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City Council — September 8, 2026

City Council — September 8, 2026September 8, 2026

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BodyCity Council
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 September 8, 2026

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Meeting Summary

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Present: 3-Mendez, 2-Garnica, Baroque, 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

Proclamations

  • The Council read proclamations into the record for September 2026 designations.
  • Recognized months include Childhood Cancer Awareness, Latino Heritage, and Preparedness Month.
  • Specific days recognized include Constitution Day, Citizenship Day, and POW-MIA Recognition Day.

Council Reports

  • Members provided updates on committee activities, including the Ventura Regional Sanitation District and Southern California Edison panels.
  • Reports highlighted upcoming events such as the May Festival and the Ventura County Transportation Commission meeting.
  • Staff noted a request from the Senate Pro Tem’s office for city infrastructure data for the state supplemental budget.

Santa Paula Hospital Future Healthcare Services

  • Staff presented background on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors' decision regarding healthcare services in the Santa Clara River Valley.
  • Council members discussed the life expectancy gap and the need for 24-hour emergency care access for residents.
  • The Council appointed Council Member Villasenor and Mayor Mendez to an ad hoc committee to advocate for the hospital.
  • The body approved the item as discussed, outlining future steps for stakeholder engagement and potential legislation.

Zoning Ordinance Amendment 26-02

  • Staff presented an amendment to extend the temporary pop-up business trial period from 45 to 180 days.
  • Council members expressed concern that 180 days was insufficient for determining business viability.
  • The Council approved the first reading of the ordinance with a modified 270-day initial trial period.
  • The amendment also clarifies requirements for business licenses, handwashing facilities, and building code compliance.

TEFRA Public Hearing for Revenue Bonds

  • Staff presented a TEFRA hearing for $25 million in revenue bonds for a 50-unit low-income housing project.
  • The funds are intended for the acquisition, construction, and equipping of the Fillmore Terrace Project.
  • The City of Fillmore will receive a shared administrative fee of approximately $12,500 from the bond issuance.
  • The Council adopted Resolution 26-4131 approving the bond issuance in accordance with CMFA requirements.

Local Government Climate Alliance Participation

  • Staff presented options for the City to join the Local Government Climate Alliance (LGCA).
  • The Council chose the regional membership option through the County of Ventura to reduce costs.
  • This option involves an estimated annual share of $172.08 and a single regional representative.
  • The Council authorized the one-year regional membership with staff appointed to receive communications.

Updated Social Media Policy

  • Staff presented a proposed update to the City’s social media policy to supersede the 2019 version.
  • Key changes include allowing comments on City posts and establishing protocols for account security.
  • The policy defines moderation guidelines for removing spam or threats while protecting free speech.
  • The Council adopted Resolution 26-4125 approving the new policy and addressing staff workload concerns.

Transportation Development Act Funds Claim

  • The Finance Director presented the City’s allocation of $812,788 in TDA and LTF monies for FY 2026-27.
  • Staff proposed allocating $514,638.37 for transit operating costs and $297,149.60 for streets and roads.
  • The Council adopted Resolution 26-4132 authorizing the City Manager to file the claim.
  • The allocation is contingent on meeting transit needs and supports local transportation infrastructure.

City Manager Verbal Report

  • The City Manager reported that the Ventura County Library Foundation is releasing an RFP for a community needs assessment.
  • Public Works staff worked overtime on Labor Day to ensure water system safety.
  • The latest edition of the City newsletter has been published.
  • The September 22 Council meeting was canceled due to travel for the annual League of Cities conference.

Full summary

Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call

  • The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call confirmed the presence of all five council members: Mayor Mendez, Mayor Pro Tem Garnica, Council Member Baroque, Council Member Villasenor, and Council Member Rodriguez.

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 and Proclamations

  • The following proclamations were read into the record:
  • 5A: September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
  • 5B: September 17, 2026, as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
  • 5C: September 15 through October 15, 2026, as Latino Heritage Month.
  • 5D: September 18, 2026, as POW-MIA Recognition Day.
  • 5E: September 2026 as Preparedness Month.

Agenda Item 6: Public Comments

  • The Chair outlined the rules for public comment, noting that comments are limited to agenda items and substantive dialogue is not permitted during this period. No public comments were received.

Agenda Item 7: Council Reports

  • Council members provided updates on committee activities and external engagements:
  • Mayor Pro Tem Garnica: Reported on participation in the Los Vets of Fillmore and Piru monthly luncheon, noting an attendance of 45 veterans. He also noted that Assemblymember Jackie Irwin was scheduled to speak at a Rotary Club meeting.
  • Council Member Villasenor: Reported on the Ventura Regional Sanitation District meeting, where the board ratified emissions testing for the toll and landfill flare and authorized a budget for legal counsel to explore water rights in the Cuyama Valley. She also reported on the Southern California Edison Government Advisory Panel meeting, which focused on data centers as large load customers. Additionally, she noted that the office of Senate Pro Tem Monique Limon had requested infrastructure needs data for the city to include in the state supplemental budget.
  • Council Member Baroque: Reported on upcoming meetings, including the Ventura County Transportation Commission, where preparations for the Olympics were discussed. He also promoted his weekly "Porch Talk" community meeting.
  • Council Member Rodriguez: Reported a quiet week with no specific updates, noting upcoming meetings in the coming weeks.
  • Mayor Mendez: Reported on the May Festival committee meeting, noting that subcommittees are being formed and the festival is tentatively scheduled for the last weekend of May.

Agenda Item 8: Consent Calendar

  • 8B: Laura Bartels, Director of Santa Clara Valley Legal Aid, addressed the Council regarding an agreement to continue operating at the North Fillmore Community Storefront. She requested the removal of two requirements from the agreement: a $1,000,000 auto insurance requirement and workers' compensation insurance, citing that the organization is all-volunteer and does not employ staff or drive clients.
  • Discussion: The City Manager indicated that the risk manager was not present to set insurance amounts but suggested checking with the City Manager. The Mayor stated that removing the workers' compensation and auto insurance requirements should not be an issue, as the organization has no employees or vehicles.
  • Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar with the two amendments to the agreement.
  • Vote: The motion passed.

Agenda Item 9A: New Business – Santa Paula Hospital Future Healthcare Services and Blue Ribbon Task Force Representation

  • Presentation: Staff presented background on the August 18 action by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors regarding the future of healthcare services in the Santa Clara River Valley.
  • Public Comments:
  • Laura Espinosa: Spoke as a resident and former council member, expressing frustration with the "valley of unfulfilled promises" regarding healthcare and community college infrastructure. She urged the Council to support the ad hoc committee and engage with the community.
  • Rick Castanero: Spoke as a resident and former Blue Ribbon Committee member, emphasizing the need for the Council to hold the county accountable and support the ad hoc committee to ensure healthcare access for residents who cannot afford out-of-area care.
  • Ernie Villegas: Spoke on the life expectancy gap between the Santa Clara Valley and East Ventura County. He urged the Council to broaden the scope of advocacy beyond the Blue Ribbon Task Force and to use their position to advocate for innovative solutions and the maintenance of an emergency department.
  • Council Discussion:
  • Council Member Villasenor: Cited data from the county indicating that approximately 9.6% of emergency room visits (roughly 2,750 visits per year) involve critical conditions (e.g., heart attacks, strokes) that would not be covered under the county's selected "Option 2" (expanded access to care/medical office buildings). She advocated for the formation of an ad hoc committee to serve as an official vehicle for communication with the public and all potential stakeholders, including other hospital systems. She proposed that the Council adopt a resolution stating the city's position, supporting legislation, and engaging with stakeholders.
  • Mayor Mendez: Clarified that the county's selected option does not include 24-hour care, only 7 AM to 11 PM.
  • Council Member Baroque: Expressed frustration with the life expectancy gap and suggested leveraging relationships with other county council members and the Ventura County Council of Governments (VCOG) to gain broader support for the Santa Clara Valley's healthcare needs.
  • Council Member Rodriguez: Emphasized the need for 24-hour care access for all residents, regardless of geography or insurance status.
  • Mayor Pro Tem Garnica: Stated his support for maintaining a hospital or similar service nearby, citing the critical nature of time-sensitive medical emergencies.
  • Mayor Mendez: Shared a personal anecdote regarding his father's medical emergency to illustrate the importance of local hospital access. He expressed skepticism about the county's financial data, suggesting the hospital was systematically dismantled.
  • Motion: A motion was made and seconded to appoint Council Member Villasenor and Mayor Mendez to the ad hoc committee for the issue of the hospital in the Santa Clara River Valley.
  • Vote: The motion passed unanimously.
  • Discussion on Authority: The City Manager suggested clarifying the ad hoc committee's authority (e.g., to support legislation, sign letters, and engage with stakeholders) during this meeting to avoid a separate agenda item later. Council Member Villasenor outlined proposed elements for a future resolution, including the Council's commitment to maintaining a hospital with an ER, informing the Board of Supervisors, exploring all avenues for healthcare maintenance, ensuring transparency, and using data for advocacy.
  • Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the item as discussed.
  • Vote: The motion passed unanimously.

Agenda Item 9B: Public Hearing – Zoning Ordinance Amendment 26-02

  • Presentation: Brian McCarthy presented Zoning Ordinance Amendment 26-02 (Ordinance 26-998), which amends Section 6.04.5805 of the Fillmore Municipal Code regarding temporary pop-up businesses. The amendment, developed by the Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee, increases the initial temporary use period from 45 days (plus a 45-day extension) to 180 days (plus a 180-day extension), for a total potential of 360 days. It clarifies that pop-up businesses must have an active business license, do not create vested rights, and must have access to handwashing and restroom facilities within 200 feet. The ordinance is exempt from CEQA.
  • Discussion:
  • Council Member Baroque: Asked for clarification on the current code's timeline for transitioning to a permanent business. Staff confirmed that under the current code, the timeline for starting the permanent permit process is not specified, which is one reason for the proposed amendment.
  • Staff and Council: Staff and Council discussed the proposed ordinance regarding temporary pop-up businesses. The initial draft allowed for a 180-day trial period with an option for a 180-day extension, requiring the business owner to decide on permanent status before the first period ended. Council members expressed concern that 180 days was insufficient time to determine business viability, suggesting an extension to 270 days (nine months). Staff confirmed that the 180-day figure was based on opinion rather than data and agreed to adjust the timeline if desired by the Council.
  • Building Code Compliance: The conversation shifted to building code and fire code compliance for vacant storefronts. Staff noted that property owners are responsible for bringing buildings up to code (including ADA and seismic safety) before a pop-up business can operate. Council members discussed the financial burden on potential pop-up tenants and the lack of incentives for property owners to make necessary upgrades. Staff suggested potential outreach programs or inspection days to help property owners identify needed repairs.
  • Motion: A motion was made to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 26-998, approving ZOA 2602 and the CEQA exemption, with modifications to the timeline. The modified terms allow for a 270-day initial trial period, followed by a 180-day extension period for securing permanent permits, removing the requirement to submit permanent permit applications before the initial period ends.
  • Vote: The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Agenda Item: TEFRA Public Hearing for Revenue Bonds (Fillmore Terrace Project)

  • Discussion: Staff presented the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) hearing for the issuance of $25 million in revenue bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA). The funds are intended for the acquisition, construction, and equipping of a 50-unit multifamily low-income residential rental project at 215-221 Palm Street and 534 Santa Clara Street, owned by People Self-Help Housing. Staff explained that the bonds are tax-exempt and that the City of Fillmore, as a member agency of CMFA, would receive a shared fee of approximately $12,500 to cover administrative costs. There is no direct fiscal impact on the City for the bond issuance itself.
  • Motion: A motion was made to adopt Resolution 26-4131, approving the issuance of the bonds in accordance with CMFA requirements and TEFRA code.
  • Vote: The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Agenda Item: Participation in Local Government Climate Alliance (LGCA)

  • Discussion: Staff presented options for the City to join the Local Government Climate Alliance (LGCA), a coalition advocating for climate and energy policy at the state level. Two options were presented: joining individually for an annual fee of $1,500, or joining regionally through the County of Ventura for an estimated annual share of $172.08. The regional option involves a single representative voting for the Ventura County region. Council members discussed the trade-offs between cost and direct voting power, noting that the City already has advocacy channels through the California League of Cities. Staff clarified that the City could still issue its own letters of opposition if it disagreed with the regional position.
  • Motion: A motion was made to authorize the City to join the LGCA via the Ventura County regional membership for a one-year term, paying the $172.08 share, with staff appointed to receive communications.
  • Vote: The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Agenda Item: Updated Social Media Policy (Policy No. 26-105)

  • Discussion: Staff presented a proposed update to the City’s social media policy, superseding the 2019 policy. Key changes include allowing comments on City posts (treating them as limited public forums), establishing protocols for account security and administration, and defining moderation guidelines for removing spam, threats, or obscene content while protecting free speech. Staff noted that the new policy allows for resharing content from partners and agencies, particularly during emergencies. Council members raised concerns about the staff workload required to monitor comments and the handling of personal attacks or threats against Council members. Staff explained that automated tools help filter spam and that threats would be reported to police.
  • Motion: A motion was made to adopt Resolution 26-4125, approving Council Policy No. 26-105 and superseding Council Policy No. 19-105.
  • Vote: The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Agenda Item: Transportation Development Act (TDA) Funds Claim

  • Discussion: The Finance Director presented the City’s allocation of $812,788 in Transportation Development Act (TDA) and Local Transportation Fund (LTF) monies for Fiscal Year 2026-27. Staff proposed allocating $514,638.37 for transit operating costs and the remaining $297,149.60 for streets and roads projects, contingent on meeting transit needs.
  • Motion: A motion was made to adopt Resolution 26-4132, authorizing the City Manager to sign and file a claim with the Ventura County Transportation Commission for the $812,788 allocation.
  • Vote: The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Agenda Item: City Manager Verbal Report

  • The City Manager provided the following updates:
  • The Ventura County Library Foundation is releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to hire a consultant for a community needs assessment for the Fillmore library, with the assessment expected in June of the following year.
  • Public Works staff worked 12 hours of overtime on Labor Day to ensure water system safety.
  • The latest edition of the City newsletter has been published.
  • The September 22 Council meeting has been canceled due to travel for the annual League of Cities conference; the next meeting will be in October.

Adjournment

  • A motion was made to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded. The meeting was adjourned, with the next regular scheduled meeting set for October 13th at 6:30 p.m.