Meeting Summary
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
Proclamations and Awards
- The Council designated May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and recognized National Public Works Week.
- Police awards were presented to parking enforcement officers for support services and to an officer for mentorship and DUI enforcement.
- A proclamation was approved for presentation to the Philippine Cultural Arts Center.
Oversized Vehicle Parking Ordinance
- Staff and Council discussed a second reading of an ordinance restricting oversized vehicle parking with a case-by-case permit process.
- Permits would authorize parking in designated areas without reserving specific spaces or setting fixed maximum time limits.
- The motion to approve the ordinance was made and seconded, but the final vote outcome was not recorded in the transcript.
Hueneme Beach Car Show Special Use Permit
- The Council granted a five-year special use permit for two annual car show fundraising events from 2026 to 2030.
- The resolution includes conditions for noise management, traffic control on Ocean View Drive, and safety measures for vehicle horns.
- The project was found categorically exempt from CEQA, and the motion to adopt the resolution passed unanimously.
Police Recruitment and Retention Report
- Staff presented an annual report showing a 5.5% overall vacancy rate across 128 full-time equivalent positions.
- Discussion focused on right-sizing the workforce and evaluating the cost of contracting versus hiring for critical vacancies.
- The public hearing was opened, the informational report received, and the hearing closed by unanimous motion.
Police Radio Equipment Purchase
- The Council approved a budget appropriation of up to $395,470 for 700 megahertz radio equipment to restore regional interoperability.
- A contract with Telcom Inc. was authorized with an exemption from formal bidding due to cost and scope advantages over other vendors.
- The motion to approve the appropriation, contract, and bidding exemption passed unanimously.
2025 Water Master Plan
- Staff presented a plan identifying 151 fire flow deficiencies caused by aging pipes and lowered system pressure.
- The report proposes 31 capital projects totaling $23.2 million over ten years to address infrastructure and fire flow issues.
- The item was presented for informational purposes with no formal motion or vote taken.
Closed Session
- The Council entered a closed session regarding the potential initiation of legal litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9.
- No reportable action was taken during the session, and one member recused themselves as a precaution.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Closed Session
- The City Council meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. Following a roll call, the Council entered a closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 regarding the potential initiation of legal litigation. No reportable action was taken during the closed session. One Council member recused themselves from the item as an abundance of caution due to proximity to the property involved, though no material conflict of interest was declared.
Regular Meeting Call to Order and Proclamations
- The regular meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. following a flag salute.
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Council Member Lopez delivered remarks recognizing the historical contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Council Member Gama read a proclamation designating May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, honoring community contributions and reaffirming the city's commitment to inclusion. The Council agreed to present the proclamation to the Philippine Cultural Arts Center.
- National Public Works Week: Council Member Perez read a proclamation designating the week of May 17–23, 2026, as National Public Works Week, recognizing the contributions of public works professionals.
Public Comments
- Public comments were received on the following topics:
- Lighting Complaint: A resident reported excessive brightness from LED lights at a new apartment complex. The City Attorney noted the item was not on the agenda, but the Community Development Department would follow up to verify compliance.
- Pride Flag Display: A speaker opposed the display of the Pride flag on city flagpoles, citing concerns regarding government speech, potential liabilities, and medical issues related to gender transition.
- Sister Cities Program: A representative for the Hueneme Sister Cities program invited Council members to events hosted by the Puerto Vallarta delegation on July 5th and requested a headcount for meals.
- Public Safety and Traffic: A resident thanked the Police Department for a recent arrest at the Surfside Village RV lot and requested a stop sign at the intersection of Ventura Road and Surfside Drive to address speeding trucks and red-light running.
Agenda Approval
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the meeting agenda. The motion passed unanimously. No conflicts of interest were declared.
Police Department Awards
- The Police Chief presented two awards:
- Support Services Employee of the Year: Awarded jointly to parking enforcement officers Clarissa Vasquez and Rachel Perez for their roles in public assistance, traffic collision handling, and translation services.
- Officer of the Year: Awarded to Officer Christopher Tarrio for his mentorship of Police Explorers and receipt of the MADD Award for the highest number of DUI arrests.
Public Works Department Update
- The Public Works Director provided an annual update on department activities, including resurfacing projects, water tank refurbishment, school crossing upgrades, playground replacements, fuel tank replacement, creek clearing, wastewater lift station rehabilitation, and turf replacement projects. Council members inquired about biodegradable additives for weed control, training for a new camera inspection truck, and the timing of creek cleaning operations. The Director confirmed creek cleaning occurs between September and March and that camera truck training is underway.
Consent Calendar
- The Council addressed the consent calendar. Council Member Lopez requested to pull Item 3 for separate discussion. A motion was made and seconded to approve Items 1 through 6, excluding Item 3. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 3: Oversized Vehicle Parking Ordinance
- The Council discussed the second reading and adoption of an ordinance amending the Municipal Code to restrict parking of oversized vehicles, along with a resolution establishing a permit fee and outreach plan.
- Discussion: Staff and Council members discussed the administrative process, noting that permits would be vetted by the traffic enforcement team on a case-by-case basis rather than processed automatically. Permit duration would be determined by specific resident need with no fixed maximum time limit in the code, though a 90-day notification period was referenced. Staff clarified that permits authorize parking in designated areas subject to availability but do not reserve specific spaces. Exceptions were noted for active loading and unloading. The discussion also covered the distinction between oversized vehicles and trailers and the prevention of multiple permits monopolizing street parking.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve Item 3.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The transcript ends immediately after the second is called; the vote outcome is not recorded in this portion of the transcript.
Agenda Item 7: Public Hearing and Resolution for Special Use Permit PHSU 26-7 (Hueneme Beach Car Show)
- The Council held a public hearing regarding a resolution to grant a five-year special use permit (PHSU 26-7) to the Port Hueneme Police Department and Police Explorers. The permit authorizes two annual Hueneme Beach Car Show fundraising events from 2026 to 2030, featuring live entertainment, food, and vendor booths. Events are scheduled for the second Sunday in June and one Sunday in October, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The October event proceeds support the Police Explorers' Turkey Drive. The proposal includes the closure of Ocean View Drive and the use of Parking Lots B and C, while Surfside Drive remains open. The project was determined to be categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
- Discussion: Discussion focused on expanding from one to two annual events to support fundraising due to declining sponsorship levels. Staff clarified that a 30-day buffer period between shows is intended to manage noise but does not preclude other non-noisy events. Questions regarding exclusivity were addressed; staff confirmed other organizations may apply for their own car shows. Safety measures, including minimizing loud vehicle horns and orienting speakers toward the ocean, were discussed. No public comments were received.
- Motion: A motion was made to adopt the resolution conditionally approving Special Use Permit PHSU 26-7 and finding the project categorically exempt from CEQA.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 8: Public Hearing on Vacancies and Recruitment/Retention Report (AB 2561)
- The Council conducted a public hearing pursuant to Government Code Section 3502.3 (AB 2561) to receive an annual report on city vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts. Staff presented data as of April 1, 2026, indicating 128 total full-time equivalent (FTE) positions with 7.5 FTEs vacant, resulting in a 5.5% overall vacancy rate. Vacancy rates varied by employee group: 5.9% for management and unrepresented employees, 6.5% for the Police Officers Association, and 4.8% for SEIU Local 721. Staff noted that while some positions were frozen during budget adoption, critical vacancies are being filled as they arise.
- Discussion: Discussion centered on staffing levels relative to historical peaks and the strategy of "right-sizing" the workforce. Staff explained that vacant positions are evaluated case-by-case, considering the cost of contracting versus hiring. No public comments were received.
- Motion: A motion was made to open the public hearing, receive the informational report, and close the hearing.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 9: Police Department 700 Megahertz Radio Equipment Purchase
- The Council considered a staff recommendation to approve a budget appropriation not to exceed $395,470 for the purchase and installation of 700 megahertz band-compatible radio equipment. The proposal includes authorizing the Chief of Police to execute a contract with Telcom Inc. and approving an exemption from the formal bidding process under Municipal Code Section 2564(B). Staff explained that current infrastructure is incompatible with the regional 700 megahertz system adopted by Ventura County, which is necessary to restore interoperability with neighboring agencies. The estimated annual subscription cost is approximately $13,173 for 55 active radios. Telcom Inc. was recommended due to their established relationship and prior work, as quotes from Motorola were deemed more expensive and less comprehensive regarding installation labor.
- Discussion: No public comments were received.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the budget appropriation, authorize the contract with Telcom Inc., and approve the bidding exemption.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 10: 2025 Water Master Plan
- Staff and consultant MKN (now Ardura) presented the 2025 Water Master Plan, a 170-page report evaluating the city's water system infrastructure, operational needs, and long-term capital improvement requirements. Key findings indicated that while the system meets current and future demand, significant pressure deficiencies exist due to aging cast iron and asbestos-cement pipes. To prevent breaks, system pressure has been lowered, resulting in 151 identified fire flow deficiencies. The plan proposes 31 capital projects totaling $23.2 million over a 10-year period, divided into operational enhancements and specific fire flow improvements. Implementing operational enhancements is projected to reduce fire flow deficiencies from 151 to 36. The plan also recommends replacing manual meters with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and implementing an asset management system.
- Discussion: Discussion addressed the method for replacing asbestos-cement pipes (abandoning in place rather than removal), the timeline for addressing different pipe materials, and the impact of the Naval Base Ventura County's separate infrastructure. Staff noted these projects will be integrated into the upcoming Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and utility rate study.
- Decision: No formal motion or vote was taken; the item was presented for informational purposes.
City Manager's Report
- The City Manager provided updates on community and administrative matters, including the "Coffee with Your City" event, the Port Hueneme Historical Museum receiving a Ventura County Historic Preservation Award, and the approval of new fee schedules enabling expanded summer programming. Reminders were issued regarding the May 22 deadline for 2026 Hero Award nominations, the upcoming Memorial Day ceremony on May 25, and the Hueneme Beach Festival scheduled for July 11. The agenda for the June 1 meeting was previewed.
Councilmember Reports
- Council members provided brief reports on recent activities, including attendance at the California Community Choice Association meeting, a Ventura County Animal Services commission meeting cancellation, World Trade Day, a Southern California Association of Governments conference, a Latina Action Day event, a monthly senior social, a Women's Realtor Association panel, and the Port's 60th anniversary celebration.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m. The next regular scheduled meeting is set for Monday, June 1st, at 6:30 p.m. No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.