City Council — May 20, 2026May 20, 2026

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BodyCity Council
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 May 20, 2026

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Meeting Summary

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

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Santa Paula City Council Meeting Summary

  • Date: May 20, 2026

Opening and Roll Call

  • The regular meeting was called to order. The invocation was delivered by Reverend Maddie Cifantus, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. During roll call, Council Member Cornejo was noted absent. Council Member Chavez was present initially but later stepped away from the meeting.

Closed Session Report

  • The City Attorney reported on closed sessions held on May 14 and the current date. Topics included a City Manager performance evaluation and real property negotiations regarding two specific properties. No reportable actions were taken during these sessions.

Public Comment

  • Two members of the public addressed the Council regarding the Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Ordinance. Speakers expressed support for community forums held on the topic and urged the Council to schedule a workshop to study ordinance amendments as soon as possible. They requested the workshop be scheduled to ensure any changes are effective before the next round of rent increase applications in the fall. The City Manager noted staff would utilize a reverse calendar to anticipate necessary timelines for future meetings.

Agenda Item 7A: Public Works Week Recognition

  • The Mayor read a proclamation designating May 17–23, 2026, as National Public Works Week. The proclamation recognized the contributions of Public Works personnel and dedicated the week to Joe Byrum. Public Works Director Dale Goodman thanked the Council for the recognition and acknowledged the department's recent events.

Agenda Item 7B: Santa Paula Water Recycling Facility Resiliency Project

  • This presentation was removed from the agenda.

Agenda Item 7C: 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report

  • Community Development Director James Mason presented the report. Staff indicated the city is ahead of schedule regarding state housing requirements, citing progress on the Harvest development and the Red Tail project. Discussion addressed the need for "missing middle" workforce housing and the impact of new developments on infrastructure, including a bridge project anticipated for the following spring.

Council and City Manager Reports

  • Council Members Chavez, Crosswhite, and Nellis provided reports on recent community activities, including the Chamber of Commerce Awards, the Santa Clara River Valley Heritage Valley event, the Cardinal Closet grand opening, and SCAG conference attendance. Mayor Juarez provided a report on various events and noted the recent passing of Kathy Barringer. City Manager Chris Woodward reported on Public Works activities, the Future Leaders Academy graduation, and upcoming steps regarding the Mobile Home Rent Control Ordinance.

Consent Calendar (Item 10)

  • A motion was made to approve items 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10E on the consent calendar. The motion was seconded and passed. Item 10D (2024 Citywide Street Maintenance and 2025 Fall Pavement Management) was removed from the consent calendar for discussion. Council members inquired about punch list items and documentation regarding scopes of work. A motion was made to approve Item 10D, which was seconded and passed.

Public Hearing (Item 11): Ventura County Watershed Protection Districts Benefit Assessment Program

  • A public hearing was held regarding the Benefit Assessment Program for fiscal year 26-27. Staff presented the assessment amount of $37.74 per unit to fund stormwater management programs. No public comment was received during the hearing. A motion was made to adopt Resolution No. 7615, authorizing the City Manager to allow participation in the program. The motion was seconded. Council Member Chavez was absent for the vote. The measure passed.

Action Item 12A: Boys & Girls Club Lease Agreement

  • Staff recommended approving a lease agreement between the City and the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley for the facility at 1400 East Harvard Boulevard. The agreement is for 15 years with a $1 annual rent. Discussion covered the facility's history and community benefits. Council Member Chavez requested acknowledgement of the City's contribution on the Club's website, which staff agreed to address. A motion was made to approve the lease and authorize the City Manager to execute it. The motion was seconded and passed.

Action Item 12B: Third Quarter Fiscal Report

  • Finance Director Christy Ramirez presented the report through March 31, 2026. Recommendations included revenue adjustments and budget increases for specific projects, including the WRF blower replacement and Catch Basin Trash Excluder. Staff also requested corrections to the position control list and general ledger codes. A motion was made to approve the report with the listed corrections. The motion was seconded and passed.

Future Agenda Items

  • The City Manager noted a study session is scheduled for June 17. Staff outlined upcoming vacancies for several committees and boards, including the Housing Authority and Senior Advisory Committee, with interviews anticipated for the July meeting.

Adjournment

  • The meeting was adjourned in memory of Kathy Barringer.