Meeting Summary
Present: 5-Basua, Peralta, Bettis, 4-Rodríguez, 3-Starr
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
Financial Audit Withdrawal
- The 2025 Single Audit Report was removed from the agenda due to an alleged auditor error.
- Staff paused the process to investigate the City Treasurer's specific allegation.
- No details regarding the issue were disclosed, with future updates promised.
Ceremonial Commendations
- A resolution was adopted to honor Mary Sue Eastlake for over 20 years of service.
- Casa de Vida received a commendation for its 21st anniversary of operating a recovery program.
- A proclamation designating May 25, 2026, as Memorial Day was accepted by the council.
Deferred Development Fees for Aspire Apartments
- The council approved an agreement to defer $2.2 million in impact fees for the Aspire Apartments project.
- Fees will be collected upon final inspection or issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
- Staff confirmed that no interest charges will accrue on the deferred amounts.
Public Art Fund Appropriation
- The council authorized $150,000 from the Public Art Fund for asphalt art in the Central Business District.
- Staff confirmed thermoplastic materials would ensure the art lasts over 10 years.
- The City Attorney noted the project qualifies for design immunity if standards are met.
Police Commendation
- A resolution was adopted to commend Assistant Chief Denise Morehouse for over 30 years of service.
- The staff report highlighted her milestones as the first female canine handler and assistant police chief.
Avalon Homes Development
- The council approved a 56-unit condominium development requiring six on-site affordable units.
- A stipulation mandates that these units be marketed exclusively to Oxnard residents for 90 days.
- Purchasers must have resided in Oxnard for at least 36 months, verified by the City.
Five-Year Capital Improvement Program
- The council adopted the draft CIP for fiscal years 2027–2031 following a public hearing.
- An amendment elevated restroom renovations at Johnson Creek and Colonia Parks in the priority list.
- Staff emphasized the cost benefits of preventative maintenance for Category 4 projects.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Amendment
- The council approved a second amendment to the Kennedy Jenks Inc. agreement for the wastewater plant project.
- The not-to-exceed amount was increased to $5.7 million to address unforeseen underground conditions.
- Budget transfers totaling approximately $6.7 million were authorized to cover construction and engineering costs.
Navigation Center Agreement Amendment
- The council approved a first amendment to the Mercy House Living Centers agreement for the Navigation Center.
- Funding was increased by $100,000 to cover costs and the city's share of a county agreement.
- The additional funds aim to transition clients from temporary hotel shelters to permanent housing.
Restroom Maintenance Adjustment
- The council approved a scheduling adjustment for restroom facilities at Johnson Creek and Colonia Parks.
- Discussion addressed concerns regarding equipment failure and operational risks at these locations.
- The Mayor confirmed the adjustment would not cause operational difficulties.
Closed Session
- No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Announcements
- The Oxnard City Council and Housing Authority meeting was called to order on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The Clerk announced that Housing Board Commissioners would receive $50 in compensation, with the exception of Commissioner Starr, who declined payment. Agenda Item N1, regarding the 2025 Single Audit Report and Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, was removed from the agenda. Staff explained the item was withdrawn after the City Treasurer alleged the auditors missed an issue, prompting the auditors to pause the process for investigation. No specific details of the allegation were provided, and staff indicated future updates would be given.
Ceremonial Items
- Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence: The meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Oxnard Veterans Committee, followed by a moment of silence.
- Memorial Day Proclamation: A proclamation designating May 25, 2026, as Memorial Day was presented and accepted. It recognized the sacrifices of armed forces members and announced a ceremony at Plaza Park.
- Resolution Commending Mary Sue Eastlake: A resolution was introduced to commend Mary Sue Eastlake for over 20 years of service. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion passed unanimously. Eastlake accepted the resolution and addressed the council regarding her career highlights and upcoming retirement.
- Commendation for Casa de Vida: A resolution was presented to congratulate Casa de Vida on its 21st anniversary of operating a residential drug and alcohol recovery program. Representatives accepted the commendation and addressed the council.
Public Comments on Items Not on the Agenda
- Several members of the public addressed the council on matters not appearing on the agenda. Topics included unfunded liabilities for various city projects, concerns regarding the exclusion of the Latino community from a city manager's survey, the National Day of Prayer, a video presentation alleging non-payment of a contractor and improper handling of permits, statistics on ICE abductions in the region, a dispute regarding the appointment of a Deputy Treasurer, and criticisms of the City Manager's conduct and the handling of public comments.
City Manager's Report
- The City Manager provided updates on upcoming events, including the Public Works Annual Open House, Memorial Day Commemoration, Pride Month Flag Raising, and an Insect Festival focused on bees.
Council Member Reports
- Council members provided updates on recent activities, including food distribution, health fairs, neighborhood council meetings, attendance at the National Day of Prayer, the Police Department memorial, the Ventura Council of Governments meeting, the Eastside Little League Closing Ceremonies, a federal grant for water pipe replacement, and plans for a July 3rd celebration of America's 250th anniversary.
Consent Agenda
- The council reviewed the Info Consent Agenda. Items 3 and 5 were pulled from the consent agenda for separate discussion at the request of Council Member Starr. Item 10 was pulled by the City Manager. Items L2 and L9, pertaining to the Housing Authority, required separate motions.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve Item L2 (Receive and File for the Oxnard Housing Authority).
- Decision: The motion passed.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve Items L2 and L9 (Receive and File for the Oxnard Housing Authority).
- Decision: The motion passed.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve Items L1, L4, L7, L10, L11, and L12. Items L6 and L8 were excluded as receive-and-file items.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Item L3: Deferred Development Impact Fees Agreement for Aspire Apartments
- The council considered a recommendation to approve an agreement with Aspire Apartments LP to defer development impact fees totaling $2,223,063.54 until final inspection or issuance of the certificate of occupancy. A council member requested that future reports include a list of parcels with unpaid fees to track deferred amounts. Staff confirmed there are no interest charges on deferred fees.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the agreement.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Item L5: Public Art Fund Appropriation for Asphalt Art
- The council considered a recommendation to authorize the Culture Arts Commission to administer a call for artists for asphalt art in the Central Business District and appropriate $150,000 from the Public Art Fund. Discussion focused on the durability of the art, liability, and traffic safety. Staff explained that thermoplastic materials would extend the lifespan of the art to over 10 years. The City Attorney confirmed the project would qualify for design immunity if standards are met. The Public Works Director noted federal guidelines advise against experimental 3D illustrations, while the Mayor cited studies indicating intersection art can reduce crashes.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the recommended action.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Item L7: Resolution Commending Assistant Chief Denise Morehouse
- The council considered a resolution to commend Assistant Chief Denise Morehouse for over 30 years of service. The Mayor read the staff report detailing her career milestones, including being the first woman to serve as a canine handler, commander, and assistant police chief.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Item M1: Public Hearing on Avalon Homes Development
- The council held a public hearing on a 56-unit single-family condominium development (Avalon Homes) at the intersection of Beachcomber Street and Harbor Boulevard. The item included requests for a tentative subdivision map and a coastal development permit. Discussion centered on the inclusionary housing ordinance, specifically the option to require six on-site affordable units versus accepting an in-lieu fee of approximately $43,809 per unit. Staff explained the in-lieu fee would be deposited into the affordable housing fund to provide gap financing for other projects, potentially resulting in a minimum of 85 affordable units citywide with restrictions lasting up to 55 years, compared to 20 years for on-site units. The applicant presented project details, including the preservation of open space and provision of parking exceeding code requirements. A recess was granted to review late written communications. Public testimony was divided; some speakers urged the council to require on-site units, while others supported the in-lieu fee option or opposed the project entirely.
- Motion: To approve the Planning Commission's recommendation requiring the construction of six on-site inclusionary units, with the stipulation that the developer markets these units exclusively to Oxnard residents for the first 90 days and that purchasers must have resided in Oxnard for at least 36 months, with the City responsible for verifying residency.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2027–2031
- The council convened a public hearing on the draft Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Staff presented an overview categorizing projects into five groups based on funding status and urgency. A technical issue with a video presentation link was noted.
- Motion: To suspend the order of the agenda to address the technical issue.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Second Amendment to Agreement A-8281 (Oxnard Wastewater Treatment Plant)
- The council considered a recommendation to approve a second amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Kennedy Jenks Inc. for the Oxnard Wastewater Treatment Plant Reliability Improvement Project. The amendment increased the not-to-exceed amount from approximately $4.5 million to $5.7 million and extended the term to October 31, 2027. It also authorized budget appropriation transfers totaling approximately $6.7 million to cover construction management, construction costs, and engineering support. Staff explained the amendment addressed unforeseen underground conditions and funding source adjustments.
- Motion: To approve the second amendment to the agreement with Kennedy Jenks Inc. and authorize the associated budget transfers.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Agenda Item: First Amendment to Oxnard Navigation Center Agreement (Mercy House)
- The council considered a recommendation to approve a first amendment to the agreement with Mercy House Living Centers for the Oxnard Navigation Center. The amendment increased the agreement amount from approximately $3.35 million to $3.45 million to cover increased costs and the city's cost share under a separate agreement with the County of Ventura. The funding increase was intended to move clients from temporary hotel shelters into permanent supported housing. One council member recused themselves from the item.
- Motion: To approve the first amendment to the agreement with Mercy House and authorize the associated funding.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Public Hearing and Prioritization
- Following the resolution of the technical issue, the meeting proceeded with the public hearing on the CIP budget recommendation. Staff noted approximately $16 million is available for Category 4 projects and emphasized the cost benefits of preventative maintenance. Public testimony included requests for safety improvements at the intersection of Vineyard Avenue and H Street, concerns regarding future revenue declines, and the need for street lighting, restroom renovations, and generator replacements. Council deliberation focused on prioritizing Category 4 projects, balancing immediate community desires with long-term fiscal prudence.
- Motion: To adopt the staff recommendation for the CIP, utilizing the staff's priority listing for Category 4 projects.
- Amendment: An amendment was proposed and seconded to elevate two specific restroom renovation projects (Johnson Creek Park and Colonia Park) within the Category 4 priority list, placing them immediately after the fire station overhead door replacement project.
- Decision on Amendment: The amendment passed.
- Decision on Main Motion: The motion to adopt the staff recommendation for the CIP, incorporating the passed amendment, passed.
Restroom Maintenance and Scheduling Adjustment
- Discussion focused on the durability and maintenance of restroom facilities at Johnson Creek Park and Colonia Park, including concerns regarding equipment failure and operational risks. An amendment was proposed to adjust the scheduling or maintenance approach for these facilities. The Mayor confirmed the adjustment would not cause operational difficulties.
- Motion: To approve the adjustment regarding the Johnson Creek Park and Colonia Park restrooms.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Adjournment
- With no further business on the agenda, the meeting was adjourned without objection.