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Home My WebLink AboutMIN 2025 0702 CC REG MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK Moorpark, California July 2, 2025 A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Moorpark was held on Wednesday, July 2, 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: Moorpark Board of Education Member Dan Burchfield led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Barrett, Castro, Delgado, Means, and Mayor Enegren. Staff Present: PJ Gagajena, City Manager; Zachary Heinselman, Assistant City Attorney; Brian Chong, Assistant to the City Manager; Hiromi Dever, Finance Director; Doug Spondello, Community Development Director; Dan Kim, City Engineer/Public Works Director; Jeremy Laurentowski, Parks and Recreation Director; Gilbert Punsalan, Budget and Finance Manager; Chris Thompson, Information Systems Manager; Chief of Police Nick Odenath, Ventura County Sheriff's Office; Division Fire Chief Tony Occhipinti, Ventura County Fire Department; Blanca Garza, Deputy City Clerk II, and Ky Spangler, City Clerk. 4. PROCLAMATIONS AND COMMENDATIONS: A. Administer Oath of Office to New City Manager, PJ Gagajena. Ms. Spangler administers oath of office to new City Manager PJ Gagajena. 5. PUBLIC COMMENT: Nick Panico, spoke regarding recent events in the community, commented in support of the Mayor and Council to keep the community small, clean and safe, expressed support of upholding the laws and encouraged the citizens to vote through the legal system. Gabe Teran, spoke with regard to the use of nitrox oxide and the dangers associated with its use. He noted that he is the Mayor Pro Tern for the City of Oxnard, and remarked that its Council is considering a ban within the City of Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 2 July 2, 2025 Oxnard and wanted to place this topic on the City of Moorpark's radar and encourages Moorpark's support. Jared McCloud, Moorpark resident, expressed thanks to the Council for maintaining political neutrality, and commented that disrespecting the City's elected officials is unacceptable. 6. REORDERING OF, AND ADDITIONS TO, THE AGENDA: None. 7. ANNOUNCEMENTS, FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS, AND REPORTS ON MEETINGS/CONFERENCES ATTENDED BY COUNCILMEMBERS AND MAYOR: Councilmember Means reported he attended Troy Brown's retirement party on June 21. Councilmember Means commented to thank the public speakers who came out to address the Council. Councilmember Means reported on June 28-29 he visited the University of Idaho and Washington State University, commented that Schweitzer Engineering Hall at WSU was constructed at a cost of$80M, and noted the Terell and Holland libraries were also visited. Councilmember Castro reported he attended Troy Brown's retirement celebration. Councilmember Castro extended congratulations to City Manager PJ Gagajena. Councilmember Castro extended thanks to staff for its outreach and responsiveness to the members of the community. CONSENSUS: It was the consensus of the Council, at the request of Councilmember Castro, to consider a future presentation agenda item on the impact of immigration on the economy by California Lutheran University Professor Dr. Jamshid Damooei. Councilmember Delgado reported on June 20 she attended the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce breakfast along with Councilmember Barrett and Mayor Enegren. Councilmember Delgado reported on June 25 she attended and helped at the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce's Job Fair. Councilmember Delgado reported on June 26 she attended the Economic Development Collaborative meeting along with Economic Development Manager Bandek. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 3 July 2, 2025 Councilmember Delgado reported on June 26 she attended the multi-Chamber mega mixer along with Mayor Enegren. Councilmember Delgado reported on June 28 she attended the ribbon cutting for Illumine Spa with Mayor Enegren, Councilmember Barrett and City Manager Gagajena. Councilmember Delgado reported on June 30 she attended a meeting of the Marketing ad hoc committee along with Councilmember Barrett. Councilmember Delgado reported on June 30 she attended the ribbon cutting for Doug Ridley's podcast at the High Street Arts Center with fellow Councilmembers and City staff. Councilmember Delgado reported on June 30 she attended the City-hosted Immigration Resources Workshop. Councilmember Delgado reported on July 1 she attended the Chamber of Commerce networking meeting at Lifetech Resources, a business who has been in Moorpark for the last 30 years. Councilmember Delgado reported on July 2 she attended and Olympic Task Force meeting with Supervisor Parvin and members of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. They discussed ways to get visitors from the Olympics out to the Simi Valley and Moorpark area during the games. Councilmember Barrett reported on June 20 he attended Moorpark Chamber of Commerce breakfast. Councilmember Barrett reported on June 21 he attended Troy Brown's retirement celebration. Councilmember Barrett reported on June 24 he attended the Tri-County Chamber Alliance meeting. Councilmember Barrett reported on June 25 he attended the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce Job Fair with 17 businesses and 79 visitors in attendance. Councilmember Barrett reported on June 26 he attended the Regional Defense Partnership (RDP-21) Board meeting. Councilmember Barrett reported on June 28 he attended the ribbon cutting for Illumine Spa. Councilmember Barrett reported on June 30 he attended a meeting of the Marketing ad hoc committee, Ridley podcast launch, and the City's Immigration Workshop. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 4 July 2, 2025 Councilmember Barrett reported on July 1 he attended the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce mixer at Lifetech Resources. Councilmember Barrett reported on July 2 he attended the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Committee meeting. CONSENSUS: It was the consensus of the Council, at the request of Councilmember Barrett, to consider exploring changing the Council's dark summer recess month to July, rather than August. Mayor Enegren reported on June 21 he attended Troy Brown's retirement celebration. Mayor Enegren reported on June 26 he attended the multi-Chamber mega mixer. Mayor Enegren reported on June 28 he attended the ribbon cutting for Illumine Spa. Mayor Enegren reported on July 1 he attended the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce mixer at Lifetech Resources. Mayor Enegren reported on July 2 he attended the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Committee meeting. Mayor Enegren announced Moorpark's annual 3rd of July Fireworks Extravaganza! This fun family event is held at the Arroyo Vista Community Park and features food trucks, games and attractions, the presentation of the American Flag, and an aerial fireworks display. Admission is $10 per person cash at the gate. For more information, visit the City's website. Mayor Enegren announced the July Movie in the Park will be held on Saturday, July 12 at the Arroyo Vista Community Park with a screening of Surf's Up. Admission is free and food is available for purchase. For details visit the City's website. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. 9. PRESENTATION/ACTION/DISCUSSION: A. Receive Update from Caltrans on the 2025 Pavement Rehabilitation Project for State Route 118 and State Route 23 (Los Angeles Avenue, between Montair Drive and Spring Road). Staff Recommendation: Receive and file presentation. Mr. Chong introduced Mark Bischoff Public Information Officer for Caltrans for the presentation. Mr. Bischoff provided a general overview of the Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 5 July 2, 2025 rehabilitation project and reported that the paving work on Los Angeles Avenue, between Spring Road and Montair Drive, will be completed by October 2027. He noted he has a complete team with him, in-person and virtually, available for any questions. There were no speakers. CONSENSUS: It was the consensus of the City Council to receive and file the presentation. B. Receive Ventura County Fire District Update. Staff Recommendation: Receive and file presentation. Division Chief Occhipinti gave the presentation. Chief Occhipinti addressed questions regarding: wildlife cameras and early detection of fires; funding, opportunities and technologies to increase situational awareness for Moorpark; variables of response times and how speed bumps, trains, traffic, and other factors affect response times while noting the National Fire Protection Association response time of 8 1/2 minutes is being met; responded that speed bumps cause fewer delays than traffic; responded to how allocation of new resources is determined; noted studies are conducted and combination of factors and variables are assessed including past response data and predicted needs; fire prevention efforts undertaken including weed abatement and residential property maintenance tips to protect properties; remarked the VCFD.org website includes information on Firewise Communities and Fire Safe Councils which are programs that address home preparedness and provide tools to reduce risk and fuel management, etc.; discussed Firewise Communities benefits; replied there are adequate water resources for firefighting noting proximity to Bard Reservoir which has a helipad for water draws; commented on future needs include addressing the threat of lithium ion batteries, and ongoing preparedness for wildfires; and potential use of drones. There were no speakers. CONSENSUS: It was the consensus of the City Council to receive and file the presentation. C. Consider Award of Professional Services Agreement to PlaceWorks, Inc. for Preparation of a Downtown Specific Plan Update and Associated Environmental Review for a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $266,690. Staff Recommendation: Award Professional Services Agreement to PlaceWorks, Inc. for the preparation of a Downtown Specific Plan update and associated environmental review and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement, subject to final language approval by the City Manager. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 6 July 2, 2025 Mr. Spondello gave the staff report. Brief questions from Council followed regarding: 1) Dr. Mark DiCecco's conflict of interest as Advisor and Planning Commissioner which Mr. Spondello confirmed Dr. DiCecco plans to recuse himself and will not participate in presentations to the Planning Commission; 2) pricing and scope of work comparisons and that the `Optional Tasks' be included, it is budgeted for and of reasonable value; 3) community workshops were addressed, how they will be communicated and the public outreach plan to increase participation and include Spanish outreach; 4) discussion of Dr. DiCecco's value and expertise on the project to be greater on the consulting team opposed as a member of the Planning Commission; 5) parking needs and requirements are to be included, with a full recommendation be part of the study; and 6) outdoor dining to be included as part of the standards to be implemented. There were no speakers. MOTION: Mayor Enegren moved, and Councilmember Means seconded a motion to award Professional Services Agreement to PlaceWorks Inc. for the preparation of a Downtown Specific Plan update and associated environmental review. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. D. Consider Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) CTW, CLC Local 721 for Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27; and Consider Resolution Establishing Holidays Observed by the City to Include December 26 to 31 as Paid Holidays and Rescinding Resolution No. 2009-2825. Staff Recommendation: Approve the new MOU with SEIU CTW, CLC Local 721 for the period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, subject to final language approved by the City Manager, and authorize the City Manager to sign the new MOU; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-4337 establishing holidays observed by the City to include December 26 to 31 as paid holidays and rescinding Resolution No. 2009- 2825. (ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED) Mr. Gagajena gave the staff report. There were no speakers. MOTION: Mayor Enegren moved, and Councilmember Delgado seconded a motion to approve the new MOU with SEIU CTW, CLC Local 721; and adopt Resolution No. 2025-4337 establishing holidays observed by the City to include December 26 to 31 as paid holidays and rescinding Resolution No. 2009-2825. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 7 July 2, 2025 E. Consider Resolution Amending the Salary Plan for Non-Competitive Service and Competitive Service Employees Adding a 3% Cost-of-Livinq Adjustment and Rescinding Resolution No. 2024-4280; and Consider Resolution Adopting a Revised Management Benefits Program Making Minor Edits and Rescinding Resolution No. 2024-4281. Staff Recommendation: Prior to a motion to adopt the revised Salary Plan Resolution and Management Benefits Resolution, the Mayor shall make an oral summary report for compliance with Section 54953(c)(3) of the Government Code as follows: "Staff is recommending the City Council approve a revised Salary Plan Resolution that includes increasing the salary ranges for all Competitive Service and Non-Competitive Service employees by adding a cost-of-living adjustment of three percent (3%) effective the pay period that includes July 1, 2025. The estimated total annual cost of the proposed three percent (3%) cost-of-living increase for Fiscal Year 2025/26 is $355,229 for all Competitive Service and Non-Competitive Service employees. Staff is also recommending the City Council approve a revised Management Benefits Resolution to make minor edits. All Non-Competitive Service employee positions are consistent with the local agency executive definition in Section 3511.1(d) of the Government Code." 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-4338, amending the Salary Plan for Non-Competitive Service and Competitive Service Employees and rescinding Resolution No. 2024-4280; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-4339, amending the Management Benefits Resolution and rescinding Resolution No. 2024- 4281. (ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED) Mr. Gagajena gave the staff report. There were no speakers. Prior to a motion, Mayor Enegren made the following announcement in compliance with Section 54953(c)(3) of the Government Code as follows: "Staff is recommending the City Council approve a revised Salary Plan Resolution that includes increasing the salary ranges for all Competitive Service and Non-Competitive Service employees by adding a cost-of-living adjustment of three percent (3%) effective the pay period that includes July 1, 2025. The estimated total annual cost of the proposed three percent (3%) cost-of-living increase for Fiscal Year 2025/26 is $355,229 for all Competitive Service and Non-Competitive Service employees. Staff is also recommending the City Council approve a revised Management Benefits Resolution to make minor edits. All Non-Competitive Service employee positions are consistent with the local agency executive definition in Section 3511.1(d) of the Government Code." Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 8 July 2, 2025 MOTION: Mayor Enegren moved, and Councilmember Barrett seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2025-4338, amending the Salary Plan for Non-Competitive Service and Competitive Service Employees and rescinding Resolution No. 2024- 4280; and adopt Resolution No. 2025-4339, amending the Management Benefits Resolution and rescinding Resolution No. 2024-4281. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. 10. CONSENT CALENDAR: (ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED) MOTION: Councilmember Delgado moved, and Councilmember Means seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. A. Consider Warrant Register for Fiscal Year 2024/25 — July 2, 2025. Staff Recommendation: Approve the warrant register. B. Consider Minutes of the City Council Regular Meeting of March 5, 2025. Staff Recommendation: Approve the minutes. C. Consider Resolution Amending the Authorization of Investment of City Monies in the Local Agency Investment Fund and Rescinding Resolution No. 2025-4307. Staff Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-4340 Amending the Authorization of Investment of City Monies in the Local Agency Investment Fund and rescinding Resolution No. 2025-4307. (ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED) D. Consider Ratification of Area Housing Authority (AHA) of the County of Ventura's Appointment of Resident Commissioner to Board of Commissioners. Staff Recommendation: Direct the City Clerk to send a letter to the AHA Board of Commissioners ratifying the City Council's action to confirm the re-appointment of Angela Bradley as a Resident Commissioner effective June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2027. E. Consider Amendment No. 1 to Agreement with Pegasus Studios for Video Production and Broadcast Services, to Add Broadcast Services for Outside Agencies Using the City Council Chambers to the Scope of Work. Staff Recommendation: Approve an amendment to the existing agreement with Pegasus Studios for video production and broadcast services and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment subject to the final language approval of the City Manager, to add broadcast services for outside agencies using the City Council Chambers to the Scope of Work. Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 9 July 2, 2025 F. Consider Resolution Exonerating Surety Bond No. 800028667 (Grading & Improvements) and Surety Bonds No. 800028668 (Public Improvements Performance and Payment), Condor Industrial Building LLC. Staff Recommendation: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-4341, exonerating Surety Bond No. 800028667, Grading & Improvements and Surety Bonds No. 800028668, Public Improvements Performance and Payment; and 2) Authorize the City Clerk to exonerate the bonds as shown in the Agenda Report and draft Resolution. (ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED) G. Consider Request from the Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark & Simi Valley (Boys & Girls Club) to Waive Rental Fees for Use of the Apricot Room at the Community Center. Staff Recommendation: Waive rental fees for use of the Apricot Room at the Community Center by the Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark & Simi Valley from July 7 to August 15, 2025. 11. ORDINANCES: A. Consider Ordinance No. 528 Levying Special Taxes within Community Facilities District No. 2025-1 (Beltramo Ranch). Staff Recommendation: Waive full reading, declare Ordinance No. 528 read for the second time and adopted as read. (ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED) Mr. Heinselman read the title of Ordinance No. 528. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA, LEVYING SPECIAL TAXES WITHIN COMMUNITY FACILITES DISTRICT NO. 2025-1 (BELTRAMO RANCH) There were no speakers. MOTION: Mayor Enegren moved, and Councilmember Means seconded a motion to waive full reading, declare Ordinance No. 528 read for the second time, and adopted as read. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. 12. CLOSED SESSION: Mr. Gagajena requested the City Council go into closed session for consideration of Items 12.A. on the agenda. The time was 7:58 p.m. Closed Session commenced at 8:08 p.m. A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to Paragraph (2) of Subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 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 Minutes of the City Council Moorpark, California Page 10 July 2, 2025 Present in closed session were Councilmembers Barrett, Castro, Delgado, Means, and Mayor Enegren; PJ Gagajena, City Manager; Kevin Ennis, City Attorney (via Zoom); Zachary Heinselman, Assistant City Attorney; Steven Nguy (Attorney with Richards Watson Gershon, via Zoom); Brian Chong, Assistant to the City Manager; Jeremy Laurentowski, Parks and Recreation Director; and Roger Pichardo, Program Manager. The Council reconvened into open session at 9:26 p.m. Mr. Gagajena stated Item 12.A. was discussed and there was no action to report. 13. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Enegren adjourned the meeting at 9:26 p.m. Chris R. a ren, Mayor ATTEST: Ky Spang e , C ty� Asp 4414141,ip.`iz pfitiatell r. 09 9 '� rc0 a0Vr