme City Hall
250 North Ventura Road, Port Hueneme, CA 93041
6:30 PM Regular Meeting
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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 aqenda 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 [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 clerk@cityofporthue neme.org. * 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 - December 15, 2025, Page 1 of 7 * 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 Disabiiities 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 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. 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 Mayor Pro Tern Lopez
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments were provided in person by the following:
• Luis Mendez
• Janis Berk
• Ronald Arruejo
• Laura Barroso
• Sonya Akintonde
• Bobby Martinez
AGENDA APPROVAL FOR CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Councilmember Perez and Mayor Pro Tern Lopez, and passed unanimously to approve the City Council Agenda of December 15, 2025.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - December 15, 2025, Page 2 of 7 CONFLICT OF INTEREST and LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES - None.
PRESENTATIONS
A. INTRODUCTION OF POLICE CANINE GATOR
Police Chief Federico introduced the new police canine, Gator, and his handler. Officer Joe Tubbs.
B. HONOR AND RECOGNIZE 2025 MAYOR MARTHA MCQUEEN-LEGOHN City Manager James Vega honored and recognized Mayor McQueen-Legohn for her year of service as the 2025 Mayor and presented her with a token of appreciation. Mayor McQueen-Legohn shared a few words and Council provided comments of appreciation.
C. HONOR AND RECOGNIZE 2025 MAYOR PRO TEM JESS LOPEZ
City Manager James Vega honored and recognized Mayor Pro Tern Lopez for his year of service as the 2025 Mayor Pro Tern and presented him with a token of appreciation. Mayor Pro Tern Lopez shared a few words and Council provided comments of appreciation.
Various Ventura County dignitaries and elected officials presented Mayor McQueenLegohn and Mayor Pro Tern Lopez with certificates of recognition and offered comments honoring their service as the 2025 Mayor and Mayor Pro Tern.
RECESS (10 minutes)
Mayor McQueen-Legohn recessed the meeting at 7:19 p.m. and reconvened at 7:31 p.m.
COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
D. NOMINATION OF MAYOR
City Clerk Georgianna Alvarez opened the floor for nominations for Mayor.
Councilmember Gama nominated Councilmember McQueen-Legohn for Mayor, seconded by Councilmember Perez.
Motion passed 3-2, as follows;
AYES: Gama, Perez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: Hernandez and Lopez; ABSENT; None; ABSTAIN; None
E. NOMINATION OF MAYOR PRO TEM
City Clerk Georgianna Alvarez opened the floor for nominations for Mayor Pro Tern.
Councilmember Lopez nominated Councilmember Hernandez for Mayor Pro Tern, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez. Comments followed.
Motion passed 3-2, as follows:
AYES: Hernandez, Lopez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: Gama and Perez; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None
RECESS
Mayor McQueen-Legohn recessed the meeting at 7:36p.m. and reconvened at 7:39 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Lopez and Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez requested to pull Consent Calendar Item No. 4 for discussion.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez, to pull Consent Calendar Item No. 4, and approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1 - 3, and 5, as presented.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - December 15, 2025, Page 3 of 7 Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Lopez, Perez, Hernandez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
City Council:
1. MINUTES
Approved the December 1, 2025, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
2. REGISTER OF DISBURSEMENTS
Received and filed the City’s register of disbursements for the period of November 21, 2025 through December 8, 2025.
3. APPROVAL TO PASS-THROUGH CREDIT CARD TRANSACTION PROCESSING
FEES TO CUSTOMER
Adopted Resolution No. 4562, a resolution to authorize staff to impose a processing fee for cost recovery of fees incurred by customer use of credit cards, debit cards and electronic checks.
5. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (CA-DOJ). TOBACCO GRANT PROGRAM
1. Adopted Resolution No. 4563, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Port Hueneme, California, authorizing the City’s participation in the Tobacco Grant program by accepting funds in the amount of $156,657; and
2. Accepted the awarded CA-DOJ Tobacco Grant Program funds subject to the terms and conditions specified in the grant agreement, and authorized the City Manager or his designee, to sign the agreement and any related documents; and
3. Appropriated the FY2025-26 portion of grant revenue in the amount of $52,219 and $5,278 in expenditures with a positive revenue impact of $46,941 to the General Fund.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
4. ADOPTION OF A DONATION ACCEPTANCE POLICY
Recommendation: Adopt the attached Resolution entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Port Hueneme, California, Adopting a City Donation Acceptance Policy.”
City Manager James Vega answered clarifying questions. Discussion followed.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez, seconded by Councilmember Perez, to adopt Resolution No. 4564 as amended, a resolution entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Port Hueneme, California, Adopting a City Donation Acceptance Policy” with the amendment that the resolution and form should inform the City Council and City officials that the form must be completed and submitted prior to any solicitation of donations. Discussion followed.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Lopez, Perez, Hernandez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN; None; ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None.
BUSINESS ITEMS
6. APPOINTMENT OF CITY ATTORNEY AND APPROVAL OF LEGAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH ALESHIRE & WYNDER
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - December 15, 2025, Page 4 of 7 Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Aleshire & Wynder, LLP for legal services and appoint Paul Early, Esq. as the City Attorney.
City Manager James Vega presented the report. Questions followed. There were no public comments.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez, seconded by Councilmember Lopez, to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Aleshire & Wynder, LLP for legal services and appoint Paul Early, Esq. as the City Attorney.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Lopez, Perez, Hernandez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Paul Early provided a brief introduction and answered questions.
7. UPDATED AGREEMENT WITH THE PORT HUENEME LITTLE LEAGUE REGARDING
BUBBLING SPRINGS PARK BALLFIELDS AND RELATED ITEMS
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute a renewal agreement with the Port Hueneme Little League (PHLL) which will continue their non-exclusive but prioritybased usage of the ball fields at Bubbling Springs Park through the 2026 calendar year.
City Manager James Vega provided a brief overview. Deputy City Manager Charles Peretz presented the report. Questions and comments followed. There were no public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, to authorize the City Manager to execute a renewal agreement with the Port Hueneme Little League (PHLL) which will continue their non-exclusive but priority-based usage of the ball fields at Bubbling Springs Park through the 2026 calendar year. This motion was immediately superseded and was not seconded or voted on.
A motion was made by Councilmember Lopez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez, to reduce the extensions to two one-year agreements to make a market rate review.
Discussion followed. During discussion, Councilmember Lopez clarified that inclusion of a market rate review was not the intent of his motion. Based on the discussion and clarification, it is understood that the full motion was intended to authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement while reducing the extensions to two one-year extensions without including a market rate review.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Lopez, Perez, Hernandez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - None.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
City Manager James Vega provided comments and reports regarding the following topics:
• Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Senior Holiday Luncheon
• Pancakes with Santa
• Santa’s Annual Holiday Float visit through Port Hueneme • Upcoming Council meeting topics
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - December 15, 2025, Page 5 of 7 COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council provided comments and reports regarding the following topics:
Councilmember Perez:
• Association of Defense Communities meeting - Discussion included recent changes in grant funding priorities, challenges with new evaluation criteria, and health care concerns related to the TRICARE transition affecting military families. • Boys & Girls Club meeting - Announced upcoming ribbon cutting and noted funding was received to repair the basketball court floor.
Councilmember Gama:
• Beach Erosion Authority for Clean Oceans and Nourishment (BEACON) - Commented on the recent press release co-authored by Dr. Kiki Patsch, “The People’s Beach”, regarding sustaining equitable public access to California beaches. • Holiday Events-Senior Holiday Luncheon, Christmas Tree Lighting, Pancakes with Santa • Wished everyone a Merry Christmas
Councilmember Lopez:
• Veterans Advisory Ad Hoc Committee - Met with the Committee and reported that they are moving towards a Hueneme Banner Veterans program.
Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez:
• Attended meetings: Channel Islands Site Authority, Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Clean Power Alliance (CPA)
• SCAG presentation by Eric Garcetti on the 2028 Olympics and economic impacts on Southern California; small impact for Ventura County but potential opportunities noted • Channel Counties Board - planning events in Ventura County • Achieving Coastal Resiliency meeting - sea level rise plan requirement • Kaiser Permanente educational theater performance at Bard Elementary School • Regional Defense Partnership (RDP) meeting - Reported that the existing Executive Director will be retiring and a new appointment will be made. • Requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of Manuel Alvarado, owner of The Great Central Steak and Hoagie Company (withdrawn later in the meeting) Mayor McQueen-Legohn:
• Attended all City events and the Port of Hueneme’s President’s Dinner and Open House • Announced upcoming travel dates and noted she will miss the Air Pollution Control District (APCD) meeting
• Thanked Mayor Pro Tern for attending the RDP meeting in her absence • Ventura County Museum holiday reception
• Attend events, including a toy drive
• Looking forward to January and the Grand reopening of the Boys & Girls Club Councilmember Perez:
• Commented regarding West Coast Business Alliance.
Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez:
• Withdrew her request to adjourn in memory of Manuel Alvarado due to incomplete information
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - December 15, 2025, Page 6 of 7
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 9:01 p.m. to its next regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
OlAjah G^rgiaQna Nicole NNd/ez, MMC, CPMC
City Clerk
Approved this 20*^ day of January, 2026:
Mar ha R. McQueen-L ihn, M
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - December 15, 2025, Page 7 of 7