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, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Pride Month Proclamation
- Council Member Ornelas read a proclamation designating June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
- Representatives from the DiverCity Collective and the Santa Clara River Valley Pride Committee accepted the proclamation.
- Speakers highlighted the importance of visibility, inclusion, and supporting local Pride events.
Juneteenth Proclamation
- The Council read a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth as a historic commemoration of the end of slavery.
- The proclamation honored the resilience and contributions of African Americans.
- The item was presented on behalf of the local chapter of the NAACP.
Men's Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation
- The Council designated June 2026 as Men's Mental Health Month to address unique challenges faced by men and boys.
- Dr. Jason Miller accepted the proclamation and emphasized the need to reduce stigma around seeking help.
- The proclamation encouraged open conversations about mental health and overall well-being.
Community and Economic Development Quarterly Report
- Staff reported on staffing updates, including the hiring of a new Community Development Specialist and ongoing recruitment for other roles.
- The department detailed progress on economic development initiatives, housing projects, and industrial developments like Bender Farms and Harvest.
- Updates were provided on the facade program, code enforcement trends, and upcoming workshops for the mobile home rent control ordinance.
Santa Paula Geological Hazard Abatement District (GAD) Budget
- Staff presented the FY 2026-27 annual budget with a proposed assessment levy of $1,292 per resident.
- The proposal represents a 3.68% increase with total expenditures anticipated at $71,700.
- The Council adopted Resolution 7617 approving the budget and the FY 2025-26 tax roll.
Hillsborough Open Space Maintenance District Assessment
- Staff proposed an assessment of $150 per parcel for the December 2026 tax roll.
- Funds will support landscape maintenance, tree pruning, and repairs to a deteriorating retention basin.
- The Council adopted Resolution 7618 placing the assessment on the tax roll.
Athens Solid Waste Contract Amendments and Rate Increase
- Staff presented contract amendments clarifying fee usage and establishing a process for fee adjustments and arbitration.
- Athens representatives justified a 1% rate increase over three years due to unforeseen disposal fee hikes and citrus quarantine impacts.
- The Council approved the contract amendments and the proposed rate increase.
Loan Agreement with Responsible Energy Council (REC)
- The City Attorney presented a loan agreement for the city’s Oil Museum collection to be managed by REC.
- Terms include an initial two-year inventory period, specific care standards, and intellectual property rights for REC.
- The Council approved the agreement and authorized the City Manager to execute it.
Homeless Shelter Services Extensions and Transition
- Staff presented amendments to extend shelter operations with Spirit of Santa Paula until October 1, 2026.
- A Letter of Intent was presented for a three-year transition of Harvard Shelter operations to Rescue Mission Alliance.
- The Council approved the extensions and the transition plan, correcting a date discrepancy in the LOI.
Agreement with Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce
- Chamber representatives presented a report on accomplishments including business promotion, workforce development, and community events.
- Staff confirmed that financial terms and contract parameters for the second year remain unchanged.
- The Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a professional service agreement for fiscal year 2026-2027.
City Council Meeting Disruption Policy (SB 707)
- Staff presented a resolution to adopt a policy for handling disruptions to telephonic or audiovisual public participation platforms.
- The policy requires a one-hour pause to restore service and specific findings before reconvening or adjourning.
- The Council approved the resolution to comply with Senate Bill 707 requirements.
Closed Session
- The City Attorney reported that the Council met in closed session to discuss anticipated litigation and existing litigation.
- One potential case was discussed under Government Code 54956.92, with no reportable actions taken.
- The existing litigation Flores v. City of Santa Paula was reviewed, with no reportable actions taken.
Full summary
Meeting Start and Invocation
- The regular meeting of the Santa Paula City Council was called to order on Wednesday, June 17. Deacon Al Galeen offered an invocation. A roll call confirmed the presence of Council Members Chavez, Cornejo, Ornelas, Vice Mayor Crossway, and Mayor Wattes.
Closed Session Report
- The City Attorney reported that the Council met in closed session earlier that day to discuss items 5A and 5B from the special meeting agenda. Item 5A involved a conference of legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation and significant exposure pursuant to Government Code 54956.92 and E1; one potential case was discussed, with no reportable actions. Item 5B involved a conference of legal counsel regarding existing litigation (Flores v. City of Santa Paula, Ventura County Superior Court Case No. 2026 CWM 062 2660); no reportable actions were taken.
Public Comment
- Residents addressed the Council regarding the RV parking ordinance, the mobile home rent control ordinance, and other community issues.
- RV Parking Ordinance: Multiple speakers expressed opposition to current enforcement actions and the ordinance itself. Residents cited a recent vehicle collision on Santa Paula Street, arguing that traffic safety issues were not being addressed while RV enforcement increased. Others argued the ordinance is outdated and inconsistent with neighboring cities that allow RVs in driveways. Residents noted that they had previously received "Yard of the Month" awards for properties with RVs and argued that enforcement was targeting responsible homeowners. One speaker referenced a 2007 City-appointed RV committee report with recommendations that were never implemented. Staff responded that enforcement efforts began in December following notifications, describing the letters sent as warnings rather than citations. Staff stated that the City is undergoing a comprehensive municipal code overhaul, which will include a review of RV, trailer, and boat codes, with workshops potentially occurring in the fall. Staff clarified that the enforcement was not a direct response to the recent accident but part of a systematic compliance effort.
- Mobile Home Rent Control Ordinance: A representative for the 400 Craig Drive Mobile Home Owners Association requested that the Council schedule the next steps for the rent control ordinance, noting it had not been calendared for the year. They also reported that some parks were charging a 2.75% rent increase instead of the corrected 2.25% figure, resulting in overcharges for two months. Another speaker advocated for updating the ordinance to reduce the burden on City staff and the City Attorney, proposing a system where a hearing examiner handles pre-hearing matters and findings of fact, allowing the Rent Review Commission to focus on legal issues. Staff indicated that a workshop with the City Council and the public regarding the mobile home park ordinance is planned for late summer, likely at the community center, with a date to be determined within the next week.
- Other Comments: A representative for "One Step A La Vez" urged the Council to support a petition to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors to prevent the closure of Santa Paula Hospital. One resident raised concerns about drag racing on Santa Paula Street and poor road conditions, suggesting these issues take priority over RV regulations.
Agenda Item 7A: Pride Month Proclamation
- Council Member Ornelas read a proclamation designating June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the City of Santa Paula. The proclamation acknowledged the history of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, the impact of HIV/AIDS, and the ongoing need for equality and inclusion. Celia Daniels, representing the DiverCity Collective, spoke in support of the proclamation, highlighting the intersectional challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of visibility and belonging. Brittany Butts, Chair of the Santa Clara River Valley Pride Committee, and Co-Chair Francisco Estrada accepted the proclamation. Butts emphasized the importance of visibility for youth and families and promoted upcoming Pride events, including a Pride Brunch and a Pride Mixer. Council Member Ornelas commented on the significance of the City creating its own proclamation to foster healing and hope within the community. Mayor Wattes and other Council members expressed support for the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of recognizing their contributions and struggles.
Agenda Item 7B: Juneteenth Proclamation
- The Council read a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth as a historic commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. The proclamation honored the resilience and contributions of African Americans and encouraged residents to observe the occasion through reflection, education, and community engagement. The proclamation was presented on behalf of the local chapter of the NAACP.
Agenda Item 7C: Men's Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation
- The Council read a proclamation designating June 2026 as Men's Mental Health Month. The proclamation highlighted the unique mental health challenges faced by men and boys, the importance of reducing stigma, and the need for open conversations about mental health. Dr. Jason Miller accepted the proclamation, thanking the Council for helping to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health help. He emphasized that mental health is an essential component of overall well-being and encouraged the community to support efforts to promote mental wellness.
Agenda Item 7D: Community and Economic Development Quarterly Report
- James Mason, Community and Economic Development Director, presented the quarterly report covering February–April.
- Staffing Updates: The department reported unsuccessful recruitment for an Associate Planner/Economic Development Specialist, with two top candidates withdrawing. Interviews for a Housing Management Analyst are scheduled for two weeks out, with a pool of 10 candidates. A new Community Development Specialist, Heriberto Morales, was hired to replace a retiring staff member; he is also a certified permit technician.
- Economic Development & Tourism: The department continued collaboration with the PBID and Chamber of Commerce on "Business Connect" initiatives. Meetings were held with Ventura County regarding medical facility development, with a pro forma discussion scheduled for the County Board of Supervisors on August 23. Outreach continued with Fathomworks and Hive Autonomic Innovation Center regarding drone research opportunities. A meeting was scheduled with Coastal California Tourism to discuss regional collaboration, including potential Olympic watch site opportunities. The city is also expanding work with the Heritage Valley Tourism Bureau.
- Housing & Planning: The department reported 38 active projects in the last quarter, including 10 commercial business licenses, 5 home occupation permits, and 16 planning applications. Building and safety inspections averaged over 60 per week, driven largely by harvest development and industrial projects. Code compliance inspections averaged over 18 per week, with 24 open court cases and 12 closed. Staff noted a trend of fewer permits but higher valuation due to larger projects. Code enforcement now includes one Saturday per month to address weekend construction activity.
- Industrial & Downtown Development: Updates were provided on the Bender Farms development (parking lot pouring, windows/doors installation) and an ARP expansion (approx. 17,000 sq. ft.). Good Orchard Cafe remains under construction, and Faulkner Hall apartments are progressing. Hampton Ranch has begun actively marketing its property. Interest in downtown vacant spaces has increased, with negotiations ongoing. The East Area Gateway Medical Pavilion is moving toward a Board of Supervisors discussion. A Retail Center project on the northwest corner of Halligan 126 is expected to go to the Planning Commission for a conditional use permit within the next month. A development agreement for the Triangle property is in draft form, with attorney review ongoing.
- Harvest & Other Projects: Phase 1 of the Harvest development is nearly sold out (705 of 707 homes), with 38 homes sold in Phase 2. The Santa Paula Creek Bridge is under construction, with aesthetic improvements (branding) submitted to the developer. The "Homes of Hope" project at Cabrillo was reduced from 112 four-story units to 90 three-story units based on community feedback. Red Tails is expected to begin leasing in July, with a ribbon-cutting planned for September. Development activity along Santa Paula Street is ongoing, with potential alignment with bicycle trail improvements. In Lemonwood Business Park, ARP is expanding, Benpacks is scaling down but remaining in Santa Paula, and a 90,000 sq. ft. building is seeking a tenant.
- Facade Program & Ordinances: One business application for the facade program is ready to proceed, with four others refining their applications based on prevailing wage triggers. A roundtable with the PBID and downtown businesses is planned for summer to discuss vacancy, entertainment, and code compliance ordinances. The mobile home rent control ordinance is expected to proceed to a council workshop and public hearings later in the summer.
- Q&A: Council Member Crennan asked about the expiration of ARPA funds for the facade program; staff stated they would consult with Finance and the City Manager on reassignment timing if needed. Council Member Ornelas asked about the status of facade funds; staff explained that delays are due to applicants deciding between materials-only or prevailing wage options, with one project expected to start by the end of July. Council Member Ornelas also asked about Hampton Ranch; staff confirmed the property owner is now actively marketing the space.
City Council Reports
- Council Member Ornelas: Reported attending the high school graduation and seeing former mentoring program students graduate.
- Council Member Chavez: Announced the Santa Paula Social Services Coalition’s "Spring into Summer" resource fair at the sports park on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Encouraged public participation in the fundraising campaign to repair the farm worker monument and urged residents to sign up for the city newsletter.
- Council Member Crennan: Reported attending the Ventura Regional Sanitation District and Senior Advisory Committee meetings, the PBID meeting (where officers were not elected due to quorum issues), and the State of the City event. Mentioned a coffee meeting with Ron Guthrie from Athens.
- Vice Mayor Crosby: Reported attending the Cardinal Legends event honoring community service recipients. Attended SCAG meetings, including presentations on AI/data center energy and water use, transportation conformity challenges, and economic development strategies using housing as a growth tool. Presented on CARB’s Cap and Invest program changes, noting potential impacts on affordable housing and transit funding, and requested legislative attention. Reported on the Clean Power Alliance board meeting, where 2026-27 rates were adopted (no change or slight drop in generation fees) and a record 60% renewable energy on the grid at night was noted.
- Mayor Castillo: Reported attending Cruise Night (June 5), the State of the City event, and Coffee with the Cops. Noted that there will be no Cruise Night in July, but events will resume in August, September, and October.
- City Manager Singer: Reported attending Cruise Night, Coffee with the Cops, State of the City, and a World Cup watch luncheon (which was interrupted by a false alarm regarding an HVAC system). Announced that the July 1 council meeting is canceled, with the next regular meeting on July 15. Promoted the free Fourth of July event at the sports park, including fireworks.
- Q&A: Mayor Castillo asked about enforcement of illegal fireworks on July 4; the City Manager confirmed active enforcement, noting 11 citations ($1,000 fines each) were issued the previous year. Council Member Chavez asked about public education regarding traffic safety concerns; the City Manager directed residents to the Traffic Safety Committee via the Public Works department website. Council Member Ornelas asked where to find this information; the City Manager indicated it is on the Public Works page.
Consent Calendar
- Item 10F (Resolution): Vice Mayor Crosby moved to remove Item 10F from the consent calendar to an action item, citing legal restrictions on adopting revisions via consent. The motion was seconded and approved.
- Items 10A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I: Council Member Chavez moved to approve these items. Council Member Crennan seconded.
- Discussion (Item 10D - AI Policy): Mayor Castillo proposed an amendment to attach the city’s AI policy to future consultant agreements. City Attorney suggested adding a section to the policy requiring it to be attached to agreements. Council Member Crennan raised concerns about enforceability and whether the city should adopt such a provision without broader industry standards. Council Member Chavez suggested leaving the policy as is until more information is available. The amendment was withdrawn.
- Vote: The motion to approve Items 10A, B, C, D, E, G, H, and I as presented was moved by Council Member Chavez and seconded by Council Member Crennan. Mayor Castillo declared a conflict of interest for Item 10C (Union Oil building roof replacement) due to property ownership within 500 feet and abstained. The motion passed.
- Item 10F: Moved to action items for separate consideration later in the agenda.
Public Hearing: Santa Paula Geological Hazard Abatement District (GAD)
- Staff Presentation (Haley Ralston): Presented the FY 2026-27 annual budget and assessment levy. The proposed levy is $1,292 per resident, a 3.68% increase. Total expenditures are anticipated at $71,700, with revenue at $130,000. The GAD reserve fund is ahead of pace, with a balance of approximately $935,000 expected at the end of FY 2026-27.
- Motion: Council Member Ornelas moved to adopt Resolution 7617 approving the FY 2026-27 budget and FY 2025-26 tax roll. Council Member Crennan seconded.
- Vote: The motion passed.
Public Hearing: Hillsborough Open Space Maintenance District
- Staff Presentation (Dale Goodman): Presented the proposed assessment of $150 per parcel for the December 2026 tax roll. The district, established in 1990, covers 69 parcels and funds landscape/irrigation maintenance and tree pruning. Funds are also needed to replace a deteriorating retention basin and storm drain outlet near Loma Vista Place.
- Q&A: Council Member Chavez asked about the variance from the previous year; staff indicated the amount has likely remained stable or increased slightly.
- Motion: Council Member Chavez moved to adopt Resolution 7618 placing the $150 per parcel assessment on the tax roll. Council Member Ornelas seconded.
- Vote: The motion passed.
Agenda Item 12a: Athens Solid Waste Contract Amendments and Rate Increase
- Discussion: City staff presented redline amendments to the existing contract with Athens. Key changes included specifying that certain fees (solid waste, household hazardous, stormwater, franchise) remitted to the city must be used in accordance with applicable law. Amendments to Sections 3.0513 and 4.0811 clarified the process for fee adjustments, requiring good faith negotiation and allowing for arbitration if negotiations exceed six months. Staff outlined the legal standard for Council’s review: Council has sole but not absolute discretion to grant or deny the rate increase, which must not be arbitrary or capricious. The request requires proof that the cost increase was not foreseeable, not within Athens’ control, and not a usual business risk.
- Presentation: A representative from Athens presented the justification for a 1% rate increase over three consecutive years. The presentation cited the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s citrus quarantine (declared October 2023) and significant, unforeseen increases in disposal fees at the Del Norte Regional Recycling and Transfer Station starting in July 2024 as the primary drivers. The representative stated these events were outside Athens’ control and not routine business risks. The proposed increase ranges from 32 to 47 cents per month depending on service level.
- Public Comment/Questions: Council members asked for clarification on the monthly increase amounts for specific cart sizes (e.g., 96-gallon cart: 41 cents in Year 1, 44 cents in Year 2, 47 cents in Year 3). A Vice Mayor noted that residential bills are bimonthly, meaning the monthly increase would appear as a double amount on the bill. Council members confirmed that the redline amendments had been reviewed by Athens.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to adopt suggested actions one through four on the presentation, including the redline edited first amendment version. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: The item passed.
Agenda Item 12b: Loan Agreement with Responsible Energy Council (REC)
- Discussion: The City Attorney presented an outgoing loan agreement with the Responsible Energy Council (REC) regarding the city’s Oil Museum collection. This agreement follows a license agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) approved on May 5th. Key terms include:
- Duration: Indefinite, with an initial two-year period (plus 90 days) for REC to complete an inventory of all collection items.
- Care Standards: REC cannot use destructive/invasive techniques without city consent; cannot store items outside city limits without Parks and Recreation Director approval; cannot destroy non-historical items without Director approval.
- Sub-loans: REC may sub-loan items for public display. Loans within the city for up to one year require Director approval; loans outside the city or for more than one year require Council approval.
- Intellectual Property: The city retains ownership of physical items. REC holds exclusive IP rights to work product derived from the collection but grants the city a free, non-exclusive license to use it. REC must credit the City of Santa Paula in publications/exhibits.
- Termination: Agreement terminates if REC ceases operations or fails to cure violations; items are returned to the city.
- Public Comment: Representatives from REC and the California Oil Museum Foundation (former operator) spoke in support of the agreement, describing it as a critical step in transitioning the care of the collection to REC. They noted that REC is currently in the initial phase of organizing and inventorying the collection.
- Questions: Council asked about the status of items that are loans to the museum (not owned by the city) and how they would be handled during the inventory process. REC representatives stated they would identify such items and comply with any existing loan requirements or return them to owners.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to approve the loan agreement with REC to implement the MOU for the care of the city’s oil artifacts and documents, and to authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: The item passed.
Agenda Item 12c: Homeless Shelter Services Extensions and Transition
- Discussion: Staff presented three documents for action:
- 1. An amended MOU with the County and City of Fillmore. 2. An amended operational agreement with Spirit of Santa Paula. 3. A draft Letter of Intent (LOI) with Rescue Mission Alliance (RMA). The first two items extend the existing shelter operations agreement from its June 30th expiration to October 1st. Funding for this three-month extension is prorated: $50,000 from Santa Paula, $37,500 from Fillmore, and $87,500 from the County. The LOI with RMA is a placeholder for a three-year transition period where RMA will assume operations of the Harvard Shelter.
- Clarification: Council identified a discrepancy in the LOI, which listed a transition date of July 1, 2026, while the operational agreement amendment specified October 1, 2026. Staff confirmed the intent was for the transition to occur on October 1, 2026, and agreed to correct the LOI date. Staff also requested authorization to add missing recitals to the first two amendments to reflect the history of agreements with the County and Fillmore.
- Public Comment/Questions: Representatives from Spirit of Santa Paula and RMA spoke. RMA stated they plan to operate similarly to Spirit for the first year, including serving families, and would leverage their existing programs in other cities. Council members asked about the continuity of services for families during the transition.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to:
- 1. Adopt the first amendment to the agreement providing financial support for the shelter. 2. Adopt the first amendment to the operating agreement with Spirit of Santa Paula. 3. Adopt the Letter of Intent regarding the transition of Harvard Shelter operations to RMA for a three-year period, with the start date corrected to October 1, 2026. 4. Authorize staff to add additional recitals to the first two amendments. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: The item passed.
Agenda Item 12d: Agreement with Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce
- Discussion: The Interim Executive Director and Operations Manager of the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce presented a report on accomplishments under the current agreement. Deliverables included business promotion videos, Business Connects, roundtables, ribbon cuttings, and support for local initiatives such as the WEAVE childcare program and mural restoration. The presentation covered business retention, workforce development, downtown enhancement (including an AmeriCorps fellow and PBID partnerships), and the installation of a self-service visitor center at the clock tower. A feasibility study for a full-service visitor center was also completed. Chloe Rahimzadeh-Lurie and Deirdre Weaver presented an overview of the Chamber of Commerce’s activities, including coordination of food and beverages for the State of the City event, support for the Passport Program, ribbon cuttings for local businesses, community-wide events such as Cruise Nights and Sip and Shop Downtown, and the Best of Heritage Valley awards. They also discussed marketing strategies, including new radio partnerships, and arts initiatives, such as producing bilingual mural information videos and securing a grant for the restoration of the "Discovery of Black Gold" mural. The presentation concluded with an outline of upcoming activities, including additional ribbon cuttings, business roundtables, educational workshops, and efforts to advance the Chamber’s role as a film liaison.
- Q&A: Council Member Chavez asked for confirmation that the contract parameters for the second year remained unchanged from the previous year. Staff confirmed that the financial terms and general parameters were the same.
- Motion: Authorize the City Manager to enter into a professional service agreement with the Chamber of Commerce for fiscal year 2026-2027.
- Moved by: Vice Mayor Crosswhite
- Seconded by: Council Member Chavez
- Vote Outcome: Passed (All in favor)
Item 10-F: Resolution Establishing City Council Meeting Disruption Policy (SB 707)
- Staff presented a resolution to adopt a policy addressing disruptions to telephonic or audiovisual public participation platforms, in accordance with Senate Bill 707. The bill requires eligible legislative bodies to adopt a two-way telephonic or audiovisual platform for public participation by July 1, 2026. The proposed policy mandates that if a disruption occurs, the Council must pause for at least one hour to make a good faith effort to restore service. During this time, the Council may meet in closed session but cannot reconvene until service is restored. Upon reconvening, the Council must make findings by roll call that a good faith effort was made and that the public interest in continuing outweighs the interest in remote access, or the Council may adjourn.
- Discussion focused on the technical readiness and costs associated with compliance. Staff noted that while translation services were already in place, significant work was needed on the technology side, with AV specialist James Lanting assisting in vendor discussions. Staff indicated that while full compliance might not be achieved by the July deadline, the city would be close and compliant on key aspects. Council members discussed the implications for off-site meetings and workshops, noting that while workshops are currently an exception to the two-way audio requirement, there were concerns about the financial costs and logistical challenges of implementing two-way communication for all public meetings. One Council member expressed concern about the potential for technical disruptions or "hacking" during remote participation and requested a plan to address such incidents. Staff clarified that the technology for two-way communication (e.g., Zoom seminar style) is already owned and could be facilitated relatively easily, but noted that ceremonial events like the State of the City are not considered public meetings for business purposes unless conducting business.
- Motion: Approval of Item 10-F.
- Moved by: Vice Mayor Crosswhite
- Seconded by: Council Member Chavez
- Vote Outcome: Passed (All in favor)
Future Agenda Items and Adjournment
- The City Manager noted that the next regular meeting would be in July, with a potential closed session for the City Manager performance evaluation scheduled for the following week or the week after. The Chair confirmed that the specific closed session agenda items were not yet known. The meeting was adjourned at 9:58 PM.