Meeting Summary
Present: Gama, Lopez, Perez, Hernandez, McQueen-Legohn
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
Inspiration: D.L. Fresh Foundation
- Council Member Gama presented an inspiration honoring the foundation and its founder, Diane Fresh.
- Representatives from the NJROTC unit and robotics team addressed the Council regarding youth support.
- Diane Fresh accepted a certificate of recognition and spoke to the Council.
2025 State of the Region Report
- David Moran of the Ventura County Civic Alliance presented data on demographics, economy, and housing.
- Council members questioned the long-term workforce impacts of declining school enrollment.
- Discussion also covered housing affordability statistics specific to Port Hueneme.
International Mother Language Day Proclamation
- Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez read a proclamation declaring February 21, 2026, as International Mother Language Day.
- No formal motion or vote was recorded for this ceremonial item.
Job Order Contracting Ordinance
- Staff proposed an ordinance to authorize Job Order Contracting for routine maintenance and minor construction.
- Discussion clarified that the method uses pre-bid unit costs and allows for local labor rules.
- The Council introduced the ordinance at first reading by title only, waiving further reading.
Veterans Banner Program
- Representatives from REACH proposed a program to display banners honoring local veterans seasonally.
- Discussion addressed residency requirements, medal inclusion, and funding models involving fees and subsidies.
- The Council adopted a resolution approving the program creation and a donation request from REACH.
City Hall and Miranda Park Turf Removal
- Staff presented design concepts to replace non-functional turf with drought-tolerant plantings using a $710,000 grant.
- Council Member Gama recused themselves from the Miranda Park portion due to a conflict of interest.
- The Council unanimously approved the design concepts to comply with state water requirements by June.
City Legislative Platform Review
- Staff presented the annual platform review incorporating four recommendations from the Citizen Advisory Commission.
- Discussion focused on strengthening language regarding climate sustainability, environmental protection, and social justice.
- The Council approved the platform with an amendment directing staff to return with additional language for future consideration.
Community Spring Cleanup Event
- Councilmember Lopez requested research on a spring cleanup event at Bolker Park, Bubbling Springs Park, and Hueneme Beach.
- Discussion focused on the timing and logistics required to meet SB 1383 requirements.
- The Council directed staff to place the event on a future agenda for further review.
Closed Session
- The Council met in closed session to discuss real property negotiations with Red Mule Group LLC.
- Discussions focused on price and payment terms for the property at 700 East Port Hueneme Road.
- Upon reconvening, the City Attorney reported no reportable actions from the session.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. A roll call was taken, noting the absence of Council Member Cuomo.
Closed Session
- The City Attorney read the closed session item regarding a conference with real property negotiators concerning property at 700 East Port Hueneme Road, involving the City and Red Mule Group LLC. Discussions focused on price and payment terms. No conflicts of interest were disclosed. The Council recessed to closed session at 5:32 p.m. Upon reconvening, the City Attorney reported no reportable actions.
Public Comments
- Comments were received from Becky Bruning regarding an upcoming event by Real Guppy Outdoors; Luis Mendez regarding the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging; Jan Burke and Jonathan Soto representing the Thunder Vikes robotics team to honor Diane Fresh and the D.L. Fresh Foundation; and the Hueneme High School band.
Inspiration
- Council Member Gama presented an inspiration honoring the D.L. Fresh Foundation and its founder, Diane Fresh, detailing the foundation's support for local youth programs including the Hueneme High School robotics team, Junior ROTC, Sea Cadets, and the high school band. Representatives from the NJROTC unit and the robotics team addressed the Council. Diane Fresh accepted a certificate of recognition and addressed the Council.
Agenda Approval
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. The motion passed unanimously. No conflicts of interest were disclosed.
Presentation: 2025 State of the Region Report
- David Moran of the Ventura County Civic Alliance presented the 2025 State of the Region Report. Key points included demographic shifts, economic stagnation since 2007, declining school enrollment, housing statistics for Port Hueneme, and crime data. Council members asked questions regarding the long-term impact of declining enrollment on the workforce and housing affordability.
Presentation: International Mother Language Day Proclamation
- Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez read a proclamation declaring February 21, 2026, as International Mother Language Day. No motion or vote was recorded for this item.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 4: Ordinance Authorizing Job Order Contracting and Joint Powers Agreement
- Staff presented a report on an ordinance to authorize Job Order Contracting (JOC) for repetitive maintenance, repair, and minor construction projects. The City Engineer explained that JOC uses pre-bid unit costs to streamline routine projects. Discussion addressed union labor policies, cost savings, and the bidding process. Staff clarified that the City can impose local labor rules on contracts awarded through the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) and that JOC is not intended for new construction. The public hearing was opened and immediately closed due to no comments. A motion was made and seconded to introduce the ordinance at first reading by title only, waiving further reading. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 5: Veterans Banner Program
- Representatives from REACH and the Veterans Advisory Ad Hoc Committee presented a proposal for a Veterans Banner Program to display banners honoring local veterans from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. The proposal outlined eligibility requirements, proposed locations, and a funding model involving applicant fees and city subsidies. Discussion focused on residency requirements, the inclusion of specific medals on banners, and selection processes if applications exceed funding. Public comment was received in support of the program. A motion was made and seconded to receive the proposal and adopt a resolution approving the creation of the Veterans Banner Program and a donation request from REACH. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 6: City Hall and Miranda Park Turnkey Turf Removal Project
- Staff presented a report on the approval of design concepts for a turf removal project at City Hall and Miranda Park, funded by a $710,000 grant from the Inland Empire Utilities Agency. The project aims to replace non-functional turf with drought-tolerant plantings to comply with state water requirements (AB 1572) by June of the current year. Discussion addressed the impact on event spaces and requests for guidance for Homeowners Associations regarding functional versus non-functional turf definitions. Council Member Gama disclosed a conflict of interest regarding the Miranda Park portion of the item and recused themselves from that portion. A motion was made and seconded to approve the design concepts for the turf removal project at City Hall and Miranda Park. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Review of City Legislative Platform
- Staff presented the annual review of the City's legislative platform. The Citizen Advisory Commission provided four recommendations regarding labor relations, economic development, immigrant rights, and tenant protections. Discussion focused on the purpose of the platform and proposed amendments to strengthen language on climate sustainability, environmental protection, and social justice issues. A motion was made and seconded to approve the legislative platform as recommended. An amendment was subsequently moved and seconded to direct staff to return with additional language addressing climate sustainability and social justice for future Council consideration. The amended motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Future Agenda Item Requests
- Councilmember Lopez requested a future agenda item to research a community spring cleanup event involving collection sites at Bolker Park, Bubbling Springs Park, and Hueneme Beach to meet SB 1383 requirements. Discussion focused on timing and logistics. A motion was made and seconded to direct staff to place the community spring cleanup event on a future agenda for further review. The motion passed unanimously.
City Manager Comments and Reports
- The City Manager provided updates on the Operating Budget Meritorious Award, upcoming community events including a Little League "Movie Night" and the C-Splash Color Dash 5K, and playground equipment updates at Bolker Park. The City Manager also outlined tentative items for the March 2nd agenda, including proclamations, a second reading of the job order contract ordinance, a bike accessibility report, and a joint use agreement proposal.
Council Member Reports and Comments
- Council members provided reports on the success of the Hueneme Robotics team and NJROTC, attendance at base installation and SCAG meetings, and observations regarding graffiti policy.
Mayor's Report and Adjournment
- The Mayor provided a report on recent and upcoming community engagements, including the Real Guppy Blue Carpet premiere, the Mini Mansions Bowls of Hope event, RDP-based meetings, and the Suroptimist International Awards Recognition. No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during this segment. The meeting was adjourned at 9:13 p.m. The next meeting was scheduled for Monday, March 2nd, at 6:30 p.m.