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City Council — June 10, 2026

City Council — June 10, 2026June 10, 2026

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BodyCity Council
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 June 10, 2026

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Meeting Summary

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Present: 2-Santangelo, 5-Martinez-Bravo, 3-Kildee, 4-Trembley, Dennison

This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.

At a glance

Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget Review

  • Staff presented a $161.6 million expenditure budget with healthy reserves and commitments to strategic initiatives like IT and water utility loans.
  • The Water Utility fund is projected to resolve its structural deficit in FY27 following rate increases implemented in July 2025.
  • Community funding increased by approximately $100,000 after removing the previous cap tied to property assessed values.
  • The Capital Improvement Program totals $28.3 million and introduces a new prioritization ranking system including IT projects for the first time.

Pension Funding Status Update

  • The CalPERS funded ratio stands at 75.3%, rising to 80.6% when including the city's separate Paradise Trust.
  • Staff outlined options for managing liabilities, including continuing current contributions or making an irreversible Additional Discretionary Payment.
  • Council members requested further analysis on the cost-benefit of these payment options before future review.

Drone as First Responder Program Proposal

  • The Police Chief proposed a partnership with Thousand Oaks and Ventura County to deploy drones within 90 to 120 seconds of calls.
  • The estimated first-year cost is $623,000, split 40% with Thousand Oaks, covering equipment, training, and pilot staffing.
  • Privacy protections include cameras facing the horizon until arrival and strict audit policies for flight logs.

Pleasant Valley Historical District Funding Request

  • Staff reported a request from the Pleasant Valley Historical Society for $250,000 to complete museum infrastructure improvements.
  • The City Attorney's Office is currently evaluating the request for consistency with state law.
  • This item was designated as a "receive and file" report pending adoption at the next council meeting.

Arneill Road Housing Project Construction Contract

  • Staff recommended awarding the construction contract to SBS Corporation, the lowest bidder at approximately $5.94 million.
  • The proposal includes rejecting a bid protest from Riviera Construction Group and authorizing a 15% construction contingency.
  • Funding will be appropriated from the Continuum of Care Reserve Fund, with initial operations covered by existing grants.

Strategic Plan Progress Review and FY 2026-27 Goals

  • Staff presented draft changes to Goals 4 through 11, modernizing objectives related to land use, technology, and sustainability.
  • New initiatives include recruiting a Principal Development Concierge and exploring partnerships for youth and family well-being.
  • The Council unanimously adopted the suggested actions regarding the updated strategic goals and objectives.

Closed Session

  • The meeting was recessed to address four agenda items in closed session as permitted by law.

Full summary

Agenda Item 1: Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget Review

  • The City Council convened a special workshop to review the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget. Staff presented an overview of expenditure and revenue budgets, including breakdowns for specific funds, community funding, capital improvements, and pension status. The proposed total expenditure budget is $161.6 million, with the General Fund comprising $62.2 million. Proposed revenues are $153.2 million, primarily derived from taxes ($56.6 million) and charges for services ($54.1 million). Staff noted healthy General Fund reserves but highlighted commitments to strategic initiatives, including a policy goal to maintain reserves equal to 50% of operating expenditures, facilities improvements, a proposed $5 million IT reserve, Continuum of Care funding ($3.8 million), and a potential $15 million loan to the Water Utility. A discrepancy regarding the water loan amount was clarified; while the total commitment is $15 million, only $1 million is intended for use at the start of FY27. Council members noted that these reserve commitments require annual affirmative action under Government Code 54000.
  • Staff presented budgets for the Water Utility ($27.1 million expenditure) and Sanitary/Sewer funds ($29 million revenue). The Water Fund relies primarily on service charges, with operational costs driven by the contracted desalter facility administration. Staff reported a structural deficit in recent years projected to resolve in FY27 following rate increases implemented in July 2025. The Sanitary Fund holds a $60 million cash balance to prepare for the wastewater reclamation plant project, the city's largest capital project, with funding strategies including bonds and grants. Water usage data indicated a decrease during November and December due to wet weather, returning to historical averages in January.
  • Regarding community funding, staff presented a proposed budget of approximately $382,021 for FY26-27, an increase of roughly $100,000 over the previous two-year period. Staff noted that Policy 1.13 was amended in 2024 to remove the maximum funding limit previously tied to property assessed values. Council members discussed the removal of the cap; one member expressed a desire for a "not-to-exceed" number to ensure budgetary comfort, while another advocated for maintaining flexibility based on existing vetting processes. It was confirmed that all grant applications undergo review by staff and the Finance Committee before recommendation to the full Council.
  • The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget for FY27 is approximately $28.3 million, categorized by functional areas including Transportation ($10.3 million), Buildings and Grounds ($6.8 million), Sanitary ($6.3 million), IT ($2.8 million), Water ($1.9 million), and Storm Drain ($0.25 million). Staff explained a new prioritization ranking system used to grade projects based on community benefit and safety. For the first time, IT projects were included as a distinct functional area. Specific projects discussed included resurfacing efforts, the Pleasant Valley Road Sewer Force Main, and water infrastructure upgrades.
  • Staff provided an overview of the pension funding status based on the June 30, 2024 valuation report. The CalPERS funded ratio is 75.3%, or approximately 80.6% when including the city's separate Paradise Trust. Staff outlined options for managing liabilities, including continuing current contributions or making an Additional Discretionary Payment (ADP) from the Paradise Trust to CalPERS. An ADP would improve the official funded ratio and reduce annual costs through re-amortization but is permanent and irreversible. Maintaining funds in the Paradise Trust offers investment flexibility but does not reduce reported liabilities. Council members requested further analysis on the cost-benefit of these options for future review.
  • No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during this workshop session; the item was informational in nature.

Agenda Item 2: Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program Proposal

  • The Police Chief presented a proposal to implement a Drone as First Responder program in partnership with the City of Thousand Oaks and the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. The proposed model utilizes drones launched remotely from a dispatch center within 90 to 120 seconds of a call for service, utilizing "Prepared 911" AI technology to transcribe calls in real-time. Key features include reduced response times, enhanced safety through de-escalation, increased transparency via public flight logs, and privacy protections where cameras face the horizon until arrival at a scene. The program involves four drones positioned at two locations to provide citywide coverage. The estimated first-year cost for the City of Camarillo is approximately $623,000, split 40% with Thousand Oaks. This includes fixed costs for equipment and training, as well as variable costs for pilot staffing.
  • Council members inquired about cost breakdowns, ownership (drones to be purchased by the city), maintenance inclusion, financing mechanisms, and potential future cost-sharing. Questions were raised regarding the ability to clear calls without officer deployment; staff indicated that Camarillo plans to initially require officer presence for face-to-face interaction. Concerns regarding privacy were addressed by outlining policy measures to audit flight logs and restrict recording of First Amendment activities unless a public safety issue exists. Staff confirmed that life-safety incidents would take precedence over property crimes in prioritization protocols and that first-year funding is included in the current budget. No formal motion was made on this item during this segment, as it was part of a budget study session.

Agenda Item 3: Pleasant Valley Historical District Funding Request

  • Staff presented a report regarding a request from the Pleasant Valley Historical Society for $250,000 in funding to complete infrastructure improvements at their museum located at 720 Lost Postage Road (also referenced as 720 Los Post Road). The project is estimated to cost $2.1 million total, with $727,000 remaining after the Society raised $1.4 million. Staff noted that funds have been identified in the current budget and that the City Attorney's Office is evaluating the request for consistency with state law. This item was designated as a "receive and file" report to be presented at the next council meeting for adoption. No vote was taken during this session.

Agenda Item 4: Public Comment on Budget and Litigation

  • During public comment, a resident questioned whether potential litigation costs were included in the budget. Staff clarified that litigation matters are handled in closed session and specific costs are unknown at this time. The speaker also noted a perceived deficit between revenue and costs in the initial presentation, commented on the reduction of FoodShare deliveries to local churches despite grant funding, and suggested reallocating transportation funds from bike lanes to an e-bike racetrack near the airport.

Agenda Item 5: Proclamation of Pride Month

  • The Council received a presentation from representatives of LAWIC (Love Always Wins in Camarillo) and Camarillo Pride regarding the annual Pride Festival held at Constitution Park. The organization requested a proclamation declaring June as Pride Month to affirm inclusion, safety, and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. Representatives highlighted the growth of the event over five years and plans for future initiatives, including a PFLAG organization. Council members offered supportive remarks regarding the importance of creating safe spaces and the positive impact of community acceptance on mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth. Three members of the public provided comments: one expressed support but questioned the focus relative to the nation's 250th anniversary; another offered religious commentary arguing against the concept of "pride"; and a third, identifying as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, thanked the Council for the proclamation. No formal motion or vote was recorded in the provided text regarding the adoption of the proclamation itself, though supportive remarks were made.

Agenda Item 6: Council Member Reports

  • Council members provided updates on meetings attended and activities participated in during the preceding week. Topics included high school graduations, grant distribution events, the Pride Festival, a partnership event installing smoke alarms in unincorporated areas, and various committee meetings (Policy Committee, BRSD, CPA Board). The Vice Mayor discussed mental health disparities faced by LGBTQ+ youth and the protective factors of community acceptance. Council members also noted the retirement of a long-term City Clerk employee and the expansion of the Museum of Ventura County into Camarillo.

Agenda Item 7: Consent Calendar

  • The Consent Calendar was presented. A motion was made to approve the items on the calendar, which was seconded. The roll call vote resulted in unanimous approval.

Agenda Item 8: Arneill Road Housing Project Construction Contract

  • Staff presented an item regarding the award of the construction contract for the Arneill Road Housing Project. Following a competitive bidding process, five bids were received. The lowest bidder, SBS Corporation, submitted a bid of approximately $5.94 million. A bid protest was filed by Riviera Construction Group, which staff recommended rejecting based on reasons outlined in the agenda report. Staff proposed six actions: approving the construction contract with SBS Corporation, rejecting the bid protest, authorizing a 15% construction contingency, and appropriating approximately $1.14 million from the Continuum of Care Reserve Fund to cover total project costs (including grant funding and general fund reserves).
  • Council members inquired about ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) funding for the units post-construction. Staff indicated that initial O&M would be covered by existing grant funds, with efforts underway to secure additional state-level grants to avoid future General Fund expenditures. A motion was made to approve recommendations one through six regarding the contract award and funding. The motion was seconded. The roll call vote resulted in unanimous approval.

Agenda Item 9: Strategic Plan Progress Review and FY 2026-27 Goals

  • Staff presented an update on the progress of fiscal year 2025-26 through the third quarter and discussed strategic goals and objectives for fiscal year 2026-27. The discussion addressed a request from the Pleasant Valley Historical Society regarding city funding to support infrastructure and site improvements at their leased property, 720 Los Post Road. Staff noted that $250,000 in funds has been identified for the current year and that the City Attorney's office is evaluating the request for consistency with state laws.
  • Staff presented draft changes to Goals 4 through 11:
  • Goal 4 (Land Use and Community Development): An existing objective was replaced with a modernized version following the adoption of the Old Town Strategic Plan, with additional action strategies updated or added.
  • Goal 5 (Technology and City Facilities): Focuses on modernizing systems, strengthening cybersecurity, improving digital services, and ensuring facility reliability for emergency operations.
  • Goal 6 (Natural Resource Infrastructure Management): Emphasizes reliable water and wastewater services, conservation, and regulatory compliance. A new objective was added to ensure environmental sustainability is consistent across all projects in this section.
  • Goal 7 (Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship): Focuses on reducing environmental impacts through clean energy, water conservation, and community education. Some objectives were removed to eliminate duplication with other goals.
  • Goal 8 (Economic Development): Focuses on supporting existing businesses, attracting new industries, and promoting tourism. Staff reported that the city is recruiting for a "Principal Development Concierge" position under the Director of Planning and Community Development, with an anticipated onboarding date in the second week of July. Council discussion included confirmation that application processes are moving online to streamline permitting and business tax administration.
  • Goal 9 (Community): Focuses on strengthening engagement, outreach, and customer service, with an emphasis on youth engagement. A redundant objective was eliminated.
  • Goal 10 (Intergovernmental Relations): Focuses on collaboration with regional, state, and federal agencies. A new objective was added to explore the feasibility of a partnership with the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District, Oxnard Union High School District, and Pleasant Valley School District to support youth and family well-being.
  • Goal 11 (Employee Relations): Focuses on supporting a skilled, engaged, and inclusive workforce through professional development and wellness initiatives. Several objectives were revised, and three new action strategies were proposed.
  • Following the presentation and Council discussion, a motion was made to adopt the suggested action regarding the strategic goals and objectives. The motion was seconded. The vote resulted in the measure passing unanimously.
  • The meeting was subsequently recessed to return to closed session for four agenda items.