City Council — February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

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BodyCity Council
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 February 18, 2026

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Meeting Summary

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

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

Police Department Explorers Recognition

  • Chief Aguilar presented the team's achievements in the Chandler Tactical Competition.
  • Certificates were awarded to Francisco Ramos and Explorer Post 2350 for their placements.

Parks and Recreation Updates

  • Martine Montelongo received the 2025 Mel L. Howery Shining Star Award for fourteen years of service.
  • Director Barnes reported increased participation in youth sports and progress on facility updates.
  • Staff noted ongoing work on the Fagan-Baranca master plan and Farmworkers Monument repair.

Public Works Activity Report

  • Director Goodman covered solid waste metrics, wastewater plant design, and street paving progress.
  • The team discussed the microgrid project application submitted to SCE.
  • Council discussed road closure mapping and notification procedures for water meter replacements.

Council and City Manager Reports

  • Members reported on recent committee meetings including VRSD, SCAG, and the Blue Ribbon Hospital Committee.
  • The City Manager highlighted the ribbon cutting for The Harvest homes and gala attendance.
  • A clarification was provided regarding the 8th Street Lighting Project contract award.

Harvest Community Facilities District Amendment

  • Resolutions were adopted to amend the special tax rate and apportionment for improvement areas B and C.
  • Amendments allow expanded authorized expenses for regional sports park maintenance after the bond period.
  • The City Clerk confirmed one hundred percent of property owners voted in favor of the amendment.
  • Council Member Chavez recused himself from the discussion due to a conflict of interest.

Commission and Committee Appointments

  • Staff presented vacancies for the Measure T Oversight Committee, Senior Advisory Committee, and Aging representative.
  • Council approved the appointment of Brad Williams, Cynthia Reyes-Cruz, and Peggy Parra to the respective roles.

Legislative Agenda Amendments

  • Staff presented updates covering unfunded mandates, federal immigration policy, and hospital closure infrastructure.
  • Council discussed modifying language regarding bond measures, protected classes, and bipartisan cooperation.
  • The motion to approve the proposed amendments to the Policy and Legislative Agenda passed.

Closed Session

  • The City Attorney reported on a closed session regarding pending litigation against the Malzacher Trust.
  • No reportable actions were taken during the session.

Full summary

Santa Paula City Council Regular Meeting Summary

  • Date: February 18, 2026 Location: Santa Paula City Council Chambers

Meeting Call and Procedural Items

  • The regular meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. An invocation was provided by Deacon Al Galeen, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was conducted; Council Member Ornelas was absent. The City Attorney reported on a closed session held to discuss pending litigation regarding the Malzacher Trust versus the City of Santa Paula. No reportable actions were taken during the closed session.

Public Comment

  • Three members of the public addressed the council. Marion Krause commented on the legislative platform and license plate reader data usage. Liliana Deharo discussed her student congress event at Casa de Mexicana. Richard Rudman announced upcoming Chamber of Commerce and Aviation Museum events.

Presentations and Recognition

  • Police Department Explorers: Police Chief Don Aguilar presented an overview of the Santa Paula Police Department Explorers' participation in the Chandler Tactical Competition. The group received first place in the pistol shoot and second place in wilderness marksmanship. Certificates of recognition were presented to Francisco Ramos and the Santa Paula Police Department Explorer Post 2350.
  • Mel L. Howery Shining Star Award: Director Barnes from Parks and Recreation presented the 2025 award to Martine Montelongo, Lead Facilities Maintenance Worker, for 14 years of service. Recognition focused on his work ethic, cost-saving initiatives, and facility maintenance contributions.
  • Parks and Recreation Activity Report: Director Barnes presented the activity report for September 2025 through January 2026. Highlights included increased participation in youth sports (flag football and basketball), senior services programs, and facility updates including the Sports Park restroom modifications, Police Department exterior remodeling, and LED lighting retrofits. Staff reported progress on the Fagan-Baranca master plan and the Farmworkers Monument repair.
  • Public Works Activity Report: Director Dale Goodman presented the activity report for August 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. Topics included solid waste metrics, wastewater treatment plant design progress, water division meter replacement, street paving, and fleet maintenance. Director Goodman also discussed the microgrid project application submitted to SCE. Council discussed road closure mapping and customer notification procedures for new water meters.

Council and City Manager Reports

  • Council members Chavez, Cornejo, Vice Mayor Crosswhite, and Mayor Juarez provided reports on recent committee meetings, including VRSD, SCAG, VCTC, the Blue Ribbon Hospital Committee, and ethics training. The City Manager reported on the ribbon cutting for The Harvest homes, attendance at the Boys & Girls Club gala, and a clarification regarding the 8th Street Lighting Project contract award.

Consent Calendar (Item 9)

  • The consent calendar included January 26 warrants and certifications, as well as retraction of approval for parts purchases in the water division.
  • Action: A motion was made by Vice Mayor Crosswhite and seconded by Council Member Chavez.
  • Outcome: Passed.

Public Hearing: Harvest Community Facilities District No. 1 (Item 10A)

  • A public hearing was held regarding Resolutions 7602, 7603, and 7604 to amend the rate and method of apportionment of special tax for improvement areas B and C of the Harvest CFD. The amendments allow for expanded authorized expenses, including maintenance for the regional sports park, after the initial 30-year bond period. The City Clerk confirmed that 100% of property owners voted in favor of the amendment. Council Member Chavez recused himself due to a conflict of interest.
  • Action: A motion was made by Council Member Cornejo to adopt the resolutions, seconded by Vice Mayor Crosswhite.
  • Outcome: Passed.

Appointments to Commissions and Committees (Item 11A)

  • The City Clerk presented vacancies for the Measure T Oversight Committee, Senior Advisory Committee, and the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging representative. Following interviews, nominations were discussed.
  • Action: A motion was made to appoint Brad Williams (Measure T Oversight), Cynthia Reyes-Cruz (Senior Advisory Committee), and Peggy Parra (Ventura County Area Agency on Aging).
  • Outcome: Passed.

Legislative Agenda Amendments (Item 11B)

  • Staff presented proposed amendments to the City’s Policy and Legislative Agenda. Updates covered unfunded mandates, federal immigration policy (including non-deputization of local officials), and health and wellness infrastructure regarding the potential closure of the Santa Paula Hospital. Council discussed modifying language regarding bond measures, protected classes, and the definition of "bipartisan" cooperation.
  • Action: A motion was made by Council Member Chavez to approve the amendments, seconded by Council Member Cornejo.
  • Outcome: Passed.

Future Agenda

  • The City Manager noted upcoming study sessions regarding council recognition policies and other topics.

Adjournment

  • The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. in memory of Dawson Allen Gates, the infant son of Police Officer Wyatt Gates and his wife Bailey.