Meeting Summary
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, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Economic Development Grant Application
- Staff requested authorization to apply for a USDA Rural Business Development Grant for a feasibility study.
- The grant opportunity requires no matching funds from the city.
- Council unanimously adopted Resolution 26-4122 to authorize the application.
Gann Appropriation Limit
- Finance staff presented the calculated Gann appropriation limit of approximately $21.6 million for fiscal year 2026-2027.
- Projected qualifying appropriations are estimated to be $11.1 million below this statutory limit.
- Council unanimously adopted Resolution 26-4117 to establish the limit.
Virtual Participation Policy
- Staff proposed a new policy allowing public participation via in-person, Zoom, or phone in compliance with Senate Bill 707.
- The policy includes a three-minute comment limit, registration requirements, and Spanish translation mandates.
- Council unanimously adopted Resolution 26-4097, noting a $14,000 equipment investment for closed captioning.
Storm Drain Maintenance Assessments
- A public hearing confirmed the annual budget and levy of assessments for the Fillmore Storm Drain Maintenance Districts.
- Assessments include a 3.02% increase based on the Consumer Price Index to cover maintenance costs.
- Council adopted Resolution 26-4116 with two members abstaining due to residency in the affected districts.
Youth Basketball Fee Structure
- Staff proposed changing registration fees from a flat rate to a tiered structure ranging from $110 to $130.
- The increase aims to cover rising operational costs and fund program expansion including an all-star game.
- Council approved the fee increase and directed future adjustments to align with the Fillmore Fee Study.
Nonrepresented Employee Compensation
- Staff recommended a 4% salary increase and higher cafeteria plan contributions for nonrepresented employees effective July 1, 2026.
- The estimated cost of $112,000 is already included in the approved fiscal year 2026-27 budget.
- Council unanimously adopted Resolution 26-4119 to establish these new compensation terms.
Job Vacancy Status Report
- Staff reported one authorized full-time vacancy for a facility maintenance worker with interviews recently conducted.
- No bargaining unit vacancy rates exceeded the 20% threshold required for reporting under Assembly Bill 2561.
- Council unanimously held the public hearing to receive the staff report on recruitment efforts.
Water Management Plans
- Staff presented the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan projecting supply through 2050.
- Analysis indicates groundwater and recycled water supplies are sufficient to meet demand even under drought scenarios.
- Council unanimously adopted Resolution 26-4121 approving both plans and their shortage level measures.
Road Repair Project List
- Staff presented a tentative project list for the Road Repair and Accountability Act (SB1) with projected funding of $479,000.
- The resolution commits funds to street work while allowing flexibility in specific street selection and timing.
- Council unanimously adopted Resolution 26-4118 to approve the project list.
CMMS Contract Amendment
- Staff recommended amending the contract with PSD Citywide to add permitting and cost tracking modules to the CMMS.
- The $35,000 project cost will be funded by remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds.
- Council unanimously approved the appropriation and the contract amendment extending through 2030.
Easement Replacement at 342 Central Avenue
- Staff proposed a replacement easement for a pedestrian breezeway to relieve the property owner of operational duties.
- The new agreement keeps the access closed to the public while retaining city access rights for security.
- Council unanimously approved the updated grant of easement pending minor development condition modifications.
Traffic Studies and Recommendations
- Staff presented studies recommending maintaining the two-way stop at Mountain View and 3rd Street.
- Recommendations for Santa Clara Street include an engineering survey and potential radar speed feedback signs.
- Council unanimously received the studies and authorized staff to proceed with recommended improvements for River Street and Heritage Valley Parkway.
Year-End Budget Adjustments
- Staff requested adjustments to address litigation and fire overtime costs offset by unanticipated revenue variances.
- Additional increases were approved for the Solid Waste Fund and the Community Pool Fund.
- Council unanimously approved the adjustments and authorized the City Manager to manage funding as needed.
Medical Cardiac Monitors
- Staff requested funding for three new LifePak 35 cardiac monitors with improved pediatric and connectivity features.
- The total cost not to exceed $210,000 will be financed over three years at 0% interest.
- Council unanimously approved the sole-source acquisition from Stryker and authorized the purchase documents.
Public Aquatic Center Closure
- The City Manager reported a temporary closure of the Public Aquatic Center due to a water quality incident.
- Staff followed safety protocols, and the facility is scheduled to reopen after a 24-hour closure period.
- Updates regarding the status will be provided via social media and the city website.
Fireworks Permit Safety Meeting
- The City Manager reminded permit holders of a mandatory safety meeting scheduled for June 11 at 6:30 p.m.
- Staff acknowledged the coordination efforts of Anna Sendejas and Juana Garcia regarding the application process.
- The meeting serves to ensure compliance with safety regulations for the upcoming 4th of July events.
Personnel Vacancies
- The City Manager announced open positions for a Planning Technician and a Public Works Maintenance Worker.
- Applications for the Planning Technician position are accepted until June 30.
Closed Session
- No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
Call to Order and Agenda Approval
- The meeting was called to order on June 9, 2026. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, the City Clerk proposed adding an urgency item regarding a resolution to apply for an Economic Development Grant under Government Code Section 54954.2(b). The City Manager explained the grant opportunity was identified after the agenda was posted, with a submission deadline of June 30. A motion was made and seconded to add the item to the agenda, which passed unanimously. Subsequently, a motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as amended. This motion passed unanimously.
Presentations and Proclamations
- First 5 Ventura County: A representative presented an overview of services in Fillmore, including the Neighborhoods for Learning program, developmental screenings, and the "Help Me Grow" telephonic service. The presentation highlighted partnerships with the Fillmore Unified School District and bilingual programming. During the Q&A, the presenter noted that funding relies on the tobacco tax, which has decreased, prompting a search for alternative funding streams such as Proposition 1 and Medi-Cal benefits.
- Sespe Creek Events Board Appreciation: The City Clerk presented certificates of appreciation to the board members of Sespe Creek Events, Inc., for their role in the annual 4th of July Car Show and other community events. Council members acknowledged the organization's contributions, and a board member thanked city administration and emergency services for their support.
- LGBTQ+ Pride Month Proclamation: Following advocacy from a public speaker regarding mental health support, the Mayor read a proclamation declaring June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the City of Fillmore. Council members commented on the importance of inclusion and community safety.
- Men's Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation: The Mayor read a proclamation declaring June 2026 as Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, addressing barriers to seeking help due to stigma. Council members discussed high rates of suicide and substance abuse among men.
Council Reports
- Council members provided updates on committee assignments and community activities:
- One member reported on the Heritage Valley Policy Advisory Committee, noting high ridership on the Fillmore-to-Moorpark shuttle, upcoming Metrolink adjustments for the 2026 World Cup, and the resumption of construction on the Sespe Creek Overflow Railroad Bridge.
- Another member reported on the Ventura Regional Sanitation District, noting an extended landfill lifespan due to increased compaction and ongoing expansion discussions. The member also acknowledged constituent reports regarding damaged sidewalks, which Public Works has addressed.
- A third member reported on the Fenway-Piru Groundwater Basin Agency and the Los Vets organization, noting progress on the Veterans Memorial Building. The member also addressed a constituent concern regarding malfunctioning traffic signals at Mountain View and Highway 126, confirming the issue was reported to Caltrans.
- The final member reported on community events, including a bike safety event and a graduation ceremony for the One Steps program.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business: USDA Rural Business Development Grant
- Staff presented a request to authorize the City to apply for a USDA Rural Business Development Grant for a feasibility study aligned with economic development goals. The Senior Management Analyst explained the grant requires no matching funds. A motion was made and seconded to adopt Resolution 26-4122 authorizing the application. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business: GAN Appropriation Limit
- The Finance Director presented Resolution 26-4117 to establish the Gann (GAN) appropriation limit for fiscal year 2026-2027. The calculation, based on population and inflation factors, resulted in a limit of approximately $21.6 million, with qualifying appropriations projected to be $11.1 million below this limit. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business: Virtual Participation and Public Comment Policy
- The City Manager presented Resolution 26-4097 to adopt a virtual participation and public comment policy in compliance with Senate Bill 707. The policy allows participation via in-person attendance, Zoom, or phone, with a three-minute time limit for comments, a registration process to prevent "Zoom bombing," and language accessibility requirements. The City Manager noted that updated census data now requires translation into Spanish and identified a one-time investment of approximately $14,000 for equipment upgrades to support closed captioning. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Hearing: Storm Drain Maintenance District Assessments
- A public hearing was held to consider Resolution 26-4116, confirming the annual budget and ordering the levy of assessments for the Fillmore Storm Drain Maintenance Districts. The Finance Director explained that assessments cover maintenance and operating costs, including a 3.02% increase based on the Consumer Price Index. No members of the public spoke during the hearing. Following the closure of the hearing, a motion was made to adopt the resolution. Two council members abstained from voting as they reside within the affected districts. The motion passed unanimously among the voting members.
New Business: Youth Basketball Registration Fees
- Staff presented a proposal to increase youth basketball registration fees from a flat $100 rate to a tiered structure: $110 for early registration (August), $120 for regular registration (September), and $130 for late registration (October). The increase is intended to cover rising costs for referees, equipment, staff, and program expansion (increasing games from eight to ten and adding an all-star game). The proposal also directs that future fee adjustments align with the forthcoming Fillmore Fee Study, which will index fees to the consumer price index. A motion was made and seconded to approve the fee increase and the directive regarding future adjustments. The motion passed.
New Business: Nonrepresented Employee Compensation
- Staff recommended the adoption of Resolution No. 26-4119 to establish compensation, benefits, and employment terms for nonrepresented management, mid-management, confidential, and part-time employees, effective July 1, 2026. The resolution includes a 4% salary increase for covered employees and an increase in the city's monthly cafeteria plan contribution from $1,525 to $1,725. The estimated cost of $112,000 is included in the approved fiscal year 2026-27 budget. Staff clarified that "confidential employees" refers to the Deputy City Clerk. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution, superseding Resolution No. 26-4090. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Hearing: Job Vacancy Status (AB 2561)
- Staff requested a public hearing pursuant to Assembly Bill 2561 to report on the status of job vacancies and recruitment efforts. As of June 9, the city had one authorized full-time vacancy for a facility maintenance worker, with interviews recently conducted. Ongoing recruitments for a maintenance worker and a planning technician were noted as proactive efforts not representing current vacancies subject to reporting. No bargaining unit vacancy rates exceeded 20%. The public hearing was opened and closed with no public comments. A motion was made and seconded to hold the public hearing to receive the staff report. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business: 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan
- Staff presented the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP), required by state law every five years. The plans project water supply and demand through 2050, indicating that groundwater and recycled water supplies are sufficient to meet anticipated demand, even under drought scenarios. The WSCP outlines six shortage levels and corresponding demand reduction measures. Discussion included water loss statistics, the impact of meter replacements, coordination with fire department needs, and the legal framework of the Philmar-Piru Groundwater Basin regarding water rights. The public hearing was opened and closed with no public comments. A motion was made and seconded to adopt Resolution No. 26-4121 approving both plans. The motion passed.
New Business: Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Road Repair and Accountability Act (SB1) Project List
- Staff presented a resolution to approve the project list for the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB1), with projected funding of approximately $479,000. The list is tentative and subject to change based on street conditions, utility projects, and funding availability. The resolution commits the city to spending the funds on street work but allows for flexibility in specific street selection and timing. A motion was made and seconded to adopt Resolution No. 26-4118 approving the project list. The motion passed.
New Business: First Amendment to Contract with PSD Citywide
- Staff recommended approving the First Amendment to the contract with PSD Citywide to add a permitting and cost tracking module to the existing Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). The amendment would centralize permit records, digitize plans, and enable mobile inspections. It also formalizes annual maintenance fees for years two through five and corrects the termination date to February 17, 2030. The $35,000 project cost is to be funded from remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, with future annual maintenance fees to be budgeted accordingly. A motion was made and seconded to approve the appropriation and the contract amendment. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business: Replacement Grant of Easement at 342 Central Avenue
- Staff recommended approving a replacement grant of easement for a pedestrian breezeway at 342 Central Avenue to address the property owner's request for relief from operational responsibilities due to age and physical limitations. The new easement would keep the access way closed to the general public unless required by the city, while retaining the city's right to access and secure the gates. Discussion clarified that residential tenants do not receive keys to the breezeway as they have an alternate exit. A motion was made and seconded to approve the updated grant of easement and direct staff to record it pending a minor modification to development conditions. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business: Traffic Studies Updates and Recommendations
- Staff presented three traffic studies: an all-way stop warrant analysis for Mountain View and 3rd Street; a traffic calming report for Santa Clara Street; and a speed study for River Street and Heritage Valley Parkway.
- Mountain View and 3rd Street: The study found insufficient traffic volume and collision history to warrant an all-way stop; the recommendation is to maintain the existing two-way stop.
- Santa Clara Street: Data indicated vehicles are not significantly speeding. Recommendations include conducting an Engineering Traffic (ENT) survey to potentially lower posted speed limits, improving intersection visibility, and considering radar speed feedback signs.
- River Street and Heritage Valley Parkway: Recommendations include designating a senior zone, conducting ENT surveys to enforce 25 mph limits, reclassifying street segments in the General Plan, and posting school zone signs.
- Discussion covered traffic volumes, pedestrian safety at specific intersections, and jurisdictional boundaries regarding state highways. A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the studies and authorize staff to proceed with recommended improvements. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business: Year-End Budget Adjustments for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
- Staff recommended year-end budget adjustments to address unforeseen costs and revenue variances. Adjustments included a $130,000 appropriation in the General Fund for litigation and fire overtime costs, offset by projected unanticipated revenue of $270,000 from sales tax, vehicle license fees, and workers' compensation reimbursements. Additional adjustments included a $7,270 increase for the Solid Waste Fund for hazardous waste expenses and a $30,000 increase for the Community Pool Fund. A motion was made and seconded to approve the adjustments and authorize the City Manager to adjust funding as needed. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business: Funding for Medical Cardiac Monitors
- Staff requested approval to fund three cardiac monitors (LifePak 35) over a three-year period at a total cost not to exceed $210,000, utilizing 0% financing. The request aims to replace older LifePak 15 technology with newer units featuring improved pediatric capabilities, better lighting, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity, and real-time hospital communication. The purchase is a sole-source acquisition from Stryker. A motion was made and seconded to approve the funding, appropriate reserves, establish accounting transactions, and authorize the City Manager to execute purchase documents. The motion passed unanimously.
City Manager Verbal Report
- The City Manager presented a report covering street maintenance activities from the end of April through the end of May. The report stated that four tons of asphalt were utilized, 52 pothole repairs were completed, and seven water line service trench repairs were performed. The City Manager noted that staff focus had also included hydrant repairs and that Public Works Week occurred during this period.
Public Aquatic Center Closure
- The City Manager reported that the Public Aquatic Center was closed for the day due to a water quality issue resulting from an incident. Staff followed required safety protocols, and the facility is scheduled to reopen after a 24-hour closure period. Updates regarding the closure and reopening will be provided via social media and the city website.
Fireworks Permit Information
- The City Manager reminded nonprofit organizations that applied for fireworks booth permits of a mandatory safety meeting scheduled for June 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the council chamber. The City Manager noted that fireworks are legal in Fillmore and encouraged constituents to support nonprofits by purchasing safe and sane fireworks. The City Manager acknowledged Anna Sendejas and Juana Garcia for coordinating the application process and assisting Chief Garola.
Personnel Vacancies
- The City Manager announced two open positions: a Planning Technician, with applications accepted until June 30, and a Public Works Maintenance Worker.
Adjournment
- The City Clerk moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded. The meeting was adjourned, and the next regular meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.