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
Closed Session Report
- A closed session was held regarding a City Manager performance evaluation.
- No reportable action was taken during the session.
Arbor Day Poem Contest Winners
- Thirty entries were received across elementary, middle, and high school divisions.
- Winners from each division read their poems and received certificates and gift baskets.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.
Finance Department Activity Report
- The department processed nearly 4,000 invoices totaling approximately $6.5 million.
- Staffing updates included the retirement of an accountant and the hiring of a new specialist.
- Council inquiries regarding utility assistance and billing methods were addressed by staff.
- The report was received for the record without a formal vote.
Public Works Department Activity Report
- Two dialysis clinics were identified as significant sources of chloride in the wastewater system.
- The microgrid program award was reduced to $10.96 million, leaving roughly $7 million for the project.
- Staff is investigating car wash compliance and seeking software to track sidewalk repair requests.
- The report was received for the record without a formal vote.
East Harvard Infill Site Redevelopment Plan
- Staff presented three conceptual plans for the East Harvard Infill Site funded by VCOG REAP 2.0.
- Council members discussed parking adequacy and the balance between housing density and commercial revenue.
- Concept 1 was selected as the preferred option with modifications to reduce dwelling units.
- Staff will prepare a summary memorandum incorporating council feedback for submission to VCOG.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
- A proposed policy outlined permitted uses like drafting emails and prohibited high-risk uses.
- Council members requested refinements regarding definitions, copyright, and human oversight.
- The item was referred back to staff to incorporate suggested changes before a future vote.
Future Agenda Items
- A study session is scheduled for June 17th to discuss long-term water and sewer infrastructure needs.
- This session will prepare the council for a potential rate study.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The regular meeting of the Santa Paula City Council was called to order on June 3, 2026. Following an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call confirmed the presence of Council Members Chavez, Cornejo, Vice Mayor Crosswhite, and Mayor Juarez. Council Member Ornelas was absent. The City Clerk noted the availability of Spanish translation and requested that cell phones be silenced.
Closed Session Report
- A report was provided regarding a closed session held under Item 4a of a special meeting agenda concerning a public employee performance evaluation for the City Manager. No reportable action was taken during the session.
Public Comment
- Two residents addressed the Council regarding safety concerns in the Oaks neighborhood, presenting data on narrow street widths, lack of sidewalks, blind curves, and heavy vegetation. They requested a speed limit reduction from 25 mph to 15 mph and the installation of safety signage, citing a petition with 128 signatures. Staff advised that non-time-sensitive items require a formal request to the City Manager for future agenda placement and noted that state laws regarding speed limits may have changed. Staff suggested the residents re-engage with the Traffic Safety Committee and City Engineer to review traffic survey data.
- Richard Rudman, Vice President of the Aviation Museum of Santa Paula board, provided a general public comment announcing upcoming "First Sunday" activities for local museums, including a Kids Art Fest and a Farmer's Market appearance.
Item 7A: Arbor Day Poem Contest Winners
- Parks and Recreation Director Greg Barnes presented the winners of the annual Arbor Day poem contest across elementary, middle, and high school divisions. Thirty entries were received. Winners Olivia Johnson, Millie Figueroa, and Stephanie Moreno read their poems. Certificates and gift baskets were presented. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Item 7B: Finance Department Activity Report (January–April 2026)
- Fabian Castellon of the Finance Department presented the activity report. Key points included the processing of transient occupant tax, rent, and retiree health billing; resolution of business and dog license renewal issues; and the processing of nearly 4,000 invoices totaling approximately $6.5 million. Major spending categories included payroll, bond repayments, legal costs, groundwater pumping, utility operations, professional services, and construction. The report also covered utility billing arrangements, the "winter average" method for sewer charges, and staffing updates, including the retirement of Accountant Wendy Morris and the hiring of Accounting Specialist Suyappa Vega.
- Council Member Chavez inquired about utility assistance programs and the winter average billing method. Staff confirmed that utility assistance through the LEAHAB program is currently unavailable and that the department focuses on payment arrangements. The winter average method was confirmed as a community-requested change. The report was received for the record. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Item 7C: Public Works Department Activity Report (January 1–April 30, 2026)
- Public Works Director Dale Goodman presented the activity report covering solid waste, wastewater, water, streets, fleet, and capital improvements.
- Solid Waste: Athens collected over 7,700 tons of solid waste and 3,200 tons of organic waste/recycling.
- Wastewater: Phase one blower installation at the wharf is underway. Testing identified two dialysis clinics as significant sources of chloride, contributing to levels near the state limit. The department is working to place these clinics on a pretreatment program.
- Water: 43 service valve and mainline leaks were repaired. Projects completed or underway include the Peck Road water line, Canyon Booster Rehab, and the Park and Orchard mainline replacement. The 330 zone booster station and tanks in East Area 1 are online.
- Streets and Fleet: Operations continued with reduced staffing. Recruitment for street workers and mechanics is ongoing.
- Microgrid Program: The City applied for a SoCal Edison microgrid incentive program. The award was reduced to $10.96 million, with $4 million required for SCE infrastructure, leaving approximately $7 million for the project. Feasibility is being evaluated.
- Capital Improvements: The 10th Street/Ojai Road crosswalk project is approved by Caltrans. The summer paving project will begin in McKevitt Heights. A storm drain collapse on Harvard Boulevard was repaired.
- Council Member Chavez asked for clarification on the impact of dialysis clinics on chloride levels and inquired about car washes as potential sources. Director Goodman noted car washes typically recycle water but agreed to investigate compliance. Council Member Chavez raised concerns regarding the timeline for the 10th Street crosswalks; Director Goodman agreed to contact Caltrans. Council Member Chavez asked about sidewalk repair protocols; Director Goodman explained repairs are reactive and the department is seeking software to better track requests. The report was received for the record. No formal motion or vote was taken.
City Council Reports
- Council Member Cornejo reported on attendance at various meetings and events, including the VRSD meeting, Senior Advisory Committee, Housing Trust fundraiser, and a "Two-by-Two" meeting with the School Board. The report highlighted collaboration on a summer school program serving over 500 children. No formal motion or vote was taken.
City Clerk's Report and Community Updates
- The City Clerk provided updates on community events, including the Bridge project, 4th of July festivities, a farm worker monument campaign, and street conditions. The Clerk announced a community health fair on June 20th and noted that Cruise Night is scheduled for the upcoming Friday. Legislative updates included a bill to codify REAP 1.0 planning funding for housing passing the Assembly and potential mobile home park legislation discussed by Senator Ben Allen. The Clerk also reported on the Heritage Valley Policy Advisory Committee's plans for bus route expansion outreach and concerns regarding the California Council of Governments' opposition to CARB's manufacturing decarbonization incentive program.
Vice Mayor's Report
- The Vice Mayor reported attending the Santo Niño de Atocha procession and noted street conditions on 13th, Richmond, and Oak streets, which are slated for repair in the next five-year pavement management cycle. The Vice Mayor laid a wreath at the War Memorial for Memorial Day, attended the Parks and Recreation meeting, and traveled to Mountain View for the 150th anniversary of the Odd Fellows Lodge. It was announced that Cruise Night will not occur in July but will resume in August, September, and October. The Vice Mayor acknowledged the Class of 2026 graduates.
City Manager's Report
- The City Manager reported on recent community engagements, including the Chamber Mixer, a forum sponsored by Latino Town Hall at Lilla Fields, and a Business Connect meeting with Bevy House.
Consent Calendar (Items 10A–10D)
- The Consent Calendar was presented for routine approval. A council member requested to submit clerical edits for the May 20th meeting minutes after the meeting. A motion was made to approve the Consent Calendar. One council member noted an abstention regarding the May 20th meeting minutes due to non-attendance. The motion was seconded. The Consent Calendar passed.
Item 11A: Review and Direction Regarding VCOG REAP 2.0 Conceptual Infill Redevelopment Action Plan (IRAP) for the East Harvard Infill Site
- Staff presented three conceptual redevelopment plans for the East Harvard Infill Site (1397 East Harvard Boulevard), a privately owned truck maintenance and repair facility. The project was funded by the Ventura County Organization of Governments (VCOG) REAP 2.0 program. The property owner expressed no current interest in selling but acknowledged the value of the plans.
- Concept 1: Focuses on senior housing, dense multifamily residential, and commercial use, proposing a new private street.
- Concept 2: Retains the existing medical center and cell tower while developing the remainder for senior housing and commercial uses.
- Concept 3: Proposes redeveloping the entire site, replacing the existing medical clinic, and utilizing townhomes and multifamily apartments.
- Discussion focused on the non-binding nature of the concepts, parking adequacy, and the balance between housing density and commercial tax revenue. Council members expressed concerns regarding parking shortages and the uncertainty of future medical facility consolidation. It was clarified that REAP funding has been fully expended.
- A motion was made to select Concept 1 as the preferred option, with modifications to reduce the number of dwelling units to address parking concerns and allow for potential future medical use. The motion was seconded. The motion passed. Staff will prepare a summary memorandum incorporating the council's feedback and submit the materials to VCOG.
Item 11B: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
- An AmeriCorps fellow presented a proposed Artificial Intelligence Use and Governance Policy (Resolution No. 7620). The policy outlines permitted uses (e.g., drafting emails, reports, translations) and prohibited high-risk uses (e.g., fully automated permitting, hiring decisions, code enforcement, public safety decisions).
- Council members discussed several areas for refinement, including clarifying definitions, addressing copyright and intellectual property concerns, emphasizing human oversight to verify facts, determining access and funding for AI tools, and reviewing policies regarding contractors and consultants. The council determined that the policy required edits based on the discussion. The item was referred back to staff to incorporate the suggested changes. The revised policy is expected to return to the council once edits are completed. No formal motion or vote was taken on the policy at this time.
Item 12A: Future Agenda Items
- Staff announced a study session scheduled for the next meeting on June 17th to inform the council about long-term infrastructure needs and capital requirements for the city's water and sewer systems in preparation for a potential rate study.
Adjournment and Memorial Tribute
- The City Clerk addressed the assembly regarding the passing of Judy Phelps, a longtime Santa Paula resident, pilot examiner, and owner of CP Aviation. The meeting was adjourned in her memory. No formal motion was moved or seconded, and no vote was taken.