Meeting Summary
Present: 3-Mendez, 4-Broggie
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
Ventura Regional Sanitation District Presentation
- VRSD provided an overview of operations including the status and life expectancy of the Tolland Road Landfill.
- Staff explained leachate management procedures and the feasibility study for potential site expansion.
- Councilmembers discussed the significant impact of potential landfill closure on local residents.
- Fillmore and Santa Paula waste is permitted for direct transport while other county waste requires transfer stations.
Crimson California Pipeline Franchise
- Staff presented an ordinance granting a franchise for pipeline construction and maintenance of oil, gas, and water.
- The agreement was updated to align with new federal laws regarding emergency protocols and leak procedures.
- A public hearing was held with no comments before the Council unanimously adopted the ordinance.
Geisinger Winery License Agreement Extension
- The Council approved a five-year extension for a license agreement regarding public right-of-way use for grape vines.
- The new agreement extends through June 14, 2031, replacing the current expiring contract.
- Discussions clarified that the winery remains fully responsible for property damage and insurance liabilities.
Pavement Rehabilitation and Preservation Projects
- Staff outlined specifications for street rehabilitation and preservation projects with a total estimated cost over $2.2 million.
- The plan includes grinding, overlay, slurry seal, and ADA curb ramp upgrades funded by multiple state and county sources.
- Councilmembers confirmed the selected ADA stall locations at City Hall meet accessibility standards.
- The project will be split into separate bids for rehabilitation and preservation before advertising for construction.
E-Bike Safety and Enforcement
- Chief Lalo presented enforcement trends and classifications for electric bicycles and modified e-motos.
- Enforcement measures include education and citations for repeat offenses regarding non-compliant riding.
- Staff confirmed City ordinances prohibit sidewalk riding in specific areas despite broader State Vehicle Code allowances.
- Future collaboration with the Board of Supervisors is planned to coordinate county-wide safety efforts.
Full summary
Meeting Summary: City of Fillmore
- Date: April 28, 2026
Call to Order and Agenda Approval
- The meeting was called to order. Roll call was conducted. A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as amended, noting that no closed session would be held. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 5A: Ventura Regional Sanitation District (VRSD) Presentation
- Manuel Mengeres, General Manager of the Ventura Regional Sanitation District, presented an overview of the district’s operations. He noted that the City of Fillmore holds a seat on the VRSD Board of Directors, with Councilmember Villasenor serving as the current Chair. The presentation covered VRSD governance, water and wastewater services, and the status of the Tolland Road Landfill.
- Key points regarding the landfill included:
- It is the only active government-owned landfill in the region, governed by Conditional Use Permit 3141.
- Current daily intake is approximately 1,200 tons of municipal solid waste.
- The estimated site life is 14 years, with an anticipated closure around 2040.
- A feasibility study regarding potential expansion is underway.
- Waste from Fillmore and Santa Paula is permitted to be transported directly, while other western county waste must go through transfer stations.
- Councilmembers asked questions regarding landfill liners (identified as state-mandated rather than solar panels), airspace capacity, and leachate management. Staff explained that leachate is managed via pumping and reused for dust control or trucked to a hazardous waste site. Councilmember Villasenor noted the significant impact of a potential landfill closure on residents and emphasized the need for expansion to extend the site's life.
Item 6: Public Comments
- The public comment period for items not on the agenda was opened. No members of the public spoke.
Item 7: City Council, Committee, Commission, and Board Reports
- Mayor Pro Tem Garnica: Reported on a Board of Supervisors discussion regarding e-bike safety, highlighting a symposium in Huntington Beach. Reported on a successful Earth Day event with community participation.
- Councilmember Brogy: Announced "Porch Talk" community engagement events. Reminded members of the Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony scheduled for May 21st at the Ventura County Government Center.
- Councilmember Villasenor: Provided feedback on the VRSD presentation. Reported attendance at a pipeline emergency response training exercise involving Crimson California Pipeline LP. Announced the annual "Day of Health" on May 16th, including a Rotary Club 5K/10K run and health resource fair.
- Councilmember: Reported attendance at the Fair Housing Forum in Ventura and the Economic Development Collaborative meeting. Mentioned an upcoming World Trade Month event on May 5th.
- Councilmember: Provided an update on the Rotary 5K/10K participation goals. Noted that the Piru Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency meeting was postponed to May.
Item 8: Consent Calendar
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 9A: Crimson California Pipeline LP Franchise
- Staff presented Ordinance Number 26-994 granting a non-exclusive franchise to Crimson California Pipeline LP to construct and maintain pipelines for oil, gas, and water. Updates were made to align with new federal laws regarding emergency protocols and leak procedures. The public hearing was opened and closed with no public comment. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the ordinance. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 9B: Geisinger Winery License Agreement Extension
- Staff recommended approving a second amendment to extend a license agreement with Geisinger Winery for the private use of public right-of-way along Santa Clara Street for the maintenance of grape vines. The current agreement expires June 14, 2026. The proposal extends it for five years through June 14, 2031. Discussion occurred regarding a past minor incident involving property damage and insurance responsibility. It was clarified that the winery remains responsible for all damages. A motion was made and seconded to approve the extension. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 9C: Pavement Rehabilitation and Preservation Projects
- Staff presented specifications and a cost estimate for Project Specification Numbers 24-03A and 24-03B. The total estimated cost is over $2.2 million, utilizing funding from CRRSA, SB1, and VCTC TDA sources. The projects include street rehabilitation (grinding/overlay), preservation (slurry/cape seal), ADA curb ramp upgrades, and parking lot repairs.
- Staff outlined the plan to split the project into separate bids for rehabilitation and preservation. Discussion addressed the location of ADA stalls at City Hall, confirming the selected location meets accessibility standards and does not require crossing railroad tracks. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the specifications and authorize advertising for construction bids. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 10: City Manager Verbal Report and Public Safety Update
- E-Bike Safety Presentation: Chief Lalo presented information regarding e-bike safety trends, classifications, and enforcement. Topics included:
- Classes of e-bikes and legal restrictions (age limits, helmet requirements for Class 3).
- Safety concerns regarding modified bikes ("e-motos") disguised with pedals.
- Recent increases in traffic collisions and low helmet usage among youth.
- Enforcement measures, including education, citations for repeat offenses, and towing for non-compliant e-motos.
- Upcoming collaboration with the Board of Supervisors to coordinate county-wide efforts.
- Councilmembers asked questions regarding sidewalk riding ordinances, enforcement authority, and manufacturer modifications. Staff confirmed that while State Vehicle Code does not prohibit sidewalk riding for all bicycles, City ordinances prohibit it in specific areas, primarily downtown.
Other City Manager Updates
- Reported on a Chamber of Commerce HR law workshop for small businesses held in Fillmore.
- Noted the release of the quarterly newsletter and the launch of a "Report a Concern" tool on the city website for public works issues.
- Provided an update on the encampment resolution fund homeless grant, including rapid rehousing training.
- Reported on a successful Animal Services vaccine clinic which treated 75 pets.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 12 at 6:30 PM.