Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Adam, Newman, 5-Gutierrez, Engler, Taylor
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
Crossing Guard Appreciation Week
- The Mayor proclaimed the week as Crossing Guard Appreciation Week.
- Staff noted the city has operated the program since 1964, currently supporting 14 school intersections.
- Services are now contracted through All-City Management Services pursuant to prior Council direction.
South Branch Arroyo Floodplain Improvement Project
- Councilmember Newman initially moved to pull the item from the consent calendar.
- Staff clarified that the city manages the local storm drain system while partnering with the county on the study.
- The motion to approve the item passed 5-0.
Purchase and Sale Agreement for 524 West Janss Road
- Staff presented an agreement to transfer the city-owned property to the Conejo Recreation and Park District for $1.
- The transfer includes a 120-day investigation period and a license for adjacent right-of-way maintenance.
- The motion to approve the item passed 5-0.
Memorandum of Agreement with Las Vergenas/Triunfo Joint Powers Authority
- Staff presented an MOA for installing a reverse osmosis concentrate pipeline through Thousand Oaks.
- The agreement establishes the JPA as the lead contracting agent and covers pavement restoration costs.
- Staff confirmed the pipeline has capacity to accommodate future demand from the local biotech corridor.
- The motion to approve the item passed 5-0.
Hollycrest Homes Affordable Housing Project
- Staff requested authority to negotiate amendments to the Development Agreement to address a $4.7 million funding gap.
- The proposal includes removing private balconies and undergrounding requirements for the 78-unit project.
- Staff recommended studying a citywide impact fee waiver specifically for 100% affordable for-sale projects.
- The motion to approve the item passed 5-0.
Purchase and Sale Agreement for 1868 Teal Boulevard
- Staff presented an agreement to acquire the property for $4.5 million to support the downtown project alignment.
- The agreement includes a 14-month lease-back to the current owner to allow for business relocation.
- The motion to approve the item passed 5-0.
Council Member Reports
- Mayor Pro Tem Engler reported on meetings in Washington D.C. regarding federal funding and public safety topics.
- Councilmember Newman reported on the Cal Cities Spring Policy Committee meeting and legislative updates.
- The motion to approve the reports passed 5-0.
Closed Session
- The Council held closed sessions regarding pending litigation and real property negotiations.
- Staff reported no actions to report from the closed session upon returning.
Full summary
Closed Session
- The Council announced three closed sessions: two regarding pending litigation (Robinson v. City of Thousand Oaks and Keys v. City of Thousand Oaks) pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9a, and one regarding real property negotiations for 1868 Teal Boulevard pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8. The Council entered closed session. Upon returning, staff reported no actions to report from the closed session.
Special Presentation: Crossing Guard Appreciation Week
- The Mayor proclaimed the week as Crossing Guard Appreciation Week. Paul Weinstein, Associate Analyst for the Public Works Department, presented remarks noting the city has operated the program since 1964, currently supporting 14 school intersections. He noted that pursuant to Council direction on July 8, 2025, services are now contracted through All-City Management Services. The Mayor invited crossing guards to the stage for a photo and presentation of the proclamation.
Public Comments
- Seven individuals spoke during the public comment period:
- Randy Elzinga addressed the constitutionality of displaying the national motto "In God We Trust," citing the retirement of the Lemon Test in 2022 and historical precedents.
- Gina Marcaccio Cagle expressed support for community celebrations for the nation’s 250th anniversary and requested the display of the national motto.
- Anne Marie suggested decorations, such as patriotic banners on light posts, and commemorative items for the 250th anniversary.
- Scarlett shared personal anecdotes regarding the display of the national motto on city halls in Tennessee and Michigan and suggested commemorative items for the 250th anniversary.
- Scott Horn promoted an upcoming Arbor Earth Day event and an Organic Garden Club meeting.
- Michael Steele presented a document regarding California legislation (AB 2098) and discussed financial losses associated with electric vehicle subsidies, urging due diligence on solar and EV programs.
- Heather Hamilton spoke regarding immigration detention statistics and human dignity, placing her stance on the record.
- The City Manager noted that information regarding 250th anniversary activities, including block party permits and fireworks, is available at teoaks.gov/250.
Consent Calendar
- Item 9F (South Branch Arroyo Floodplain Improvement Project): Councilmember Newman moved to pull this item from the consent calendar. Three speakers addressed the item:
- Jackson Piper (speaking on Item 9H, but present for the session) raised concerns about the impact of design changes on affordable housing production.
- Karen Wilburn questioned the timeline delays and cost overruns of the floodplain study, asking why the city is leading the effort rather than the Ventura County Watershed Protection District (WPD).
- Scott Horn echoed concerns about the city’s role versus the WPD’s responsibility for flood control.
- Staff Response: Staff explained that the city manages the local storm drain system and that the study aims to potentially remove homes from the FEMA floodplain to reduce insurance costs. Staff confirmed the project is in partnership with the county.
- Discussion: Councilmember Newman questioned the division of responsibility between the city and WPD. Staff clarified that while WPD handles major infrastructure, the city maintains the local storm drain system. Newman moved to approve the item, noting the need for clarity on who benefits and who pays.
- Vote: The motion to approve Item 9F passed 5-0.
- Remaining Consent Items: The Council moved to approve the remainder of the consent calendar. No further speakers were heard.
- Vote: The motion to approve the remainder of the consent calendar passed.
Public Hearing: Item 10A (Purchase and Sale Agreement for 524 West Janss Road)
- Presentation: Deputy Public Works Director Ted Gerber presented a purchase and sale agreement to transfer the city-owned property at 524 West Janss Road to the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) for $1. The transfer includes a 120-day investigation period for minor improvements and a license agreement for CRPD to use a sliver of adjacent city right-of-way for maintenance. The project is categorically exempt from CEQA.
- Discussion: No public speakers were heard. Councilmember Newman moved to approve the item based on staff recommendations.
- Vote: The motion to approve Item 10A passed 5-0.
Department Report: Item 12A (Memorandum of Agreement with Las Vergenas/Triunfo Joint Powers Authority)
- Presentation: Dave Peterson, General Manager of Las Vergenas Municipal Water District, and Ricky Clark, Public Affairs Associate, presented a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) regarding the installation of a reverse osmosis concentrate (brine) pipeline through Thousand Oaks. The pipeline will transport byproducts from the Advanced Water Purification Facility in Agoura Hills to an existing salinity management pipeline. The MOA establishes the JPA as the lead contracting agent, covers pavement restoration costs, and includes a business support plan to mitigate construction impacts.
- Discussion:
- Councilmember Adams asked for clarification on the brine line’s function and how the project reduces imported water reliance. Staff explained the brine is a byproduct of purification and that the project creates a local water supply, allowing for water exchange with Calleguas (the city’s wholesaler).
- Mayor Pro Tem Engler asked about pumping stations and water transfer mechanics. Staff explained the interconnection allows for physical water movement between agencies to preserve imported water supplies.
- Councilmember Newman asked about the environmental impact of the brine discharge, specifically regarding PFAS, microplastics, and pharmaceutical residues. Staff stated that the brine is not further treated downstream and is discharged via an existing outfall in Port Hueneme, noting that regulatory focus on these compounds is an emerging issue. Newman also asked about the potential for the pipeline to accept brine from local biotech companies (e.g., Amgen, Takeda). Staff confirmed the pipeline has capacity and is considering upsizing from 12 to 14 inches to accommodate future demand from the biotech corridor.
- Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Engler moved to approve Item 12A based on staff recommendations.
- Vote: The motion to approve Item 12A passed 5-0.
Department Report: Item 12B (Hollycrest Homes Affordable Housing Project)
- Presentation: Community Development Analyst Lynn Oshada presented a status update on the 78-unit affordable homeownership project. The project faces a $4.7 million funding gap due to increased construction costs. Staff requested authority to negotiate amendments to the Development Agreement (DA), including removing private balconies and undergrounding requirements, and to study a citywide impact fee waiver for 100% affordable for-sale projects.
- Public Comments:
- Jackson Piper supported the staff recommendation and asked if the impact fee waiver could be expanded to include affordable rental housing and mixed-income projects.
- Jason Gaffner (Housing Trust of Ventura County) supported the drafting of an impact fee waiver ordinance for affordable for-sale housing, citing the difficulty of financing such projects.
- Discussion:
- Staff Response: Staff clarified that the current recommendation is limited to 100% for-sale affordable housing due to the specific financial challenges of that sector and timing constraints. Staff noted that rental projects have different funding structures and could be considered in the future.
- Councilmember Gutierrez moved to approve the item but expressed interest in exploring impact fee waivers for rental housing in the future to make the city more attractive to developers.
- City Manager Powers suggested incorporating findings on rental housing into the future ordinance discussion to allow for broader conversation without delaying the current project.
- Councilmember Newman supported the motion, noting the distinction between this project-specific DA amendment and a broader policy change regarding impact fees. He emphasized the need for a separate, longer-term discussion on fee waivers.
- Councilmember Adams and Mayor Pro Tem Engler expressed support for the project, highlighting the importance of affordable homeownership and the difficulty of closing the funding gap.
- Motion: Councilmember Gutierrez moved to approve Item 12B based on staff recommendations.
- Vote: The motion to approve Item 12B passed 5-0.
Department Report: Item 12C (Purchase and Sale Agreement for 1868 Teal Boulevard)
- Presentation: Assistant City Manager Akbar Alakhan presented a purchase and sale agreement to acquire the property at 1868 Teal Boulevard for $4.5 million. The property is critical for the proposed downtown project, specifically for the alignment of West Main Street. The agreement includes a 14-month lease-back to the current owner to allow for business relocation. The action is exempt from CEQA.
- Discussion: No public speakers were heard. Councilmember Adams moved to approve Item 12C based on staff recommendations.
- Vote: The motion to approve Item 12C passed 5-0.
Council Member Reports: Items 15A and 15B
- Item 15A (Washington D.C. Trip): Mayor Pro Tem Engler reported on the trip to Washington D.C., including meetings with the National League of Cities and congressional representatives. Topics included requests for federal funding for a small business incubator, the Transition Center for Homelessness, backup power for pump stations, invasive species removal, and flood control projects. He also discussed public safety committee discussions on AI in policing and 9-1-1 drone dispatch.
- Item 15B (Cal Cities Spring Policy Committee): Councilmember Newman reported on the Cal Cities meeting in Costa Mesa. He highlighted the benefits of attending conferences for networking, funding opportunities, and collective action. He discussed support for SB 1138, which would allow utilities to buy energy in smaller increments to reduce costs, and a bill to streamline toxin regulations after wildfires. He also noted legislative activity regarding e-bike safety.
- Motion: Councilmember Newman moved to approve Items 15A and 15B.
- Vote: The motion to approve Items 15A and 15B passed 5-0.
Announcements
- City Manager Drew Powers announced that the next City Council meeting will be held on April 28 at the Grant R. Brimhall Library for the annual priority and goal-setting session and to receive community attitude survey results.
Adjournment
- The Mayor adjourned the meeting.