City Council — March 10, 2026

Women's History Month Proclamation

• The Mayor presented a proclamation designating March 2026 as Women's History Month.
• The resolution recognized women's contributions and encouraged community celebration of equality.
• No formal vote was recorded as the item was presented as part of meeting proceedings.

Fillmore Terrace Housing Project

• Staff presented a 50-unit affordable housing development with ministerial approval and CEQA exemption.
• The agreement includes over $800,000 in bonded public improvements such as street widening and utility upgrades.
• Council confirmed security plans and clarified that the project serves families and supportive housing residents.
• The Council authorized the City Manager to execute the off-site improvement and license agreements.

Mid-Year Financial Report

• Staff presented the fiscal year 2025-2026 mid-year report with proposed budget adjustments.
• Adjustments included transfers for operational needs while deferring several capital projects to future years.
• Council members discussed the necessity of changes and suggested future budget education sessions.
• The motion to receive the report and approve the budget adjustments passed.

Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25-03

• Staff proposed removing the one-third retail requirement from the Central Business District Core zoning.
• Public testimony offered opposing views on maintaining downtown character versus reducing vacancy rates.
• Council deliberated on modifying the rule for destination businesses before deciding to remove the requirement.
• The Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 26-992 to eliminate the specific retail mandate.

City Manager Verbal Report

• Homeless services updates indicated a point-in-time count of approximately 17 to 18 individuals.
• The Well 10 project is ahead of schedule with reaming operations nearing completion.
• The C Street Sewer Project finished early, with final striping and signage scheduled for Friday.
• Public Works reported filling 786 potholes year-to-date using new equipment for permanent repairs.

• Meeting Date: March 10, 2026 Location: City of Fillmore

Item 4: Approval of Agenda

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

Item 5: Presentations

• The Mayor presented a proclamation designating March 2026 as Women's History Month in the City of Fillmore. The proclamation recognized the contributions of women to the nation, state, and city, and encouraged residents, schools, and businesses to celebrate these achievements and support equality. No formal vote was recorded for the proclamation in the transcript; it was presented as part of the meeting proceedings.

Item 6: Public Comments

• No members of the public appeared to speak on items not listed on the agenda.

Item 7: City Council Reports

• Council members and the Mayor provided verbal updates on various activities and meetings:
• Groundwater and Infrastructure: Updates were given regarding the Fillmore-Piru Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency meeting, noting potential rate increases and funding discussions for dam spillway improvements.
• Community Events: Reports included attendance at Little League and T-Ball opening ceremonies, the Fillmore Girls Softball Fast Pitch inaugural season, the Heritage Valley Blazers track meet, and a cruise night on Central Avenue.
• Regional Meetings: Updates were provided on the Ventura Regional Sanitation District (meeting cancelled), Southern California Edison (regarding heat and potential shut-offs), and the Ventura County Transportation Commission (discussing preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and potential impacts on local traffic and tourism).
• Economic Development: The upcoming Job and Resource Expo on March 18th at Fillmore Middle School was announced.
• School District Partnership: A "2 plus 2" meeting with the school district was discussed regarding facility use and collaboration.
• Public Engagement: Council members mentioned upcoming town halls and "porch talks" to engage with residents.

Item 8: Consent Calendar

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

Item 9A: Offsite Improvement Agreement and License Agreement for People's Self-Help Housing Project

• Staff presented the "Fillmore Terrace" project, a 50-unit supportive and affordable housing development located across from the Senior Center. The project includes 31 very low-income units and 18 low-income units.
• Discussion: Staff explained that the project follows the Supportive Housing Act, allowing for ministerial approval and CEQA exemption. The presentation detailed concessions granted to the developer, including reduced parking ratios, reduced open space requirements, and reduced unit sizes, in exchange for a density bonus.
• Improvements: The agreement includes over $800,000 in bonded public improvements, such as widening Santa Clara Street and the alley, installing diagonal parking on Palm Street, undergrounding utilities, and adding sidewalks, streetlights, and ADA ramps.
• Security and Occupancy: Council members inquired about security measures and the target population. Staff and the developer confirmed that a property manager and caseworkers will be on-site, and a security plan must be approved by the Police Department. It was clarified that while 13 units are for permanent supportive housing, the majority are for families, and the project is not restricted solely to individuals with criminal records.
• Action: A motion was made and seconded to authorize the City Manager to execute the off-site improvement agreement, accept performance and payment bonds, and execute a license agreement for the use of city right-of-way along Ventura Street. The motion passed.

Item 9B: Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Mid-Year Financial Report

• Staff presented the mid-year financial report and proposed budget adjustments.
• Discussion: The report covered the General Fund, Special Revenue, and Deferred Capital Projects. Adjustments included transfers for a new work truck, park management costs, and the City Hall handicap parking project. Several capital projects, including the Sespe Creek bike path and storm drain improvements, were deferred to future fiscal years. Council members discussed the necessity of these operational adjustments and suggested future "Budget 101" educational sessions for the public and council.
• Action: A motion was made and seconded to receive the mid-year financial report and approve the mid-year budget adjustments. The motion passed.

Item 9C: Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25-03 (Ordinance 26-992)

• Staff presented a proposal to remove the "one-third retail requirement" from the Central Business District Core zoning ordinance.
• Discussion: Staff noted that the requirement, adopted in 1994, has been reviewed multiple times previously. The proposal aims to address high vacancy rates by allowing property owners to lease to non-retail tenants.
• Public Testimony: Two speakers presented opposing views. One argued that the rule prevents viable businesses (such as service providers and entertainment venues) from opening, contributing to vacancies. The other argued that removing the rule would undermine the downtown's character as a walkable retail destination and encourage non-destination businesses like offices.
• Council Deliberation: Council members discussed the potential to modify the ordinance to include specific "destination" businesses (e.g., entertainment, coffee shops) rather than removing the requirement entirely. Staff confirmed that research indicated Fillmore is the only city in the region with this specific requirement.
• Action: A motion was made and seconded to adopt Ordinance 26-992, removing the one-third retail requirement from the Central Business District Core. The motion passed unanimously.

Item 10: City Manager Verbal Report

• Homeless Services: Updates were provided on the ERF grant case management team's work at the encampment site. The point-in-time homeless count was reported as approximately 17 to 18 individuals, consistent with previous counts.
• Well 10 Project: The project is ahead of schedule. A gyro survey confirmed the conductor pipe alignment was acceptable. Reaming operations were underway, with completion anticipated by early next week. The overall project is estimated for completion by May 1st.
• C Street Sewer Project: The project was completed ahead of schedule. Final striping and signage are scheduled for Friday, with specialized manhole lids to be installed in May.
• Street Maintenance: Public Works reported filling 786 potholes year-to-date. Staff noted that the new equipment allows for more permanent repairs.
• Newsletter: The spring newsletter is in the final stages of publication.

Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned to the next regularly scheduled meeting on March 24th at 6:30 PM.