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
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Presentation
- EDC representatives outlined services including loan programs, workforce development, and broadband initiatives.
- Council inquired about loan eligibility for non-traditional borrowers and assistance for early childhood education providers.
- EDC clarified that loans range from $10,000 to $250,000 with terms of four to seven years.
- The City Manager confirmed that EDC flyers are included in business renewal notices.
Fillmore Town Theater 110th Anniversary
- The theater owner presented information regarding the theater’s 110th anniversary and its no-cost youth theater program.
- Council members expressed support for the youth program.
- The item was treated as informational with no formal motion or vote taken.
Proclamations for October 2026
- Proclamations designating October 2026 as National Bullying Prevention Month were read and adopted.
- Proclamations designating October 2026 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month were read and adopted.
- Proclamations designating October 2026 as Fire Prevention Month were read and adopted.
- Proclamations designating October 2026 as California Firefighter Appreciation Month were read and adopted.
Committee, Commission, and Board Reports
- Council members reported on attendance at the League of California Cities Conference and the Air Pollution Control Board meeting.
- A Council member detailed the formation of the Santa Clara Valley Hospital Task Force to address potential service gaps.
- Reports noted that the train bridge completion has been delayed to late October.
- A Council member announced that Supervisor Long will speak at the upcoming Rotary Club meeting.
Appointment to Ventura County Air Pollution Control District Advisory Committee
- Staff recommended appointing Ashley B. Connolly to fill a vacancy on the advisory committee for a four-year term.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve Resolution 26-4133 appointing Ashley B. Connolly.
- The motion passed unanimously.
2026 Housing Project Approval Pathways
- The City Manager presented an informational report on state housing laws including SB 35, AB 2011, and SB 9.
- The presentation detailed differences between discretionary and ministerial review processes and CEQA exemptions.
- The City Manager explained the adoption of objective design standards to maintain local character while complying with state mandates.
- The item was treated as informational with no formal motion or vote recorded.
Public Hearing on Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment 26-03 / Ordinance 26-1003
- The ordinance amends the municipal code to define "kitchen" and "wet bar" to prevent unauthorized dwelling units.
- The change was prompted by enforcement issues where landlords claimed wet bars to circumvent dwelling unit limits.
- The public hearing was opened and closed with no public testimony.
- A motion was made and seconded to adopt Ordinance 26-1003, which passed unanimously.
Public Hearing on Zoning Amendment 26-04 / Ordinance 26-1004
- The ordinance clarifies that computer data centers are not an allowed use within the City of Fillmore.
- The amendment strikes the term "computer data" from allowed uses and adds a new chapter prohibiting data centers.
- The public hearing was opened and closed with no public testimony.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 26-1004, which passed unanimously.
Formation of Community Facilities District No. 7 (Creekside)
- Resolutions were presented to authorize the levy of special taxes and approve bonded indebtedness of up to $10 million.
- The City will oversee financial arrangements but will not be responsible for expenses or debt.
- The public hearing was opened with no written protests or public testimony received.
- Resolutions 26-4136, 26-4137, and 26-4138 were adopted unanimously, and Ordinance 26-1005 was introduced for a second reading.
Police Station Restroom Renovations
- Staff presented plans and specifications for renovating restrooms at 524 Sesbee Avenue to meet building code requirements.
- The engineer’s cost estimate is $325,000, funded by Development Impact Fee and General Funds.
- The proposed schedule includes advertising for bids on October 22, 2026, and construction completion between February and April 2027.
- A motion was made and seconded to adopt the plans and authorize staff to advertise for construction bids, which passed unanimously.
City Manager Verbal Report
- The Trunk or Treat event is scheduled for October 28, with a sensory-friendly hour from 5–6 p.m.
- Arundo grass cleanup will begin October 19, 2026, primarily along the bike path and areas above the high flood stage.
- Thirteen individuals have been enrolled in rapid rehousing or emergency shelter programs, with one approved for permanent supportive housing.
- Pothole repairs are currently paused due to other priorities and will resume as the rainy season approaches.
Closed Session
- The Council conferred with the real property negotiator regarding specific real property negotiations.
- The Council conferred with legal counsel due to significant exposure to litigation in two cases.
- The Council reported that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Agenda Item 4: Approval of the Agenda
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 5A: Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Presentation
- Representatives from the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) presented an overview of services, including the Small Business Development Center, loan programs, workforce development, film commission services, and broadband initiatives. Council members inquired about loan eligibility for non-traditional borrowers, assistance for early childhood education providers, and the scope of local business services. EDC representatives stated that loans range from $10,000 to $250,000 with terms of four to seven years, often backed by an 80% state guarantee, and clarified that the organization assists with business stabilization and expansion but does not engage in advocacy. The City Manager confirmed that EDC flyers are included in business renewal notices. No formal motion or vote was taken; the item was informational.
Agenda Item 5B: Fillmore Town Theater 110th Anniversary
- The theater owner presented information regarding the theater’s 110th anniversary and its no-cost youth theater program. Council members expressed support for the program. No formal motion or vote was taken; the item was informational.
Agenda Item 5C: Proclamation for National Bullying Prevention Month
- A proclamation designating October 2026 as National Bullying Prevention Month was read and adopted.
Agenda Item 5D: Proclamation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- A proclamation designating October 2026 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was read and adopted.
Agenda Item 5E: Proclamation for Fire Prevention Month
- A proclamation designating October 2026 as Fire Prevention Month was read and adopted.
Agenda Item 5F: Proclamation for California Firefighter Appreciation Month
- A proclamation designating October 2026 as California Firefighter Appreciation Month was read. Fire department representatives were invited to the podium. The proclamation was adopted.
Agenda Item 6: Public Comments
- A resident reported unresolved drainage issues on their driveway following asphalt replacement. A veteran expressed concerns regarding the expansion of Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras, citing privacy issues, potential data breaches, and legal rulings in other jurisdictions, and urged the Council to halt expansion and demand transparency.
Agenda Item 7: Committee, Commission, and Board Reports
- Air Pollution Control Board: A Council member reported attending the meeting with no significant items noted.
- League of California Cities Conference: Multiple Council members reported attending the conference in Anaheim, discussing economic development, housing, data usage, and downtown revitalization. One Council member noted conversations with police chiefs regarding ALPR cameras.
- Santa Paula Hospital Task Force: A Council member reported on the formation of the Santa Clara Valley Hospital Task Force, a coalition exploring options such as micro-hospitals or seismic retrofitting to prevent a gap in emergency services if the county ceases operations at Santa Paula Hospital in 2030.
- Ventura County Council of Governments (VCOG): A Council member reported attending a VCOG meeting featuring a presentation on e-bikes. The next VCOG meeting on November 12 will feature a presentation on ALPR cameras.
- Train Bridge: A Council member reported that the completion of the train bridge has been delayed to late October.
- Rotary Club: A Council member announced that Supervisor Long will speak at the Rotary Club meeting the following morning.
Agenda Item 8: Consent Calendar
- A Council member proposed an amendment to Item 8D (Zoning Ordinance regarding pop-up businesses) to remove the requirement for sink/toilet access within 200 feet. Legal staff explained that because this is a second reading, the ordinance must be approved as-is and re-noticed for a public hearing to make changes. The Council member retracted the amendment and moved to accept the consent calendar as-is. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item 9A: Appointment to Ventura County Air Pollution Control District Advisory Committee
- Staff recommended appointing Ashley B. Connolly as the City representative for the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District Advisory Committee to fill a vacancy since 2024 for a four-year term. A motion was made and seconded to approve Resolution 26-4133 appointing Ashley B. Connolly. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 9B: 2026 Housing Project Approval Pathways
- The City Manager presented an informational report on state housing laws, including SB 35, AB 2011, SB 9, and ADU/JADU laws, which facilitate housing production by expanding ministerial approvals and providing CEQA exemptions. The presentation detailed the differences between discretionary and ministerial review processes, noting that ministerial projects are subject to a 30-day completeness review and a 60-day approval period. The City Manager explained that the City has adopted objective design standards to maintain local character while complying with state streamlining mandates and discussed the avoidance of "builder’s remedy" consequences through timely housing element certification. The City is currently processing projects under these statutes, including a recent SB 9 lot split and discussions regarding supportive housing under AB 2162. A Council member asked if any projects in Fillmore have been approved ministerially. The item was treated as informational, and no formal motion or vote was recorded.
Agenda Item 9C: Public Hearing on Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment 26-03 / Ordinance 26-1003
- The City Manager presented Ordinance 26-1003 and Zoning Ordinance Amendment 26-03, which amend Fillmore Municipal Code Section 6.04.9610 to define "kitchen" and "wet bar." The amendment clarifies definitions to prevent the creation of unauthorized dwelling units by distinguishing between a full kitchen (including cooking appliances, a refrigerator over four cubic feet, and specific plumbing/electrical requirements) and a wet bar (no cooking/heating appliances, limited plumbing diameter). The change was prompted by enforcement issues where landlords claimed wet bars to circumvent dwelling unit limits. The Planning Commission had previously recommended approval with a clarification regarding voltage outlets. The ordinance is exempt from CEQA. The public hearing was opened and closed with no public testimony. A motion was made and seconded to adopt Ordinance 26-1003. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 9D: Public Hearing on Zoning Amendment 26-04 / Ordinance 26-1004
- The City Manager presented Ordinance 26-1004 and Zoning Ordinance Amendment 26-04 to clarify that computer data centers are not an allowed use within the City of Fillmore, including in Business Park and Industrial zones. The presentation noted that the current code’s allowance for "computer data" was written in 1994 and did not anticipate modern data centers, which require significant power, water for cooling, and generate noise, heat, and vibration. The amendment strikes the term "computer data" from allowed uses and adds a new chapter prohibiting data centers. The ordinance is exempt from CEQA. The public hearing was opened and closed with no public testimony. A motion was made and seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 26-1004. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 9E: Formation of Community Facilities District No. 7 (Creekside)
- Debra Cavalero, Finance Director, presented resolutions for the formation of Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 7, Creekside. The resolutions authorize the levy of special taxes, establish an appropriations limit, and approve bonded indebtedness of up to $10 million for public facilities. The City will oversee financial arrangements but will not be responsible for expenses or debt. A late submission of the CFD No. 7 report was noted. The public hearing was opened, proof of publication was confirmed, and no written protests or public testimony were received. 1. Resolution 26-4136: Determining the validity of prior proceedings, authorizing the levy of special tax, establishing an appropriations limit, and approving an acquisition and funding agreement. A motion was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 2. Resolution 26-4137: Determining the necessity to incur bonded indebtedness not to exceed $10 million and calling a special election. A motion was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Resolution 26-4138: Declaring the results of the special election regarding the levy of special tax, issuance of bonded indebtedness, and establishment of an appropriations limit. The City Attorney noted the ballot must be opened before declaring results; the result was "yes." A motion was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Ordinance 26-1005: Levying special taxes within CFD No. 7. A motion was made and seconded to introduce the ordinance, waive the reading, and schedule a second reading for October 27, 2026. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 9F: Police Station Restroom Renovations
- Staff presented the plans, specifications, and cost estimate for the police station restroom renovation project at 524 Sesbee Avenue. The project involves renovating restrooms within two locker rooms to meet building code requirements and address plumbing issues. The design was prepared by T&D Studios and approved by Building & Safety and the Fire Department. The engineer’s cost estimate is $325,000, funded by Development Impact Fee Fund 410, Public Facilities Police, and General Fund 101. The proposed schedule includes advertising for bids on October 22, 2026, opening bids on November 19, 2026, and contract award on December 8, 2026, with construction completion between February and April 2027. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the plans and specifications and authorize staff to advertise for construction bids. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 10: City Manager Verbal Report
- The City Manager provided updates on the following matters:
- Trunk or Treat Event: Scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, on downtown Central Avenue. A sensory-friendly hour is set for 5–6 p.m., with the general event starting at 6 p.m. Registration closes October 22. Staff indicated they may expand the event area northward on Central Avenue due to anticipated higher attendance.
- Arundo Cleanup: Cleanup of Arundo grass will begin October 19, 2026, primarily along the bike path and areas above the high flood stage. The process involves cutting and applying herbicide. Public Works is coordinating with contractors, and path closures may occur.
- ERF Grant/Encampment Services: The City reported that 13 individuals have been enrolled in rapid rehousing or emergency shelter programs, with one approved for permanent supportive housing. An encampment cleanup is scheduled to begin the following day, targeting abandoned sites with a 72-hour notice period. Staff noted that no active residents were present in the targeted areas during recent visits.
- Program Update: A Council member inquired about the status of the 10 individuals enrolled in the Rapid Rehousing program. Staff clarified that these individuals completed application packets and are receiving funds to cover housing costs. Additionally, three individuals are currently placed in emergency shelters.
- Pothole Repairs: A Council member asked for an update on pothole repairs. Staff indicated that work on this issue is currently paused due to other priorities and will resume as the rainy season approaches.
Closed Session
- The City Council moved into closed session to address two items: 1. Conference with the real property negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 to consider negotiations and give directions regarding specific real property. 2. Conference with legal counsel pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) due to significant exposure to litigation in two cases. The Council returned to open session and reported that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned. The next regular scheduled meeting is set for Tuesday, October 27th, at 6:30 p.m.