City Council — April 20, 2026

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.

The Museum of Ventura County outlined its history and requested partnerships for oral history archives.
Councilmembers read proclamations for Arbor Day and Earth Day to the assembly.
Public Works staff announced upcoming tree planting and citywide cleanup events.

The Council held a public hearing on an ordinance to prohibit solicitation on roadway medians.
Staff proposed amendments to clarify that the ban targets conduct impeding traffic flow.
The ordinance was accepted for first reading to address public safety concerns.

Councilmember Lopez requested a future agenda item to review 2025 parking study data.
The request was accepted for placement on a future agenda for formal recommendations.
The review aims to address resident concerns regarding parking overflow and accessibility.

The Manager provided updates on dredging meetings, community events, and award nominations.
Council members discussed the Boys & Girls Club renovation and appreciated staff efforts.
The meeting adjourned early to honor the late former Mayor Tony Vellante.

The City Council regular meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez delivered the evening’s inspiration, discussing the United States Constitution’s implications for local officials. Key points included the commitment to govern within constitutional limits, protecting resident rights, upholding the rule of law, and maintaining government transparency and impartiality.

General public comments were received regarding various topics:
The Hueneme HOA Coalition presented a resolution thanking the City for a four-year partnership regarding landscape policy, public safety, and short-term rental policy.
A resident addressed noise concerns regarding vehicle "doughnuts" at the pier parking lot and suggested installing concrete bump stops. The same speaker commended city staff responsiveness.
The Surfrider Foundation Ventura County Chapter reported on beach cleanup efforts at Ormond Lagoon, policy news regarding state water regulations, and coastal dune restoration projects.
The Ventura Salvation Army Hope Center invited the Council to a grand reopening of their Veterans Shelter.
A resident requested traffic safety improvements at the corner of Ventura Road and Hueneme Road, specifically a left-turn signal. Staff noted a previous cost estimate of approximately $750,000, which is not currently budgeted.
A resident described property access issues involving a neighbor encroaching on their land and requested assistance with code enforcement. Staff noted that as this was not an agenda item, the Council could not discuss specific enforcement matters due to the Brown Act and referred the matter to the Community Development Director.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the meeting agenda. The motion passed unanimously.

Museum of Ventura County: Elena Brokaw, Chief Operating Officer, presented on the Museum’s history and services, including art collections, archives, and educational programs. She discussed the history of Port Hueneme, including the Rancho La Colonia era and the development of the wharf. The presentation concluded with a request for community partnership to gather oral histories and photos for the archives.
Proclamations and Public Works:
Councilmember Lopez read the Arbor Day proclamation. Public Works Director Fred Camarillo announced a tree planting event on April 22 at Brand Park and noted plans to plant sycamore trees at Miranda Park.
Councilmember Perez read the Earth Day proclamation. Director Camarillo announced a Citywide Spring Cleanup event on April 25 at three locations. Staff explained the process for disposing of hazardous waste and organic recycling requirements under SB 1383.
The City Manager noted the city had been re-approved as a Tree City USA.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar items. The motion passed unanimously.

The Council conducted a public hearing on an ordinance amending the Municipal Code to prohibit solicitation on roadway medians.
Staff Presentation: Staff presented the ordinance to address public safety concerns regarding driver distraction and traffic flow caused by solicitation or vending in medians. Staff proposed a slight amendment to clarify that the prohibition applies to soliciting contributions or donations when the person solicited is in a median.
Discussion: The City Attorney clarified that the ordinance narrowly targets specific conduct involving an exchange of goods or money that impedes traffic and does not prohibit other forms of speech. Sidewalks remain available for such activities.
Decision: A motion was made to approve the recommendation as amended by the City Manager to introduce the ordinance for first reading. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Councilmember Lopez requested a future agenda item to review the 2025 parking study data for the Boca Park area. The request sought formal recommendations and options to address parking overflow and accessibility concerns raised by residents.
Decision: A motion was made and seconded to place the item on a future agenda. The motion passed unanimously.

The City Manager provided an update on upcoming events, including an Army Corps of Engineers meeting regarding dredging, an annual "Coffee with Your City" event, the Hueneme Hero Award nomination process, and the Memorial Day ceremony. The Manager also previewed items for the next meeting, including Peace Officers Memorial Day, a Public Works award, and a smoking survey update.
Council Comments: Members discussed the Boys & Girls Club renovation and expressed appreciation for city staff. A portion of the discussion was dedicated to remembering former Mayor and City Council Member Tony Vellante, who passed away recently. Councilmember Gama shared an anecdote about encountering Vellante shortly before his passing.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:57 PM in honor of Tony Vellante.