REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Government Finance Professionals Week Proclamation

• The Council adopted a proclamation designating March 23–27, 2026, as Government Finance Professionals Week.
• The resolution recognized the role of finance professionals in ensuring transparency and responsible stewardship of public funds.
• A Finance Department representative expressed gratitude for the official recognition.

Sewer Line Repair and State of Moorpark Event

• The Council approved plans to repair a severed sewer line and repave the parking lot at 18 East High Street.
• Improvements include ADA compliance features and a new driveway apron, resulting in a net loss of one parking space.
• The Council authorized a cooperative service agreement with the Chamber of Commerce to co-sponsor the 2026 State of Moorpark event for up to $10,000.
• Council Member Barrett recused himself from the vote due to his membership on the Chamber of Commerce Board.

Conditional Use Permit Extension (10941 Los Angeles Avenue)

• The Council held a public hearing to consider extending the expiration date of a warehouse development permit to 2030.
• The applicant requested the extension due to market conditions without proposing changes to the project scope or design.
• Council members supported the extension to encourage economic development and tax base growth in the industrial zone.

Inclusive Playground at Tierra Jada Park

• The Council approved plans for an inclusive playground project with a budget of approximately $2.5 million.
• The scope was reduced to align with grant requirements, focusing on ADA compliance, accessible parking, and rubberized surfacing.
• The Council waived the administrative policy regarding bidder prequalification and authorized advertising for bids.

Total Compensation Study and Classification Plan Amendments

• The Council reviewed a study finding City compensation generally 5.5% below market rates.
• Resolutions were adopted to amend the classification plan by combining series and adding new positions.
• Targeted salary adjustments were approved for positions significantly below market, with a fiscal impact of approximately $20,000.

Salary Plan Amendment (3% COLA)

• The Council approved a resolution to implement a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment effective July 1, 2026.
• The adjustment applies to competitive and non-competitive service employees as negotiated with SEIU Local 721.
• The estimated annual cost for the fiscal year 2026-27 is $355,229.

Item 4a: Proclamation for Government Finance Professionals Week

• The City Council considered a proclamation declaring March 23–27, 2026, as Government Finance Professionals Week. The proclamation recognized the role of finance professionals in ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds. A representative from the Finance Department expressed gratitude for the recognition. The Council adopted the proclamation.

Outcome: Passed

Item 5: Public Comment

• One speaker, Ed Willis, addressed the Council regarding bicycle safety. He expressed concern over groups of bicyclists riding multiple abreast in violation of the California Vehicle Code, citing safety hazards and a past fatal accident. He requested the establishment of community police volunteers or law enforcement checkpoints to educate cyclists on safe riding practices. The Mayor acknowledged the comment and indicated that staff or the Ventura Sheriff's Department would reach out to the speaker.

Outcome: No action required; comment received.

Item 6: Reordering of Agenda

• The Council considered a request to reorder Item 9D to the front of the agenda. The request was granted, and Item 9D was moved ahead of other items.

Outcome: Passed

Item 7: Announcements and Reports

• Council members and the Mayor provided updates on meetings attended and upcoming city events.
• Council Member Means: Reported on a trip to Victoria, British Columbia, to observe local government operations, the city library, and the Chamber of Commerce.
• Council Member Delgado: Reported attendance at the Downtown Wayfinding Committee, Teen Council, and Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Lunch.
• Council Member Barrett: Reported attendance at the Regional Defense Partnership, Clean Power Alliance, Marketing Ad Hoc, Chamber of Commerce Board, Young Professionals Lunch, and the San Fernando Coffee Company ribbon-cutting.
• Mayor Integran: Reported attendance at the VCTC and Chamber Young Professionals meetings.
• Announcements: The Council announced upcoming events including a Housing Rights Workshop, Spring Camp, Spring Recreation classes, the Easter Egg Hunt, the Cinco de Mayo Family Fun Run, and a Spring Skate Night.

Outcome: Informational; no action required.

Item 9D: Sewer Line Repair, Parking Lot Improvements, and State of Moorpark Event Co-Sponsorship

• The Council considered two related actions regarding the property at 18 East High Street, leased to the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce: 1. Sewer and Parking Lot Improvements: Staff presented plans to repair a severed sewer line and repave the parking lot. The project includes ADA compliance improvements, a new driveway apron, and a sidewalk. The project will result in a net loss of one parking space to preserve mature trees. Two bid alternates were proposed: extending decorative brick paving and constructing a west-side sidewalk. The engineer's estimate was $289,701, excluding alternates. 2. State of Moorpark Event Co-Sponsorship: Staff recommended co-sponsoring the 2026 State of Moorpark event with the Chamber of Commerce for up to $10,000 to cover material costs. This arrangement would result in a net cost savings to the City compared to the City hosting the event independently, which was estimated at approximately $23,000 including staff time.
• Recusals: Council Member Barrett recused himself from the item due to his non-compensated membership on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Council Member Delgado disclosed a similar affiliation but did not recuse.
• Discussion: Council members discussed the necessity of the repairs to improve the appearance and safety of the High Street corridor. Regarding the event sponsorship, members noted that while the event is open online, the partnership reduces the City's financial burden and staff workload.
• Motion: A motion was made to approve the plans and specifications for the sewer and parking lot improvements and to authorize advertising for bids, and to authorize a cooperative service agreement with the Chamber of Commerce for the State of Moorpark event not to exceed $10,000. The motion was seconded. Outcome: Passed (Roll call vote taken; Council Member Barrett recused).

Item 8A: Public Hearing – Conditional Use Permit Modification (10941 Los Angeles Avenue)

• The Council held a public hearing to consider a request by Amir Development to extend the expiration date of a conditional use permit and industrial plan development for a 90,566-square-foot warehouse at 10941 Los Angeles Avenue. The original entitlements expired in November 2025. The applicant requested an extension to 2030 due to market conditions. No changes to the project scope, design, or environmental mitigations were proposed. No speakers appeared during the public hearing. Discussion: Council members supported the extension to encourage economic development and tax base growth in the industrial zone. Motion: A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation to extend the permit expiration. The motion was seconded. Outcome: Passed (Roll call vote taken).

Item 9A: Inclusive Playground at Tierra Jada Park

• The Council considered approval of plans and specifications for an inclusive playground at Tierra Jada Park, a waiver of Administrative Policy F-4 regarding bidder prequalification, and authorization to advertise for bids. The project scope was reduced from the original plan to align with grant requirements, focusing on ADA compliance, accessible parking, rubberized surfacing, and landscaping. The project budget is approximately $2.5 million. Two bid alternates were included: a concrete sub-base for the surfacing and overhead shade structures for picnic areas. Staff requested a waiver of the prequalification requirement, citing that bid documents already require proof of experience and safety history. Discussion: Council members discussed the timeline for trees to provide shade if the overhead structures were not selected. Motion: A motion was made to approve the plans and specifications (subject to City Attorney review), waive the prequalification requirement, and authorize advertising for bids. The motion was seconded. Outcome: Passed (Roll call vote taken).

Item 9B: Total Compensation Study and Classification Plan Amendments

• The Council considered the results of a total compensation study conducted by Evergreen Solutions. The study found the City's compensation was generally 5.5% below market. The item included resolutions to amend the classification plan by combining several series (Associate Planner, Code Compliance Technician, Recreation Coordinator, Senior Account Technician), adding a Public Works Specialist position, expanding the Public Works Technician series, and adding a Part-Time Administrative Aid position. The item also included targeted salary adjustments for positions 10% or more below market, with a fiscal impact of approximately $20,000, retroactive to July 2025. Discussion: No concerns were raised. Motion: A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation. The motion was seconded. Outcome: Passed (Roll call vote taken).

Item 9C: Salary Plan Amendment (3% COLA)

• The Council considered a resolution to amend the salary plan for competitive and non-competitive service employees to implement a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) effective July 1, 2026, as negotiated in the Memorandum of Understanding with SEIU Local 721. The adjustment does not apply to the City Manager. The estimated annual cost for fiscal year 2026-27 is $355,229. Discussion: No concerns were raised. Motion: A motion was made to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded. Outcome: Passed (Roll call vote taken).

Consent Agenda

• The Council considered the Consent Agenda, which contained no pulled items. Motion: A motion was made to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion was seconded. Outcome: Passed (Roll call vote taken).

Item 11: Ordinances

• No ordinances were presented for consideration.

Outcome: No action.

Item 13: Adjournment

• The Council considered a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion: A motion was made to adjourn. Outcome: Passed (Unanimous voice vote).