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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 2025 0507 CC REG MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK Moorpark, California May 7, 2025 A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Moorpark was held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of said City located at 323 Science Drive, Moorpark, California. All items listed are heard and acted upon by the City Council unless otherwise noted. 1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Enegren called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilmember Dr. Castro led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Barrett, Castro, Delgado, Means, and Mayor Enegren. Staff Present: Troy Brown, City Manager; Zachary Heinselman, Assistant City Attorney; PJ Gagajena, Assistant City Manager; Brian Chong, Assistant to the City Manager; Hiromi Dever, Finance Director; Dan Kim, City Engineer/Public Works Director; Doug Spondello, Community Development Director; Jeremy Laurentowski, Parks and Recreation Director; Jessica Sandifer, Deputy Parks and Recreation Director; Michelle Woomer, Senior Management Analyst; Chris Thompson, Senior Information Systems Administrator; Chief of Police Nick Odenath, Ventura County Sheriff's Office; Division Fire Chief Tony Occhipinti, Ventura County Fire Department; and Ky Spangler, City Clerk. 4. PROCLAMATIONS AND COMMENDATIONS: None. 5. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. 6. REORDERING OF, AND ADDITIONS TO, THE AGENDA: CONSENSUS: It was the consensus of the City Council to pull Items 10.C. and 10.G. from the Consent Calendar for individual consideration upon the request of Councilmember Barrett. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 2 May 7, 2025 CONSENSUS: It was the consensus of the City Council to reorder Item 9.C. to be heard as the first item under Presentation/Action/Discussion at the request of Councilmember Means. 7. ANNOUNCEMENTS, FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS, AND REPORTS ON MEETINGS/CONFERENCES ATTENDED BY COUNCILMEMBERS AND MAYOR: Councilmember Barrett reported on April 22 he attended the Tri County Chamber Alliance Board meeting focused on state legislation and its effect on businesses. Councilmember Barrett reported on April 24 he participated in an Arbor Day event at Tierra Rejada Park at which the Moorpark Morning Rotary Club and Santa Rosa Valley 4-H Club planted two trees. Councilmember Barrett reported on April 25 he attended the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast. Councilmember Barrett reported on April 29 he attended a meeting with Agoura Councilmember and Clean Power Alliance (CPA) Board Chair Deborah Klein Lopez to discuss some regional issues and CPA. Councilmember Barrett reported on April 29 he attended a tour of Covered 6, a local Moorpark business. Councilmember Barrett reported on April 30 he attended the Moorpark City Hall Open House. Councilmember Barrett reported on May 1 he attended his first Regional Defense Partnership (RDP-21) Board meeting in Ventura where a County of Ventura representative discussed the County's economic plan. Councilmember Barrett reported on May 1 he attended the Clean Power Alliance Board meeting. Councilmember Barrett reported on May 3 he attended Moorpark's Earth Day celebration at the Arroyo Vista Community Park. Councilmember Barrett reported on May 3 he attended Moorpark Veterinary Hospital's 35th anniversary and ribbon cutting. Councilmember Barrett reported on May 6 he attended the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce mixer at California Bun. Councilmember Barrett reported on May 7 he attended the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce Government Relations meeting. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 3 May 7, 2025 Councilmember Barrett reported on May 7 he attended the Moorpark Zoo Advisory Board meeting. Councilmember Delgado reported on April 17 she attended the Economic Development Collaborative meeting along with Economic Development Manager Bandek. Councilmember Delgado reported on April 19 she, along with fellow Councilmembers, attended the ribbon cutting of the newest restaurant at The Alley called The Hearth. Councilmember Delgado reported on April 25 she, along with Mayor Enegren and Councilmember Barrett, attended the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast. Councilmember Delgado reported on April 27 she, along with Mayor Enegren and Councilmember Castro, attended the opening of the Ruben Castro Charities new Community Farm which is dedicated to creating a regenerative food system and also helps to compost any waste that the food pantry generates. Councilmember Delgado reported on April 29 she, along with Councilmember Barrett, attended a Tour of Covered 6 and were shown how the company collaborates with other cities using technology along with first responders. Councilmember Delgado reported on April 30 she, along with Councilmembers, attended the City Hall Open House. Councilmember Delgado reported on May 3 she attended Seussical the Musical at the High Street Arts Center. Councilmember Castro reported on April 27 he attended the Ruben Castro Charities Magdaleno Farm event along with some City staff. Councilmember Castro reported on April 30 he attended the City Hall Open House. Councilmember Means reported on April 19 he, along with fellow Councilmembers, attended the ribbon cutting for The Hearth, the new restaurant in The Alley. Councilmember Means reported on May 7 he attended the Moorpark Zoo Advisory meeting. Councilmember Means reported he was out of town and met with six of the U.S. Supreme Court Judges at the Supreme Court and spoke to them about Moorpark. A Supreme Court Judge suggested to be consistent in finding the best outcome for Moorpark while restarting fresh on each item. Mayor Enegren reported on April 19 he attended The Hearth restaurant's grand opening at The Alley. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 4 May 7, 2025 Mayor Enegren reported on April 25 he attended the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast. Mayor Enegren reported on April 27 he attended the Ruben Castro Charities farm opening. Mayor Enegren reported on April 30 he attended the City's Open House. Mayor Enegren reported on May 1 and 2 he attended the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Annual Conference and General Assembly in Palm Desert. Mayor Enegren reported on May 3 he attended the Moorpark Veterinary Hospital 35th anniversary celebration. Mayor Enegren announced, "Moorpark After Dark" is back. On Friday, May 9 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Arroyo Vista Recreation Center, teens in 6th through 9th grade are invited to experience music, attractions, an escape room, and a food and soda bar featuring Shirley Temple slushies. Sign up in advance for $15, or $20 cash entry fee at the gate. Details available at the City's website. Mayor Enegren announced put on your quads or blades and join for an evening of skating, music, contests, and more at the spring Skate Night on Friday, May 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Arroyo Vista Community Park multi-use court. Admission is free. For details visit the City's website. Mayor Enegren announced registration for summer recreation programs is now open. The Arroyo Vista Recreation Center offers a variety of programs including Camp Moorpark, Adventure Camp, special interest camps, sports leagues, classes for all ages, and more. For details visit the City's website. Mayor Enegren announced the 2025 Moorpark Apricot Festival and Art Fair will be held on Saturday, May 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Arroyo Vista Community. The event is free to attend. Enjoy art and craft vendors, food trucks, local beer and wine, apricot offerings, live music, cultural dance, animal shows and much more. For more information visit the City's website. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. 9. PRESENTATION/ACTION/DISCUSSION: C. Consider Continuation of Fine Free Policy at Moorpark City Library. Staff Recommendation: Discuss and provide direction to staff on the continuation of Fine Free Library Policy. Ms. Sandifer gave the staff report and provided a PowerPoint presentation. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 5 May 7, 2025 Questions from Councilmembers focused on the following: 1) staff clarified the total of lost fine revenue is $6,000 with fine collection costing the City $3,000 in staff time; 2) the Fine Free policy has allowed staff to focus on other efforts that enhance library services and resources for patrons; 3) Librarian Conwell provided additional explanation on the Fine Free formula; 4) question on the amount of staff time required to generate analysis reports for the Council; and 5) confirmation that the Library teen advisory group is not subject to the Brown Act. Rosalie Barili, Moorpark resident, spoke in support of continuation of a fine free library policy, she commented that a punishment and embarrassment system and fine systems do not make sense. Laura Burnett, Moorpark resident and Library Board Member since 2019, spoke in support of continuation of a Fine Free Library Policy, commenting that fines do not increase return rates and that fine policies do not work. Bernadette McDowell, Moorpark resident, President of Friends of the Library and retired public librarian, spoke in support of continuation of a Fine Free Library Policy due to its benefits. Circulation has increased 6%. Discussion and comments among Councilmembers followed which focused on: 1) while a fine free library is the best thing for Moorpark it was noted by a Councilmember that the projections made at the September 6, 2023, meeting of increased returns of missing materials and shorter hold times was inaccurate; the Library Board should have been consulted on the fine free policy; the staff report did not include balanced data; future staff reports on all topics should be presented with balanced information; 2) feedback from Library Board and Friends of the Library did not necessarily concur with the data in the staff report; and 3) the need to consider equity in the City's choice to subsidize programs. CONSENSUS: It was the unanimous consensus of the City Council to continue the existing Fine Free Library Policy. A. Consider Presentation by Caltrans Providing Update on the Arroyo Simi Bridge (State Route 118/23 Overpass) Suicide Prevention Project. Staff Recommendation: Receive presentation. Mr. Brown introduced Joseph Kibe, Project Manager with Caltrans who gave a presentation on the Arroyo Simi Bridge Suicide Prevention Project. Miranda Myers, Public Information Officer with Caltrans, spoke to share information on public outreach and weekly communication updates that will be provided on construction timing and activities. Clarification was provided regarding the design of the top of the fence noting the top curve had to be removed due to the proximity of the traffic shoulder, bridge radius, and the potential for trucks to collide with the top of the fence. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 6 May 7, 2025 There were no speakers. CONSENSUS: It was the consensus of the City Council to receive the presentation. B. Consider Resolution of Intention to Establish Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2025-1 (Beltramo Ranch) and Setting a Public Hearing for June 18, 2025, for Formation of CFD 2025-1. Staff Recommendation: 1) Accept the Petition, Consent, and Waiver from the landowner requesting the formation of a Community Facilities District to fund certain municipal services; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-4312, Declaring Intention to Establish Community Facilities District No. 2025-1 (Beltramo Ranch), and to authorize the levy of a special tax to fund certain services; and 3) Set a Public Hearing for June 18, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers to consider the formation of the CFD and the levy of the special tax; and 4) Direct the City Clerk to publish a Notice of Public Hearing regarding the formation of the CFD in accordance with Government Code Section 53322. (ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED) Mr. Laurentowski gave the staff report. There were no speakers. MOTION: Councilmember Means moved and Councilmember Barrett seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2025-4312 declaring intention to establish Community Facilities District No. 2025-1 (Beltramo Ranch). The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. 10. CONSENT CALENDAR: (ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED) MOTION: Mayor Enegren moved and Councilmember Means seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items 10.C. and 10G. which were pulled for individual consideration. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. A. Consider Warrant Register for Fiscal Year 2024/25 — May 7, 2025. Staff Recommendation: Approve the warrant register. B. Consider Minutes of City Council Special Meeting of February 8, 2025. Staff Recommendation: Approve the minutes. D. Consider Resolution Amending the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/25 Budget to Appropriate Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3.5M) to Pay Down the City's California Public Employee Retirement System (CaIPERS) Pension Plan Unfunded Liability. Staff Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-4313 amending Fiscal Year 2024/25 Budget in the amount of $3,500,000 to pay down the City's CaIPERS Pension Plan Unfunded Liability. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 7 May 7, 2025 E. Consider Resolution Approving the Preliminary Assessment Engineer's Report for the Parks and Recreation Maintenance and Improvement Assessment District for the Fiscal Year 2025/26 and Providing Notice of Public Hearing on June 4, 2025. Staff Recommendation: 1) Set the Public Hearing date for June 4, 2025; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-4314. F. Consider Resolution Approving the Preliminary Assessment Engineer's Report for the Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment Districts for the Fiscal Year 2025/26 and Providing Notice of Public Hearing on June 4, 2025. Staff Recommendation: 1) Set the Public Hearing date for June 4, 2025; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-4315. H. Consider Resolution Amending the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Budget Allocating $37,975.00 from the General Fund (1000) for Detailed Facility Condition Assessment for the High Street Arts Center. Staff Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-4317, amending the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Budget to fund Facility Condition Assessment for High Street Arts Center. The following items were pulled for individual consideration: C. Consider Minutes of City Council Special Meeting of April 9, 2025. Staff Recommendation: Approve the minutes, as amended. Councilmember Barrett noted he pulled the minutes to request revision of the item regarding the community pool topic to better summarize the nature of the discussion. City Manager Brown offered agreeable substitute language included in the motion for approval. MOTION: Councilmember Barrett moved and Councilmember Means seconded a motion to amend the April 9, 2025, meeting minutes to say, "forge stronger relationships with the YMCA to offer a broad range of community services, or any other type of equivalent organization." The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. G. Consider Resolution Granting a Temporary Construction Easement to RWC Hitch Ranch, LLC to Enter Into and Perform Certain Construction and Improvement Work on Approximately 23.33 Acres of City-Owned Property to Restore and Enhance Habitat for the Benefit of Sensitive Species in Compliance with the Habitat Conservation Plan for the Hitch Ranch Specific Plan Project and Making a Finding of Consistency with the Certified Environmental Impact Report for the Hitch Ranch Specific Plan in Connection Therewith. Staff Recommendation: 1) Consider and adopt Resolution No. 2025-4316, approving the Grant of a Temporary Construction Easement to RWC Hitch Ranch, LLC to enter into and perform certain construction and improvement work on approximately 23.33 acres of City-owned property to restore and enhance habitat for the benefit of sensitive species in compliance with the Habitat Conservation Plan for the Hitch Ranch Specific Plan Project and making a finding of consistency with Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 8 May 7, 2025 the Certified Environmental Impact Report for the Hitch Ranch Specific Plan in connection therewith; and 2) Approve the Temporary Construction Easement substantially as to form and authorize the City Manager to execute the Temporary Construction Easement, subject to final terms as determined by the City Manager; and 3) Authorize the City Clerk to file and cause the Temporary Construction Easement to be recorded in the Ventura County Recorder's Office. Mr. Spondello provided a brief staff report. Discussion among the Council followed regarding the proposed conservation easement, existing trails, and potential shifting of the easement eastward to accommodate an existing animal trail located within the easement area. Community Development Director Spondello read proposed revised language to include within Section 3 of the draft resolution as follows: "...with modifications to Exhibit A - Easement Area Legal Description of this Resolution as necessary to maintain an existing north to south trail connection at the westerly portion of the proposed easement, subject to the approval of the Community Development Director." At the request of Mr. Spondello, applicant representative Dennis Hargrave confirmed that the applicant is amenable to the proposed revised language provided that the biologists and federal agencies are also in agreement. It was clarified that there are two parts to the conservation easement: a temporary construction easement agreement to allow for proper vegetating the area and a future permanent conservation easement for long-term preservation of the property that will include protective fencing and informational signage. MOTION: Councilmember Barrett moved and Mayor Enegren seconded a motion to approve the draft resolution, as amended: "with modifications to Exhibit A - Easement Area Legal Description of this Resolution as necessary to maintain an existing north to south trail connection at the westerly portion of the proposed easement subject to the approval of the Community Development Director." The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. 11. ORDINANCES: None. 12. CLOSED SESSION: Mr. Brown requested the City Council go into closed session for consideration of Item 12.C. only on the agenda. The time was 8:06 p.m. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 9 May 7, 2025 C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL —ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 Significant Exposure to Litigation pursuant to Paragraph (2) of Subdivision (d) of Government Code 54956.9 Number of cases to be discussed: One case Based on facts and circumstances in correspondence from Benink & Slavens, LLP dated April 8, 2025 Present in closed session were Councilmembers Barrett, Castro, Delgado, Means, and Mayor Enegren; Troy Brown, City Manager; Zachary Heinselman, Assistant City Attorney; Jeremy Laurentowski, Parks & Recreation Director; Brian Chong, Assistant to the City Manager; and Roger Pichardo, Program Manager. The Council reconvened into open session at 8:46 p.m. Mr. Brown stated Item 12.C. was discussed and there was no action to report. 13. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Enegren announced the meeting is adjourned to an Adjourned Regular Meeting on May 9, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. and an Adjourned Regular Meeting on May 10, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., to be held in the City Council Chamber at Moorpark City Hall, 323 Science Drive, for the purposes of continuing the consideration of Items 12.A. and 12.B. The time was 8:46 p.m. ___„24/741___ Chris R. Enegren, Mayor ATTEST: il- Q,y.gK to OoP- k 11W Ky Spa er, City y � etlir a sift'. o� ��m 9 n qr.4 Jut-