Meeting Summary
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
United Water Conservation District Presentation
- A representative presented details on Measure D, a $350 million bond for water supply and quality improvements.
- The presentation outlined three major infrastructure projects, including the Santa Felicia Dam Safety Improvement Project.
- Staff explained the projected tax impact of approximately $121 per year for an average household.
- Council members inquired about public outreach strategies, dam upgrade drivers, and contingency plans if the bond fails.
Council Reports
- Council members provided updates on constituent concerns, including traffic issues, IT security investments, and hospital closure options.
- Reports highlighted community forums regarding the potential closure of Santa Paula Hospital and the county’s recommended medical office building option.
- Members discussed the resumption of bi-monthly "porch talks" and recognized local advocacy efforts during Disability Pride Month.
- Updates included observations on the condition of Two Rivers Park and the dog park, as well as attendance at various regional meetings.
Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Report
- Staff presented the Grand Jury report on countywide responses to public complaints about fireworks.
- The City agreed with the intent of the recommendations but noted many are directed to other agencies.
- Council members discussed the distinction between illegal and legal fireworks, emphasizing the importance of non-profit fundraising.
- The Council voted to receive and file the report, determining that no additional action is required by the City.
Appointment of Standby Officers
- The City Clerk reviewed the current standby officers appointed for each elected office under the California Emergency Services Act.
- Council members requested specific changes to the list of standby officers for their respective positions.
- The Clerk requested that updated names be emailed for record-keeping purposes.
Ordinance No. 26-999 (Cross Connection and Backflow Standards)
- Staff presented the ordinance establishing a new chapter for cross-connection control and backflow prevention standards.
- The ordinance is required for compliance with the California Safe Drinking Water Act and state policy handbooks.
- The City is transitioning from a county-managed program to an in-house program with staff working toward certification.
- The Council voted to introduce the first reading of the ordinance.
Notice of Completion for Well 10 Drilling and Well 5 Destruction
- Staff reported the completion of Phase A of the well drilling and destruction project for a final cost of $1.48 million.
- Well 10 was drilled to 585 feet with a production capacity of 3,000 gallons per minute.
- Council members inquired about the timeline for rehabilitating the former Well 5 site, with demolition planned for spring.
- The Council voted to accept the services, authorize the filing of the notice of completion, and release bonds.
City Manager Votable Report
- The City Manager provided updates on Encampment Response Fund grant efforts and cleanup limitations due to bird nesting seasons.
- Staff reported that the permanent encampment population has remained stable at approximately 14 residents.
- The Fire Chief announced the second phase of Arundo removal is scheduled for late September or early October.
- The City Manager announced a special meeting on August 19 to discuss options for the upcoming November municipal election.
Closed Session
- The Council convened in closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation in three cases.
- No reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Agenda Item 4: Approval of the Agenda
- The motion to approve the agenda was moved and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 5A: United Water Conservation District Presentation
- A representative from the United Water Conservation District presented information regarding Measure D, a $350 million Water Supply Conservation and Water Quality Bond measure scheduled for the November 3 ballot. The presentation detailed three required infrastructure projects: the Santa Felicia Dam Safety Improvement Project ($314 million), the Freeman Diversion Improvement Project ($104 million), and the Extraction Barrier and Brackish Water Treatment Project. The combined project cost is $469 million, with $31.5 million in secured grants and an $83 million WIFIA loan, leaving a $354 million gap addressed by the bond. The projected tax impact is approximately $121 per year for an average household valued at $501,000, with repayment beginning in fiscal year 2028. Council members asked questions regarding public outreach strategies, the specific drivers for dam upgrades (seismic vulnerability and spillway capacity), and contingency plans if the bond fails (potential rate increases or service shutdowns). No vote was taken on this item.
Agenda Item 6: Public Comments
- The Mayor explained the rules for public comment, noting that speakers have three minutes and that the Council cannot engage in substantive dialogue on items not on the agenda.
- Cynthia Pazurs spoke on behalf of neighbors on Heritage Valley Parkway regarding a homeless encampment in the dry riverbed. She cited concerns about fire hazards, criminal activity, and unsanitary conditions, requesting the Council to cut flammable brush, ban fireworks in the riverbed, and clean up the area.
- Donnie Sue Shepard expressed concern for the safety of children and neighbors due to the encampment and associated activities.
- Derek Farage raised concerns about prolonged power outages in Fillmore, specifically a 30-hour outage in August. He requested a formal review by Edison regarding outage causes and communication policies, and asked the City to develop a protocol for prolonged outages involving temporary power deployment.
- Online Comments: One online speaker, Kiana Landon, had technical difficulties and subsequently stated she had nothing to speak on. Two other online speakers did not log in. The Council moved forward with the agenda.
Agenda Item 7: Council Reports
- Council Member Garnica reported on upcoming committee meetings and announced the resumption of bi-monthly "porch talks" for constituents.
- Council Member Villasenor commented on the City’s IT security investments in light of recent cyberattacks on water systems in other states. He also summarized a community forum regarding the potential closure of Santa Paula Hospital by December 2029. He outlined three options presented by the Ventura County Healthcare Agency: a micro-hospital, a medical office building with expanded urgent care (the county’s recommended option), and a basic urgent care center. He noted community preference for 24-hour care and encouraged public participation in the County Board of Supervisors meeting on August 18. He also recognized Marissa Rodriguez for her advocacy work during Disability Pride Month.
- Council Member Brogy reported on constituent concerns regarding traffic on Foothill Drive, the resolution of a red curb issue near Sonic, and his attendance at the Joint Powers Insurance Authority meeting where liability insurance rates were noted to be increasing. He also attended the "Music in the Park" event, the Health and Wellness Spa grand opening, a Building Industry Association meeting, and a Los Vets of Fillmore and Piru meeting. He noted that Two Rivers Park appears incomplete and raised concerns about the condition of the dog park.
- Council Member Rodriguez reported that her committee activities had been limited recently but are expected to resume.
- Mayor Mendez reported on his attendance at the Air Pollution Control Board meeting and the Santa Paula Hospital forum. He acknowledged the Public Works team’s efforts in road maintenance.
Agenda Item 8: Consent Calendar
- The motion to approve the consent calendar was moved and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 9A: Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Report
- Staff presented the Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Report titled "Countywide Response to Public Complaints About Fireworks." The report contains findings and recommendations for various jurisdictions. Staff proposed responses indicating that the City of Fillmore agrees with the intent of the recommendations but that many are directed to other agencies (such as the County Board of Supervisors or other cities). Staff noted that Fillmore already has a strict liability ordinance for illegal fireworks and operates its own municipal fire department, recommending that the Fillmore Fire Department be included in countywide coordination meetings.
- Public Comment: Derek Farage spoke regarding illegal fireworks, distinguishing them from legal "safe and sane" fireworks sold by non-profits. He requested stronger enforcement and education strategies against illegal aerial fireworks while preserving legal sales.
- Discussion: Council members discussed the distinction between illegal and legal fireworks, emphasizing the importance of non-profit fundraising from legal sales. The Fire Chief confirmed that the Fillmore Fire Department participates in countywide meetings.
- Motion: A motion was made to receive and file the report, agree with the applicable findings, and determine that no additional action is required by the City as recommendations are either directed to other agencies or already addressed by existing practices. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 9B: Appointment of Standby Officers
- The City Clerk reviewed the current standby officers appointed for each elected office under the California Emergency Services Act. Council members reviewed the list and made the following changes:
- Council Member Villasenor requested to swap Chano Ibarra for Jacqueline Ibarra.
- Mayor Mendez requested to list Manuel Menjarez as first choice, Connie Quintana as second, and Angel as third.
- Council Member Rodriguez requested to list Brandi Lingning as first choice and Daniel Gonzalez as second.
- Council Member Brogy and Council Member Garnica made no changes.
- The Clerk requested that updated names be emailed to her for record-keeping. No vote was taken.
Agenda Item 9C: Ordinance No. 26-999 (Cross Connection and Backflow Standards)
- Staff presented Ordinance No. 26-999, which establishes a new Chapter 16.07 in the Fillmore Municipal Code to create a cross-connection control program and backflow prevention standards. This is required for compliance with the California Safe Drinking Water Act and the Water Resources Control Board’s Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook, effective July 1, 2024. The ordinance provides legal authority for hazard assessments, installation and testing of backflow assemblies, inspections, and enforcement actions. Staff noted that while there is no immediate fiscal impact, the City is transitioning from a county-managed program to an in-house program, with staff currently working toward certification to manage testing and administration.
- Motion: A motion was made to introduce the first reading of Ordinance 26-999. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 9D: Notice of Completion for Well 10 Drilling and Well 5 Destruction
- Staff presented the completion of Phase A of the Well 10 drilling and Well 5 destruction project (Project Specification 25-03). The project was awarded to Pacific Coast Well Drilling for $1.5 million. Well 10 was drilled to 585 feet and is capable of producing 3,000 gallons per minute. Initial water quality tests showed elevated manganese, which staff expects to reduce through pumping, though treatment may be required if state standards tighten. Well 5 was destroyed, and the project passed final inspection on June 30. The final cost was $1.48 million, resulting in approximately $171,000 in unused contingency. Staff requested authorization to file the notice of completion, release bonds, and pay final retention after the 30-day lien period.
- Discussion: Council members asked about the timeline for rehabilitating the former Well 5 site. Staff indicated that demolition of the above-ground structure is planned for spring, with relandscaping to follow.
- Motion: A motion was made to accept the services, authorize the filing of the notice of completion, exonerate bonds, and authorize final payment of retention pending the clearance of the 30-day lien period. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 10: City Manager Votable Report
- The City Manager provided an update on the Encampment Response Fund (ERF) grant efforts. One resident was placed in the Santa Paula Shelter, but another resident who was placed subsequently left and passed away. An application for rapid rehousing for another resident is pending. Encampment cleanup is currently limited due to the nesting season of the Least Bell’s Vireo; a more thorough cleanup is planned once the nesting season ends. A 40-foot roll-off container was placed for debris removal by volunteers.
- Arundo Removal: The Fire Chief reported that a grant through CAL FIRE and the Fire Safe Council is scheduled for the second phase of Arundo removal in the area above the floodplain, including Sunken Village, expected to occur at the end of September or early October.
- Encampment Population: Staff and the Sheriff’s Department reported that the number of permanent encampment residents has not increased (approximately 14), but there is increased transient traffic. The Sheriff’s Department conducts extra patrols in the area.
- Special Meeting Announcement: The City Manager announced a special meeting of the City Council on Wednesday, August 19, at 7:30 p.m., immediately following the Planning Commission meeting. The purpose is to discuss options for the upcoming November municipal election, as only the three incumbent council members (Districts 1, 3, and 4) qualified for their respective seats. Staff will present options under California election law, including the potential to cancel the election if no challengers are present.
Closed Session
- The Council convened in closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation in three cases. No reportable action was taken.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned until the next regular scheduled meeting on August 25, 2026, with a reminder of the special meeting on August 19, 2026.