Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Closed Session
- The City Attorney presented two matters regarding anticipated litigation involving the Oxnard Harbor District and attorney fees.
- Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez recused herself from the item concerning attorney fees for Chief Michael Federico.
- No final reportable actions were taken during the closed session.
211 Ventura County Service Update
- Interface 211 reported 538 calls from residents in 2025, with housing identified as the primary need.
- Staff clarified that 60% of housing calls concerned low-income subsidized rentals while 40% involved emergency housing.
- The organization provides referrals for food, mental health, and legal aid alongside direct services like tax preparation.
Major Modification Permit PHMA 25-1
- The council conditionally approved a 206-square-foot second-story addition at 294 Whitecap Court.
- Staff confirmed the project meets community design standards and is categorically exempt from CEQA.
- Public comments addressed concerns regarding ocean view preservation and consistency with neighboring properties.
Fiscal Year 2025-26 Midyear Budget Update
- The council approved a net-zero general fund adjustment reducing projected cannabis revenue by $376,000.
- Expenditure increases were authorized for police overtime, fleet maintenance, and a new evidence freezer.
- Capital Improvement Project adjustments included a $250,000 reduction for the Surfside Village resurfacing scope.
Annual General Plan and Housing Progress Report
- Staff reported exceeding requirements for above-moderate and low-income units but zero completions for extremely low-income categories.
- The Housing Asset Fund balance has grown to approximately $6 million to support future housing initiatives.
- The council authorized staff to submit the annual report to state housing and land use agencies.
Out-of-State Travel and RDP Lobbying Trip
- The council approved a lobbying trip to Washington, D.C., to advocate for existing military base projects.
- Discussion focused on balancing federal advocacy with local infrastructure needs like roads and sand replenishment.
- Funding for the trip was secured through a combination of member contributions and unused travel accounts.
City Manager Report
- Upcoming events include the Bulker Park Playground grand opening and the annual Beach Fest.
- Staff is prioritizing a Public Records Act request regarding Port revenue sharing expenditures since 2016.
- The agenda for the April 6 meeting includes a Police Department annual report and Safe Streets grant contract.
Council Member Reports
- Updates were provided on the fully staffed Hueneme Housing Inc. board and the near-completion of the RAD conversion.
- Members reported on attendance at the California Coastal Commission meeting regarding beach volleyball courts.
- Community highlights included a robotics event, a Little League opening, and a student speech contest winner.
Public Comment and Announcements
- A water main incident caused by a vehicle striking a hydrant resulted in temporary discoloration but no quality issues.
- A memorial "paddle out" event was announced for March 21 to honor former lifeguard Eric Bear.
- The City Clerk noted the upcoming Cesar Chavez holiday and march scheduled for late March.
Full summary
Call to Order and Closed Session
- The regular council meeting was called to order at 5:01 p.m. on March 16. Following a roll call, the City Attorney presented two matters for closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b) regarding anticipated litigation. The first matter concerned a request from the Oxnard Harbor District to amend an existing settlement agreement. The second matter involved a threat of litigation regarding a claim for additional attorney fees by an attorney representing Chief Michael Federico related to settled cases; Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez recused herself from this item. No other conflicts of interest were disclosed. The council recessed into closed session at 5:03 p.m. Upon reconvening at 6:32 p.m., the City Attorney reported that no final reportable actions were taken during the closed session.
Inspirational Remarks
- Following the flag salute, Councilmember Perez provided an update on the Alliance Club, a volunteer organization that has supported various local community groups with approximately $7,500 in funding and volunteer hours over the past year.
Public Comments (Non-Agenda Items)
- Public comments were received on items not on the agenda:
- Luis Mendez thanked the Mayor for volunteering as a guest judge for the Port Hueneme Lions Club and provided an update on the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, noting that the transfer of services to the state was temporarily halted but funding remains uncertain for the next fiscal year.
- Victoria Solomon discussed parking difficulties along Bolker Drive near a park, requesting curb painting or signage to clarify parking restrictions under the California Daylighting Law to prevent tickets for residents with limited parking options.
- Ann Hoja represented the Ventura County Library and described the "Workforce on Wheels" mobile employment office program, which provides resume assistance, job searching, and interview skills training, as well as upcoming partnerships with Goodwill and NextGen.
- Greg Ross expressed concerns regarding lithium-ion battery storage at the Port of Hueneme, citing potential fire hazards and toxic gas risks to the community, and requested an Amber Alert-style notification system. He also raised issues regarding noise pollution from port training exercises.
- Zach Boliva represented the Port of Hueneme and provided updates on the environmental impact report (EIR) for a proposed parking garage, noting the process is in early stages with public review anticipated in summer 2026. He also clarified the history and purpose of the Port-City Standing Committee established in 2007.
- Mitch Disney raised concerns regarding the Port's increasing cargo volume and a proposed parking structure, arguing that the resulting traffic, pollution, and infrastructure wear should be funded by the Port rather than city taxpayers.
Agenda Approval
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. The motion passed unanimously.
Presentation: 211 Ventura County 2025 Stats and Service Update
- Gerardo Gonzalez, Associate Director of Community Information for Interface 211, presented data on services provided to Port Hueneme residents in 2025. Key points included 538 calls from Port Hueneme residents, with housing being the primary need, followed by family/community support and food/meals. The organization provides referrals for housing, food, mental health, and legal aid, as well as direct services like tax preparation (VITA) and support during public safety power shutoffs (PSPS). Councilmember Lopez asked for clarification on the nature of housing calls; Gonzalez explained that 60% related to low-income subsidized rental housing and 40% to emergency housing or homelessness prevention.
Consent Calendar
- No public comments were received, and no items were pulled from the consent calendar. A motion was made and seconded to approve all items on the consent calendar. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Hearing: Major Modification Permit PHMA 25-1 (294 Whitecap Court)
- The council held a public hearing regarding a request by Nancy Cole for a major modification to the Anacapa View Beach Homes Plan Development. The proposal includes a 206-square-foot second-story addition (a 17% increase in floor area), replacement of the roof deck and railing, garage door, and wood siding. Staff presented the project, noting it requires a major modification due to the floor area increase exceeding the 10% threshold. The project was approved by the Homeowners Association (HOA) Architectural Review Committee. Staff confirmed the project is consistent with community design standards and the HOA approval, and is categorically exempt from CEQA as a minor alteration. Nancy Cole stated the addition would not obstruct ocean views. Councilmember Perez inquired about inconsistencies in HOA approvals for neighboring properties; Tony Montanaro, Chair of the HOA Architectural Review Committee, confirmed the applicant received proper approval, noting the specific property's long driveway allowed for the proposed extension without blocking views. Public comments included a request from Christy Leverson to limit the addition to five feet rather than ten feet to maintain consistency with her mother's property, and support from Greg Ross emphasizing the importance of preserving ocean views and increasing property values. Following the public hearing, the council closed the hearing. A motion was made and seconded to adopt a resolution conditionally approving Major Modification PHMA 25-1 and finding the project categorically exempt from CEQA. The motion passed unanimously.
Special Joint Meeting: City Council and Housing Authority
- The regular council meeting was recessed, and a special joint meeting with the Housing Authority was called to order at 7:26 p.m.
Fiscal Year 2025-26 Midyear Budget Update and Appropriations
- Staff presented the midyear budget update for the current fiscal year, noting the budget is relatively balanced with minimal changes. The Financial Director requested a net-zero change to the general fund, involving a $376,000 revenue adjustment and a corresponding $376,000 appropriation for operating expenses. The primary revenue adjustment is a reduction in projected local cannabis industry revenues to reflect a continued decline in the sector, offset by one-time funds including storm reimbursements, insurance payouts, and cost recovery for property remediation. Property tax and sales tax revenues remain on target. Councilmember Hernandez asked for clarification on whether the cannabis revenue figure represented actual collections or amounts owed; the Finance Director confirmed the figure represented collections through January.
- Key expenditure requests included:
- Police Patrol Overtime: An increase of $180,000 to address three vacancies and retirements, as well as overtime generated by grant-funded initiatives. Staff clarified that while salary budgets for vacant positions remain intact, overtime is required to maintain service levels.
- Credit Card Fees: An increase to cover fees until a pass-through mechanism to customers can be implemented via new financial software.
- Fleet Maintenance: An increase for external vehicle repairs due to staff leaves.
- Police Support Overtime: Additional funding for dispatch training and leave coverage.
- Equipment: A request for a new evidence freezer to meet state retention mandates.
- Personnel: Adjustments for benefits and wage increases related to retirements.
- Staff explained that many of these requests are one-time expenses aligned with one-time revenues. Discussion covered the number of police vacancies (confirmed as four active vacancies and one frozen position) and the accounting implications of unfilled positions versus overtime costs.
- Regarding other funds, staff proposed adjustments for:
- Gas Tax Fund: An appropriation for interest earnings, noting the fund is currently over budget.
- Grant Fund: A $19,000 transfer to reimburse the fund for design work on Miranda Park, which will now utilize state grant funds for playgrounds.
- Housing Fund: Revenue and expenditure adjustments for housing assistance payments.
- Capital Improvement Projects (CIP): Adjustments to utilize Gas Tax, TDA, and ARPA funds for street projects, parking lot improvements, and the Volcker Park playground walkway. A $250,000 reduction was noted for the Surfside Village resurfacing project due to a revised, more cost-efficient scope of work.
- Fund Balances: Clerical adjustments were requested to correct negative balances in TDA and ARPA funds caused by spending projections that exceeded initial estimates.
- A motion was made to approve the FY 2025-26 mid-year budget adjustment and appropriations. The motion was seconded. Following brief discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
Annual General Plan and Housing Progress Report
- Staff presented the annual report required by SB 35 and AB 879, detailing progress on the General Plan and Housing Element. The report covers the Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA) cycle, which requires the city to plan for 125 units: 16 extremely low-income, 10 very low-income, 16 low-income, 18 moderate-income, and 65 above-moderate-income units. Progress reported includes 35 units completed or permitted in the above-moderate income category, largely driven by Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), exceeding the requirement. Nineteen units were completed in the low-income category, also exceeding the requirement. Zero units were completed in the extremely low, very low, and moderate-income categories. Staff noted that as a built-out city, acquiring these units is challenging and typically requires negotiation with developers on new projects or expansions of existing facilities like Willowbrook. All 21 programs required by the housing element are either in process or completed. The Housing Asset Fund balance has grown to approximately $6 million, with administrative costs billed from the fund at $97,000. Discussion focused on the challenges of meeting the extremely low and very low-income unit requirements in a built-out community and the potential impact of future projects like the Surfside Hotel development. Staff clarified that the current RHNA cycle ends in 2027 and that a new allocation will be determined for the subsequent cycle. A motion was made to receive the information and authorize staff to submit the annual report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Out-of-State Travel Requests and Regional Defense Partnership (RDP) Lobbying Trip
- Staff presented a request for Council members to attend an annual RDP lobbying trip to Washington, D.C., scheduled for April 19–23. The RDP strategic planning committee indicated that advocacy efforts this year would focus on supporting projects already in the pipeline, such as dredging, rather than seeking new projects. Discussion included funding, with one Council member noting they would pay for the trip out-of-pocket due to budget cuts, while another offered to allocate unused funds from their travel account to support the trip. Council members discussed the economic benefits of the military bases to the city and the importance of maintaining relationships with federal officials to protect these assets. One member emphasized the need to balance military support with local infrastructure needs, specifically roads and sand replenishment, citing traffic impacts. A motion was made to approve the out-of-state travel request and the associated budget allocation. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
City Manager Comments and Report
- The City Manager provided updates on upcoming events and administrative matters:
- Events: Announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the West Ventura County Business Alliance partnership (moved indoors due to turf removal), the grand opening of Bulker Park Playground, the annual Eggstravaganza at Bubbling Springs, and the annual 5K.
- Beach Fest: Noted the vendor application deadline of March 31, 2026, and confirmed the event dates for July 11–12.
- City-Port Reporting: Updated the Council on compliance with revenue sharing agreements. The city has submitted seven of 11 required reports dating back to 2016. Staff is currently prioritizing a Public Records Act request regarding expenditures since 2016, which has legal deadlines.
- Agenda Forecast: Outlined items scheduled for the April 6, 2026 meeting, including proclamations, the Police Department annual report, a Grand Jury recommendation regarding radio systems, a Safe Streets for All grant contract, and permits for movie nights and the Beach Festival.
Council Member Reports
- Council Member Lopez: Reported attending the Hueneme Housing Inc. board meeting, noting the board is now fully staffed with seven members. Updates were provided on the Mar Vista resident survey and the near-completion of the RAD conversion.
- Council Member Perez: Announced participation in the upcoming 5K to distribute free vegetable plants.
- Council Member Hernandez: Reported attending the California Coastal Commission meeting in Ventura regarding beach volleyball courts. Discussed the Commission's environmental concerns and asked if similar review would apply to a proposed multi-level parking structure at the Port. Staff indicated they would provide an update on Coastal Commission jurisdiction.
- Mayor Pro Tem: Reported attending the Coastal Commission hearing, SCAG meetings, and the Port Hueneme Little League opening. Noted the upcoming Cal Cities Channel Cities meeting in June. Asked for clarification regarding a discolored water announcement issued that day.
- Council Member McQueen-Legohn: Reported attendance at several community events, including a robotics event, a Little League opening ceremony, and a Lions Club speech contest focused on mental health. The Council Member highlighted an annual speech contest organized by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., involving Oxnard School District elementary students. The Council Member noted that the event was live-streamed for the first time and that a fifth-grade student from Elm School won the competition, marking the first time in 40 years that the school had received the award. The winner is scheduled to be the guest speaker at the next Ventura County MLK event. Council Member McQueen-Legohn also offered birthday wishes to Council Member Gama.
Public Comment and Announcements
- Water Main Incident: An unidentified speaker addressed a recent water quality concern, explaining that a vehicle struck a fire hydrant, causing a temporary change in the water's appearance. The speaker clarified that the incident did not affect water quality. The City Clerk confirmed that water service was briefly interrupted at faucets but was subsequently restored.
- Memorial for Eric Bear: The City Clerk requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Eric Bear, a former Port Hueneme lifeguard and mentor who worked with the Ventura Harbor Patrol. The Clerk announced a memorial "paddle out" event scheduled for March 21 at Silver Strand, coinciding with the Splash Run, to honor his service and life.
- Cesar Chavez Holiday: The City Clerk noted the upcoming Cesar Chavez holiday and march, tentatively identified as occurring on a Sunday around the 31st.
Adjournment
- Council Member McQueen-Legohn moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:43 p.m. in the name of Eric Bear. The motion was carried, and the meeting was adjourned.