CITY OF PORT HUENEME
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, January 20. 2026
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.youtube com/@.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 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 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 CC Regular Meeting Minutes - January 20. 2026, 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 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 Gama led the flag salute.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers: Steven A. Gama, Jess Lopez, Misty Perez; Mayor Pro Tern: Laura D.
Hernandez; Mayor: Martha R. McQueen-Legohn
Absent: None
INSPIRATION
Given by Mayor McQueen-Legohn
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments were provided in person by the following:
• Kevin Brannon
• Joshua Tellez
• Johnny Garcia Vasquez
AGENDA APPROVAL FOR CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Gama, and passed unanimously to approve the City Council Agenda of January 20, 2026.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - January 20, 2026, Page 2 of 9 CONFLICT OF INTEREST and LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES
Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez announced that she would recuse herself from Business Item No. 8, Moranda & Bolker Park Playground Replacement, out of an abundance of caution due to the proximity of her residence. Councilmember Gama also announced that he would recuse himself from Business Item No. 8 due to the proximity of his residence.
PRESENTATIONS
A. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY PROCLAMATION
Councilmember Gama read the proclamation into record and proclaimed January 19, 2026, as “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day”; and presented it to LaRita Montgomery and Heidy Casarez on behalf of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Ventura County.
B. 26^^ ANNIVERSARY OF ALASKA FLIGHT MEMORIAL FLIGHT 261 PROCLAMATION Councilmember Hernandez read the proclamation into record and proclaimed January 31, as the day we honor the 88 souls who died on January 31, 2000, and recognize that the kindness of our community members continues twenty-six years later and we will always urge residents of Port Hueneme to exercise compassion in our daily lives for the betterment of our family members, our colleagues, and every individual we encounter.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Gama and Councilmember Lopez requested to pull Consent Calendar Item No. 3 for discussion.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez, to pull Consent Calendar Item No. 3, and approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1 - 2 and 4 - 5, as presented.
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 15, 2026, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
2. REGISTER OF DISBURSEMENTS
Received and filed the City’s register of disbursements for the period of December 9, 2025 through January 5, 2026.
4. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE 2025
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement, approved as to form by the City Attorney, with West & Associates Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $29,120 for the preparation of the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan.
5. OUT OF STATE TRAVEL REQUEST FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF
TRAINING ON OPENGOV PERMITTING SOFTWARE
Approved the request for out of state travel from Wednesday, April 29, 2026 through Friday, May 1, 2026, for Community Development Department staff to attend the OpenGov Annual Conference in Chicago, Illinois, focused on permitting and land use system training.
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - January 20, 2026, Page 3 of 9
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
3. ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STAFF TO CONTRACT FOR A NEW
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROVIDER AND FOR FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY
SERVICES
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 4565, a resolution authorizing staff to consolidate the City’s 457(b) and 401 (k) recordkeepers from four different providers to a single recordkeeper with Empower and Fiduciary Experts for financial fiduciary services intended to result in efficiency improvements and authorize the City Manager or designee to sign all required provider agreements on behalf of the City
City Manager James Vega and Human Resources/Risk Manager Frank Lee answered clarifying questions. There were no public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Lopez, seconded by Councilmember Perez, to approve Consent Calendar item No. 5, as presented.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Lopez, Perez, Hernandez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. ADOPT A RESOLUTION GRANTING SPECIAL USE PERMIT NO. 26-1 FOR THE CITY OF PORT HUENEME COLOR RUN/WALK 5K AND KIDS 1K EVENT WITH ANCILLARY.
HEALTHCARE EDUCATIONAL BOOTHS, CHILDRENS ACTIVITY AREA, REFRESHMENT VENDORS. AND ENTERTAINMENT
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 approving Special Use Permit No. 26-1 (Color Run/Walk 5K and Kids IK Event); and
4. 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.
Deputy City Manager Charles Peretz and Recreation and Community Services Manager Anna Hanely presented the report. Questions followed.
The public hearing was opened at 7:19 p.m.
Public comment was provided in person by the following:
• Letitia Austin
The public hearing was closed at 7:20 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Lopez, to adopt Resolution No. 4566, a Resolution approving Special Use Permit No. 26-1 (Color RunAA/alk 5K and Kids IK Event). Comments followed.
Motion passed 5-0, by Roll Call Vote, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Lopez, Perez, Hernandez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - January 20, 2026, Page 4 of 9
BUSINESS ITEMS
7. LETTER OF PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE CITY OF PORT HUENEME AND THE
WEST VENTURA COUNTY BUSINESS ALLIANCE
Recommendation: Approve the proposed Letter of Partnership between the City of Port Hueneme and the West Ventura County Business Alliance and authorize the City Manager to execute and take the steps needed to partner with the West Ventura County Business Alliance, such as designating a staff liaison and collaborating for the benefit of the local business community.
City Manager James Vega presented the report. Andy Conli provided additional input on behalf of the West Ventura County Business Alliance. Questions followed. There were no public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Lopez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez, to approve the proposed Letter of Partnership between the City of Port Hueneme and the West Ventura County Business Alliance and authorize the City Manager to execute and take the steps needed to partner with the West Ventura County Business Alliance, such as designating a staff liaison and collaborating for the benefit of the local business community. Comments followed.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Lopez, Perez, Hernandez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Mayor McQueen-Legohn excused Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez and Councilmember Gama from the meeting at 7:42 p.m. due to their previously announced recusals.
8. MORANDA & BOLKER PARK PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement, approved as to form by the City Attorney, with Great Western Recreation, LLC., for the Design, Furnishing and Installation of Playground Equipment for Moranda Park and Bolker Park in the amount of $456,532 and authorize an additional 5% contingency in the amount of $22,484 for a total amount not to exceed $479,016.
City Manager James Vega provided a brief introduction. Housing & Facilities Director Gabby Basua presented the report and stated for the record that the Council would be authorizing staff to utilize the California State Grant in the amount of $192,000, the RDA Bond-restricted funds of $29,639, and general fund monies of $59,145 for Moranda Park; and general fund monies of $198,222 for Bolker Park. Questions followed.
Public comment was provided in person by the following:
• Brian Schumacher
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Lopez, to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement, approved as to form by the City Attorney, with Great Western Recreation, LLC., for the design, furnishing and installation of playground equipment for Moranda Park and Bolker Park in the amount of $456,532 and authorize an additional 5% contingency in the amount of $22,484 for a total amount not to exceed $479,016. Discussion followed.
Motion passed 3-0, as follows:
AYES: Lopez, Perez, McQueen-Legohn
NQES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Gama and Hernandez
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - January 20, 2026, Page 5 of 9 Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez and Councilmember Gama returned to the meeting at 8:13 p.m.
9. CITY COUNCIL LIAISON COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS FOR 2026 Recommendation: Discuss, reorganize, and appoint or reappoint Councilmembers to various committees, regional boards, and commissions for 2026, City Manager James Vega presented the report. Questions followed. There were no public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gama, seconded by Councilmember Perez, to appoint and/or reappoint Councilmembers to various committees, regional boards, and commissions for 2026 as listed below, with the City/Port Committee appointments deferred to the February 2, 2026 meeting.
COMMITTEE/BOARD/COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE(S)
Beach Erosion Authority for Clean Oceans and
Nourishment (BEACON)
Gama
Alternate: Hernandez
California Joint Powers Insurance Authority
(CJPIA)
Gama
Alternate: Lopez
City-Port Standing Committee Deferred
Hernandez
Alternate: Lopez Clean Power Alliance (CPA) Board of Directors Lopez
Alternate: McQueen-Legohn Economic Development Collaborative (EDC-VC) Perez
Alternate: Hernandez Federal Outreach and Advisory Council (FOAC) McQueen-Legohn
Alternate: Lopez Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD)
Hernandez, McQueen-Legohn,
Lopez
Alternate: Perez
Port Hueneme Water Agency (PHWA)
Gama, Hernandez, Perez, Lopez,
McQueen-Legohn Port Hueneme Housing Authority (HA)
McQueen-Legohn
Alternate: Hernandez Regional Defense Partnership (RDP) Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG)
Hernandez
Alternate: None
Southern California Edison Government Advisory
Panel (GAP) Hernandez
Hernandez
Alternate: Lopez Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG)
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - January 20, 2026, Page 6 of 9 Ventura County Air Pollution Controi District
Advisory Committee Gama
Ventura County Animal Services Commission
(VCAS)
Gama
Alternate: Hernandez
Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) McQueen-Legohn Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance District
Board (VCREA)
Hernandez
Alternate: None
McQueen-Legohn
Alternate: Hernandez Ventura Regional Sanitation District (VRSD) McQueen-Legohn
Alternate: Gama Museum Governance Ad Hoc Committee
Comments followed.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Lopez, Perez, Hernandez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
10. REVIEW OF THE CITY COUNCIL POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL AND
RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT
Recommendation: Consider the attached Policy and Procedures Manual, and adopt the attached resolution approving the Manual as modified.
City Manager James Vega presented the report. Questions followed. There were no public comments.
Discussion followed during which:
• Staff agreed to attach the Future Agenda Item Request Form to the Council Policy and Procedures Manual.
• Council requested that the agenda request process clarify that it applies to individual Councilmember requests and not requests from the Council as a whole. • Council requested that agenda packets be released earlier than the Thursday prior to the meeting to allow additional time to review; a release time of seven (7) days prior was discussed. Staff agreed to implement the change on a trial basis, with the option to reassess should challenges arise due to current staffing levels. • Council requested to include language that the City and individual Councilmembers shall refrain from initiating new, non-essential community outreach programs, town halls, or city funded mass mailings within 90 days of municipal elections in which they are candidates, to avoid the appearance of using City resources or sanction events for political advantage. The language was proposed to be added to Chapter 6 Section 2, as bullet point 3. City Manager Vega requested that Councilmember Lopez provide the language to serve as a framework to staff.
City Clerk Georgianna Alvarez noted that moving the agenda packet release date would also impact timelines for Councilmembers to request future agenda items, so that section would need updating. City Attorney Paul Early recommended removing the language on CC Regular Meeting Minutes - January 20, 2026, Page 7 of 9 page 1 requiring a supermajority vote to amend the Council’s rules and procedures, as it is inconsistent with applicable law.
There was a consensus of the Council to direct staff to consider the recommendations and bring back a revised Council Policy and Procedures Manual at the February 2, 2026 meeting on the Consent Calendar.
REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - None.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
City Manager James Vega provided comments and reports regarding the following topics:
• Winter storm preparation, response and results
• Ventura County Sheriff Emergency Services: Elected Officials Role in Disaster Preparedness and Response
• Mid-Cycle dredging completed at Hueneme Beach
• Recreation and Community Services Sunday Funday Event Schedule • Upcoming Council meeting topics
Questions followed.
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council provided comments and reports regarding the following topics:
Councilmember Lopez:
• EDC-VC - attended; noted new board Chair Cynthia Herrera; praised outgoing Chair Bob Engler
• Commented on MLK and shared a quote from Dr. King
Councilmember Perez:
• Federal Outreach and Advisory Council - attended; noted the housing policy for service members is a priority this year; supported Home Base Act; received positive defense funding/appropriations update
Councilmember Gama:
• Hueneme Beach Cleanup - tracking volunteer numbers; on track to exceed goal of 1,000+ participants in six months; invited community participation • Escorted Supervisor Vianey Lopez to tour and learn about the Ocean View Pavilion • Suggested Native American outreach regarding reed removal at Bubbling Springs Park • Upcoming BEACON meeting
Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez:
• Attended all committee meetings
• RDP Strategic Planning Group - attended; bid farewell to Gene Fisher and welcomed new Executive Director Terry Clark
• VCOG - planning annual meeting agendas and presentations • CPA - noted positive progress
• SCAG Legislative Committee - attended; highlighted potential multi-million-dollar climate change funding for local governments
• Immigrant Services Stakeholders meeting - attended; emphasized social media awareness; noted food distribution support for neighbors and pet support through Animal Control for self-deporting individuals
• Attended Savvy seniors
• Upcoming BEACON meeting
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - January 20, 2026, Page 8 of 9 Mayor McQueen-Legohn:
• Attended MLK event
• Air Pollution Control District - transitioned out of Chair position • RDP - acknowledged Gene Fisher’s retirement; thanked Clerk for proclamation and certificates for Military Appreciation Dinner
• Upcoming events - City Selection Committee meeting and “Bowls of Hope” • Attending regular monthly meetings
Councilmember Perez:
• Thanked Port of Hueneme for partnering with the Port Hueneme Lions Club to feed over 200 families
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 9:50 p.m. to its next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
icole Mvarez, MMC, MC
City Clerk
Approved this 2'^^ day of February, 2026:
t3
CC Regular Meeting Minutes - January 20, 2026, Page 9 of 9