Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
- A proclamation recognizing October 2026 as Down Syndrome Awareness Month was read.
- The Chief of Police and Principal presented on the Hueneme High School special needs program.
- A group photo was taken following the presentations.
Veterans Advisory Ad Hoc Committee and Veterans Banner Program Update
- Staff reported that the first round of 16 banners was well-received, with suggestions to adjust height, photo size, and font boldness.
- The committee plans to install remaining banners near the Orvine S. Carpenter Community Center before Veterans Day.
- Council discussed expanding eligibility to non-residents with significant ties to the city, such as long-term employees or business owners.
- The Council approved the committee’s determination of requirements, directing them to return with specific criteria defining "substantial" ties.
Overview of Issues Related to Use of Electric Bicycles
- Staff presented an overview of e-bike safety concerns, state classifications, and recent legislation affecting local usage.
- The City Attorney clarified that the city is not liable for failing to legislate but could be named in lawsuits if a dangerous condition is created.
- Staff proposed initial outreach efforts, including partnering with local school districts to disseminate safety information to student riders.
- The item was received for information without a motion, with staff directed to report back on the effectiveness of these measures.
Department Budget Overview and Upcoming Annual Budget Preparation
- Staff noted a shift in budget focus from expenditure reductions to revenue stability and cost allocation, with cannabis fees declining significantly.
- Expenditure priorities have shifted toward Public Works and Housing/Facilities due to capital improvement projects and deferred maintenance.
- Staff recommended updating the cost allocation study to ensure enterprise funds reimburse the general fund for shared staff costs.
- The item was received for information, with staff directed to proceed with recommended studies and budget preparation.
City Manager Comments
- The "Spooktacular" event was rescheduled to October 28 due to forecasted rain, while the "Touch-A-Truck" event drew over 3,000 attendees.
- Priority ticket sales for the Senior Holiday Luncheon on December 8 will occur November 2–6, with general sales beginning November 9.
- Upcoming agenda items for November 2 include a fee waiver request, a proposed drone policy, and changes to the park reservation process.
Council Member Reports and Comments
- A council member reported that the Hueneme Housing Envisioning Workshop is in progress, with a final draft expected in 2–3 months.
- Concerns were raised regarding the relocation of 50–70 motorhomes to the Helico site, citing potential environmental and traffic impacts.
- Reports included successful community events such as the El Niño presentation and Victorian Tea, as well as attendance at various agency meetings.
- Volunteers were requested for the Salvation Army bell ringing on November 11 and the Mar Vista food share distribution.
Closed Session
- The Council entered closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) to discuss the City Manager’s public employee performance evaluation.
- No reportable action was taken during the session.
Full summary
Closed Session
- The Council entered closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) to discuss the City Manager’s public employee performance evaluation. No reportable action was taken.
Public Comments (Non-Agenda Items)
- Five residents provided comments regarding noise near the pier and parking lot, a local business promotion, city responsiveness and traffic improvements, a missing water meter at the Villa Seville HOA, and a property line encroachment dispute involving emergency egress access. Staff noted that specific code enforcement and building issues cannot be discussed in open session due to the Brown Act but confirmed that active enforcement items exist and staff would contact the complainants.
Agenda Approval
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. Vote: Passed unanimously.
Presentations
- Down Syndrome Awareness Month: A proclamation recognizing October 2026 as Down Syndrome Awareness Month was read.
- Hueneme High School Special Needs Program: The Chief of Police and the Principal presented on the special needs program, with additional remarks from a Special Needs Teacher. A group photo was taken.
Consent Calendar
- The City Attorney provided the required oral announcement regarding compensation changes for executive staff and department heads. The proposed resolution includes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment effective for the 2026-27 fiscal year, another 2% adjustment effective January 2028, and increases to health insurance benefits ($50/month for employee-only; $75/month for employee-plus-one). A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar. Vote: Passed unanimously.
Item 5: Veterans Advisory Ad Hoc Committee and Veterans Banner Program Update
- Staff and the Veterans Ad Hoc Committee presented an update on the banner program. The first round of 16 banners installed in July was generally well-received, with suggestions to lower the banners, increase photo size, and bolden name fonts. The committee plans to install three remaining banners and one new banner near the Orvine S. Carpenter Community Center before Veterans Day, with future installations planned for the beach side of Surfside Avenue.
- Council discussed expanding eligibility beyond Port Hueneme residents to include non-residents with significant ties to the city, such as long-term employees, business owners, or those with family connections. The committee noted that current criteria require a Port Hueneme connection but sought Council direction on broadening this to include those who work in the city or have other substantial ties.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the Ad Hoc Committee’s determination of the requirements for the banner program, with the caveat that the Committee must return to the Council with the specific criteria they define as "substantial" or qualifying. Vote: Passed unanimously.
Item 6: Overview of Issues Related to Use of Electric Bicycles
- The City Manager presented an overview of e-bikes, noting their growing popularity and associated safety concerns, including speed, lack of helmet usage, and confusion regarding vehicle types. The presentation covered state classifications (Class 1, 2, and 3), local city codes prohibiting motorized vehicles on the pier and sand, and recent state legislation (AB 1569, AB 2346, SB 1167). Staff outlined potential outreach efforts, including distributing VCTC’s "Bike Basics for Young Riders" guide, promoting CHP online safety courses, and sharing safety tips via city channels.
- Council inquired about other electric personal mobility devices (e.g., electric unicycles, electric skateboards) and whether current city codes cover them. Staff confirmed that city codes prohibiting wheeled vehicles on the pier and sand apply to these devices, but there are no specific local regulations for their use on sidewalks. Regarding liability, the City Attorney stated that the city is not liable for failing to legislate, but could be named in a lawsuit if an incident occurred; however, liability would depend on whether the city created a dangerous condition.
- Staff provided context on e-bike regulations, noting that while some jurisdictions focus on liability, others focus on public safety due to high volumes of youth riders. Staff explained that current state laws (specifically AB 2346) establish a prima facie speed limit of 10 mph on sidewalks for e-bikes, effective January 1, 2027. Staff clarified that while cities have the authority to adopt specific speed limits for bike lanes and trails, there are currently no posted speed limits on local bike paths in Port Hueneme.
- Council members discussed the potential for conflicts between different rider populations (e.g., children on tricycles vs. fast-moving cyclists) and expressed concern for pedestrian safety, particularly for elderly residents on the pier and boardwalk. One council member noted the presence of high-speed electric vehicles in parks.
- Staff proposed initial steps including public outreach and education regarding the new state laws and safe usage. Staff suggested partnering with local school districts (Hueneme High School and Oxnard High School) to disseminate information, as many riders are students. Staff indicated they would report back on the effectiveness of these measures. Decision: No motion was taken; the item was received for information.
Item 7: Department Budget Overview and Upcoming Annual Budget Preparation
- Staff presented a high-level overview of the city’s budget, noting a shift from previous years of expenditure reductions to a focus on revenue stability and cost allocation.
- Revenue: Staff identified sales tax, property tax, and vehicle license fee compensation as primary stable revenue sources. Hotel tax revenue was noted to be less than $1 million. Cannabis business fees, previously a significant portion of the budget, have declined from a peak of nearly $4 million to an estimated $700,000–$800,000. Intergovernmental revenue (approx. $4 million) includes port revenue sharing and reimbursements from the Housing and Community Development (HHI) entity.
- Expenditures: Staff compared 2020-2021 and 2026-2027 budgets, noting that while the total budget has returned to pre-cannabis levels (approx. $29 million), spending priorities have shifted. Public Works and Housing/Facilities budgets have increased relative to other departments due to capital improvement projects (CIP) and deferred maintenance. Police department spending remains stable at approximately 43.9% of the budget.
- Staffing: Total positions have decreased from a peak of 164 to approximately 146, returning to pre-cannabis staffing levels.
- Cost Allocation and Fees: Staff recommended updating the cost allocation study to ensure enterprise funds and HHI reimburse the general fund for shared staff costs (e.g., payroll, IT, administration). Staff noted that business license fees are outdated and require a voter-approved process to increase, though administrative fees have been implemented.
- Assessment Districts: Staff reported that the lighting assessment district currently requires a general fund subsidy of $60,000–$80,000 annually for utility costs. An audit with Southern California Edison is in progress. The maintenance and drainage districts currently maintain small fund balances for major projects.
- Upcoming Actions: Staff outlined plans to conduct a utility rate study, update the master fee schedule, and continue right-sizing the budget. Staff noted that HHI, a nonprofit entity sharing city staff, reimburses the city for staff time, resulting in a net-neutral impact on the general fund for those specific labor costs.
- Council inquired about the source of intergovernmental transfers, the status of business license fee updates, the timeline for budget workshops (late March/early April), and the financial impact of HHI staffing. Staff clarified that HHI staff are city employees billed to HHI, and any new hires for HHI would require council approval. Decision: No motion was required. The item was received for information, with staff directed to proceed with the recommended studies and budget preparation.
City Manager Comments
- Event Rescheduling: Staff announced that the "Spooktacular" event, originally scheduled for October 21, is being rescheduled to October 28 due to forecasted rain.
- Event Updates: Staff reported over 3,000 attendees at the "Touch-A-Truck" event on October 10.
- Senior Holiday Luncheon: Staff announced the date for the Senior Holiday Luncheon as December 8, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Priority ticket sales for Port Hueneme residents will occur November 2–6; general sales begin November 9.
- Upcoming Agenda (November 2): Staff listed upcoming items including a fee waiver request from the Boys and Girls Club, a proposed drone policy, a cannabis dispensary ownership change/development agreement update, and proposed changes to the park reservation process.
Council Member Reports and Comments
- Hueneme Housing Envisioning Workshop: A council member reported that mission definition and goal setting are in progress with a final draft expected in 2–3 months.
- Ventura County Community College District: A council member reported on the State of the District, noting increased enrollment and targeted degree programs.
- Volunteer Opportunity: The Madam Clerk announced the Mar Vista food share distribution volunteer opportunity for the upcoming Thursday (1:00–2:00 PM).
- CJPIA Risk Management Conference: A council member reported on the conference and expressed concern regarding the relocation of 50–70 motorhomes from McWane and Arcturus streets to the Helico site and waterway, citing potential environmental and traffic impacts on Port Hueneme. The council member noted traffic impediments on Hueneme Road caused by slow-moving vehicles with flashers on.
- Community Events: A council member reported on the success of the El Niño presentation (115 attendees), speaking engagements at the Knights of Columbus and participation in the SoCal Connect committee, the Victorian Tea event (130 attendees), and representation at the Sir Optimus Barbie event.
- Agency Meetings: A council member reported attendance at VRSD, APCD, VCTC, and GCTD meetings, noted receipt of e-bike materials from VCTC, and apologized for missing the Touch-A-Truck event.
- Volunteer Coordination: The Madam Clerk requested volunteers for the Salvation Army bell ringing at Ralphs Shopping Center/Grocery Outlet on November 11. Staff offered to coordinate scheduling via email.
Adjournment
- The chair stated that if there were no further business, the meeting would be adjourned until November 2 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 9:04 p.m.