Meeting Summary
Present: LaVere, Long, Parvin, Lopez, Gorell
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
Many Mansions Recognition
- The Board recognized Many Mansions for developing affordable housing and providing support services.
- A video presentation and remarks highlighted the organization's impact on 21 housing communities.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on this recognition.
Public Defense Day Proclamation
- The Board presented a proclamation declaring March 18, 2026, as Public Defense Day in Ventura County.
- The proclamation was presented to Public Defender Claudia Bautista and her team.
- A motion to receive and file the proclamation passed.
Week of the Young Child Proclamation
- The Board presented a proclamation designating the week of April 11 through 17 as the Week of the Young Child.
- A motion to receive and file the proclamation passed.
Project Labor Agreement (PLA) Extension
- Staff proposed extending the 2020 PLA pilot program to a new project funded by Proposition 1.
- Public comment included support for local labor and concerns regarding comparative cost data.
- The Board directed staff to execute the PLA via a passed motion.
Mid-Year Budget Update
- The CEO presented a mid-year budget update featuring 36 recommendations and a projected $50 million general fund savings.
- The update included a reduction of 47 full-time equivalents and adjustments to fund balances.
- A motion to approve the mid-year budget update passed.
Permit Streamlining Work Plan
- Agencies presented a three-year work plan to streamline permitting through simplified ordinances and new software.
- Proposed reforms include downshifting discretionary reviews and establishing a master list of consultants.
- The Board received and filed the work plan via a passed motion.
General Plan and Housing Element Reports
- The Planning Director reported that 86% of General Plan programs have been acted upon.
- The county achieved 96% of its Regional Housing Needs Allocation target for the first four years.
- A motion to receive and file the annual status reports passed.
Waterworks District 19 Financial Planning
- Staff noted current revenue is insufficient to fund the existing five-year Capital Improvement Program.
- Proposals include developing a 10-year plan, seeking grants, and evaluating rate increases.
- No formal motion was taken on this update.
Fire Station 29 Project Status
- Staff reported a seven-month delay on the Santa Paula project with a projected completion in June or July.
- The low bid of $14.6 million was approximately 22% above the engineer's estimate.
- No formal motion was taken on this update.
PLA for Lewis Road Mental Rehabilitation Center
- A recommendation was made to execute a PLA for the Lewis Road project with specific amendments.
- Proposed edits addressed conflicts with funding agreements and subcontractor replacement delays.
- The transcript records the motion and amendments but does not contain the final vote outcome.
Regulatory Reform Report
- Staff requested authorization for two-year CUP expansion extensions and fee refunds for specific applicants.
- The report also included a request to receive and file the FY 2026 through 2029 Planning Division work plan.
- The transcript does not record the final vote outcomes for these specific actions.
Closed Session
- The Board adjourned to closed session to discuss agenda items 57 through 60.
Full summary
Agenda Item 4: Moment of Inspiration
- The Board recognized the organization "Many Mansions" for its work in developing affordable housing and providing support services. A video presentation was shown, followed by remarks from Rick Schroeder of Many Mansions and a board member. Data regarding the organization's impact, including the number of housing communities developed and residents served, was shared. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item 5: Levine Act Disclosures
- The Board reviewed potential conflicts of interest under the Levine Act. No disclosures were made by any board members.
Agenda Item 6: Consent Agenda
- The Consent Agenda included items 9 through 45. Supervisor Parvin requested that an item related to behavioral health be pulled from the consent agenda for separate discussion. No other items were pulled. A motion was made and seconded to approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 7: Approval of Minutes
- The Board considered the minutes of the previous meeting held on March 3, 2026. No amendments or questions were raised. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 8: General Public Comments
- Public comment was received on various topics, including permit expiration dates, Water Works District 19 rates and management, the Project Labor Agreement (PLA) pilot program, and the Local Coastal Program. Following public comment, the Chair directed the Director of Public Works to re-engage with the community regarding the Prop 218 process at Water Works 19 and develop a long-term strategy. No formal motion or vote was taken on the public comments.
Agenda Item 46: Books for Kids
- The Board acknowledged the "Books for Kids" initiative. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item 47: Presentation by Supervisor Lopez
- Supervisor Lopez made a presentation. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item 48: Public Defense Day Proclamation
- The Board presented a proclamation declaring March 18, 2026, as Public Defense Day in Ventura County to Claudia Bautista, Public Defender, and her team. A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the proclamation. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 49: Week of the Young Child Proclamation
- The Board presented a proclamation declaring the week of April 11 through 17 as the Week of the Young Child in Ventura County. A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the proclamation. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 50: Project Labor Agreement (PLA) Extension
- Staff presented on extending the 2020 PLA pilot program to a new project involving Proposition 1 funding. Public comment was received, with speakers expressing support for local labor and concerns regarding the lack of comparative cost data between PLA and non-PLA projects. Board members discussed the importance of keeping taxpayer money local and the duty to ensure local labor usage. Supervisor Lopez moved to direct staff to execute the PLA. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 51: Mid-Year Budget Update
- The CEO presented the Fiscal Year 2025-26 mid-year budget update, which included 36 recommendations covering budget modifications, contingency releases, fund balance utilization, grant activity, and position adjustments. The presentation highlighted a projected general fund savings of approximately $50 million and a reduction of 47 FTEs. The update also addressed fund balance levels and the budgetary calendar for the upcoming year. A motion was made and seconded to approve the mid-year budget update. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 52: Agency Update on Permit Streamlining
- Representatives from the Resource Management Agency (RMA), Public Works, and Fire presented on a three-year work plan to streamline permitting processes. The presentation covered completed reforms, such as simplified zoning ordinances and extended building permit terms, and proposed reforms including downshifting discretionary reviews, overhauling film permitting, and establishing a master list of consultants. Staff discussed the use of on-call contracts to manage workload peaks and the implementation of new agency clearance tasking software. Public comment was received regarding the interpretation of coastal regulations and the need for independent audits of water districts. Board members discussed the progress made and the importance of cross-agency collaboration. A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the work plan. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 53: CEO Recommendation
- The CEO presented a recommendation. A motion was made and seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 54: General Plan and Housing Element Annual Reports
- The Planning Director presented the annual status reports for the General Plan and the Housing Element. The report indicated that 86% of General Plan programs have been acted upon and that the county has achieved 96% of its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) target for the first four years of the cycle. The presentation also noted the county's preparation to apply for "Pro-Housing" designation. Public comment was received. A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the reports. The motion passed.
Additional Discussion and Updates
- Waterworks District 19 Financial Planning: Staff presented an update noting that current revenue is insufficient to fund the existing five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Staff proposed developing a 10-year CIP, seeking grants and loans, considering assessments, and evaluating rate increases. It was noted that there have been no rate increases in six of the last ten years. Staff indicated continued engagement with the community through MAC and CAC meetings.
- Fire Station 29 (Santa Paula) Project Status: Staff provided an update on the Fire Station 29 project, noting a seven-month delay with a projected completion in June or July. The low bid received was $14.6 million, approximately 22% above the engineer's estimate of $12 million. Staff attributed delays to supply chain issues and design challenges. Discussion included the impact of the Project Labor Agreement on the bidding pool. No formal motion was taken on this update.
- Project Labor Agreement (PLA) and Prop 1 Funding: Discussion centered on the implementation of a PLA for a project funded by Proposition 1, which includes a $59 million state grant. Staff emphasized that compliance with the state funding agreement takes precedence to avoid losing the funding. Staff noted the design is 95% complete, with bidding planned for April-May. Public comment was received regarding costs and competitive impacts, with some urging a wait for the completion of a pilot project study and others supporting PLAs.
- Permit Streamlining and Process Reform: Staff presented an update on process reforms across county agencies, including conceptual project review meetings, an Interagency Development Review Committee, expanded counter hours, an online building permit portal, and a fee estimation tool. Future plans include an electronic document review sharing platform. Public comment praised efforts to desilo the permitting process. Board members inquired about the rollout of the fee estimator and the impact of AB 339.
- Many Mansions Presentation: A representative from Many Mansions presented on the organization's work providing affordable housing and supportive services, highlighting the development of 21 affordable housing communities.
- Ventura County First 5 Strategic Plan: Staff presented a draft strategic plan for 2026–2029 focusing on child health, family resilience, early learning, and systems integration. Staff requested approval of a proclamation for "Take 5 and Read Day" on May 1st. No formal motion or vote was recorded for the proclamation in the provided text.
- Resolution to Rename March 31st County Holiday: A resolution was presented to rename the March 31st County holiday to "Farm Workers Day" to align with pending state legislation and provide a more inclusive observance. No formal motion, second, or vote was recorded regarding the adoption of the resolution.
- Supervisorial Reports and Proclamations: The Board acknowledged the Public Works Agency for receiving the Quality Based Selection Champion Award. A visit by state officials to observe Care Court and behavioral health programs was discussed. A report on the Point-in-Time count indicated an 11.8% decrease in unsheltered individuals. Efforts to advocate in Sacramento for funding were discussed. Upcoming community events were announced. A proclamation designating March 2026 as Real Estate Fraud Prevention Month was presented.
- Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for Lewis Road Mental Rehabilitation Center: A recommendation was made to direct staff to execute a PLA for the Lewis Road Mental Rehabilitation Center project. Board members discussed the timeline and the need for transparency. A motion was made to adopt the recommendation with two specific edits: (1) adding language stating that compliance with the PLA is not required to the extent it conflicts with the program funding agreement, and (2) adding language stating that if a subcontractor must be replaced, the replacement is not required to be a party to the PLA if the County determines it would delay project completion. The transcript records the motion and amendments but does not contain the final vote outcome.
- Regulatory Reform Report: A comprehensive report was delivered regarding the regulatory reform program. Staff requested the Board to: (1) authorize two-year CUP expansion extensions from FY 2027 to 2028; (2) authorize fee refunds for applicants who paid CUP renewal fees in calendar years 2025 through January 2026; and (3) receive and file the FY 2026 through 2029 Planning Division 3-year work plan forecast. The transcript does not record the final vote outcomes for these specific actions.
- Public Comment Topics: Public comments were received on election integrity, Water District 19 financial sustainability, behavioral health and Incompetence to Stand Trial (IST) determinations, fire safety concerns regarding proposed facilities, the Santa Susana Field Lab cleanup, Somis water rates, the Ventura Ranch project, child care needs, and the Gold Coast Health Plan. No formal motions were taken on these comments.
- Board Comments: Board members provided updates on their districts, including sidewalk office hours, museum tours, and recognition of a Teacher of the Year. The Board acknowledged the appointment of a former supervisor to the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee.
- Closed Session: The Board adjourned to closed session to discuss agenda items 57 through 60.