Meeting Summary
Present: Parallo, 6-Perez, 4-Rodríguez, 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
2027 Regular Meeting Schedule
- The City Clerk presented proposed regular meeting dates for 2027 across multiple city agencies.
- Council Member Starr suggested pausing the item pending committee structure discussions, but staff recommended proceeding.
- The City Clerk identified a date error in the calendar that will be corrected.
- The Council voted to adopt the proposed 2027 regular meeting dates.
Information and Consent Agenda
- The City Clerk announced corrections to previous minutes and requested the removal of specific agenda items.
- Discussion focused on the Comprehensive Banking Services Agreement with Bank of America and security protocols.
- The Treasurer addressed comments regarding the appointment of the deputy city treasurer and cited government code compliance.
- The Council voted to approve the Information and Consent Agenda with the requested modifications.
Ratification of Home Depot Foundation Donation
- The Cultural and Community Services Department requested ratification of a $23,500 donation for the Colonial Recreation Center.
- The donation covers materials for flooring, painting, and cabinets, as well as the installation of two pool tables.
- Home Depot staff will provide volunteer labor for the renovation work.
- The Council voted to ratify the acceptance of the donation.
Closed Session
- The Council recessed to confer with attorneys regarding a workers' compensation claim.
- The City Attorney reported no announcements from the closed session upon returning to open session.
Full summary
Meeting Overview
- The Oxnard City Council, Oxnard Community Development Commission Successor Agency, and Oxnard Housing Authority held a meeting on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Mayor Pro Tem Teran participated remotely from Visalia, California, in accordance with California Government Code Section 54953(b). The City Clerk confirmed the agenda was posted on July 9, 2026, and verified the remote participation protocols.
Closed Session
- The Council recessed to a closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) to confer with attorneys regarding the workers' compensation claim of Alejandro Rangel. Upon returning to open session, the City Attorney reported no announcements from the closed session.
Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence
- Ashley Baldera Sarsiga, a student at Oxnard High School and part-time employee with the Cultural Arts team, led the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was observed for military personnel killed in the line of duty and for those affected by global conflicts. Sarsiga shared her experience working with the city’s Cultural Arts department, including her involvement in mural projects and community programs.
Public Comment: Items Not on the Agenda
- Several members of the public addressed the Council regarding various community issues:
- JR Ruiz requested a meeting regarding his mother’s property and proposed ideas for the plaza, including music nights, skate ramps, and a vehicle-free zone on Sundays. He also expressed concerns about the removal of benches at the bus station, the cancellation of truck stops, parking restrictions near a bakery, and the need for more bike lanes.
- Alexis Schmidt, chair of the East Village Neighborhood Council, reported difficulties in contacting the new B coordinator, Mike Cole, and noted an increase in complaints within the neighborhood.
- Angel Garcia, a District 3 resident, expressed concerns regarding Council Member Starr’s attendance at a Libertarian convention, his stated political agenda, and his voting record on the budget and community programs.
- Heather Schmidt presented a video featuring Council Member Starr and Alicia Purcell discussing candidate recruitment and fundraising for upcoming elections. The video included statements about recruiting candidates for Districts 1, 2, and 5 and raising funds for them. Schmidt called for the reorganization of city committees and the adoption of a more robust Code of Conduct.
- Oscar Sanchez described his "OM Alignment" program, a community-based system for emotional regulation and personal leadership development, and expressed his desire to implement it in Oxnard.
- Virtual Speakers:
- Eric Andrus criticized Council Member Starr’s focus on District 3, questioned the city’s response to a recent assault near his home, and raised concerns about police response to a truck trailer crash on 2nd Street.
- A District 3 Resident expressed frustration with Council Member Starr’s legal fees, voting record on the Oxnard Navigation Center and tenant protection ordinances, and his alleged plan to privatize utilities.
- Sarah Chesky provided statistics on kidnapping activity in the 805 area code and Oxnard, urging residents to report suspicious activity.
- Oscar Sanchez (via phone) referenced the video presented by Heather Schmidt, alleging that Council Member Starr is funding a "libertarian takeover" of the city council and encouraging residents to sign a recall petition.
- A District 3 Resident argued that Council Member Starr prioritizes personal political ambitions over civic duties, citing his absence from neighborhood council meetings and attendance at the National Libertarian Convention.
- Manuel Herrera alleged that Council Member Starr is funding candidates for Districts 1, 2, and 5 to replace current council members and urged residents to sign the recall petition and vote against Starr-endorsed candidates.
Council Member Reports
- Councilwoman Perez reported on meetings with CAWS, a presentation to Channel Highlands High School students, a briefing on the South Oxnard Connect project, a meeting with The Nature Conservancy regarding Ormond Beach, the conclusion of the Summer Youth Academy, and a carbon end-of-year project.
- Councilman Starr reported on a presentation by the Ventura County Environmental Health Department regarding sidewalk food vendors, the city’s victory in a lawsuit with $26,000 in costs awarded, and the upcoming Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency meeting regarding water rights.
- Mayor Pro Tem Teran thanked Ashley Sarsiga and the recreation team, announced an election meeting for the Fremont South Neighborhood Council, reported on attending "Palomas in the Park" with Supervisor Lopez and Councilman Basuah, and presented to the Youth Right to Rise group.
- Councilwoman Rodriguez reported on attending a housing authority board meeting, a meeting with community members regarding rent stabilization, a conversation with staff about an informational campaign for mobile homeowners, attending "Palomas in the Park," and discussing the Aquatic Center with District 5 residents.
- Councilman Starr reported on his attendance at the Association of Water Agencies meeting, where a $350 million general obligation infrastructure bond was discussed for the November ballot. He stated his opposition to the city incurring debt without voter approval.
- Councilwoman Rodriguez reported on an upcoming cleanup event, a backpack and laptop distribution for 500 kids and families, a constituent inquiry regarding tenant protection fees, a FIFA final watch party at Oxnard College, the upcoming remodeling of the senior center, the ribbon-cutting for the John C. Zaragoza Transit Center, and the grand opening of a new art studio.
- Mayor McArthur reported on celebrating 81 years of service with Grace Life Community Church, receiving an award from New Dawn, meeting with constituents and local businesses, attending the Dale Dean Memorial Mass, and organizing a World Cup watch party at Oxnard College.
Agenda Item: 2027 Regular Meeting Schedule
- The City Clerk presented the proposed regular meeting dates for the calendar year 2027 for the City Council, Community Development Commission Successor Agency, Financing Authority, and Housing Authority. Council Member Starr suggested pausing the item until committee structure discussions were completed. The Assistant City Manager and City Attorney recommended moving forward with the item, noting that the calendar could be amended if future committee actions required changes. Mayor Pro Tem Teran agreed, stating that the item could be approved now and amended later if necessary.
- Motion: To adopt the proposed regular meeting dates for 2027.
- Second: Councilwoman Rodriguez.
- Discussion: The City Clerk noted a date error in the calendar (April 29th listed as a Friday instead of a Thursday) and stated it would be corrected.
- Vote: Passed 7-0.
Agenda Item: Information and Consent Agenda
- The City Clerk announced corrections to the minutes of the June 30th City Council meeting (Item L1) and requested the removal of the Housing Authority minutes for June 1st and 16th (Item L2) and Item L9 from the agenda.
- Public Comment:
- Council Member Starr commented on Item L5 (Comprehensive Banking Services Agreement with Bank of America), noting the importance of security and fraud prevention. He mentioned an incident where the city treasurer attempted to appoint an individual as city treasurer, which was flagged by Bank of America’s security division. He also noted that the individual to be named as Assistant City Treasurer is Alicia Purcell, the wife of Council Member Starr.
- Treasurer Phil Molina responded to comments regarding the appointment of the deputy city treasurer, citing the government code and the city’s non-compliance with court orders. He expressed appreciation for staff assistance in the banking agreement process, specifically naming Patricia Garcia and Libertad Macias, and stated his agreement with the staff recommendation to sign the contract.
- Alicia Purcell commented on Item L4, noting that city manager approved contracts below $100,000 are still not being provided to the public, despite previous requests.
- Motion: To approve the Information and Consent Agenda, with the removal of Item L9 and corrections to Item L1.
- Second: Councilwoman Rodriguez.
- Discussion: Mayor Pro Tem Teran raised a question regarding the status of Alicia Purcell’s appointment as Deputy City Treasurer, noting conflicting statements from Treasurer Molina and Council Member Starr. The City Attorney advised that the agenda item did not concern the appointment and that the discussion should remain on the banking agreement.
- Vote: Passed 7-0.
Agenda Item: Ratification of Home Depot Foundation Donation
- The Cultural and Community Services Department requested ratification of the acceptance of a $23,500 donation from the Home Depot Foundation to renovate the Colonial Recreation Center. The donation includes materials for flooring, painting, and cabinets, as well as the installation of two pool tables. Home Depot staff will volunteer their time for the labor.
- Discussion:
- Councilwoman Rodriguez asked for clarification on the use of gift cards for the donation.
- Deputy City Manager Harrison explained that the donation was staff-initiated and that the city had already procured supplies using the gift cards. He noted that if the council did not ratify the acceptance, the gift cards could be refunded to the Home Depot Foundation. He emphasized the value of the volunteer labor provided by Home Depot associates.
- Councilman Starr praised the staff’s initiative and expressed gratitude for the donation.
- Mayor Pro Tem Teran clarified that the donation is from the Home Depot Foundation, distinct from the corporate entity, and included both monetary and in-kind contributions.
- Virtual Speaker (Basuah) congratulated the Senior Center in Colonia on receiving the grant and emphasized the importance of investing in senior centers and recreational activities.
- Motion: To ratify the acceptance of the $23,500 donation from the Home Depot Foundation.
- Second: Councilwoman Rodriguez.
- Vote: Passed 7-0.
Adjournment
- The Council requested a status update on the Carnegie Art Museum for the September agenda. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.