Agenda packet — Santa Paula City Council, January 15, 2025

City of Santa Paula
City Council
MAYOR PEDRO A. CHAVEZ

VICE MAYOR CARLOS JUAREZ

COUNCILMEMBER JENNY CROSSWHITE

COUNCILMEMBER LESLIE CORNEJO

COUNCILMEMBER GABRIELA ORNELAS

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE

SANTA PAULA CITY COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2025
6:30 PM - City Council Regular Meeting

SANTA PAULA CITY HALL
970 VENTURA STREET
SANTA PAULA, CA 93060

JULIE LATSHAW, CITY CLERK

DAN SINGER, CITY MANAGER

MONICA CASTILLO, CITY ATTORNEY
City of Santa Paula - City Council - City Council Regular Meeting 1

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
You are invited to participate in all Regular City Council meetings. Agendas are posted in the front of Santa Paula City Hall, 970 Ventura Street, Santa Paula, 72 hours in advance of the scheduled meetings. The City Council's regular meetings start at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 970 Ventura Street in Santa Paula. Special and Closed Sessions vary by date and time.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN PERSON DURING THE MEETING: If you wish to speak at a City Council meeting, please fill out a Public Comment Form noting your name and address and submit the form to the City Clerk. Include the Agenda item number, when appropriate. Public comments are limited to 3 minutes.

1. Items Not on the Agenda: If you wish to discuss an item which is not scheduled on the Agenda, you may address the City Council during Public Comment. Please realize that due to the limitations placed on the City Council by provisions of the California Government Code, the City Council ordinarily cannot take action on any item that is not on the agenda. Because of these restrictions, expect that matters that you identify during public comment may be referred to staff or considered on a future agenda.

2. Agenda Items: Items being considered by the City Council may appear on the Consent Calendar, as an Action Item, or as a Public Hearing. Public comments on each type of item are handled differently, as explained below:
a. For items appearing on the Consent Calendar, please submit a Public Comment Form before the Council takes action on the Consent Calendar. Items that receive a Public Comment Form may be pulled from the Consent Calendar by the Mayor and discussed separately by the City Council.
b. For items appearing as an Action Item, the Mayor will announce the Agenda item and request the staff report, the staff member responsible will give a brief summary of the report; the City Council will have an opportunity to ask questions of staff; members of the public will be given an opportunity to comment on the item and ask additional questions (all members of the public should speak directly into the microphone at the speaker’s platform); and the City Council will discuss the item and then take appropriate action.
c. For items on which a Public Hearing is scheduled, the Mayor will open the public hearing and receive the staff report; members of the public will be given an opportunity to comment on the item and ask additional questions (all members of the public should speak directly into the microphone at the speaker’s platform); the City Council will discuss the item; and the Mayor will close the public hearing after City Council action.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE BEFORE THE MEETING: Members of the public are encouraged to submit email correspondence on any agenda item by sending an email to [email protected]. All public correspondence received by 3:00 p.m. (PT) on the meeting date will be provided to the legislative body before the meeting. Public Comments received after 3:00 p.m. will be provided to the legislative body the next day.

Your Participation in this meeting is in the public domain; meetings are cablecast; minutes of this meeting will reflect your participation in this meeting and are posted on the city’s website.

PLEASE NOTE: Be advised that if you bring a legal challenge to an action, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the meeting described in this Agenda, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at or before the meeting.

Any action is subject to the ninety-day time period set forth in Code of Civil Procedure § 1094.6.

City of Santa Paula - City Council - City Council Regular Meeting 2

1. CALL TO ORDER
REMINDER: in order to minimize distractions during public meetings, all personal communication devices should be turned off or put in a non-audible mode.

2. INVOCATION

3. FLAG SALUTE

4. ROLL CALL

5. PUBLIC COMMENT
At this time, members of the public may comment on any item not appearing on the agenda that is within the subject-matter jurisdiction of the City Council. A Public Comment Form must be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the beginning of the Public Comment period in order to be recognized to speak. Individuals submitting Public Comment Forms after the beginning of the Public Comment period will not be allowed to speak at this time, but may be recognized to speak by the Mayor at the conclusion of the meeting. Individual Councilmembers may briefly respond to Public Comments or ask questions for clarification. The City Council may direct the City Manager to report to the City Council on the item at a later meeting. For items appearing on the Agenda, the public will be invited to make comments at the time the item comes up for City Council consideration. If a member of the public wishes to address a Consent Calendar item, please submit a Public Comment Form for that item. It may then be discussed separately by the Council, and the public will be invited to make comments at that time. At all times, please use the microphone and write your name and address on the Public Comment Form provided.

6. PRESENTATIONS

6.A EXTREME BOXING RECOGNITION

6.B SPIRIT OF HOLIDAY SERVICE RECOGNITION

6.C CITY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENT REPORT - JULY 2024 - DECEMBER 2024
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (805) 933-4208. Notification 48 hours before the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (28 CFR 35, 102-35.104 ADA Title II). Written materials distributed to the City Council within 72 hours of the City Council meeting are available for public inspection immediately upon distribution in the City Clerk’s office.

HOW TO VIEW ON YOUR TELEVISION, COMPUTER, OR MOBILE DEVICE: Watch from home live on the local Channel 10, or view the live feed on the city website at the following link: https://www.spcity.org/523/Public-Meeting-Agendas NOTE: Special and Closed Sessions are not recorded and not available on Channel 10 or live feed on the city website.

REGULAR MATTERS - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
City of Santa Paula - City Council - City Council Regular Meeting 3 RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council:

1. Receive and file the Department Report for City Manager’s Department for July 2024 - December 2024.

Presented by: Dan Singer, City Manager

6.D PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY REPORT
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council:

1. Receive and file the Parks & Recreation Department's Activity Report for the period of October 1st thru December 31st, 2024.

Presented by: Gregory Barnes, Parks & Recreation Director

7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS

8. CITY MANAGER REPORTS

9. CONSENT CALENDAR
Background information has been provided to the City Council on all matters listed under the Consent Calendar and these items are considered to be routine by the City Council and are normally approved by one motion. If discussion is requested by a Councilmember on any item, or a member of the public wishes to comment on an item, that item may be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action.

9.A APPROVAL OF MINUTES
City Council Regular Meeting December 11, 2024
City Council Special Meeting December 18, 2024
City Council Regular Meeting December 18, 2024
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends Council approve minutes.

9.B DECEMBER 2024 WARRANTS AND CERTIFICATIONS
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council:

1. Review and accept the "Certification of Accounts Payable" for the accounts payable payment cycles for December 2024, starting check number 339344 and ending check number 339604.

2. Review and accept the "Certification of Salaries" for the pay period ending dates November 29th, 2024, through December 13th, 2024.

9.C MEASURE R - CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TAX AND FEE

ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT FOR COLLECTION OF TRANSACTION
City of Santa Paula - City Council - City Council Regular Meeting 4

AND USE TAX
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends City Council:

1. Adopt Resolution No. 7555, authorizing the Examination of Sales or Transactions and Use Tax Records, thereby rescinding Resolution No. 7554.

2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to take any and all other actions as may be necessary for implementation and administration of the transactions and use tax with the California Department of Tax and Fee.

Prepared by: Jonathan Royas, Deputy City Manager

10. ACTION ITEMS

10.A DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CREATION OF A MEASURE R SALES

TAX OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that City Council:

1. Receive and file this report;

2. Provide direction regarding the possible creation and appointment of a sales tax oversight committee; and

3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.

Presented by: Jonathan Royas, Deputy City Manager

10.B SANTA PAULA CREEK BRIDGE DESIGN - HARVEST
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends the City Council:

1. Receive and file a report from developer Lewis Limoneira Community Builders LLC on the proposed aesthetic design of the Santa Paula Creek Bridge; and

2. Provide feedback to the developer regarding the proposed design.

Presented by: City Attorney Monica Castillo

11. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS

11.A FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends City Council review future agenda items.

12. ADJOURNMENT
City of Santa Paula - City Council - City Council Regular Meeting 5 State of California )-
County of Ventura )- ss
City of Santa Paula )-
I declare under penalty of perjury that I posted this City Council Agenda on the bulletin board near the front door of City Hall, 970 Ventura Street, Santa Paula, California.

On_________________ at______________Signed:_________________________ Julie Latshaw
City Clerk
City of Santa Paula - City Council - City Council Regular Meeting 6 To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Dan Singer, City Manager
Subject: CITY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENT REPORT - JULY 2024 - DECEMBER 2024
Date: January 15, 2025
Agenda Item: 6.C

CITY OF SANTA PAULA

MEMORANDUM
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council:

1. Receive and file the Department Report for City Manager’s Department for July 2024 - December 2024.

Presented by: Dan Singer, City Manager
BACKGROUND:

City Manager
Worked with Council, the Executive Team and consultants to conduct a community survey, Santa Paula Speaks, on the wants and desires of the community related to streets, capital improvement projects, and local control issues within Santa Paula.

Through gathered feedback on key issues, conversations with residents, and education efforts to inform the public, Measure R was approved by voters in November 2024. Work with outside recruitment firm to advertise, solicit, review and interview potential candidates for a new Public Works Director, making a final selection in October.

Participated in the CJPIA Risk Management Retreat, League of Cities annual conference and International City Manager's Association conference.

Deputy City Manager
Administrative
Assisted with efforts related to the Union Oil Building future use and potential future tenants.

Measure R - Led community presentations, education, outreach efforts, oversight, tax, and implementation efforts.

Isabella Project coordination and support between Ventura County Community Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, Santa Paula Unified School District and Community partners.
7 Research, coordination, and purchase of new downtown trash/recycling receptacles.

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) updates, allocations and funding considerations.

Oversight, tracking, execution and progress updates related to Council’s 2-Year Strategic Plan.

Conducted employee engagement research and options related to a citywide employee satisfaction survey process.

Economic Development
Created marketing assets for the Heritage Valley Tourism Bureau to increase exposure to Santa Paula.

Started new Santa Paula Business Connect Program to better engage with local businesses.

Coordination and oversight of activities related to the Property Business Improvement District (PBID).

Research and outreach efforts in partnership with the Community and Economic Development Director to usher forward Vacate Downtown Business policies and the Facade Improvement Program.

Grants
Worked on $280,000 united states department of transportation (usdot) safe streets and roads for all (ss4a) grant agreement and coordination of use of grant funds.

Coordinated community outreach and led meetings related to The Santa Paula Trail Connectivity Project whereby $1.5 million Transportation Development Act (TDA) grant awarded by the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) Legislative Affairs
Organized or coordinated the Congresswoman Brownley check presentation for the Mesa Tanks Replacement Project
Continued coordination with Congresswoman Brownley and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on drawdown efforts related to federal earmark grant awards for Harvard Blvd. & Mesa Tanks.

Along with former Mayor Cornejo and former Vice-Mayor Chavez, met with California Governor Newsom’s Office to discuss Santa Paula resident insurance concerns.

Drafted and submitted the following letters:

Letter of Support Santa Paula Uplift Central Coast
Request to Retain Rite Aid Store in Santa Paula
Request for Immediate Action to Stabilize California's Insurance Market AB 3093 (Ward) – Oppose
AB 2574 (Valencia) – Support
AB 2081 (Davies) – Support
AB 2557 (Ortega) – Oppose
Letter to Ventura County Board of Supervisors – Santa Paula Hospital Letter of Support - Art in the Parks Grant
Public Information
Issued 12 press releases from July through December 2024.

Conducted meeting with ad hoc Communications Committee to finalize website 8 redesign.

Continued communications and support to all departments through Channel 10 content, Take 5 newsletter, social media, utility bill stuffers, website updates and design and press releases.

Continue to assist the Public Works department with weekly outreach and communications efforts for the Harvard Blvd. Water/Sewer & Pavement Project.

Organized or coordinated various ribbon cutting ceremonies throughout the City including the Harvard Blvd. ribbon-cutting event.

Management Fellows
Launched and managed Your Santa Paula Connection / Tú Conexión a Santa Paula , a new resident City newsletter with over 800 subscribers thus far.

Manage, maintain and create content for all City social media platforms (Nextdoor, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Channel 10, LinkedIn, etc.).

Translated content for murals and created Spanish recordings (website/YouTube/QR Codes).

Created Emergency Preparedness Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for use on Channel 10, social media and during Council meetings.

Performed audit of City Council interpretation services Continued collaboration with Parks & Recreation Dept. to conduct community meetings and outreach to develop a Senior Master Plan for Aging.

Assisted with translation efforts and design for the 2023 Water Consumer Confidence Report.

Continued research and collaboration with the County on developing a Climate Action Plan for Santa Paula.

Conducted research on Utility Bill Assistance programs across the County. Will present findings to Council in February of 2025.

Continued coordination of local business roundtable discussions in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce as part of Council’s 2-Year Strategic Plan. Meeting attendance continues to increase.

Continued oversight of meetings and mixers related to the Santa Paula Arte & Cultura Collective of Santa Paula.

Assisted with all social media channels, press releases, content design, website page creation, website calendar updates, social media upgrades, script writing, and new city video newsletter.

Additional work conducted includes:

Efforts related to Santa Paula Speaks.

Coordinate and schedule interpretation services for public meetings.

Coordination and execution of monthly Employee Enrichment activities (Birthday/Anniversary Celebrations)
Military Banner program administration
Human Resources Department
Administrative
9 Issued Request for Proposals for Employee Compensation Study and awarded Professional Services Agreement.

Continued to provide Human Resources and Risk Management support to City Departments and Employees.

Developed and Implemented Workplace Violence Prevention Plan in compliance with SB 553.

Researched and began working on amending the Department of Transportation (DOT) Controlled Substance Program to comply with new DOT regulations.

Revamped New Hire Orientation.

Successfully supported employees during the 2024 Open Enrollment period.

Amended Personnel Rules & Regulations to include updated Drug & Alcohol, Eligibility for Benefits, Holiday Leave, and Medical Leave policy.

Employee Engagement and Recognition Activities
Hosted Lunch & Learn: Colonial Life Supplemental Voluntary Insurance Hosted onsite Flu Clinic.

Organized In-N-Out Employee Appreciation Luncheon.

Organized Halloween Employee Appreciation Luncheon.

Organized the first ever Employee Pumpkin Painting Contest.

Employee Training and Development
Employee Training: CPR, Hand and Portable Power Tools, Difficult Conversations and Workplace Harassment Prevention.

Recruitment
Successfully recruited and onboarded:

Community & Economic Development – Building Inspector
Finance – Accounting Specialist
Parks & Recreation – Custodian, Facility Maintenance Worker Police – Police Officer, Police Commander (promotional) Public Works – Administrative Analyst, Management Analyst, Public Works Director, Street Maintenance Worker, Water System Operator (2) Information and Technology Department
Completed cabling to new Mesa tank #2
10 Completed installation of equipment for new police radio system on South Mountain Completed network design to rebuild/enhance communications for water department infrastructure
City Clerk's Office
Processed 21 City Council agendas and minutes.

Attended 4 Bid Openings.

Posted updated Maddy Act for year-end 2024, and continue to update as changes are made.

Processed Commission/Committee/Board applications, interviews, and oaths for one Design Assistance/Historic Preservation Committee; one Mobile Home Rent Review Commission; one Santa Paula Housing Authority; one Parks and Recreation Commission; one Measure T Oversite Committee; and three Senior Advisory Committee.

Continue to advertise and accept applications for Commissions, Committees, and Boards.

Have begun the process for the Annual Fair Political Practice Commission Form 700.

Election process for the November 2024 Elections:

Worked with Ventura County Election Division to create the City of Santa Paula, City Council election packets for District 1, District 2, and Measure R.

Received and processed Measure R documents For and Against.

Reviewed packets with Candidates providing all requirements needed to file nomination papers.

Received one qualified nomination papers filing for City Council District 1, and three qualified nomination papers filing for City Council District 5, bringing the qualified candidate list to four for two openings.

Updated the Council Candidate Orientation PowerPoint. Worked with Candidates to complete all required documents before and after elections.

Certified the final results of the election.

Swore in one returning Councilmember and one new Councilmember.

Continue to work with newly elected Councilmembers for closing files.

Processed 116 Public Records Requests.

Processed and Posted 3 Notice of Publications.

Updated the Conflict of Interest Code for 2024.

Updated the City Records Retention Schedule.

ANALYSIS:

None
STRATEGIC PLAN:

None
FISCAL IMPACTS:

None
11 OPTIONS:

None
ATTACHMENTS:
12 To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Greg Barnes, Parks and Recreation Director
Subject: PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY REPORT
Date: January 15, 2025
Agenda Item: 6.D

CITY OF SANTA PAULA

MEMORANDUM
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council:

1. Receive and file the Parks & Recreation Department's Activity Report for the period of October 1st thru December 31st, 2024.

Presented by: Gregory Barnes, Parks & Recreation Director BACKGROUND:

From October 1st-December 31st, 2024, the Parks & Recreation Department worked on and executed the following:

RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES
Youth Classes Number of Participants
Culinary Arts 17
Archery Beginners 20
Archery Intermediate 29
Taekwondo 53
Gymnastics 206
Youth Sports Number of Participants
Volleyball Drop-In 85
Cheer Squad 150
Flag Football 270
Youth Center
We are pleased to report that the Youth Center continues to serve local youth in the community. Recent additions include partnering with the Santa Paula Unified School District ASPIRE program. Youth from the ASPIRE program visit the youth center twice a week; city and district staff work collaboratively to create a safe, fun, and inviting environment for the 13 youth.

Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Accelerator (YARA)
Staff has actively been recruiting for Cohort 2 which is scheduled to begin February 3, 2025.

Ventura County Youth Careers Program
The City of Santa Paula Parks and Recreation Department is proud to partner with Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties to serve as an internship site for the Ventura County Youth Careers program. This initiative, fully funded by the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor through an award totaling $1,070,000, is dedicated to empowering local youth by building the next generation of skilled professionals.

Goodwill offers no-cost programs that equip young individuals with the tools and training needed for a successful future. Participants gain access to leadership opportunities, college preparation services, financial literacy education, tutoring, and supportive services.

Additionally, they can explore various career paths, develop workplace skills, and earn wages through hands-on work experiences. By collaborating with Goodwill, the Parks and Recreation Department has utilized local talent to create a pipeline of future leaders while providing meaningful opportunities for Santa Paula’s youth to thrive.

City Corps
City Corps Leader Trainees worked a total of 2,300 hours completing 122 projects across the city, some of these projects include:

Event Logistics
Town Keeping/ Alley Beautification Projects
Senior Nutrition (Meal Preparation and Delivery)
Graffiti Abatement
Tree Healthcare
Adult Classes Number of Participants
Archery Beginners 9
Zumba 23
Yoga 46
Adult Sports Number of Participants
Pickleball Drop-In 36
Kickball League 60
Volleyball Drop-In 70

COMMUNITY EVENTS
During this period the Department hosted and collaborated on a number of community events, these events include:

Santa Paula Beautiful
In October, Santa Paula Beautiful brought together volunteers, service groups, and students for a morning dedicated to beautifying the Barranca. This collaborative effort highlighted the spirit of community and pride in Santa Paula, as participants worked together to enhance and preserve this valuable local resource.
14 Halloween Carnival
The annual Halloween Carnival brought the community together for a spooktacular evening of family-friendly fun. With exciting games, wagon train rides, and photobooth, attendees of all ages enjoyed the festive atmosphere. Local organizations and volunteers made this event a memorable way to celebrate Halloween through Trunk-or-Treat and the infamous haunted hallway. We would like to thank the SP Odd Fellows, Optimist Club, SPHS ASB, PTA and SPARC Club for making this event possible.

Holiday Parade
The Parks and Recreation Department was thrilled to participate in the Holiday Parade, which filled the streets of Santa Paula with joy and holiday cheer. Our team joined colorful floats, marching bands, and community groups in showcasing the holiday spirit, spreading smiles to spectators of all ages. The parade was a heartwarming celebration of togetherness and local pride.

Santa's Christmas Kickoff
Residents gathered for a festive evening featuring local vendors, seasonal treats, and the lighting of the Train Depot creating cherished memories under twinkling lights.

Santa's Pancake Breakfast
Residents enjoyed a delicious morning of pancakes and holiday cheer at Santa’s Pancake Breakfast. The event offered a cozy gathering space for families to meet Santa, enjoy breakfast, and kick off their day with holiday excitement. Guests also got to take their photo with Santa. The Parks & Recreation Department with the help of SP Optimists served over 600 pancake breakfasts.

Santa Visits City Council
During a City Council meeting, Santa made a surprise appearance to spread holiday cheer and recognize the hard work of the city’s leaders. It was a unique way to bring the community together during the holiday season.

Santa Tours
Santa Claus took to the streets of Santa Paula, bringing joy directly to neighborhoods across the city over a four night period. Residents greeted Santa as he toured on his decorated slay, delivering smiles and spreading holiday spirit throughout the community.

Santa Paula Proud Volunteer Program
New volunteer software has been adopted and is in operation. We currently have 284 volunteers who assist with everything from delivering a warm meal to coaching. These 284 volunteers have logged over 343.5 hours during this time period. Equating to a value of $11,503.82 according to independentsector.org and givingcompass.org.

SENIOR SERVICES
There are over 250 seniors currently participating in various programs and classes at the senior center. These classes include:

Enhanced Fitness – Three times a week – Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays at 12:30 PM
Mat Yoga – Once a week – Tuesdays at 9:30 AM
Chair Yoga – Once a week – Tuesdays at 11:00 AM
15 Knitting Club – Twice a week – Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:00 AM Creative Writing Club – Once a week – Mondays at 2 PM
Zumba – Once a week – Thursdays at 12:15 PM
Bone Builders – Twice a week – Mondays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM The Senior Center Programming continues to include movies & luncheons which are hosted in the auditorium and field trips to various attractions throughout the county. During this time the Senior Center hosted five luncheons all of which averaged over 100 attendees, and went on the following excursions:

October - Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center and Harbor Visit November - Solvang
December - Reagan Library - Dead Sea Scroll Exhibit
Upcoming trips:

February - Chumash Casino
March - Getty Museum
Senior Nutrition Program
From October 1
st
till December 31
st of 2024 the Senior Nutrition Program served the following number of meals:

Congregate Meals 1,528
Homebound Delivery Meals 790
Meals Served During This Period (October 1-
December 31)
2,318
Meals Served FY to Date (July 1-December
31)
4,407
Santa Paula Master Plan for Aging
The Santa Paula Master Plan for Aging is in its early stages, focused on shaping a future that prioritizes the well-being of our older residents. The initial phase involves assessing the needs of seniors and identifying areas for improvement in accessibility, healthcare, and social services. The plan envisions a community where aging residents can thrive independently, and efforts are underway to build the framework needed to achieve this vision. As momentum builds, the emphasis remains on establishing a strong foundation that will support a vibrant, inclusive community for Santa Paula’s aging population.

Since the last departmental report, the Senior MPA workgroup has partnered with CSUCI to develop, conduct, and analyze a comprehensive survey. This effort will be led by research students under the supervision of Dr. Ronald W. Berkowsky, PhD. Their work will ensure the Senior Master Plan reflects the diverse needs of our residents. To further engage the public and collect valuable data, the City will host six community conversations as part of the study.

During this time period Staff held three community conversations:

1. October 8th, 2024 - Community Center

2. November 4th, 2024 - Hillview Estates

3. December 5th, 2024 - Blanchard Library

PARKS & FACILITIES
16 During this time period our Parks & Facilities staff:

Holiday Lighting: Installed Christmas lights at all city facilities, including the Train Depot, Police Department, City Hall, Community Development, Community Center, Cultural Arts, and Railroad Plaza.

Park Lighting Enhancements: Installed new LED solar lighting at Mills Park and Obregon Park to improve visibility and safety.

Community Center Kitchen Upgrades: Replaced old stoves in the Community Center kitchen with new ones and properly disposed of the outdated appliances.

Oil Museum Fence Repairs: Welded and reinforced fencing along the exterior of the Oil Museum, replacing corroded sections with new concrete posts.

Santa Paula Beautiful Event: Successfully organized and executed the Santa Paula Beautiful event, engaging the community in beautification efforts.

Mill Park Upgrades: Cleared hillside of overgrown brush and cleaned up numerous homeless encampments.

Teague Park Tree Maintenance: Pruned 36 trees to enhance the health and aesthetics of Teague Park.

City Corps: Provided oversight and aided in citywide weed and litter abatement, including thorough cleanup along all alleys throughout the city.

Harding Park Improvements
Richard Ruiz Field: Aerated, fertilized, and applied topsoil to the infield.

Tom Moore Field: Graded, aerated, fertilized, and applied topsoil to the infield.

Work Orders Issued 2,164
Work Orders Completed 2,160
Graffiti Work Orders Issued 253
Graffiti Work Orders Completed 250
Tree Maintenance Report
Trees Planted 5
Trees Removed/ Fallen 7
Trees Pruned 126
Santa Paula Creek Sports Park
The City formally accepted the Santa Paula Creek Sports Park from the Limonera Lewis Group on November 20, 2024 and plans to make the park available to the public later this month, with a formal grand opening planned for later this year.

Barranca Park Master Plan
Staff is working alongside a local landscape architect to create a Barranca Park Master Plan.

A conceptual design has been completed. Staff anticipates holding a number of community events over the next 6-8 months to garner input and additional ideas.

Staff has held two additional Barranca Park Master Plan meetings during this past reporting period. Members of the community came together to meet with the Landscape Architect to share ideas and address areas of concern.
17 Community Gardens
The City of Santa Paula is proud to celebrate the remarkable progress of our Community Gardens Program, which has flourished since its launch on July 1, 2024. Over the past six months, the program has fostered community engagement and provided residents with the opportunity to actively participate in enhancing our shared green spaces.

As we near the conclusion of this Garden Pass period, we are pleased to announce that applications for the next Garden Pass are now open. This pass is valid from January 1, 2025, through June 30, 2025, and will continue to offer Santa Paula residents the opportunity to engage in and contribute to the ongoing development of our community gardens.

ADMINISTRATION
Continued to work with RWC (Project Management) on various CIP projects. These projects include:

Boys & Girls Club Kitchen Remodel
City Hall Campus Security Fencing
Police Station Remodel
Teague Park Restrooms
Mill Park Restroom Renovations
Parks & Recreation Storage Building
Union Oil Building Repairs
Community Center Emergency Generator - Project Completed Santa Paula Police Department Generator - Project Completed Staff continued to negotiate lease terms with potential users of the Union Oil Building.

Staff participated in the fee study efforts led by our Finance Department.

Staff participated in various Professional Development Opportunities Ulises Valenzuela and Marco Perez - California Urban Forests Council - "Increasing Canopy Cover"
Katherine Herrera and Andy Rico - USA Archery Level II Instructor Certification Mel L. Howery Shining Star Award Recipient - Marco Perez Facility Rentals
Cultural Arts Building 0
Community Center 27
Train Depot 31
Park Rentals & Reservations
Recreation Park 3
Mckevett Park 21
Las Piedras Park Teague Park 74
Teague Park 86
George Harding Park 231
Permits, Banners & Other Transactions
Teague Park Banner 1
Main Street Banner 3
Special Event Permits 2
Film Permits 3
18 ANALYSIS:

STRATEGIC PLAN:

FISCAL IMPACTS:

No fiscal impact.

OPTIONS:

ATTACHMENTS:
19 To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Julie Latshaw, City Clerk
Subject: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
City Council Regular Meeting December 11, 2024
City Council Special Meeting December 18, 2024
City Council Regular Meeting December 18, 2024
Date: January 15, 2025
Agenda Item: 9.A

CITY OF SANTA PAULA

MEMORANDUM
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends Council approve minutes.

BACKGROUND:

An account of all proceedings of the Legislative Body in open meetings shall be kept by the Clerk/Secretary. The Clerk/Secretary shall prepare an abbreviated record of the meeting proceedings for approval by the Legislative Body which when adopted by the Legislative Body shall be the official Minutes of the meeting. Amendment of the minutes may be made only as to factual accuracy and not as to a change of intent. The Minutes of the meeting need not be verbatim. Only the best and most complete available recording of the meeting shall constitute the official record of the Legislative Body, but the Minutes shall constitute the official record of the Legislative Body meeting where a verbatim record of the meeting is not available. Unless requested by a majority of the quorum, the minutes may be approved without reading.

ANALYSIS:

None.

STRATEGIC PLAN:

This item is not a goal or objective in the City Council's two-year Strategic Plan, however, the Minutes shall constitute the official record of the Legislative Body.

FISCAL IMPACTS:

There are no fiscal impacts for this item.

OPTIONS:

None.
20 ATTACHMENTS:
2024.12.11 City Council Regular Minutes.pdf
2024.12.18 City Council Special Minutes.pdf
2024.12.18 City Council Regular Minutes.pdf
21 CITY OF SANTA PAULA
City Council Regular Meeting
December 11, 2024, 6:30 PM

MINUTES

REGULAR MATTERS - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1) CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Cornejo called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2) INVOCATION
Father Tom provided the Invocation.
3) FLAG SALUTE
Councilmember Sobel led the flag salute.
4) ROLL CALL
Members Present: Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, Jenny Crosswhite, Carlos Juarez, and Andy Sobel
5) PRESENTATIONS

5.A) VISITOR FROM THE NORTH POLE
Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and Elves came from the North Pole to spread good cheer to all for the holidays, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

5.B) CITY WEBSITE REFRESH
Deputy City Manager Jonathan Royas presented a presentation on the upcoming launch of the City Website.
6) PUBLIC COMMENT
Vannessa Acosta was called to speak announcing De Colores upcoming events.
7) CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
22 Councilmember Crosswhite:

Attended the Southern California Association of Governments; the Clean Power Alliance meeting; and several holiday events.

Councilmember Juarez:

Attended the Ventura Regional Sanitation District meeting; several holiday events; Citizens Corp meeting; served lunch at the Senior luncheon; and announced upcoming events.

Councilmember Sobel:

Attended the Senior Luncheon; the Roundtable meeting; the Communications Ad Hoc; the Southern California Association of Governments; the Senior Advisory Committee; and the Committee and Commissioner Holiday appreciation event.

Vice Mayor Chavez:

Announced he has a written report of activities available.

Mayor Cornejo:

Attended the Christmas Parade; Committee and Commissioners appreciation event; the Property Business Improvement District meeting; and the Senior Luncheon.
8) CITY MANAGER REPORTS
None.
9) CONSENT CALENDAR

9.A) APPROVAL OF MINUTES
City Council Special Meeting November 20, 2024
City Council Regular Meeting November 20, 2024

9.B) IMPLEMENTATION OF CALIFORNIA ADVANCED CLEAN FLEETS

REGULATIONS

9.C) UNION OIL BUILDING FUND AUTHORIZATION
Councilmember Juarez recused himself from Item 9.C.

Parks and Recreation Director Gregory Barnes explained that the title "Operating Fund" can be changed to "Union Oil Building Endowment Fund".

Motion: Approve as amended budget allocation for the $2,000,000 in revenues and $1,000,000 in expenditure allocations for newly created funds 207 and 208 - Union Oil Building Endowment Funds and amend the title from Operating Fund to Union Oil Building Endowment Fund.

Moved by Pedro A Chavez
Vote: Motion carried 4-0
Yes: Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, Jenny Crosswhite, Gabriela Ornelas
23 9.D) POLICE DEPARTMENT STAFFING CHANGE

9.E) ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 7550 RECITING THE FACT OF A

GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND DECLARING ITS RESULTS

FOR CITY COUNCIL AND MEASURE R
Item 9.C was pulled for separate discussion and vote.

Motion: Approve Consent Calendar Items 9.A, 9.B, 9.D, 9.E.

Moved by Pedro A Chavez, seconded by Andy Sobel
Vote: Motion carried 5-0
Yes: Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, Jenny Crosswhite, Carlos Juarez, Andy Sobel
10) SPECIAL PRESENTATION

10.A) SPECIAL PRESENTATION FOR DEPARTING CITY COUNCIL
MEMBER
Mayor Cornejo thanked outgoing Councilmember Sobel for his service and presented him with a plaque of recognition for his years of service to the city. Councilmember Sobel spoke of his time on Council. Each Councilmember spoke and thanked him for his service.

John Proctor was called to speak to congratulate Councilmember Sobel and presented Gabriela Ornelas with a Certificate of Appreciation for her prior services to the community.

On behalf of Congresswomen Julia Brownley's office, Armando Gonzales recognized Mayor Leslie Cornejo for her leadership as Mayor, Councilmember Sobel for his years of service, and newly elected Councilmember Ornelas, and presented Councilmember Sobel a Certificate of Congressional Recognition.

On behalf of Assemblymember Steve Bennett's office, Atticus Reyes presented a Certificate of Recognition to Councilmember Sobel and outgoing Mayor Cornejo.

On behalf of Supervisor Kelly Long's office, Mannuel Minjares thanked outgoing Mayor Cornejo for her example of running meetings, congratulated Vice Mayor Chavez for his upcoming service as Mayor, expressed congratulations to Gabriela Ornelas as an incoming Councilmember, and presented Councilmember Sobel with a Certificate of Recognition for his services to the community.
11) ORDER OF BUSINESS

11.A) ADMINISTER OATHS OF OFFICE FOR NEWLEY ELECTED CITY

COUNCIL MEMBERS
City Clerk Julie Latshaw administered the Oath of Office to re-elected Councilmember Leslie Cornejo, and newly elected Councilmember Gabriela Ornelas.

11.B) SEATING OF NEWLY ELECTED CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
24 Re-elected and newly elected Councilmembers took their seats at the Dias.

11.C) NEW ROLL CALL
Mayor Cornejo called for a new roll call by City Clerk Latshaw.

Members Present: Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, Jenny Crosswhite, Carlos Juarez, and Gabriela Ornelas

11.D) COMMENTS FROM NEWLY ELECTED CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Each newly elected Councilmember spoke of their thanks to family, friends, and community members for their support.

11.E) COMMENTS FROM OTHER COUNCIL MEMBERS
Each Councilmember welcomed and congratulated re-elected Mayor Cornejo and newly elected Councilmember Ornelas.

11.F) PROCEDURES FOR ELECTION OF MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR
City Clerk Latshaw reviewed the procedures for the election of Mayor and Vice Mayor. Mayor Cornejo directed City Clerk Latshaw to begin the selection process.

11.G) SELECTION PROCESS FOR MAYOR
City Clerk Latshaw opened nominations for Mayor. Councilmember Ornelas nominated Vice Mayor Chavez. With no other nominations, Councilmember Crosswhite moved to close the nominations for Mayor, second by Councilmember Juarez. Motion passed with the following voice vote: AYES: Cornejo, Chavez, Ornelas, Juarez, Crosswhite.

NOES: None. There was no debate on the nomination, therefore, City Clerk Latshaw called a voice vote: AYES: Cornejo, Chavez, Ornelas, Juarez, Crosswhite. NOES: None. City Clerk Latshaw announced, by a unanimous vote, the City Council of the City of Santa Paula appoints Pedro Chavez as Mayor.

11.H) GAVEL PLAQUE TO OUTGOING MAYOR PRESENTED BY NEW
MAYOR
Mayor Chavez presented outgoing Mayor Cornejo with the City Gavel Plaque for her services.

11.I) SELECTION PROCESS FOR VICE MAYOR
City Clerk Latshaw opened nominations for Vice Mayor.

Councilmember Crosswhite nominated Councilmember Juarez. With no other nominations, Councilmember Crosswhite moved to close the nominations for Vice Mayor, second by Councilmember Cornejo. Motion passed with the following voice vote: AYES: Cornejo, Chavez, Ornelas, Juarez, Crosswhite. NOES: None. There was no debate on the nomination, therefore, City Clerk Latshaw called a voice vote: AYES:
25 Cornejo, Chavez, Ornelas, Juarez, Crosswhite. NOES: None. City Clerk Latshaw announced, by a unanimous vote, the City Council of the City of Santa Paula appoints Carlos Juarez as Vice Mayor.

Public Comments:

Amalia Ochoa was called to speak congratulating Pedro Chavez, Leslie Cornejo and Gabriela Ornelas.

Britney Botts was called to speak congratulating Pedro Chavez, Leslie Cornejo and Gabriela Ornelas.

Maria Robles was called to speak congratulating Pedro Chavez, Leslie Cornejo and Gabriela Ornelas.
12) ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS

12.A) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None.
13) ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Chavez adjourned the meeting at 8:16 p.m.

Julie Latshaw, City Clerk
ATTEST:
26 CITY OF SANTA PAULA
City Council Special Meeting
December 18, 2024, 6:00 PM

MINUTES

SPECIAL MEETING - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1) CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Chavez called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2) ROLL CALL
Members Present: Pedro A Chavez, Carlos Juarez, Leslie Cornejo, Jenny Crosswhite, and Gabriela Ornelas
3) PRESENTATIONS
None.
4) PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
5) ORDER OF BUSINESS

5.A) COMMITTEE/COMMISSION/BOARD INTERVIEWS
Council interviewed applicant for the Measure T Oversite Committee. 6) ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Chavez adjourned the meeting at 6:25 p.m.

Julie Latshaw, City Clerk
ATTEST:
27 CITY OF SANTA PAULA
City Council Regular Meeting
December 18, 2024, 6:30 PM

MINUTES

REGULAR MATTERS - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1) CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Chavez called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2) INVOCATION
Deacon Al Guilin provided the Invocation.
3) FLAG SALUTE
Vice Mayor Juarez led the flag salute.
4) ROLL CALL
Members Present: Pedro A Chavez, Carlos Juarez, Jenny Crosswhite, Leslie Cornejo, and Gabriela Ornelas
5) PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
6) PRESENTATIONS

6.A) RECOGNITION FOR STEVE LAZENBY
Mayor Chavez provided a Certificate of Recognition to Steve Lazenby for his services to the community.

6.B) ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) STANDARD PLAN PROGRAM James Mason, Community & Economic Development Director and Dan Shultz, Building Inspector, provided a presentation on Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Standard Plan Program.

6.C) PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY REPORT JULY -
DECEMBER 2024
28 Public Works Director Dale Goodman provided a presentation on the Public Works Department Activity Report July - December 2024. 7) CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Crosswhite:

Announced the upcoming Shop Santa Paula event in the downtown area; and the Santa Tours are running.

Councilmember Cornejo:

Attended Parque 1055 for dinner; and spent time watching the Santa Tours.

Councilmember Ornelas:

Encouraged everyone to shop downtown; and announced the upcoming toy drive.

Vice Mayor Juarez:

Attended gathering at Parque 1055; the Santa Paula Historical Society Happy History Hour event; and the Santa Paula employee recognition holiday party.

Mayor Chavez:

Sending well wishes to Audrey Vincent for a quick recovery; thanked Vannessa Acosta for everything with the De Colores event; and congratulated Parque 1055.
8) CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Dan Singer:

Provided recognition to Committee and Commission volunteers; attended the employee holiday luncheon; announced the Santa Paula Police Department held a Santa event handing out gifts; the Parks & Recreation Department held photos for the community; and announced the kickoff meeting of the Santa Paula trail is coming soon.
9) CONSENT CALENDAR

9.A) NOVEMBER 2024 WARRANTS AND CERTIFICATIONS

9.B) PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR COMPENSATION
STUDY
Councilmember Cornejo wanted to clarify for the public, the budget from two years ago provided funding to complete a compensation study before going into labor negotiation in 2025.

Motion: Approve the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with HR Dynamics & Performance Management
substantially in the form attached to this report to conduct a compensation study not to exceed $55,000.00.

Moved by Leslie Cornejo, seconded by Carlos Juarez
Vote: Motion carried 5-0
29 Yes: Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, Jenny Crosswhite, Carlos Juarez, Gabriela Ornelas

9.C) STORM WATER CATCH BASIN TRASH EXCLUDER PROJECT

BUDGET ADJUSTMENT

9.D) MEASURE R - CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TAX AND FEE

ADMINISTRATION (CDTFA) AGREEMENTS FOR COLLECTION OF

TRANSACTION AND USE TAX

9.E) TERMINATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY DECLARED IN RESPONSE

TO THE MOUNTAIN FIRE

9.F) AMENDMENT NO. 6 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

AGREEMENT WITH MNS ENGINEERS FOR THE MESA TANKS
REPLACEMENT PROJECT.

9.G) PURCHASE OF FORD F150 LIGHTNING EV TO COMPLY WITH

CARB ADVANCED CLEAN FLEETS REGULATIONS

9.H) EXPENDITURE PLAN FOR THE FY 24/25 SUPPLEMENTAL LAW

ENFORCEMENT SERVICES ACCOUNT
Item 9.B was pulled for separate discussion and vote.

Motion: Approve Consent Calendar Item 9.A, 9.C, 9.D, 9.E, 9.F, 9.G, 9.H.

Moved by Jenny Crosswhite, seconded by Carlos Juarez
Vote: Motion carried 5-0
Yes: Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, Jenny Crosswhite, Carlos Juarez, Andy Sobel
10) ACTION ITEMS

10.A) APPOINTMENT TO THE MEASURE T OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
Motion: Approve appointment to the Measure T Oversite Committee - Maria Munguia Wellman to fill a 4-year term 12/18/2024 - 12/18/2028, as the "Senior" slot on the Committee.

Moved by Leslie Cornejo, seconded by Jenny Crosswhite
Vote: Motion carried 5-0
Yes: Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, Jenny Crosswhite, Carlos Juarez, Gabriela Ornelas

10.B) APPOINTMENTS TO THE MAYOR’S STANDING AND AD HOC

COMMITTEES
Council discussed appointments to the Mayor's Standing and Ad Hoc Committees and reviewed appointments to Regional and State boards, committees and commissions. The Mayor provided an appointments list to these committees.

Council discussed modifications to the current list of committees as follows:
30 1. Change the title of Affordable Housing Fund Request to Affordable Housing People Self Help Ad Hoc Committee and noted to remove this committee from the list once the project is complete.

2. Remove Broadband and Technology Standing Committee.

3. Remove Communications Committee Ad Hoc.

4. Remove Development Agreement Negotiating Team (Harvest Project) Ad Hoc.

5. Noted to remove Union Oil Building Use Ad Hoc Committee once the project is complete.

6. Add Isabell Project Liaison.

Motion: Approve appointments to the Mayor's Standing and Ad Hoc Committees and appointments to Regional and State boards, committees and commissions as presented and discussed.

Moved by Carlos Juarez, seconded by Leslie Cornejo
Vote: Motion carried 5-0
Yes: Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, Jenny Crosswhite, Carlos Juarez, Gabriela Ornelas

10.C) ADOPTION OF 2025 COUNCIL MEETING CALENDAR
Motion: Approve the 2025 City Council meeting calendar as follows:

July 16 – Cancel the Regular City Council meeting
Aug 20 – Cancel the Regular City Council meeting
Dec 3 – Cancel the Regular City Council meeting
Dec 17 – Cancel the Regular City Council meeting
Dec 10 – Add City Council meeting in lieu of Dec 3 and Dec 17 Dec 29, 30, 2025 and Jan 2, 2026 – Close City Office, returning Jan 5, 2026
Jan 7, 2026 - Cancel the Regular City Council meeting
Moved by Carlos Juarez, seconded by Leslie Cornejo
Vote: Motion carried 5-0
Yes: Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, Jenny Crosswhite, Carlos Juarez, Gabriela Ornelas

10.D) AGREEMENT WITH ZENCITY TECHNOLOGIES US, INC.

Deputy City Manager Jonathan Royas presented this item.

Noa Fishman, Government Solutions Manager with Zencity
Technologies US, Inc. was available by zoom for questions.

Motion: Approve waiving formal bidding requirements for the purchase of a public relations analytics platform from ZenCity Technologies U.S.

Inc., for a one-year period because it is "required" and "desirable" due to the substantial time-limited discount, and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with ZenCity Technologies US, Inc., for one year, at a rate of $12,000.

Moved by Leslie Cornejo, seconded by Jenny Crosswhite
Vote: Motion carried 5-0
31 Yes: Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, Jenny Crosswhite, Carlos Juarez, Andy Sobel
11) ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS

11.A) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Announced the next City Council meeting will be held January 15, 2025. 12) ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Chavez adjourned the meeting at 9:06 p.m.

Julie Latshaw, City Clerk
ATTEST:
32 To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Beatriz Jimenez, Assistant Finance Director
Subject: DECEMBER 2024 WARRANTS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Date: January 15, 2025
Agenda Item: 9.B

CITY OF SANTA PAULA

MEMORANDUM
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council:

1. Review and accept the "Certification of Accounts Payable" for the accounts payable payment cycles for December 2024, starting check number 339344 and ending check number 339604.

2. Review and accept the "Certification of Salaries" for the pay period ending dates November 29th, 2024, through December 13th, 2024.

BACKGROUND:

This staff report certifies the separation of duties between the Preparer (Accounting and Payroll Specialist) and the Reviewer (Finance Director and Assistant Finance Director).

Presented in the attached documents:
a) CERTIFICATION OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CHECKS by check number range and dates.

It also discloses any voided checks.
b) EXPENSE REPORTS showing the amount and funds accounts payable came from.

The "Check Report" depicts the following columns:
c) AP-ACCOUNTS PAYABLE for the vendors (non-City staff) by the vendor number, vendor name, payment date, payment amount and check number (entitled 'number'). d) PY-PAYROLL for benefit payments, insurance, retirement, etc. Benefits payable on behalf of City staff.
e) Bank Code Summary by payment type.
f) Fund Summary by fund the accounts payables utilized. 33 CERTIFICATION OF SALARIES
This is the certification (separation of duties between "preparer" and the "reviewer") of salaries and benefits (payroll checks) by fund. It lists salary (payroll) issued checks by beginning and ending check number, payroll ending dates November 29th, 2024, through December 13th, 2024.

ANALYSIS:

See the attachment to this staff report for expense breakdown by respective fund.

STRATEGIC PLAN:

None.

FISCAL IMPACTS:

None.

OPTIONS:

As an alternative to staff's recommendation, the City Council may:

1. Decline to receive and file December 2024 Certifications of Accounts Payable Checks and Certifications of Salaries.

ATTACHMENTS:

December 2024 AP and PY Certifications.pdf
34 35
36 37
38 39
40 41
42 43
44 45
46 47
48 49
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jonathan Royas, Deputy City Manager
Subject: MEASURE R - CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TAX AND FEE

ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT FOR COLLECTION OF TRANSACTION

AND USE TAX
Date: January 15, 2025
Agenda Item: 9.C

CITY OF SANTA PAULA

MEMORANDUM
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends City Council:

1. Adopt Resolution No. 7555, authorizing the Examination of Sales or Transactions and Use Tax Records, thereby rescinding Resolution No. 7554.

Prepared by: Jonathan Royas, Deputy City Manager
BACKGROUND:

On November 5, 2024, Santa Paula voters approved Measure R, which establishes a general Transaction (Sales) and Use Tax (TUT) of one cent (1¢) on the sale and/or use of all tangible personal property sold at retail in the City until it is repealed by voters. The tax revenues will be deposited in the general fund and used for any lawful purposes recommended and adopted by the City Council.

On December 18, 2024, Council adopted Resolution No. 7554 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Santa Paula Authorizing Examination of Sales or Transactions and Use Tax Records. This resolution is required to allow confidential taxpayer information to be shared with certain specific members of City Staff.

ANALYSIS:

On December 23, 2024, staff submitted Resolution No. 7554 along with other required documentation to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). On December 26, 2024, the CDTFA responded back to the City requesting some minor language changes to Resolution No. 7554, essentially combining two "Whereas" clauses related to Ordinance No. 1267 and Ordinance No. 1338 into one clause and adding a clause related to 50 Ordinance No. 621.

Those changes have been corrected in the attached Resolution, No. 7555 - Authorizing the Examination of Sales or Transactions and Use Tax Records, thereby rescinding and replacing Resolution No. 7554 upon Council adoption.

STRATEGIC PLAN:

Approval of this item moves the City closer to completing one of City Council’s two-year Strategic Plan objectives as noted below:

Section B. Economic Development, Objective #1, Revenue Opportunities - Actively pursue revenue opportunities to increase the City's revenue base. A voter approved sales tax is estimated to generate approximately $4,500,000 annually in revenue for the general fund to maintain and improve City services.

FISCAL IMPACTS:

It is unknown at this time what the CDTFA preparatory costs will be however, per Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7272, preparatory costs shall not exceed one hundred seventyfive thousand dollars ($175,000). Once the cost is known, staff will return to Council for a budget allocation to be able to pay the fee.

OPTIONS:

ATTACHMENTS:

Resolution No. 7555 Authorizing Examination of Sales or Transactions and Use Tax Records (Redline).pdf
Resolution No. 7555 Authorizing Examination of Sales or Transactions and Use Tax Records (Clean).pdf
51 RESOLUTION NO. 7555
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Santa Paula Authorizing Examination of Sales or Transactions and Use Tax Records WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance Number 621, the City of Santa Paula (City) entered into a contract with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (Department) to perform all functions incident to the administration and collection of sales and use taxes; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance Number 1267 and 1338 of the City, and Revenue and Taxation Code section 7270, the City entered into a contract with the Department to perform all functions incident to the administration and collection of transactions and use taxes; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Paula deems it desirable and necessary for authorized officers, employees and representatives of the City to examine confidential sales or transactions and use tax records of the Department pertaining to sales or transactions and use taxescollected by the Department for the City pursuant to that contract; and WHEREAS, Section 7056 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code sets forth certain requirements and conditions for the disclosure of Department records, and Section 7056.5 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code establishes criminal penalties for the unlawful disclosure of information contained in, or derived from, the sales or transactions and use tax records of the Department;

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA PAULA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. That the City Manager, or other officer or employee of the City designated in writing by the City Manager to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration is hereby appointed to represent the City with authority to examine sales or transactions and use tax records of the Department pertaining to sales or transactions and use taxescollected for the City by the Department pursuant to the contract between the City and the Department.

Formatted: Font: Not Bold
Formatted: Font: Not Bold
Deleted: WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance Number
1267, on December 2, 2016, the City of Santa Paula (City) entered into a contract with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (Department) to perform all
functions incident to the administration and collection of sales and use taxes; and¶
¶
WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance Number 1338, on
November 5, 2024, the City of Santa Paula (City) entered into a contract with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (Department) to perform all functions incident to the administration and collection of sales and use taxes; and¶
¶
WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance Number 1338, Revenue
and Taxation Code section 7270, the City entered into a contract with the California Department of Tax and Fee
Administration (Department) to perform all functions
incident to the administration and collection of transactions and use taxes; and¶
52 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the information obtained by examination of Department records shall be used only for purposes related to the collection of City sales and use taxes by the Department pursuant to the contract between the City and the Department and for those purposes relating to the governmental functions of the City listed in Section 2 of this resolution.

Section 3. That this resolution supersedes all prior resolutions of the City Council of the City of Santa Paula adopted pursuant to subdivision (b) of Revenue and Taxation Code section 7056.

Introduced, approved and adopted this 15
th day of January 2025.

ATTEST: (s) ___________________________ (s) ____________________________ City Clerk Mayor
Deleted: 8
Deleted: December
Deleted: 4
53 I, Julie Latshaw, City Clerk of the City of Santa Paula, California, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing resolution was duly introduced, approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Paula, at a regular meeting of said Council held on the 15th day of January, 2025, by the following roll call vote:

Ayes: (Names of Councilmembers)
Noes: (Names of Councilmembers)

Absent: (Names of Councilmembers)
(s) _______________________________
City Clerk
Deleted: 8
Deleted: December
Deleted: 4
54 RESOLUTION NO. 7555
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Santa Paula Authorizing Examination of Sales or Transactions and Use Tax Records WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance Number 621, the City of Santa Paula (City) entered into a contract with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (Department) to perform all functions incident to the administration and collection of sales and use taxes; and

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA PAULA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

Section 2. The information obtained by examination of Department records shall be used only for purposes related to the collection of City sales or transactions and use taxes by the Department pursuant to that contract, and for purposes related to the following governmental functions of the City:
(a) Collection of sales or transactions and use taxes by the Department (b) Budget Planning
(c) Economic Development
The information obtained by examination of Department records shall be used only for those governmental functions of the City listed above.
55 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the information obtained by examination of Department records shall be used only for purposes related to the collection of City sales and use taxes by the Department pursuant to the contract between the City and the Department and for those purposes relating to the governmental functions of the City listed in Section 2 of this resolution.

Section 3. That this resolution supersedes all prior resolutions of the City Council of the City of Santa Paula adopted pursuant to subdivision (b) of Revenue and Taxation Code section 7056.

Introduced, approved and adopted this 15th day of January 2025.

ATTEST: (s) ___________________________ (s) ____________________________ City Clerk Mayor
56 I, Julie Latshaw, City Clerk of the City of Santa Paula, California, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing resolution was duly introduced, approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Paula, at a regular meeting of said Council held on the 15th day of January, 2025, by the following roll call vote:

Ayes: (Names of Councilmembers)
Noes: (Names of Councilmembers)

Absent: (Names of Councilmembers)
(s) _______________________________
City Clerk
57 To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jonathan Royas, Deputy City Manager
Subject: DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CREATION OF A MEASURE R SALES

TAX OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
Date: January 15, 2025
Agenda Item: 10.A

CITY OF SANTA PAULA

MEMORANDUM
RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that City Council:

1. Receive and file this report;

2. Provide direction regarding the possible creation and appointment of a sales tax oversight committee; and

3. Take such additional, related action that may be desirable.

Presented by: Jonathan Royas, Deputy City Manager
BACKGROUND:

On November 5, 2024, approximately 60% of Santa Paula voters approved Measure R, a one-cent local sales tax projected to generate approximately $4.5 million annually. Measure R funds are required by law to remain in Santa Paula and be allocated exclusively for local services. Additionally, Measure R includes accountability provisions, such as public disclosure of all spending and annual independent financial audits, ensuring transparency and proper use of the funds.

Although Measure R does not mandate the creation of an oversight committee, on October 2, 2024, prior to the election, the City Council directed staff to return with options for establishing such a committee, within 90 days, if Measure R passed.

ANALYSIS:

The establishment of a Measure R oversight committee could be a critical step in fulfilling the City’s commitment to transparency and accountability. This committee could serve as a bridge between the City Council and the public, providing regular reviews and reports on Measure R revenues and expenditures. At the same time, the formation of an additional committee could create extra administrative work for staff that may be unnecessary as Measure R already 58 incorporates accountability provisions such as public disclosure of all spending and annual independent financial audits. In either case, the purpose of this report is to identify options that fulfill the City’s commitment to ensuring that revenues generated by the sales tax are allocated and spent in alignment with voter intentions and legal mandates.

Of note, when the Measure T ordinance was approved by voters in 2016, it included a fiscal accountability provision that called for the creation of an "oversight committee" to review the expenditures of revenues generated by the sales measure. That provision established: "A five member citizen commission comprised of members appointed by the Council to annually review and audit expenditures of revenues derived from the Santa Paula Local Transaction and Use Tax." However, since its establishment, the Measure T Committee has come to act as much as an advisory body to the Council on budget allocation recommendations as it has as an "audit and review" committee. This distinction is important as an "oversight committee" would be defined as having an audit-type function, ensuring accountability and the actual use of such funds at the close of the fiscal year versus the intended use of funds as adopted with the budget. In a sense, an "oversight committee" is an "after-the-fact" committee aimed at looking back, whereas a budget advisory committee would "look forward" in association with the establishment of the City's budget.

The Measure T Committee, enacted as an oversight committee is now essentially both, however their advisory function is based on specific spending categories in the areas of public safety, streets, and youth services. Measure R doesn't contain those limitation or specific buckets, albeit it was passed as a measure largely focused on street and road and infrastructure improvements.

As the Council considers options for Measure R, it is important to draw on these distinctions so that the expectations for any oversight is clear; "after-the-fact" auditing or "forward-looking" advising. Based on this, staff has provided three options, below:

Measure R Committee Options
Option 1: Expand the Existing Measure T Oversight Committee The City Council could extend the responsibilities of the Measure T Oversight Committee to include oversight of Measure R funds. Measure T, passed by voters in 2016, established a $.01 per dollar sales tax. Revenue from the tax is deposited in the City’s General Fund to pay for city operations and services. These funds have been used for public safety, street improvements, and youth programs and to a small degree, code enforcement. Measure T does not require the funds be used for a particular city program or service, however the emphasis has been on preserving it for those categories.

City Council established the Measure T Oversight Committee to make recommendations to the City Council on the expenditure of Measure T funds. The Measure T Committee has effectively provided accountability and community representation with the following membership structure:

A representative from a Santa Paula business organization.

A senior citizen (age 62 or older).

A member active in a civic organization within Santa Paula.

A member involved in a youth organization.

A resident serving in an at-large capacity.
59 While effective, this structure has occasionally faced challenges in recruiting qualified candidates for specific categories. Therefore, the Council could look to just expand the Measure T Committee’s responsibilities (and even enlarge its membership), which would build on an established framework while also adding responsibilities to respond to voters' reasons for passing Measure R.

Advantages:

Established Framework: Utilizes an existing, proven structure.

Administrative Efficiency: Reduces additional workload for staff.

Streamlined Communication: Centralizes oversight functions and public engagement.

Challenges:

Increased Workload: Adding responsibilities may strain committee capacity.

Implementation Steps:

Amend Measure T Committee bylaws to include Measure R oversight.

Provide additional training and resources to committee members.

Expand membership from five to seven members, if desired, to balance responsibilities.

Option 2: Establish a New, Separate Measure R Oversight Committee Creating a dedicated oversight committee focused solely on Measure R represents another option for the City Council. By establishing a separate committee, the City ensures a clear and focused approach to auditing Measure R funds.

Advantages:

Clear and specific oversight of Measure R.

Avoids potential conflicts with voter objectives behind Measure T.

Aligns with best practices in transparency and accountability.

Challenges:

Requires additional resources to establish and maintain.

May face recruitment challenges for a new committee.

The scope of an audit function is very specific and limited and would only convene a few times each year.

Implementation Steps:

1. Draft and adopt bylaws specific to the new committee.

2. Define the membership structure, meeting frequency, and reporting requirements.

3. Recruit diverse members with relevant expertise.

Option 3: Assign Oversight to an Existing Advisory Body Oversight responsibilities for Measure R could be assigned to an existing advisory body, such as the Finance Committee. Alternatively, Council could direct staff to look at an entirely new or different model, such as a citizen budget committee. The community already has a public 60 body with sole responsibility for the adoption of the budget and all of the programs and priorities outlined within it. That body is the elected City Council, who must conduct its business in a public way.

In conclusion, staff will take direction on these and any related topics regarding the oversight of Measure R and will use Council’s comments and recommendations to return to Council with the necessary items to effectuate Council consensus.

To assist with Council’s review, attached is Resolution No.7261 – A Resolution of the City Council Amending Section 2 of the Measure T Oversight Committee Guidelines, describing the current structure and responsibilities of the Measure T Oversight Committee.

STRATEGIC PLAN:

This item supports the City completing one of City Council’s two-year Strategic Plan objectives as noted below:

FISCAL IMPACTS:

There is no fiscal impact associated with this item, however there are costs associated with any new committees, especially Brown Act committees, should Council chose that option.

OPTIONS:

City Council has the following alternative options:

1. Provide further direction to staff.

ATTACHMENTS:

Exhibit A - Reso No. 7261 Amending Measure T Committee Staff Report Exhibit.pdf 61 62
63 64
65 66
67 To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Monica Castillo, City Attorney
Subject: SANTA PAULA CREEK BRIDGE DESIGN - HARVEST
Date: January 15, 2025
Agenda Item: 10.B

CITY OF SANTA PAULA

MEMORANDUM
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends the City Council:

1. Receive and file a report from developer Lewis Limoneira Community Builders LLC on the proposed aesthetic design of the Santa Paula Creek Bridge; and

2. Provide feedback to the developer regarding the proposed design.

Presented by: City Attorney Monica Castillo
BACKGROUND:

Master developer, Limoneira Lewis Community Builders LLC ("LLCB), is required to build the Santa Paula Creek Bridge under the terms of the Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Development Agreement with the City of Santa Paula. In prior Council meetings, members of the City Council have expressed interest in the aesthetic appearance of the bridge. Developer is returning to Council to provide an opportunity for the City Council and the public to comment on the proposed design and look of the future bridge.

ANALYSIS:

Section 5.6.7 of the East Area 1 Specific Plan sets the general design guidelines for the Santa Paula Creek Bridge. The bridge will serve as the eastern gateway from downtown. It will consist of one vehicular travel lane and one bike line in each direction. Curb-tight sidewalks (sidewalks directly adjacent to the curb), will provide pedestrian access from existing neighborhoods to the Civic and Hallock Center Districts in Harvest. A two-way bike trail on the north side of the bridge will tie into East Area 1's trail system and provide a safe crossing of Santa Paula Creek.

LLCB need only conform to these general Specific Plan guidelines and has discretion on which aesthetic features to use for the bridge. LLCB welcomes the public's and Councilmembers' input on the proposed design features. Bridge design features and plans are attached as Exhibit A.

STRATEGIC PLAN:

Though this item does not promote a specific objective in the City's Two-Year Strategic Plan, it 68 furthers the following general goal: "Create an environment within the City in which our residents feel safe and which promotes the City as a location of choice for living, working, visiting and recreating."
FISCAL IMPACTS:

This item has no direct fiscal impacts.

OPTIONS:

Not applicable.

ATTACHMENTS:

Exhibit A - Santa Paula Ck Bridge Aesthetics
69 LOCATION MAP

SHEET INDEX
SHT. NO. DESCRIPTION

STREET IMPROVEMENTS

SANTA PAULA CREEK BRIDGE

SANTA PAULA STREET MAINTENANCE UNDERCROSSING

SANTA PAULA STREET MSE RETAINING WALL

AESTHETIC COMPONENTS
70 ¬ ¬ 10-30-24 PROJECT OVERVIEW
71 ℄

INDEX TO PLANS
SHEET NO. TITLE

BRIDGE GENERAL PLAN

GENERAL NOTES AND DECK CONTOURS

FOUNDATION PLAN
ABUTMENT LAYOUT NO. 1
ABUTMENT LAYOUT NO. 2
ABUTMENT DETAILS NO. 1
ABUTMENT DETAILS NO. 2

TYPICAL SECTION

GIRDER LAYOUT

TEMPORARY CREEK ACCESS PLAN

TEMPORARY CREE ACCESS DETAILS

SLAB REINFORCEMENT PLAN

ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS

JOINT DETAILS
LOTB 1
LOTB 2

LIGHTING AND ELECTRICAL PLAN
LIGHTING AND ELECTRICAL DETAILS NO. 1
LIGHTING AND ELECTRICAL DETAILS NO. 2

PHOTOMETRIC PLAN
7 8
9 10
11 12
13 14
15 16
17 18
19 20
21 22
23 24
25 26
Grey block at approach retaining
walls
"Hillside" pattern on bridge
barrier outside faces
"Lemon" pattern on four
bridge pylons at inside and
outside faces
Galvanized steel hand
railing above the concrete
sidewalk barrier
Ameron black & white
colors
72 Entire approach wall to be grey
block (just a segment shown here) GALVANIZED STEEL
73 74
75 76
77 ™
1 2 3 4
5 6 7
78 79
80 To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Dan Singer, City Manager
Subject: FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Date: January 15, 2025
Agenda Item: 11.A

CITY OF SANTA PAULA

MEMORANDUM
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends City Council review future agenda items.

BACKGROUND:

The attached Future Agenda Items forecast identifies anticipated agenda items for upcoming Council meetings as well as Study Session topics and long-range discussion items. Placing this forecast on the agenda affords the Council and the public the opportunity to discuss such topics and to make any recommendations. It should be noted this is only a forecast and may change over the course of time or based on feedback by the Mayor and City Manager during review of future agendas.

ANALYSIS:

Should a member of the City Council wish to introduce a future agenda topic, it should be done in compliance with the Council's adopted Manual of Procedural Guidelines, Section 5.1.

Items introduced by a member of the Council during a Council meeting requires a second and should be reserved for time-sensitive matters needing attention within the proceeding 45 day period.

STRATEGIC PLAN:

FISCAL IMPACTS:

OPTIONS:

ATTACHMENTS:

01.15.2025 Future Agenda Items.docx
81 Santa Paula City Council Tentative Agenda Schedule
Updated 1/15/25
*Activities associated with the Council’s Strategic Plan Regular Meeting
February 5, 6:30pm
Fire Ventura County Fire Department Report
CDD Peoples Self Help – Funding
P&R Facility Generator Closeout
PW Harvard Blvd Project Closeout
PW Mesa Tank Closeout
Regular Meeting
February 19, 6:30pm
CDD Community Development Department Report
Admin Strategic Plan Update
CDD Cannabis Ordinance Re: Medicinal Deliveries
Admin Water Bill Subsidy Options
P&R Union Oil Building Future Users
P&R California Oil Museum MOU for Building Contents

STUDY SESSION TOPICS
Admin No Smoking Ordinance TBD
Finance Development Impact Fees (DIF)* 1st Qtr.

Admin Municipal Code Update – Joint with Planning Commission* Ongoing CDD Use of Triangle Property on Housing Jan / Feb

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Finance Update on Utility Bills
PW Plans & Specifications for 8th Street Streetlight Repair Project CDD Central Business District Live Entertainment Ord 1339 CDD Cultural Arts Presentation*
Legal Fire MOU Amendment
Legal Development Code Amendments*
82

Santa Paula City CouncilJanuary 15, 2025

Santa Paula City Council
January 15, 2025