CITY OF SANTA PAULA
City Council Regular Meeting
March 18, 2026,
6:30
PM
MINUTES
1)
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Juarez called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2)
INVOCATION
Minister Carolyn Bjerke provided the invocation.
3)
FLAG SALUTE
Councilmember Ornelas led the flag salute.
4)
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Carlos Juarez, Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, and Gabriela Ornelas Members Absent: Jenny Crosswhite
5)
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Monica Castillo reported there are no reportable actions taken on 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
Nancy Grass was called to speak on concerns of the slow progress on Property Business in Downtown District projects.
Atul Ranchod was called to speak on concerns of the slow progress on Property Business in Downtown District projects, and problems with the loud music in the area.
Jose Melgar was called to speak on concerns with Property Business Improvement District on slow process of providing funds from Property Business Improvement District Grant.
Kathya Godinez was called to speak (provided her time to Jose Melgar) Gilberto Moreno was called to speak (provided his time to Jose Melgar) Efrain Covarubias was called to speak of disappointment of taxes paid for the Property Business Improvement District with no results.
Ima Alvarez was called to speak on slow progress on Downtown District projects.
Pedro Duran was called to speak requesting recognition of the Santa Paula 14U AYSO Soccer team who placed 1st at the Western States Tournament.
City Manager was directed to follow up with Property Business Improvement District merchants. 7)
PRESENTATIONS
7.A)
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Police Chief Don Aguilar provided a presentation on the Police Department activities. 8)
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Chavez:
No reportable events.
Councilmember Orneles:
Served as Judge for Regional Speech Debate.
Councilmember Cornejo:
Attended the Senior Advisory Committee; opening day for Little League; Property Business Improvement District; Ventura County of Governments and was elected as Vice Chair; Premier Party at the Art Museum; and presentation on the Santa Paula Hospital.
Mayor Juarez:
Attended the Santa Paula Leadership Academy; Youth of the Year Boys and Girls Club; Happy History at the Aviation Museum; presentation on the hospital; Premier Party at the Art Museum; reminded the community of the upcoming Easter celebration. 9)
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Dan Singer:
Announced that once again the City of Santa Paula was awarded Tree City USA; attended the History Society meeting on St Francis Dam; held Management retreat; and announced he and the Mayor will be traveling to Washington DC to meet with representatives and lobby for assistance. 10)
CONSENT CALENDAR
10.A)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
City Council Special Meeting January 21, 2026
City Council Regular Meeting January 21, 2026
City Council Special Meeting January 26, 2026
City Council Special Meeting February 4, 2026
City Council Regular Meeting February 4, 2026
City Council Special Meeting February 11, 2026
City Council Special Meeting February 18, 2026
City Council Regular Meeting February 18, 2026
10.B)
FEBRUARY 2026 WARRANTS AND CERTIFICATIONS
10.C)
ENGEO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
10.D)
REVISIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL RECOGNITION POLICY
Councilmember Chavez requested Item 10.D pulled for separate discussion and vote.
Motion: Approve as amended revisions to the City Council Recognition Policy established by Resolution No. 7453, incorporating policy clarifications related to business recognitions and procedures for adjourning meetings in memory of individuals or events that have made a meaningful contribution to the Santa Paula community, with the following language change 2. Policy b) "on behalf of the City Council as a whole and presented by the Mayor or presiding officer." Moved by Pedro A Chavez, seconded by Gabriela Ornelas
Vote: Motion carried 4-0
Yes: Carlos Juarez, Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, Gabriela Ornelas Councilmember Chavez requested item 10.D pulled for separate discussion and vote.
Motion: Approve Consent Calendar items 10.A, 10.B, and 10.C Moved by Pedro A Chavez, seconded by Leslie Cornejo
Vote: Motion carried 4-0
Yes: Carlos Juarez, Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, Gabriela Ornelas 11)
ACTION ITEMS
11.A)
SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE TO REGULATE SUCCESSIVE RENT INCREASE APPLICATIONS Motion: Table and return to reintroduce the ordinance with changes.
Moved by Pedro A Chavez, seconded by Gabriela Ornelas
Vote: Motion carried 4-0
Yes: Carlos Juarez, Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, Gabriela Ornelas
11.B)
UTILITY BOX ART PROJECT CRITERIA AND REQUIREMENTS
Intern Nicholle Azpera presented this item.
Representatives Maria Munguia, Lynn Oaken, and Andy Sobel with Santa Paula Arte & Cultura Collective provided a presentation on the Utility Box Art Project.
Motion: Approve criteria and program requirements for the Utility Box Art Project being implemented in coordination with the Santa Paula Arte & Cultura Collective.
Moved by Pedro A Chavez, seconded by Leslie Cornejo
Vote: Motion carried 4-0
Yes: Carlos Juarez, Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, Gabriela Ornelas
11.C)
TRANSFER OF UNCLAIMED MONIES BACK TO GENERAL FUND BALANCE This item was presented by Accountant Fabian Castellon.
Redline was provided on the Dias to approve as amended.
Motion: Approve as amended Resolution No. 7608 escheating monies to the City’s General Fund, pursuant to Government Code §50053, with changes to Section 4: amount of $34,590.84.
Moved by Pedro A Chavez, seconded by Gabriela Ornelas
Vote: Motion carried 4-0
Yes: Carlos Juarez, Leslie Cornejo, Pedro A Chavez, Gabriela Ornelas 12)
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
12.A)
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Chavez submitted Agenda Request Form for Study Session on the Impact of Growth in Santa Paula. Council was in consensus. 13)
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Juarez adjourned the meeting at 8:32 p.m.
ATTEST:
Julie Latshaw, City Clerk