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
National Nurses Week Recognition
- The Board recognized National Nurses Week with a presentation highlighting nursing initiatives and awards.
- Speakers discussed shared governance, quality improvements, and specific programs like Safe Harbor forensic nursing.
- A proclamation was presented to the nursing staff following video testimonials.
National Public Works Week Recognition
- The Board recognized National Public Works Week with a presentation on infrastructure and flood control roles.
- Employee awards were announced for Operations and Maintenance, Rookie of the Year, and Manager of the Year.
- Signed proclamations were presented to the award winners and the Public Works Agency.
First 5 Ventura County Budget
- The Board received a presentation on the annual budget and strategic plan funded by Proposition 10 tobacco taxes.
- Key allocations include two-thirds for "Neighborhoods for Learning" and one-quarter for program integration.
- The presentation was received and filed unanimously after discussion of the "Take 5 and Read to Kids" initiative.
Purple Heart Monument Relocation Proclamation
- The Board recognized the relocation of the Purple Heart Monument from Naval Base Ventura County to the Government Center.
- Speakers discussed the logistics of the move and the significance of Sergeant Michael A. DiRamondo.
- A proclamation was adopted to honor the Military Order of the Purple Heart for the monument donation.
Service Rates and Fees Public Hearing
- The Board considered resolutions to amend service rates for the Watershed Protection, Fire Protection, and Harbor Departments.
- Proposed rate adjustments aim to achieve full cost recovery and offset increased service costs.
- The public hearing was closed and the resolutions were approved unanimously.
Ventura Ranch Farmworker Housing Project
- The Board held a de novo hearing to consider a 328-unit farmworker housing complex on an 83-acre parcel.
- Staff recommended approval citing consistency with the General Plan and a CEQA streamlining exemption.
- Appellants raised concerns regarding fire hazard zones, evacuation times, and zoning compliance.
- The Board voted unanimously to deny the appeals and approve the project based on 2024 objective standards.
County Single Audit Report
- The Board reviewed the Fiscal Year 2025 Single Audit Report which received an unmodified opinion overall.
- The Health Center Program Cluster received a qualified opinion due to sliding fee discount compliance findings.
- A corrective action plan was submitted and the report was received and filed unanimously.
Recruitment and Retention Efforts
- The Board received the annual workforce report noting a 10.7% vacancy rate as of April 30.
- The California Nurses Association presented concerns regarding staffing obstacles and internal promotion delays.
- The report was received and filed unanimously after discussion of new recruitment initiatives.
Job Title and Salary Range Amendments
- The Board considered recommendations to amend job titles and salary ranges for unrepresented administrative classifications.
- Changes aim to address pay compaction issues arising from Senate Bill 525.
- The motion to approve the staff recommendations passed unanimously.
Public Works Capital Improvement Program
- The Board reviewed the Capital Improvement Program totaling approximately $90 million for the current fiscal year.
- Projects include bridge rehabilitation, transportation safety, and water and sanitation upgrades.
- The presentation was received and filed unanimously following inquiries about specific project timelines.
Full summary
Agenda Item 4: Moment of Inspiration – National Nurses Week
- The Board recognized National Nurses Week (May 6–12, 2026) with a presentation from Ventura County Health Care Agency nursing leadership. Speakers highlighted the theme "The Power of Nurses" and discussed initiatives including shared governance models, quality improvements in ambulatory care, the HPV self-swab program, the Safe Harbor forensic nursing program, and the Whole Person Care team. Public Health nursing leadership noted an award received for the county's sheltering system model, and Behavioral Health nursing staff discussed their role in care coordination. Following a video featuring nurse testimonials, the Board presented a proclamation to the nursing staff. No formal motion or vote was recorded for this item.
Agenda Item 5: Agenda Review and Approval
- The County Counsel reviewed the agenda for the May 19, 2026 meeting. Supervisor Parvin disclosed a conflict of interest regarding Item 17 (Fence Factory Rentals) and recused herself. Chair Garrell disclosed a conflict of interest regarding Item 17 (R.A. Atmore & Sons) and recused himself. A motion to approve the agenda as modified was made by Supervisor Lopez and seconded by Supervisor Long. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 6: Consent Agenda
- The Board considered the consent agenda comprising items 9 through 30. Supervisor Lopez commented on pre-recorded budget presentations included in Item 10. The County Counsel clarified the motion to approve the consent agenda as recommended, noting the recusals by Supervisor Parvin and Chair Garrell on Item 17. A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Supervisor Long and seconded by Supervisor Loehr. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 7: Approval of Minutes
- The Board considered the minutes from the May 12, 2026 meeting. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Supervisor LaVere and seconded by Supervisor Parvin. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 8: General Public Comments
- Four speakers addressed the Board on matters not listed on the agenda. Nina Glaskoter, Winona Burgey-Kransoff, and Stephen Blair requested a staff report regarding the case of a dog named "Bruce" at the Ventura County Animal Shelter, asking for details on standards and processes used before seeking destruction, including independent behavioral assessments and non-lethal alternatives. James Frye addressed inconsistencies in permitting and enforcement records for a property at 8513 North Ventura Avenue, requesting an independent public review. County Counsel responded to the animal shelter inquiry by stating the county follows local ordinances and state law, noting that court documentation is public record, but declined further comment due to a pending federal lawsuit. No formal motion or vote was recorded for this item.
Agenda Item 31: National Public Works Week Proclamation
- The Board recognized National Public Works Week (May 17–23, 2026). Greg Strakoulos, Director of the Public Works Agency, presented on the agency's role in infrastructure, flood control, water systems, and roadways, emphasizing the theme "Rooted in Service, Powered by Community." The presentation included the announcement of Public Works employee awards: Operations and Maintenance Employee of the Year (Ivan Gonzalez), Rookie of the Year (Charles Bell), and Manager of the Year (David Lack). The Board presented signed proclamations to the award winners and the agency. No formal motion or vote was recorded for this item.
Agenda Item 32: First 5 Ventura County Budget Presentation
- The Board received a presentation from First 5 Ventura County Executive Director Lauren Our Zoo regarding the organization's annual budget and strategic plan. The presentation outlined the mission to invest in families with children from prenatal to age five, funded primarily by Proposition 10 tobacco taxes. Key budget allocations included approximately two-thirds for "Neighborhoods for Learning," one-quarter for program and systems integration, and 10% for evaluation and administration. Board members acknowledged the presentation and discussed the "Take 5 and Read to Kids" initiative. A motion to receive and file the presentation was moved by Supervisor LaVere and seconded by Supervisor Lopez. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 33: Proclamation – Purple Heart Monument Relocation
- The Board recognized the relocation of the Purple Heart Monument from Naval Base Ventura County to the County Government Center. Speakers discussed the logistics of the move, the significance of the monument, and the story of Sergeant Michael A. DiRamondo. A motion to adopt the proclamation honoring the Sergeant Michael A. DiRamondo Chapter 750 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart for the donation of the monument was made by Supervisor LaVere. The proclamation was presented; specific details regarding a second and vote tally were not explicitly detailed in the provided text segment.
Agenda Item 34: Public Hearing on Service Rates and Fees
- Clay McCarter of the CEO's office presented a request to adopt resolutions establishing and amending service rates and fees for the Watershed Protection District, Fire Protection District, and Harbor Department. The proposed rates aim to achieve full cost recovery and offset increased service costs, representing a nearly 2% increase in revenue. No public comment was received. A verbal motion to approve the resolutions was moved by Supervisor Parvin and seconded by Supervisor Long. The motion passed, and the public hearing was closed.
Agenda Item 35: Ventura Ranch Farmworker Housing Project (De Novo Hearing)
- The Board convened a de novo hearing to consider the approval of the Ventura Ranch Farmworker Housing Project located at 4884 North Ventura Avenue. The project seeks a tentative parcel map, a plan development permit, and a discretionary tree permit for a 328-unit farmworker housing complex on an 83-acre parcel. County Counsel clarified that approval requires three affirmative votes and that the Housing Accountability Act (HAA) requires the Board to apply objective standards in effect at the time the application was deemed complete (April 2024). Staff recommended approval, finding the project consistent with the General Plan and zoning ordinances, and concluded it qualifies for a CEQA streamlining exemption under Section 15183. Staff argued the project is not in a "Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone" based on maps in effect at the time of application.
- The applicant presented modifications based on public input, including moving buildings further from the northern boundary and restricting Floral Drive access to emergency egress only. Fire safety measures included fire sprinklers and ember-resistant vents. A fire protection specialist presented an evacuation study indicating a 15-minute increase in evacuation time but concluded the site meets emergency response standards.
- Two appellants presented arguments against the project. One appellant focused on public safety, citing a 35% increase in modeled evacuation time and arguing the project violates Ordinance 4596 regarding farmworker housing in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The second appellant argued the project violates the North Ventura Avenue Area Plan and zoning ordinances, contended the project fails the 40-acre agricultural land requirement, and argued the application was incomplete due to the lack of a preliminary "will serve" letter from the City of Ventura.
- Public comment was received from numerous individuals and representatives. Supporters, including labor unions and agricultural operators, argued the project addresses a critical shortage of safe housing for farmworkers and meets current safety standards. Opponents, including residents and appellants, raised concerns regarding wildfire evacuation risks, traffic congestion, soil contamination, and the lack of nearby agricultural facilities. Rebuttal arguments focused on the Board's authority to deny streamlining under SB 35 due to safety concerns and the completeness of the application. Staff clarified that official fire hazard maps in the record did not designate the site as a very high fire hazard severity zone at the time of application, confirmed soil sampling results were below residential screening levels, and noted that strict deed restrictions ensure units remain available exclusively to farmworkers.
- Board members discussed the HAA, noting the project complies with applicable rules and standards from 2024. One board member addressed long-term issues regarding traffic infrastructure, fuel modification, and housing affordability. Supervisor LaVere moved to approve staff recommendations as stated in the board letter. Supervisor Lopez seconded the motion. The Board voted to deny the appeals filed against the project. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 36: County of Ventura Single Audit Report
- Jason McGuire and David Showalter presented the Fiscal Year 2025 Single Audit Report. The financial statement audit received an unmodified opinion with no material weaknesses. The single audit resulted in an unmodified opinion for all major programs except the Health Center Program Cluster, which received a qualified opinion due to findings related to sliding fee discount compliance. Nine findings were reported across five programs. A corrective action plan was submitted. A motion to receive and file the report was moved by Supervisor Lopez and seconded by Supervisor LaVere. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 37: Recruitment and Retention Efforts
- Bill Friedel of the Human Resources Division presented the annual workforce report required by Assembly Bill 2561. As of April 30, the county reported a vacancy rate of 10.7%. Initiatives discussed included career fairs and a new "Candidate Connect" initiative. Invited guests from the California Nurses Association presented concerns regarding staffing obstacles, high patient acuity, unpaid meal break compensation, and delays in internal promotion processes. They requested the Board review the application of hiring freezes and improve communication regarding internal candidates. A motion to receive and file the report was moved by Supervisor LaVere and seconded by Supervisor Long. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 38: Adoption of Resolution Amending Job Titles
- Daniel Keyes, County Human Resources Director, presented recommendations to amend job titles and salary ranges for unrepresented administrative, clerical, and accounting/financial classifications to address pay compaction issues arising from Senate Bill 525. Recommendations included amending titles for nine classifications, deleting nine classifications, and adjusting salary ranges for 13 classifications. A motion to approve the staff recommendations was made verbally and seconded by Supervisor Lopez. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 39: Public Works Capital Improvement Program
- Greg Strackalus, Public Works Agency Director, presented the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for the upcoming fiscal year and a five-year outlook, totaling approximately $90 million for the current year. Projects discussed included bridge rehabilitation, transportation safety improvements, water and sanitation upgrades, and watershed protection projects. Board members inquired about water quality issues at the Channel Islands Harbor, the timeline of the Nyland Acres Community Center project, and public engagement strategies. A motion to receive and file the presentation was moved by Supervisor Lopez and seconded by Supervisor Long. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Items 42 and 43: Correspondence
- The Board considered the correspondence agenda items. A motion to receive and file items 42 and 43 was moved by Supervisor LaVere and seconded by Supervisor Parvin. The motion passed unanimously.
Board Comments
- Board members provided updates on various activities and events, including the Sandy Fire response, the Gold Coast Health Plan Commission advance payment, the Airport Authority budget, Home Key Plus groundbreaking, and attendance at various community events and ceremonies. Memorials were provided for several individuals.
Adjournment
- Following the vote on Agenda Item 35, the Board of Supervisors was adjourned.