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City Council Meeting May 12, 2026

City Council Meeting May 12, 2026May 12, 2026

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BodyCity Council
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 May 12, 2026

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Meeting Summary

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Present: 7-Mangone, 1-Campos, 3-Schumacher, 5-McReynolds, 2-Halter, 4-Sanchez-Palacios · Absent: 6-Duran

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

Ventura Regional Sanitation District Presentation

  • The district manager presented an overview of wastewater, water, and landfill operations.
  • The Tolland Road Landfill was highlighted as the county's only public landfill with a projected 2040 closure.
  • Current gate fees were noted as significantly lower than those at the nearest alternative facility.

Green Business Awards

  • The Mayor recognized three local businesses for achieving the city's Green Business Certification.
  • Certificates were presented to Ventura Cycling, The Glassman, and Taylor's Floor Restoration.

Camino Real Tennis Courts Closure

  • The City Manager announced the indefinite closure of the courts due to safety concerns and end of lifespan.
  • Alternative court locations were identified at Juana Maria Park and Harry Lyon Park.
  • Staff confirmed that existing funding is available to hire a design professional for a rebuild.

Main Street Moves Discussion

  • Public speakers presented conflicting views on reopening the street to vehicles versus maintaining pedestrian access.
  • The City Manager clarified that the visioning plan is modular and that ambassadors are not law enforcement.
  • A motion to schedule a special meeting on the topic in June failed after an amendment was proposed.

Consent Calendar Item 6: City Hall Boiler Replacement

  • Staff explained that natural gas boilers were selected over electric heat pumps due to lower upfront costs and project timeline risks.
  • The item was pulled from the consent calendar to allow for further review of heat pump options.
  • The Environmental Ad Hoc Committee was reactivated to study funding and timelines before reporting back.

2025 Urban Water Management Plan

  • Staff presented the state-mandated plan projecting water supply reliability through 2050.
  • The plan indicates a potential supply gap only in a severe five-year drought scenario.
  • The Council adopted the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan by resolution.

2025 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan

  • Staff outlined procedures for water conservation and supply augmentation during drought conditions.
  • Current forecasts suggest the plan will not need activation between 2026 and 2030.
  • The Council adopted the 2025 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan by resolution.

Pavement and Sidewalk Maintenance Plans

  • Staff reported a deferred maintenance backlog of approximately $388 million for streets and over 42,000 sidewalk disruptions.
  • Projections indicate that current funding levels will result in a decline in pavement conditions.
  • The plans were received and filed without a formal vote.

Nitrous Oxide Sales Ordinance

  • Staff presented an ordinance to regulate nitrous oxide sales to address public health and safety concerns.
  • The recommendation prioritizes education for retailers prior to enforcement actions.
  • The Council adopted the ordinance regulating the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide.

Kratom Sales Ordinance

  • Staff presented an ordinance to prohibit the sale of kratom while allowing personal possession and research exemptions.
  • Public comment included arguments for regulation rather than a total ban and concerns regarding youth protection.
  • The Council adopted the ordinance prohibiting the sale of kratom within the city.

Public Art Fund Contribution Ordinance

  • Staff recommended ending the 2% contribution from water and wastewater projects to the Public Art Fund to keep rates low.
  • The decision aims to avoid potential legal challenges under Proposition 218.
  • The Council adopted the ordinance permanently ending the required contributions.

Future Agenda Process Discussion

  • Deputy Mayor Halter moved to discuss whether the current "future agenda" process is appropriate for policy considerations.
  • The City Attorney suggested referring the matter to the Rules Committee for review.
  • The motion to agendize a discussion on the process passed.

Closed Session

  • The City Attorney reported that one item was taken up in closed session.
  • No reportable action was taken during the closed session.

Full summary

Call to Order and Roll Call

  • The regular session was called to order at 5:05 p.m. Roll call confirmed the presence of six members, establishing a quorum. Council Member Duran was absent. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Special Presentations and Announcements

  • Ventura Regional Sanitation District (VRSD): General Manager Eric Seats presented an overview of the district's services, including wastewater, water, and landfill operations. The presentation highlighted the Tolland Road Landfill as the only public landfill open to Ventura County residents, with a projected closure around 2040. Current gate fees were noted as approximately $48 per ton, compared to $98–$108 at the nearest alternative. Deputy Mayor Halter commented on the district's efficiency and waste reduction efforts.
  • Green Business Awards: The Mayor recognized Ventura Cycling, The Glassman, and Taylor's Floor Restoration for achieving the city's Green Business Certification. Certificates were presented.
  • Closed Session Report: The City Attorney reported that one item was taken up in closed session with no reportable action.

Council and City Manager Communications

  • Council members and the City Manager provided updates on various topics, including a trip to Sacramento regarding state funding and insurance costs, upcoming community council meetings, the ribbon-cutting for the Ventura Cycling Center, the Jackson Block Party, defensible space inspections, and the California Strawberry Festival. The City Manager announced the indefinite closure of the Camino Real Tennis Courts due to safety concerns and the end of their useful lifespan, noting that a full rebuild is required. Alternative courts were listed at Juana Maria Park and Harry Lyon Park. The next City Council meetings were scheduled for May 19 and June 2.

Public Communications

  • Eighteen in-person and three virtual speakers addressed the council. Topics included:
  • Main Street Moves: Speakers requested the council agendize the topic of street closures. Arguments were presented both for reopening the street to vehicles, citing fiscal responsibility and business viability, and for keeping it closed to maintain a pedestrian-friendly environment. One speaker questioned the validity of signatures on a petition to open the street.
  • Camino Real Tennis Courts: Speakers urged the council to prioritize rebuilding the courts, requesting a timeline, a dedicated staff lead, and inclusion in the upcoming fiscal year budget. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of alternative courts for tournaments and youth programs.
  • Arts and Culture: Speakers advocated for the immediate hiring of an Arts Manager or Cultural Affairs Manager to secure funding and support General Plan priorities.
  • Other Issues: Comments addressed bicycle rule enforcement on Main Street, the role of Downtown Ventura Partners ambassadors, and parking at the Ventura Theatre.
  • During public comment, the Mayor and City Attorney addressed disruptions caused by audience applause, requesting that applause be withheld. A brief recess was taken. The City Manager provided clarifications, stating that the Main Street Moves visioning plan is modular, that ambassadors are not law enforcement, and that the city is seeking a design professional for the tennis courts with existing funding available for design costs.

Consent Calendar

  • Eight consent items were presented. Council members requested clarifications on several items.
  • Item 4 (Police Department Equipment Report): Chief Dickey explained the function of noise flash diversionary devices ("flash bangs"), CS gas, and pepper ball launchers, noting no complaints regarding the devices in 32 years.
  • Item 5 (Structure Repairs): Staff confirmed that once stairs are completed, all spaces will be accessible, though other fixes remain. Council Member McReynolds registered a no vote on this item.
  • Item 6 (City Hall Boiler Replacement): Council members questioned the decision to proceed with natural gas boilers rather than electric heat pumps, citing the Climate Action Resiliency Plan. Staff explained that heat pumps had significantly higher upfront costs and that switching would require replacing a chiller with 20 years of remaining life, delaying the project and risking boiler failure. Public comment urged the adoption of heat pumps to align with climate goals.
  • Action: Deputy Mayor Halter moved to pull Item 6 from the consent calendar. Council Member McReynolds moved to approve the consent calendar excluding Item 6. The motion was seconded and passed.
  • Action: Deputy Mayor Halter proposed referring Item 6 to a committee. It was determined to reactivate the Environmental Ad Hoc Committee (comprising Council Members McReynolds, Schumacher, and Campos) to review heat pump options, funding, and timelines, with a report back to the Council prior to the summer break. A motion to refer Item 6 to the reactivated committee was made, seconded, and passed.
  • Item 7 (Ventura Water Project and Utility Discovery): Staff explained that an unmarked crude oil line was discovered during drilling, located differently than record drawings indicated. The line must be removed to ensure structural integrity. The project will proceed to avoid delays, with potential cost negotiations to follow.
  • Outcome: The consent calendar, excluding Item 6, was approved.

Public Hearing: Item 9 – 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP)

  • Staff presented the state-mandated 2025 UWMP, which analyzes water supply reliability through 2050. The plan projects that supplies will meet or exceed demands in normal and single-dry years, though a gap is anticipated in a five-year drought scenario. The plan aligns with the City's 2050 General Plan. Public comment was received regarding rainwater capture and PFAS concerns.
  • Action: A motion was made to adopt the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan. The motion was seconded and passed.

Public Hearing: Item 10 – 2025 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan

  • Staff presented the state-mandated 2025 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan (WSECP), which outlines procedures for water conservation and supply augmentation during drought conditions. The plan details actions for various reduction levels and includes provisions for shortage surcharge rates. Staff noted that projections suggest the plan would not need to be activated between 2026 and 2030 based on current forecasts. Public comment was received regarding PFAS and water rates.
  • Action: Council Member Schumacher moved to conduct the public hearing and adopt the 2025 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan by resolution. Council Member McGonaghy seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Item 11: Pavement Management Plan and Sidewalk Maintenance Plan (Fiscal Years 2026–2030)

  • Staff presented the plans, noting an average Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 63 and a deferred maintenance backlog of approximately $388 million. Projections indicated that maintaining current funding levels would result in a PCI decline, while increased funding would maintain or improve conditions. The Sidewalk Maintenance Plan identified over 42,000 disruptions, with 19,000 classified as high priority. Council members discussed funding sources, the impact of electric vehicles on pavement, and the resident-initiated sidewalk repair program.
  • Action: No motion was made or vote taken, as the item was designated for receive-and-file.

Discussion: Street Maintenance and Funding

  • The Council discussed street maintenance challenges, funding sources, and deferred maintenance projections. Staff noted that current funding levels are insufficient to maintain roads at a steady state. The discussion included the limitations of the current gas tax and comparisons to other funding models. Public comment addressed the poor condition of specific streets and sidewalks.
  • Action: No formal motion was required for this informational item. A motion to extend the meeting break was made, seconded, and passed.

Item 12: Ordinance Regulating the Sale of Nitrous Oxide

  • Staff presented an ordinance to regulate the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide to address public health and safety concerns related to recreational abuse. The ordinance restricts sales where misuse is likely but includes exemptions for legitimate business purposes. Staff recommended an approach prioritizing education for retailers prior to enforcement. Public comment supported the ban and emphasized the importance of education and enforcement.
  • Action: A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation to adopt the ordinance. The motion was seconded and passed.

Item 13: Ordinance Prohibiting the Sale of Kratom

  • Staff presented an ordinance to prohibit the sale of kratom within the city due to public health and safety concerns. The ordinance bans the sale and offer for sale but allows for personal possession and exemptions for medical, academic, or scientific research. Public comment was extensive, with speakers arguing for regulation rather than a total ban, distinguishing between natural leaf kratom and synthetic 7-OH, and citing personal use for pain management. Others supported the ban to protect youth. Council members discussed enforcement mechanisms and the relationship between the local ordinance and state law.
  • Action: A motion was made to adopt staff's recommendation. The motion was seconded and passed.

Item 14: Ordinance Ending Contributions from Water and Wastewater Projects to the Public Art Fund

  • Staff presented an ordinance to permanently end the requirement that 2% of capital improvement projects from the Water and Wastewater Enterprise Funds be contributed to the Public Art Fund. The recommendation was based on the need to keep rates low and avoid potential legal challenges under Proposition 218. Public comment criticized the decision to deny funding to the arts. Council members discussed the impact on water rates and the importance of the arts.
  • Action: A motion was made to adopt staff's recommendation. The motion was seconded and passed.

Item 15: Public Notice

  • This item was a public notice requiring no action.

Items for Future Agendas

  • Main Street Moves Special Meeting: Council Member Mangonet moved to schedule a special meeting in June or July to discuss the downtown street closure (Main Street Moves), including funding sources and the option of reopening the street. Council Member Duran seconded the motion. Deputy Mayor Halter opposed the motion. Council Member McReynolds proposed amending the motion to schedule the meeting for June 16th with less specific discussion points. Council Member Mangonet agreed to the amendment.
  • Action: The vote on the motion to schedule a special meeting on June 16th resulted in the motion failing.
  • Future Agenda Process Discussion: Deputy Mayor Halter moved to agendize a discussion on whether the "future agenda" item process is the appropriate method for council members to bring policy considerations to the body. Council Member Schumacher seconded the motion. The City Attorney suggested referring the matter to the Rules Committee.
  • Action: The vote on the motion to discuss the "future agenda" process resulted in the motion passing.

Public Communications (Final)

  • Public comment was received regarding the "Main Street Moves" project and funding mechanisms, as well as a request for assistance with weed control along Foothill Road.

Adjournment

  • The meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th.