Meeting Summary
Present: 2-Santangelo, 5-Martinez-Bravo, 3-Kildee, 4-Trembley, 1-Tennessen
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Remote Participation System Test
- A test of the remote call-in system verified audio functionality for public comment under SB 707.
- A remote caller confirmed that the audio transmission was clear.
- The test concluded successfully with no further action required.
Community Emergency Response Team Recognition
- The Council recognized residents who completed the CERT training program.
- Ventura County Fire Department instructors were thanked for their teaching efforts.
- Council members congratulated the graduates on their contribution to community preparedness.
Older Americans Month Proclamation
- The Council presented a proclamation for Older Americans Month to the Camarillo Council on Aging.
- The theme "Champion Your Health" was highlighted during the presentation.
- Council members commended the board for their resource guide and newsletter efforts.
Library Summer Reading Adventure
- Staff reported on the upcoming Summer Reading Adventure program and a Renaissance Fair event.
- A bookmark contest received over 300 entries from participants.
- The library will participate in a summer concert at Constitution Park.
Workforce Housing Down Payment Assistance Program
- Staff updated the Council on the program providing $50,000 loans to first-time homebuyers.
- The city has processed 16 loans totaling $800,000 since taking over management.
- Council members discussed repayment terms, the 3% interest rate, and local residency preferences.
Council Policy 1.05 and SB 707 Revisions
- The City Attorney presented policy revisions to comply with SB 707 telephonic participation requirements.
- The new policy outlines procedures for handling technological disruptions for up to one hour.
- The Council unanimously adopted the revised policy.
Landscape Maintenance District Assessments
- Staff presented a resolution to levy assessments for Zones 1 through 10 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
- Zone 9 is recommended for an assessment increase while Zone 3 remains partially subsidized.
- The Council held a public hearing with no comments and unanimously adopted the resolution.
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance Amendment
- Staff proposed an amendment to align local zoning with state law changes regarding JADUs.
- The amendment eliminates owner-occupancy requirements for most units and clarifies rental terms.
- The Council found the proposal exempt from CEQA and unanimously introduced the ordinance.
Closed Session
- The Council discussed existing litigation and real property negotiations in closed session.
- Discussions on one item were completed while two other items were continued.
- The meeting was adjourned following the closed session.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Remote Participation System Test
- A test of the remote participation call-in system was conducted to verify audio functionality for public comment under SB 707. A remote caller confirmed the audio was clear. No action was taken; the test concluded successfully.
Agenda Item: Presentations
- Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): The City Council recognized residents who completed the CERT training program and thanked Ventura County Fire Department instructors. Council members congratulated the graduates and acknowledged their contribution to community preparedness.
- Older Americans Month Proclamation: The Council recognized the Camarillo Council on Aging board members and presented a proclamation for Older Americans Month. The theme "Champion Your Health" was highlighted. Council members commended the Council on Aging for their resource guide and newsletter efforts.
Agenda Item: Public Comment (Items Not on the Agenda)
- Five speakers addressed the Council:
- Axel Zimmerman: Representing the Teen Civic Engagement Club, he requested increased focus on e-bike safety education for middle school students due to observed unsafe riding.
- Barry Vandeman: As interim CEO of KidStream Children's Museum, he thanked the Council for their support in the museum's opening, noting nearly 5,000 visitors in the first few days.
- Evan Rivera: Representing the Teen Civic Engagement Club, he discussed mental health and suicide awareness, citing statistics on suicide rates among youth and requesting increased funding for local awareness organizations.
- Maria Elizondo Gutierrez: Representing the Teen Civic Engagement Club, she proposed organizing teen events featuring local bands to foster community connection and creativity.
- Siddharth Mithrotra: He expressed disappointment regarding a previous vote on a sea frog resolution and reiterated a request for the removal of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations from the city.
Agenda Item: Council Staff and Intergovernmental Reports
- Library Report: Staff reported on the upcoming Summer Reading Adventure program, including a Renaissance Fair event, a bookmark contest with over 300 entries, and participation in a summer concert at Constitution Park.
- Workforce Housing Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) Update: Staff presented an update on the DAP, which provides $50,000 loans to qualified first-time homebuyers. Since taking over management from a consultant, the city processed 16 loans totaling $800,000, utilizing $782,000 in grant funds plus interest. The program is a revolving loan fund. Council members discussed repayment terms, the 3% non-compounding interest rate, and the preference for applicants living or working in Camarillo.
- Council Comments: Council members reported on meetings attended, including the KidStream ribbon-cutting, Memorial Day ceremonies, and various committee meetings. They reiterated support for KidStream and thanked the Teen Civic Engagement Club for their comments.
Agenda Item: Consent Calendar
- The Consent Calendar included various routine items. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Consent Calendar. The item passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Council Policy 1.05 and SB 707 Revisions
- The City Attorney presented revisions to Council Policy 1.05 to comply with SB 707, which requires two-way telephonic or audiovisual public participation. The policy outlines procedures for handling technological disruptions, including a requirement to make good faith efforts to resolve issues for up to one hour before continuing the meeting. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the policy revisions. The item passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Camarillo Landscape Maintenance District Zones 1 through 10 Resolution
- Staff presented a resolution to levy and collect assessments for landscape maintenance districts (Zones 1–10) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The report noted that Zone 9 is recommended for an assessment increase, while Zone 3 remains partially subsidized by the General Fund following a previous voter rejection of an increase. A public hearing was held with no comments. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution. The item passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment (Junior Accessory Dwelling Units)
- Staff presented a proposed zoning ordinance amendment to Chapter 19.56 of the Municipal Code to align with state law changes (AB 1154) regarding Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). The amendment eliminates owner-occupancy requirements for most JADUs, except those sharing sanitary facilities with the primary residence, and clarifies rental terms must exceed 30 days. A public hearing was held with no comments. A motion was made and seconded to find the proposal exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and to introduce the ordinance. The item passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Closed Session
- The Council recessed to closed session to discuss existing litigation and real property negotiations. Discussions related to one item were completed, while discussions on two other items were continued. The meeting was subsequently adjourned.