CITY OF SANTA PAULA
City Council Regular Meeting
February 4, 2026,
6:30
PM
MINUTES
1)
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Juarez called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2)
INVOCATION
Chaplain Kay Wilson Bolton provided the Invocation
3)
FLAG SALUTE
Councilmember Chavez led the flag salute.
4)
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Carlos Juarez, Jenny Crosswhite, Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, and Gabriela Ornelas 5)
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Monica Castillo announced Council met in closed session with no reportable actions taken on the following: 4.A) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code §54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(1): 2 potential cases 6)
PUBLIC COMMENT
Tim Truwe was called to speak on the Union Oil Building requesting to negotiate with REC.
Amalia Ochoa was called to speak with concerns of ICE activities.
Maria Robles was called to speak providing information on upcoming Candidate Forum by One Step A La Vez.
Michael Nelson was called to speak in support of REC.
Maria Macias was called to speak to announce Teen Annex offerings by One Step A La Vez.
Patricia Duarte was called to speak on concerns at the Harvest Development of inequitable access and financial consequences.
Julia Ancona gave her speaking time to Patricia Duarte to continue her comments.
Edgar Avillera was called to speak requesting to have two 15-minute parking spots in front of the water store. He also requested the water meter replaced.
Judy Rice was called to speak with concerns with the contract with the Ventura County Fire Department and the loss of taxes.
Chris Gabriele was called to speak and would like a resolution on immigration. 7)
PRESENTATIONS
7.A)
WAYFINDING PRESENTATION
Samantha Tapia, Management Fellow, City Managers Office, provided a presentation on the Wayfinding update. 8)
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Ornelas:
Attended Immigration Ad hoc Committee meeting; Civic Engagement Tour of young people throughout Ventura County government offices; and press conference on immigration and ICE activity.
Councilmember Chavez:
Attended press conference on immigration and ICE activity; and League Conference.
Councilmember Cornejo:
Online course to review the Brown Act; Limoneira meeting on strategies for healthcare and Blue Ribbon meeting; Chamber ribbon cutting of Wild Hair Pilates; and coffee with Councilmember Chavez.
Vice Mayor Crosswhite:
Attended three Southern California Association of Governments meetings; California Council of Governments meeting; Immigration Ad hoc Committee meeting; and Heritage Valley Policy Advisory meeting.
Mayor Juarez:
Will close tonight's meeting in memory of city employee Joseph “Joe” Paul Byrum; met with Deputy City Manager Aminah Mears and staff regarding the upcoming State of the City; attended the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting; 2025 Mel L. Howery Shining Star Award recognizing Martin Montelongo; presentation from Marcus Erikson from Leap Lab; City Selection Committee meeting; Limoneira meeting on strategies for healthcare and Blue Ribbon meeting; Business Connect meeting; and press conference on immigration and ICE activity. 9)
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Dan Singer:
Attended Limoneira meeting on strategies for healthcare and Blue Ribbon meeting; and Sacramento League Policy Committee meeting. 10)
CONSENT CALENDAR
10.A)
CEMEX LEASE AGREEMENT
10.B)
CHANDLER ASSET INVESTMENT SERVICES CONTRACT AMENDMENT
10.C)
SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1351 APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (HARVEST AT LIMONEIRA) Councilmember Chavez recused himself on this item.
10.D)
PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE PARK AND ORCHARD STREET WATER, SEWER AND PAVING PROJECT Motion: Approve all budget adjustments necessary to complete CIP 9405 - Park and Orchard Street Water, Sewer and Paving Project, as noted in the fiscal impact section; Adopt Resolution No. 7601 approving the plans and specifications for the CIP 9405 - Park and Orchard Street Water, Sewer and Paving Project; and Authorize Staff to advertise for Project bids.
Moved by Pedro A Chavez, seconded by Jenny Crosswhite
Vote: Motion carried 5-0
Yes: Carlos Juarez, Jenny Crosswhite, Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, Gabriela Ornelas Councilmember Chavez requested item 10.D pulled for separate discussion and vote. Councilmember Chavez recuse himself on item 10.C.
Motion: Approve Consent Calendar items 10.A through 10.C, with Councilmember Chavez recusing on item 10.C.
Moved by Jenny Crosswhite, seconded by Leslie Cornejo
Vote: Motion carried 5-0
Yes: Carlos Juarez, Jenny Crosswhite, Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, Gabriela Ornelas 11)
ACTION ITEMS
11.A)
DISCUSSION OF URGENCY ORDINANCE TO REGULATE MOBILEHOME PARK RENT ADJUSTMENT APPLICATION FREQUENCY City Attorney Monica Castillo presented this item.
Tiffany Orr was called to speak in support of an urgency ordinance to regulate mobilehome park rent.
Amalia Ochoa was called to speak in support of an urgency ordinance to regulate mobilehome park rent.
Ryan Witt was called to speak in support of an urgency ordinance to regulate mobilehome park rent.
Jennifer Hernandez was called to speak in support of an urgency ordinance to regulate mobilehome park rent.
Dirk Lay was not available when called to speak.
Gladys Valdvinos was called to speak in support of an urgency ordinance to regulate mobilehome park rent.
Nicole Sanchez was called to speak in support of an urgency ordinance to regulate mobilehome park rent.
Cytlalli Salgado was called to speak in support of an urgency ordinance to regulate mobilehome park rent.
Council was in consensus for City Attorney to proceed with bringing back an urgency ordinance.
11.B)
2025-2027 CITY COUNCIL TWO-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 25 6-MONTH UPDATE Management Fellow Nicholle Azpera provided a presentation on the Council's Two-Year Strategic Plan Implementation Progress Report, Fiscal Year 6-Month Update.
11.C)
POLICE CHIEF ADVISORY COMMITTEE FORMATION
Police Chief Don Aguilar presented this item.
Cytlalli Salgado was called to speak on concerns of who will oversee what comes next. Would like to see council involvement and roll of community input.
Council provided staff with feedback.
12)
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
12.A)
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Recommendations from Vice Mayor Crosswhite would like to consider adding to the city municipal code an ordinance prohibiting the sale of Nitrouis Oxide for recreational use.
Council was in consensus.
Councilmember Chavez submitted an agenda request form requesting an introduction of a resolution on the topic of immigration. Council was in consensus to have the Immigration Committee take a look at this first and then bring back with recommendations. 13)
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Juarez adjourned at 9:30 p.m. in memory of Joseph "Joe" Paul Byrum.
ATTEST:
Secretary,
City Council Regular