Meeting Summary
Present: Chavez, 5-Cornejo, Crosswhite, Juarez · Absent: 1-Ornelas
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
Police Department Explorers Recognition
- The Council recognized the Police Explorers for winning first place in pistol shooting at the Chandler National Tactical Competition.
- Certificates of Recognition were presented to Francisco Ramos for individual achievement and the Explorer Post for group success.
Mel L. Howery Shining Star Award
- Martine Montelongo received the 2025 Shining Star Award for 14 years of service as a Lead Facilities Maintenance Worker.
- The Council acknowledged her leadership in facility maintenance and contributions to community projects like Main Street lighting.
Parks and Recreation Activity Report
- Staff reported increased participation in youth sports and over 2,300 hours of service completed by the City Corps program.
- Updates included LED retrofits at city facilities, an EV charging station installation, and progress on the Fagan-Barranca Master Plan.
- Staff noted challenges with future state funding for senior nutrition programs and plans to seek Council assistance in the third quarter.
Public Works Department Activity Report
- The department reported 90% design completion for the advanced water treatment facility and ongoing efforts to explore alternatives to a $31 million plant.
- A $12.55 million microgrid application was submitted to SCE to power the Senior Center, Water Treatment Plant, and Fire Station.
- Staff confirmed that road closure maps will be updated on the city website to improve public access to traffic information.
City Council and Staff Reports
- Vice Mayor Crosswhite reported being elected Vice President of the Ventura Regional Sanitation District and noted a significant rebate credit for the city.
- The City Clerk reported that the Freeway Service Patrol program was not funded due to prohibitive bid prices and increased insurance costs.
- The City Manager issued a correction clarifying that the 8th Street Lighting Project action was a bid for solar lights rather than a professional services contract.
Harvest Community Facilities District Amendment
- The Council adopted resolutions to amend the Harvest CFD to allow special tax revenue to fund ongoing services after bond retirement.
- Staff confirmed that the tax rate will not increase, but the use of funds will shift to include parks and other authorized expenses.
- The amendment was approved following a unanimous vote by the two qualified electors in the affected areas.
Commission and Committee Appointments
- The Council appointed Brad Williams, Cynthia Reyes-Cruz, and Peggy M. Parra to the Measure T, Senior Advisory, and VCAAA positions respectively.
- Staff was directed to brief the new VCAAA representative and to formally acknowledge the service of departing commissioners.
Legislative Agenda Amendments
- The Council approved amendments to oppose unfunded mandates and support regional collaboration for immigrant safety and access to services.
- Language was modified to safeguard the humane treatment of all people and to support classifying the Santa Paula Hospital as rural for federal funding.
- The term "bipartisan" was removed from the immigration section to maintain a non-partisan stance in the legislative platform.
Closed Session
- City Attorney Monica Casio reported on a closed session regarding existing litigation involving the Fred and Elaine Malzacher Revocable Trust.
- No reportable actions were taken during the session.
Full summary
Meeting Call and Opening Procedures
- The regular meeting of the Santa Paula City Council was called to order on February 18, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. An invocation was delivered, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. A roll call confirmed the presence of Council Members Chavez and Cornejo, Vice Mayor Crosswhite, and Mayor Juarez. Council Member Ornelas was absent.
Closed Session Report
- City Attorney Monica Casio reported on a closed session held to discuss Item 5a regarding existing litigation: Fred and Elaine Malzacher Revocable Trust v. City of Santa Paula. No reportable actions were taken during the session.
Public Comment
- Three members of the public provided comments. Marion Krause thanked the Council for considering legislative platform additions and urged an investigation into the use of license plate reader data by ICE. Leanna Deharo announced a "Congress Form" event to gather community input. Richard Rudman, representing the Chamber of Commerce and the Aviation Museum of Santa Paula, announced upcoming events including a Chamber mixer, a business roundtable, and the Aviation Museum's "First Sunday" open house.
Item 6A: Police Department Explorers Chandler Tactical Competition
- Chief Don Aguilar presented a report on the Santa Paula Police Department Explorers' participation in the Chandler National Tactical Competition held in January 2026. The presentation detailed events including crisis negotiation, tactical marksmanship, and emergency medical support. The Explorers achieved first place in the pistol shoot and second place in wilderness marksmanship. Certificates of Recognition were presented to Francisco Ramos for individual achievement and to the Santa Paula Police Department Explorer Post 2350 for group achievement. No formal motion was made.
Item 6B: Recognition of the 2025 Mel L. Howery Shining Star Award Recipient
- Director Barnes of the Parks and Recreation Department presented the 2025 Mel L. Howery Shining Star Award to Martine Montelongo, Lead Facilities Maintenance Worker. Director Barnes detailed Montelongo's 14 years of service, leadership in facility maintenance, and contributions to community projects, including Main Street lighting installation and emergency response during holiday storms. Montelongo was recognized by the Council. No formal motion was made.
Item 6C: Parks and Recreation Department Activity Report
- Director Barnes presented an activity report covering September 2025 through January 2026. Key points included increased participation in flag football, basketball, and youth center activities; the City Corps program completed 203 projects totaling 2,367 hours; and over 175 seniors were served through classes and nutrition programs, with approximately 5,774 meals served since July 1st. Challenges regarding future state funding for senior nutrition were noted, with a plan to return to the Council in the third quarter for assistance. Facility updates included LED retrofits at the Police Department, Senior Center, and City Administration; a new sign at the Senior Center; restroom modifications at Sports Park; and the installation of an EV charging station at the Cultural Arts Building. Progress was reported on the Fagan-Barranca Master Plan, the Farm Workers Monument repair, and the Dog Park Ad Hoc Committee. Vice Mayor Crosswhite inquired about installing keypads at the Oil Museum; Director Barnes responded that rekeying was currently more cost-effective and provided necessary access tracking. No formal motion was made.
Item 6D: Public Works Department Activity Report
- Director Dale Goodman presented a report covering August 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. Key points included:
- Waste Management: Solid waste hauler Athens reported on outreach and hazardous waste events.
- Wastewater: The advanced water treatment facility design is at 90% submittal. Phase one of the WRF lary replacement project is complete. Staff is working with consultants to explore options to avoid building the plant, currently estimated at $31 million.
- Water: A hydro excavator was delivered for safer utility work. The Peck Road waterline project is complete, and the Canyon Booster Rehab Project is underway. 460 new meters were installed.
- Streets and Fleet: The Streets Division addressed trip hazards and potholes. The Fleet Division added a supervisor and a mechanic.
- Microgrid: An application for a $12.55 million microgrid project to power the Senior Center, Water Treatment Plant, and Fire Station was submitted to SCE.
- Capital Projects: Updates were provided on the 10th Street-Ohio Road crosswalk improvements, Mill Street sewer main replacement, and the Park Orchard water/sewer project, which is out to bid.
- Council Member Chavez asked about public access to road closure updates; Director Goodman confirmed a map on the city website would be updated. Vice Mayor Crosswhite asked if customers are informed about water usage monitoring when meters are replaced; staff confirmed a door hanger exists but discussed the consistency of distribution. No formal motion was made.
Item 7: City Council Reports
- Council Member Chavez provided no report. Vice Mayor Crosswhite reported on attending the Ventura Regional Sanitation District (VRSD) meeting, where he was elected Vice President for 2026. He noted a significant rebate credit for the city and an updated estimate of 12.1 years of remaining capacity at the Toland landfill. He also reported attending the Senior Advisory meeting, the Harvest ribbon cutting, the Boys and Girls Club meeting, ethics training, and a meeting regarding the Blue Ribbon Hospital Committee and the legislative agenda. No formal motion was made.
City Clerk and City Manager Reports
- The City Clerk reported on attendance at Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) meetings regarding clean transit transitions, artificial turf runoff, and incentive programs. The Clerk also reported on a student grant program, legislative efforts regarding the Regional Early Action Planning Grant Program (REAP), meetings with the Ventura County Community College District, and the Board of Supervisors' upcoming decision point on the Santa Paula Hospital. Regarding the Ventura County Transportation Commission's (VCTC) Freeway Service Patrol program, the Clerk noted that due to increased insurance costs and prohibitive bid prices, direct service for the Santa Clara Valley was not funded at this time, though efforts to increase state funding are ongoing. The Clerk also noted attendance at ethics training, committee interviews, and a study session regarding city events, and announced a future adjournment in memory of a police officer's infant son.
- The City Manager reported on attending a ribbon-cutting for new homes at The Harvest, the Boys & Girls Club gala, employee birthday celebrations, and ethics training. The Manager also attended the annual City Managers Conference, where sessions on ethics and artificial intelligence were presented, and attended a memorial for a former employee. A correction was issued regarding the 8th Street Lighting Project, clarifying that the previous action was a bid for the purchase of solar lights rather than a contract for professional services.
Item 9: Consent Calendar
- The consent calendar included 90 January 26 warrants and certifications and a retraction of approval for parts purchases for the water division. A motion to approve the consent calendar was made by Vice Mayor Crosswhite and seconded by Council Member Chavez. The motion passed.
Item 10A: Public Hearing on Harvest Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 1
- A public hearing was held regarding a resolution to amend the rate and method of apportionment of special taxes and authorized services for Improvement Areas B and C of the Harvest CFD No. 1, and to approve the second amendment to the CFD funding construction and acquisition agreement. Council Member Chavez recused himself from the item due to a conflict of interest as a property owner in the Harvest area.
- Staff and legal counsel explained that the CFD was established to fund infrastructure improvements, including streets, a sports park, a bridge, and stormwater systems. The proposed amendment would allow a portion of the existing special tax, currently levied to pay off 30-year bonds, to be utilized for ongoing services (such as the sports park) once the bonds are retired. The amendment also expands the list of authorized expenses to include parks. The legal process requires a vote by the qualified electors (property owners) within the affected areas. Staff reported that the two property owners in the affected areas had unanimously voted in favor of the changes. Council Member Cuneo requested a layperson's explanation of the tax changes; staff clarified that the tax rate would not increase, but the use of tax revenue would shift from solely paying bonds to also funding services after the bond period ends. No public comment was received.
- A motion was made by Council Member Grinnell and seconded by Vice Mayor Crosswhite to adopt Resolution No. 7602 (authorizing the amendment of the rate and method of apportionment), Resolution No. 7603 (declaring the election results), and Resolution No. 7604 (authorizing the execution of the second amendment). The motion passed unanimously.
Item 11A: Appointment to Commissions and Committees
- The City Clerk presented the results of interviews held on February 11th to fill vacancies on the Measure T Oversight Committee, the Senior Advisory Committee, and the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) Santa Paula representative position. Council Member Chavez nominated Brad Williams for the Measure T Oversight Committee, Cynthia Reyes-Cruz for the Senior Advisory Committee, and Peggy M. Parra for the VCAAA representative position. The nomination was seconded by Vice Mayor Crosswhite. The Council also authorized the Mayor to sign the appointment letter for the VCAAA representative. Council Member Chavez requested that staff connect the new VCAAA representative with the current representative for a briefing and that the city acknowledge the service of past commissioners upon their departure. A motion to nominate and appoint the three individuals was made and seconded. The motion passed.
Item 11B: Consideration of Amendments to the City's Policy and Legislative Agenda
- Staff presented proposed amendments to the city's legislative platform regarding unfunded mandates, federal immigration policy, and health and wellness infrastructure. The proposed updates included reaffirming opposition to unfunded mandates; supporting regional collaboration for immigrant safety and access to services; explicitly adding immigration status to protected categories under public safety; affirming humane treatment and constitutional protections; supporting federal comprehensive immigration reform; and opposing the deputization of local officials for federal immigration enforcement. Regarding health services, the proposals included prioritizing reinvestment of proceeds into local health services if the Santa Paula Hospital closes, strengthening the healthcare safety net, growing the public health workforce, and opposing reductions to medical facilities.
- During discussion, Council Member Chavez suggested adding language to oppose bond measures that impose financial or operational burdens on the city, which was accepted as a new line item. Regarding immigration language, Council Member Cuneo questioned the definition of "bipartisan," leading to a decision to remove the term to maintain non-partisanship. Council Member Cuneo also requested that language regarding humane treatment be inclusive of all residents; staff agreed to modify the language to safeguard the humane treatment of "all people, including immigrant communities." Regarding the hospital, Council Member Chavez suggested adding support for federal and local legislation to classify the Santa Paula Hospital as rural to qualify for federal funding; staff agreed to add this as a separate point. A motion was made by Council Member Chavez and seconded by Council Member Cuneo to approve the legislative agenda amendments with the discussed modifications. The motion passed.
Item 12: Items for Future Agenda
- The meeting moved to a discussion of items for the future agenda. An unidentified speaker noted that additional study sessions will be required in the coming weeks to address council recognition policies, with further sessions likely scheduled for the following months. The City Clerk acknowledged that while some attendees prefer shorter meetings, moving certain items into regular council meetings may be preferable to disrupting other members' schedules. No formal motion was made or voted upon regarding these scheduling matters.
Adjournment and Memorial
- The City Clerk moved to adjourn the regular City Council meeting held on Wednesday, February 18. The adjournment was conducted in memory of Dawson Allen Gates, the newborn infant son of Police Officer Wyatt Gates and his wife, Bailey. The meeting was officially adjourned at 8:55. No vote was recorded for the adjournment.