Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Perello, 6-Perez, 4-Rodríguez, 2-Teran, Arthur
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
2025 State of the Region Report
- The Ventura County Civic Alliance presented economic and demographic data highlighting stagnant wages and a high cost of living.
- Council members discussed housing affordability, declining birth rates, and the need for workforce development strategies.
- Officials requested future reports include specific data on poverty levels by age and national trend comparisons.
Joint Meeting with Oxnard Housing Authority
- The session transitioned to a joint meeting with the Oxnard Housing Authority following a roll call of commissioners.
- Commissioners received standard compensation, with one member declining the payment.
Student Recognition and Pledge of Allegiance
- A Del Sol High School student led the Pledge of Allegiance and received a certificate for community service.
- The Council recognized the student's leadership club partnership with the Wilson Senior Center.
- Officials also acknowledged the achievements of the Del Sol High School soccer team.
Appointment to Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission
- The City Clerk recommended appointing Rodrigo Zaragoza to represent District 6 on the commission.
- The Council approved the motion to appoint Mr. Zaragoza to the position.
Monthly Investment Report
- The Finance Department reported that approximately $14 million in the general account is not currently earning interest.
- Council members discussed an ongoing evaluation of overnight investing proposals as part of a banking services request.
- The item was designated as a receiving file with no formal motion taken.
Wooden Gateway Sweepstakes Program
- The City Manager recommended donating five surplus wooden gateway signs to eligible local entities via a sweepstakes.
- Council members discussed the historical significance of the signs and the transparency of the donation process.
- The motion to authorize the purchasing agent to manage the donation program passed.
Exclusive Negotiation Agreement
- The Housing Department recommended authorizing an exclusive negotiation agreement with Dynamic Real Estate Partners LLC.
- The agreement concerns an undeveloped site located between US 101, River Park Boulevard, and East Vineyard Avenue.
- The Council approved the motion to authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.
Emergency Water Main Repairs
- Public Works requested ratification of an emergency order for water main repairs near 800 East Pleasant Valley Road.
- Council members discussed the age of the cast iron infrastructure and associated seismic vulnerabilities.
- The motion to ratify the emergency order and approve the project agreement with Toro Enterprises passed.
Closed Session
- The Council recessed to confer with legal counsel regarding pending litigation cases.
- Upon reconvening, the City Attorney reported that no actions were taken or required to be reported.
Full summary
Agenda Item 1: Closed Session
- The City Council recessed to a closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9, Subdivision D1, to confer with legal counsel regarding pending litigation: Lopez v. City of Oxnard and Blanchard v. City of Oxnard. Upon reconvening, the City Attorney reported that no actions were taken or required to be reported from the session. No motions were made.
Agenda Item 2: Presentation of the 2025 State of the Region Report
- David Marone of the Ventura County Civic Alliance presented the 2025 State of the Region Report, covering economic and demographic data for Ventura County with specific references to Oxnard. Key topics included the dominance of strawberries and avocados in agriculture, stagnant inflation-adjusted wages, library spending and usage statistics, voter registration trends showing a rise in "No Party Preference" voters, and the growth of the nonprofit sector. The report detailed a shift from goods-producing to service-providing jobs, anemic Gross County Product growth, and a cost of living requiring approximately $29/hour for a single adult. Additional data covered taxable sales led by Amazon, steady tourism in Oxnard, declining K-12 enrollment attributed to lower birth rates, and housing price trends. Public safety data indicated Ventura County remains the safest large county in the state, though cancer incidence rates are high. Council members and the City Manager discussed housing affordability, the cost of living relative to wages, the declining birth rate, and the need for workforce development. Council members requested future reports include data on poverty levels by age group, national trend comparisons, and the average age of first-time mothers. The City Manager emphasized retaining existing industries and matching new industries to current resident skill sets. The City Clerk noted the City had not financially supported the report and suggested future financial contributions if additional data analysis is requested. No formal motion was made regarding funding.
Agenda Item 3: Joint Meeting with Oxnard Housing Authority
- The meeting transitioned to a joint session with the Oxnard Housing Authority. A roll call was conducted for the Housing Authority commissioners. The Clerk announced that each present commissioner would receive $50 compensation, with the exception of Commissioner Starr, who declined payment. No motions were made.
Agenda Item 4: Pledge of Allegiance and Student Recognition
- Ernesto Reyes Vasquez, a student from Del Sol High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was observed for service members and civilians affected by global conflicts. Mr. Vasquez addressed the Council regarding his background, his involvement in the ELD Leadership Club, and the club's partnership with the Wilson Senior Center. Council members and the Mayor recognized his achievements and community service, and the Mayor presented him with a certificate of recognition. The Council also acknowledged the success of the Del Sol High School soccer team. No motions were made or votes taken.
Public Comments (Items Not on the Agenda)
- Two speakers addressed the Council on matters not listed on the agenda. The first speaker discussed a personal matter involving the Oxnard Union High School District, including interactions with police and the superintendent, and expressed concerns regarding student safety. The second speaker, a pastor, offered remarks on unity, peace, and avoiding divisive language. No motions were made or votes taken.
City Manager Report
- The Assistant City Manager provided updates on the Spring Float Tour (March 18–26) and the Accessible Extravaganza egg hunt at College Park (March 28), including schedules, locations, and registration requirements. No motions were made or votes taken.
Council Member Reports
- Council members provided updates on various activities, including community school meetings, neighborhood input sessions for the South Oxnard Connect project and Southwinds Park, the National Trio Day celebration, the Fremont Academy groundbreaking, the Youth Right to Rise presentation, the Workforce on Wheels ribbon cutting, the Oxnard Tennis Center reopening, and the Landscape Maintenance District 43 meeting. Additional reports covered neighborhood council meetings, a high school girls' soccer pep rally, the Ventura County Animal Shelter Commission, and proposed transit route changes. One council member requested a future agenda item to recognize the Oxnard Police Explorers. No motions were made or votes taken.
Appointment to Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission
- The City Clerk recommended appointing Rodrigo Zaragoza to the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission to represent District 6. A virtual speaker addressed the Council regarding a mock trial competition. A motion was made to appoint Mr. Zaragoza, which was seconded. The motion passed.
Consent Agenda
- The Council addressed the consent agenda. Item L3 was pulled for separate discussion. The remaining non-housing items were moved and seconded; the motion passed. Subsequently, the housing authority items (L2 and L4) were moved and seconded; the motion passed.
Monthly Investment Report (Item L3)
- The Finance Department presented the monthly investment report for the period ending January 31. The Chief Financial Officer explained that approximately $14 million in the general account balance is not currently earning interest, and a separate $7 million in successor agency funds cannot be invested. The Council discussed the status of a proposal for overnight investing, which is under evaluation as part of a request for proposal for banking services. The item was designated as a receiving file. No motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Wooden Gateway Sweepstakes Program (Item N1)
- The City Manager's Department recommended authorizing the donation of five surplus wooden gateway signs through a sweepstakes program for eligible Oxnard-based entities. Council members discussed the historical significance of the signs, the transparency of the process, and the possibility of the City retaining one sign for public display. A motion was made to authorize the purchasing agent to donate the signs in accordance with program guidelines, which was seconded. The motion passed.
Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (Item N2)
- The Housing Department recommended authorizing the Mayor to execute an exclusive negotiation agreement with Dynamic Real Estate Partners LLC regarding an undeveloped site located between US 101, River Park Boulevard, and East Vineyard Avenue. A motion was made to approve the recommendation, which was seconded. The motion passed.
Emergency Water Main Repairs (Item N3)
- The Public Works Department requested ratification of an emergency order and approval of a public project agreement with Toro Enterprises for emergency repairs to a water main near 800 East Pleasant Valley Road. The Director of Public Works noted the cost was approximately $263,000, exceeding the agenda-listed limit of $260,000, with final costs pending additional shoring invoices. The Council discussed the age of the cast iron infrastructure (installed circa 1964), the lifespan of such pipes, the mechanics of the breaks, and seismic vulnerabilities. A motion was made to ratify the emergency order and authorize the agreement, which was seconded. The motion passed.
Adjournment
- With no further business on the agenda and no objection raised, the meeting was adjourned.