City Council — October 7, 2026

Lady Raiders Flag Football Recognition

• The council recognized the Lady Raiders team for winning the Super Bowl at Ventura College in August 2026.
• Certificates of Recognition were presented to players, coaches, and support staff.
• Council members praised the team's dedication, spirit, and the free nature of the program.

City Manager’s Department Report

• City Manager Dan Singer presented updates on legislative affairs, communications, and human resources.
• Staff reported securing potential federal funding of up to $1.1 million for public safety.
• The report was received and filed by the council.

Finance Department Report

• Assistant Finance Director Beatriz Jimenez detailed accounts payable, purchasing, and utility billing activities.
• Major expenses included $6.1 million in payroll and $3.4 million in insurance costs.
• The council received and filed the department activity report.

City Council Reports

• Council members reported on attendance at regional conferences, school district meetings, and hospital task force discussions.
• Vice Mayor Crosswhite highlighted a cyber attack on another agency and urged a review of payment processes.
• Mayor Warris reported on two major water breaks on Ojai Road that were repaired by staff.

City Manager’s Additional Report

• City Manager Singer provided updates on the Highway 150 project and the Park and Orchard project.
• Staff noted that the Caltrans project is expected to resume in March with new signals and paving.
• The council was introduced to Kellen Martz, the new interim city attorney.

Sidewalk Master Plan Contract

• Council Member Chavez pulled the item from the consent calendar to allow for public awareness and staff explanation.
• Staff presented a contract with General Technologies and Solutions for a comprehensive sidewalk master plan.
• The council approved the contract to address safety, accessibility, and sidewalk repair gaps.

Transportation Development Act (TDA) Local Transportation Fund Apportionment

• Vice Mayor Crosswhite pulled the item from the consent calendar for further discussion.
• Staff proposed increasing revenue by $415,000 and transferring funds to cover street repair salaries.
• The council approved the apportionment as amended to address a projected gas tax revenue shortfall.

Police Department Vehicle Lease and Replacement Program

• Vice Mayor Crosswhite pulled the item from the consent calendar to review the vehicle replacement program.
• Staff presented a proposal to replace four aging vehicles through an open-ended equity lease with Enterprise.
• The council approved the lease agreement with an amended Year 1 cost of $88,525.64.

Spirit of Santa Paula Harvard Shelter Funding Amendments

• Staff presented amendments extending the regional cost-sharing funding agreement through June 30, 2027.
• The amendments cover Santa Paula contributions of $50,000 and $100,000 for specific periods.
• The council adopted the amendments to the funding and operating agreements.

Appointment of Commissions and Committees

• The council appointed members to the Parks and Recreation, Historic Preservation, and Mobile Home Rent Review commissions.
• Appointments were also made for the Senior Advisory Committee, Measure T Oversight Committee, and Housing Authority.
• The council discussed recusal practices and the process for renewing incumbent members.

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Loans

• Staff presented loan proposals for the Gateway Grove transitional housing renovation and Topa Vista Villas development.
• The council discussed the loan structure and the city's progress toward state-mandated housing goals.
• The council approved the loans for both affordable housing projects.

Resolution Opposing Proposition 43

• Staff explained that Proposition 43 would raise the voter approval threshold for local special taxes to two-thirds.
• The council discussed the impact on local control and taxpayer burden.
• The council adopted a resolution opposing the measure.

City Manager Recruitment Firm Selection

• Staff presented proposals from three recruitment firms for the City Manager search.
• The council decided to interview the firms before making a selection to evaluate methodologies and costs.
• Staff was directed to schedule interviews and request cost estimates for optional services.

RV Policy Enforcement Pause

• The council discussed a temporary pause on selective enforcement of the existing RV ordinance.
• Staff clarified that health, safety, and legal requirements would continue to be enforced.
• The council approved a temporary pause limited to aesthetic and location-based issues during the ordinance review.

Moratorium/Ordinance Update Implementation

• The council approved the selected implementation method for the ordinance update.
• This approach avoided the expenditure of staff time and funds required to draft a separate moratorium.
• Resources were directed toward other ordinance updates as a result of this decision.

Meeting Opening and Invocation

• The regular meeting of the Santa Paula City Council was called to order on Wednesday, October 7, at the council chambers. Deacon Al Galeen led the invocation, and Council Member Chavez led the Black Salute. City Clerk Tracy Girl conducted a roll call, confirming the presence of Council Members Chavez, Cornejo, and Ornelas, Vice Mayor Crosswhite, and Mayor Warris.

Agenda Item 5: Public Comment

• Public comment was opened with a reminder to submit speaker cards and limit speeches to three minutes.
• Constance Leshin spoke regarding the non-renewal of City Manager Dan Singer’s contract, which expires June 30, 2027. She cited a July 1, 2026, press release praising Singer’s seven years of service and questioned the decision to not renew the contract, referencing California Governmental Code 54957 regarding public reporting of closed session actions. She urged the council to explain the decision to constituents and suggested extending Singer’s contract if no viable candidates are found.
• Steve Werner addressed the RV parking issue, noting a lack of progress despite promised workshops. He requested that the current pause on violations be finalized to prevent further citations.
• Daniel Melendez spoke (content not detailed in transcript).
• Clarice Valdovinos, President of the 400 Craig Drive Mobile Home Owners Association, thanked the city and council for their attention to mobile home ordinances and expressed anticipation for the next meeting.

Agenda Item 6: Presentation – Lady Raiders Flag Football Recognition

• The council recognized the Lady Raiders flag football team for winning the Super Bowl at Ventura College on August 23, 2026.
• Team Representative: A representative (identified as the wife of head coach Eric Veloz) spoke on behalf of the team, noting they are a new team established eight months prior, serving ages 10–14. She highlighted the team’s dedication, their win against high school opponents, and the free nature of the program. She mentioned practice locations at Limoneira Harvest Park and McKevitt Park.
• Player Remarks: Several players expressed gratitude to the council, coaches, and family members for the opportunity and support.
• Certificates: Certificates of Recognition were presented to the following individuals:
• Players: Lexi Juani Romero, Jalene Gonzalez, Miranda Gonzales, Josie Romero, Athena Carrasco, Veronica Vasquez, Abbey Galeen, Jesse Ramirez, Brooklyn Bellows, Charisma Bellows, Cruz Mivelos, and Kimmy Veloz.
• Staff: Eric Veloz (Head Coach), Cesar Preciado (Defensive Coach, accepted by George Romero), George Romero (General Manager), and Kimmy Bellows (Team Mom/Videographer).
• Council Comments:
• Council Member Chavez praised the team’s dedication and spirit, stating the community is proud.
• Council Member Cornejo congratulated the team on the achievement in eight months.
• Council Member Ornelas expressed pride in seeing girls participate in a non-conventional sport and encouraged continued participation.
• Vice Mayor Crosswhite praised the head coach’s dedication and the team’s performance.
• Mayor Warris honored the team, coaches, and supporting families.

Agenda Item 6B: City Manager’s Department Report (May 26 – August 26)

• City Manager Dan Singer presented the department report.
• Key Activities:
• Participation in Athens negotiations and hospital closure forums.
• Legislative affairs: Secured potential federal funding of up to $1.1 million for police/public safety, pending federal budget approval.
• Communications: 15 press releases, 5 employee newsletters, 4 community newsletters, and social media posts.
• HR: Recruited a community/economic development specialist, management analyst in housing, recreation program coordinator, police officer, and associate engineer.
• IT: Implementation of parking lot gates and key cards.
• Clerk: Processed 17 council agendas/minutes, 2 bid openings, and 171 public records requests.
• Q&A:
• Public Works Staffing: Manager Singer reported open positions for Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer, two street maintenance workers, and two water division positions. The street supervisor position was recently filled.
• Mobile Home Ordinance: Interim City Attorney Kellen Martz stated that staff is retrieving the original language of Measure P (1992) to determine legal constraints on modifying the ordinance and addressing the moratorium.
• Employee Survey: Manager Singer stated that a public presentation of employee survey results was not on his radar and apologized for the oversight.
• Decision: The report was received and filed.

Agenda Item 6C: Finance Department Report

• Assistant Finance Director Beatriz Jimenez presented the department activity report.
• Accounts Receivable: Caught up on state/county reporting; processed transient occupancy tax, rents, COBRA billing, and permits.
• Licensing: Lighter workload allowed staff to assist utility billing and special projects.
• Accounts Payable: Processed ~5,000 invoices totaling $22 million. Major expenses included $6.1 million in payroll (including $3.3 million in unfunded accrued liability contributions), $8.9 million in bonds/loans, $3.4 million in insurance, $205,000 in legal costs, $1.7 million in utilities/sewer, $420,000 in groundwater pumping, and $2.9 million in professional services.
• Purchasing: Processed 129 new and 59 carryover purchase orders.
• Utility Billing: Shutoffs and notices remained consistent month-to-month.
• Payroll: Trained new staff; processed retroactive pay increases; managed MOU changes for the new fiscal year.
• Staffing: Reclassified an accountant position to management analyst in July. Hired a new accountant (Daniel) in August, creating a vacancy for an accounting specialist. Seeking temporary help for business license renewals.
• Other Activities: Finalizing FY 24-25 audit; reconciling liability counts/developer deposits; assisting Water Division with backflow testing; closing FY 26; assisting Parks and Rec with filming reconciliation; reconciling ARPA funds for a December 2026 deadline.
• Q&A:
• Insurance Costs: Finance Director Christy Ramirez explained the $3.4 million insurance cost reflects a yearly payment and a 20-22% increase across the industry.
• Special Assessments (PBID/CFD): Finance Director Ramirez stated that tracking is a joint responsibility with relevant divisions (DCM for PBID, Will Den for CFD, Public Works for GAD/Hillsborough). Finance acts as a reminder system to ensure assessments are placed on the property tax roll.
• Shutoffs: Finance Director Ramirez noted no significant increase in shutoffs compared to pre-pandemic levels, attributing this to payment plans and potential assistance from Community Action.
• Decision: The report was received and filed.

Agenda Item 6D: City Council Reports

• Council Member Chavez:
• Attended Project Isabella meeting; suggested appointing an official representative to the task force.
• Attended workshops on AI strategies, homeownership repair, and downtown revitalization.
• Acknowledged Parks and Rec for opening the community center during high temperatures.
• Expressed concern over the lack of a debrief/plan regarding the Santa Paula Hospital decision; plans to place a future agenda item on this.
• Noted $1.5 million in state funding for the sports complex secured through collaboration with state officials.
• Council Member Cornejo:
• Attended Ventura Regional Sanitation District and Ventura Council of Governments meetings (Chair-elect for both).
• Attended League of California Cities conference.
• Participated in Rotary Rally.
• Attended committee position interviews.
• Attended 2x2 meeting with the school board.
• Visited The Hive at Camarillo Airport.
• Attended Latino Town Hall meeting regarding the Santa Paula Hospital Task Force.
• Council Member Ornelas:
• Attended the 2x2 meeting with the school district.
• Participated in committee interviews.
• Vice Mayor Crosswhite:
• Attended League of California Cities conference (workshops on economic development, code enforcement, housing, and municipal finance).
• Attended Mobility 21 Transportation Conference.
• Attended California Council of Governments housing law/policy meeting (virtual series scheduled for Oct 29, Nov 12, Nov 17).
• Notified council of a cyber attack on another agency involving diverted payments; urged review of payment processes.
• Attended Clean Power Reliance meetings.
• Attended Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) meetings; noted Clean Air Day and the signing of SB 1087 (CEQA reform), which may impact regional housing needs assessment allocations and change the sustainable community strategy planning cycle from 4 to 8 years.
• Shared information on the "Cal Heat Score" tool, which ranks heat impact by zip code; noted that areas with a score of 4 see 75% more hospital visits during heat events.
• Promoted the Future Leaders Initiative Cohort 2 (applications due Oct 27).
• Mayor Warris:
• Attended the candidates forum on Tuesday, Oct 9.
• Attended League of California Cities conference (sessions on AI and EV bikes).
• Participated in committee/commission interviews on Sept 28.
• Attended the Latino Town Hall meeting on the Santa Paula Hospital Task Force; noted the formation of a coalition with weekly meetings to strategize and pressure the county/state.
• Acknowledged Parks and Rec for opening the cooling center.
• Reported two major water breaks on Ojai Road (Highway 150) within 100 feet of each other, repaired by staff by 6 p.m. each night.

Agenda Item 6E: City Manager’s Report (Additional)

• City Manager Dan Singer provided additional updates.
• League Conference: Attended sessions on EV bikes, AI, and economic development.
• School District: Participated in the 2x2 meeting.
• Isabella 100th Anniversary: Attended the celebration.
• Hospital Task Force: Noted that the City of Fillmore appointed two council members to an ad hoc task force; Fillmore is adopting a resolution similar to Santa Paula’s. Staff will review Fillmore’s resolution for potential updates to Santa Paula’s policy.
• Ventura County Leadership Academy: Hosted a group studying Santa Paula on Friday.
• Public Engagement: Encouraged the public to sign up for city notifications and the monthly newsletter via the city website.
• Interim City Attorney: Introduced Kellen Martz as the new interim city attorney, appointed one month prior. The "interim" title allows for a one-year evaluation period.
• Q&A:
• Highway 150/Ojai Road Project: The Caltrans project is stalled. It is expected to resume in March. Work includes ADA curb ramps, new signals at three intersections, paving, and striping. A cooperative agreement with Caltrans is expected before year-end to fund three lighted crosswalks, with conduit installation to occur before paving.
• Park and Orchard Project: Public Works Director Bob (last name not specified in transcript) reported that the project is completing water system connections. Curb ramp, sidewalk, and paving work will follow. Progress is slow due to coordination and maintaining community access.

Consent Calendar (Items 9C, 9F, 9G)

Item 9C: Sidewalk Master Plan Contract

• Discussion: Council Member Chavez requested this item be pulled from the consent calendar to allow for public awareness and staff explanation. Staff and Mr. Woodward presented the contract with General Technologies and Solutions for a comprehensive sidewalk master plan. The plan aims to address gaps in the sidewalk system, prioritize safety and accessibility (including safe routes to school), and utilize Measure R funds to double the volume of sidewalk repairs. Staff noted that while an informal prioritization system previously existed, this constitutes a formal master plan. Questions were raised regarding liability reduction, coordination with tree maintenance, and the history of sidewalk management.
• Motion: Motion to approve Item 9C.
• Second: Seconded.
• Decision: Passed.

Item 9F: Transportation Development Act (TDA) Local Transportation Fund Apportionment for Fiscal Year 26-27

• Discussion: This item was pulled from the consent calendar by Vice Mayor Crosswhite. Staff presented a solution to a projected $500,000 shortfall in gas tax revenues. Due to increased allocations from the BCTC and lower-than-expected expenditures in the previous year, the city has additional funds available. The proposal recommends increasing revenue by $415,000, transferring $543,000 to the gas tax fund to cover street repair and maintenance salaries, and allocating an additional $183,000 to the slurry seal CIP program. Staff highlighted the role of a Public Works analyst in identifying this funding opportunity and confirming compliance with VCTC guidelines.
• Motion: Motion to approve Item 9F as amended.
• Second: Seconded.
• Decision: Passed.

Item 9G: Police Department Vehicle Lease and Replacement Program

• Discussion: This item was pulled from the consent calendar by Vice Mayor Crosswhite. Chief Aguilar and Alec Arapadian from Enterprise Mobility presented a vehicle replacement program for the Police Department. The proposal involves replacing four aging vehicles (two patrol, two unmarked) with new vehicles through an open-ended equity lease agreement with Enterprise, utilizing Sourcewell. The program aims to reduce maintenance costs, improve safety features, and manage cash flow by spreading costs over five years. The presentation included a 10-year financial outlook showing potential savings and increased resale equity compared to the current cash-purchase model. Questions addressed included the transition to zero-emission vehicles, the definition of "wear and tear," insurance processes for catastrophic loss, payment terms (monthly vs. prepaid), and the process for vehicle resale and title transfer. Staff noted a slight increase in the Year 1 cost due to recent schedule changes for unmarked vehicles, bringing the total to $88,525.64, which was offset by the equity of the vehicles being replaced. The City Manager and City Attorney reviewed the agreements.
• Motion: Motion to approve Item 9G with the amended amount.
• Second: Seconded.
• Decision: Passed.

Action Item 10A: Second and Third Amendments to Joint Agreement for Operational Funding of the Spirit of Santa Paula Harvard Shelter and Second Amendment to the Operating Agreement

• Discussion: Gloria Parra, Management Analyst, presented the second and third amendments to the funding agreement and the second amendment to the operating agreement with Spirit of Santa Paula. The funding agreement is a regional cost-sharing arrangement between the City of Santa Paula, City of Fillmore, and the County of Ventura. The first amendment extended funding through October 1, 2026, in anticipation of a transition to a new operator that did not occur. These amendments extend the funding agreement through June 30, 2027. The second amendment covers October 2, 2026, to December 31, 2026, with Santa Paula contributing $50,000. The third amendment covers January 1, 2027, to June 30, 2027, with Santa Paula contributing $100,000. The total budget allocation for these two periods is $150,000, which is already included in the city's budget. The operating agreement amendment aligns the dates with the funding agreement. Staff noted that minor edits from the County and City of Fillmore were incorporated. The City Manager was authorized to make non-material changes to finalize the agreements. Council confirmed that the County remains committed to funding homelessness services.
• Motion: Motion to adopt the second and third amendments to the funding agreement and the second amendment to the operating agreement, including the budget allocations.
• Second: Seconded.
• Decision: Passed.

Action Item 10B: Appointment of Commissions and Committees

• Process Discussion: The Mayor discussed the process for appointing members to commissions and committees, noting a previous rule that council members who missed interviews were not allowed to vote. The Mayor requested an opinion from the new City Attorney, Colin Marks, regarding this rule, as one council member had joined an interview late.
• Parks and Recreation Commission (Youth and Adult Positions):
• Discussion: Staff noted that one youth applicant did not meet age requirements, resulting in one youth vacancy and one adult vacancy (due to a recent resignation). Council discussed recusal practices regarding prior participation in interviews.
• Motion: To appoint Natalia Monsilla to the youth position and Cassidy Straits to the adult regular member position.
• Second: Seconded.
• Outcome: Passed.
• Design Assistance / Historic Preservation Committee:
• Discussion: Three vacancies existed with three applicants.
• Motion: To appoint Tessa Lenz, Marilyn Foles-Appleby, and Karen Harrison.
• Second: Seconded.
• Outcome: Passed.
• Mobile Home Rent Review Commission:
• Discussion: One vacancy existed with two applicants (one returning, one new). Council noted the importance of continuity for the committee and agreed to notify the non-selected applicant of future workshops.
• Motion: To appoint Karen Harrison (returning applicant).
• Second: Seconded.
• Outcome: Passed.
• Senior Advisory Committee:
• Discussion: Two vacancies existed. Two new applicants were interviewed. Additionally, an incumbent member (Pamela Marshall) whose term had recently expired expressed interest in renewing. Council discussed the process for renewals versus new appointments.
• Motion: To appoint Amalia Ochoa, Thomas O. Ellis, and Pamela Marshall.
• Second: Seconded.
• Outcome: Passed.
• Measure T Oversight Committee:
• Discussion: One vacancy existed with one returning applicant.
• Motion: To appoint Vanessa Olmos.
• Second: Seconded.
• Outcome: Passed.
• Santa Paula Housing Authority:
• Discussion: Three vacancies existed. Three applicants applied, but one did not appear for the interview. Council discussed the option of appointing the two interviewed candidates and re-advertising for the remaining position.
• Motion: To appoint Francisco Estrada and Joseph Cervantes.
• Second: Seconded.
• Outcome: Passed.

Item 10C: Consideration of Loans from the City Affordable Housing Trust Fund

• Discussion: Staff presented two projects: Gateway Grove (transitional housing renovation at the Santa Paula Motel) and Topa Vista Villas (90-unit affordable housing development). Staff explained that funds come from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which is generated by in-lieu payments from developers under the inclusionary housing ordinance. Council discussed the loan structure (recyclable funds) versus grants, the city’s progress toward state-mandated housing numbers, and specific project features such as accessibility accommodations, parking, and community outreach.
• Motion: To approve Item 10C (loans for Gateway Grove and Topa Vista Villas).
• Second: Seconded.
• Outcome: Passed.

Item 10D: Resolution Opposing Prop 43 Voter Approval Requirements for Local Special Taxes

• Discussion: Staff explained that Proposition 43 would raise the voter approval threshold for local special taxes from a simple majority to two-thirds for both government-initiated and voter-initiated measures. Staff noted the League of California Cities requested the city to oppose the measure. Council discussed the impact on local control and taxpayer burden, citing examples of other cities.
• Motion: To adopt the resolution opposing Proposition 43.
• Second: Seconded.
• Outcome: Passed.

Item 10E: Selection of City Manager Recruitment Firm

• Discussion: Staff presented three proposals from recruitment firms: Ralph Anderson & Associates ($29,000), Bob Murray & Associates ($33,000), and Peckham & McKinney ($29,000). Council discussed the firms' regional experience, diversity outreach, and specific methodologies. Council debated whether to select a firm immediately or interview the candidates first. There was discussion regarding the timeline, noting that firms generally prefer to start in January to align with industry conferences. Council decided to interview the firms before making a selection.
• Decision: Council directed staff to schedule interviews with all three firms. Staff was instructed to request cost estimates for optional community workshop or online survey services from the firms and to provide a comparison chart of the proposals. Interviews are to be scheduled before the Thanksgiving holiday, potentially as a special meeting.
• Outcome: No motion to select a firm was taken; direction was given to proceed with interviews.

Item 11: Future Agenda Items / RV Policy Enforcement

• Discussion: Council discussed a temporary pause on selective enforcement of the existing RV ordinance while a review of the policy is underway. Staff clarified that health, safety, and legal requirements (e.g., vehicle registration, occupancy, utilities, abandoned vehicles) must continue to be enforced. The temporary hold would apply to aesthetic and location-based issues (e.g., front yard parking, visibility, screening). Council discussed the definition of "front yard" and the potential for confusion regarding parking on grass versus improved surfaces. Council agreed to amend the language to specify "improved surface" or similar clarifications to avoid ambiguity.
• Motion: To temporarily enact the RV ordinance enforcement pause with appropriate amendments, specifically limiting the pause to the period while the ordinance is being considered and adopted.
• Second: Seconded.
• Outcome: Passed. Council directed staff to communicate the decision and the ongoing public engagement process through appropriate channels, including the city website.

Agenda Item: Implementation Method for Moratorium/Ordinance Update

• Discussion: A member expressed appreciation for the selected implementation method, noting that it avoided the expenditure of staff time and funds required to draft a moratorium, allowing resources to be directed toward other ordinance updates.
• Motion: A motion was noted as being on the floor with a second.
• Vote: The body voted on the motion.
• Outcome: The motion passed.

Adjournment

• Decision: The meeting was adjourned at 10:00.