Brian McCarthy

The meeting featured a presentation from the Food Share organization concerning food distribution, hunger statistics in the county, and their upcoming facility expansion plans. Representatives from the Ventura County Fairgrounds provided an update on the fair schedule, which includes details on the concert lineup, the results of the youth poster contest, and the implementation of a new clear bag policy. Additionally, the Council issued a formal proclamation designating the month as National Parks and Recreation Month.

The City Council and Successor Agency held a meeting where several key actions were taken. Proclamations were issued declaring April as National Fair Housing Month and Autism Awareness Month. The council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Locality Media LLC for First Due services and approved the purchase of a new Public Works department vehicle. Additionally, the council initiated proceedings for the annual levy of assessments for the city's storm drain, landscaping, and lighting districts, and ratified the reappointment of resident commissioners to the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura. Appointments for primary and alternate official representatives to the Southern California Association of Governments were also finalized. Finally, closed sessions were conducted to discuss anticipated litigation.

The meeting included several proclamations for Building Safety Month, Peace Officer Memorial Day, and National Public Works Week. The Council approved various agenda items, including an ordinance amending the municipal code to allow sidewalk vendors to operate without a permit, an appointment to the Cultural, Arts, and Recreation Commission, and the authorization of a catch basin retrofit project. Additionally, the Council approved engineering consultant service agreements, the third amendment to the Willdan Engineering services contract, and resolutions regarding the annual levy and collection of assessments for local landscaping and lighting districts. Reports were provided on upcoming budget workshops, a health and wellness fair, and infrastructure updates.

The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing regarding a new development project, addressing concerns related to parking layouts, EV charging, noise impacts, traffic circulation, historic preservation, and landscaping materials. The commission provided specific design and material recommendations, such as the use of drought-tolerant landscaping and compatible exterior materials, before moving to continue the public hearing. Additionally, the commission received department reports regarding attendance at the Ventura County Housing Conference and the California American Planning Association Conference, as well as status updates on the 'Bridges' project, the city's Downtown Plan, and the certification of the Housing Element.

The City Council meeting addressed several key business items, including a proclamation declaring March as Women's History Month and various reports from Council members regarding regional agency activities, local development updates, and upcoming community events. The Council approved consent items including a professional services agreement for audit services, a second reading of an ordinance regarding administrative remedies for continuing violations, and a warrant register. New business included the authorization of an offsite improvement agreement for an affordable housing project, the review and approval of mid-year financial reports and budget adjustments for the current fiscal year, and the approval of a zoning ordinance amendment to remove a retail requirement from the Central Business District core. The meeting concluded with staff updates from the City Manager regarding grants, infrastructure improvements, and street maintenance projects.