City Council — March 16, 2026

Closed Session

• The City Attorney reported on a request to amend a settlement agreement with the Oxnard Harbor District.
• A potential litigation threat regarding attorney fees for Chief Federico was discussed.
• No final reportable actions were taken during the closed session.

211 Ventura County Service Update

• Data showed 538 calls from residents in 2025, with housing identified as the top priority need.
• The organization serves as a referral hub connecting residents to over 2,000 local resources.
• Council members inquired about the breakdown of housing calls, which were split between subsidized and emergency needs.

Major Modification Permit PHMA 25-1

• Staff recommended approving a 206-square-foot second-story addition at 294 Whitecap Court.
• The project was found categorically exempt from CEQA after confirming no ocean view obstruction.
• The Council unanimously adopted the resolution to approve the modification.

FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Update

• A net-zero budget adjustment was approved, offsetting reduced cannabis revenue with one-time funds.
• The largest expenditure increase was allocated for police patrol overtime due to staffing vacancies.
• Capital Improvement Project schedules were adjusted to include ARPA funds for Volcker Park walkways.

Annual General Plan and Housing Progress Report

• The City exceeded its low-income unit requirement but has not yet built units in lower income categories.
• Significant progress was made in the "above moderate" category through Accessory Dwelling Units.
• The Council authorized staff to submit the report to the state, noting a $6 million surplus in the Housing Asset Fund.

Regional Defense Partnership Travel Request

• The Council approved a lobbying trip to Washington, D.C., focused on supporting existing dredging projects.
• Funding for the trip was secured through an allocation from Councilmember Perez's unused travel budget.
• The motion to approve the out-of-state travel request passed unanimously.

City Manager's Report

• Upcoming events include the Bulker Park Playground grand opening and the annual Eggstravaganza.
• Staff is prioritizing a Public Records Act request regarding Port revenue sharing expenditures since 2016.
• The Beach Fest vendor application deadline is set for March 31, 2026.

Council Member Reports

• The Hueneme Housing Inc. board is fully staffed, and the Mar Vista RAD conversion is near completion.
• Councilmember Gama requested a moment of silence for former lifeguard Eric Bear.
• Several members reported on community events, including a robotics competition and a 5K run.

• Meeting Date: March 16, 2026 Location: City of Port Hueneme Council Chambers

1. Closed Session

• The City Attorney reported that the Council met in closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b) regarding two matters:
• A request from the Oxnard Harbor District to amend an existing settlement agreement stemming from prior litigation.
• A threat of litigation regarding a claim for additional attorney fees by an attorney representing Chief Michael Federico, related to settled cases (Federico v. Hernandez and Hernandez v. Federico).
• Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez recused herself from the second item. The City Attorney reported no final reportable actions were taken during the closed session.

2. Inspirational Remarks

• Councilmember Perez provided an update on the "Alliance Club," a volunteer organization established two years ago. The club, consisting of approximately 30 members, has donated approximately $7,500 this year to various local organizations, including FoodShare, Nate's Place, and the Port Hueneme Little League. The remarks focused on the value of volunteerism in the community.

3. Public Comments (Non-Agenda Items)

• Luis Mendez: Expressed support for the Port Hueneme Lions Club and thanked the Mayor for serving as a guest judge at a student speaker contest. He provided an update on the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, noting that the transfer of services to the state was temporarily halted for the current year, though funding for the next fiscal year remains uncertain.
• Victoria Solomon: Discussed parking difficulties along Bolker Drive near the newly renovated park. She requested curb painting or signage to clarify parking restrictions under the California Daylighting Law to prevent residents from receiving tickets in areas with limited parking availability.
• Ann Hoja: Represented the Ventura County Library and announced the "Workforce on Wheels" program, a mobile employment office visiting the Ray Prudhoe Library weekly. She detailed services including resume assistance, job searching, and computer skills training, as well as upcoming partnerships with Goodwill and NextGen.
• Greg Ross: Raised concerns regarding lithium-ion battery storage at the Port of Hueneme, citing potential fire hazards and toxic gas emissions affecting the community. He also addressed noise pollution from port training exercises occurring on the east side of the port.
• Zach Boliva (Port of Hueneme): Provided an informational update stating that the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Port's parking garage project is in its initial 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: Discussed the Port's increasing cargo volume and the proposed construction of a multi-story parking structure. He requested that the Council assess and evaluate the direct and indirect impacts of Port activities on city infrastructure, traffic, and air quality, urging that the Port bear the costs rather than city residents.

4. Agenda Approval

• A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.

5. 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 Statistics: 538 calls were received from Port Hueneme residents. The primary needs identified were housing (top priority), followed by individual/family/community support, and food/meals.
• Services: The presentation highlighted 211's role as an information and referral hub connecting residents to over 2,000 resources, including housing, food, mental health, and legal aid. Specific programs mentioned included VITA (tax preparation), PSPS (power shutoff support), and Enhanced Care Management.
• Discussion: Council members inquired about the breakdown of housing calls, which were identified as primarily low-income subsidized rental housing (60%) and emergency housing (40%).

6. Consent Calendar

• A motion was made and seconded to approve all items on the consent calendar.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.

7. Public Hearing: Major Modification Permit PHMA 25-1 (294 Whitecap Court)

• Staff presented a request for a major modification to the Anacapa View Beach Homes Plan Development. The project involves 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 Recommendation: Approve the modification and find the project categorically exempt from CEQA.
• Applicant Testimony: Nancy Cole, the property owner, stated the addition would not obstruct ocean views and expressed her appreciation for the community.
• HOA Testimony: Tony Montanaro, Chair of the Architectural Review Committee, confirmed that the project received full HOA approval, including from neighbors, and that the long driveway of the property allowed for the proposed extension without view obstruction.
• Public Comments:
• Christy Leverson: Requested that the addition be limited to five feet rather than ten feet to maintain consistency with neighboring properties and preserve the character of the street.
• Greg Ross: Supported the project, noting that increased property values benefit the entire community and that the project does not obstruct ocean views.
• Discussion: Council members discussed the discrepancy between the proposed ten-foot extension and the five-foot extension approved for a neighbor. Staff and the HOA representative clarified that the specific site conditions (long driveway) and lack of view obstruction justified the approval.
• Motion: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution approving Major Modification PHMA 25-1 and finding the project categorically exempt from CEQA.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.

8. Special Joint Meeting: FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Update

• The City Council and Housing Authority convened for a special joint meeting to review the mid-year budget.
• Presentation: Finance Director Ashley Shaparo presented the mid-year budget update. The General Fund request was a net-zero adjustment, involving a $376,000 revenue adjustment and a corresponding $376,000 expenditure appropriation.
• Key Adjustments:
• Revenue: A reduction in projected cannabis industry revenue was noted, offset by one-time revenues from storm reimbursements, insurance payouts, and cost recoveries.
• Expenditures: The largest appropriation request was for police patrol overtime ($180,000) due to vacancies and grant-funded activities. Other requests included increases for credit card fees, fleet maintenance, police support overtime, and a new evidence freezer.
• CIP Schedule: Adjustments were made to the Capital Improvement Project schedule, including adding ARPA funds for Volcker Park playground walkways and reducing the scope/cost of the Surfside Village resurfacing project.
• Discussion: Council members discussed the reasons for the overtime increase, the impact of staffing vacancies, and the reliance on grant funding. It was noted that the overtime budget had been cut significantly in the original budget, and the current request reflects actual operational needs and inflation.
• Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the FY 2025-26 mid-year budget adjustment and appropriations.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.

9. Annual General Plan and Housing Progress Report

• Staff presented the annual report required by state law (SB 35 and AB 879) regarding the implementation of the General Plan and Housing Element.
• Progress: The City has made significant progress in the "above moderate" income category through Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), with 15 permitted and 16 completed. The City has also exceeded its requirement for low-income units (19 units built).
• Challenges: The City has not yet built units in the extremely low-income, very low-income, or moderate-income categories. Staff noted that as a built-out city, acquiring these units is challenging and often requires negotiation with developers on new projects.
• Housing Asset Fund: The City has accumulated approximately $6 million in the Housing Asset Fund, necessitating the identification of future projects to utilize these funds before they reach an excessive surplus.
• Motion: A motion was made and seconded to receive the information and authorize staff to submit the report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.

10. Out-of-State Travel Request: Regional Defense Partnership (RDP) Lobbying Trip

• The Council considered a request for the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem to attend an RDP lobbying trip to Washington, D.C., from April 19–23.
• Discussion: The Mayor Pro Tem explained that the trip's focus would be on supporting existing projects in the pipeline, specifically dredging, rather than seeking new projects. Council members discussed the balance between the economic benefits of the military bases and the infrastructure impacts on the city.
• Funding: It was noted that the Mayor Pro Tem intended to pay out-of-pocket due to budget constraints, but Councilmember Perez offered to allocate funds from her unused travel budget to support the trip.
• Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the out-of-state travel request and the associated budget allocation.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.

11. City Manager's 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 landscaping work), the grand opening of Bulker Park Playground (March 24), the annual Eggstravaganza (March 28), and the annual 5K run.
• Beach Fest: Vendor application deadline is March 31, 2026; the event is scheduled for July 11–12, 2026.
• Port Reporting: Updated the Council on the status of revenue sharing reports submitted to the Port of Hueneme. Seven of eleven reports dating back to 2016 have been submitted. Staff is currently prioritizing a Public Records Act request regarding expenditures since 2016.
• Upcoming Agenda: Listed items scheduled for the April 6 meeting, including proclamations, the Police Department annual report, and various permits.

12. Council Member Reports

• Councilmember Lopez: Reported on the Hueneme Housing Inc. board, noting the board is fully staffed and the RAD conversion at Mar Vista is near completion.
• Councilmember Perez: Announced participation in the upcoming 5K with a booth giving away free vegetable plants.
• Councilmember Gama: Reported attending the California Coastal Commission meeting regarding beach volleyball courts. He inquired about the Commission's jurisdiction over the Port's proposed parking structure. He also requested a moment of silence for Eric Bear, a former lifeguard, and noted a paddle-out event scheduled for March 21.
• Mayor McQueen-Lachon: Reported attending the first robotics event and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority speech contest. She wished Councilmember Gama a happy birthday.

13. Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 PM in memory of Eric Bear.