Meeting Summary
Present: Chavez, 5-Cornejo, 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
SR 150 Rehabilitation Project Status Update
- The project is suspended due to design revisions for additional curb ramps, discovered road damage, and unmarked utilities.
- Work is estimated to resume in December 2026, with project acceptance anticipated in November 2027.
- Caltrans committed to reviewing resident-reported safety hazards and providing interim safety improvements.
- The council requested that Caltrans share the presentation materials and issue a press release with the status update.
Ventura County Fire Department Presentation
- Call volume increased by 14% in the third quarter, with medical calls comprising approximately 76% of total incidents.
- The new fire station is within 30 days of completion and will house 13 personnel, including a rescue ambulance.
- The city agreed to loan a World Trade Center artifact to the new station's museum area.
- The department outlined El Niño preparedness measures, including sandbag distribution and public guidance on flood readiness.
Public Works Department Report
- The city was awarded $10.96 million for the SoCal Edison Microgrid Incentive Program, with staff working to fit the project to the awarded amount.
- Capital Improvement Program updates include ongoing crosswalk improvements, pavement management cycles, and the 8th Street lighting project.
- The Traffic Safety Committee resolved four of six new items, with fourteen items remaining open due to funding or study requirements.
- Staff clarified that city-wide speed surveys are being processed as a task order and that standard speed hump geometry has been adopted.
Arrive Santa Paula Project Regulatory Agreement
- The council approved a $53,000 interest-free loan to facilitate the conversion of 53 market-rate units to deed-restricted affordable housing.
- The 53 units will be restricted at 80% Area Median Income for 55 years, addressing the "missing middle" income group.
- The applicant confirmed that leasing for the new units would open immediately following the council's approval.
Downtown Santa Paula PBID Renewal Financial Assistance
- The council approved $12,500 in financial assistance to cover 50% of the cost for a consultant to assist with PBID renewal.
- The funding is sourced from federal ARPA funds that must be expended by the end of December.
- Council members requested increased transparency regarding PBID fund usage and a future presentation to the public.
Update on Closed Session Matters
- The City Attorney presented a report clarifying that closed sessions regarding the City Manager’s performance did not constitute a non-renewal decision.
- The report stated that the District Attorney’s preliminary finding relied on imprecise language in a public release rather than a legal action taken in session.
- The council received and filed the report, with the City Attorney noting that Brown Act confidentiality requirements continue to apply.
Future Agenda Items
- A special meeting is scheduled for the following Wednesday, with a closed session on pending litigation anticipated for November 4.
- Study sessions on the RV ordinance and e-bikes/e-scooters are being scheduled, avoiding holiday conflicts.
- The 76th Annual Santa Paula Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, November 28, starting at 10:00 AM.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Roll Call
- The regular meeting of the Santa Paula City Council was called to order by Mayor Nancy Grass on Wednesday, October 21, at 6:30 p.m. An invocation was delivered by Kay Wilson-Bolton, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Ornelas. The City Clerk conducted a roll call, confirming the presence of Council Members Chavez, Cornejo, Ornelas, Vice Mayor Crosswhite, and Mayor Warris. No closed session report was provided.
General Public Comment
- Four members of the public addressed the council:
- Richard Abbott: Commented on the use of glue traps, stating he had provided sufficient information to the council to make a humane decision and questioning why the practice had not yet been addressed.
- Tiffany Orr: As Vice President of the 400 Mobile Home Park on Craig Drive, she urged the council to review Measure P (passed in 1992) as part of the rent control framework. She requested that the city pull the proposition language to address upcoming rent increase applications.
- Judy Rice: Expressed disappointment with the council, stating that publicly announcing opposition to Proposition 43 influenced taxpayers and that the council voted incorrectly.
- Gladys Valdivinos: As President of the 400 Craig Drive Mobile Homeowners Association, she urged the council and the Rent Review Commission to provide a response to residents before the November deadline. She asked for updates on questions posed by Council Member Chavez regarding amendments to the mobile home rent stabilization ordinance and requested that the Rent Review Commission meet before Thanksgiving to implement procedural improvements before new rent increase applications are submitted in 2027.
Agenda Item 7A: SR 150 Rehabilitation Project Status Update
- City Attorney Update: In response to a point of inquiry from Council Member Ventura regarding a moratorium question posed two months prior, the City Attorney stated that the city is still seeking the actual language of Measure P. A public records request to the county yielded sample ballots and vote tallies but not the specific ordinance language. The city is currently searching internal storage units and files for the document.
- Caltrans Presentation: Dan Tran, Project Manager for the SR 150 pavement preservation and pedestrian facility upgrade project (from Bridge Road to SR 126), presented a status update. The project is currently suspended for three reasons:
- 1. The city is adding eight additional curb ramps, flashing beacons, and crosswalk markings within city limits. 2. Significant road damage was discovered during construction, attributed to recent rainstorms and heavy traffic from the Bridge Road landslide. The design is being revised to increase the thickness of rubberized hot mixed asphalt (RHMA) and replace structural sections in some areas to extend the project's life expectancy. 3. Unmarked utilities were found during excavation, requiring relocation or redesign.
- Timeline: Work is estimated to resume in December 2026. Traffic signals and electrical work are scheduled for December 2026 to April 2027. ADA curb ramps and street lights/signs are scheduled for April to June 2027. Paving is scheduled for June to July 2027, with striping completed by August 2027. Project acceptance is estimated for November 2027.
- Interim Actions: Caltrans addressed resident complaints during the suspension, including replacing brick sidewalk work, installing permanent street signs, and placing temporary covers on curb ramps.
- Public Comment: Mark Kretschmer, representing concerned community members, presented a report with photographs detailing safety hazards, including missing striping, unlit crosswalks, missing detectable warning domes, potholes, and water drainage issues at Park Street. He requested a written response from Caltrans and asked if the presentation materials would be shared with the public.
- Council Discussion:
- Council Member Ventura thanked the public for the detailed report and requested the City Manager follow up with Caltrans regarding the written response.
- Mayor Grass noted the safety hazards observed locally, including unmarked lanes and falling signs.
- Vice Mayor Crosswhite requested that the Caltrans PowerPoint be made available to the public and asked if a press release summarizing the update would be issued. She also asked about interim safety improvements, such as additional striping, before the final paving.
- Caltrans representatives committed to reviewing the provided photos and addressing safety-related concerns in the interim. They confirmed they would look into interim improvements and provided a contact link for public concerns.
- Council Member Ornelas emphasized the importance of the flashing pedestrian beacons for school safety and requested interim measures to maintain safety during the project suspension.
- Vice Mayor Crosswhite noted a previous issue where Caltrans changed turn lane configurations, causing traffic backups, and requested that the current lane configuration remain unchanged.
- The council requested that Caltrans provide the PowerPoint presentation and a press release to the public.
Agenda Item 7B: Ventura County Fire Department Presentation
- Call Data: Chief Williams presented third-quarter call data, noting a 14% spike in call volume, largely attributed to medical calls during a hot summer. Medical calls account for approximately 76% of total calls. Santa Paula accounts for about 5% of calls in the district. The department noted an increase in assaults and traumatic injuries.
- Hospital Access: In response to questions from Council Member Ventura regarding the impact of local hospital closures, Chief Williams stated that the fire department now operates a rescue ambulance with fire medics and carries whole blood, providing a backup to private ambulance services. He noted that trauma patients are typically transported to VCMC or Robles, the county's two trauma centers.
- New Fire Station: Chief Williams reported that the new fire station is within 30 days of completion, pending final permits and a punch list. The station will house two fire engines, a ladder truck, a rescue ambulance, and a battalion chief, resulting in 13 personnel on duty in the city during the day.
- Museum and Memorabilia: The new station will include a museum area with display cases for Ventura County Fire and Santa Paula memorabilia, including an antique Seagrave fire engine. Vice Mayor Crosswhite asked about the placement of a piece of the World Trade Center Twin Towers, currently held by the Santa Paula Historical Society. Mayor Grass stated that the city is willing to loan the artifact (approximately 14 inches wide, 20 inches tall, and 100 pounds) to the fire station museum until the separate Fire Heritage Memorial Project progresses.
- El Niño Preparedness: Chief Williams discussed El Niño preparations, including the distribution of sandbags at all fire stations. He directed the public to ReadyVenturaCounty.gov for winter readiness information, flood maps, and VC Alert notifications. He advised residents to clear drains and downspouts and noted that sandbags are effective for diverting moving water but not for absorbing standing water.
- Council Discussion:
- Vice Mayor Crosswhite noted the correlation between high heat scores and increased emergency room visits, supporting the fire department's data on heat-related medical calls.
- Mayor Grass inquired about the maneuverability of the ladder truck, and Chief Williams explained that it is more maneuverable than a fire engine due to its tiller design.
- The council thanked the Fire Department for their presentation and preparedness efforts.
Agenda Item 7C: Public Works Department Report
- The Public Works Director presented a report covering consultant contracts, solid waste, wastewater, water, streets, fleet, the SoCal Edison Microgrid Incentive Program, the Capital Improvement Program, and the Traffic Safety Committee.
- Consultant Contracts: The report noted 10 contracts in FY 25-26 with an approved budget of $3.78 million, and 8 contracts in FY 26-27 with an approved budget of $1.62 million.
- Solid Waste & Recycling: The contractor addressed dust issues from street sweeping by adjusting water usage and continued community outreach.
- Wastewater: The number two blower was installed following the completion of the number one blower project. Twenty trash full capture systems were installed in storm drain catch basins.
- Water Division: The division maintains five wells, six pump stations, three treatment facilities, 13 storage reservoirs, 1,000 fire hydrants, and over 100 miles of pipeline. 549 million gallons of water were produced during the period. 364 smart meters were added to the system. 150 emergency line calls were responded to.
- Streets & Fleet: The streets team assisted the fleet division during periods of mechanic shortages. Traffic control infrastructure was managed for various events. 40 tons of asphalt were used for pothole repairs. Red curbs were painted at a grade school for special education bus safety. Banners were installed and removed. Sidewalk trip hazards were ground. The fleet division reported on vehicle service orders, noting that police vehicles generate the most work orders, which is expected to decrease with new Enterprise leasing.
- SoCal Edison Microgrid Incentive Program: The city was awarded $10.96 million out of a requested $16.56 million. Staff is working with a firm to complete the project as specified for the awarded amount, noting there is no additional city funding available for change orders.
- Capital Improvement Program:
- 10th Street-Ohio Road crosswalk improvements are ongoing.
- Park and Orchard Street grinding and paving are expected to begin the following week.
- Crosstown Pipeline Phase 1 is moving forward with partial funding.
- Pavement Management Cycle 2 Phase 1 (Oaks) is largely complete with pickup work remaining.
- Mill Park and Davis parking lots were completed; the Public Works parking lot was ground and paving is expected within two weeks.
- Cycle 2 Phase 2 (West side streets) is planned for November, including Harding Park and parking lot paving.
- Park and Orchard Streets will be paved in conjunction with water and sewer repairs.
- The 8th Street lighting project is underway and expected to be completed before Halloween.
- Traffic Safety Committee: Six new items were received during the period. Four items were resolved with positive outcomes. Fourteen items remain open, with five pending due to lack of funding and others requiring further traffic studies or work.
- New Employee: Javed Saeedi, a civil engineer, joined Public Works on August 24. He is working on the wayfinding project and preparing for the California Civil Engineering exam.
Q&A on Public Works Report
- Speed Surveys: A council member asked about the timeline for updated city-wide speed surveys. Staff clarified that the survey falls under the City Engineer/Public Works. A proposal has been received, and staff is working with Finance to process it as a task order.
- Speed Humps: A council member asked about the height of speed humps after repaving. Staff explained that the city adopted a standard speed hump design consistent with county standards, replacing older, erratic shapes with a standard geometry agreed upon by fire and police.
- Temporary Lighting: A council member asked about the efficiency and battery life of temporary LED lights on Santa Paula Street. Staff indicated they would investigate replacing the batteries with rechargeable ones.
City Council Reports
- Council Member Chavez: Expressed appreciation for the temporary pause on RV parking enforcement. Raised concerns about the contingency plan if the 1990s language for RV parking authority is not found. Requested an update on the flock camera system from the Chief of Police, which was scheduled for December. Invited the community to a "Meet a Cop" event.
- Council Member (Unidentified Speaker 14): Reported attending VCOG, meeting with the City Manager and Mayor regarding hospital issues, attending a reception for Senator Pro Tem Limon, meeting with the Hospital Coalition, and attending a special PBIT meeting. Apologized for missing the Citrus Flats ribbon-cutting.
- Council Member Nellis: Reported no items.
- Vice Mayor Crossway: Reported attending the Santa Paula Unified School District partnership dinner, the Citrus Flats ribbon-cutting, the Te Con Limon event, and a ribbon-cutting for Simply Nolan pest control involving three chambers of commerce. Reported attending an economic development subcommittee meeting with the Ventura County Lodging Association and a SoCal 2050 Subcommittee meeting. Noted demographic projections for the 6-county region showing a population decline from 23.9-24 million to under 18 million by 2050, and the need to plan for quality of life rather than just growth. Reported on the Ventura County Transportation Commission, including a 4.97 rating for the Valley Express driver Jose Dominguez, a Caltrans reminder to slow down in construction zones, and a new bike safety pamphlet available in English and Spanish.
- Mayor Grass: Reported attending the Santa Paula Unified School District partnership dinner and a presentation by Assembly Member Steve Bennett for a $6 million check to the Westminster Free Clinic Community Care Center.
- City Manager Singer: Reported attending the partners dinner, hospital meeting, Citrus Flats ribbon-cutting, and Westminster Clinic event. Returned from the International City Managers Conference in Long Beach. Announced the Halloween Carnival (Saturday, 5-8 p.m., Community Center) and a special workshop on the development of a smoking ordinance (Wednesday, 6-8 p.m., Agricultural Museum).
Consent Calendar (Items 10A-10I)
- Corrections: Council Member (Unidentified Speaker 14) noted a correction to the August 25th minutes regarding the location (Community Center vs. Council Chambers) and a typo. Mayor Grass and Vice Mayor Crossway also noted corrections.
- Abstentions: Mayor Grass abstained from voting on items 10E (Union Oil Building HVAC replacement) and 10F (Union Oil Building waterproofing) due to owning property within 500 feet of the business. Vice Mayor Crossway abstained from voting on item 10G (Storm drain replacement) due to living within 500 feet of the project.
- Motion: Council Member Chavez moved to approve the consent calendar with appropriate corrections. Council Member Nellis seconded.
- Vote: Passed.
Item 12A: Arrive Santa Paula Project Regulatory Agreement, Promissory Note, and Deed of Trust
- Presentation: The City Manager presented the item, noting that Red Tail Multifamily Land Development was approved in August 2023 for a 298-unit complex (166 affordable, 132 market-rate). Due to high demand and the "missing middle" income group (70-80% AMI), Red Tail and partner AHA proposed converting an additional 53 market-rate units to deed-restricted affordable housing at 80% AMI.
- Applicant Presentation: Ron Wu from Red Tail explained the request for a $53,000 interest-free loan to facilitate the conversion, which requires public participation under welfare tax exemption laws. The 53 units would be restricted for 55 years. Rents for 2026 were listed: 1-bedroom at $2,355, 2-bedroom at $2,823, and 3-bedroom at $3,266. The pool for these units would be opened to all residents, not just Alma residents.
- City Manager Comments: The City Manager noted Red Tail had subsidized the first 166 units at $30,000 per unit using in-lieu fees, and is requesting only $1,000 per unit for the new 53 conversions. Red Tail has requested a $1 million progress payment from their investor, which is expected soon. The Affordable Housing Committee recommended approval.
- Q&A:
- Council Member (Unidentified Speaker 14) commented on the positive relationship with developers and the importance of the "missing middle" housing.
- Council Member Nellis asked about the leasing status of the 30-70% AMI units. Ron Wu confirmed about 10 units remained due to the rigorous application process (waitlist of ~5,000). He stated applications for the new 53 units would open Monday.
- Vice Mayor Crossway clarified that the $30,000/unit subsidy came from in-lieu fees, not general fund money. She noted that 80% AMI rents ($2,000-$3,200) are still significant compared to local mortgages, defining "affordable" as income-based.
- Council Member Chavez thanked the developers and staff for the collaboration.
- Motion: Council Member Chavez moved to accept Item 12A and follow staff recommendations 1-4. Council Member Nellis seconded.
- Vote: Passed.
Item 12B: Request for Financial Assistance with Consulting Services for Downtown Santa Paula PBID Renewal
- Recusal: Mayor Grass recused herself from the room due to owning property within 500 feet of the PBID. Vice Mayor Crossway presided.
- Presentation: Deputy City Manager Amina Mears introduced the request from the PBID for financial assistance to procure a consultant for renewal and potential expansion. The current 5-year term sunsets at the end of 2027.
- PBID President Presentation: Nancy Grass (PBID Board President) requested 50% of the consultant's contract cost ($12,500) to help utilize remaining funds, address issues, and demonstrate value to property owners for renewal. The PBID budget is $252,000, with $225,000 allocated, leaving ~$27,000 by year-end. With the city's support, this would increase to ~$39,000.
- Q&A:
- Council Member Chavez asked about the funding source. The City Manager stated it would come from federal ARPA funding that must be spent by the end of December.
- Council Member (Unidentified Speaker 14) asked if this was separate from the $50,000 Facade Improvement Program funds. The City Manager confirmed it was a separate request.
- Council Member (Unidentified Speaker 14) supported the request, noting the PBID's good intentions and recent momentum under the new board.
- Vice Mayor Crossway requested a future presentation from the PBID to the Council and public.
- Council Member Nellis requested a clear understanding of where PBID money has gone, how businesses feel about it, and the opt-out process, emphasizing the need for transparency for business owners.
- Council Member (Unidentified Speaker 14) noted that a strategic planning meeting was held last year but implementation was delayed due to staff turnover. The new board has since stepped up.
- Council Member Chavez commented on the progress made in building relationships and the benefit of attracting shoppers to local businesses.
- Motion: Council Member (Unidentified Speaker 14) moved to provide assistance for consulting services as requested and recommended by staff at $12,500, including 50% of travel costs.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
Item 12C: Update on Closed Session Matters
- Discussion: The City Attorney presented a report regarding a preliminary finding by the District Attorney that the City Council had made a non-renewal decision for the City Manager’s employment agreement during closed sessions held on June 23 and June 30, 2026, and failed to report it as required by the Brown Act.
- The City Attorney stated that the closed sessions were conducted under Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) for the performance evaluation of the City Manager.
- The report clarified that the City Manager’s employment agreement contains a fixed term ending June 30, 2027, and that the closed session discussions did not amend, shorten, terminate, or otherwise change the agreement.
- The City Attorney argued that the Brown Act distinguishes between discussion and action. While the Council discussed the City Manager’s performance, no collective decision, vote, or commitment to terminate, amend, renew, or non-renew the agreement was made.
- The report noted that the agreement’s expiration date was established in a previously approved agreement, not during the recent closed sessions.
- The City Attorney stated that the District Attorney’s preliminary conclusion relied on language in a public city release using the word "decision," which the City characterized as imprecise and not a legal characterization of the closed session events.
- The report emphasized that the City remains committed to Brown Act compliance and that this presentation is a voluntary public clarification, not a retroactive report of closed session action nor an admission of a violation.
- The City Attorney recommended that the Council receive and file the report and direct any further questions to the City Attorney separately, as Brown Act confidentiality requirements continue to apply.
- Motion/Decision: The Mayor noted that the item was for "receive and file" and asked for questions. No questions were raised by the Council or the public.
- Vote Outcome: The item was received and filed. (No formal vote tally was recorded in the transcript; the Mayor proceeded to the next item following the lack of objections or questions.)
Item 13A: Future Agenda Items
- Discussion: The City Manager provided updates on upcoming meetings and events:
- A special meeting is scheduled for the following Wednesday (the 28th) at 6:00 PM at the Agriculture Museum.
- A closed session regarding pending litigation is anticipated for November 4, potentially requiring an early convening.
- Dates for study sessions on the RV ordinance and e-bikes/e-scooters are still being determined, with awareness of holiday conflicts.
- A recognition event for commissioners and committee members is planned for Thursday, December 3. Invitations are expected to be sent out within the next week.
- The Mayor announced that the 76th Annual Santa Paula Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, November 28 (the Saturday after Thanksgiving), starting at 10:00 AM at 7th and Maine.
- Motion/Decision: No motions were made.
- Vote Outcome: N/A.
Adjournment
- The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:48 PM.