Meeting Summary
Present: Chavez, 5-Cornejo, 1-Ornelas, Crosswhite, Juarez
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At a glance
City Manager Contract Status
- Closed sessions regarding the City Manager's performance evaluation resulted in no action taken.
- Consequently, the City Manager's contract is set to expire on June 30, 2027.
- Public speakers urged the Council to reconsider the decision or provide a clear rationale.
Ventura County Fair and Parks Proclamations
- Representatives presented the 2026 fair poster, concert lineup, and new security entry requirements.
- The Council received a proclamation designating July as Parks and Recreation Month.
- Staff highlighted upcoming recreational events including volleyball, softball, and movies in the park.
Parks and Recreation Department Activities
- The Director reported on program participation numbers and the success of a new dodgeball league.
- Facility improvements were detailed for City Hall, the Community Center, and Antique Park.
- Restroom construction at Teague Park is expected to be completed by early August.
United Water Conservation District Bond Measure
- A representative presented a proposed $350 million bond for seismic retrofitting and water treatment projects.
- The presentation outlined potential property tax impacts and consequences if the bond fails.
- Council members requested further information on water allocation and the resolution support process.
City Grants and Funding Updates
- The City Manager reported securing over $2 million in federal appropriations and $1 million in state funds.
- Specific successes included a record $4.2 million CMAQ grant for the Santa Paula Trail expansion.
- Additional funding was secured for public safety, Harvard Boulevard, and Sports Park infrastructure.
Council Member and Vice Mayor Reports
- Updates were provided on a vehicle buyback program, farm equipment grants, and sidewalk vendor permitting.
- The Vice Mayor discussed transit fare relief, the St. Francis Dam Memorial, and 10th Street paving delays.
- The Mayor announced a new police recruit, upcoming Cruise Night dates, and the Flood Path monument dedication.
City Manager Operational Updates
- The pavement management program has begun work on The Hill, The Oaks, and various parking lots.
- The long-awaited bridge project is underway with concrete pouring scheduled to start soon.
- Staff from Parks and Recreation and Police were commended for their work during the July 4th celebration.
Mid-Cycle Budget Adjustment
- The Finance Director presented a resolution to amend the 2026-2027 budget and adopt the GAN limit.
- Expense increases are primarily driven by liability insurance, workers' compensation, and recruitment services.
- The Council approved the budget adjustment, noting the budget remains balanced due to an original surplus.
Closed Session
- Two sessions on the City Manager's evaluation resulted in no action, leading to contract expiration.
- A third session covering multiple topics concluded with no reportable actions taken.
Full summary
Call to Order and Opening Procedures
- The regular meeting of the Santa Paula City Council was called to order on July 15, 2026. An invocation was delivered by Chaplain Kay Wilson-Bolton, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Vice Mayor. A roll call confirmed the presence of all council members.
Closed Session Report
- The City Attorney reported on three closed sessions. Two sessions held on June 23 and June 30, 2026, regarding the City Manager's performance evaluation resulted in no action taken; consequently, the City Manager's contract is set to sunset on June 30, 2027. A third closed session held that evening covered multiple topics (items 4A through 4M), with no reportable actions taken.
Public Participation and Agenda Updates
- The City Attorney explained new state legislation (SB 707) requiring remote public participation during technical interruptions and mandating a one-hour recess if connectivity cannot be restored. The City Clerk outlined the implementation of remote public comment via webinar, noting that the system would be tested during the meeting.
Public Comment
- Three members of the public addressed the Council regarding the decision not to extend the City Manager's contract. Speakers expressed support for the current City Manager, cited his accomplishments, and urged the Council to reconsider the decision or provide a clear rationale for the change in direction.
Presentations
- Ventura County Fair: Representatives from the Junior Fair Board presented the official 2026 fair poster and announced the concert lineup, special admission days, and the Junior Livestock Auction. A new security measure requiring plastic bags for entry was noted.
- Parks and Recreation Month: The Council received a proclamation designating July as Parks and Recreation Month. The Parks and Recreation Commission Chair recognized staff efforts and highlighted upcoming events, including volleyball, softball, self-defense classes, and movies in the park.
- Parks and Recreation Department Activity Report: The Director reported on activities from February through June 2026. Highlights included participation numbers for youth sports and adult recreation programs, the success of a new dodgeball league, and City Corps volunteer hours. Facility improvements were detailed, including renovations at City Hall, the Community Center, and Antique Park, as well as drainage improvements at the Sports Park. The Director also discussed the Farm Workers Monument brick fundraising campaign and the status of restroom construction at Teague Park, which is expected to be completed by early August.
- United Water Conservation District: A representative presented an informational overview of a proposed $350 million bond measure to be placed on the November ballot. The funds are intended for three mandated projects: seismic retrofitting of the Santa Felicia Dam, fish passage improvements at the Freeman Diversion, and an extraction barrier/brackish water treatment project to prevent seawater intrusion. The presentation detailed the costs, the projected property tax impact, and the consequences if the bond fails, including potential rate increases or operational reductions. Council members requested further information regarding the allocation of water between agriculture and cities and the process for adopting a resolution of support.
- City Grants Update: The City Manager reported on the city's grant writing and lobbying efforts since 2020. The city has secured over $2 million in federal appropriations and over $1 million in state funds in the last two years. Specific successes included a record $4.2 million CMAQ grant for the Santa Paula Trail expansion, public safety grants, and funding for infrastructure projects such as Harvard Boulevard and the Sports Park.
Council Member Reports
- Council Member Ornelas: Reported on a vehicle buyback program for older vehicles and equipment grants for local farms to reduce emissions.
- Council Member Cornejo: Discussed a countywide task force on sidewalk vendor health permitting and updates on the Property Business Improvement District (PBID) moving toward greater independence.
- Vice Mayor Crosswhite: Provided updates on fare box recovery relief for transit, the St. Francis Dam Disaster Memorial Project, delays in 10th Street paving due to engineering redesigns, and a Clean Power Alliance pilot program for electric vehicle charging rates.
- Mayor Juarez: Welcomed a new police recruit, announced upcoming Cruise Night dates, and noted the dedication date for the Flood Path monument in March 2028.
City Manager's Report
- The City Manager announced the start of the pavement management program, including work on The Hill, The Oaks, and parking lots. The long-awaited bridge project was reported to be underway, with concrete pouring scheduled to begin. The Council was reminded that the next regular meeting would be held on August 19. The Manager also commended the Parks and Recreation and Police Departments for their work during the July 4th celebration.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar. A brief discussion occurred regarding a discrepancy in the job description for a police position (Tangi), specifically concerning the years of experience required. The Police Chief clarified the intent of the language, and the Council proceeded with the vote. The motion to approve the consent calendar passed.
Action Items
- Mid-Cycle Budget Adjustment (Item 11A): The Finance Director presented a resolution to amend the 2026-2027 budget and adopt the GAN limit. The proposal included expense increases primarily driven by liability and workers' compensation insurance costs, as well as recruitment services for the City Manager and equipment upgrades. The report noted that the budget remains balanced due to a surplus in the original adoption. Personnel changes included reclassifications in Finance and Parks and Recreation, and the continuation of a fellowship program. After discussion regarding revenue projections, reserve balances, and the allocation of funds, a motion was made and seconded to approve the mid-cycle budget adjustment and GAN limit adoption. The motion passed.
Items for Future Agenda
- The City Manager outlined upcoming agenda items for August and September, including a study session on city growth, a special meeting regarding the mobile home rent review ordinance, a strategic plan update, a police activity report, a response to a grand jury report on fireworks, a housing proposal from Red Tail, and preliminary discussions on water and sewer rates and a water division reorganization.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned at 8:39 p.m.