City Council — January 20, 2026

Committee Appointments

• Most board and commission assignments were confirmed without change.
• The City Port Standing Committee assignment was deferred to the February 2nd meeting.
• Housing Authority board vacancies remain unfilled despite current advertising.

Council Policy and Procedures Manual

• Final adoption was deferred to allow staff to draft specific language based on direction.
• Staff will attempt to release agenda packets seven days prior to meetings.
• A restriction on non-essential outreach 90 days before elections was agreed in principle.
• The City Attorney recommended deleting the supermajority clause for rule modifications.

City Manager Updates

• Significant early-year rainfall was managed successfully with no major flooding reported.
• The Hueneme Beach dredging project concluded with the promenade reopening soon.
• Council members completed emergency preparedness training focused on crisis communication.
• The February 2nd agenda will include a public hearing on the cannabis business cap.

Council Member Reports

• A new Board Chair was installed at the Economic Development Collaborative.
• Regional meeting updates covered transportation, climate funding, and defense housing policy.
• Community service initiatives include a beach cleanup and daily services for disabled clients.
• A stakeholder meeting addressed immigration raids and countering AI-generated misinformation.

Meeting Summary: Port Hueneme City Council

1. Committee Appointments

• The Council reviewed assignments for various boards and commissions. Most current assignments were confirmed, including the Clean Power Alliance, Economic Development Collaborative, Federal Outreach, Gold Coast Transit, Water Agency, Housing Authority, Regional Defense Partnership (RDP), SCAG, Southern California Edison, VCOG, Air Pollution Control District, Animal Services, VCTC, Energy Alliance, and VRSD.
• City Port Standing Committee: Discussion regarding representation (Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem vs. others) was extensive. Members emphasized the need for the committee to align with city priorities before attending meetings. A motion was made and unanimously passed to approve all other appointments while deferring the City Port Standing Committee assignment and discussion to the February 2nd meeting. This will allow time to establish goals and direction for the council's representatives on that committee.
• Housing Authority: Staff noted two vacancies are advertised, though no applicants have been received yet. Current Council members Perez and Lopez are on the board pending review of the appointment term.

2. Council Policy and Procedures Manual

• Staff presented an annual update to the manual. Several changes were proposed and discussed, but final adoption was deferred to the February 2nd meeting to allow staff to draft specific language based on Council direction.
• Agenda Packets: Council requested that agenda packets be released seven days prior to meetings (currently five) to allow for better preparation and public transparency. Staff agreed to attempt this change.
• Election Period Outreach: A restriction was proposed to prevent the initiation of non-essential community outreach, town halls, or city-funded mailings within 90 days of a municipal election to avoid the appearance of using city resources for political advantage. The Council agreed in principle and directed staff to refine the language.
• Rule Changes: The City Attorney noted a clause requiring a 4/5 supermajority to modify the rules should be deleted, as the Council can amend rules by a simple majority.
• Other Updates: Changes regarding Mayoral Pro Tem appointment timing, Levine Act disclosures, and public comment procedures were also included.

3. City Manager Reports

• Storm Preparedness: The City experienced significant rainfall (13.21 inches) early in the year. Staff highlighted successful preparation, including debris clearing, storm drain checks, and partnership with the County to ensure channels remained clear. No major flooding or damage occurred.
• Beach Dredging: A mid-cycle dredging project at Hueneme Beach was completed, moving 1.5 million cubic yards of sand. The promenade is expected to reopen within 10 days.
• Upcoming Meeting (February 2nd): The agenda will include proclamations for World Wetlands Day and Black History Month, a public hearing on the cannabis business cap, a legislative platform review, a bike lane feasibility analysis, and a grant proposal regarding channel planning.
• Emergency Training: Council members recently attended County Emergency Preparedness training focused on communication and supporting staff during crises.

4. Council Member Reports

• Economic Development: A new Board Chair (Cynthia Herrera) was installed at the Economic Development Collaborative.
• Defense Communities: Updates on housing policy for service members and the Home Base Act were received from the Federal Outreach and Advisory Council.
• Community Service: The beach cleanup initiative is on track to exceed 1,000 volunteers within six months. The Ocean View Pavilion continues to serve 80 adult disabled clients daily.
• Regional Meetings: Members reported on meetings with RDP (noting the retirement of Gene Fisher), VCOG, Clean Power Alliance, and SCAG (highlighting potential state climate funding).
• Immigrant Services: A stakeholders meeting in Oxnard highlighted the impact of immigration raids and the importance of verifying information to counter AI-generated misinformation.

5. Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 PM. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 2nd, at 6:30 PM.