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City Council — January 14, 2026

City Council — January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

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BodyCity Council
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 January 14, 2026

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Meeting Summary

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Present: Chavez, 1-Ornelas, Crosswhite, Juarez · Absent: 5-Cornejo

This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.

At a glance

Amendment No. 4 to the Development Agreement

  • Council Member Chavez recused himself from the item due to potential ethical concerns regarding ownership stakes.
  • The amendment establishes a revenue structure providing the city $250,000 annually starting in 2029, transitioning to 50% of surplus special tax revenue later.
  • Key provisions include first-class sports park maintenance, water rights accounting, and city responsibility for specific street improvements.
  • The ordinance was approved with a condition that it only takes effect if the corresponding CFD amendments are also adopted.

Harvest CFD No. 1 Improvement Areas B and C

  • Staff presented a resolution to initiate a two-step legal process for changing the Rate and Method of Apportionment for the district.
  • The proposed changes would convert a portion of the special tax from a facilities levy to a services levy to fund city amenities after bond repayment.
  • Approval requires a unanimous vote from current landowners following a public hearing scheduled for February 18, 2026.
  • The council adopted Resolution No. 7599 to formally declare consideration of these proposed changes.

Closed Session

  • Council Member Castillo reported on a prior closed session regarding real property negotiations for the James Mason property.
  • The negotiating party was identified as Xavier Magnin.
  • No reportable actions were taken during the closed session.

Full summary

Special Meeting of the San Paul City Council

  • Date: January 14, 2026

Call to Order and Introductions

  • The meeting was called to order by Mayor Juarez. Following the flag salute and roll call, Council Member Cornejo was noted as absent. The City Manager introduced Dr. Amina Mears as the new Deputy City Manager. Dr. Mears addressed the council, expressing her enthusiasm for the role.

Closed Session Report

  • Council Member Castillo reported on the closed session held earlier regarding real property negotiations (Item 5A on the special agenda) concerning the James Mason property. The negotiating party was Xavier Magnin. The report stated that no reportable actions were taken during the closed session.

Item 4A: Public Hearing and Ordinance on Amendment No. 4 to the Development Agreement

  • Recusal: Council Member Chavez recused himself from this item due to an abundance of caution regarding ethical standards and potential public confusion, citing a stake of ownership, though he noted no legal requirement for recusal.
  • Staff Presentation: Staff presented Amendment No. 4 to the Development Agreement. The amendment includes provisions regarding:
  • Community Facilities District (CFD) Amendments: The amendment references changes to the CFD for Improvement Areas B (Foothill Neighborhood) and C (Santa Paula Creek). It outlines a revenue structure where the city receives $250,000 annually starting in Fiscal Year 2029, transitioning to 50% of the surplus from the special tax after the bond repayment period (estimated between Fiscal Years 2067-2068).
  • Park Maintenance: The city is required to maintain the sports park at a first-class level. A negotiated maintenance program and fee credit structure were presented.
  • Water Rights: An accounting of water usage will occur five years after the park's acceptance.
  • Public Improvements: The city will negotiate reimbursement agreements with the developer (LLCB) for infrastructure costs exceeding the developer's fair share, specifically regarding the Howie and Telegraph intersection bridge.
  • Permitting: The agreement facilitates a "fast track" procedure for East Area 1 approvals.
  • Traffic and Streets: The city will assume responsibility for completing improvements on High Road and 10th Street. The agreement includes provisions for excusable delays and the potential for the city to acquire land for storm drains and a linear park.
  • Financials: The agreement includes the return of a $2 million deposit to Lewis upon the issuance of the 1,000th certificate of occupancy.
  • Discussion: Council members and staff discussed the interdependence of this item and the subsequent CFD amendment (Item 5A). Vice Mayor Crosswhite requested clarification that the Development Agreement amendment would not take effect unless the CFD amendments were also approved. Staff and the City Attorney confirmed that language could be added to the ordinance to ensure the two items function as a package. Questions were raised regarding the timeline for street improvements relative to the Crosstown Pipeline project, the specifics of reclaimed water usage, and the process for reimbursing the developer for oversized infrastructure.
  • Motion and Vote: Vice Mayor Crosswhite moved to approve the ordinance finding that Amendment No. 4 to the Development Agreement will not result in new significant environmental impacts. Council Member Nellis seconded the motion. The motion passed with a vote of 3-0.

Item 5A: Resolution of Consideration for Changes to Improvement Areas B and C of Harvest CFD No. 1

  • Staff Presentation: Staff presented a resolution to consider changes to the Rate and Method of Apportionment (RMA) for Improvement Areas B and C of the Harvest Community Facilities District. The proposed changes would allow a portion of the special tax, previously designated for facilities, to be used for city services, including the maintenance of the sports park, once the bonds are paid off.
  • Process: The resolution initiates a two-step legal process. Passing the resolution sets a public hearing for February 18, 2026. Following the hearing, landowners (currently represented by Lennar and Lewis) must vote unanimously to approve the changes before the council can adopt the final resolution.
  • Financial Impact: The changes would transition the special tax from a facilities levy to a services levy at 50% of the maximum rate after the bond transition period. This creates a perpetual revenue stream for the city, adjusted for inflation, to fund amenities and services.
  • Prepayment: The RMA includes provisions limiting prepayment to prevent tax fluctuations for future homeowners during the transition period.
  • Discussion: Council members inquired about the benefits to the developer, the recourse for public disagreement, and the allocation of funds. Staff clarified that the developer benefits from the broader Development Agreement rather than this specific RMA change. It was noted that future homeowners do not yet exist, so the vote rests with the current landowners. Staff explained that while the funds originate from the Harvest area, they are not legally restricted to that specific neighborhood, though future councils would likely prioritize local needs. The possibility of a future referendum to challenge the tax was acknowledged.
  • Motion and Vote: Vice Mayor Crosswhite moved to adopt Resolution No. 7599, declaring the council's consideration of the proposed changes to the CFD. Council Member Chavez seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Adjournment

  • The City Manager acknowledged the developer's role in facilitating the agreement. The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 PM.