Meeting Summary
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At a glance
New Employee Introduction
- Cody Hosking was introduced as the new Recreation Coordinator for the Arroyo Vista Recreation Center.
- Hosking provided a brief statement outlining his new role and responsibilities.
- No formal motion or vote was taken regarding this introduction.
Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation
- A proclamation declaring May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month was presented and adopted.
- Maria Teresa Almanza of AspireNet Behavioral Health spoke on mental health awareness and services.
Small Business Week Proclamation
- A proclamation designating May 3–9, 2026, as Small Business Week was presented and adopted.
- Bruce Densley of the Economic Development Collaborative discussed the economic impact of small businesses.
Municipal Clerks Week Proclamation
- A proclamation declaring May 3–9, 2026, as Municipal Clerks Week was presented and adopted.
- City Clerk Kai Spangler spoke regarding the dedication and role of the Clerk's office team.
Agenda Reordering and Additions
- Item 10-I was removed from the consent agenda due to member recusals.
- Item 9A was removed from the agenda at the request of Council Member Delgado due to unpreparedness.
Future Agenda Items and Reports
- Staff confirmed a proposal is being prepared regarding e-bike policies.
- Staff agreed to review policies on exceptions to in-person requirements for committee applicant interviews.
- Upcoming community events including the Junior Fire Academy and Moorpark Apricot Festival were announced.
City Facility Rental Rules and Fees Resolution
- Staff presented a resolution to revise rental rules, fees, and cancellation policies, including a new "Group Zero" classification.
- Public comment included opposition to restrictions on open grass areas, which staff clarified would not affect larger parks.
- The resolution was adopted as recommended to update language and fee structures.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Mixed-Use Development Permit and Variance Request
- Staff recommended approval of the development permit but denial of the variance for a wrought iron fence.
- Council members discussed structural feasibility and code adherence before approving the development plan.
- The motion was amended to require the applicant to revise plans demonstrating code compliance before permit issuance.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Moorpark Library Children's Area Artwork
- Staff presented a proposal for sculpted trees and murals celebrating the city's agricultural heritage.
- The Council approved the sculpted tree components while deferring the decision on the mural and wall elements.
- Remaining design work was assigned to the Marketing Ad Hoc Committee, eliminating the need for a budget amendment.
High Street Improvement Project Phase 2
- Professional services agreements and a budget amendment for Phase 2 were approved.
- Two council members recused themselves from the discussion and vote due to conflicts of interest.
Closed Session
- Staff reported that no items were scheduled for discussion in closed session.
Full summary
Item 4A: Introduction of New Employee
- Cody Hosking was introduced as the new Recreation Coordinator for the Arroyo Vista Recreation Center. Hosking provided a brief statement regarding his role. No motion or vote was taken.
Item 4B: Proclamation of Mental Health Awareness Month
- A proclamation declaring May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month was presented. Maria Teresa Almanza of AspireNet Behavioral Health spoke regarding mental health awareness and organizational services. The proclamation was adopted.
Item 4C: Proclamation of Small Business Week
- A proclamation declaring May 3–9, 2026, as Small Business Week was presented. Bruce Densley, President and CEO of the Economic Development Collaborative, spoke regarding the definition and economic impact of small businesses in Ventura County. The proclamation was adopted.
Item 4D: Proclamation of Municipal Clerks Week
- A proclamation declaring May 3–9, 2026, as Municipal Clerks Week was presented. City Clerk Kai Spangler spoke on behalf of the Clerk's office regarding the team's dedication and the office's role. The proclamation was adopted.
Item 5: Public Comment
- No members of the public signed up to speak.
Item 6: Reordering of and Additions to the Agenda
- The Mayor moved to remove Item 10-I from the consent agenda due to recusals. Council Member Delgado requested the removal of Item 9A, citing that the County Water Works was not prepared to present. Both items were removed from the current agenda.
Item 7: Announcements of Future Agenda Items and Reports
- Council members and the Mayor reported on various meetings and events attended. Council Member Delgado requested a future agenda item regarding e-bike policies; staff confirmed a proposal is being prepared. The Mayor requested a future agenda item to explore exceptions to in-person requirements for committee applicant interviews; staff agreed to review policies and return with a proposal. Staff announced upcoming community events, including the Ventura County Fire Department Junior Fire Academy, Skate Night, summer camp and preschool registration, and the Moorpark Apricot Festival and Art Fair.
Item 8A: Public Hearing – Resolution Revising City Facility Rental Rules and Fees
- Staff presented a resolution to revise facility rental rules and fees, rescinding Resolution 2020-3963. Proposed changes included updating language, adding definitions, requiring earlier applications for large rentals, modifying cancellation policies, and revising fee structures to be based on hourly costs. A new "Group Zero" classification for fully subsidized rentals was proposed. During public comment, Victoria Ellis opposed an amendment restricting rentals on open grass areas, citing negative impacts on a local dog agility business. Staff clarified that the business would still be permitted to use larger parks. A motion was made to adopt the resolution as recommended, seconded, and passed.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Item 8B/9A: Mixed-Use Development Permit and Variance Request
- Staff presented a mixed-use development permit (CD-MPD-2023-0000) for an 8,578-square-foot building with two commercial and six residential units at 347 Moorpark Avenue, along with a variance request (CD-VAR-2026-0002) to allow a six-foot wrought iron fence with landscaping in lieu of a required eight-foot decorative block wall. Staff recommended approval of the development permit but denial of the variance, stating the property did not meet the five legal findings required. Discussion focused on the structural feasibility of the required wall, parking requirements, and traffic impacts. The applicant argued that the unique grade difference and existing retaining wall justified the variance. Council members acknowledged the challenges of infill development but noted the legal necessity of adhering to code. A motion was made to adopt the resolution finding the project exempt from CEQA, approving the development plan, and denying the variance. Prior to the vote, staff proposed an amendment requiring the applicant to revise plans to demonstrate compliance with specific municipal code sections prior to building permit issuance. The motion was amended, moved, seconded, and passed.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Item 9B: Moorpark Library Children's Area Artwork
- Staff presented a proposal for artwork in the children's area of the new Moorpark Library by Studio Y Creations, featuring sculpted trees, murals, and 3D elements celebrating the city's agricultural heritage. The initial contract value was $607,343, requiring a budget amendment. Council members discussed the design, cost, and durability, with some expressing concerns regarding the mural's aesthetic and the high cost of hand-sculpted elements. Staff noted the timeline required immediate action for the sculpted trees. The Council determined to proceed with the sculpted tree components while deferring the decision on the mural and other wall elements. The Council directed staff to utilize the Marketing Ad Hoc Committee to evaluate the remaining design elements. Staff calculated a revised not-to-exceed amount of approximately $280,000 for the trees, which falls within the existing allocation, eliminating the need for a budget amendment. A motion was made to approve the sculpted tree design, exclude the mural from the current contract, and assign remaining design work to the Ad Hoc Committee. The motion was seconded and passed.
Consent Item 10 (Balance)
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of Consent Item 10. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed.
Consent Item 10-I: High Street Improvement Project Phase 2
- This item considered professional services agreements with BKF Engineers and M6 Consulting, and a budget amendment to fund Phase 2 of the High Street Improvement Project. Two council members recused themselves due to conflicts of interest. No public speakers addressed the item. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. A roll call vote was conducted excluding the recused members, and the motion passed.
Item 11: Ordinances
- No ordinances were presented.
Item 12: Closed Session
- Staff reported no items for discussion in closed session.
Item 13: Adjournment
- A motion was made to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed, and the meeting concluded.