Tuesday, June 23, 2026 Ventura City Council Agenda www.cityofventura.ca.gov
AMENDED CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
ADD CLOSED SESSION ITEM “6” ON JULY 2, 2026
TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2026
CLOSED SESSION – 4:00 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING - 5:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS – CITY HALL - 501 POLI STREET, VENTURA, CA 93001
DR. JEANNETTE SÁNCHEZ-PALACIOS, MAYOR
Councilmembers:
DISTRICT 1 – LIZ CAMPOS
DISTRICT 2 – DOUG HALTER, DEPUTY MAYOR
DISTRICT 3 – RYYN SCHUMACHER
DISTRICT 5 – BILL MCREYNOLDS
DISTRICT 6 – JIM DURAN
DISTRICT 7 – ALEX MANGONE
Bill Ayub
City Manager
Javan N. Rad
City Attorney
Michael B. MacDonald
City Clerk
PUBLIC ADVISORY: THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED IN A HYBRID MODEL WITH BOTH IN -PERSON ATTENDANCE AND VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION.
The City of Ventura acknowledges that we are gathered on unceded Chumash land. To read the City Council – adopted Chumash Land Acknowledgment in full, please visit: Chumash Land Acknowledgment | Ventura, CA.
Live broadcasts of City Council meetings are available on Cable TV (Channel 15) and via internet accessible video stream at https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/718/Videos or on YouTube at https://www.YouTube.com/cityofventura/live.
To access the meeting remotely use this URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84095569075. To request to speak, use the “raise hand” function in Zoom. To join by phone: Dial 1-669-900-6833 or 1 -833-568-8864 (Toll Free) and enter Meeting ID: 840 9556 9075. To provide public comment, Press *9 and wait to be recognized by the City Clerk.
Please be mindful that the meeting will be recorded, and all rules of procedure and decorum apply for in -person attendees and those participating virtually.
To submit written comments (up to 1,000 characters) for the City Council’s consideration and inclusion in the public records, email [email protected] by 3:00 p.m. on the meeting date, or by using the public comment form at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/publicinput. Please include the Agenda Item Number in the subject.
This meeting will be conducted in accordance with the Brown Act, Government Code Section 54953. Any member of the public may attend this meeting. Questions regarding this matter may be addressed to Michael B. MacDonald, City Clerk, (805) 658-4787. The City Council may take action related to any subject listed on the Agenda. Meetings will adjourn at 10:00 p.m. Any items outstanding at that time will be deferred until the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 Ventura City Council Agenda www.cityofventura.ca.gov
CALL TO ORDER – CLOSED SESSION – 4:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: Public comments on Closed Session Items only.
CLOSED SESSION: Teleconference/Video Conference Meeting. The Public may not participate in the Closed Session, other than for Public Comments.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Name of Case: Blackwell, et al. v. County of Ventura et al.
Ventura County Superior Court Case No. 2024CUEI031690
Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIORS
Property: A 25-foot wide portion of property within a parcel located in the County of Ventura, California (APN 140-0-040-105)
Agency Negotiators: Bill Ayub, Carlene Saxton, Gina Dorrington Negotiating Parties: James R. Mellor, Jr., Esq. for HYS & Family LLC Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
Authority: Government Code Section 54956.8
3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIORS
Property: A 25-foot wide portion of property within a parcel located in the County of Ventura, California (APN 147-0-040-520)
Agency Negotiators: Bill Ayub, Carlene Saxton, Gina Dorrington Negotiating Parties: Robert G. Kuhs, Esq. for Santa Clara Avenue Oxnard, LP Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
Authority: Government Code Section 54956.8
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Consideration of Initiation of Litigation: Two Cases
Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)
5. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: City Manager
Authority: Government Code Section 54957
6. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
City Negotiators: Dr. Jeannette Sánchez-Palacios, Mayor, Doug Halter, Deputy Mayor Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
Authority: Government Code Section 54957.6
ADJOURNMENT: Adjourn to Regular Meeting.
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Tuesday, July 7, 2026 Ventura City Council Agenda www.cityofventura.ca.gov
CALL TO ORDER – REGULAR SESSION – 5:00 p.m . The regular meetings of the San Buenaventura (Ventura) City Council also serve as regular meetings of the Successor Agency, Public Facilities Financing Authority, and the San Buenaventura Parking Authority when items are listed on the agenda.
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
• Ventura Port District Annual Update
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Per Government Code Section 54954.2(a)(2), the Council Communications section of the agenda provides City Council the opportunity to ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement, or make a brief report on their own activities.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: In compliance with Government Code Section 54954.3, Public Communications is that portion of Council meetings set aside for members of the public to address City Council on items of any City business other than scheduled agenda items. Comments are limited to items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City and are limited to no more than three (3) minutes. Per the City Council Protocols, this initial period for general public communications will be limited to twenty (20) speakers, with priority given to in -person speakers over virtual speakers. If there are ten (10) or fewer speakers, each speaker will have three (3) minutes to speak; if there are more than ten (10) speakers, each speaker will have two (2) minutes to speak. Speakers may not cede their time to another speaker. City Council cannot act on any items not on the agenda.
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 Ventura City Council Agenda www.cityofventura.ca.gov
CONSENT ITEMS: Matters appearing on the Consent Items are expected to be non -controversial and will be acted upon by City Council at one time without discussion unless a Councilmember, City Staff, or a member of the public requests an opportunity to address an item. Items removed from the Consent Calendar will be discussed at the beginning of the Formal Items. Approval by the City Council of Consent Items means the recommendation of Staff is approved along with the terms and conditions described in the Administrative Rep ort.
1. First Amendment to Legal Services Agreement 2026 -38 with Law Firm of Wood & Finck, in the case of Onofre Padilla v . City of San Buenaventura, et al., VCSC case no. 2025CUPP054997
Staff: Javan N. Rad, City Attorney
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Attorney to enter into a n amendment to Legal Services Agreement 2026-38 with the law firm of Wood & Finck, to increase the not to exceed amount to $547,500 (an increase of $4 87,500), to continue representation of the City in the Padilla v . City of San Buenaventura lawsuit.
2. Appointments Recommendation Committee Appointments to the Parks & Recreation Commission and Arts & Culture Commission
Staff: Michael MacDonald, City Clerk
RECOMMENDATION
a. Appoint Patty Overley and reappoint Tanner Shelton to the Parks & Recreation Commission for a term of July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030.
b. Appoint Laura Mullen, Friday Treur, and reappoint Rafael Perea de la Cabada to the Arts & Culture Commission for a term of July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030.
3. General Services Agreement with Woods Maintenance Services Inc. for Encampment Cleanup Services
Staff: Rachel Dimond, Community Development Director
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute a General Services Agreement with Woods Maintenance Services, Inc. to conduct Encampment Cleanup Services on City -Owned Property for a not - to- exceed amount of $900,000 from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029 with the option to extend for two additional one -year periods from July 1, 2029, to June 30, 2030 and from July 1, 2030 to June 30, 2031.
CONSENT ITEMS (CONTINUED)
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 Ventura City Council Agenda www.cityofventura.ca.gov
4. Authorization to Advertise Bids for the Santa Paula Branch Line – Rails with Trails Project (ST23-1230)
Staff: Charles W. Ebeling, Public Works Director
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize advertisement for bids to be received on the City's bidding platform.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: Staff shall introduce the public hearing item and present their report to Council.
Councilmembers may ask questions of staff if they desire. Any member of the public may speak or present evidence, after submitting a speaker card and being recognized by the Mayor. All rules of decorum apply during Public Hearings.
Each member of the Council shall verbally disclose all ex parte communications concerning the subject of the hearing
5. Resolution to Approve Mills Act Contract for Historic Landmark No. 121 John P. McGonigle Residence
Staff: Rachel Dimond, Community Development Director
RECOMMENDATION
a. Conduct a public hearing.
b. Adopt a Resolution approving a Mills Act contract for Historic Landmark No. 121 “John P. McGonigle Residence” located at 1613 East Main Street.
6. Resolution to Approve the Historic Landmark Designation Request for the “Walter M. Jones Residence” at 695 -697 East Main Street (PROJ-25-0956)
Staff: Rachel Dimond, Community Development Director
RECOMMENDATION
a. Conduct a public hearing.
b. Adopt a Resolution designating the “Walter M. Jones Residence” at 695-697 East Main Street (PROJ-25-0956) as a Historic Landmark.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS (CONTINUED)
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 Ventura City Council Agenda www.cityofventura.ca.gov
7. Ordinance Amending Chapters 20.155 and 24.582 to Establish the City’s Tree Protection Ordinance
Staff: Stacey Zarazua, Parks and Recreation Director
RECOMMENDATION
a. Conduct a public hearing.
b. Introduce and waive the first reading of the City’s Tree Protection Ordinance, and set the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance on the next date upon which adequate notice can be provided.
Ordinance titled:
“AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN
BUENAVENTURA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 20 OF THE SAN
BUENAVENTURA MUNICIPAL CODE TO REPEAL CHAPTER 20.155,
“TREE PROTECTION IN HABITATS FOR PROTECTED WILDLIFE,”
AND ADD A NEW CHAPTER 20.155, “TREE PROTECTION
ORDINANCE,” AND AMENDING TITLE 24 TO ADD CHAPTER 24.582, “TREE PERMIT,” TO REGULATE THE PRUNING AND REMOVAL OF
TREES WITHIN THE CITY”
c. Adopt a Resolution authorizing submittal of a Local Coastal Program Amendment to the California Coastal Commission based on the proposed Ordinance.
d. Adopt a Resolution repealing Resolution 2026 -10 and adopting a new schedule of civil penalties imposed through administrative citations for violations of the San Buenaventura Municipal Code relating to the removal and pruning of trees.
e. Adopt a Resolution adopting permit and in -lieu fees for removal and pruning of trees in accordance with the Ordinance.
f. Find that adoption of the Ordinance and Resolutions is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because the action does not have the potential to result in significant effects on the environment and pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.9 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15265 for preparation and adoption of a Local Coastal Program Amendment
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 Ventura City Council Agenda www.cityofventura.ca.gov
FORMAL ITEMS:The public may comment on each item listed on the agenda for Formal Items as the item is taken up. Formal Items may be reordered at the discretion of the Chair. The public may speak up to three (3) minutes on each agenda item. If there are 21 or more speakers, the time will be reduced to two (2) minutes.
8. Additional State Coastal Conservancy Funding and Seventh Amendment to Grant Agreement 09-016 for the Surfers Point - Phase II Project (CO13-1069)
Staff: Charles W. Ebeling, Public Works Director
RECOMMENDATION
a. Authorize the City Manager, or designee to execute the Seventh Amendment to Grant Agreement 09 -016 with the California State Coastal Conservancy, accepting an additional $1.5 million in grant funding for the Surfers Point – Phase II Project, and any associated documents necessary to implement its provisions.
b. Approve any related budget adjustments necessary to recognize the additional grant revenue.
9. Fiscal Year 2026 Strategic Priorities - Fourth Quarter Update
Staff: Bill Ayub, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION
Receive, file, and provide any feedback on the Strategic Priority Workplan Fourth Quarter update.
10. Fiscal Year 2027 Strategic Priorities - Annual Workplan
Staff: Bill Ayub, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and provide feedback on the refined Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Workplan.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS : Policy Considerations may be submitted by two Councilmembers jointly on Items for Future Agendas. Policy Considerations are to request that the City Council direct “staff to report back to the body at a subsequent meeting concerning any matter or take action to direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda,” as allowed by Government Code Section 54954.2(a)(3).
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 Ventura City Council Agenda www.cityofventura.ca.gov
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: In compliance with Government Code Section 54954.3, Public Communications is that portion of Council meetings set aside for members of the public to address City Council on items of any City business other than scheduled agenda items. Comments are limited to items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City and are limited to no more than three (3) minutes. Per the City Council Protocols, speakers may not cede their time to another speaker. If a person speaks during the first general public communications period, they do not have an opportunity to speak again during this second period, even if their time was shortened to two (2) minutes during the first period. City Council cannot act on any items not on the agenda .
ADJOURNMENT: Communications to the City Council are public record and will become part of the City’s electronic records, which are accessible through the City’s website. Please note: e -mail addresses, names, addresses, and other contact information are not required, but if included in any communication to the City Council, will become part of the public record. If you do not want your e -mail address or any other contact information to be made public, you may deliver communications via U.S. Postal Service to the City Cle rk’s Office at 501 Poli Street, Room 204, Ventura, CA 93001. If you do not want your contact information included in the public record, please do not include that information in your communication. Please contact the City Clerk Department for further information.
In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (805) 658 -4787 or the California Relay Service at 711. Notification 72 hours prior will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements for accessibility to this meeting. AP&P 6.04, accessible at the link below, explains procedures for receiving and resolving requests for accommodation to participate in or conduct this meeting.
https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/43474/APP-604-21225
Live Spanish interpretation will be available. No advanced request for interpretation services required.
La traducción al español estará disponible en vivo. No es necesario solicitar la traducción al español anticipadamente.
Administrative Reports relating to this agenda are available on the City’s website – https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/AgendaCenter.
Resource Items for the Public:
• City Council Protocols which includes Rules of Decorum for the Public • City Council Strategic Priorities 2025-2026
• City Charter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This agenda was posted on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Clerk’s Office, on the City Hall Public Notices Board and on the internet.
Michael B. MacDonald, MMC
City Clerk