Meeting Summary
Present: Chavez, 5-Cornejo, Hernandez, 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
AYSO Soccer Team Recognition
- The council recognized the Santa Paula AYSO 14U Boys Team for winning the Western States Championship.
- Certificates were presented to the players, coaches, and assistants for their leadership.
Dispatcher of the Year Recognition
- Christina de la Mora was honored as the Santa Paula Police Department Dispatcher of the Year.
- The Chief of Police noted the recognition coincided with National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
- Council members commended the service of the dispatch unit to public safety.
Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month Proclamation
- The Mayor read a proclamation designating April 2026 as Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month.
- Representatives introduced local organizations that have contributed to the community for nearly 400 years.
- The council adopted the proclamation highlighting the economic and social benefits of the arts.
Arbor Day Proclamation
- The city received certification as a Tree City for five consecutive years.
- The Mayor read a proclamation designating April 24th as Arbor Day.
- Residents were urged to plant and protect trees during the designated month.
Interface Children and Family Services Presentation
- Staff presented data on the 211 information and referral service regarding Santa Paula calls.
- Council members inquired about funding sources and immigration-related call volumes.
- The council expressed appreciation for the resource provided to the community.
City Council Reports
- Members provided updates on PBID meetings and the Immigration Ad Hoc Committee.
- Vice Mayor Crosswhite detailed updates on a trade mission to Japan and transportation grants.
- Mayor Juarez noted attendance at a public safety award ceremony.
City Manager Report
- Staff reported on the cannabis special meeting and outreach regarding downtown facade improvements.
- Applications for the Police Advisory Committee were announced.
- A community forum regarding mobile home rent control is scheduled for April 26th.
Park and Orchard Street Infrastructure Project
- Staff recommended awarding the construction contract to Toro Enterprises and management to Phoenix Engineering.
- The lowest bid came in under the engineer's estimate with a 15% contingency allowance.
- Funding sources include enterprise funds and Measure R with anticipated summer completion.
Military Equipment Annual Report
- The Chief of Police presented the 2025 Annual Report detailing inventory categories and compliance.
- Staff confirmed no new equipment was purchased since the last reporting period.
- The council approved the inventory report and ordinance renewal.
Future Agenda Items
- The City Manager noted scheduling changes for May to accommodate a SCAG conference.
- Limited meetings are planned during the July and August period.
- Council Member Cornejo requested a presentation from the Regional Water Services District general manager.
Full summary
Call to Order
- The meeting began with an invocation by Chaplain Kay Wilson, followed by a flag salute. The Clerk conducted a roll call, with all five members present: Council Member Chavez, Council Member Cornejo, Council Member Hernandez, Vice Mayor Crosswhite, and Mayor Juarez.
Item 5: Public Comment
- Two public comment cards were filed. Richard Rudman, representing the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce, presented information regarding the first Cruise Night of 2026 on May 1st, detailing options for businesses and non-profits to reserve spaces. Joseph Bierhalter addressed the council regarding term limits and cannabis dispensary decisions. He requested that term limits for the City Council be placed on a future agenda for public vote, citing consistency in the democratic process and transparency.
Item 6A: AYSO Soccer Recognition
- The council recognized the Santa Paula AYSO 14U Boys Team for winning the Western States Championship. Certificates of Recognition were presented to the players and staff, including coaches and assistants, for their achievement and leadership.
Item 6B: Dispatcher of the Year
- Christina de la Mora was recognized as the Santa Paula Police Department Dispatcher of the Year. The Chief of Police noted that the recognition occurred during National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. Council members commended her service and the importance of the dispatch unit to public safety.
Item 6C: Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month Proclamation
- The Mayor read a proclamation designating April 2026 as Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month. The proclamation highlighted the economic and social benefits of the arts. Tracy from the Santa Paula Arte and Cultura Collective introduced 13 local arts and culture organizations that have collectively contributed to the community for nearly 400 years. The proclamation was adopted.
Item 6D: Arbor Day Proclamation
- Vanessa Olmos from Parks and Recreation spoke on behalf of the department regarding the city's certification as a Tree City for five years. The Mayor read a proclamation designating April 24th as Arbor Day and urged residents to plant and protect trees. The proclamation was adopted.
Unscheduled Public Comment
- A member of the public raised concerns regarding a public restroom at a park, specifically the lack of toilet paper and occasional access issues. The City Manager instructed staff to follow up with the Parks and Recreation Department to address the concerns.
Item 6E: Interface Children and Family Presentation
- Gerardo Gonzalez from Interface Children and Family Services presented on the 211 information and referral service. He provided data regarding Santa Paula calls, noting housing and income support as primary needs. Council members asked questions regarding funding sources, immigration-related calls, and website availability. The council expressed appreciation for the resource.
Item 7: City Council Reports
- Council members provided updates on their activities. Council Member Cornejo discussed meetings regarding the Property Business Improvement District (PBID). Council Member Nellis reported on the Immigration Ad Hoc Committee meeting and commented on the recent special cannabis meeting, noting the difficulty of the decision-making timeframe. Vice Mayor Crosswhite detailed a trade mission to Japan and updates on transportation grants and the Santa Paula Branch Line. Mayor Juarez noted attendance at a public safety award ceremony.
City Manager Report
- City Manager Singer reported on the cannabis special meeting, the Future Leaders Academy, and outreach to downtown merchants regarding facade improvements. He announced applications for the Police Advisory Committee and scheduled a community forum regarding mobile home rent control for April 26th. He also addressed the public request regarding term limits, noting the topic had been previously discussed by the elected body and staff reports would be shared with the inquirer.
Consent Calendar
- A motion to approve the consent calendar was made by Council Member Chavez and seconded by Council Member Cornejo. No discussion occurred on the items. Outcome: Passed.
Item 10A: Park and Orchard Street Water, Sewer, and Paving Project
- Staff presented a recommendation to award the construction contract to Toro Enterprises and the construction management agreement to Phoenix Engineering. The lowest bid was under the engineer's estimate. Staff discussed the project timeline, anticipated completion over the summer, a 15% contingency allowance, and funding sources, which included enterprise funds and Measure R. Council members asked questions regarding communication plans for residents and funding allocation. A motion to approve the recommendations was made by Vice Mayor Crosswhite and seconded by Council Member Chavez. Outcome: Passed.
Item 10B: Military Equipment Annual Report and Ordinance 1315
- The Chief of Police presented the 2025 Military Equipment Annual Report and requested the renewal of Ordinance 1315. The report detailed inventory categories, including armored vehicles, command vehicles, and less-lethal munitions. Staff confirmed no new equipment was purchased since the last report. The council reviewed the standards for compliance under Assembly Bill 481. A motion to approve the inventory and renew the ordinance was made by Council Member Chavez and seconded by Council Member Nellis. Outcome: Passed.
Item 11A: Future Agenda Items
- The City Manager noted scheduling changes for May to accommodate a SCAG conference and limited meetings during July and August. Council Member Cornejo requested a presentation from the new general manager of the Ventura County Regional Water Services District.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.