City Council — March 25, 2026

American Red Cross Recognition

• The Council recognized March as American Red Cross Month and presented a proclamation to the Pacific Coast Chapter.
• Officials acknowledged the organization's contributions to disaster relief, military support, and community preparedness.
• No formal motion or vote was taken on this recognition item.

Ventura Regional Sanitation District Presentation

• The District General Manager outlined operations serving nine agencies, including water, wastewater, and landfill management.
• Presenters noted the Tolland Road Landfill has 12 to 14 years of remaining airspace and a feasibility study is underway.
• Council Member Kildee requested a field trip to the landfill, which was agreed upon by staff.

Library Activity Update

• Staff presented survey results showing high patron trust and primary usage for borrowing materials and attending programs.
• Patrons suggested future improvements including events for youth, a fix-it clinic, and expanded graphic novel collections.
• No formal motion or vote was taken on the survey findings.

Mobile Home Land Rent Stabilization Ordinance

• Staff presented a draft ordinance proposing annual rent increases of 2% to 6% based on CPI with a 6% vacancy cap.
• Public comment revealed strong support from residents for affordability protections and opposition from park owners regarding operational costs.
• Council members raised concerns about vacancy controls and lease impacts, leading to a decision to return the item to the Ad Hoc Committee.
• The ordinance was not adopted, with specific instructions to modify vacancy provisions and anniversary date rules.

Closed Session

• The City Attorney reported discussions on existing litigation, anticipated litigation, and real property negotiations.
• No reportable action was taken on any of the closed session items.

• Meeting Date: March 25, 2026 Body: Camarillo City Council, Sanitary District, and Library Board

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

• The meeting was called to order by Mayor Tennyson. The clerk called the roll, confirming the presence of Council Members Santangelo, Kildee, and Tremblay, Vice Mayor Martinez-Bravo, and Mayor Tennyson.

2. Closed Session Items

• The City Attorney reported three items discussed in closed session:
• Existing litigation regarding the OPV Coalition versus Fox Canyon matter.
• Anticipated litigation involving significant exposure under Government Code section 54956.92.
• Real property negotiations regarding 2222 Ventura Boulevard under Government Code section 54956.8.
• No reportable action was taken on these items.

3. Recognition of American Red Cross Month

• The Council recognized March as American Red Cross Month. Mayor Tennyson presented a proclamation to the American Red Cross Pacific Coast Chapter, acknowledging their services in disaster relief, military support, blood collection, and preparedness education. Council members and Red Cross representatives provided comments regarding the organization's impact on the community, particularly during past emergencies such as the La Conchita mudslide and various wildfires. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.

4. Public Comment

• The public comment period was held for 20 minutes. Speakers addressed the following topics:
• Ventura County Sheriff's Department: A resident expressed appreciation for the department's professionalism and community relationship.
• Accessibility and Public Transit: A speaker requested improved accessibility for meetings, specifically embedded Spanish translation and closed captioning, and called for improved public transit options.
• Immigration Enforcement: Two speakers commented on federal immigration enforcement actions (ICE), citing statistics on detentions in the area and expressing opposition to current enforcement practices.
• Upcoming Event: A representative for Assembly Member Steve Bennett announced the second annual Bike Rodeo & Resource Fair to be held at Oxnard College on April 11.

5. Ventura Regional Sanitation District Presentation

• Eric Zetz, General Manager of the Ventura Regional Sanitation District, presented an overview of the district's operations. Key points included:
• The district serves nine member agencies and manages water supply, wastewater, and landfill services.
• The Tolland Road Landfill in Santa Paula is the only public landfill in Ventura County, processing approximately 1,300 tons of trash daily.
• The district currently has 12 to 14 years of airspace remaining at the Tolland Road Landfill.
• A feasibility study regarding the future of landfill capacity in the region is underway and expected to be presented to the board by summer.
• Council Member Kildee inquired about the feasibility of a field trip to the landfill, which was agreed upon. No formal motion or vote was taken.

6. Library Activity Update

• Mandy, representing the Camarillo Public Library, presented results from the "Every Story Counts" state survey. Highlights included:
• 279 responses were received from patrons.
• Respondents reported feeling welcome and trusting the library's information.
• Primary uses included borrowing materials (90%), attending programs (62%), and using the space for study/work (48%).
• Suggestions for future improvements included events for younger demographics, a "fix-it" clinic, podcast creation workshops, and expanded collections in graphic novels and foreign films.
• No formal motion or vote was taken.

7. Council Comments

• Council members reported on meetings attended since the last session, including the Airport Authority, Utilities Committee, and the Dizdar Park grand opening. Several members commended staff and contractors for the successful completion of Dizdar Park, noting its popularity and community features.

8. Consent Calendar

• The Consent Calendar (Items G through O) was presented.
• Motion: A motion to approve the Consent Calendar was made.
• Second: The motion was seconded.
• Decision: The motion passed unanimously.

9. Mobile Home Land Rent Stabilization Ordinance

• Senior Planner James Fowler presented a draft ordinance regarding mobile home park land rent stabilization.
• Background: Following a temporary moratorium expiring April 20, 2026, an ad hoc committee developed a draft permanent ordinance.
• Proposed Provisions: The ordinance allows annual ministerial rent increases between 2% and 6% based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Additional increases are permitted for capital improvements or to maintain a fair rate of return, subject to a petition process requiring 50% plus one of affected homeowners. The draft includes a 6% cap on rent increases upon vacancy (change of ownership).
• Public Comment: Eight speakers addressed the item. Residents generally supported the ordinance, citing high rents in Camarillo compared to neighboring cities and the need for affordability protections. Park owners and their representatives opposed the ordinance, arguing it regulates a non-existent problem, interferes with contractual rights, and fails to account for rising operational costs (payroll, insurance, utilities). They proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as an alternative.
• Council Discussion:
• Vice Mayor Martinez-Bravo and Council Member Santangelo expressed support for the ordinance, citing data showing Camarillo rents are significantly higher than county averages and emphasizing the need for stability for seniors and fixed-income residents.
• Council Member Kildee expressed support for a rent stabilization ordinance but raised concerns regarding the 6% vacancy cap, the single anniversary date for rent increases, and the impact on long-term leases. He suggested returning the item to committee for modifications.
• Council Member Tremblay stated he could not support the draft in its current form, specifically citing the vacancy control provisions as a major flaw that could deter investment and harm future residents. He suggested emulating the policies of Los Angeles and Thousand Oaks, which allow for market-rate adjustments under certain vacancy conditions.
• Mayor Tennyson agreed with the need for an ordinance but expressed concern regarding the vacancy cap and the impact on park owner sustainability. He supported a more balanced approach similar to other jurisdictions.
• Decision: The Council decided to return the item to the Ad Hoc Committee for further review and modification. The specific areas identified for further work included the vacancy control provisions, the anniversary date for rent increases, and the treatment of long-term leases. No vote was taken on the adoption of the ordinance.

10. Adjournment

• The City Attorney reported no reportable action from the closed session. The meeting was adjourned.