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City Council — April 21, 2026

City Council — April 21, 2026April 21, 2026

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BodyCity Council
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 April 21, 2026

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Meeting Summary

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Present: 5-Basua, 1-Perello, Beres, 4-Rodríguez, 3-Starr, 2-Teran

This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.

At a glance

Closed Session Litigation Direction

  • The Council directed the City Attorney to join an amicus curiae brief in United States v. Illinois.
  • This action supports defendants in a case alleging sanctuary policies preempt federal law.
  • The direction was adopted unanimously by the Council members present.

Oxnard Public Library Annual Report

  • The Library reported a 50% increase in visitors and a 40% rise in program attendance since 2023.
  • Safety measures including security monitors and Narcan dispensers were highlighted alongside new programming.
  • Staff outlined a multi-year technology refresh project seeking federal E-rate funding.
  • The report was received and filed without a formal vote.

Museum of Ventura County Presentation

  • The Museum presented its history, collections, and over 900 digital items related to Oxnard.
  • The Director requested Council support for collecting oral histories and local artifacts.
  • Discussion focused on preserving Chumash history and the sugar beet industry legacy.
  • The presentation was received and filed without a formal vote.

Special Event Support Program

  • The Council approved $113,600 for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Special Event Support Program.
  • Members questioned the fee structure for the 4th of July fireworks event compared to nearby cities.
  • Staff clarified that fees reflect the true cost of city services to ensure fairness.
  • The item was approved by motion.

Monthly Accounting Report

  • The Council reviewed the February 2026 accounting report and the list of City Manager-approved contracts.
  • A member requested that the contract list be presented as a separate agenda item in the future.
  • The report was received and filed without a formal vote.

TEFRA Hearing – Aspire Apartments

  • The Council conducted a public hearing on tax-exempt bond financing for an 88-unit affordable housing project.
  • Staff confirmed the City bears no liability and will receive 25% of issuance fees.
  • The public hearing was closed by motion.

TEFRA Hearing – Cypress Place at Garden City Phase 2

  • The Council approved a resolution for revenue bonds not exceeding $20 million for a 60-unit project.
  • A representative from People's Self-Help Housing answered questions regarding interest rate savings.
  • The recommended actions were approved by motion.

TEFRA Hearing – Lockwood Three Apartments

  • The Council approved a resolution for exempt facility bonds not exceeding $70 million for a 234-unit project.
  • Staff corrected a typographical error in the presentation regarding the bond amount.
  • The recommendation was approved by motion.

Fire Department Emergency Operations Plan Update

  • The Council adopted the 2026 Emergency Operations Plan Update and a mutual aid agreement with the ASPCA.
  • Staff noted that further inclusion of parochial schools in demographic data could be explored in future updates.
  • The item was approved by motion.

Disaster Council Ordinance Amendment

  • The Council approved an ordinance to modernize the Disaster Council composition and meeting schedules.
  • Staff clarified that best practices dictate the council consist of trained staff rather than elected officials.
  • The amendment was approved by motion.

Emergency Water Main Repairs

  • The Council ratified an emergency order and approved a contract with Toro Enterprises Inc. for water main repairs.
  • The contract value is not to exceed $250,000 for the intersection of Channel Islands Boulevard and Statham Boulevard.
  • Staff explained the emergency declaration was necessary due to equipment and staffing constraints.
  • The recommendation was approved by motion.

Kamala Park Pipe Replacement Grant

  • The Council authorized a grant application to the EPA for $1,092,000 to replace 50-year-old cast iron pipes.
  • The project requires a 20% local match from the City.
  • The recommendation was approved by motion.

Waste Management Agreement Amendment

  • The Council approved a second amendment to the Waste Management agreement extending the term by one year.
  • The new not-to-exceed agreement value is set at $65,657,827.
  • A member acknowledged the cost increase while noting the necessity of the service.
  • The recommendation was approved by motion.

Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with JB Jonesboro LLC

  • The Council authorized an exclusive negotiating agreement for city-owned parcels between West 5th and West 6th Streets.
  • Staff confirmed that commercial tenants on the parcels have been notified of the agreement.
  • A public speaker expressed concern that the City should define its goals for the block before negotiating.
  • The recommendation was approved by motion.

CPRA Update and Position Control Resolution

  • The Council approved adding an Administrative Services Specialist and reclassifying an Analyst to address increased CPRA request volume.
  • Staff clarified that the City cannot inquire into the purpose of a public records request under the law.
  • Discussion addressed the distinction between public criticism and harassment regarding staff protection.
  • The recommendation was approved by motion.

Full summary

Meeting Call to Order and Closed Session

  • The Oxnard City Council meeting was called to order on April 21, 2026. Following the roll call and agenda posting, the Council recessed to a closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 to confer with attorneys regarding Debo v. City of Oxnard and Clayton v. City of Oxnard, and to determine whether to initiate litigation in a potential case. Upon reconvening, the City Attorney announced that the Council directed the City Attorney to join an amicus curiae brief on behalf of defendants in United States v. Illinois, a case involving allegations that sanctuary policies preempt federal law. The direction was adopted by a unanimous vote of those present.

Agenda Item D1: Oxnard Public Library Annual Report

  • The Council received the 2026 Annual Report from the Oxnard Public Library. The presentation covered the reestablishment of the Library Board, operational units, community partnerships, and space design improvements. Statistics indicated a 50% increase in visitors and a 40% increase in program attendance since 2023. Specific programs for various demographics and safety measures, including security monitors and Narcan dispensers, were highlighted. The report also outlined a multi-year technology refresh project seeking E-rate federal funding. Council members discussed the E-rate program, community feedback on programming, and the library's role as a safe space. As a receive-and-file item, no formal motion or vote was required.

Agenda Item D2: Museum of Ventura County Presentation

  • The Council received a presentation from the Museum of Ventura County regarding its history, collections, and educational programs, noting over 900 digital items related to Oxnard. The presentation detailed the museum's role in preserving local history, including Chumash indigenous history and the sugar beet industry, and highlighted its free attendance policy and internship programs. The Director requested Council support in collecting oral histories and artifacts. Council members discussed the importance of local history, specifically regarding the Japanese Mexican Labor Association and the sugar beet strike. As a receive-and-file item, no formal motion or vote was required.

Joint Meeting with Oxnard Housing Authority

  • The Council reconvened for a joint meeting with the Oxnard Housing Authority. Following the roll call, the Clerk noted that Commissioners would receive compensation, with the exception of Commissioner Starr, who declined.

Pledge of Allegiance and Student Recognition

  • Sabrina Rodriguez, a senior at Santa Clara High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance and delivered a speech regarding her academic achievements and future goals. The Council presented her with a Certificate of Achievement.

Public Comments on Items Not on the Agenda

  • The Council opened the floor for public comments on matters not appearing on the agenda. Speakers addressed a whistleblower complaint regarding alleged misuse of a city vehicle, a recall effort against Councilmember Starr, the National Day of Prayer, and various other community concerns including human trafficking, city spending, and drug use. A motion was made to suspend the rules to allow remaining speakers to address the Council. The motion was seconded and passed.

Item H: City Manager Report

  • The City Manager presented a report regarding the third annual Arts Gala. The Cultural Arts Manager introduced special guest Rob Armstrong, who spoke about the importance of art in the community.

Item I: Committee Reports

  • Council members provided brief reports on activities including community cleanup events, the Ormond Beach restoration plan, the Summer Youth Academy, and neighborhood council meetings. One member requested that staff reopen an investigation into an employee based on GPS data. The Mayor Pro Tem announced a recusal from Item L6 regarding animal services.

Information and Consent Agenda

  • The Council reviewed the information and consent agenda. Items L1 and L2 were pulled for discussion. Item L3 was designated as a Housing Authority item.
  • Item L3 (Housing Authority): A motion was made to approve the item and seconded. The motion passed.
  • Items L4 through L9 (excluding L6): A motion was made to approve the balance of the items and seconded. The motion passed.
  • Item L6 (Animal Services): A separate motion was made to approve this item and seconded. The Mayor Pro Tem recused himself. The motion passed.

Item L1: Special Event Support Program

  • The Council discussed the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Special Event Support Program, which allocates $113,600 to support recommended events. Council members questioned the fee structure, specifically regarding the 4th of July fireworks event, and requested a comparison with nearby cities. Staff clarified that the program aims to ensure fairness by charging fees reflecting the true cost of city services and noted that a fee update is in progress. A motion was made to approve the item and seconded. The motion passed.

Item L2: Monthly Accounting Report

  • The Council considered the monthly accounting report for February 2026 and the list of City Manager-approved contracts. A council member requested that the list of approved contracts be presented as a separate agenda item in the future. The item was received and filed.

Item M1: TEFRA Hearing – Aspire Apartments

  • The Council conducted a public hearing regarding the issuance and reissuance of tax-exempt bond financing for the Aspire Apartments, an 88-unit affordable housing development. Staff explained that the City bears no liability and would receive 25% of issuance fees. One public speaker supported the project. A motion was made to close the public hearing and seconded. The motion passed.

Item M2: TEFRA Hearing – Cypress Place at Garden City Phase 2 Apartments

  • The Council conducted a public hearing regarding tax-exempt bond financing for the Cypress Place at Garden City Phase 2 Apartments, a 60-unit project. The recommendation was to adopt a resolution approving a plan of finance for revenue bonds not to exceed $20 million. A representative from People's Self-Help Housing answered questions regarding interest rate savings. No public speakers appeared. A motion was made to approve the recommended actions and seconded. The motion passed.

Item M3: TEFRA Hearing – Lockwood Three Apartments

  • The Council conducted a public hearing regarding tax-exempt bond financing for the Lockwood Three Apartments, a 234-unit project. The recommendation was to adopt a resolution approving the issuance of exempt facility bonds not to exceed $70 million. Staff corrected a typographical error in the presentation regarding the bond amount. No public speakers appeared. A motion was made to approve the recommendation and seconded. The motion passed.

Item N1: Fire Department – 2026 Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Update

  • The Council considered the formal adoption of the 2026 Emergency Operations Plan Update and the authorization of a mutual aid agreement with the ASPCA for disaster assistance to animals. A council member inquired about the inclusion of parochial schools in demographic data; staff responded that further inclusion could be explored in future updates. No public speakers appeared. A motion was made to approve the item and seconded. The motion passed.

Item N2: Fire Department – Amending Chapter 6 of the Oxnard City Code (Disaster Council)

  • The Council considered an ordinance to amend Section 6-5 of Chapter 6 of the City Code regarding the Disaster Council. Staff explained the amendment aims to modernize the ordinance to allow for greater flexibility in meeting schedules and align with current emergency management best practices. A council member questioned the removal of the Mayor from the council composition; staff clarified that best practices dictate the council consist of trained staff rather than elected officials. No public speakers appeared. A motion was made to approve the item and seconded. The motion passed.

Item N3: Public Works Department – Emergency Water Main Repairs

  • The Council considered ratifying an emergency order and approving a contract with Toro Enterprises Inc. for emergency repairs to a water main at the intersection of Channel Islands Boulevard and Statham Boulevard, not to exceed $250,000. Staff explained that emergency declarations are based on the inability of city staff to address the issue due to equipment, staffing, or expertise constraints. No public speakers appeared. A motion was made to approve the recommendation and seconded. The motion passed.

Item N4: Public Works Department – Kamala Park Neighborhood Cast Iron Pipe Replacement Grant

  • The Council considered authorizing a grant application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for $1,092,000, with a 20% local match, for the Kamala Park Neighborhood Cast Iron Pipe Replacement Capital Improvement Project. Staff noted the project addresses pipes approximately 50 years old. No public speakers appeared. A motion was made to approve the recommendation and seconded. The motion passed.

Item N5: Public Works Department – Second Amendment to Waste Management Agreement

  • The Council considered a second amendment to Agreement A-8280 with Waste Management of California, Inc., extending the term for one year and setting a new not-to-exceed agreement value of $65,657,827. Staff provided cost details regarding the rate increase compared to gate fees. A council member noted the cost increase but acknowledged the necessity of the service. No public speakers appeared. A motion was made to approve the recommendation and seconded. The motion passed.

Item N6: Housing Department – Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with JB Jonesboro LLC

  • The Council considered authorizing an exclusive negotiating agreement with JB Jonesboro LLC regarding city-owned parcels between West 5th and West 6th Streets and South B and South C Streets. A council member inquired about notification to commercial tenants; staff confirmed tenants have been informed. A public speaker expressed concern that the city should determine its goals for the block before entering negotiations. A motion was made to approve the recommendation and seconded. The motion passed.

Item N7: City Manager Department – California Public Records Act (CPRA) Update and Position Control Resolution

  • The Council considered a report on CPRA request activity and a resolution to amend the City Manager's Office position control to add one Administrative Services Specialist and reclassify one Analyst to a Senior Analyst. Staff presented data showing an increase in the volume and complexity of requests. A public speaker criticized the item, citing alleged delays and staff performance concerns. Council discussion focused on the necessity of additional resources to comply with the law and the distinction between public criticism and harassment. Staff clarified that under the CPRA, the city cannot inquire into the purpose of a request. A motion was made to approve the recommendation and seconded. The motion passed.

Discussion on Staff Protection and Employer Responsibilities

  • Following the vote on Item N7, a speaker addressed the Council regarding the balance between First Amendment rights and the government's duty to protect staff from harassment. The speaker noted instances of inappropriate communication directed at employees and argued for the legal and ethical responsibility to shield employees from such interactions within the scope of employment.

Adjournment

  • With no further business on the agenda, the meeting was adjourned without objection.