REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

SCAG Regional Planning Presentation

• Councilmember Rhodes presented on regional housing allocations and transportation funding.
• Staff noted existing grants received by the city from the association.
• Presentation materials were received and filed by the Council.

Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

• Staff presented audit results for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
• The external audit firm issued an unmodified opinion on the report.
• Council voted to accept and file the annual comprehensive financial report.

Princeton Avenue Property Purchase

• Staff recommended declining the property purchase due to high acquisition costs.
• Council discussed cost reduction strategies involving rezoning and soil reports.
• Council voted to decline the purchase while directing staff to investigate options.

Hitch Ranch Parks Conceptual Plans

• Staff presented conceptual plans for park amenities including restrooms and splash pads.
• Council deferred playground equipment color selection to the Marketing Ad Hoc Committee.
• Council approved the conceptual plans and environmental impact report findings.

Ordinance 532 Artist Definition Amendment

• The Council considered Ordinance 532 amending the zoning code definition of artist.
• A motion was made to declare the ordinance read for the second time.
• The ordinance was adopted by Council vote.

Closed Session

• One council member recused themselves from discussion regarding a property sale.
• A memorial tribute was read in honor of Sandra Lee Bryan.
• Council voted to adjourn the meeting following closed session items.

• # Summary of Moorpark City Council Meeting – January 21, 2026

Item 4A: Proclamations and Accommodations

• No proclamations or accommodations were presented or discussed.

Item 5: Public Comment

• Multiple speakers addressed the Council regarding concerns over federal immigration enforcement actions, specifically ICE presence and tactics in the region. Speakers requested the formation of an Immigration Services Stakeholders Group to support the community, citing similar initiatives in neighboring cities. Several speakers read names of individuals reported to have died in ICE custody or due to ICE actions and requested a moment of silence. Representatives from the Moorpark Women's Club announced their annual spring luncheon fundraiser. Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff addressed the meeting, explaining the Sheriff's Department's role as a sanctuary state agency, limitations on local enforcement of federal immigration laws, and the impact of federal tactics on community trust. The City Manager summarized city actions taken regarding immigration resources, including workshops and informal coordination with community groups, and discussed the administrative structure for future community engagement.

Item 6: Agenda Reordering and Future Items

• Council members requested future agenda items. Council Member Barrett requested discussion on permits for raising farm animals through organizations like 4-H or FFA. Council Member Means requested a staff presentation on library operations, contracting, and goals. Council Member Delgado requested a report on attracting film industry production to the city. Staff confirmed these items would be addressed through future reports or box items.

Item 7: Announcements and Reports

• Council members reported on meetings attended, including the Regional Defense Partnership, Chamber of Commerce events, and the Transportation and Public Works Committee. The Mayor announced upcoming community events, including a Marketing Masterclass and a meeting with the City Manager.

Item 9A: Presentation from SCAG

• Councilmember Rocky Rhodes of Simi Valley presented on the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), covering regional planning, transportation, housing allocations (RHNA), and funding opportunities. The Council discussed grant feasibility, funding security, and housing requirements with the presenter. Staff noted existing SCAG grants received by the city. The presentation materials were received and filed.

Item 9B: Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

• Staff presented the audit results for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025. The audit firm, RAMS, issued an unmodified opinion. A motion was made to accept and file the report. The motion was seconded.

Vote Outcome: Passed.

Item 9C: Purchase of Princeton Avenue Property

• Staff presented an appraisal of $1.98 million for the property and recommended declining the purchase from the Successor Agency due to cost relative to intended municipal use. Council discussed options to reduce the acquisition cost, including rezoning, obtaining soil reports, or seeking existing data from previous developers. A motion was made to accept the staff recommendation to decline the purchase with direction to staff to investigate soil reports and rezoning options for future consideration. The motion was seconded.

Vote Outcome: Passed.

Item 9D: Hitch Ranch Parks Conceptual Plans

• Staff presented conceptual plans for Park A and Park B, including restrooms, multipurpose rooms, playground, and splash pad equipment. Council discussed park hours, safety concerns, playground color selection for city branding, and graffiti mitigation measures. Council agreed to defer color selection for playground equipment to the Marketing Ad Hoc Committee and staff. A motion was made to approve the conceptual plans and make findings of consistency with the environmental impact report. The motion was seconded.

Vote Outcome: Passed.

Item 10: Consent Agenda

• A motion was made to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded.

Vote Outcome: Passed.

Item 11: Ordinances

• Ordinance 532, amending the definition of "artist" in the municipal zoning code, was presented. A motion was made to declare the ordinance read for the second time and adopted. The motion was seconded.

Vote Outcome: Passed.

Item 12: Closed Session and Adjournment

• The Council prepared to adjourn to closed session items. A recusal was noted for one council member regarding a specific property sale item. A memorial tribute was read for Sandra Lee Bryan. A motion was made to adjourn the meeting.

Vote Outcome: Passed.