City Council — March 17, 2026

Santa Felicia Dam Safety Project Update

• The Council received an update on a $314 million project to address seismic and capacity deficiencies at the 70-year-old dam.
• The proposed improvements aim to reduce potential financial damages from over $8 billion to $1.6 billion without rate increases.
• The Council voted to receive the report and authorize a letter of support for the project.

Interface 211 Presentation

• Interface 211 presented data showing over 18,000 county-wide calls in 2025, with Oxnard accounting for 5,295 interactions.
• Top resident needs identified included housing, income support, and family/community assistance.
• No formal action was required on this informational item.

Women's History Month Proclamation

• A proclamation designating March 2026 as Women's History Month was presented by the League of Women Voters.
• The Council formally adopted the proclamation during the meeting.

Whistleblower Program Report

• The City Manager addressed public concerns regarding a video response to a specific whistleblower complaint involving alleged wage theft.
• Staff clarified that the evidence consisted of photographs taken four years prior and confirmed anonymity protections remain in place.
• No formal motion was taken, though Council members discussed the characterization of the complaint and future reporting channels.

Citizens' Advisory Group Appointments

• The Council reviewed recommendations to appoint members to various boards, including the Planning Commission and Library Board.
• Eligibility requirements were clarified for the Mobile Home Park Rent Review Board to exclude real estate interests.
• The Council voted to approve the recommended appointments.

Five-Year Public Housing Agency Plan

• The Housing Authority presented a plan to transition families from the expiring Emergency Housing Choice Voucher program to Section 8.
• Capital fund requests include furnace replacements and rebuilding units lost to fire at Althea Court.
• The Council approved the recommended actions following a public hearing.

Ninth Amendment to FY 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan

• The amendment proposes allocating CDBG funds to a Senior Nutrition Program and a literacy outreach initiative.
• Funding amounts were determined based on sub-recipients' ability to expend funds before statutory deadlines.
• The Council approved the amendment after closing the public hearing.

Second Amendment to FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan

• The amendment reallocates $900,000 from the CalGiesler street resurfacing project to the La Colonia project to meet HUD timeliness requirements.
• Public Works confirmed the CalGiesler project will proceed as planned and be funded in the next fiscal year.
• The Council approved the reallocation following a public hearing.

Wastewater Interstage Pump Station Agreement

• The Council considered a five-year professional services agreement with Hazen and Sawyer not to exceed $2.9 million.
• Selection was based on qualifications, technical expertise, and the ability to maintain continuous operations.
• The Council voted to proceed with the agreement.

Closed Session

• The Council met in closed session to confer with attorneys regarding the Oxnard v. Port Hueneme Water Agency litigation.
• The City Attorney reported no reportable actions upon reconvening.

City Council and Housing Authority Meeting Summary – March 17, 2026

Call to Order and Administrative Matters

• The City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor McArthur. A roll call confirmed the presence of Councilmembers Perala, Beres, Starr, Mayor Pro Tem Turan, and Mayor McArthur. Councilwoman Basuah was noted as absent. The Clerk confirmed the agenda was posted on March 5, 2026, with an amended version posted on March 11, 2026.

Closed Session

• The Council recessed to a closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) to confer with attorneys regarding Oxnard v. Port Hueneme Water Agency. Councilwoman Basuah was recused from this item due to a conflict of interest. Upon reconvening, the City Attorney reported no reportable actions from the session.

Item D2: Santa Felicia Dam Safety Project Update

• The Council received a presentation from the United Water Conservation District regarding the Santa Felicia Dam Safety Improvement Project. The presentation outlined three primary deficiencies in the 70-year-old dam: outlet works not meeting current seismic regulations, reservoir siltation reducing capacity by 20%, and insufficient spillway capacity for the mandated inflow design flood. The proposed project involves replacing outlet works, raising the dam crest, and upgrading the spillway at an estimated cost of $314 million over nine years. The project aims to reduce potential financial damages from over $8 billion to $1.6 billion. Funding is sought through federal and state grants and loans, including a $99 million EPA WIFIA loan, with no plans for rate increases. Council Member Starr questioned the likelihood of catastrophic events, cost-benefit ratios, and the longevity of improvements. The City Clerk suggested providing page numbers on future handouts and noted the importance of outreach to school districts in the inundation zone.
• Motion: The Mayor moved to receive and file the update and authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support for the project.
• Second: The motion was seconded.
• Outcome: The motion passed.

Item D1: Interface 211 Presentation

• Gerardo Gonzalez of Interface 211 Ventura County presented an update on the 211 service, which connects residents to over 2,000 health and human service resources. In 2025, the service received over 18,000 calls and texts county-wide, with Oxnard accounting for 5,295 calls. Top needs identified included housing, income support, and family/community support. The presentation highlighted specialized programs including VITA, support for public safety power shutoffs, and the "Ventura Versus Hate" initiative. Council Member Starr asked for clarification on hate incident reporting and material availability. Councilwoman Beres inquired about response times and resources for the agricultural community regarding immigration enforcement. Mr. Gonzalez confirmed average wait times of approximately three minutes and the availability of immigration resources online.
• Action: No action was required on this item.

Oxnard Housing Authority Meeting

• The Oxnard Housing Authority meeting was called to order. Roll call confirmed the presence of Commissioners Andrade, Basuah, Peralo, Perez, Starr, Vice Chair Theron, and Chair McArthur. Items F1 (Ceremonial Calendar) and L9 (Consent Agenda) were removed from the agenda.

Pledge of Allegiance and Youth Speaker

• Santino Enrique Preciado II led the Pledge of Allegiance and delivered a personal statement. The Mayor presented him with a certificate.

Proclamation: Women's History Month

• A proclamation designating March 2026 as Women's History Month was presented and accepted by Cheryl Collard of the League of Women Voters.
• Action: The proclamation was adopted.

Agenda Clarification

• Council Member Starr noted a discrepancy regarding two items listed under "H" with identical recommendations. The Clerk clarified that Item H1 was the City Manager's weekly update and Item H2 was an update on the whistleblower program, apologizing for the error in the recommendation text for H1. Council Member Starr also raised a question regarding the timing of public comments on non-action items, which the City Attorney addressed by referencing Council procedures.

Public Comments (Non-Agenda Items)

• Public comments were received on the following topics:
• Women's History Month: A speaker discussed historical barriers for women and expressed concern regarding potential changes to no-fault divorce laws and pregnancy disability benefits.
• Girls Youth Softball League: Josie Mendez reported concerns regarding league operations, including alleged bans on parents seeking financial transparency, unauthorized use of city letterhead, and retaliation against a volunteer coach. She requested an investigation.
• Elite Theater Company: Representatives requested city assistance in finding a new venue by July due to Fisherman's Wharf redevelopment, suggesting the Youth Center building at OPAC or the Carnegie Library building.
• School District Superintendent: A speaker expressed grievances regarding alleged negligence and lack of communication by the Superintendent of the Oxnard Union High School District.
• Tax Fraud Awareness: Pedro Toscano of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters urged the Council to prioritize anti-fraud measures in city contracting.
• Indigenous History: A speaker urged the Council to ensure historical accuracy regarding the treatment of Indigenous peoples, specifically the Chumash, and to acknowledge historical injustices.
• Whistleblower Program and City Manager Conduct: Multiple speakers addressed the City Manager's video response regarding a whistleblower complaint, arguing it was misleading and accused the City Manager of retaliation. One speaker argued the complaint involved an employee taking a permitted duty-free lunch break.
• Immigration Enforcement: A representative from 805 UndocuFund provided statistics on ICE enforcement actions and thanked the City for ending a contract with Flock.
• Community Support: A speaker discussed the lack of support systems for families in crisis and the need for better mental health resources.
• Measure O and Public Safety: A speaker questioned the necessity of Measure O funding for police and fire given vacancies, suggesting funds be directed toward street repairs and water planning.
• General Issues: Comments included reflections on historical conflicts, reports on Planning Commission attendance, accounts of alleged police misconduct, and suggestions for community improvements including sanitation facilities for mobile homeless populations.

Item H: City Manager Report on Whistleblower Program

• The Council discussed a report from the City Manager regarding the whistleblower program and a specific complaint involving alleged employee misconduct.
• Discussion: Speakers reiterated concerns that the City Manager's video misrepresented the complaint. One speaker representing city employees argued the complaint involved a permitted duty-free lunch break. The City Manager presented a video clarifying that the employee is permitted to go home for lunch during duty-free time and noted the evidence consisted of photographs taken four years prior. The Assistant City Manager confirmed the age of the evidence and reiterated that the program's anonymity protects against retaliation. Council Member Starr stated the staff report initially characterized the complaint as "non-fiscal" and "non-city related," which he felt was misleading given the allegation of potential wage theft. He encouraged future whistleblowers to contact him directly. The City Clerk expressed concern over public accusations made without verified facts.
• Action: No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon.

Item I: City Council Member Reports

• Council members provided informational updates:
• Councilwoman Perez: Reported on meetings with the Agricultural Labor Relations Board regarding wage theft and worker protections, tenant rights, and anti-harassment ordinances. She requested staff to investigate anti-fraud measures for public projects.
• Mayor Pro Tem Turan: Reported on speaking to students, attending community events, and the Fire Department awards ceremony. He provided an update on an RFP for a vacant lot on Ventura Road and noted that complaints filed with the Department of Homeland Security regarding a previous raid had been acknowledged.
• Council Member [Name Unidentified]: Acknowledged Women's History Month and Brain Injury Awareness Month.
• Action: No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon.

Mayor's Report

• Council Member Stark provided updates on community engagements, including the East Village Neighborhood Council meeting and the Eastside Little League opening. He proposed a potential partnership between the Elite Theatre and Casa Lopez Banquet Hall. The Mayor stated an intention to meet with representatives to explore the proposal. The Mayor also reported on upcoming city events, including a July 4th festival, Cinco de Mayo, the Ceviche Festival, and World Cup watch parties.

Appointment of Members to Citizens' Advisory Groups (CAGs)

• The City Clerk presented a recommendation for the Mayor to appoint members to various advisory boards, including the Measure O Citizens' Oversight Committee, Mobile Home Park Rent Review Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, Senior Services Commission, and Library Board. Council Member Perrella requested background information on Planning Commission appointee Mr. Edgar Friday. The Mayor described Mr. Friday as a probation officer and business owner. The City Attorney clarified eligibility requirements for the Mobile Home Park Rent Review Board, noting individuals associated with real estate or who own mobile homes are ineligible. The Clerk confirmed vacancies remain open for the Measure O Oversight Committee and Mobile Home Park Rent Review Board.
• Motion: A motion was made to approve the appointments.
• Second: The motion was seconded by Council Member Stark.
• Outcome: The motion passed.

Review of Information and Consent Agenda

• The Council reviewed the Information and Consent Agenda. The Mayor Pro Tem recused himself from Item L4 due to a potential conflict of interest. Item L9 was noted as removed. Larry Stein addressed the Council regarding the Urban Water Master Plan, expressing concern that funding intended to support 10,000 housing units had not been fully developed since 2010.
• Motion 1: A motion was made to approve the consent agenda items excluding L2, L4, and L9.
• Outcome: The motion passed.
• Motion 2: A separate motion was made to approve Item L4 (Mobile Home Park Rent Review Board agreement), with the Mayor Pro Tem recused.
• Outcome: The motion passed.
• Motion 3: A final motion was made to adopt the Housing Authority minutes (Item L2).
• Outcome: The motion passed.

Public Hearing: Five-Year Public Housing Agency (PHA) Plan (Item M1)

• A public hearing was held regarding the Oxnard Housing Authority's five-year PHA plan and capital fund program. Housing Director Brenda Lopez presented a synopsis including policy changes to transition families from the expiring Emergency Housing Choice Voucher (EHV) program to the Section 8 program via a HUD waiver, and aligning public housing occupancy standards with Section 8 standards (two persons per bedroom). Capital fund requests include furnace replacements and rebuilding units lost to fire at Althea Court. Council Member Perrella asked for clarification on the definition of "spouse" in occupancy standards; the Director confirmed the term includes partners. Council Member Perrella also inquired about potential federal funding cuts. A virtual speaker commented on the severity of the housing crisis.
• Action: The public hearing was closed.
• Motion: A motion was made to approve the recommended actions.
• Second: The motion was seconded by Council Member Stark.
• Outcome: The motion passed.

Public Hearing: Ninth Amendment to FY 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan (Item M2)

• A public hearing was conducted regarding the ninth amendment to the FY 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan for CARES Act funds. The amendment proposes allocating CDBG funds to a Senior Nutrition Program and a "Stories to Stay" literacy outreach program. Housing Director Lopez explained that allocation amounts were determined based on sub-recipients' ability to expend funds before the statutory deadline. Council Member Stark requested future metrics to evaluate spending efficiency.
• Action: The public hearing was closed.
• Motion: A motion was made to approve the recommended actions.
• Second: The motion was seconded by Council Member Stark.
• Outcome: The motion passed.

Public Hearing: Second Amendment to FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan (Item M3)

• A public hearing was held regarding the second amendment to the FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan. Housing Director Lopez explained the amendment involves reallocating $900,000 from the CalGiesler neighborhood street resurfacing project to the La Colonia project to meet HUD timeliness expenditure requirements. Public Works Director Michael Wolfe confirmed the CalGiesler project will proceed as planned and be made whole in the next fiscal year. Council Member Perez asked for reassurance regarding the CalGiesler neighborhood. Council Member Stark inquired about CDBG timeliness training. A virtual speaker commented on the housing crisis in low-income areas.
• Action: The public hearing was closed.
• Motion: A motion was made to approve the recommended actions.
• Second: The motion was seconded by the Mayor Pro Tem.
• Outcome: The motion passed.

Professional Services Agreement for Wastewater Interstage Pump Station (Item N1)

• The Council considered a professional services agreement with Hazen and Sawyer for design and construction engineering services for the Wastewater Interstage Pump Station Project. The agreement is for a five-year term with a total amount not to exceed $2,912,479. Public Works Director Michael Wolfe and Wastewater Division Manager Jan Hauser explained the selection process was based on qualifications, including company profile, staff experience, and understanding of the project. Discussion focused on the evaluation process, emphasizing the need for specific technical expertise and the ability to maintain 24/7/365 operations. It was noted that detailed comparisons between firms would not be discussed, but unsuccessful firms would be offered a debriefing.
• Motion: A motion was made to proceed with the action.
• Second: The motion was seconded.
• Outcome: The motion passed.