City Council — September 8, 2026

National Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation

• Council Member Perez read a proclamation recognizing September 2026 as National Suicide Prevention Month.
• A representative from MZ Independent Consulting discussed free suicide prevention trainings and rising 988 call volumes.
• The proclamation was formally read into the record.

National Preparedness Month and 9-11 Remembrance Proclamation

• The Mayor read a proclamation recognizing National Preparedness Month and honoring 9/11 victims.
• Staff outlined city preparedness efforts, including Red Cross shelter coordination and El Niño impacts.
• Council requested a future briefing on drainage maintenance and flood channel status.
• The proclamation was read into the record, with staff noting a detailed flood channel presentation requires future agendization.

Housing Authority Disbursement Review

• Council Member Lopez pulled a consent calendar item for discussion regarding vendor account numbers ending in "9999."
• Staff explained these entries likely represent refunds or credits rather than standard vendor payments.
• The item was approved following the clarification.

Housing Authority Voucher Program Inquiry

• Staff reported receiving a resident letter regarding the administration of the voucher program.
• The inquiry was forwarded to Housing Inc. to determine responsibility and potential need for a future presentation.

Biannual Review and Adoption of Conflict of Interest Code

• Staff confirmed a typo in the report regarding disclosure categories for the "Confidential Analyst" position.
• The intended disclosure categories were clarified as 1 and 2, consistent with the Senior Planner position.
• The code was approved with the corrected disclosure categories.

CoastSnap Cradle Purchase and Installation on Hueneme Pier

• The City Manager explained the partnership with Surfrider to track sand movement via public photography.
• Staff indicated that CoastSnap collects the data, allowing the city to partner for its use.
• Liability concerns regarding phones falling into the water were addressed with "use at your own risk" signage.
• The purchase and installation were approved.

Sole Source Purchase of Ultra Flow Arch Pipe

• Staff detailed the purchase of pipe for the Pearson Avenue and 8th Street storm drain replacement.
• Council discussed the 8% price increase risk if manufacturing extends past October 9 and staging logistics.
• Staff confirmed the pipe is thick-gauge steel, will be fenced, and replaces aging infrastructure from the late 1970s.
• The sole source purchase was approved.

Coastal Development Permit and Beach Parking Fees

• Staff recommended a 25% increase to hourly/all-day rates and a 20% increase to annual passes.
• The proposal notes rates have not changed since 2008 and remain comparable to neighboring municipalities.
• Council discussed the adequacy of the projected $300,000 to $400,000 annual revenue increase against rising costs.
• The fee increase recommendation was approved, subject to California Coastal Commission review.

Short-Term Rental Ordinance Adoption

• Staff presented the second reading of the ordinance, including a 10% citywide cap and "good neighbor" standards.
• The ordinance’s effective date is contingent upon California Coastal Commission approval.
• Council clarified that state law prohibits Accessory Dwelling Units from being used as short-term rentals.
• The ordinance was adopted by title only, waiving further reading.

Response to Civil Grand Jury Fireworks Report

• Staff presented a response supporting standardized fireworks enforcement strategies across Ventura County.
• Council discussed discrepancies in citation data and penalty structures between Port Hueneme and neighboring cities.
• The Council approved staff recommendations to accept the Grand Jury finding and participate in VCLCC meetings.

Future Agenda Item Request for Military Banner Program

• Council Member Lopez requested a formal agenda item to allocate $10,000 from the Community Benefit Fund.
• The allocation would support the military banner program under the Community Development category.
• Staff noted the banner program update could be combined with the Community Benefit Fund discussion.
• Staff was directed to place the item on the future agenda.

City Manager Updates

• The City Manager provided updates on upcoming events, including Movies in the Park and Coastal Cleanup Day.
• New "Port Hueneme Legacy Award" applications for the Business Alliance were announced.
• Future agenda requests were noted for automated license plate readers and e-bike safety regulations.

Hueneme Housing Inc. Updates

• Council Member Wilcox reported that Hueneme Housing Inc. purchased a property for low-income housing.
• A five-year visioning program meeting is scheduled to present goals for the organization and Willowbrook project.
• An annual fundraiser is being planned to increase revenue for property improvements and expansion.

Public Concerns and Observations

• A speaker raised concerns regarding the odor of trash cans at Hueneme Beach.
• A speaker reported a diesel fuel odor incident at the port and requested information on operations.
• A speaker shared the grand opening of the new Filipino Cultural Center on Hueneme Road.

Closed Session

• No reportable action was taken for Item A.
• No reportable action was taken for Item B.

Meeting Opening and Roll Call

• The City Council regular meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Roll call was taken, and all members were present.

Inspiration

• Council Member Lopez delivered remarks recognizing Labor Day, highlighting contributions from workers in agriculture, port operations, construction, public works, law enforcement, healthcare, education, and military sectors within Ventura County.

Closed Session Items

• Item A: No reportable action.
• Item B: No reportable action.

Public Comments (Not Pertaining to Agenda Items)

• Martin Sanchez: Inquired about the status of retrofitting the pump house on Third Side Drive for backup power during outages, citing previous flooding damage. Staff indicated Public Works would follow up with information.
• Bobby Martinez: Invited council members to the second annual Hueneme Sister Cities Committee fundraiser on September 14.
• Everett Arellano: Requested that the city allow the placement of a commemorative plaque on Hueneme Pier to honor his late father, a local fisherman, and the Filipino community’s connection to the pier.

Agenda Approval

• Motion: To approve the agenda.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

• No conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Presentations

1. National Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation

• Discussion: Council Member Perez read a proclamation recognizing September 2026 as National Suicide Prevention Month. Amaya Zumaya from MZ Independent Consulting spoke about free suicide prevention trainings (QPR, Living Work Safe Talk) and the increasing number of 988 calls.
• Action: The proclamation was read into the record.

2. National Preparedness Month and 9-11 Remembrance Proclamation

• Discussion: The Mayor read a proclamation recognizing September 2026 as National Preparedness Month and honoring the lives lost on September 11, 2001. The City Manager discussed the city’s preparedness efforts, including working with the Red Cross for a local emergency shelter, creek debris removal, and the potential impact of a "Super El Niño." Staff highlighted resources such as VC Alert, ReadyVenturaCounty.gov, and the new Aware California app.
• Council Discussion: Council members discussed the need for a future presentation on drainage maintenance and flood channel status. Council Member Lopez requested a briefing on the state of drainage outflow. Council Member Perez noted a community presentation on El Niño preparedness scheduled for October 10.
• Public Comment: Martin Sanchez commented on the critical importance of the pump station functioning during floods, noting that individual homeowner preparation is insufficient if the main pump fails.
• Action: The proclamation was read into the record. Staff noted that a detailed presentation on city flood channel preparations would need to be agendized for a future meeting.

Housing Authority Regular Meeting

• The meeting recessed from City Council and reconvened as the Housing Authority regular meeting at 7:08 p.m. Roll call was taken; Member Brown was absent.

Housing Authority Consent Calendar

• Item 3: Council Member Lopez requested this item be pulled from the consent calendar for discussion.
• Items 1 and 2:
• Motion: To approve Items 1 and 2.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.
• Item 3 (Discussion): Council Member Lopez inquired about vendor account numbers ending in "9999" in the disbursement sheet. Staff explained these likely represent refunds or credits rather than standard vendor payments.
• Motion: To approve Item 3.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.

Housing Authority Reports/Comments

• Discussion: A council member mentioned receiving a letter from a Mar Vista resident regarding the administration of the voucher program. Staff indicated they had forwarded the inquiry to Housing Inc. (HHI) to determine if it was an HHI or City Council responsibility and would provide a future presentation if appropriate.
• Adjournment: The Housing Authority meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 5.

City Council Consent Calendar (Reconvened)

• The City Council meeting reconvened at 7:14 p.m.
• Items 4, 5, and 6: Council members requested these items be pulled from the consent calendar for individual discussion.
• Items 1 through 3:
• Motion: To approve Items 1, 2, and 3.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.

Item 4: Biannual Review and Adoption of Conflict of Interest Code

• Discussion: Council Member Lopez noted a discrepancy in the staff report regarding disclosure categories for the "Confidential Analyst" position (listed as 5-9 in the report but 1-2 in the resolution). Staff confirmed the report contained a typo and that the intended disclosure categories are 1 and 2, consistent with the Senior Planner position.
• Motion: To approve Item 4.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.

Item 5: CoastSnap Cradle Purchase and Installation on Hueneme Pier

• Discussion: The City Manager explained that the project originated from a partnership with Surfrider on dune restoration. The CoastSnap Cradle allows the public to photograph the coastline to track sand movement, particularly relevant to the dredge project. Staff plans to publicize the installation and how to use the tool. Council members discussed the data collection process, noting that CoastSnap collects the data and the city can partner to use it. Questions were raised about liability if phones fall into the water; staff indicated signage would state "use at your own risk."
• Motion: To approve Item 5.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.

Item 6: Sole Source Purchase of Ultra Flow Arch Pipe

• Discussion: The item involves purchasing pipe from Contact Engineer Solutions for the Pearson Avenue and 8th Street storm drain replacement. Council Member Lopez raised concerns about the 8% price increase if manufacturing/shipping extends past October 9, and the staging area for the pipe. Staff explained that the pipe is staged near the port/Market Street location, which is currently unused for other projects. Staff addressed concerns about vandalism and damage, noting the pipe is thick-gauge steel and will be fenced. Council members discussed the timeline for installation, with staff indicating they are working to have a contractor ready immediately upon delivery. The project replaces aging infrastructure (installed in the late 1970s) to improve stormwater capacity ahead of potential severe weather.
• Motion: To approve Item 6.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.

Item 7: Coastal Development Permit and Beach Parking Fees

• Discussion: Staff presented a recommendation to increase beach parking fees at Hueneme Beach, noting that rates have not been adjusted since 2008. The proposal includes a 25% increase to hourly and all-day parking rates and a 20% increase to resident and non-resident annual passes. Staff explained that the fees support beach operations, maintenance, and capital improvements, and that the proposed rates remain comparable to neighboring municipalities. Staff noted that the existing parking equipment can accommodate the new rates without additional purchases. The proposal is subject to review by the California Coastal Commission, with a 10-day appeal period following approval.
• Council Discussion: Council discussed the likelihood of a Coastal Commission appeal and the adequacy of the projected revenue increase (approximately $300,000 to $400,000 annually) to cover rising maintenance costs. Staff indicated that while the increase brings revenue closer to covering costs, it does not fully account for inflation, and future adjustments may be necessary.
• Motion: To approve the recommendation.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.

Item 8: Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance Adding Chapter 10 to Article 5 of the Port Hueneme Municipal Code (Short-Term Rentals)

• Discussion: Staff presented the second reading of the short-term rental ordinance, highlighting key provisions including annual permits, business license requirements, ownership disclosure, a 10% citywide cap on short-term rentals, and "good neighbor" standards such as quiet hours, off-street parking requirements, trash management, and nuisance response plans. Staff explained that the ordinance’s effective date is contingent upon approval by the California Coastal Commission, as it constitutes an amendment to the Local Coastal Program. Staff noted that while the Coastal Commission review is pending, business license and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) requirements will remain in effect.
• Council Discussion: Council discussed the complexity of messaging regarding coastal zone boundaries, the potential for parking conflicts between short-term rentals and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and the projected revenue from short-term rentals. Staff clarified that state law prohibits ADUs from being used as short-term rentals and that the ordinance requires sufficient off-street parking to minimize street parking impacts.
• Motion: To adopt the ordinance by title only, waiving further reading.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.

Item 9: Response to Civil Grand Jury Fireworks Report

• Discussion: Staff presented a response to a Ventura County Civil Grand Jury report recommending that the Ventura County Fire Department interface regularly with the Ventura County Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (VCLCC) to standardize fireworks enforcement strategies across the county. Staff stated that the City supports the recommendation for standardized, strategic coordination among law enforcement agencies and fire departments, rather than individual city-by-city approaches.
• Council Discussion: Council discussed discrepancies in citation data between Port Hueneme and neighboring cities like Oxnard, noting differences in code sections used and penalty structures. Staff explained that the Grand Jury’s recommendation aims to create an "apples-to-apples" comparison and shared enforcement strategies, such as the use of drones and internal penalty adjustments.
• Motion: To approve staff recommendations one through three, accepting the Grand Jury finding and agreeing to participate in VCLCC meetings.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.

Item 10: Future Agenda Item Request (Community Benefit Fund Allocation for Military Banner Program)

• Discussion: Councilmember Lopez requested that the Council schedule a formal agenda item to consider allocating $10,000 from the prior year’s unprogrammed Community Benefit Fund (CBF) balance to support the military banner program under Category B (Community Development). The request emphasized that this is a Council policy decision regarding fund allocation, not an administrative task, and cited precedent for CBF funding of civic identity projects.
• Council Discussion: Council discussed the scope of the future agenda item, clarifying that it would include a review of the CBF, the specific $10,000 allocation request, and an update from the Veterans Ad Hoc Committee on the banner program’s status and Phase 2. Staff noted that the banner program update was already in the pipeline and could be combined with the CBF discussion. Council agreed to include the military banner program request in the upcoming Community Benefit Fund agenda item.
• Motion: To direct staff to place the item on the future agenda.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.

City Manager Comments and Reports

• The City Manager provided updates on upcoming events and agenda items:
• Movies in the Park: "Pirates of the Caribbean" will be shown at Hueneme Beach Park on Saturday at 7:15 p.m.
• Business Awards: The Western Ventura County Business Alliance has created a new "Port Hueneme Legacy Award" for the 2026 program; applications are open until September 18.
• Coastal Cleanup Day: Scheduled for Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Alaska Flight 261 Memorial.
• September 21 Agenda: Includes presentations on National Hispanic Heritage Month, United Water Conservation District, and the US 101 Improvement Program. Business items include the Community Benefit Fund item and a Cal Cities Conference resolution.
• Future Agenda Requests: Two requests were received: one for automated license plate reader options (potentially becoming a business item due to privacy concerns with the current vendor) and one for an informational report on e-bike safety and regulations. An El Niño item is also planned for a future agenda.

Council Member Reports and Comments

• Hueneme Housing Inc. Updates:
• Council Member Wilcox reported that Hueneme Housing Inc. purchased a property in a gated community with a cash offer for low-income housing. The property is being prepared for Section 8 occupancy.
• A five-year visioning program meeting is scheduled to present goals for Hueneme Housing Inc. and the Willowbrook project to the council.
• It was noted that the organization is planning an annual fundraiser to increase revenue for property improvements and expansion.
• A food share event was held at Mar Vista in conjunction with the Salvation Army and Alliance Club. This event is scheduled for the third Thursday of each month from 1:00 to 2:00 PM.
• Public Concerns and Observations:
• A speaker raised a concern regarding the odor of trash cans at Hueneme Beach and asked if cleaning services have been utilized.
• A speaker reported an incident on September 1 involving a strong odor identified by Southern California Gas as originating from diesel fuel transfers at the port. The speaker stated that the gas company investigator attributed the odor to Tuesday fueling operations and advised residents to "get used to it." The speaker requested information from the port regarding these operations.
• A speaker shared that they attended the grand opening of the new Filipino Cultural Center located on Hueneme Road near Ana Cappuccino Park. The speaker noted the center includes murals and historical exhibits and that the board has been entrusted with funds for its maintenance.

Adjournment

• The chair stated there were no further items to discuss.
• The meeting was adjourned.
• The next scheduled meeting is set for September 21st at 6:30 PM.