Meeting Summary
Present: Gama, Lopez, Perez, Hernandez, McQueen-Legohn
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
2025 State of the Region Report
- Staff received a presentation from the Ventura County Civic Alliance covering regional demographics and economic data.
- Council Members asked questions regarding workforce implications and housing affordability issues.
- The report highlighted trends including a declining birth rate and increasing water usage statistics.
International Mother Language Day Proclamation
- The Mayor Pro Tem read a proclamation designating February 21, 2026, as the observance date.
- The announcement highlighted the importance of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.
- No further discussion or motion was required for the proclamation reading.
Ordinance: Job Order Contracting
- Staff proposed an ordinance authorizing job order contracting for maintenance and minor construction projects.
- Discussion focused on excluding new construction and defining unit pricing structures.
- A public hearing was held with no public comments received.
- The Council approved the introduction of the ordinance at first reading.
Resolution: Veterans Banner Program
- Proposals outlined eligibility criteria and a cost-covering subsidy model for veteran banners.
- Discussion addressed residency requirements and recognition of specific military awards.
- Public comments expressed support for the initiative.
- The Council approved the resolution establishing the program and donation form.
Project: City Hall and Miranda Park Turnkey Turf Removal
- Staff presented design concepts to replace irrigated turf with drought-tolerant plantings.
- Discussion covered maintenance costs and functional turf definitions for homeowner associations.
- Council Member Gama recused herself from the Miranda Park portion due to residential proximity.
- The Council accepted and approved the design concepts unanimously.
Review: Legislative Platform
- Staff presented recommendations from the Citizen Advisory Commission regarding labor and economic development.
- Council Members debated language specificity concerning social justice and climate sustainability.
- A motion was made to direct staff to return with amended language addressing these topics.
- The motion passed unanimously to update the platform guidance.
Future Agenda Item Requests
- Council Member Lopez requested a future agenda review of community communication outreach.
- Staff discussed logistics for a spring cleanup event and integration with existing requirements.
- The motion to place the communication and cleanup item on a future agenda passed unanimously.
Closed Session
- The Council met in closed session to discuss real property negotiation for 700 East Port Hueneme Road.
- Discussions involved offers of price and payment terms with Red Mule Group LLC.
- The City Attorney reported no conflicts of interest and no reportable actions occurred.
Full summary
Closed Session
- The meeting began with the reading of a closed session item regarding a conference with real property negotiators pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8. The subject involved property at 700 East Port Hueneme Road and discussions regarding offers of price and payment terms with Red Mule Group LLC. The City Attorney reported no conflicts of interest. The Council recessed for the closed session. Upon returning, the City Attorney reported no reportable actions from the closed session.
Public Comments
- Public comments were received from residents regarding the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA), specifically requesting in-person presentations for residents regarding service changes. A representative for Real Guppy Outdoors promoted an upcoming event at the Hueneme Pier. Public comments were also made to recognize the D.L. Fresh Foundation and its contributions to the community.
Inspiration Segment
- A presentation was delivered to honor the D.L. Fresh Foundation and its head, Diane Fresh. Representatives from the Hueneme High School Robotics Team, NJROTC, and the School Band presented testimonials regarding the foundation’s support of youth programs, equipment purchases, and event funding. The segment concluded with musical performance by the school band and the presentation of a certificate of recognition.
Agenda Approval
- A motion was made to approve the agenda. A second was given. The motion passed unanimously.
Presentation: 2025 State of the Region Report
- David Moran from the Ventura County Civic Alliance presented the 2025 State of the Region Report. The report covered demographics, agriculture, community engagement, the economy, education, land use, natural resources, health, crime, and transportation. Key points included a declining birth rate in Ventura County, an aging population, housing costs, and water usage statistics. Council Members asked questions regarding workforce implications and housing affordability.
Presentation: International Mother Language Day Proclamation
- The Mayor Pro Tem read a proclamation designating February 21, 2026, as International Mother Language Day. The proclamation highlighted the importance of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made to approve the consent calendar. A second was given. The motion passed unanimously.
Ordinance: Job Order Contracting
- Staff presented an ordinance authorizing the City to use job order contracting (JOC) for maintenance, repair, renovation, and minor construction projects as an alternative to traditional bid-build methods. Discussion focused on the scope of the ordinance, which excludes new construction, unit pricing structures, and local labor requirements. A public hearing was opened and closed with no comments. A motion was made to approve the introduction of the ordinance at first reading. A second was given. The motion passed unanimously.
Resolution: Veterans Banner Program
- The Veteran Ad Hoc Committee and REACH presented a proposal for a Veterans Street Banner Program. Details included eligibility criteria (current residents or family members of residents), banner locations, display periods, and a cost-covering model involving a community subsidy. Discussion focused on residency requirements, recognition of specific awards such as the Purple Heart, and selection criteria if applications exceeded funding. Public comments supported the initiative. A motion was made to approve the resolution establishing the program and a donation request form. A second was given. The motion passed unanimously.
Project: City Hall and Miranda Park Turnkey Turf Removal
- Staff presented design concepts for a Turnkey Turf Transformation Program to replace irrigated turf with drought-tolerant plantings at City Hall and Miranda Park to meet state water requirements. Council Member Gama recused herself from discussion and voting on the Miranda Park portion due to residential proximity. Discussion covered maintenance costs, functional turf definitions for HOAs, and event space availability. Public comments addressed the project's timing and educational value. A motion was made to accept and approve the design concepts. A second was given. The motion passed unanimously, with Council Member Gama absent from the vote on the Miranda Park portion.
Review: Legislative Platform
- Staff presented the annual review of the City’s legislative platform. Discussion included recommendations from the Citizen Advisory Commission regarding labor relations, economic development, immigrant rights, and tenant protections. Council Members debated the inclusion of specific language on social justice, immigration reform, climate sustainability, and offshore drilling. Concerns were raised regarding the level of specificity versus general guidance for staff advocacy. A motion was made to direct staff to return with amended language addressing social justice and climate sustainability. A second was given. The motion passed unanimously.
Future Agenda Item Requests
- Council Member Lopez requested a future agenda item to review community communication outreach and a spring cleanup event. Staff discussed logistics, timing, and potential integration with existing SB 1383 requirements. A motion was made to place the item on a future agenda. A second was given. The motion passed unanimously.
City Manager Reports
- The City Manager provided updates on several topics:
- The Finance Department received the Operating Budget Meritorious Award from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers.
- A movie night partnership with Little League was announced for February 27th at Bubbling Springs Park.
- Registration for the C-Splash Color Dash 5K is nearing capacity.
- Bolker Park playground equipment updates are underway, with completion anticipated by late February pending weather conditions.
- The March 2nd agenda includes proclamations for Tsunami Awareness Month and National Women’s History Month, the second reading of the job order contracting ordinance, and items regarding Ventura Road bike accessibility and a joint use agreement with Oxnard Union High School District.
Council Member Reports
- Council Members provided updates on committee meetings, community events, and observations regarding graffiti policy and sidewalk maintenance. Comments were made regarding the upcoming Real Guppy Blue Carpet premiere, participation in the Mini Mansions Bowls of Hope event, and legislative trips to Sacramento and Washington D.C.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned at 9:13 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 2nd, at 6:30 p.m.