City Council — July 7, 2026

Special Presentations and Recognitions

• The Council recognized the 250th anniversary of the United States and presented a proclamation to the Daughters of the American Revolution.
• An annual update from the Conejo Recreation and Park District highlighted program participation and volunteer impact at local centers.
• A proclamation was presented to the Conejo Recreation and Park District to acknowledge their ongoing partnership with the City.
• City staff honored Cable Operations Supervisor Carl Jarecki for his retirement after 39 years of service.

Opportunity Zone 2.0 Designation

• Staff explained that the application seeks economic investment tools for the city's lowest-income census tract.
• Council Member Gutierrez inquired about the criteria and potential impacts on affordable housing and community quality of life.
• The Council approved the application submission, noting that final selection remains pending Governor approval.

Youth Commission Annual Report

• Commissioners presented the 2025-2026 report highlighting the Youth Leadership Summit, tree-planting events, and an art contest.
• Student safety concerns regarding e-bikes, bullying, and substance abuse were identified as primary priorities.
• The Commission expressed interest in future initiatives focused on career readiness and resume building.
• The Council received the annual report and found the project satisfactory.

Downtown Thousand Oaks Project

• Staff presented the status of entitled phases and requested authorization for site preparation on the west side parcel.
• The Council approved amendments to agreements with design, financial, and legal consultants.
• Authorization was granted to advertise a Request for Qualifications for a private development partner for Phase 2A.
• Staff confirmed that the upcoming developer selection process will require options for both rental and for-sale housing units.

Closed Session

• The Council entered a closed session to discuss pending litigation regarding Jones v. City of Thousand Oaks.
• No report was issued from the closed session upon reconvening.

Meeting Summary: Thousand Oaks City Council

Call to Order and Roll Call

• The meeting was called to order by Mayor Taylor. The City Clerk called the roll, and all five council members (Adam, Newman, Gutierrez, Engler, and Taylor) were present. A motion to approve the roll call was made, seconded, and passed 5-0.

Closed Session

• The Council entered a closed session regarding pending litigation (Jones v. City of Thousand Oaks) pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9A. Item 3A was removed from the agenda. No report was issued from the closed session upon reconvening.

Special Presentations and Recognitions

• 250th Anniversary of the United States: The Council recognized the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. A proclamation was presented to Michelle Stovall of the Conejo Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
• Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) Annual Update: Tim Dewar (CRPD) and Chair Kessler presented an annual update highlighting the partnership between the City and CRPD. The presentation included statistics on program participation at the Globe Adult Center and Alex Fiore Teen Center, volunteer hours, and testimonials from community members regarding the impact of these facilities. A proclamation was presented to CRPD.
• Staff Recognition: City staff recognized Carl Jarecki, Cable Operations Supervisor, for his retirement after 39 years of service.

Public Comments

• Eight individuals provided public comment on various topics:
• Patriotism and Religious Expression: Several speakers (Scarlett, Richard, Madhu Habbar, Michael Steele) addressed the 250th anniversary of the United States. Multiple speakers advocated for the display of the phrase "In God We Trust" in the City Council chambers, citing historical quotes from Founding Fathers regarding the role of faith in the nation's founding.
• Public Safety and E-Bikes: Ryan Stone discussed concerns regarding juvenile e-bike riders engaging in reckless behavior, vandalism, and harassment. He requested additional funding and resources for the Sheriff's Department and suggested exploring modern technology for accountability.
• Housing and Development: Randy Elzinga opposed a proposed second-story Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in the Kevington neighborhood, citing conflicts with community covenants and scenic ridgeline protections.
• Short-Term Rentals: Scott Bell (via Zoom) reported significant issues with an Airbnb property in his neighborhood, including property damage, hit-and-run incidents, and disturbances near an elementary school. He requested stricter ordinances and regulations.
• City Governance: Suzanne Duckett criticized the Council regarding Measure E, rent control, and proposed seven-story buildings, expressing concerns about earthquake safety and democratic processes.

Staff Responses to Public Comments

• E-Bikes: The City Manager acknowledged the issue, noting that the Police Department has impounded over a dozen e-bikes this year. He mentioned advocacy for state legislative changes and the upcoming "drone as first responder" program. Captain Gibson was directed to speak with Mr. Stone.
• ADU in Kevington: The Community Development Director acknowledged the concerns regarding the ADU application, noting that state laws have limited local control in this area. Mr. Parker was directed to speak with the resident.
• Airbnb Issues: Staff from Code Compliance and the Police Department were directed to contact Mr. Bell to address the reported code violations and public safety concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Item 9I (Opportunity Zone 2.0 Designation): Council Member Gutierrez requested to pull Item 9I from the consent calendar for discussion. The item concerns an application for Opportunity Zone 2.0 designation for Census Tract 71.
• Discussion: Staff explained that the application aims to provide economic tools for investment in the city's lowest-income census tract, potentially aiding commercial, market-rate, and affordable housing projects. Council Member Gutierrez inquired about the criteria and the potential impact on affordable housing and community quality of life. Staff clarified that the current action is to approve the application submission, with final selection pending the Governor's approval.
• Public Comment: Suzanne Duckett spoke against the item, raising concerns about earthquake safety regarding seven-story buildings and the lack of a public vote on the development.
• Action: Following discussion, the Council voted to approve the remaining consent calendar items. The motion passed 5-0.

Youth Commission Annual Report (Item 13A)

• Presentation: Youth Commission Chair Raina Doshi and Vice Chair Chenya Kwan presented the 2025-2026 Annual Report. Highlights included the Youth Leadership Summit, an Environmental Committee tree-planting event, and a Young Artist Contest.
• Discussion: Council members engaged the commissioners regarding their experiences and future ideas. Commissioners identified student safety (including e-bikes, bullying, and substance abuse) as a primary concern and expressed excitement about the downtown development project, particularly regarding affordable housing. They suggested future initiatives focused on career readiness and resume building.
• Action: Council Member Adam moved to receive the Youth Commission Annual Report and find the project. The motion was seconded and passed 5-0.

Downtown Thousand Oaks Project (Item 12A)

• Presentation: Assistant City Manager Akbar Alikhan presented the first post-entitlement implementation item for the Downtown Thousand Oaks project. The presentation outlined the status of Phases 1, 2A, and 2B (entitled) and future Phases 2C and 3 (pending entitlement).
• Key Actions Requested:
• 1. Amendments to agreements with design (RRM), financial (HRNA), and legal (Best Best & Krieger) consultants. 2. Authorization for site preparation work on the west side parcel. 3. Authorization to advertise a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and subsequent Request for Proposals (RFP) for a private development partner for Phase 2A (mixed-use and hotel).
• Discussion: Council Member Engler inquired about public engagement methods; staff confirmed the use of the project website (downtowntoaks.org), listserv, and local publications. Council Member Adam asked about the housing component (leasing vs. for-sale). Staff confirmed that the RFQ/RFP process will require developers to present options for both rental and for-sale units, as well as long-term ground leases versus fee simple transactions.
• Action: Council Member Adam moved to approve Staff Recommendations 1 through 9 for Item 12A. The motion was seconded and passed 5-0.

City Manager Announcements

• The Council will be in recess until August 25.
• The August 25 agenda will include presentations from the Museum of Ventura County, FoodShare, and annual updates from the Transportation and Thrive Grove departments.

In Memoriam

• The meeting concluded with a tribute to Dennis Gillette, a former City Council member, Mayor, and long-time civic leader who passed away at age 86. His service included roles as Chief of Police, CLU administrator, and board member for various community organizations. The meeting was adjourned in his honor.