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
Moment of Inspiration
- The Board recognized the Safe Passage Youth Foundation and its leader, Tim Hagel.
- Hagel presented an overview of volunteer-led programs serving at-risk youth through mentorship and employment.
- Supervisor Lopez offered remarks thanking the organization for its community impact.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on this recognition item.
Agricultural Weights and Measures
- The Agricultural Commissioner presented the 2025 Annual Crop and Livestock Report detailing $2.4 billion in gross revenue.
- The report highlighted economic challenges including high labor costs, decreased irrigated farmland, and citrus greening impacts.
- Board members discussed the threat of fallow land and the need for regulatory support for growers.
- The Board unanimously voted to receive and file the report.
Mental Health Services Act and Behavioral Health Services Act
- Staff presented the approved integrated plan and budget for fiscal years 2026–2029 under the new BHSA framework.
- The presentation outlined a shift to a combined mental health and substance use disorder system with state-mandated fee changes.
- The County's role is shifting to a specialty safety net provider while reallocating funds toward housing interventions.
- The Board unanimously approved the staff recommendations and the closure of the former MHSA annual update.
Ventura County Parks Department Amended Rent Fee Schedule
- Staff proposed amending the rent fee schedule effective July 1 to address budget needs and deferred maintenance.
- Proposed changes include rate increases for RV and tent camping, commercial activities, and cancellation fees.
- Staff also requested authority to add temporary new rates subject to Board approval within one year.
- The Board unanimously approved the staff recommendations following a closed public hearing.
Coastal Commission Suggested Modifications
- Staff presented suggested modifications to Local Coastal Program amendments regarding sea level rise and coastal hazards.
- Changes include clarifying risk disclosure requirements and narrowing exceptions for public works projects.
- The proposal adds a definition for designated disadvantaged communities and acknowledges a privately owned parcel at Hollywood Beach.
- The Board unanimously approved the staff recommended actions after receiving public comment.
Purchase of Real Estate at 67 East Barnett Street
- Staff proposed purchasing a 54-bed residential care facility for the elderly with behavioral health diagnoses.
- The purchase price is $3.4 million with an additional $34,000 for closing costs funded by BHSA funds.
- The facility is located in Ventura and intended to serve residents with specific behavioral health needs.
- The Board unanimously approved the staff recommended actions to proceed with the purchase.
Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan
- Staff presented the five-year renewal of the Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
- The report indicates sufficient water supply for projected demand, though prolonged drought could trigger Level 1 responses.
- Approval is necessary for the County to maintain eligibility for state grants.
- The Board approved the plans with four votes in favor while one supervisor was absent.
Sewer Service Charge Changes
- Staff presented a collective report proposing sewer rate increases ranging from 8% to 19.5% across five service areas.
- Increases are driven by rising treatment costs, deferred maintenance needs, and the requirement to stabilize financial positions.
- Board members questioned the sources of costs and the affordability implications for residents.
- The Board unanimously approved the staff recommendations for all five service areas.
Delinquent Water and Sewer Service Charges
- Staff reported on placing delinquent water and sewer charges on the county tax roll for collection in two districts.
- The report identified three delinquent accounts in the Moorpark and Bell Canyon areas with zero protests.
- This action facilitates the collection of outstanding debts through the property tax system.
- The Board unanimously approved the staff recommended action.
Amendment to MOA with Criminal Justice Attorneys Association
- Staff proposed amending the agreement to align with recent Personnel Rules and Regulations changes.
- The amendment converts the "senior attorney" designation from a discretionary role to a formal competitive classification.
- Existing employees will be grandfathered under the new minimum qualification requirements.
- The Board unanimously adopted the amendment.
Amendment to MOA with Ventura County Deputy Sheriff's Association
- Staff proposed amendments to revise court appearance pay and overtime calculation rules.
- The changes replace a four-hour minimum court pay with a structure based on actual time plus a fixed premium.
- This revision aims to improve cost accounting accuracy and time tracking for court appearances.
- The Board unanimously adopted the amendment.
Amendment to MOA with Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association
- Staff proposed amendments updating HERT premium provisions and aligning pool compensation with the USAR model.
- The agreement includes changes to legacy retiree health care subsidies and substance abuse program compliance.
- Intermittent fire control workers are being included in the bargaining unit under this amendment.
- The Board unanimously adopted the amendment.
Fiscal Year 2026 Year-End Board Letter
- Staff presented budgetary items including carryover loans, grant approvals, and specific fund allocations.
- Key transactions include a $15 million restoration to the Medical System and funding for the Santa Paula fumatorium.
- The report addresses the deletion of 188 long-term vacant positions to improve personnel data accuracy.
- The Board unanimously approved the staff recommendations regarding these budgetary transactions.
Closed Session
- The Board authorized the initiation of litigation by unanimous vote during the closed session.
- No other reportable actions were taken during the closed session proceedings.
Full summary
Agenda Item 4: Moment of Inspiration
- The Board recognized the Safe Passage Youth Foundation and its leader, Tim Hagel. Hagel presented an overview of the organization's volunteer-led programs serving at-risk youth through mentorship, education, and employment initiatives, highlighting success stories and partnerships with 43 other nonprofits. He described a youth employment program paying participants $20 per hour for community projects. Supervisor Lopez offered remarks thanking Hagel. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item 5: Agenda Review
- The CEO presented a review of the agenda, noting public comment letters and specific items requiring attention, including the Annual Crop and Livestock Report, a medical director agreement, a parks department fee schedule amendment, and a coastal program resolution. Supervisor Lopez and another board member indicated intentions to pull specific consent items for separate discussion.
Agenda Item 6: Consent Agenda
- The Board considered the consent agenda comprising items 9 through 68. Supervisor Lopez requested that Item 9 (Agricultural Weights and Measures) be pulled for discussion. Supervisor Long requested that Item 26 (Mental Health Services Act budget update and Behavioral Health Services Act integrated plan) be pulled for discussion. A motion was made by Supervisor Long and seconded by Supervisor Lopez to approve the remaining consent items (10 through 25 and 27 through 68). The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 7: Approval of Minutes
- The Board considered the minutes from the previous meeting held on June 15. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Supervisor Parvin and seconded by Supervisor Lopez. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 8: General Public Comment
- The Board received public comments on various topics. Regarding Aging Services, a representative from the Ventura County Aging Services Coalition requested regular updates on the paused transition of the Area Agency on Aging, emphasizing transparency and staffing continuity. On Elections, multiple speakers raised concerns regarding election integrity, costs, the Voters Choice Act, and alleged irregularities, calling for audits, restoration of precinct-based voting, and removal of voting centers and drop boxes. Regarding Employee Compensation, speakers representing SEIU Local 721 addressed wage inequities between clerical staff/medical office assistants and other classifications, requesting the Board direct the CEO to negotiate a fix. On Zoning and Building Permits, a speaker questioned the accuracy of a zoning clearance for a property at 8513 North Ventura Avenue, citing discrepancies between the clearance description and county records, and requested a review. Finally, a speaker linked the COVID-19 pandemic to election process changes, calling for the restoration of neighborhood precincts and hand-counted ballots.
Agenda Item 9: Agricultural Weights and Measures (Annual Crop and Livestock Report)
- The Agricultural Commissioner presented the 2025 Annual Crop and Livestock Report, detailing a gross revenue of $2.4 billion while noting that many crops were grown at a loss due to high costs, particularly labor. The report highlighted a decrease in irrigated farmland and the impact of citrus greening on lemon production. Board members discussed economic challenges, the threat of fallow land, and the need for regulatory support. A public comment from the Farm Bureau expressed concern over growers' financial struggles. A motion to receive and file the report was made by Supervisor Parvin and seconded by Supervisor LaVere. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 26: Mental Health Services Act and Behavioral Health Services Act
- The County Behavioral Health Director presented the approval for the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) integrated plan and budget for fiscal years 2026–2029, and the closure of the former Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) annual update. The presentation outlined changes resulting from Proposition 1 and Senate Bill 326, including a shift to a combined mental health and substance use disorder system, a 10% administrative fee retained by the state, and reallocation of funds toward housing interventions. The Director explained the county's shifting role to a specialty safety net provider. Staff presented a report on the behavioral health system, discussing service navigation and the impact of state mandates on community partners. Public comment was received. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendations and seconded by another supervisor. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 69: Ventura County Parks Department Amended Rent Fee Schedule
- Staff presented a proposal to amend the Parks Department rent fee schedule effective July 1, outlining the department's budget, staffing, and deferred maintenance backlog. Proposed changes included increases to RV and tent camping rates, commercial activity rates, and cancellation fees. Staff also requested authority to add temporary new rates with board approval required within one year. Board members asked questions regarding rate structures. The public hearing was closed. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendations and seconded by another supervisor. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 70: Coastal Commission Suggested Modifications to Sea Level Rise and Coastal Hazards Amendments
- Staff presented a report on suggested modifications to the Local Coastal Program amendments regarding sea level rise and coastal hazards, as recommended by the California Coastal Commission. Modifications included clarifying risk disclosure requirements, narrowing exceptions for public works projects, acknowledging a privately owned parcel at Hollywood Beach, and adding a definition for designated disadvantaged communities. Board members thanked staff for engagement with residents. Public comment was received regarding coastal realities and dredging cycles. The public hearing was closed. A motion was made to approve the staff recommended actions and seconded by another supervisor. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 71: Purchase of Real Estate at 67 East Barnett Street
- Staff presented a proposal to purchase a 54-bed residential care facility for the elderly with behavioral health diagnoses in Ventura. The purchase price was $3.4 million, with an additional $34,000 requested for closing costs, funded through Behavioral Health Services Act funds. The public hearing was closed. A motion was made to approve the staff recommended actions and seconded by another supervisor. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 72: Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan
- Staff presented the five-year renewal of the Urban Water Management Plan and the Water Shortage Contingency Plan. The report indicated sufficient water supply to meet projected demand, though a prolonged drought could necessitate Level 1 shortage responses. Approval was noted as necessary for state grant eligibility. The public hearing was closed. A motion was made to approve the staff recommended actions and seconded by another supervisor. The motion passed with four votes in favor; one supervisor was absent.
Agenda Items 73 through 77: Sewer Service Charge Changes
- Staff presented a collective report on proposed sewer rate increases for five service areas: CSA 29 (North Coast), CSA 30 (Nyland Acres), CSA 34 (El Rio), Water District 16 (Piru), and the Camarillo Utility Enterprise. Proposed increases ranged from 8% to 19.5%, driven by treatment cost increases, deferred maintenance, and the need to stabilize financial positions. Board members asked questions regarding cost sources and affordability. The public hearing was closed. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendations for items 73 through 77 and seconded by another supervisor. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 78: Delinquent Water and Sewer Service Charges
- Staff presented a report regarding the placement of delinquent water and sewer service charges on the county tax roll for collection in Water District 1 (Moorpark area) and Water District 17 (Bell Canyon). The report noted three delinquent accounts and zero protests from property owners. The public hearing was closed. A motion was made to approve the staff recommended action and seconded by another supervisor. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 79: Amendment to MOA with Criminal Justice Attorneys Association
- Staff presented a proposal to amend the Memorandum of Agreement with the Criminal Justice Attorneys Association of Ventura County. The amendment aligns the agreement with recent Personnel Rules and Regulations changes by converting the "senior attorney" designation from a discretionary role to a formal competitive classification, establishing minimum qualifications, and grandfathering existing employees. The public hearing was closed. A motion was made to adopt the amendment and seconded by another supervisor. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 80: Amendment to MOA with Ventura County Deputy Sheriff's Association
- Staff presented a proposal to amend the Memorandum of Agreement with the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff's Association. The amendments revise court appearance pay and overtime calculation rules, replacing a four-hour minimum court pay with a structure based on actual time plus a fixed premium to improve cost accounting and time tracking. The public hearing was closed. A motion was made to adopt the amendment and seconded by another supervisor. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 81: Amendment to MOA with Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association
- Staff presented a proposal to amend the Memorandum of Agreement with the Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association. The amendments included updates to HERT premium provisions, alignment of HERT pool compensation with the USAR model, changes to the administration of legacy retiree health care subsidies, updates to the substance abuse program to comply with state law regarding cannabis, and the inclusion of intermittent fire control workers in the bargaining unit. The public hearing was closed. A motion was made to adopt the amendment and seconded by another supervisor. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 82: Fiscal Year 2026 Year-End Board Letter
- Staff presented a report covering budgetary items, including the approval of carryover loans, administratively approved grants, and various budgetary transactions. Key transactions included a $15 million contribution restoration to the Ventura County Medical System, a $1.24 million allocation for the Santa Paula fumatorium remodel, and a $1.6 million allocation for medical examiner storage and emergency preparedness upgrades. The presentation also addressed the deletion of 188 long-term vacant positions to improve personnel data accuracy, with a provision allowing the County Executive Officer to administratively restore positions with justification. Board members asked questions regarding funding sources and the restoration provision. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendations and seconded by another supervisor. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 83: CEO Comments
- The CEO provided updates on upcoming events, including the ribbon-cutting for new live-fire training buildings and an artist talk and tour at the county building. The CEO wished the board and community a safe Fourth of July.
Supervisorial Reports
- Supervisors provided reports on recent activities, including attendance at the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony, Oxnard Fire Department EMS graduation, State of the City events, and the Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration. Several supervisors offered tributes in memory of community members. One supervisor requested that the CEO and staff develop a framework to modify the board's process for handling resolutions to reduce time spent on record during meetings.
Agenda Item 86: Closed Session Report
- Following a closed session, the County Council reported that the Board had authorized the initiation of litigation by unanimous vote. No other reportable actions were taken.
Adjournment
- The meeting was officially adjourned, with the next session scheduled for August. No motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.