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City Council — February 10, 2026

City Council — February 10, 2026February 10, 2026

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BodyCity Council
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 February 10, 2026

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Meeting Summary

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Present: 3-Mendez, 2-Garnica, 4-Broggie, 5-Villaseñor, 2-Rodriguez

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

Presentations

  • The Mayor read proclamations honoring Scouting groups and declaring February as Black History Month.
  • Council Members discussed Human Trafficking Awareness resources and suggested a future Juneteenth celebration.
  • Staff presented updates on community outreach metrics and engagement strategies for younger demographics.
  • Public awareness materials in English and Spanish were noted as available for dissemination through businesses.

Budget Development Guidelines

  • Staff presented the schedule and guidelines for the FY 2026-2027 budget development process.
  • A Council Member requested a future informational session for the public regarding budget processes.
  • The Council unanimously approved the presented guidelines and schedule.

Animal Services Contract

  • Staff requested a one-year contract extension to address a county funding gap.
  • The approval includes an estimated city contribution of $203,102.65 with increased field service rates.
  • The Council unanimously approved the resolution to extend the Ventura County Animal Services contract.

Irrigation Modernization

  • Staff authorized a professional services agreement up to $40,000 to plan city-wide irrigation controller modernization.
  • The project is funded through the Capital Water Improvement Fund with total costs estimated at $1 million.
  • The Council unanimously approved the agreement to proceed with the planning phase.

City Council Salary Increase

  • Staff requested approval for the first reading of an ordinance increasing member salaries to $950 per month.
  • The ordinance is proposed to be effective starting January 1, 2027.
  • The Council unanimously approved the first reading of the salary increase ordinance.

City Manager Employment Agreement

  • Staff presented an amendment to the 2025 agreement increasing annual compensation to $253,800.
  • Changes also included an increased auto allowance and updated language regarding work location.
  • The Council unanimously adopted the resolution to amend the City Manager employment agreement.

Closed Session

  • The Council convened in closed session to discuss matters regarding existing litigation.
  • No reportable action was taken during the closed session proceedings.
  • The meeting adjourned with the next session scheduled for February 24, 2026.

Full summary

City of Fillmore City Council Meeting Summary

  • Date: February 10, 2026

Agenda Item 4: Approval of the Agenda

  • A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. The motion passed unanimously.

Agenda Item 5: Presentations

  • Items 5A and 5B (Scouting Proclamations): The Mayor read proclamations honoring the 116th anniversary of Scouting. Specific recognition was given to Cub Scout Pack 3406 and Scouting America Troop 406 for their service to the City of Fillmore, including food drives, cleanups, and participation in community parades. Representatives from both groups were present and received proclamations.
  • Item 5C (Black History Month Proclamation): The Mayor read a proclamation declaring February 2026 as Black History Month in the City of Fillmore. A Council Member suggested the Council explore hosting a Juneteenth celebration in the future given the growing Black population in the town.
  • Item 5D (Human Trafficking Awareness): A representative from the Ventura County Sheriff's Office Human Trafficking Task Force presented on human trafficking, covering legal definitions, sex and labor trafficking indicators, grooming tactics, and vulnerable populations such as foster youth. Council Members inquired about public awareness materials, resources for parents, and educational curriculum for schools. The representative noted availability of materials in English and Spanish and discussed efforts to disseminate information through businesses and transit hubs.
  • Item 5E (Communications Engagement): City staff presented an update on social media and community outreach metrics for Facebook, Instagram, Channel 10, and the city website. Data indicated significant growth in followers and engagement. Council Members asked about strategies for engaging younger demographics and sought clarification on view metrics. Staff discussed potential future engagement methods, including TikTok.

Agenda Item 6: Public Comments

  • Sheriff Jim Freyhoff: Addressed the role of local law enforcement regarding immigration, stating that officers do not enforce immigration law except under specific conditions outlined in Senate Bill 54 or federal warrants. He emphasized transparency regarding booking data.
  • Joseph Dobczynski Jr. (805 UndocuFund): Provided updates on ICE arrests in Ventura County and urged the Council to establish an immigration stakeholders committee similar to one in Oxnard.
  • Estrella Torres (BRITE Program): Introduced the BRITE Futures Initiative, focusing on youth advocacy, leadership development, and civic engagement projects for residents aged 12 to 26.

Agenda Item 7: City Council Reports

  • Council Members provided updates on various activities and meetings:
  • Reports were given regarding participation in the United Water Conservation District, the Fillmore Business Roundtable, and a medical device trade show.
  • Updates were shared on the Point-in-Time homeless count, the Ventura Regional Sanitation District leadership, a student civic tour, and a stakeholder meeting regarding Santa Paula Hospital.
  • One Council Member clarified that no formal Council position had been taken on immigration issues during previous open comment sessions, suggesting personal opinions on non-agendized items be expressed from the public podium rather than the dais to avoid confusion.
  • The Mayor reported on the Air Pollution Control Board meeting regarding air quality funding and staff reappointments.
  • Another Council Member reported on the student civic tour experience.

Agenda Item 8: Consent Calendar

  • A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar. The motion passed unanimously.

Agenda Item 9: New Business

  • Item 9A (Budget Development Guidelines): Staff presented guidelines and a schedule for the FY 2026-2027 budget development. A Council Member suggested a future informational session for the public on budget processes. A motion was made and seconded to approve the guidelines and schedule. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Item 9B (Ventura County Animal Services Contract): Staff requested approval for a one-year contract extension due to a funding gap in county operations. The contribution for Fillmore was estimated at $203,102.65, with field service rates increasing from $145 to $160 per hour. A motion was made and seconded to approve the contract extension. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Item 9C (Irrigation Modernization): Staff authorized a professional services agreement with Arroyo Irrigation, not to exceed $40,000, to plan the modernization of city-wide irrigation controllers. The project is funded through the Capital Water Improvement Fund, with total estimated project costs ranging between $1 million over four to five years. A motion was made and seconded to authorize the agreement. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Item 9D (City Council Salary Increase): Staff requested approval for the first reading of Ordinance 26-991, increasing City Council member salaries from $600 to $950 per month, effective January 1, 2027. A motion was made and seconded to approve the first reading. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Item 9E (City Manager Employment Agreement): Staff presented the first amendment to the 2025 City Manager employment agreement. Changes included an increase in annual compensation to $253,800, an increase in auto allowance to $500 per month, and updated language regarding work location. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion passed unanimously.

Agenda Item 10: City Manager Verbal Report

  • Infrastructure Updates: Staff provided updates on Well 10 drilling progress, noting depth of 353 feet and mitigation of noise and light spillage concerns. Updates were also given on the C Street sewer infrastructure project, including a jack and bore operation under the railroad crossing and current closure statuses.
  • Homeless Services (ERF Grant): Staff reported on the implementation of the ERF grant, including case management for individuals in watershed encampments and the signing of a right-of-entry agreement with property owners for future cleanup.
  • General Updates: The City Manager reported on the weed abatement timeline (beginning April 1st), the new monthly schedule for the Business Roundtable, and Public Works filling 488 potholes over a three-week period. A reminder was issued regarding office closures for upcoming holidays.

Agenda Item 11: Closed Session

  • The Council convened in closed session regarding existing litigation. No reportable action was taken. The Council adjourned with the next meeting scheduled for February 24, 2026.