move the program from concept to installation. On May 4, 2026, the City Council approved the initial applications and locations recommended by the committee.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Receiving this update and providing direction has no immediate fiscal impact. Future fiscal impacts would be based upon the parameters or any projects or programs that are developed and recommended by the ad hoc committee.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Primary Strategic Pillar(s) and Initiative(s):
Strategic Partnerships
• Establish a mechanism for engagement, information sharing, dialogue and ongoing cooperative decision-making with key stakeholders • Identify and organize Issue-Centric Focus Groups/Teams to optimally deploy shared resources
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Banner Photo
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Banner for Orvene S. Carpenter:
Attachment A
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DATE: September 21, 2026
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: James Vega, City Manager
SUBJECT: COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND PROJECTS
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that City Council discuss and provide direction regarding Community Benefit Projects to be reprogrammed from prior year funding and/or provide direction regarding any desired process for further discussion of these projects.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
In 2015, the City of Port Hueneme and the Oxnard Harbor District entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement that included provisions establishing a Community Benefit Fund, commonly referred to as the CBF. Under the agreement, certain funding was required to be made available by the District for community benefit purposes when the District’s gross operating revenues exceeded the applicable threshold set forth in the agreement. The CBF was intended to support public benefit projects within specified categories, including shoreline protection, community development, and other opportunities that support the shared interests of the City and District.
On July 20, 2026, both the City of Port Hueneme and the Port of Hueneme approved the First Amendment to the settlement agreement, which eliminates the prior jointly administered CBF committee process. Instead of depositing funds into a jointly governed fund, the amount that would otherwise have been deposited into the CBF would continue to be calculated in the same manner as provided in the original agreement and then allocated equally between the City and District. Each agency retains 50 percent of the applicable CBF allocation amount and would have discretion to identify and fund its own eligible project or projects.
With implementation of this first amendment, the City and Port are now able to streamline their process and utilize the funds for the community in a quicker manner, and ensure these funds are used in projects that benefit the community in a timely manner. No consensus for funding of projects was reached last year, and funding is currently available for projects (approximately $196,000 is available for reprogramming from prior years). 9/18/26 Amended to Add Attachment B
Agenda Item No. 07 Page 1 of 9 CC Agenda 09-21-2026
Community Benefit Fund Projects and/or Process
September 21, 2026
The agreement requires that projects fall into the following categories:
A. Shoreline Protection. Monitoring beach profiles, scrutinizing biannual sand replenishment operations and constructing associated improvements to protect the NCEL (owned by the District) and Hueneme Beach Park (owned by the City).
B. Community Development. Implementing initiatives that foster the community’s economic, social and environmental well-being including, but not limited to, public infrastructure improvements, sponsorship of special events, support of civic organizations, and similar activities which are based in the City of Port Hueneme or primarily support and benefit residents of the City of Port Hueneme.
C. Opportunistic Endeavors. Pursing opportunities that foster the shared mission and interest of the City and District not otherwise described above including, but not limited to, economic development grants, environmental mitigation, enterprise zone establishment, joint trade missions and similar activities.” One-time projects that the City Council has expressed interest in utilizing prior year funding that fall into these categories are as follows:
1. Economic Development Grants: EDC-VC Business Assistance Loan Fund:
Explore the possibility of partnering with Economic Development Collaborative on a Business Assistance Loan Fund for City of Port Hueneme businesses. Additional research and investigation would be required before a proposal could be presented – Council may direct staff to initiate discussion to explore this opportunity.
Estimated cost $50,000 to $100,000. Category: Opportunistic Endeavors
2. Veteran’s Banner Program Phase 2 – More information on this project will be presented under a separate item on tonight’s agenda. Estimated cost: $10,000.
Category: Community Development
Alternatively, the City Council may identify other projects or processes for review of Community Benefit Fund, as desired. Prior to the Amendment, the City had developed a thorough review process including the CAC and the City/Port Joint Committee. Under the agreement the City/Port Joint Committee is no longer included as part of the CBF process, and the City Council may determine whether to modify or maintain its process.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No general fund impact as these projects are proposed to be funded utilizing City/Port Community Benefit Funds.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Primary Strategic Pillar(s) and Initiative(s):
Safe, Secure, & Beautiful Community
• Actively support on-going beach preservation efforts and funding for prevention of erosion
Agenda Item No. 07 Page 2 of 9 CC Agenda 09-21-2026
Community Benefit Fund Projects and/or Process
September 21, 2026
Strategic Partnerships
• Establish a mechanism for engagement, information sharing, dialogue and ongoing cooperative decision-making with key stakeholders ATTACHMENTS:
A. Historical CBF Project List
B. EDC-VC Proposal
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Attachment A
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Board of Directors:
California Lutheran University
California State University
Channel Islands
CalPrivate Bank
Chambers of Commerce Alliance
Central Coast Labor Council
City National Bank
E. J. Harrison Industries
Farm Bureau of Ventura County
Haas Automation, Inc.
KPMG
Limoneira Company
Meissner Corporation
Montecito Bank & Trust
Naval Surface Warfare CenterPort Hueneme Division
Pacific Coast Business Times
The Port of Hueneme/Oxnard
Harbor District
Santa Barbara City College
VCEDA
Ventura County Community
College District
Ventura County Lodging
Association
Ventura County Transportation
Commission
City of Camarillo
City of Fillmore
City of Moorpark
City of Ojai
City of Oxnard
City of Port Hueneme
City of Santa Paula
City of Simi Valley
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Ventura
County of Ventura
4001 Mission Oaks Blvd.
Suite A-1
Camarillo, CA 93012
www.edcollaborative.com
September 18, 2026
Mr. James Vega, City Manager
City of Port Hueneme
250 North Ventura Road
Port Hueneme, CA 93041
Re: Proposal for Establishing a City Funded Small Business Revolving Loan Program, Accompanying Business Technical Assistance
Dear Mr. Vega:
We are writing to propose a City/EDC partnership, by which the City would capitalize and provide initial support for EDC’s launch of a City of Port Hueneme Small Business Revolving Loan Fund and concentrated provision of outreach and business technical assistance to the City’s small business and entrepreneurship community.
The City’s 2024 Economic Development Plan articulated a priority to:
• Retain and maximize opportunities for local businesses as the backbone of our community, and
• Invest in new programs and technologies to strengthen our economy and attract innovation
We believe the establishment of a dedicated business capital access and technical assistance program is wholly aligned with the Plan and priorities.
Lending Experience: For background, EDC has served the region as an alternative lender since 1998. We currently service a loan portfolio of some 125 loans, originated at approximately $6.3 million. We expertly manage risk by having all loans reviewed and approved by a professionally led, independent loan board.
Additionally, we maintain a loan loss reserve fund and secure CA state sponsored guarantees for 80% of all loan capital—minimizing ours and the city’s risk exposure.
Leveraged Technical Assistance: Complementing our lending activity, we operate the region’s Small Business Development Center, maintaining some 50 professional business advisors on contract, available to provide professional technical assistance to businesses at no cost. All borrowers (and potential borrowers) have access to these resources.
Leveraging Capital & Services: While we currently manage loan capital on behalf of the U.S. Department of Commerce, some limited bank capital and other funds (e.g., a dedicated fund for early child education facilities, capitalized by First 5 Ventura County), we also separately administer dedicated loan capital on behalf of the cities of Ventura, Camarillo and Simi Valley. What our experience shows is that a City’s commitment of capital draws the attention of potential borrowers in the City and results in a compound value—for both the City and its businesses—increasing business access to other resources beyond the City’s.
Please see the attachment for a summary of our proposed partnership. We are happy to answer any questions, eager to discuss, and excited for the opportunity to support the City’s strategic plan and its business community.
Sincerely,
Bruce Stenslie
President/CEO
Att: Business Lending/Technical Assistance Proposal Outline Attachment B
Agenda Item No. 07 Page 7 of 9 CC Agenda 09-21-2026
City of Port Hueneme/EDC Revolving Loan Fund Program
Draft Outline, 9/18/26
Purpose: Establishment of affordable capital fund that prioritizes business growth and start up in the City, the creation and retention of jobs, development of a program that not only provides capital but serves as a foundation for business outreach, engagement and technical assistance, toward a more resilient and vibrant business community.
City capitalizes fund and first two years of EDC operating expense: Total $162,000 Total Loan Capital $150,000 (City retains ‘ownership’ of loan capital) EDC Loan Servicing/Mgmt: $ 12,000 ($6,000/year x 2 years, thereafter drawing $10,000 annually from repayment on loans)
EDC administers the fund:
• Assessing applicant/borrower business plans, risk assessment, development of credit memos, • Presentation of recommended loans to an independent loan board for approvals, • Execution of loan agreements, collections
• Ongoing business technical assistance to applicants and all borrowers (see more on technical assistance below)
• Secure CA state loan guarantees to help mitigate credit risk • City and EDC execute a contract agreement stipulating terms • For more on existing EDC loan programs, go to https://edcollaborative.com/edc-loan/ Loan program/Borrower Conditions:
• Business must be located within the City of Port Hueneme • Funding may be used for equipment, inventory purchases, working capital, business recovery due to disruption/disaster
• Loan Amounts: Loans may range from $10,000 to $25,000 (City may request loans outside of range assuming EDC’s credit risk assessment agrees)
For larger loan requests, EDC will evaluate applicant eligibility for accessing other EDC loan capital
• Term & Interest: Maximum term is 72 months at 6% interest • Credit Analysis
o Borrower must be able to demonstrate repayment ability and acceptable credit history o Minimum credit score of 625
o No bankruptcy in last 7 years
o No derogatory in last 12 months
o Prior 3 years financial statements/tax returns
• EDC will assess applicant’s potential for accessing commercial credit before lending from the City’s fund, will provide technical assistance to applicant for securing appropriate capital Business Outreach, Marketing: EDC Small Business Development Center will collaborate with City staff to organize and execute an on-going outreach campaign to alert businesses to the loan program and technical assistance.
Agenda Item No. 07 Page 8 of 9 CC Agenda 09-21-2026
Draft Proposed EDC/City of Port Hueneme Loan Program September 18, 2026
On-Going Business Technical Assistance: Applicants must meet with an EDC Small Business Development Center advisor (provided at no cost), before and after funding on a continuous basis (minimally at six-month intervals after loan disbursement). For more on SBDC services, go to https://edcollaborative.com/edc-sbdc/; for a roster of professional business advisors, https://edcollaborative.com/about-us/business-advisors/.
Annual Lending/Revolving Pool:
• The $150,000 in loan capital will be loaned over three years from start of program, $60,000 first year, $45,000 in years 2 and 3.
• By lending the fund incrementally over the first three years the fund reaches “revolving” status by year four and continuously, based on the collected principal and interest on the $150,000 loaned.
• The fund continues to operate beginning year 4 and continuously at $45,000 in loans annually, an $10,000 annual fee to EDC for loan servicing.
Leveraging Private Capital: City and EDC jointly agree to reach out to local banks/commercial lenders, for accessing their Community Reinvestment Act resources • potentially augmenting the loan capital
• contribution to loan loss reserve and
• contribution to EDC’s annual project operating costs (estimated at $20,000 annually, filling the gap from the $10,000 EDC proposes to draw annually from the fund) Project Continuation/End: We propose a seven-year agreement to launch the project, with continuous EDC/City staff collaboration and dialogue on program effectiveness. City and EDC agree that by end of year four the parties will make a determination as to whether to extend the program beyond seven years or stay with the end date (allowing for an orderly wrap up of lending and collection activities).
For Additional Information, contact Bruce Stenslie, EDC President/CEO, 805-794-0455, [email protected].
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DATE: September 21, 2026
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: James Vega, City Manager
Georgianna N. Alvarez, City Clerk
SUBJECT: FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council 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 Lopez, attached.
ITEM: Direct the City Manager, the Police Department, Public Works, and the City Attorney’s Office, to return to Council with an informational presentation and policy report regarding electric bicycle (e-bike) safety, current state regulations, enforcement trends, and best practices from neighboring coastal jurisdictions, and to provide recommendations on potential updates to the Port Hueneme Municipal Code.
STAFF TIME/COST ESTIMATE: Depends on level of programming requested.
2. Request: SUBMITTED BY: Councilmember Lopez, attached.
ITEM: Direct the City Manager, staff, and the City Attorney to bring an informational report to Council in open session regarding use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Flock Safety cameras including how the data is handled, retention limits, cost, history, who information is shared with, how civil liberties are protected, specific cases where this technology has helped solve crimes or find missing persons, and explain how the searches are audited.
STAFF TIME/COST ESTIMATE: Note – staff is presenting an alternative system at tonight’s meeting which could result in budget savings. Alternative options would need to be analyzed separately.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
On October 20, 2025, the City Council approved a process to consider future agenda item requests by requiring each City Councilmember to provide a written explanation of the request one week prior to the City Council meeting. This will allow the Council to receive a clear, written explanation, and to be prepared to discuss whether or not to schedule the item, while also improving clarity for staff and transparency to the community.
Agenda Item No. 08 Page 1 of 5 CC Agenda 09-21-2026
Future Agenda Item Requests
September 21, 2026
Some key points to consider while determining whether to schedule items include:
The Council’s role is to set policy. Requested agenda items should focus on policy matters. Items that are administrative, operational, or outside the City’s authority should be referred to staff.
Factors for Council to consider when considering such requests include:
1. Is this under the Council’s authority?
(Is it a policy matter, not just administrative?)
2. Does this align with the City’s strategic goals or priorities?
3. Is Council action, direction, or a decision needed?
4. Is there a clear purpose or expected outcome?
5. Does it serve the public interest or affect the community broadly?
6. Do I have enough background information or context to support it?
7. Is this the right time to bring it forward?
(Or are there other pending items that should be resolved first.)
8. Does this request require significant staff time, resources, or legal review? (Is the value worth the cost?)
FISCAL IMPACT:
Estimated costs and staff resources are noted for each item above.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Primary Strategic Pillar(s) and Initiative(s):
Optimal Levels of Service for Residents and Businesses
• Increase communication, outreach and proactive engagement of all members of our population
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Request No. 1 Submitted by Councilmember Lopez – E-bikes B. Request No. 2 Submitted by Councilmember Lopez – ALPRs Agenda Item No. 08 Page 2 of 5 CC Agenda 09-21-2026
• Please see policy for submittal requirements.
Request From: Request Date:
Requested Meeting Date:
Deadlines Associated with this Agenda Item:
Description of Agenda Item (need detailed information):
Recommended Motion (i.e. action you want Council to take, or are you just presenting information, etc.):
Notes/Questions:
Please Submit to:
PORT HUENEME CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM & REQUEST FORM
Jess Lopez 8/30/2026 8 Sep 2026
Ebike regulations, state law, county law, and City of Port Hueneme brief council on reasons if we need to take steps to regulate Ebikes.
I move to direct the City Manager to have staff—including the Police Department, Public Works, and the City Attorney’s Office return to Council with an informational presentation and policy report regarding electric bicycle (e-bike) safety, current state regulations, enforcement trends, and best practices from neighboring coastal jurisdictions, and to provide recommendations on potential updates to the Port Hueneme Municipal Code. e-bike safety tracking Ventura County dashboard are seeing regional hospitals and 911 dispatchers documented a steep rise in severe injuries, concussions, and collisions involving youth and high-speed electric mobility devices. Targeted Multi-Agency Enforcement & Impounds in Ventura: The City of Ventura Police Department adopted a zero-tolerance stance on illegal e-motorcycles (e.g., Sur-Ron, Talaria) and reckless riding in public parks and roadways. During multi-agency operations around community parks, officers cited unlicensed juveniles, impounded illegal e-motos, and responded to parking lot collisions caused by reckless riding. Multi-Use Path & Promenade Congestion: Coastal multi-use paths in Ventura and Oxnard face growing friction between pedestrians, elderly walkers, traditional pedal cyclists, and high-speed Class 3 e-bikes traveling up to 28 mph in shared pedestrian zones.
Request No. 1 Submitted by Councilmember Lopez
Attachment A
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• Please see policy for submittal requirements.
Request From: Request Date:
Requested Meeting Date:
Deadlines Associated with this Agenda Item:
Description of Agenda Item (need detailed information):
Recommended Motion (i.e. action you want Council to take, or are you just presenting information, etc.):
Notes/Questions:
Please Submit to:
PORT HUENEME CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM & REQUEST FORM
Jess Lopez 8/30/2026 8 Sep 2026 none
Automated License Plate Reader (Flock Safety) cameras I move to direct the City Manager, Staff and the City Attorney to bring an informational report to Council in open session regarding our use of Flock Safety cameras. I would like the presentation to walk our community through how the data is handled, our retention limits, cost, history, who we share information with, how we protect civil liberties, and the specific cases where this technology has helped solve crimes or find missing persons. Also how do we audit these searchs? This is for residental information.
Here are four examples of real world abuse:
1. Lufkin, Texas (Massive Unauthorized Searches)
An officer was indicted on 100 felony counts after an internal audit revealed more than 45,000 unauthorized searches in 200 days, including searching a single plate nearly 3,500 times using generic placeholders like "investigation." The department immediately suspended its Flock contract.
Source: Houston Chronicle / Angelina County Court Records
2. California (Illegal Out-of-State Data Sharing)
Audits by the Electronic Frontier Foundation revealed multiple California agencies shared local Flock data with out-of-state and federal agencies via default network settings, violating California SB 34 and state privacy protections.
Source: Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) / Santa Cruz Local
3. Wisconsin (Domestic Stalking & Convictions)
Officers in Milwaukee and Menasha faced criminal charges and convictions after system audits caught them using Flock databases to stalk romantic partners and exes, prompting departments to revoke direct search access.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Wisconsin State Court Filings
4. Georgia (Multiple Deputy Arrests Across Counties)
Statewide audits across Habersham, DeKalb, and Greene counties led to the arrest of several law enforcement officers for using Flock to track acquaintances, forcing agencies to restrict direct officer access and require supervisory sign-off.
Source: CBS News Atlanta / Georgia Bureau of Investigation Request No. 2 Submitted by Councilmember Lopez
Attachment B
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