CITY OF PORT HUENEME
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, May 4, 2026
Port Hueneme City Hall
250 North Ventura Road, Port Hueneme, CA 93041
5:30 PM Closed Session | 6:30 PM Regular Meeting
5:30 PM -CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor McQueen-Legohn called the meeting to order at 5:30 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 Paul Early read the closed session item into record.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Authority: Government Code § 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: James Vega, City Manager; Charles Peretz, Deputy City Manager; and Frank Lee, Human Resources/Risk Manager Employee Associations: SEIU Service Employees International Union 721
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor McQueen-Legohn recessed to closed session at 5:31 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 6:34 p.m. Councilmember Lopez 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 Councilmember Gama.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Paul Early provided the closed session report indicating no reportable action.
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PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments were provided in person by the following:
• Becky Breuning
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 4, 2026.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST and LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES
Councilmember Lopez indicated a potential conflict with Item No. 12, Veterans Banner Program Update and Approval of Initial Applications and Banner Locations, due to his involvement in the application process, and initially indicated he would abstain from voting on the item.
Following clarification from the City Attorney that the matter did not constitute a disqualifying financial conflict under FPPC regulations andthat the participation was permitted, Councilmember Lopez withdrew his recusal and indicated he would participate in discussion of the item.
PRESENTATIONS
A. PEACE OFFICERS’ MEMORIAL DAY AND NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
PROCLAMATION
Councilmember Hernandez read a proclamation designating May 10 - May 16, 2026, as “Police Week” and May 15, 2026 as “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” in the City of Port Hueneme, and publicly saluted the service of law enforcement officers in our community and in communities across the nation. The proclamation was presented to Police Chief Federico on behalf of the Port Hueneme Police Department. Police Chief Federico provided brief remarks and introduced new Police Officer Austin Cravens.
B 2025 AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION VENTURA COUNTY CHAPTER PROJECT OF THE YEAR FOR “CITY OF PORT HUENEME VENTURA ROAD SEWER FORCE MAIN EMERGENCY REPAIR”
Andrew Grubb, President of the American Public Works Association Ventura County Chapter, presented Public Works Director Fred Camarillo on behalf of the City with a plaque in recognition of having received the 2025 APWA Ventura County Chapter Project of Year award.
C. MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Councilmember Perez read a proclamation recognizing and proclaiming the month of May 2026, as “Mental Health and Awareness Month”, and called upon an increase in public understanding of the importance of mental health and to promote identification and treatment of mental illness. The proclamation was presented to Executive Director Roberta Griego of NAMI Ventura County.
RECESS THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
At 7:10 p.m., Mayor McQueen-Legohn recessed the City Council Meeting to convenethe Housing Authority meeting.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
At 7:12 p.m., following the adjournment of the Housing Authority meeting, Mayor McQueenLegohn reconvened the City Council meeting.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comment: None.
Councilmember Lopez requested to pull Consent Calendar Item Nos. 5 and 7 for discussion.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gama, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez, to pull Consent Calendar Item Nos. 5 and 7, and approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1 - 4, 6, and 8- 10, 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 April 20, 2026, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
2. REGISTER OF DISBURSEMENTS
Received and filed the City’s register of disbursements for the period of April 1, 2026 through April 13, 2026.
3. TREASURER S QUARTERLY INVESTMENT REPORT - MARCH 31 .2026 Received and filed the March 31, 2026 Treasurer’s Reports as presented.
4. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE V CHAPTER 9 OF THE PORT HUENEME MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD SECTION 5653 AND AMEND SECTION 5642 TO IMPLEMENT REASONABLE TIME. PLACE. AND
MANNER RESTRICTIONS ON SOLICITATION BEHAVIOR IN ROADWAY MEDIANS Adopted on second reading, by title only, waiving further reading of Ordinance No. 831 entitled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Port Hueneme, California, Amending Article V, Chapter 9 of the Port Hueneme Municipal Code to Add Section 5653 and Amend Section 5642 to Implement Reasonable Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions on Solicitation Behavior in Roadway Medians.”
6. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING RECREATION FEES IN THE MASTER
FEE SCHEDULE TO ALLOW FOR A BROADER ARRAY OF COMMUNITY
RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING
Adopted Resolution No. 4578, a resolution entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Port Hueneme, California amending the City’s Master Fee Schedule to Revise Recreation Based Fees."
8. ONGOING SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 1383 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS CITY
OF PORT HUENEME
1. Authorized the City Manager to execute a PSA to Rincon Consultants; and
2. Approved the exemption to the formal bidding process, as outlined in Port Hueneme Municipal Code (PHMC), Section 2564, subdivisions (b) as follows:
(b) The City Council may authorize purchase of supplies, equipment, and services without complying with this Chapter when in the opinion of the City Council, compliance with the procedures is not in the best interest of the City.
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9. 30-DAY EXTENSION TO EXISTING NAVY GUARD RAIL LICENSE AGREEMENT Authorized staff to execute an amendment to the Navy Guard Rail License Agreement to allow a 30-day temporary extension in order to allow the City and Navy to negotiate an updated agreement that will be presented to the City Council at a future City Council meeting.
10. AUTHORIZE STAFF TO ACCEPT A $15,000 GRANT AWARD FROM THE DL FRESH
FOUNDATION IN SUPPORT OF STEM PROGRAMMING
Authorized staff to accept $15,000 in grant funds from the DL Fresh Foundation in support of a STEM Summer Camp Program at the Orvene S. Carpenter Community Center.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
5. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL AUDITING SERVICES Recommendation: Select Vasquez & Company LLP for professional auditing services for an initial three-year period (FY 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28) with two one-year renewal options, and authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement subject to review and approval of the City Attorney.
City Manager James Vega answered clarifying questions.
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
7. RATIFICATION OF EXPENDITURES & EMERGENCY REPAIR APPROPRIATION FOR 332L CONTROLLER CABINET & BATTERY BACKUP
Recommendation:
1. Authorize purchases exempt from formal contract procedures for the emergency replacement of a City Traffic Controller cabinet located at Ventura Rd. and Sunkist Road; and
2. Ratify expenditures in the amount of $37,318.33, for a 332L Controller Cabinet and Battery Backup system; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to immediately proceed with performing the necessary preparation and repairs without compliance with the City’s normal purchasing ordinance. Staff has determined that the work to be performed is not a public project as defined by Public Contract Code section 20161, subdivision (c), which excludes maintenance and repair from said definition; and
4. Determine the purchase of goods, materials, and services are exempt from the City’s formal contact procedure pursuant to Port Hueneme Municipal Code section 2564, subdivisions (b) & (c) as follows:
(b) The City Council may authorize purchase of supplies, equipment, and services without complying with this Chapter when in the opinion of the City Council, compliance with the procedures is not in the best interest of the City. (c) The City Manager may authorize emergency purchases of supplies, equipment, or services. For the purpose of this Chapter, emergency purchases are those procurements required to prevent the immediate interruption or cessation of necessary City services or to safeguard life, property, or the public health and welfare.
City Manager James Vega answered clarifying questions.
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A motion was made by Councilmember Lopez, seconded by Councilmember Perez, to approve Consent Calendar item No. 7, as presented.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Lopez, Perez, Hernandez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
11. PUBLIC HEARING TO INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PORT
HUENEME MUNICIPAL CODE TO IMPLEMENT RESTRICTIONS ON PARKING OF
OVERSIZE VEHICLES
Recommendation:
1. Open the public hearing to receive testimonial and documentary evidence; and
2. Close the public hearing and consider the evidence; and
3. Find the proposed ordinance exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3); and
4. Introduce for first reading, by title only, waiving further reading, an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Port Hueneme, California, amending Article III, Chapter 3, Division 10 of the Port Hueneme Municipal Code to implement restrictions on parking of oversize vehicles.”
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. Councilmember Hernandez noted that Section 3.D of the Ordinance referenced only the Police Chief, whereas other sections included “or designee”, and suggested clarifying the authority. City Manager James Vega stated the intent was for the Police Chief or designee and agreed to review and revise the language if necessary.
The public hearing was opened at 7:38 p.m. There were no public comments. The public hearing was closed at 7:38 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez, to:
1. Find the proposed ordinance exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3); and
2. Introduce for first reading, by title only, waiving further reading, an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Port Hueneme, California, amending Article III, Chapter 3, Division 10 of the Port Hueneme Municipal Code to implement restrictions on parking of oversize vehicles.”
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
BUSINESS ITEMS
12. VETERANS BANNER PROGRAM UPDATE AND APPROVAL OF INITIAL
APPLICATIONS AND BANNER LOCATIONS
Recommendation: Receive an update on the Veterans Advisory Ad Hoc Committee regarding implementation of the Veterans Banner Program, and consider approving the CC Regular Meeting Minutes -May 4, 2026, Page 5 of 8
banner display locations and the initial banner applications reviewed and recommended by the Veterans Advisory Ad Hoc Committee.
Veterans Advisory Ad Hoc Committee Member Anahi Carter presented the report.
Questions followed. There were no public comments.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez, seconded by Councilmember Gama, to approve the banner display locations and the initial banner applications reviewed and recommended by the Veterans Advisory Ad Hoc Committee. Discussion followed.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Lopez, Perez, Hernandez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
13. REORGANIZATION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE SALARY SCHEDULES FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND
SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION (SEIU) EMPLOYEE GROUPS TO
SUPPORT THE RECOMMENDED CHANGES
Recommendation: Approve the reorganization of the Community Development Department and adopt a resolution updating the salary schedules for the Management and Professional and SEIU employee groups to support the proposed organizational changes and expanded staff responsibilities.
City Manager James Vega presentedthe report. Questions followed. There were no public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gama, seconded by Councilmember Perez, to approve the reorganization of the Community Development Department and adopt Resolution No. 4579, a resolution updating the salary schedules for the Management and Professional and SEIU employee groups to support the proposed organizational changes and expanded staff responsibilities. Comments followed.
Motion passed 5-0, as follows:
AYES: Gama, Lopez, Perez, Hernandez, McQueen-Legohn
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
14. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUEST
Recommendation: Receive the following future agenda item requests and provide direction on whether to schedule each item for a future meeting:
1. Request Submitted By: Councilmember Steven Gama; Item: Considering Partnering with the Port of Hueneme to explore the installation of a left turn arrow at the intersection of Hueneme and Ventura Roads (East and West); Staff Time/Cost Estimate: Depending on direction, however one option would be to incorporate this into the existing grant partnership project with the Port of Hueneme to include as a potential grant funded project.
Councilmember Gama provided a brief report. City Manager James Vega provided additional input. Comments and questions followed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Perez, seconded by Councilmember Lopez, to add the item to a future agenda. Comments followed. Motion passed 3-2, with Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez and Mayor McQueen-Legohn voting no.
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CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
City Manager James Vega provided comments and reports regarding the following topics:
• Citywide Spring Cleanup
• Coffee with Your City
• 2026 Memorial Day Ceremony
• 2026 Hueneme Hero Award Nominations
• Hueneme Beach Festival
• Upcoming Council meeting topics
Questions followed.
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council provided comments and reports regarding the following topics:
Councilmember Lopez:
• Spring Cleanup Event and Earth Day -thanked City Staff for a well-executed event and positive community participation.
• REACH and Veterans Advisory Ad Hoc Committee-expressed appreciation for their work on the banner program.
Councilmember Perez:
• No reports.
Councilmember Gama:
• Spring Cleanup event - noted dumpster removals and strong community participation; commended staff for a successful event.
• Tony Volante Memorial Services -attended.
• Career Day at E.O. Green - participated.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Meeting at Hollywood Beach - attended; noted dredging discussion, community concerns regarding noise, and the need for continued education. • Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting - attended; noted discussion on e-bikes and e-motos and emphasized education and potential regional coordination through Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG).
• Hueneme Elementary School District artwork - expressed appreciation for the artwork.
Mayor Pro Tern Hernandez:
• Regional Defense Partnership (RDP) lobbying trip in Washington, D.C. - reported productive meetings and noted uncertainty regarding future funding. • First 5 Reading - participated at Hueneme Elementary. • Announced upcoming events and attendance - Bubbling Springs Cleanup hosted by Surfrider Foundation; Port World Trade Day and Bard Park; Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Conference.
Mayor McQueen-Legohn:
• Monthly meetings - attending.
• RDP lobbying trip in Washington, D.C.- participated and noted it was a successful trip. • Ventura County Leadership Academy - attended.
• Women’s Council of Realtor’s Ventura County “Rise and Thrive Women of Influence” event- participating as panelist.
• E.O. Green Career Day - participated.
• Tony Volante Memorial Services - attended.
• Port dedication of Bard Monument- noted upcoming attendance.
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ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 8:32 p.m. to its next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Approved this 18th day of May, 2026:
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