Meeting Summary
Present: Chavez, 5-Cornejo, 1-Ornelas, Crosswhite, Juarez
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
CIT Officer of the Year Award
- Chief Aguilar presented the 2025 award to Officer Robbie Mann for exceptional de-escalation skills.
- The program involves collaboration between six agencies and Ventura County Behavioral Health.
- Council members congratulated Officer Mann on his recognition.
Community and Economic Development Quarterly Report
- Director Mason reported on 35 active planning projects and various housing developments.
- Staff outlined plans to address RV storage violations through resident outreach.
- Updates were provided on downtown facade improvements and commercial business growth.
Secondhand Smoke Ordinance Presentation
- Residents presented data on tobacco waste and requested a citywide smoke-free ordinance.
- City Attorney indicated a public workshop is scheduled for May or June rather than immediate action.
- Council members expressed support for inviting presenters to the upcoming workshop.
Mobile Home Rent Increase Regulation
- The Council adopted an urgency ordinance prohibiting successive rent increase applications within 12 months.
- Amendments explicitly excluded property tax increases and ownership transfer costs from "material change" definitions.
- The measure passed with a four-fifths vote to prevent predatory rent hikes immediately.
Pavement Management and Street Maintenance Program
- Staff presented a five-year plan utilizing Measure R funds for street preservation and storm drain rehabilitation.
- A potential $1.6 million shortfall was noted due to high storm drain project costs.
- The Council approved Resolution 7605 to authorize bidding for the 2026 maintenance program.
LeapLab License Agreement Amendment
- The Council approved extending the lease payment start date by six months to allow for building clearance.
- Amendments required LeapLab to cover 100% of utilities until other tenants occupy the space.
- Language regarding "peer-reviewed science" was removed to avoid potential disputes over exhibit content.
Assembly Bill 2561 Vacancy Report
- The City reported a 6.5% overall vacancy rate with a 20% vacancy in the Community Services Officers unit.
- Police leadership highlighted current minimum staffing levels and the need for future growth capacity.
- The Council received and filed the annual position vacancy report in compliance with state law.
Mid-Year Fiscal Report 2025-2026
- The report showed revenues at 55% of the budget, with a slight sales tax shortfall offset by higher property taxes.
- Approved adjustments included increased legal fees and allocations for parks, fleet, and senior nutrition programs.
- The Council approved the budget recommendations and the implementation of the minimum wage increase.
Regional Energy Alliance Report
- The Vice Mayor reported on energy efficiency measures and rebates for heat pumps and water heaters.
- A March 20th deadline was noted for the SCAG student scholarship application.
- No motions were taken on these informational items.
Closed Session
- No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
Meeting Overview
- The City Council meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on March 4, 2026. The session began with an invocation led by Addison Fantus and the Pledge of Allegiance. A roll call confirmed the presence of all council members, the Vice Mayor, and the Mayor. No regular public comment was received.
Presentation: Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year
- Chief Aguilar presented the 2025 Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer of the Year Award to Officer Robbie Mann of the Santa Paula Police Department. The Chief described the CIT program as a collaborative effort among six law enforcement agencies and Ventura County Behavioral Health aimed at training officers in de-escalation and crisis response. Officer Mann was recognized for communication, empathy, and de-escalation skills. Officer Mann accepted the award, and Council members offered congratulations.
Agenda Reordering
- The City Clerk requested to switch the order of Item 6B (Secondhand Smoke Presentation) and Item 6C (Community and Development Department Quarterly Report). The Council agreed to the change.
Presentation: Community and Economic Development Department Quarterly Report
- Director Mason presented the quarterly report for October 2025 through January 2026. Key points included:
- Staff Recognition: Eileen Ramos was recognized as Employee of the Quarter and Employee of the Year.
- Activity Levels: The department reported 35 active planning projects, 12 commercial business licenses, 10 home occupation permits, over 60 building and safety inspections, and an average of 15 weekly code compliance inspections.
- RV Compliance: Plans were outlined to address recreational vehicle storage violations through outreach regarding code requirements and local storage facilities.
- Economic Development: Collaborations with the PBID and Chamber of Commerce included business roundtables and the development of a business attraction toolkit.
- Housing and Homelessness: Updates were provided on the Spirit Harbor Shelter and various housing projects, including the Harvest development (702 homes sold, 648 closed), Foothill development (554 units), Independence project (298 units), and Topa Vista Villas (reduced to 90 units).
- Commercial Projects: Updates were given on Abriza, ARP, BendPak, Santa Paula Materials Stone Yard, Bender Farms, Santa Paula Self Storage, Good Orchard Cafe, Cosina 1912, and the McGillic Finch property.
- Downtown: The facade improvement program is underway, with a municipal code update regarding vacancy scheduled for the second quarter.
- Council Member Chavez requested clarification on RV compliance and growth impacts on traffic. Director Mason explained the systematic notification plan for residents. Regarding home ownership assistance, Director Mason detailed the Public Benefit Housing Program for public service employees and "My Way Home" programs for first-time homebuyers.
Presentation: Secondhand Smoke Ordinance
- Residents Leslie Resendiz and Ricardo Soto presented on behalf of a resident group advocating for an ordinance to eliminate secondhand smoke. They presented data on tobacco waste in parks and survey results indicating community support for a smoke-free city, noting Santa Paula's current "F" rating in California tobacco control. They requested the adoption of an ordinance to optimize community health. City Attorney Monica Castillo stated that a public workshop on the topic is anticipated in May or June rather than immediate incorporation into the municipal code update. Council Member Chavez expressed hope that the presenters would be invited to the workshop.
Consent Calendar
- The City Clerk noted a revision to a resolution regarding a position modification within the Human Resources section. Council Member Chavez moved to approve the consent calendar with corrections. Council Member Cornejo seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Memorial
- The City Clerk announced the passing of residents Anthony "Tony" Diaz and Raymond "Mr. Ray" Frutos.
Action Item 10A: Adoption of Urgency Ordinance and Introduction of Non-Urgency Ordinance to Regulate Successive Rent Increases
- City Attorney Monica Castillo presented an urgency ordinance and a companion non-urgency ordinance to regulate successive rent increase applications for mobile home parks. The ordinances prohibit park owners from filing a new application within 12 months of a prior application denied on the merits or under judicial review, unless a "material change in circumstances" occurs. Proposed amendments clarified that the 12-month period begins upon the mailing of a final written decision and excluded application-related expenses, legal fees, property tax increases, and transfer of ownership costs from the definition of "material change in circumstances."
- Public comment was received from Citlaly Salgado, Amalia Ochoa, Eduardo Romero, and Nydia Vail, who urged the Council to vote yes to prevent predatory rent increases and protect residents. Council Member Chavez asked for clarification on property tax increases due to change of ownership. The City Attorney agreed to amend the ordinance to explicitly exclude property taxes and transfer of ownership costs. Council Member Ornelas expressed concern regarding potential unintended consequences but stated they were prepared to vote for the motion.
- Discussion continued regarding the legal implications of excluding property taxes. Staff and legal counsel noted that while the ordinance could be challenged, such a challenge would likely take months to resolve. It was agreed to adopt the urgency ordinance immediately with the property tax exclusion to avoid delaying the effective date, with the understanding that the Council could revisit the language during the regular ordinance process.
- Council Member Chavez moved to adopt the urgency ordinance and introduce the non-urgency ordinance (Ordinance No. 1353) as amended. Council Member Ornelas seconded the motion. As an urgency ordinance, the measure required a four-fifths vote. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed.
Agenda Item 10B: Cycle 2 Pavement Management Program and 2026 Street Maintenance Program Bid Authorization
- Staff presented the Cycle 2 Pavement Management Program (PMP) and the 2026 Street Maintenance Program, outlining a five-year projection (2026–2029) utilizing Measure R funds. The plan addresses streets in poor condition, transitioning to preservation as conditions improve. The 2026 program includes carryover projects, paving in the Oaks area, work on city parks, and parking lots. The fall cycle focuses on west side streets. Future years are projected to address remaining streets citywide. The scope includes grinding, paving, striping, crosswalk replacement, concrete repairs, accessibility improvements, and storm drain rehabilitation.
- Staff highlighted that storm drain rehabilitation is being addressed programmatically for the first time, with a significant project planned for the Fern Oaks drain. An engineer's estimate for the first year was $5.7 million, indicating a potential shortfall of $1.6 million primarily due to storm drain costs. Staff indicated the project scope is scalable based on bid results and available funds.
- Questions were raised regarding hospital access, asphalt pricing, and private streets in the Texas Lane/Ferris Drive area. Staff confirmed emergency access to the hospital would be maintained and clarified that Texas Lane is private while Ferris Drive is public. Public comment was received regarding street prioritization, heavy vehicle traffic on Forest Drive, and pedestrian safety in the Oaks area. Staff clarified that the current program maintains existing sidewalks but does not construct new ones, suggesting the Traffic Safety Committee for broader safety issues.
- A motion was made to adopt Resolution 7605, approving the plan specifications for the 2026 Street Maintenance Program and authorizing staff to advertise for project bids. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 10C: Request for License Agreement Amendment with LeapLab
- One council member declared a conflict of interest regarding the Santa Paula Historical Society and real property proximity, recused themselves from the vote, and left the room.
- Staff presented a request to amend the license agreement with LeapLab Science Center for the use of the Union Oil Building. Proposed amendments included: 1. Payment Extension: Extending the start date for monthly lease payments by six months until the ground floor is cleared and ready for occupancy. 2. Utilities: Requiring LeapLab to pay 100% of utilities until other tenants occupy the building, after which costs would be split 60% (ground floor) and 40% (second floor). 3. Right of First Refusal: Granting LeapLab the right of first refusal for additional space during the five-year term, subject to city discretion and a 90-day negotiation period. 4. Historical Preservation: Adding language requiring exhibits to respect the building's history as the site of the Union Oil Company and prohibiting displays that disparage the community's heritage.
- Staff noted the payment extension would result in a loss of approximately $18,000 in revenue for the current fiscal year. LeapLab representatives explained the need for additional time due to exhibit volume, water damage remediation, and fundraising challenges. Public comment was received from the California Oil Museum Foundation, the Responsible Energy Council (REC), and community members, who expressed support for LeapLab but voiced concerns regarding the preservation of the former oil museum collection and artifacts.
- Discussion focused on the timeline and specific language within Section 10E regarding exhibit displays. One council member moved to strike the phrase "utilize the best available peer-reviewed science," arguing the clause was vague and could lead to disputes. The applicant agreed to the removal. A motion was made to adopt the First Amended and Restated License Agreement with an amendment to Section 10E, ending the sentence at "fair and balanced" and removing the subsequent language regarding peer-reviewed science. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Public Hearing on Vacancies Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2561
- The City Clerk outlined the order of the public hearing. The City of Santa Paula presented data indicating a total city vacancy rate of 6.5%. The Community Services Officers (CSO) unit had a 20% vacancy rate. The presentation detailed recruitment efforts and retention strategies.
- Michael Hoffman, President of the Santa Paula Police Officers Association (SPPOA), presented on behalf of the police department. He stated the department is understaffed relative to the city's general plan and currently operates with minimum staffing of three officers per shift. He advocated for increasing the officer count to meet future population growth and reduce burnout. Staff clarified that while three sergeant positions were unfunded, two are being filled by acting sergeants, and new officer offers are pending. Staff indicated the department is at full capacity for budgeted positions. Council members expressed interest in establishing a standard for police staffing levels.
- A motion was made to receive and file the city's annual position vacancy report in compliance with Assembly Bill 2561. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Extension of Meeting
- Due to the time, a motion was made to extend the meeting past 10:30 p.m. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Mid-Year Fiscal Report 2025-2026
- The City Manager presented the mid-year fiscal report, noting overall revenues were approximately 55% of actuals compared to the budget, largely due to transfers from other funds not yet recognized. Property tax in lieu of motor vehicle license fees came in higher than expected, while sales tax revenues for the general fund showed a slight shortfall of approximately $24,000. Projections for Measure T and Measure R remained on track.
- The report recommended several budget adjustments, including reallocation of staffing savings, increases in legal fees related to the Athens franchise fees review and mobile home rent review, and allocations for the Parks and Recreation Department, Fleet Division, City Corps, maintenance expenses at East Area 1, the senior nutrition program, a sewer fund settlement agreement, and groundwater replenishment charges. The report also included personnel changes to reflect a minimum wage increase effective in January. The net fiscal impact to the general fund was projected to be positive by $58,289.
- A motion was made to approve the budget recommendations, personnel changes, and the implementation of the minimum wage increase. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Future Agenda Items and Council Reports
- The City Manager noted that the upcoming April 1st meeting may be fuller due to a recommendation from the Cannabis Standing Committee, potentially requiring a special meeting or community workshop. Council members provided brief reports on their activities, including attendance at regional sanitation district meetings, community events, and local business roundtables.
Report on Regional Energy Alliance Meetings and Scholarship Opportunity
- The Vice Mayor provided a report regarding the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance meeting. Presentations were received from the Clean Power Alliance and the Tri-Counties Regional Energy Alliance (3C-REN) regarding multifamily programming, energy efficiency measures, and rebates for heat pumps and water heaters. The Vice Mayor deferred reporting on the Clean Power Alliance Executive Committee to the next meeting and noted the March 20th deadline for the SCAG student scholarship application. No motions were made, seconded, or voted upon regarding these items.
City Clerk Report and Adjournment
- The City Clerk reported on activities occurring on and around February 19th, including attendance at the City Recognition Awards, a Chamber Mixer, the Canada Standing Committee meeting, a combined City Council and Unified School District meeting, and a groundbreaking ceremony for a bridge on the east side of Santa Paula Creek. The Clerk also noted attendance at a Neighborhood Watch meeting in The Oaks and announced the passing of Anthony "Tony" Diaz and Raymond "Ray" Frutos. The meeting was adjourned at 10:53 p.m. in honor and memory of these individuals. No motions were made, seconded, or voted upon regarding these items.