Leslie Cornejo

The special meeting agenda focused primarily on the Chloride Compliance and Financial Plan Update for the Advanced Water Treatment Facility (AWTF) project. Key discussion points included an update on the AWTF project status and cost escalation, which now exceeds $30 million. Findings from the Chloride Source Identification Study indicated that two dialysis clinics are significant sources of chloride. The proposed path forward emphasized commercial/industrial source control as the primary measure, supported by renewing the Water Softener Buyback Program as a secondary measure, to potentially achieve compliance goals without immediately implementing the full AWTF. Future steps involve meeting with RWQCB staff to review alternative compliance strategies versus implementing Phase I of the AWTF, and progressing with utility rate studies for Water and Wastewater systems. The session also included a closed session to discuss anticipated litigation.

The agenda for the Economic Development Standing Committee meeting included discussions on Permitting Process Improvements (GovWell), the Business Outreach Toolkit, an update on the Downtown Street Fair, and general Program/Project Updates. Separate minutes reviewed items from a prior meeting, focusing on Downtown Street Fair permitting and policy discussions, including concerns about non-local vendor competition and requests for outreach to the City of Ventura. Further discussion involved an update on the Vacant Retail Ordinance, with plans to present a draft ordinance next year, and an update on the Economic Vitality Round Table covering FIFA/Olympic preparations, autonomic vehicle development, and the Neighbors Support Fund. The committee also received updates on the Independence at Harvard retail component and U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grant Opportunities.

The special meeting agenda included a call to order, roll call, and a public comment period limited to items on the agenda. The primary business involved a study session concerning the property known as the East-Southeast of Hallock Drive and Telegraph Road (Triangle Property). A subsequent closed session was planned to discuss real property negotiations regarding the price and terms of payment for this specific property, with the Community and Economic Development Director acting as the negotiator. The presentation material also detailed the current status of the Triangle property, proposed vision for its redevelopment including features like Tesla Superchargers, retail, entertainment, and a farmer's market, referencing the owner of an adjacent property who is deeply invested in its transformation.

The agenda for this City Council Special Meeting included standard procedural items such as a call to order and roll call. Key discussion items scheduled were Public Comment, where members of the public could address the Council on agenda items, and a Closed Session potentially pursuant to the Brown Act for legal matters, specifically addressing one potential case of anticipated litigation under Government Code sections 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(1). The agenda concluded with a Closed Session Report and Adjournment.

The City Council convened for a special meeting that included a closed session. During the closed session, discussions were held regarding labor negotiations with various employee organizations, a performance evaluation of the City Manager, and anticipated litigation involving potential cases. No reportable action was taken during the closed session.