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
Arbor Day Proclamation
- The Council adopted a proclamation designating April 18, 2026, as Arbor Day.
- The resolution recognized the city's 20th year as a Tree City USA and a partnership to distribute 100 trees.
- Parks and Facilities Supervisor Leland Baxter accepted the proclamation on behalf of the department.
Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week Proclamation
- The Council approved a proclamation recognizing April 12–18, 2026, as Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week.
- The measure specifically acknowledged the service of officers Loc Tran and Eric Lozano.
- Representatives from the Public Works Department accepted the proclamation.
Workforce Vacancy Report (AB 2561)
- Human Resources presented an annual report showing a 4.6% average vacancy rate for 2025.
- The Council received and filed the report as the rate remained below the 20% disclosure threshold.
- No public testimony was offered during the hearing.
Citywide Fee and Service Charge Resolution
- Staff proposed a resolution updating fees, including a 2.9% increase in user fees and new credit card processing charges.
- Public comment questioned the methodology for staff billing rates and the cumulative impact on construction costs.
- The Council adopted the resolution and rescinded the previous fee schedule after confirming calculations followed established formulas.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
City Facilities Rental Rules Revision
- Staff presented a proposal to shift rental fee calculations from a market survey to a cost-based model.
- The resolution included new definitions, compliance with state laws, and a "Group 0" classification for subsidized uses.
- The Council directed staff to schedule a public hearing for the May 6, 2026, meeting to adopt the full package.
2026 Pavement Rehabilitation Project
- The Council approved a construction contract with Pavement Coatings Company for $2,429,654, significantly under the engineer's estimate.
- Discussion addressed the justification for construction management fees and the risks of re-bidding due to potential delays.
- The project total, including contingency, is estimated at $2.9 million and will be funded entirely by Fund 2416.
Passed 3–0 · unanimous
Closed Session
- The Council adjourned to closed session to discuss Item 12A regarding personnel or litigation matters.
- Prior to adjournment, a Council member disclosed a meeting with an HOA board representative.
Full summary
Item 4A: Proclamation Declaring April 18, 2026, as Arbor Day
- The City Council considered a proclamation designating April 18, 2026, as Arbor Day. The proclamation highlighted the benefits of trees, the city's 20th consecutive year as a Tree City USA, and a partnership with The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College to distribute 100 trees. Parks and Facilities Supervisor Leland Baxter accepted the proclamation. A motion to adopt the proclamation was made, seconded, and passed.
Item 4B: Proclamation Declaring April 12–18, 2026, as Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week
- The Council considered a proclamation recognizing April 12 through 18, 2026, as Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week, acknowledging the service of Loc Tran and Eric Lozano. Representatives from the Public Works Department accepted the proclamation. A motion to adopt the proclamation was made, seconded, and passed.
Item 5: Public Comment
- Two speakers addressed the Council. Harvey Plax requested support for the Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark and Simi Valley annual gala. Daniel Politi raised concerns regarding federal immigration enforcement impacts, requesting an emergency family stability fund and a policy prohibiting city staff from moonlighting for ICE-related operations. Politi also raised questions regarding financial warrants, sewer bill data, and library extension fiscal impacts related to other agenda items. The Council acknowledged the comments and noted that speakers would have further opportunity to address specific items during public hearings.
Item 6: Reordering of Agenda
- The Council discussed reordering the agenda. Council Member Means requested that Item 10E be removed from the consent calendar; the request was granted. Staff noted that a supplemental staff report for Item 10D had been distributed to correct a typographical error.
Item 7: Announcements, Future Agenda Items, and Reports
- Council members and the City Clerk provided reports on meetings and events attended between March 20 and April 15, 2026, including the Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast, the Spring Spectacular, the MESA Center grand opening, the State of the City event, the Lucky Q grand opening, the Moorpark College art gallery ribbon-cutting, the Immigration Stakeholders meeting, and the Moorpark Zoo Advisory Board meeting. The Mayor announced upcoming city events, including a home buyers workshop, Spring Skate Night, Earth Day at the Zoo, the Cinco de Mayo Fun Run, the Library Kids Fest, and a family birding event.
Item 8A: Public Hearing on Status of Vacancies and Recruitment/Retention Efforts (AB 2561)
- Human Resources Manager Carolina Tijerino presented the City's Annual Workforce Report, indicating a 4.6% average vacancy rate for calendar year 2025, an improvement from the previous year. The report detailed recruitment and retention efforts. As the vacancy rate was below the 20% threshold, no additional data disclosure was required. No public testimony was offered. The Council received and filed the report. A motion to receive and file was made, seconded, and passed.
Item 8B: Public Hearing on Resolution Updating Citywide Schedule of Fees and Service Charges
- Staff presented a resolution to update the citywide schedule of fees and service charges, including a 0.3% increase in development impact fees, a 2.9% increase in user fees, and an average 8.2% increase in staff real-time billing rates. The proposal included new fees for credit card processing and e-checks and proposed moving facility rental fees to a separate schedule. Two speakers provided testimony: Daniel Politi questioned the methodology behind the staff billing rate increase, and John Gregory-Chok discussed the cumulative impact of fees on construction costs. Council discussion addressed the application of Assembly Bill 253, comparisons to neighboring jurisdictions, and calculation methodologies. Staff confirmed fees were escalated according to established formulas. A motion was made to adopt the resolution and rescind Resolution Number 2025-4309. The motion was seconded, and a roll call vote resulted in the resolution passing.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Item 9A: Sewer Rate Presentation
- Staff requested that Item 9A be removed from the current agenda to return on May 6, 2026. The request to pull the item was granted.
Item 9B: Resolution Revising Rules and Regulations Governing City Facilities Rentals
- Staff presented a resolution to revise rules and regulations governing city facility rentals, including fees, deposits, and additional charges, and to rescind Resolution Number 2020-3963. The proposal included clarifying language, adding definitions, ensuring compliance with new state laws regarding interpretive services and sidewalk vendors, and adjusting application and cancellation windows. The proposal shifted fee calculation from a market survey to a cost-based model, creating a "Group 0" classification for subsidized uses and redefining existing groups with fees calculated as percentages of base costs. Staff estimated the changes would generate approximately $49,000 in additional annual revenue. Public comment included questions regarding the cost of subsidizing county elections and requests for mathematical formulas. Council discussion focused on expanding alcohol use permissions in parks; it was determined that while the public hearing requirement applied only to the fee component, the Council would proceed with the current proposal and revisit rule amendments at a future meeting to maintain a cohesive package. A motion was made to receive the presentation and direct staff to notice a public hearing for the May 6, 2026, meeting for adoption. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 10D: Consent Calendar (Balance of Items)
- The Council considered the balance of the consent calendar, including Item 10D as amended. A motion was made to approve the balance with Item 10D amended. The motion was seconded, and a roll call vote resulted in the motion passing.
Item 10E: 2026 Pavement Rehabilitation Project
- Staff presented a proposal to award a construction contract for the 2026 pavement rehabilitation project to Pavement Coatings Company, the lowest responsible bidder at $2,429,654, which was significantly lower than the engineer's estimate. Staff also proposed a contract with M6 Consulting for construction management services. The total project cost, including contingency, was estimated at approximately $2.9 million, funded entirely by Fund 2416. Council discussion addressed the cost savings, the possibility of expanding the project scope, and the procedural constraints of modifying a bid package. Public comment questioned the justification for construction management fees and the discrepancy between the estimate and the bid. Further discussion in Part 3 addressed unit prices, market fluctuations, and the option of rejecting bids to re-bid. Staff noted that re-bidding would cause delays and expose the City to potential cost increases. The Council discussed utilizing existing pavement analysis data to prepare for the next phase of work without waiting for the new annual analysis. A motion was made to approve the recommendation for Item 10E. The motion was seconded, and a roll call vote resulted in the motion passing.
Passed 3–0 · unanimous
Item 11: Ordinances
- No ordinances were presented for consideration.
Item 12: Closed Session
- Staff requested that the Council adjourn to closed session to discuss Item 12A. A motion was made to adjourn to closed session. The motion was seconded, and a vote was taken, resulting in the motion passing. Prior to adjournment, a Council member disclosed a meeting with an HOA board representative.