Meeting Summary
Present: LaVere, Long, Parvin, Lopez, Gorell
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
National Nurses Week Recognition
- The Board recognized National Nurses Week with presentations on nursing contributions and initiatives.
- Topics included shared governance, quality improvement, and the Safe Harbor forensic nursing program.
- A proclamation was presented to attending nurses without a formal vote.
First 5 Ventura County Budget
- The Board received a presentation on the annual budget and strategic plan funded by Proposition 10.
- Allocations covered child health, family resilience, early learning, and systems integration.
- The item was received and filed unanimously following discussion.
Purple Heart Monument Relocation
- A proclamation honored the monument's move from the Naval Base to the Government Center.
- Speakers discussed the logistics of the move and the legacy of Sergeant Michael A. DiRimondo.
- The Board expressed gratitude for the donation to ensure community visibility.
Service Rates and Fees Public Hearing
- Staff presented proposed rate increases of nearly 2% for the Watershed, Fire, and Harbor departments.
- The Board approved the resolutions to establish and amend fees for full cost recovery.
- No public comment was received during the hearing.
Ventura Ranch Farmworker Housing Project
- The Board held a de novo hearing to approve a 328-unit farmworker housing complex on 83 acres.
- Staff and the applicant argued the project meets Housing Accountability Act standards and safety requirements.
- Appellants raised concerns regarding evacuation routes, fire hazards, and zoning compliance.
- The Board unanimously approved the project and denied the appeals.
Single Audit Report
- Staff presented the FY 2025 Single Audit Report which received an unmodified opinion overall.
- The Health Center Program Cluster received a qualified opinion due to sliding fee discount findings.
- Nine findings were reported across five programs with a corrective action plan submitted.
Recruitment and Retention Efforts
- The annual workforce report showed a 10.7% vacancy rate for represented positions.
- Initiatives discussed included career fairs, a new Candidate Connect program, and salary adjustments.
- Union representatives provided testimony on staffing obstacles and promotion delays.
Job Title and Salary Amendments
- Human Resources recommended amending job titles and salary ranges to address pay compaction.
- The proposal included restructuring classifications and adjusting ranges for 13 specific roles.
- The Board unanimously approved the staff recommendations.
Public Works Capital Improvement Program
- Staff presented a $90 million capital improvement plan covering bridge, water, and sewer projects.
- Board members inquired about water quality in the Channel Islands Harbor and Nyland Acres delays.
- The item was received and filed unanimously after discussion on grant funding and engagement.
Correspondence
- The Board addressed two correspondence items regarding external communications.
- Both items were received and filed unanimously.
Full summary
Agenda Item 4: Moment of Inspiration – National Nurses Week
- The Board recognized National Nurses Week (May 6–12, 2026) with a presentation highlighting nursing contributions across Ventura County. Presentations were delivered by nursing staff and leadership from the Ventura County Health Care Agency, covering topics including shared governance models, quality improvement initiatives, the HPV self-swab program, the Safe Harbor forensic nursing program, whole-person care teams, and emergency preparedness training. A proclamation was presented to nurses in attendance. No formal motion or vote was recorded for this item.
Agenda Item 5: Agenda Review and Approval
- The Board reviewed the agenda for the May 19, 2026 meeting. Supervisor Lopez moved to approve the agenda as modified, and Supervisor Long seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 6: Consent Agenda
- The Board considered the consent agenda, comprising items 9 through 30. Supervisor Lopez commented on the informative nature of pre-recorded budget presentations included in Item 10. Supervisor Parvin recused herself from Item 17 regarding an annual service agreement with Fence Factory Rentals. Supervisor Garrell recused himself from Item 17 regarding annual service agreements with R.A. Atmore & Sons and Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 104. Supervisor Long moved to approve the consent agenda as stated, and Supervisor Loehr seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 7: Approval of Minutes
- The Board considered the minutes from the May 12 meeting. Supervisor LaVere moved to approve the minutes, and Supervisor Parvin seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 8: General Public Comments
- Four members of the public addressed the Board on matters not listed on the agenda. Nina Gluskiter, Winona Virgie Krantzoff, and Stephen Blair requested a staff report from Ventura County Animal Shelter Services (VCAS) and County Counsel regarding standards and processes for the potential destruction of a dog named "Bruce," specifically inquiring about independent behavioral assessments, treatability evaluations, and alternatives to death. James Frye requested an independent public review of permitting and enforcement records for a property at 8513 North Ventura Avenue, citing inconsistencies between stop-work notices, severity holds, and approved plans. County Counsel responded regarding dangerous animal protocols, stating the county follows local ordinances and state law, and noted that court documentation is a public record. Counsel declined further comment due to a pending federal lawsuit. 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 regarding their annual budget and strategic plan. The Executive Director outlined the organization's mission to support families with children from prenatal to age five, funded primarily by Proposition 10 tobacco taxes. The presentation detailed budget allocations across four goal areas: child health and development, strong and resilient families, quality early learning, and program/systems integration. Specific initiatives included home visiting programs, parent education, the "Help Me Grow" campaign, and a Community Investment Loan Fund. Following the presentation and discussion, Supervisor Veer moved to receive and file the item, and Supervisor Lopez seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 33: Proclamation – Purple Heart Monument Relocation
- The Board presented a proclamation honoring the relocation of the Purple Heart Monument from the Naval Base Ventura County to the Ventura County Government Center. Speakers included representatives from the GSA, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the family of Sergeant Michael A. DiRimondo. The discussion covered the logistics of the move, the significance of the monument, and the legacy of Sergeant DiRimondo. Supervisor LeVere read portions of the proclamation, which expressed gratitude for the donation and ensured the monument's visibility to the community. No formal motion or vote was recorded for this item.
Agenda Item 34: Public Hearing on Service Rates and Fees
- A public hearing was held regarding the adoption of resolutions establishing and amending service rates and fees for the Watershed Protection District, Fire Protection District, and Harbor Department. Staff presented proposed rates aimed at full cost recovery, reflecting a nearly 2% increase to offset rising service costs, though some fees remained unchanged due to legal or policy limitations. No public comment was received. Supervisor Parvin moved to approve the rates and fees, and Supervisor Long seconded the motion. 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 at 4884 North Ventura Avenue. The project seeks a tentative parcel map, a plan development permit, and a discretionary tree permit to subdivide an 83-acre parcel into three developable lots for a 328-unit farmworker housing complex and one 63.34-acre conservation lot.
- County Counsel clarified that approval requires three affirmative votes and that under the Housing Accountability Act (HAA), the Board must apply objective standards in effect at the time the application was deemed complete (April 2024). Counsel noted that denying the project or reducing density requires specific findings of adverse impacts that cannot be feasibly mitigated.
- Staff from the Resource Management Agency recommended approval, finding the project consistent with the General Plan, the North Ventura Avenue Area Plan, and the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance. Staff concluded the project qualifies for a CEQA streamlining exemption under Section 15183. Staff addressed appeal grounds regarding evacuation safety and fire hazard zones, arguing the site was not designated as a "Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone" under the map in effect at the time of application completeness. Staff also stated the project meets the 40-acre agricultural land requirement.
- The applicant presented modifications made in response to community concerns, including moving buildings further from the northern boundary and changing access points. A fire protection specialist presented a wildfire evacuation study concluding the project complies with emergency response plans. The applicant's attorney argued the CEQA streamlining process was robust and that the project meets all applicable criteria under the HAA.
- Two appellants presented arguments against the project. One appellant argued the project poses significant safety risks due to constrained evacuation routes and contended that CEQA streamlining was improper because the General Plan EIR did not adequately analyze specific site conditions. The second appellant argued the project violates the North Ventura Avenue Area Plan and zoning ordinances, fails the 40-acre agricultural land requirement, and is located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. This appellant also argued the application was improperly deemed complete without a preliminary "will serve" letter from the City of Ventura.
- Public comment was received from 30 speakers. Supporters, including labor unions and agricultural organizations, argued the project addresses a critical shortage of safe, affordable housing for essential workers and meets current safety standards. Opponents, primarily residents of the Valley Vista tract, raised concerns regarding public safety, evacuation gridlock, soil contamination, and the site's fire hazard designation. Some opponents requested a full CEQA review.
- During rebuttal, appellants argued the Board has the authority to deny streamlining due to substantial public safety concerns and requested the application be deemed incomplete or remanded. The applicant's representative countered that the project underwent a project-level CEQA analysis consistent with the General Plan EIR and that the City of Ventura has confirmed sufficient water supply.
- Staff clarified that fire hazard maps in the record were based on 2010 CAL FIRE data, while current maps showed different designations. Staff confirmed the site is a single legal lot of 83 acres, water is provided by the City of Ventura, and sewer by the Ojai Valley Sanitary District. Staff noted the project includes two primary driveways and one emergency-only access point, and that soil sampling results were below residential screening levels.
- Board deliberation focused on the project's compliance with the HAA and County standards as of 2024. Board members noted the project met applicable rules and policies, emphasized the need for dignified housing for farmworkers, and discussed the importance of objective review under the HAA.
- Supervisor LaVere moved to approve staff recommendations as stated in the board letter, and Supervisor Lopez seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The Board voted to deny the appeals filed against the project and approved the project.
Agenda Item 36: County of Ventura Single Audit Report
- Staff presented the Fiscal Year 2025 Single Audit Report conducted by Ida Bailey. The report covered the County's annual comprehensive financial report and 12 major federal programs. The financial statement audit received an unmodified opinion with no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. The single audit received 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 regarding procurement, allowable costs, reporting, and special test provisions. A corrective action plan and summary of prior year findings were submitted. Supervisor Lopez moved to receive and file the item, and Supervisor Veer seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 37: Recruitment and Retention Efforts
- The County Executive Office presented the annual workforce report required by Assembly Bill 2561. The report indicated a countywide vacancy rate of 10.7% for represented positions, below the 20% statutory threshold. Data showed 22,312 applications received in the prior 12 months, with 719 hires and 1,018 promotions. Initiatives discussed included career fairs, a new Candidate Connect initiative, and salary adjustments from recent contract negotiations. Invited guests from the California Nurses Association (CNA) provided testimony regarding staffing obstacles, unpaid meal breaks, and delays in internal promotions and transfers. Written testimony from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) was accepted. Supervisor Lavier moved to receive and file the item, and Supervisor Long seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 38: Adoption of Resolution Amending Job Titles
- The 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 resulting from Senate Bill 525. Recommendations included restructuring classifications to reduce levels, deleting nine specific classifications, and adjusting salary ranges for 13 classifications. The proposal also included amendments to the Management Resolution regarding supervisory differential pay and pay for performance. A verbal motion to approve the staff recommendations was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 39: Public Works Capital Improvement Program
- The 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 highlighted included bridge rehabilitation, transportation safety improvements, pavement resurfacing, the Wainimi Road widening project, reservoir refurbishment, water supply reliability upgrades, sewer pipe rehabilitation, water main replacements, the Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration, Santa Clara River levee construction, and the Kitty Beach Storm Water Quality Improvement Project. Board members inquired about water quality issues in the Channel Islands Harbor and the status of the Nyland Acres Community Center. Staff confirmed ongoing efforts to secure grant funding for the Kitty Beach project and acknowledged delays with the Nyland Acres project due to property and utility access challenges. A discussion on public engagement strategies for capital projects took place. Supervisor Lopez moved to receive and file the item, and Supervisor Long seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Items 42 and 43: Correspondence
- The Board addressed correspondence items 42 and 43. Supervisor Lavier moved to receive and file both items, and Supervisor Parvin seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Board Comments
- Board members provided comments on various topics including the Sandy Fire response, the Gold Coast Health Plan advance payment, the Home Key Plus groundbreaking ceremony, the House Farm Workers Development Roundtable, the Channel Islands Harbor Safe Boating Expo, and upcoming Memorial Day events. Members recognized veterans, educators, and community members, and discussed the status of the Nyland Acres project and the 101 mural project.
Adjournment
- Following the conclusion of Item 35, the Board of Supervisors was adjourned.