City Council — 2020-06-23

Coronavirus Response and Reopening

• Staff provided updates on public health restrictions and directed the Recreation Department to manage trail and park crowd control.
• The Council proposed holding the July 14th meeting as a hybrid event with virtual and patio seating options.
• Discussions regarding Montgomery Street closures noted current staffing shortages limiting business participation.

Executive Order: Low Fee Park Rental

• The City Council considered an executive order establishing a low-fee permit for fitness class park rentals.
• A motion to approve the recommendations was made, seconded, and passed following a roll call vote.

Climate Emergency Mobilization Ad Hoc Committee Report

• Committee members presented an interim report focusing on energy, vehicles, and carbon sequestration mitigation measures.
• The goal is to prepare the city to be shovel-ready for future state and federal funding opportunities.
• Staff was directed to post the report online and issue a press release highlighting existing city leadership on renewables.
• The Committee confirmed it will continue holding virtual meetings through the summer.

Ventura County Animal Services Agreement

• Staff presented a new five-year agreement with Ventura County Animal Services that includes a cost increase.
• Council members discussed contract terms regarding renewal clauses and cost structures before voting.
• The motion to approve the agreement passed with a direction to staff to explore future alternative animal control options.

Individual Campaign Contribution Limits

• The City Attorney presented options for adopting local limits triggered by state legislation effective January 1, 2021.
• Council discussed enforcement challenges and the implications of setting a limit lower than the state default.
• A motion to set a lower limit was withdrawn to allow time for further research on enforcement mechanisms.
• The item was postponed for future consideration after the motion was withdrawn.

Councilmember Reports

• The Mayor announced he will not seek re-election while Councilmember Haney stated his intention to run for the Mayor position.
• Councilmember Weirich discussed Sheriff contract reviews, tourism tax recovery, and potential infrastructure grants.
• Councilmember Francina announced a public Q&A on the Maricopa project and highlighted a student study on regenerative agriculture.
• Additional topics included bus stop enclosures, the local movie theater, and the July 4th parade.

Closed Session

• The meeting commenced following a closed session regarding a liability claim.
• No public action was taken during the closed session.

Special Meeting

• The meeting commenced following a closed session regarding a liability claim. No public action was taken in the closed session.

Regular Meeting

Coronavirus Response and Reopening

• Staff presented an update on city operations and public health restrictions. The Recreation Department was advised to direct the public to the city's website for trail and park information, noting ongoing crowd control issues at the trail and farmers market. Staff proposed reopening the City Council's July 14th meeting as a hybrid event with physical seating on the patio and virtual attendance options. Updates regarding Montgomery Street indicated that while street closure remains an option, most local businesses are currently unable to participate due to staffing shortages. Council members discussed the potential for a long-term street closure plan for the area. Public comments addressed local media reporting on case numbers and expressed support for reopening efforts.

Executive Order: Low Fee Park Rental

• The City Council considered an executive order creating a low-fee park rental permit for fitness classes. A motion to approve the recommendations was made and seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.

Climate Emergency Mobilization Ad Hoc Committee Report

• Steve Colame and Phil White presented the committee's first interim report. The report focused on mitigation measures regarding energy, vehicles, and carbon sequestration, noting the committee's goal to make the city "shovel-ready" for future state and federal funding. The report highlighted the city's existing leadership on small engine bans and renewable energy. The Council directed staff to post the report on the city website and issue a press release. The Committee confirmed they will continue meeting virtually through the summer.

Ventura County Animal Services Agreement

• Staff presented a new five-year agreement with Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS), noting a cost increase. Staff reported that the agreement is time-sensitive and most other county cities have already signed. A discussion ensued regarding the contract terms, specifically renewal clauses and cost structures. A motion was made to approve the agreement with a direction to staff to explore alternative animal control options for the future. The motion passed after a roll call vote.

Individual Campaign Contribution Limits

• The City Attorney presented options for adopting local campaign contribution limits triggered by state legislation (AB 571), which sets a default limit of $3,000 effective January 1, 2021. Council discussed the implications of setting a lower limit versus the state default, including enforcement challenges and potential impacts on local versus outside influences. A motion was initially made to set a lower limit, but it was withdrawn to allow staff time to research enforcement mechanisms and other cities' limits. The item was postponed for future consideration.

Councilmember Reports

• Mayor: The Mayor announced he will not seek re-election in the upcoming municipal election.
• Councilmember Weirich: Discussed the Sheriff's contract and budget review, expressing interest in renegotiating service allocation. He shared data regarding the slow recovery of tourism-based tax revenue and mentioned Electric Vehicle charging station grants available through APCD.
• Councilmember Haney: Announced his intention to run for the Mayor position.
• Councilmember Francina: Announced a public Q&A session regarding the Maricopa demonstration project and discussed a study on regenerative agriculture presented by UCLA students.
• Councilmember Weirich: Noted potential interest in reopening the local movie theater and discussed obtaining bus stop enclosures through a joint venture with GoCoast. He also inquired about the organization of the July 4th parade.

Adjournment

• The meeting adjourned at 10:08 PM.