City Council — June 1, 2026

PMA/ILWU Longshoremen Union Hall Project

• The council reviewed a proposal for a $12 million dispatch hall located outside port gates to improve security and aesthetics.
• Public comments highlighted economic benefits while raising concerns about traffic congestion and potential social use.
• Council members confirmed the plan met zoning and parking requirements before unanimously approving the permits.

Annual Assessment Districts

• Resolutions were adopted to levy assessments for lighting, parkway, and drainage maintenance districts for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
• Staff proposed an audit of lighting billing tiers and energy efficiency upgrades to address a deficit requiring a General Fund subsidy.
• The council unanimously approved the resolutions, noting that drainage and parkway districts have sufficient fund balances.

Boca Park Neighborhood Parking Layout

• Staff received authorization to design and implement angled parking along Volker Drive to add 11 to 15 new spaces.
• Council members acknowledged the project as a partial solution while discussing broader parking pressures from state ADU mandates.
• The motion to appropriate $8,000 from gas tax funds passed with one member recusing herself due to proximity.

Senate Bill 707 (Brown Act Updates)

• The council adopted a resolution updating technology disruption policies and compliance with new state open meeting laws.
• Key changes include mandatory two-way remote access for the public and restrictions on council members interacting on social media.
• The resolution also mandates Spanish translation of agendas and establishes a one-hour recess protocol for technical failures.

Closed Session

• No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.

• Here is a summary of the Port Hueneme City Council meeting proceedings:

1. PMA/ILWU Longshoremen Union Hall Project (Item 7)

• Proposal: The council considered a permit for a new $12 million dispatch hall for the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) located outside the port gates on Surfside Drive.
• Public Comments:
• Support: Speakers from the Port of Hueneme, the Chamber of Commerce, the VFW, and longshoremen emphasized the project's benefits: improved security (moving the hall outside the gate), beautification of a previously neglected "eyesore," economic stimulation for local businesses, and the vital role of the workforce in port revenue.
• Concerns: A resident from the adjacent Beach House community and a representative from the Shell Harbor complex expressed concerns regarding increased traffic congestion on Hueneme Road and the potential for the facility to become a social hub rather than a professional one.
• Council Discussion: Council members praised the thoroughness of the plan, noting it met zoning and parking requirements (137 spaces provided vs. 110 required). They highlighted the successful partnership between the city, union, and port. Safety for pedestrians and cyclists was emphasized.
• Outcome: The motion to approve the development and coastal permits passed unanimously.

2. Annual Assessment Districts (Item 8)

• Proposal: Adoption of resolutions to levy assessments for three districts: Lighting Maintenance (87-1), Parkway and Median (91-1), and Drainage Maintenance (95-3) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
• Financial Details:
• Drainage: Currently has a deficit but sufficient fund balance to cover costs without a General Fund subsidy. Plans include transitioning from manual reed removal to chemical control (herbicides) to reduce long-term costs.
• Parkway/Median: Has a $212,000 deficit but maintains a healthy fund balance; no General Fund subsidy needed.
• Lighting: Has zero fund balance and requires a $62,000 General Fund subsidy.
• Council Discussion: Staff proposed an audit by SCE to review billing tiers and explore energy efficiency upgrades (smart controllers, potential solar pilots) to reduce lighting costs before considering rate increases or Proposition 218 overlay districts. Council members discussed the challenges of state mandates (ADUs) reducing garage parking availability, contributing to street parking pressure.
• Outcome: The motion to approve the resolutions passed unanimously.

3. Boca Park Neighborhood Parking Layout (Item 9)

• Proposal: Authorization for staff to design and implement angled parking along Volker Drive (between Hemlock and Sharon Lane) to add 11–15 parking spaces.
• Funding: $8,000 to be appropriated from gas tax funds.
• Discussion: Council members noted this is a "low-hanging fruit" solution but acknowledged it won't solve all parking issues in the dense neighborhood. Concerns were raised about residents parking on the street instead of in garages due to state ADU laws.
• Outcome: The motion to approve the study and implementation passed 4-0 (Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez recused herself due to proximity).

4. Senate Bill 707 (Brown Act Updates) (Item 10)

• Proposal: Adoption of a resolution regarding technology disruption policies and compliance with new state open meeting laws.
• Key Changes:
• Remote Access: Mandatory two-way audio/video (Zoom) for public participation starting July 1, 2026.
• Social Media: Council members may like/comment on public posts regarding city business but are strictly prohibited from interacting (liking/commenting) with each other's posts.
• Disruption Policy: If internet/telephonic service fails, the meeting must recess for at least one hour (or until restored) before voting to continue.
• Translation: Agendas must be translated into Spanish (meeting the 20% threshold) and posted in a designated public area for community translations.
• Outcome: The informational report was received, and the technology disruption policy resolution passed unanimously.

5. City Manager and Council Reports

• Upcoming Events: Miranda Park playground opening (June 9), Movies in the Park (starting June 27), Juneteenth proclamation, and the Hueneme Beach Festival.
• Awards: Public Works Department received the 2025 Project of the Year Award from APWA.
• Community Updates:
• Housing: Hueneme Housing Inc. is finalizing financial reports; the Willowbrook property is nearing escrow closure.
• Dredging: Council members discussed the need for early lobbying for Army Corps of Engineers funding for port dredging cycles.
• Miranda Park: High usage noted, with parking becoming an issue for pickleball players.
• Local Arts: Recognition of local artist Nylee and her exhibitions.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 10:12 PM. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 15th.