CITY OF SANTA PAULA
City Council Regular Meeting Meeting
December 10, 2025,
6:30
PM
MINUTES
1)
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Chavez called this meeting to order at 6:43 p.m.
City Attorney Monica Castillo attended virtually.
2)
INVOCATION
Father Thomas Dome provided the Invocation.
3)
FLAG SALUTE
Councilmember Ornelas led us in the flag salute.
4)
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Pedro A Chavez, Carlos Juarez, Jenny Crosswhite, Gabriela Ornelas, and Leslie Cornejo Councilmember Cornejo was absent at time of rollcall arriving at 8:00 p.m., during presentation of item 11.C. 5)
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Monica Castillo reported Council met in closed session with no reportable actions taken on the following: 4.A) THREAT TO PUBLIC SERVICES OR FACILITIES pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(a). Consultation with Rich Williamson, Chief Technology Officer 6)
PRESENTATIONS
6.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.
6.B)
CITY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENT REPORT - JUNE 2025 - OCTOBER 2025 City Manager Dan Singer provided the City Manager's Department Report June-October 2025. 7)
PUBLIC COMMENT
Sal Fuentes was called to speak about local activities. 8)
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Crosswhite:
Attended the Clean Power Alliance meeting; three meetings with staff regarding People's Place; Southern California Association of Governments meetings; Audit Committee meeting; Athens negotiation meeting; Boys and Girls Club recognition of Painter's Union; and Streets study session.
Councilmember Ornelas:
Attended the Holiday Parade; reception for Committees and Boards; Toy Giveaway; and announced the upcoming Santa and Me.
Vice Mayor Juarez:
Attended the Committees and Board reception as well as the Holiday Parade; Pavement Management Plan Workshops; announced Odd Fellows upcoming 18th Annual train event; and Rotary is collecting food and toys for basket handouts.
Mayor Chavez:
Provided a written report of activities during the third quarter; and noted that Small Business Saturday event was amazing! 9)
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Dan Singer:
Attended the Pavement Management Workshop.
10)
CONSENT CALENDAR
10.A)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
City Council Special Meeting November 5, 2025
City Council Regular Meeting November 5, 2025
City Council Special Meeting November 19, 2025
City Council Regular Meeting November 19, 2025
10.B)
OCTOBER 2025 WARRANTS AND CERTIFICATIONS
10.C)
NOVEMBER 2025 WARRANTS AND CERTIFICATIONS
10.D)
EXPENDITURE PLAN FOR THE FY 25/26 SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES ACCOUNT
10.E)
RECRUITMENT AND HIRING INCENTIVES
City Manager Dan Singer indicated new incentive attachment on item 10.E. was provided on the Dias.
10.F)
BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR PROPERTY DUE DILIGENCE OF 180 SOUTH PALM AVENUE
10.G)
CANYON BOOSTER PUMP UPGRADE PROJECT BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
10.H)
WATER DIVISION SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE SUPPLY AGREEMENT
10.I)
MILL STREET WATERLINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT NOTICE OF COMPLETION
10.J)
VARIOUS FINANCE CONSULTANT CONTRACT RENEWALS/AMENDMENTS Motion: Approve Consent Calendar Items 10.A - 10.J, with changes made to new incentives on Item 10.E.
Moved by Jenny Crosswhite, seconded by Carlos Juarez
Vote: Motion carried 4-0
Yes: Pedro A Chavez, Carlos Juarez, Jenny Crosswhite, Gabriela Ornelas 11)
ORDER OF BUSINESS
11.A)
PROCEDURES FOR ELECTION OF MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR
City Clerk Latshaw reviewed the procedures for the election of Mayor and Vice Mayor. Mayor Chavez directed City Clerk Latshaw to begin the selection process.
11.B)
SELECTION PROCESS FOR MAYOR
City Clerk Latshaw opened nominations for Mayor. Councilmember Crosswhite nominated Vice Mayor Juarez. With no other nominations, Councilmember Crosswhite moved to close the nominations for Mayor, seconded by Councilmember Ornelas. Motion passed with the following Voice vote: AYES: Chavez, Juarez, Crosswhite, Ornelas. NOES: None. ABSENT: Cornejo. There was no debate on the nomination, therefore, City Clerk Latshaw called a Voice vote: AYES: Chavez, Juarez, Crosswhite, Ornelas. NOES: None. ABSENT: Cornejo. City Clerk announced, by a unanimous vote, the City Council of the City of Santa Paula appoints Carlos Juarez as Mayor.
11.C)
GAVEL PLAQUE TO OUTGOING MAYOR PRESENTED BY NEW MAYOR
Mayor Juarez presented outgoing Mayor Chavez with the City Gavel Plaque for his services.
Council provided comments to outgoing Mayor Pedro Chavez, thanking him for all the work he's put into the City of Santa Paula during his term.
Armondo Gonzales on behalf of Congresswoman Julia Brownley presented a Certificate of Congressional Recognition and also welcomes the incoming Mayor.
Atticus Reyes on behalf of Senate Pro Tem President Monique Limón presented a Certificate of Recognition, and on behalf of Assemblymember Steve Bennett presented a Certificate of Recognition.
City Manager Dan Singer thanked outgoing Mayor for a successful year with many accomplishments and improvements this last year.
Public Comments:
Several individuals spoke, thanking the outgoing Mayor for his service to the community.
Chris Gabriele, Gloria Martinez, Zandra Tadeo, Vibay Weisbecker, and Amalia Ochoa.
11.D)
SELECTION PROCESS FOR VICE MAYOR
City Clerk Latshaw opened nominations for Vice Mayor. Newly appointed Mayor Juarez nominated Councilmember Crosswhite. With no other nominations, Mayor Juarez moved to close the nominations for Vice Mayor, seconded by Councilmember Cornejo. Motion passed with the following Voice vote: AYES: Chavez, Cornejo, Ornelas, Crosswhite, Juarez. NOES: none. There was no debate on the nomination, therefore, City Clerk Latshaw called a Voice vote: AYES: Chavez, Cornejo, Ornelas, Crosswhite, Juarez. NOES: None. City Clerk Latshaw announced by unanimous vote, the City Council of the City of Santa Paula appoints Jenny Crosswhite as Vice Mayor. 12)
ACTION ITEMS
12.A)
APPOINTMENTS TO THE MAYOR’S STANDING AND AD HOC COMMITTEES Mayor Juarez ratified changes as follows:
1. Parks and Recreation Commission: Mayor Juarez moves from alternate to primary and Councilmember Ornelas to alternate.
2. Santa Paula Unified School District 2x2: Councilmember Chavez steps down, and Councilmember Cornejo steps up with Councilmember Ornelas.
3. Senior Advisory Liaison: Mayor Juarez moves to alternate, and Councilmember Cornejo steps up to primary.
4. Water and Sewer Ad-Hoc Committee: No changes. Mayor Juarez and Vice Mayor Crosswhite remain in their positions.
5. County Committees remain the same.
12.B)
ADOPTION OF 2026 COUNCIL MEETING CALENDAR
Motion: Approve the 2026 City Council meeting calendar as follows:
* May 5 -
Add
City Council meeting in lieu of May 6
* July 1 -
Cancel
the Regular City Council meeting
* Aug 5 -
Cancel
the Regular City Council meeting
* Dec 8 -
Add
City Council meeting in lieu of Dec 2
* Dec 28, 29, 30 -
Close
City Office between Christmas and New Years, returning Jan 4, 2027 * Jan 6, 2027 -
Cancel
the Regular City Council meeting
Moved by Carlos Juarez, seconded by Jenny Crosswhite
Vote: Motion carried 5-0
Yes: Pedro A Chavez, Carlos Juarez, Jenny Crosswhite, Gabriela Ornelas, Leslie Cornejo 13)
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
13.A)
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
City Manager Dan Singer announced the possible need of a Special meeting on January 14, and Study Session on January 21.
Mayor Juarez would like EV Bikes brought on a January agenda and will submit the request through regular procedures. 14)
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Juarez adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m.
ATTEST:
Julie Latshaw, City Clerk