City Council — May 12, 2026

Meeting Summary

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The Council presented proclamations recognizing Older Americans Month and Building and Safety Month.
Public Works Director Nada Haddari was acknowledged for the upcoming department open house.
Presentations highlighted community themes including "Champion Your Health" and "Build to Last."

The Community Funding Review Committee recommended awarding $89,954 to 27 programs from a $90,000 budget.
Thirty eligible applications were reviewed for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 grant cycle.
The Council approved the grant recommendations as presented by the committee.

Staff presented a plan utilizing $679,698.87 to fund housing rehabilitation and public services for lower-income residents.
Specific allocations include $175,000 for Bella Vista Apartments and support for Habitat for Humanity.
Public speakers endorsed the plan as a preventative measure against homelessness.
The Council approved the 2026 Action Plan and the associated CEQA exemption finding.

The Council discussed existing and anticipated litigation cases in a closed session.
No items were disclosed to the public upon reconvening the meeting.

The meeting began with a closed session regarding five items pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9 and 54957. The items included existing litigation cases (Keyes v. Thousand Oaks, Nayvilla v. Thousand Oaks, Ranch Thousand Oaks MHP v. Thousand Oaks, and GI Industries v. Thousand Oaks) and anticipated exposure litigation. No public comments were received, and the Council recessed for the session. Upon reconvening, the City Clerk reported no items to disclose from the closed session.

Older Americans Month: The Council presented a proclamation designating May 26 as Older Americans Month to Dorothy Hatfield, Chair of the Council on Aging. The proclamation recognized the contributions of older adults to the community. Ms. Hatfield accepted the proclamation and discussed the national theme, "Champion Your Health," and local outreach efforts.
Building and Safety Month: The Council presented a proclamation to Community Development Director Kelvin Parker, Building Official Teo Franchu, and Deputy Community Development Director for Building Services. The proclamation recognized the importance of building safety and the theme "Build to Last."
National Public Works Week: Public Works Director Nada Haddari was recognized for the department's annual open house scheduled for May 19 and 20. The Director noted approximately 1,500 sign-ups for the event and thanked the Council for their support.

Five individuals provided comments on various topics:
Vehicle Safety: A resident raised awareness regarding the lack of public knowledge on how to manually open electronic car doors in emergencies. The City Manager noted that staff would coordinate with fire partners to create promotional materials and brief patrol deputies on the issue.
Ranch Mobile Home Park Rent Increase: Two residents and one Zoom speaker addressed a proposed rent increase of approximately $586 at the Ranch Mobile Home Park. Speakers expressed concern over the financial impact on senior residents and first-time homebuyers. One speaker suggested the increase might be a strategy to create uncertainty and lower property values. The City Clerk clarified that the application is being processed and a hearing will be scheduled before the Planning Commission, noting that all residents have the right to be heard at that hearing.
National Motto: A young resident requested that the national motto, "In God We Trust," be prominently displayed in City Hall, citing its presence in federal institutions.

A motion was made to approve the consent calendar. The motion was seconded and passed with a vote of 5-0.

The Community Funding Review Committee (CFRC) presented recommendations for the Community Events Grant (CEG) program. The FY 2026-27 budget allocated $100,000, with $90,000 available for the annual cycle. The CFRC received 30 eligible applications and recommended awarding $89,954 to 27 programs.
Action: A motion was made to approve the CEG grant recommendations as presented by the CFRC.
Outcome: The motion was seconded and passed with a vote of 5-0.

A public hearing was held to consider the CDBG Action Plan. Staff presented the plan, which utilizes a total of $679,698.87 (including prior year funds) to benefit lower-income residents. The plan focuses on housing rehabilitation and public services.
Housing Rehabilitation: Funding is proposed for multi-family rehabilitation at Bella Vista Apartments ($175,000) and single-family rehabilitation programs through Habitat for Humanity and the Senior Alliance for Empowerment (SAFE).
Public Services: Funding is recommended for four agencies to provide services to over 600 low-income residents, including the Ventura County Fair Housing Program.
Public Input: Speakers from Senior Concerns and Turning Point Foundation supported the plan, highlighting its role in supporting older adults and reducing homelessness.
Council Discussion: Council members discussed the importance of the grants as a preventative measure against homelessness and noted the increase in the total grant package compared to the previous year.
Action: A motion was made to approve the 2026 CDBG Action Plan and the associated staff recommendations, including the finding that the activities are exempt from CEQA.
Outcome: The motion was seconded and passed with a vote of 5-0.

The City Manager announced the agenda for the next meeting on May 19, which includes special presentations, a department report on the November 3, 2026, election, and an update on the League of California Cities City Leaders Summit. The meeting was adjourned.