Meeting Summary
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Update and Study Session
- Staff recommended adding the Olivas Links Golf Course trailer project to the CIP while removing 21 other projects.
- Discussion on the 2027–2031 CIP prioritized public safety and the "Main Street Moves" beautification project.
- The Planning Commission will review CIP conformity on February 25, with a public hearing scheduled for March 25.
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Audit Results
- The fiscal year 2025 audit resulted in a clean opinion with no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses.
- The report detailed a government-wide net position of $362 million and a General Fund ending balance of $35 million.
- The Council voted to receive and file the ACFR, Measure O financial statements, and internal controls report.
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Workshop
- Staff presented preliminary information regarding the upcoming Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
- Council members asked questions during the informational session.
- The item was received and filed without requiring a formal motion.
Budget Process Overview
- Staff outlined the charter-mandated timeline requiring a proposed budget by May 1 and adoption by June 30.
- Key considerations discussed included revenue forecasting, labor negotiations, and pension cost expectations.
- The presentation was received for informational purposes with no formal action taken.
Financial Overview and Fund Balance
- The General Fund balance decreased by $26 million due to CalPERS payments, storm repairs, and golf course closure losses.
- Revenue projections indicate the fund balance can be recovered within three to five years.
- The report confirmed that Measure O and other tax measure revenues have not declined.
Annual Position Vacancy Update and Recruitment and Retention Efforts
- The citywide average vacancy rate was reported at 5.6%, remaining well below the 20% threshold.
- Retention strategies presented included salary realignments, full dental coverage, and an employee referral program.
- Following a public hearing, the Council voted to receive and file the vacancy report.
Employee Engagement Survey
- The Human Resources Director reported good response rates for the biannual employee engagement survey.
- Themes from previous surveys are being addressed through staff meetings and social events.
- No formal action was taken on this informational update.
Charter Amendment: Elected Mayor
- Staff presented options for an elected mayor, including adding an eighth at-large seat or redistricting.
- A motion to change the mayoral term to one year was made but failed to receive a second.
- The Council adopted a motion to schedule a future agenda item to further discuss an at-large elected mayor.
Discussion on Mayor's Role, Compensation, and Citizen Initiatives
- Participants discussed transitioning the mayor to a full-time, salaried position with expanded appointment authority.
- It was noted that a citizen-led ballot initiative requires 15,000 signatures and full control over measure language.
- Concerns were raised regarding the risk of citizens placing opposing provisions, such as veto power, on the ballot.
Other Business
- Council members requested specific data on street spending and grant funding for the March 24 meeting.
- The Ventura Keys dredging project was requested for the potential grant list, with staff confirming groundwork is underway.
- Inquiries were made regarding the impact of state and federal budget shortfalls on city operations.
Closed Session
- The Council addressed one item from the closed session agenda.
- No reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Update and Study Session
- Staff presented an update on the Capital Improvement Program, noting that 25 projects valued at approximately $80 million are substantially completed or scheduled for completion by June 30, 2026, with $9.6 million funded by Measure O. Staff recommended adding the Olivas Links Golf Course Temporary Trailer Project to the CIP list and placing three other projects (two Main Street Moves projects and the Buena Golf Course project) on a potential grant list. Additionally, 21 projects were recommended for removal from the CIP. The Parks and Recreation Commission had previously requested consideration of two golf course projects for CIP inclusion and funding identification.
- A separate study session addressed the proposed CIP for fiscal years 2027–2031. Staff explained that the CIP is a five-year planning document contingent on budget approval, prioritizing public safety, regulatory requirements, and large maintenance projects. Discussion focused on the "Main Street Moves" project, with public speakers and Council members expressing support for prioritizing beautification following the permanent closure of Main Street to car traffic. Speakers urged the exploration of funding options beyond grants. The Planning Commission is scheduled to review the CIP for conformity with the General Plan on February 25, and a public hearing for adoption is scheduled for March 25. No formal motion was required for the study session; the item was received and filed.
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Audit Results
- Staff presented the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and independent auditor's report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. The audit covered financial statements produced in the new Workday enterprise resource planning system and included new accounting standards regarding compensated absences (GASB 101) and risk disclosures (GASB 102). The audit resulted in an unmodified (clean) opinion on the financial statements and a clean report on internal controls, indicating no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses. The report detailed a government-wide net position of $362 million and a General Fund ending balance of $35 million.
- Regarding the Fiscal Year 2024–2025 audit, the Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee Chair summarized revenues and expenditures, noting a slight revenue increase and a 30% expense increase driven by capital expenditures. The audit was reported as clean. A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the ACFR, the Measure O financial statements report, and the report on internal controls. The motion passed.
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Workshop
- Staff presented information regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Council members asked questions regarding the presentation. No formal motion was required for this informational item. The item was received and filed.
Budget Process Overview
- Staff presented an overview of the city's budget process, outlining charter requirements for the City Manager to present a proposed budget by May 1 and for the City Council to adopt the budget by June 30. The presentation detailed the timeline, including a budget workshop on May 19 and a public hearing on June 9. Staff described ongoing budget considerations, including revenue forecasting, labor union negotiations, pension cost expectations, and potential impacts from unforeseen events. The staff recommendation was to receive the presentation and remain available for questions. No formal action was taken.
Financial Overview and Fund Balance
- The Chief Financial Officer presented an overview of General Fund balance changes for Fiscal Year 2025, explaining a $26 million decrease attributed to a discretionary payment to CalPERS, a transfer to support a CIP project, storm repair expenditures, and lost revenue from the closure of the city golf course. It was noted that revenue growth projections suggest the balance can be recovered within three to five years. The report confirmed no decline in Measure O or tax measure revenues. The item was informational; no formal action was taken.
Annual Position Vacancy Update and Recruitment and Retention Efforts
- Staff presented a report on position vacancies and recruitment efforts for the 2025 calendar year in compliance with Assembly Bill 2561. The citywide average vacancy rate was 5.6%, with all bargaining units remaining below the 20% threshold. Staff outlined retention strategies including salary realignments, full dental insurance coverage, targeted marketing, an employee referral program, and expanded training. A public hearing was opened, during which a representative from SEIU provided a presentation. Following the hearing, a motion was made and seconded to receive and file the report. The motion passed.
Employee Engagement Survey
- The Human Resources Director provided an update on the city's biannual employee engagement survey, noting good response rates and addressing themes from previous surveys through staff meetings and social events. The department also utilizes exit interview surveys. No formal action was taken.
Charter Amendment: Elected Mayor
- The Council discussed a proposal to amend the City Charter to establish an elected mayor position. Staff presented options, including adding an eighth at-large mayor or redistricting to create six districts with one at-large mayor. Discussion focused on representation, cost, campaign finance, and the potential impact on district-based equity. Concerns were raised regarding the financial feasibility of a full-time mayor position, the complexity of campaign financing, and the potential dilution of voting power. The City Attorney explained that any change would require a charter amendment and noted the lack of specific case law regarding non-voting at-large mayors under the California Voting Rights Act. The City Clerk clarified that the council could choose to add an elected mayor seat or restructure the number of districts.
- A motion was made to change the mayoral term from two years to one year and to request staff to return with a presentation on that specific option. The motion was not seconded and was not adopted.
- Later, Council Member Schumacher moved to request a future agenda item to further discuss the concept of an at-large elected mayor and the options for implementation. The motion was seconded. The City Attorney confirmed that requesting a future agenda item for discussion is permissible under the Brown Act. The motion was adopted.
Discussion on Mayor's Role, Compensation, and Citizen Initiatives
- The discussion focused on the potential transition to a full-time, at-large mayor position with expanded responsibilities, including appointment authority for committees and service on regional committees. Participants acknowledged that the current part-time commitment exceeds estimated hours, leading to suggestions that the position should be full-time and salaried. The addition of an eighth member was mentioned primarily for tie-breaking purposes.
- The conversation addressed the logistical requirements for a citizen-led ballot initiative, stating that residents would need to gather 15,000 signatures and submit them by May. It was confirmed that citizens drafting such an initiative would have full control over the specific language and provisions, such as defining the mayor's role or setting salary amounts. Concerns were raised regarding the risk that if the Council declines to direct staff to research a measure, citizens could place an initiative on the ballot containing provisions the Council opposes, such as granting the mayor veto power. No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.
Consent Agenda
- The consent agenda, consisting of five items, was presented. A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda. The motion passed.
Public Comment and Communications
- Members of the public addressed the Council on various topics, including motorcyclists bypassing barriers on Main Street, noise at events, downtown safety, infrastructure improvements for Main Street Moves, parks and recreation funding, the need for permanent golf course facilities, staffing turnover in the planning department, arts funding, the city's CARE policy, and opposition to expanding paid parking. Speakers also offered greetings for Lunar New Year and Ramadan and provided updates on the Valentine Road permanent supportive housing project and the Ventura Cougars girls' basketball team. Council members provided brief communications regarding local businesses, community events, the Cabrillo multi-use path, housing workshops, and upcoming CERT training. No formal action was taken on these items.
Other Business
- Council members requested that staff provide specific data on street spending and grant funding for the March 24 meeting. One Council member requested that the Ventura Keys dredging project be added to the list of potential grant projects, noting the availability of Army Corps of Engineers funding. Staff confirmed that groundwork for the dredging project is underway. Council members also inquired about the impact of state and federal budget shortfalls on the city and the availability of the audit report online.
Closed Session
- The Council took up one item from the closed session agenda. No reportable action was taken.