San Buenaventura (Ventura) public meetings in 2021
235 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Water Commission
The Ventura Water Commission's regular meeting scheduled for December 28, 2021, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 25, 2021, at 5:30 PM.
- No meeting on December 28, 2021
- Next meeting scheduled for January 25, 2021
General Plan Advisory Committee
The December 21, 2021 regular meeting of the City of San Buenaventura General Plan Advisory Committee has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 18, 2021. No items will be discussed at this cancelled meeting.
- Meeting cancelled by Assistant Community Development Director Neda Zayer
City Council
The Ventura City Council is meeting in a special closed session to discuss the appointment of an interim city attorney and to conduct a performance evaluation of the city manager. The meeting is held virtually due to COVID-19, with no physical public attendance, and public comments are limited to closed session items.
- Closed session item: Public employee appointment for Interim City Attorney
- Closed session item: Public employee performance evaluation for City Manager
- Meeting held by teleconference under AB 361; council chambers closed
- Public comments accepted via email or Webex before and during closed session
The City Council met in a special closed session via teleconference, with no public physical location, and discussed the appointment of an interim city attorney and a performance evaluation for the city manager. No substantive decisions were made in open session; the meeting adjourned without public comment or action.
- Held closed session to discuss interim city attorney appointment
- Held closed session for city manager performance evaluation
Parking Advisory Committee
The regular meeting of the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee scheduled for December 16, 2021, has been canceled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2022.
Historic Preservation Committee
The December 16, 2021 regular meeting of the City of San Buenaventura (Ventura) Historic Preservation Committee has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is January 6, 2021. No items were discussed or decided.
- Meeting cancelled
- Next meeting: January 6, 2021
Mobile Home Rent Review Board
The special meeting of the Mobile Home Rent Review Board scheduled for December 15, 2021, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for March 16, 2021. This notice was posted on December 8, 2021.
- Special meeting cancelled
- Next meeting scheduled for March 16, 2021
Design Review Committee
The committee will review a request for a formal design review and coastal development permit for the Orne Residence. The project involves constructing one live/work unit on a 0.18-acre site in the Downtown Specific Plan. Staff recommends that the committee provide direction on architectural style, overhangs, and landscaping.
- PROJ-14669: Orne Residence Formal Design Review at 167 N. Garden Street
- Approval of October 20, 2021, meeting minutes
- Approval of the 2022 Meeting Calendar
The Design Review Committee voted 3-0 to recommend the Planning Commission approve PROJ-14669, a formal design review for a live/work unit at 167 N. Garden Street, with design comments. The committee also approved the 2022 meeting calendar and continued the October 20, 2021 minutes. Staff reported that the City Council adopted the Streamlining Ordinance on a 7-0 vote, which does not change the committee's process.
- Recommended Planning Commission approval of PROJ-14669 (Orne Residence) with design comments (3-0)
- Approved 2022 Design Review Committee meeting calendar (3-0)
- Continued approval of October 20, 2021 meeting minutes (3-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
City Council
The Ventura City Council is meeting remotely to consider consent items including several second-reading ordinances and resolutions, and will hold a formal item to extend the Temporary Outdoor Business Expansion Program through July 1, 2022. The agenda also includes a workshop for a City Council goal session for 2022-2023. Most items are routine approvals or continuations of existing policies.
- Resolution to reconfirm local emergency and extend it until March 8, 2022
- Resolution to continue remote teleconference meetings under AB 361
- Ordinance to require electronic filing of campaign disclosure statements
- Ordinance to add alternative methods for public works project delivery
- Extension of Temporary Outdoor Business Expansion Program through July 1, 2022
The City Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including extending the local emergency declaration, allowing remote meetings, and adopting several ordinances. They also voted to extend the Temporary Outdoor Business Expansion Program through July 1, 2022. The meeting included a workshop on 2022-2023 goals with discussions on housing, broadband, and operations, but no formal decisions were made on those topics.
- Approved consent agenda items 9A-9G (7-0)
- Extended local emergency declaration until March 8, 2022 (Resolution 2021-100)
- Reconfirmed remote meeting authority under AB 361 (Resolution 2021-101)
- Adopted ordinance amending commissions, boards, and committees code (Ordinance 2021-014)
- Adopted ordinance requiring electronic filing of campaign statements (Ordinance 2021-015)
- Adopted ordinance adding alternative public works project delivery methods (Ordinance 2021-016)
- Adopted ordinance streamlining development review process (Ordinance 2021-017)
- Extended Temporary Outdoor Business Expansion Program through July 1, 2022 (7-0)
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Ventura Administrative Hearing Officer will hold a virtual public hearing on December 9, 2021, to decide on several planning items, including an alcohol use permit for a downtown market and multiple coastal development permits for residential projects. The meeting will be conducted via WebEx due to AB 361, with no physical location for public attendance. Items are recommended for approval as conditioned, and all projects are categorically exempt from CEQA.
- Alcohol Use Permit for Peirano's Market at 204 E. Main Street (Type 47 license)
- Coastal Development Permit for new 3,018 sq ft home at 2764 Bayshore Avenue
- Coastal Development Permit and Variance for 2,343 sq ft home at 1153 Bath Lane (side yard setback reduced from 10 ft to 4 ft 3 in)
- Historic Design Review for new 1,418 sq ft mausoleum at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road
- Approval of 2022 Administrative Public Hearing Meeting Calendar
The Administrative Hearing Officer approved an alcohol use permit for Peirano's Market, several coastal development permits for residences, and a historic design review for a mausoleum. One coastal permit request was continued to a future date. The meeting also approved prior minutes and the 2022 hearing calendar.
- Approved alcohol use permit for Peirano's Market at 204 E. Main St.
- Approved coastal development permit for Harwood Residence at 2764 Bayshore Ave.
- Approved coastal development permit for Saeta Residence at 1337 Devon Ln.
- Approved coastal development permit for Barsocchini Residence at 1338 Devon Ln.
- Continued Guthrie Residence coastal permit and variance at 1153 Bath Ln. to a date uncertain
- Approved coastal development permit for Castillo Residence at 1109 Bangor Ln.
- Approved historic design review for Ivy Lawn Mausoleum at 5400 Valentine Rd.
- Approved October 14 and October 28, 2021 meeting minutes and 2022 hearing calendar
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission voted 7-0 to recommend that the City Council adopt amendments to Chapter 24.430 (Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations) for the citywide ADU zoning text amendment (PROJ-15335). The recommendation includes direction to staff to make clarification corrections, with the 25% multi-family limit not rounding up unless legal counsel advises otherwise, and a recommendation that the City Council find the amendments exempt from CEQA. The commission also approved the 2022 meeting calendar (5-0).
- Approved 2022 Planning Commission Meeting Calendar (5-0)
- Recommended City Council adopt ADU zoning text amendments to Chapter 24.430 (7-0)
- Directed staff to make clarification corrections to ADU regulations, with 25% multi-family limit not rounding up unless legal counsel advises otherwise
- Included recommendation that City Council find ADU amendments exempt from CEQA
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Parks & Recreation Commission
This is a supplemental packet for the December 8, 2021 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, containing one public comment. The comment asks about the status of resurfacing the tennis courts at Camino Real Park and the conclusions from core samples taken there. No other agenda items are included in this supplemental material.
- Public comment from James Whitney regarding Camino Real Park tennis court resurfacing status
- Question about core sample conclusions from the courts
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting virtually due to AB 361. The main business is receiving presentations on the Ventura Community Partnerships Foundation and the department's grant funding, plus approving the October 13, 2021 meeting minutes. Public comment is accepted electronically.
- Overview of Ventura Community Partnerships Foundation by President Kevin Clerici
- Overview of Parks & Recreation Department grant funding by Recreation Manager Emily Fox
- Approval of October 13, 2021 meeting minutes
Economic Development Subcommittee
The Economic Development Strategy Committee meeting scheduled for December 7, 2021, has been cancelled. The cancellation notice was posted on November 30, 2021. No items will be discussed.
- Meeting cancelled
City Council
The Ventura City Council will consider consent items including financing for the VenturaWaterPure Ocean Outfall Project, land acquisition for the water purification facility, and amendments to campaign finance rules. The meeting will be held virtually due to COVID-19, with no in-person attendance.
- Authorize application for up to $49,790,000 in State Water Resources Control Board financing for VenturaWaterPure Ocean Outfall Project
- Approve $3,495,256 land acquisition from Shozi Ventura LLC for the Advanced Water Purification Facility at Harbor Boulevard and Olivas Park Drive
- Amend 2022 election campaign contribution limits: $46,000 expenditure ceiling, $350 single-source contribution limit for candidates accepting limits, $175 for those declining
- Approve $423,592 amendment to Environmental Science Associates contract for VenturaWaterPure CEQA support, new total $1,911,095
- Authorize additional $600,000 for outside counsel in Santa Barbara Channelkeeper v. City litigation
The City Council approved a package to streamline the development review process, including an ordinance to amend the municipal code and several specific plans. The ordinance was introduced on first reading and will be considered for adoption on December 13, 2021. The council also approved a consent agenda covering contracts, grants, and other routine items.
- Approved development review streamlining ordinance (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda items 9A-9T (7-0)
- Approved salary and benefits resolutions for multiple employee units (7-0)
- Established Maintenance Assessment District No. 28 for 8324 Telegraph Road (7-0)
- Approved $3,495,256 land acquisition for VenturaWaterPure facility
- Authorized application for up to $49,790,000 state financing for ocean outfall
- Approved $600,000 additional legal services for Channelkeeper litigation
- Approved $121,000 firefighter grant for medic monitors and defibrillators
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Historic Preservation Committee
The Historic Preservation Committee will meet remotely to consider designating the Blackstock-Zander Building at 384 East Main Street as a Historic Landmark, along with approving meeting minutes and the 2022 Planning Commission calendar. The meeting is held by teleconference due to AB 361, with no physical location for public attendance.
- Historic Landmark Designation for Blackstock-Zander Building, 384 East Main Street, built 1891, 3,700 sq ft commercial building
- Approval of October 21, 2021 meeting minutes
- Approval of 2022 Planning Commission Meeting Calendar
The Historic Preservation Committee voted 3-0 to recommend that the City Council approve a Historic Landmark Designation for the Blackstock-Zander Building at 384 East Main Street, under Criteria C, D, and E. The committee also approved the July 8, 2021 meeting minutes (with a spelling correction to Vice-Chair Perzel's name) and the 2022 meeting calendar, both by 3-0 votes. A motion to include a paragraph of appreciation for James Blackstock and George Zander in the recommendation was also approved 3-0.
- Approved the July 8, 2021 meeting minutes with a spelling correction to Vice-Chair Perzel's name (3-0).
- Approved the 2022 Historic Preservation Committee Meeting Calendar (3-0).
- Approved a motion to attach a paragraph of appreciation for James Blackstock and George Zander to the City Council recommendation (3-0).
- Recommended the City Council approve a Historic Landmark Designation for the Blackstock-Zander Building under Criteria C, D, and E (3-0).
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
Design Review Committee
The Design Review Committee's regular meeting scheduled for December 1, 2021, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for December 15, 2021. The agenda contains no items for discussion or decision.
- Cancellation of December 1, 2021, Design Review Committee meeting
- Next regular meeting scheduled for December 15, 2021
General Plan Advisory Committee
The General Plan Advisory Committee is holding a special meeting to continue discussing Vision Survey results, review community feedback on development locations from pop-up workshops, and refine the draft 'Areas of Discussion' map. This is a working session with no final decisions expected.
- Review of Vision Survey results analyzed by demographic group
- Presentation of pop-up workshop results and other engagement activities
- Discussion and refinement of the draft 'Areas of Discussion' map
The General Plan Advisory Committee held its 9th meeting to review community feedback and discuss the draft 'Areas of Discussion' map, which identifies potential locations for new development over the next 20-30 years. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was a discussion and feedback session. GPAC members provided comments on the map, suggesting additions, removals, and types of development for areas including the Westside, Downtown, below US-101, and the Eastside. The feedback will be used to develop land use alternatives and a preferred land use plan.
- No formal decisions were made; the meeting was a discussion and feedback session.
- GPAC members agreed that the area west of Ventura Avenue should be included in the 'Areas of Discussion' map.
- GPAC members suggested adding locations such as the bottom of Seaward Avenue, the McGrath property, the Marina area, and the corner of Olivas Golf Course to the map.
- GPAC members suggested removing locations such as the Olivas golf course, the Parklands area along Wells Road, and the east side of Mills in the Pacific View Mall area from the map.
- GPAC members recommended considering housing in the Arundell industrial area and maintaining a jobs focus for Arundell and the Grove.
- GPAC members recommended encouraging small infill development by eliminating parking requirements and improving pedestrian and transit access in downtown and midtown corridors.
- GPAC members recommended considering transit-oriented development near the East Ventura Station in the Montalvo/Johnson corridor.
- GPAC members recommended that sea level rise and managed retreat be critical considerations of the General Plan.
Water Commission
The Ventura Water Commission will receive updates on groundwater sustainability, capital improvement projects, water conservation programs, and the State Water Interconnection Project. The commission will also adopt its 2022 meeting schedule. The meeting is held virtually due to AB 361.
- Update on Groundwater Sustainability Agencies and Santa Paula Basin Technical Advisory Committee
- Capital Improvement Program update on water and wastewater projects
- Water Conservation Program update
- Adopt 2022 meeting schedule (fourth Tuesday monthly, no July/Aug/Dec, Nov 29)
- State Water Interconnection Project update
The Ventura Water Commission approved the minutes of the October 26, 2021 meeting with a correction, and adopted the 2022 regular meeting schedule (fourth Tuesday monthly, with no meetings in July, August, and December, and November moved to Nov. 29). The commission also voted 7-0 to request staff return in January to explain how the Capital Improvement Program would be affected if Casitas Municipal Water District does not participate in the State Water Interconnection Project, and to provide updates on the project at each meeting for the next six months. Three other items (Groundwater Sustainability Agencies update, Capital Improvement Program update, and Water Conservation Program update) were received as reports with no vote.
- Approved the October 26, 2021 meeting minutes with a correction to Chair Hubner's update, 7-0.
- Adopted the 2022 regular meeting schedule (fourth Tuesday monthly, no meetings July/August/December, November on Nov. 29), 7-0.
- Requested staff return in January to explain CIP impacts if Casitas does not participate in the State Water Interconnection Project, with updates at each meeting for six months, 7-0.
- Received the Groundwater Sustainability Agencies and Santa Paula Basin Technical Advisory Committee update; no vote.
- Received the Capital Improvement Program update; no vote.
- Received the Water Conservation Program update; no vote.
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
City Council
The regular City Council meeting scheduled for November 22, 2021, has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is December 6, 2021. This notice is purely procedural, with no agenda items to report.
- Regular City Council meeting cancelled for November 22, 2021
- Next meeting scheduled for December 6, 2021
City Council
This is a special meeting consisting solely of a closed session under AB 361, held by teleconference due to COVID-19. The only action item is a performance evaluation of the City Manager, conducted in closed session. Public comment is limited to closed session items and must be submitted electronically or via Webex. No other business is scheduled.
- Closed session: Public employee performance evaluation (City Manager) under Gov. Code 54957
- Meeting held by teleconference per AB 361; no physical public attendance
- Public comments accepted via email or Webex before/during closed session
The Ventura City Council met in a special closed session on November 22, 2021, via teleconference. The only action was a closed-session performance evaluation of the City Manager, conducted under Government Code 54957. No public comments were taken, and no other decisions were made. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
- Convened closed session for a public employee performance evaluation of the City Manager
- Adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Administrative Hearing Officer will hold a virtual public hearing to consider several coastal development permits, a sand removal project, and a historic design review. Items include a proposed Pierpont Beach sand removal project (continued to a date uncertain), new residences and additions in the Coastal Zone, and a new mausoleum at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park. The meeting is conducted by teleconference per AB 361, with no physical location for public attendance.
- PROJ-15297: Pierpont Beach sand removal — continue to date uncertain
- PROJ-15151: Harwood Residence, 2764 Bayshore Ave — 3,018 sq ft two-story home
- PROJ-15123: Saeta Residence, 1337 Devon Ln — 673 sq ft addition
- PROJ-14860: Barsocchini Residence, 1338 Devon Ln — 76 sq ft entry, 27 sq ft balcony
- PROJ-12312: Ivy Lawn Mausoleum, 5400 Valentine Rd — 1,418 sq ft mausoleum
Parking Advisory Committee
The committee will receive staff presentations regarding the Downtown Parking District budget revenue, utilization, and latest budget forecast. Members will also discuss updates on parking structure fencing and potential membership category changes for the committee.
- Review of Downtown Parking District Budget revenue and utilization
- Presentation of updated budget forecast
- Update on parking structure space reduction/fencing to shut down top 3 levels
- Discussion on purchasing level signage through NCPA contracts
- Review of proposed committee membership changes regarding commercial owner and manager positions
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is reviewing a request for City-initiated text amendments to various municipal divisions and community plans. The proposed changes aim to implement streamlining and miscellaneous amendments across several city plans.
- Amendments to Division 24 and Division 26 of the Municipal Code
- Streamlining amendments to Downtown, Midtown Corridor, Victoria Avenue, Saticoy and Wells, UC Hansen, Parklands, and Olivas Park Specific Plans
The Planning Commission voted 5-2 to recommend approval of the Streamlining Amendments (PROJ-15322), which include zoning text amendments to Division 24 and various specific and corridor plans. The recommendation includes conditions such as establishing a deadline for design guidelines, adding historic review language, prohibiting certain uses near residential zones, and expanding noticing. Two earlier motions to table the vote or deny the resolution failed 2-5.
- Approved staff recommendation for Streamlining Amendments with Attachment R (5-2)
- Motion to table vote until objective design guidelines in place failed (2-5)
- Motion to approve prepared denial resolution failed (2-5)
- Approved October 13, 2021 meeting minutes as amended (6-0, 1 absent)
- Approved continuing meeting past 11:00 p.m. (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 3 divided votes
City Council
The Ventura City Council will hold a special meeting to receive an update on 2021-2022 goals and provide direction on the 2022-2023 goal-setting process. The council will also consider a resolution to continue remote teleconference meetings under AB 361. The meeting is fully virtual, with no in-person attendance, and includes a closed session on the City Attorney's employment.
- Resolution to reconfirm remote meetings under AB 361
- Discussion of 2022-2023 City Council goal process
- Closed session on public employment: City Attorney
- Special meeting held entirely by teleconference
The City Council approved a resolution (2021-085) to continue remote teleconference meetings under AB 361, with a 7-0 vote. The council also held a goal-setting session for 2022-2023, which was a receive-and-file item with no formal action taken. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included a closed session with no reportable action.
- Approved Resolution 2021-085 to continue remote meetings under AB 361 (7-0)
- Held 2022-2023 City Council Goal Setting Session (receive and file, no action)
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Parks & Recreation Commission received public communications requesting a meeting to discuss using community members for ad-hoc service at public spaces, including sign-up areas for ideas, labor, and skills. Another request asks the City to provide free live performance venues for artists. A resident also urges the Commission to address pollution from two-stroke blowers, four-stroke mowers, and diesel trucks.
- Public request to organize community service sign-ups at public spaces
- Request for free live performance venues for artists
- Concern about pollution from blowers, mowers, and diesel trucks
Parks & Recreation Commission
The November 10, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting is cancelled due to an incorrect meeting link on the posted agenda, which failed to meet AB-361 requirements. No items will be discussed or decided at this meeting.
- Meeting cancelled due to AB-361 requirements (incorrect meeting link on posted agenda)
Arts & Culture Commission
The Arts & Culture Commission will hold a virtual meeting to review and potentially approve criteria for evaluating public art projects, and to review and recommend a mural design proposed for 4 Fix Way and Ventura Avenue. They will also receive an update on the Public Art Program and approve the October 12, 2021 meeting minutes.
- Review and approve criteria for reviewing public art design renderings
- Review and recommend public art mural design at 4 Fix Way and Ventura Avenue
- Receive update on Public Art Program
- Approve minutes of October 12, 2021 regular meeting
Arts & Culture Commission
The Arts and Culture Commission is meeting on November 9, 2021, to conduct its regular business. The agenda includes a supplemental information packet with public communications and agenda-related items received by 3:00 p.m. that day. The meeting is largely procedural, with no specific action items listed in the provided text.
- Supplemental packet available at Parks & Recreation Department, 501 Poli Street, Ventura
- Public communications and agenda-related items received by 3:00 p.m., November 9, 2021
City Council
The Ventura City Council will hold a regular meeting with a closed session first. Key actions include considering an emergency ordinance to create a Fire Prone Area Zone, directing staff on the permanent Main Street Moves program (including full closure of Main Street from Fir Street to the Mission), and approving several consent items such as fee waivers, contract amendments, and grant applications. The meeting is held virtually due to COVID-19.
- Emergency ordinance adding Section 14.200 'Fire Prone Area Zone' to the municipal code
- Direct staff to implement permanent full closure of Main Street from Fir Street to the western boundary of the San Buenaventura Mission
- Waive $9,894.08 in planning fees for a rooftop deck at 263 S. Pacific Avenue
- Authorize up to $83,840 for LTAS Technologies for short-term vacation rental compliance services
- Apply for up to $9,000,000 in state drought relief grant funds
The City Council directed staff to evaluate the full-time closure of Main Street from Fir Street to the western boundary of the San Buenaventura Mission, and California Street between Santa Clara Street and Main Street, following the Pedestrian Mall Act of 1960. The motion also includes issuing an RFP for parklet design standards, appointing an ad hoc committee for Mission Park and Figueroa Street Mall, and bringing back options for extending the special use permit in December 2021. The motion carried 7-0.
- Approved Main Street Moves study for full-time closure of Main Street and California Street (7-0)
- Directed staff to issue RFP for parklet design standards (7-0)
- Appointed ad hoc committee for Mission Park and Figueroa Street Mall improvements (7-0)
- Directed staff to return in December 2021 with options for extending special use permit (7-0)
- Adopted emergency ordinance creating Fire Prone Area Zone (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda items 9A-9J, including $83,840 LTAS agreement and $85,000 laptop deployment (7-0)
- Adopted ordinances on card room nonconforming status and solid waste recycling program (7-0)
- Received groundwater sustainability plan update (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Historic Preservation Committee
This agenda is a notice of cancellation for the Historic Preservation Committee's regular meeting scheduled for November 4, 2021. The next regularly scheduled meeting is December 2, 2021. No business items are listed.
- November 4, 2021 meeting cancelled
- Next meeting: December 2, 2021
Design Review Committee
The regular meeting for the Design Review Committee scheduled for November 3, 2021, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for December 01, 2021.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is reviewing a request for City-initiated zoning text amendments to streamline several specific plans and community plans. The commission is also reviewing proposed accessory dwelling unit regulations, though that item was continued to a later date.
- PROJ-15322: Proposed streamlining amendments to Downtown, Midtown Corridor, Victoria Avenue, Saticoy and Wells, UC Hansen, Parklands, and Olivas Park plans
- PROJ-15335: City-initiated zoning text amendments for citywide Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations (continued to December 8, 2021)
The Planning Commission voted 7-0 to continue the Streamlining Amendments (PROJ-15322) to the November 17, 2021 meeting, after listing 14 items for staff to address. The Commission also voted 7-0 to continue the Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Text Amendment (PROJ-15335) to the December 8, 2021 hearing. No substantive decisions were made; both items were tabled.
- Continued Streamlining Amendments (PROJ-15322) to November 17, 2021 (7-0)
- Continued Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Text Amendment (PROJ-15335) to December 8, 2021 (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Housing and Homelessness Subcommittee
The HOPE & Solutions Subcommittee's regular meeting scheduled for November 2, 2021 was cancelled due to a lack of quorum. The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 4, 2021. No items were discussed or decided.
- Meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum
- Next regular meeting scheduled for January 4, 2021
Economic Development Subcommittee
The November 2, 2021 meeting of the City of Ventura Economic Development Strategy Committee has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.
- Meeting cancelled
- Next meeting scheduled for December 7, 2021
Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee
The Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee will consider approving an additional $554,000 from Measure O funds to fully fund the Fire Stations Alerting System Upgrade, bringing the total project cost to $654,000. The committee will also review a financial update, hear from a community granting sub-committee, and set its 2022 meeting schedule and leadership.
- Approve additional $554,000 from Measure O for Fire Stations Alerting System Upgrade (total $654,000)
- Approve minutes from August 3, 2021 meeting
- Approve 2022 quarterly meeting dates (Feb 1, May 3, Aug 2, Nov 1)
- Select Chair and Vice-Chair for 2022
City Council
The Ventura City Council is holding a special virtual meeting to discuss the duties, roles, and responsibilities of the City Council and the Land Use Hearing Boards (Planning Commission, Design Review Committee, and Historic Preservation Committee). The only formal item is a discussion, with no action items or public hearings scheduled. The meeting is conducted by teleconference due to COVID-19, with no in-person attendance.
- Discussion of duties, roles, and responsibilities for City Council and Land Use Hearing Boards
- Joint meeting with Planning Commission, Design Review Committee, and Historic Preservation Committee
- Special meeting held virtually via WebEx; Council Chambers closed to public
The City Council held a special joint meeting with the Planning Commission, Design Review Committee, and Historic Preservation Committee to discuss duties, roles, and responsibilities, including CEQA requirements and the impact of the Emergency Streamlining Ordinance. No formal decisions or votes were taken; the meeting was informational only. Public comments were limited to agenda items, and the next steps include a Planning Commission meeting on November 3 and a Council streamlining meeting in December.
- No formal decisions or votes taken during the joint meeting
- Discussed duties and responsibilities of land use boards and CEQA requirements
- Noted SB 330 limits meetings to five including appeals and conceptual meetings
- Acknowledged change in DRC and HPC responsibilities after Emergency Streamlining Ordinance
- Agreed to consider more joint meetings in the future
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Ventura Administrative Hearing Officer will hold a virtual public hearing to decide on several planning and alcohol permit requests. Items include a coastal development permit amendment, design reviews, and alcohol use permits for local businesses. All items are recommended for approval as conditioned.
- Amendment to Coastal Development Permit for 1,174 sq ft addition at 1322 Weymouth Lane (Dietz Residence)
- Formal Design Review and Alcohol Use Permit (Type 41 to 47) for PizzaMan Dan's at 444 E Santa Clara Street
- Alcohol Use Permit (Type 21 and 41) for Harbor Mart grocery store/deli at 947 Schooner Market, Suite 106
- Alcohol Use Permit for Bevmo at 103 S. Mills Road, Suite 103, allowing sales 6 AM to 2 AM daily
- Administrative Variance for 120 sq ft front porch at 283 Evergreen Street (Chanes Residence)
The Administrative Hearing Officer approved all six items on the agenda. Approvals included a coastal development permit for a home addition, design review and alcohol permits for two restaurants and a store, a variance for a porch, and a mural design review. All projects were found categorically exempt from CEQA. No public comments were received on most items, and no items were denied or tabled.
- Approved PROJ-15184 Dietz Residence coastal development permit for 1,174 sq ft addition at 1322 Weymouth Lane
- Approved PROJ-15221 PizzaMan Dan's design review and alcohol use permit (Type 41 to Type 47) at 444 E Santa Clara Street
- Approved PROJ-15244 Harbor Mart alcohol use permit (Type 21 and Type 41) at 947 Schooner Market, Suite 106
- Approved PROJ-15138 Bevmo alcohol use permit for daily sales 6 AM-2 AM at 103 S. Mills Road, Suite 103
- Approved PROJ-15019 Chanes Residence variance and minor design review for 120 sq ft porch at 283 Evergreen Street
- Approved PROJ-15142 Wall Street mural design review on retaining wall between Cedar Street and East Park Row Avenue, with condition to consult residents
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a formal public hearing on a proposed 3.5-story, 50,797-square-foot mixed-use building at 1028 Front Street. The project includes 46 dwelling units (5 affordable), 6,552 square feet of commercial space, and 60 parking spaces in a podium structure. The commission will decide whether to approve the design review, coastal development permit, exception, and warrants as conditioned. The meeting is held virtually via WebEx due to AB 361.
- Formal Design Review for 1028 Front Street (PROJ-12046)
- Coastal Development Permit and Exception requested
- 46 dwelling units including 5 affordable units
- 6,552 sq ft commercial space and 60 parking spaces
- Applicant: Merewether Judson, LLC
The Planning Commission approved the Formal Design Review, Coastal Development Permit, Exception, and Warrants for the Laurel Courts project at 1028 East Front Street. The project includes a 3.5-story, 50,797 square foot mixed-use building with 46 dwelling units (5 affordable), 6,552 square feet of commercial space, and 60 parking spaces. The approval was granted with a modification to Condition #2 requiring the applicant to minimize architectural projections in the courtyard space as determined by staff, excluding balcony projections. The motion carried 6-0, with Commissioner Davis abstaining due to a conflict of interest.
- Approved Laurel Courts Formal Design Review, Coastal Development Permit, Exception, and Warrants (6-0, Davis abstained)
- Added modification to Condition #2 for revisions to architectural projections in courtyard space
- Excluded balcony projections from Condition #2 modification
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Water Commission
The Ventura Water Commission will hold a virtual meeting on October 26, 2021, with public participation only via WebEx, email, or live stream. The agenda includes receiving updates on finances, capital projects, groundwater sustainability, and COVID-19 billing impacts, plus approving the June 22, 2021 minutes and a resolution to move the November meeting to November 30 and cancel the December meeting.
- Approve minutes of June 22, 2021 regular session
- Receive financial update on Ventura Water Operating Program and Water/Wastewater Enterprise Funds
- Update on Advanced Meter Infrastructure, State Water Interconnection, and VenturaWaterPure projects
- Update on Groundwater Sustainability Agencies and Santa Paula Basin Technical Advisory Committee
- Resolution to move November meeting to Nov. 30 and cancel December meeting
The Ventura Water Commission approved a resolution to move the November regular meeting to Tuesday, November 30, 2021, and cancel the December meeting. The commission also approved the minutes from the June 22, 2021 meeting. All other agenda items were informational reports with no votes taken.
- Approved resolution modifying meeting schedule: November meeting moved to Nov. 30, December meeting canceled (5-0-1)
- Approved minutes of June 22, 2021 regular meeting (5-0-1)
- Deferred Groundwater Sustainability Agencies update to November 30 meeting
- Received financial status update (no vote)
- Received capital improvement projects update (no vote)
- Received COVID-19 billing update (no vote)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
City Council
The City Council is reviewing a resolution to relocate the Players Casino to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The agenda also includes an introduction of an ordinance for organics recycling and various COVID-19 rent relief measures for city tenants.
- Resolution to approve relocating Players Casino to the Derby Club
- Introduction of ordinance requiring organics recycling
- $112,875 grant acceptance for 65 handheld radios
- COVID-19 rent relief for tenants including Beach House Fish and Aloha Steakhouse
- $79,160 amendment for Olivas Park Drive Roadway Extension Project
The City Council approved the relocation of the Players Casino to the Derby Club at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, including a resolution, ordinance amendment, and payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement. The council also introduced an ordinance requiring organics recycling in compliance with state law and approved consent items including a fire department grant and COVID-19 rent relief for tenants.
- Approved relocation of Players Casino to Derby Club at Ventura County Fairgrounds (6-0)
- Introduced first reading of ordinance to allow annexed card rooms to maintain nonconforming status after a break in operations (6-0)
- Introduced first reading of organics recycling ordinance in compliance with SB 1383 (6-0)
- Approved consent items including $112,875 fire department grant for radios (6-0)
- Approved COVID-19 rent relief for tenants totaling $188,614 (6-0)
- Adopted resolution authorizing remote meetings under AB 361 (6-0)
- Extended local emergency declaration until January 7, 2022 (6-0)
Parking Advisory Committee
The regular October 21, 2021 meeting of the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2021 at 3:00. No business will be conducted at this meeting.
- Meeting cancelled
- Next meeting scheduled for November 18, 2021 at 3:00
Historic Preservation Committee
The Historic Preservation Committee is reviewing proposed amendments to streamline the historic preservation process citywide. The committee will also hold a discussion regarding its goals and priorities for the 2022 calendar year.
- Discussion of PROJ-15322: Permit Streamlining Ordinance Amendment citywide
- Goal setting discussion for the 2022 calendar year
- Approval of July 08, 2021, meeting minutes
- Approval of August 19, 2021, meeting minutes
The Historic Preservation Committee approved the July 8 and August 19, 2021 meeting minutes. The committee also voted to forward recommendations to the City Council regarding the permit streamlining ordinance, including removing the Planning Commission from the Landmark Designation process and requiring qualified individuals to make historic assessments. The committee discussed goals for 2022, including updating the historic preservation ordinance and filling vacancies.
- Approved July 8, 2021 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Approved August 19, 2021 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Forwarded recommendations to City Council on permit streamlining ordinance (3-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Design Review Committee
The Design Review Committee will hold a formal review of a proposed live/work unit at 167 N. Garden Street, recommending approval to the Planning Commission with design input. They will also consider a citywide ordinance amendment to streamline sign and design review procedures, and discuss goals for 2022. The meeting is held virtually via WebEx due to AB 361.
- Formal Design Review for Orne Residence at 167 N. Garden Street, including Coastal Development Permit and Exception
- Proposal to add a live/work unit to an existing 678 sq-ft residence on 0.18 acres in T4.3 zone, Downtown Specific Plan, Coastal Zone
- Ordinance amendment to streamline Chapter 24.420 (Sign Regulations) and Chapter 24.545 (Design Review Procedure) citywide
- Discussion on 2022 goals and priorities for the committee
- Approval of October 20, 2021 meeting minutes (consent item)
The Design Review Committee approved the August 18, 2021 meeting minutes (3-0). It continued the Orne Residence formal design review to December 15, 2021 (3-0). The committee forwarded recommendations on the Permit Streamlining Ordinance to the Planning Commission, including keeping facades in key areas as Major Design Review and adding a sunset clause (3-0). The committee also discussed 2022 goals and preferred one hearing per month.
- Approved August 18, 2021 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Continued Orne Residence review to December 15, 2021 (3-0)
- Forwarded streamlining ordinance recommendations to Planning Commission (3-0)
- Consensus to schedule one hearing per month for 2022
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Finance, Audit & Budget Committee
The Finance, Audit & Budget Committee is meeting virtually to approve June 2021 minutes, review the FY 2021-22 first-quarter financial update, and discuss a policy for pension fund liability and unassigned general fund balance. The meeting is held by teleconference only due to AB 361, with no physical public attendance. Public comment is accepted electronically via WebEx, email, or an online form.
- Approve minutes from June 3, 2021 special meeting
- Review FY 2021-22 1st Quarter Financial Update
- Discuss Policy for Pension Fund Liability and Unassigned General Fund Balance
- Pension Plan Presentation and Pension Funding Appendices
General Plan Advisory Committee
The General Plan Advisory Committee will continue its discussion on the city's vision and guiding principles, focusing on defining Ventura's unique character. They will review results from the Visioning Survey and discuss a draft 'areas of change' map. The meeting is held via Zoom due to AB 361, with public comment available electronically.
- Discussion on defining 'unique' and 'small-town' character of Ventura
- Review of Visioning Survey results and key takeaways
- Discussion of draft 'areas of change' map
- Public comments via Zoom or written submission
The General Plan Advisory Committee held its 8th meeting to discuss Ventura's 'small town' and 'unique' character, review Visioning Survey results, and consider a draft 'Areas of Discussion' map. No formal decisions were made; the committee agreed to continue the map discussion at the next meeting. The meeting was informational and open to the public.
- Agreed to discuss 'Areas of Discussion' map at next GPAC meeting
- No formal votes or approvals taken
City Council
The Ventura City Council will hold a public hearing to receive community input on redrawing election district boundaries and to receive final Census 2020 data. They will also review results from the Main Street Moves survey and provide feedback. The meeting will be held virtually due to AB 361, with no in-person attendance.
- Public hearing on redistricting election district boundaries and Census 2020 data
- Workshop on Main Street Moves survey results
- Closed session on City Attorney employment and City Manager performance evaluation
The City Council held a public hearing to receive community input on redrawing election district boundaries and accepted the final 2020 Census data, allowing the public to begin drawing district maps. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting also included a workshop on Main Street Moves survey results and council communications.
- Approved motion to conduct redistricting public hearing and receive 2020 Census data (7-0)
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Ventura Administrative Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing on October 14, 2021, to consider several planning items, including a tentative parcel map, coastal development permits, and a sand removal project. The meeting will be held remotely via WebEx due to AB 361, with no physical public attendance. Items include approvals and one continuance.
- PROJ-13171: Tentative Parcel Map to divide a lot at 63 Lincoln Drive into three lots (45,220 sq ft, R-1-7 zone)
- PROJ-15147: Coastal permit for a 2,413 sq ft two-story residence at 1036 Bath Lane
- PROJ-15184: Coastal permit amendment for a 1,174 sq ft addition at 1322 Weymouth Lane
- PROJ-15257: Coastal permit to impose parking time restrictions for 58 on-street spaces on Paseo de Playa
- PROJ-15297: Pierpont Beach sand removal project continued to November 18, 2021
The Administrative Hearing Officer approved a tentative parcel map to divide a lot at 63 Lincoln Drive into three lots, with a modification to Condition 34 allowing its removal if approved by the Public Works and Community Development Directors. The officer also approved two coastal development permits for residences at 1036 Bath Lane and 1322 Weymouth Lane, and a parking time restriction permit for Paseo de Playa. Three items were continued to later hearings: the Pierpont Beach sand removal project, the Dietz Residence amendment, and the meeting minutes were approved as presented.
- Approved tentative parcel map PROJ-13171 at 63 Lincoln Drive, with Condition 34 modified to allow removal if approved by Public Works and Community Development Directors
- Approved coastal development permit PROJ-15147 for a 2,413 sq ft residence at 1036 Bath Lane, as conditioned
- Approved coastal development permit PROJ-15257 for parking time restrictions on 58 spaces along Paseo de Playa, as conditioned
- Continued PROJ-15297 (Pierpont Beach sand removal) to November 18, 2021 hearing
- Continued PROJ-15184 (Dietz Residence amendment at 1322 Weymouth Lane) to October 28, 2021 hearing
- Approved minutes from August 26, September 9, and September 23, 2021 hearings as presented
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting on October 13, 2021, with a supplemental packet that includes one public comment. The comment suggests using volunteers for park maintenance, reducing use of polluting equipment, and increasing community involvement. No other agenda items are listed in the provided text.
- Public comment by Trevor Gotsman proposing volunteer-based park maintenance and hand tools
- Supplemental packet available at City Clerk's Office, 501 Poli Street, Room 204
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will conduct an annual status review of the Westwood Communities project development agreement. The commission will also hold a discussion regarding goals and priorities for the 2022 calendar year.
- Annual Status Review of the Westwood Communities project (Parklands Specific Plan) Development Agreement
- Adoption of a Resolution of the Statement of Compliance for DA-38
- Goal setting discussion for the 2022 calendar year
- Approval of June 23, 2021, meeting minutes
The Planning Commission approved Planning Commission Resolution No. CD-2021-08, a Statement of Compliance for the Westwood Communities project (Parklands Specific Plan) Development Agreement (Case No. DA-38), by a 7-0 vote. The Commission also approved the June 23, 2021 meeting minutes 7-0. A goal-setting discussion for 2022 was held, with commissioners ranking priorities including the General Plan Update, department process improvements, and Housing Element implementation.
- Approved Resolution No. CD-2021-08, Statement of Compliance for Westwood Communities Development Agreement DA-38 (7-0)
- Approved June 23, 2021 Planning Commission meeting minutes (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Ventura Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting virtually to receive updates on the Corporate Games and the Ventura Tree Alliance, review a ranking of unfunded capital improvement projects, and approve prior meeting minutes. The meeting is held by teleconference due to COVID-19, with no in-person attendance.
- Overview of Corporate Games program by Recreation Supervisor Eric Burton
- Overview of Ventura Tree Alliance by co-founders Christy Weir and Barbara Brown
- Consolidated ranking of unfunded Capital Improvement Projects for Parks and Recreation
- Election of a member to the Ventura Convention Bureau Executive Committee
- Approval of September 8, 2021 meeting minutes
Arts & Culture Commission
The Arts & Culture Commission will review and provide feedback on criteria for reviewing public art project design renderings, receive an update on the Public Art Program, and consider approving the August 10, 2021 meeting minutes. The meeting is held virtually due to AB 361.
- Review of Subcommittee A's proposed criteria for public art design renderings
- Public Art Program update (no action needed)
- Approval of August 10, 2021 meeting minutes
City Council
The Ventura City Council will hold a public hearing to determine whether the residence at 1429 Poli Street is historically significant, with options to declare it a historic resource or not. The council will also consider several consent items, including contracts for street resurfacing, well rehabilitation, and a traffic enforcement grant, as well as appointments to advisory groups. The meeting will be held virtually due to COVID-19, with no in-person attendance.
- Public hearing on historic designation for 1429 Poli Street
- Contract with Toro Enterprises for Victoria Avenue Resurfacing ($687,843)
- Contract with Layne Christenson for Saticoy Country Club Well #2 Rehabilitation ($326,503.80)
- Accept $205,000 Office of Traffic Safety grant for police
- Contract with Sam Hill and Sons for Pierpont sand maintenance ($119,402)
The City Council approved the consent agenda (items 9A-9H) unanimously, including a $205,000 traffic safety grant, a $119,402 sand maintenance contract, a $687,843 road resurfacing contract, and a $250,000 grant administration agreement. In a public hearing, the Council voted 6-1 to determine that the residence at 1429 Poli Street is not a historic resource, with Councilmember Johnson dissenting. The Council also approved appointments to the Water Commission and Housing Authority, and directed staff to prepare reports and hold a joint meeting on streamlining the planning process.
- Approved consent agenda items 9A-9H (7-0), including $205,000 traffic safety grant, $119,402 sand maintenance contract, $687,843 Victoria Ave resurfacing contract, and $250,000 grant administration agreement
- Determined 1429 Poli Street is not a historic resource (6-1, Johnson dissenting)
- Approved appointments to Water Commission and Housing Authority (7-0)
- Approved amended motion for streamlining discussion, including reports and joint meeting (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Historic Preservation Committee
The October 7, 2021 regular meeting of the City of San Buenaventura Historic Preservation Committee has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is October 21, 2021.
- Meeting cancelled for October 7, 2021 at 6:00 PM
- Next meeting scheduled for October 21, 2021
Design Review Committee
The regular meeting of the Design Review Committee scheduled for October 6, 2021, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 20, 2021.
Mobile Home Rent Review Board
The Mobile Home Rent Review Board's special meeting scheduled for October 6, 2021, is cancelled. The next meeting is set for December 15, 2021. The cancellation notice was posted on September 30, 2021.
- Special meeting cancelled
- Next meeting scheduled for December 15, 2021
- Cancellation notice posted September 30, 2021
Housing and Homelessness Subcommittee
The October 05, 2021, HOPE & Solutions Subcommittee meeting has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for December 07, 2021.
Economic Development Subcommittee
The October 5, 2021 meeting of the City of Ventura's Economic Development Strategy Committee has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021.
- Meeting cancelled
City Council
The Ventura City Council is holding a special closed-session meeting to discuss existing litigation in the case Roman Ohnemus v. Mark T. Short, et al. The public may attend only electronically and comment on closed-session items. No other business is on the agenda.
- Closed session conference with legal counsel on existing litigation: Roman Ohnemus v. Mark T. Short, et al., Ventura County Superior Court Case No. 56-2020-00547353-CU-PO-VTA
The Ventura City Council met in a special closed session on October 4, 2021, to discuss existing litigation in the case Roman Ohnemus v. Mark T. Short, et al. No substantive decisions were made in open session; the meeting was procedural and adjourned after the closed session.
- Held closed session to confer with legal counsel on existing litigation (Roman Ohnemus v. Mark T. Short, et al.)
Water Commission
The regular Water Commission meeting scheduled for September 28, 2021, is cancelled. The next regular meeting is set for October 26, 2021, at 5:30.
- No meeting on September 28, 2021
- Next meeting scheduled for October 26, 2021, at 5:30
City Council
The Ventura City Council will hold a regular meeting with a closed session for two litigation cases, followed by public items. The consent calendar includes authorizing additional outside counsel fees for two lawsuits, salary resolution updates, a change order for a temporary chiller, amendments for the Surfers Point Phase II project, a water reclamation filter rehabilitation contract, and a resolution to transfer 500 acre-feet of State Water Project allocation. Formal items include setting the 2022 meeting schedule and considering an electronic speaker timer for councilmembers.
- Authorize $100,000 additional for Rutan & Tucker in Coalition of Historical Integrity litigation
- Authorize $100,000 additional for Best, Best & Krieger in Las Posas Basin litigation
- Change Order No. 6 for Police and Fire Headquarters Temporary Chiller with ACCO Engineered Services, $85,905, total $351,752
- First Amendment to Cooperative Agreement for Surfers Point Phase II, new completion April 30, 2022
- Resolution to transfer 500 acre-feet of 2021 State Water Project Table A allocation to San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency
The City Council approved a resolution setting the 2022 meeting schedule with two meetings per month and quarterly workshops, and adopted a policy to use an electronic timer for councilmember comments during meetings. Both items passed 6-1 with Councilmember Johnson dissenting. The council also approved a consent agenda including legal service amendments, salary resolutions, and a water allocation transfer.
- Approved 2022 City Council meeting schedule with two meetings per month and quarterly workshops (6-1)
- Approved electronic speaker timer policy for councilmember comments (6-1)
- Approved consent agenda items 9A-9J (7-0)
- Authorized $100,000 amendment for outside counsel in Coalition of Historical Integrity litigation
- Authorized $100,000 amendment for outside counsel in Las Posas Basin litigation
- Adopted salary resolutions for maintenance unit and paid officers/employees (Resolutions 2021-077, 2021-078)
- Approved change order for Police and Fire Headquarters Temporary Chiller ($85,905)
- Approved transfer of 500 acre-feet of State Water Project Table A allocation to San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (Resolution 2021-079)
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Ventura Administrative Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing to decide on several planning items, including two coastal development permits and two design reviews. The meeting is conducted remotely due to COVID-19, with public comment accepted via WebEx or email. The only consent item is approval of the previous meeting's minutes.
- Coastal Development Permit for a 2,828 sq ft addition and new 440 sq ft garage at 1570 Vista Del Mar
- Coastal Development Permit for a new 2,653 sq ft two-story home at 1350 Camden Lane
- Design Review for exterior changes to Vinfast dealership at 6660 Auto Center Drive
- Design Review for exterior modifications to medical office at 1691 East Main Street
- Approval of August 26, 2021 meeting minutes
The Administrative Hearing Officer approved three projects: a coastal development permit for a new residence at 1350 Camden Lane, a design review for a Vinfast dealership at 6660 Auto Center Drive, and a design review for a medical office building at 1691 East Main Street. Two items were continued: the August 26 meeting minutes and a coastal development permit for a residence at 1570 Vista Del Mar. All approvals were subject to conditions, with minor modifications to conditions for two projects.
- Approved Uhls Residence coastal permit at 1350 Camden Lane with added condition on exterior colors
- Approved Vinfast Dealership design review at 6660 Auto Center Drive with street name correction on Condition #4
- Approved Ross Office Building design review at 1691 East Main Street with deletion of Condition #5
- Continued Goetting Residence coastal permit at 1570 Vista Del Mar to future hearing
- Continued approval of August 26, 2021 meeting minutes to October 14, 2021
Planning Commission
The regular Planning Commission meeting scheduled for September 22, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. has been cancelled. The next regular meeting will be held on October 13, 2021. No items were discussed or decided.
- Meeting cancelled
- Next meeting scheduled for October 13, 2021
General Plan Advisory Committee
The General Plan Advisory Committee is meeting to review findings from the Environmental Justice and Health Assessment Report and discuss health, equity, and environmental justice issues in Ventura. The meeting includes a presentation on SB 1000 and identification of disadvantaged communities, followed by discussion and public comment. This is a discussion and input-gathering session, not a decision-making meeting.
- Review of Environmental Justice and Health Assessment Report findings
- Presentation on SB 1000 (Environmental Justice Element) and disadvantaged communities
- Discussion on key health, equity, and environmental justice issues in the city
- Public comment period
The General Plan Advisory Committee held its 7th meeting as an educational forum on health and environmental justice, receiving presentations on existing conditions and best practices. No formal decisions or votes were taken. Discussion highlighted concerns about pesticide exposure, industrial proximity, and data verification needs.
- No formal decisions or votes were taken at this educational meeting
- Identified reducing pollution exposure as top SB 1000 topic (49% of poll respondents)
- Identified pesticides use as top pollution exposure concern (38% of poll respondents)
- Discussed need to verify state-level data with community input
- Raised concerns about pesticide exposure from agricultural activities
- Discussed jurisdictional challenges with county lands and SoCal compressor
- Noted gaps in engagement with farmworkers and areas with poor broadband
- Flagged Montalvo, Saticoy, Ventura Avenue, riverbed, and beach access as areas of concern
Parking Advisory Committee
The Downtown Parking Advisory Committee will receive staff presentations on parking utilization results, the monthly parking management program update, and the latest budget forecast. They will also hear updates on several downtown parking projects, including the Main Street closure extension and the parking structure top-level shutdown. The meeting is advisory, with recommendations going to the City Council and Planning Commission.
- Receive parking utilization results for Downtown and Surfers Point
- Receive monthly Downtown Parking District budget and utilization update
- Receive latest budget forecast
- Main St. closure extended to January 7, 2022; study beginning
- Parking structure top 3 levels shutting down until 9-24-21
Historic Preservation Committee
The September 16, 2021 regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Committee has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is October 7, 2021.
- Meeting cancelled
- Next meeting: October 7, 2021
Design Review Committee
The September 15, 2021 regular meeting of the City of San Buenaventura (Ventura) Design Review Committee has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 6, 2021.
- Regular meeting cancelled
- Next meeting scheduled for October 6, 2021
Arts & Culture Commission
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Arts & Culture Commission for September 14, 2021, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for October 12, 2021, at 5:30 pm.
City Council
The Ventura City Council will hold a regular meeting with a closed session on litigation, followed by consent items including contracts, resolutions, and agreements. Key actions include approving a two-year peer support outreach worker agreement with Downtown Ventura Partners for $62,400, amending outside counsel agreements for three lawsuits totaling $525,000, and adopting the FY 2021-2022 SB 1 road project list. The meeting is held virtually due to COVID-19.
- Approve $62,400 agreement with Downtown Ventura Partners for peer support outreach worker (Oct 2021-Sep 2023)
- Authorize $75,000 increase for outside counsel in City v. United Water Conservation District
- Authorize $300,000 increase for outside counsel in Jennifer Jan Jensen litigation
- Authorize $150,000 increase for outside counsel in Deneau litigation
- Adopt FY 2021-2022 SB 1 project list including Victoria Resurfacing project
The Ventura City Council approved a $3 million job order contract with MTM Construction Inc. for construction services, along with other consent items including a $533,957 wastewater vacuum truck purchase and a $62,400 peer support outreach worker agreement. The council also approved two street abandonments, endorsed the Olivas Park Road Extension development agreement terms, and voted to bring the 2022 meeting schedule back as a formal item. No substantive decisions were made on the electronic timing policy, which was tabled for further discussion.
- Approved $3M job order contract with MTM Construction (7-0)
- Approved $533,957 wastewater vacuum truck purchase (7-0)
- Approved $62,400 peer support outreach worker agreement (7-0)
- Approved abandonment of Church Street west of North Ann Street (6-0-1 abstention)
- Approved abandonment of Arundell Avenue Spur (7-0)
- Endorsed Olivas Park Road Extension development agreement terms (7-0)
- Tabled electronic timing policy for council meetings (7-0 to bring back)
- Approved 60-day extension for Gary Jacobs to complete ethics training (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Ventura Administrative Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing on four items: approval of prior meeting minutes, a continued request for administrative variances for a home addition, a lot line adjustment, and a coastal development permit. All items are recommended for approval and are categorically exempt from CEQA.
- PROJ-14945: Administrative variances for 1,195 sq ft addition at 2145 Hyland Avenue
- PROJ-15166: Lot line adjustment merging 0.5-acre and 0.05-acre lots at 940 East Santa Clara Street
- PROJ-15093: Coastal development permit to enclose 121 sq ft balcony at 2960 Sailor Avenue
- Approval of August 12, 2021 meeting minutes
The Administrative Hearing Officer approved two variances and a coastal permit, and continued a lot line adjustment to a later hearing. The Spencer Residence variance at 2145 Hyland Avenue was approved as conditioned, and the Smithson Residence coastal permit at 2960 Sailor Avenue was approved as proposed. The Santa Clara lot line adjustment at 940 East Santa Clara Street was continued to September 23, 2021, to resolve issues with project description exhibits. The hearing also noted that a prior decision on PROJ-14860 at 13389 Devon Lane would be reheard due to inaccurate information.
- Approved August 12, 2021 meeting minutes as presented
- Approved Spencer Residence Administrative Variance at 2145 Hyland Avenue (PROJ-14945) as conditioned
- Approved Smithson Residence Administrative Coastal Development Permit at 2960 Sailor Avenue (PROJ-15093) as proposed and conditioned
- Continued Santa Clara Lot Line Adjustment at 940 East Santa Clara Street (PROJ-15166) to September 23, 2021
Planning Commission
The regular Planning Commission meeting scheduled for September 8, 2021, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting will be held on September 22, 2021. No items were discussed or decided.
- Meeting cancelled
- Next meeting scheduled for September 22, 2021
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a regular meeting with a consent item to approve the July 14, 2021 minutes and an action item to receive an overview of current Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and forward a recommendation to City Council. The meeting is held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Approval of July 14, 2021 meeting minutes
- Review of current Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and recommendation to City Council
Housing and Homelessness Subcommittee
The Housing and Homelessness Subcommittee (Hope & Solutions) will receive a presentation on just cause eviction from local realtor and apartment associations, and will review a proposed Dismantling Grant Program from Safe & Clean and the Ventura Police Department. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19.
- Just Cause Eviction Presentation by Ventura County Coast Association of Realtors, Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, California Apartment Association
- Dismantling Grant Program proposed by Safe & Clean and Ventura Police Department
Economic Development Subcommittee
The scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Strategy Committee for September 7, 2021, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 5, 2021.
Historic Preservation Committee
The September 2, 2021 regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Committee has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is September 16, 2021.
- Meeting cancelled
- Next meeting September 16, 2021
Design Review Committee
The September 1, 2021 regular meeting of the City of San Buenaventura Design Review Committee has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 15, 2021.
- Regular meeting cancelled
- Next meeting scheduled for September 15, 2021
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Administrative Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing to decide on three planning items: an alcohol use permit for a music venue, a conditional use permit amendment to convert a church building into a residence, and administrative variances for a home addition. All items are recommended for approval and are categorically exempt from CEQA. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19.
- Alcohol Use Permit for Ventura Music Hall at 1888 East Thompson Boulevard (Type 47 license)
- Amendment to Conditional Use Permit No. 398 to convert 3,824 sq ft rectory to single-family residence at 149 Dunning Street
- Administrative Variances for lot coverage and setbacks for 1,195 sq ft addition at 2145 Hyland Avenue
- All projects recommended for approval with conditions
- Public comments accepted via email or live WebEx
The Administrative Hearing Officer approved an Alcohol Use Permit for Ventura Music Hall at 1888 East Thompson Boulevard, with modifications to Condition No. 26 regarding the use permit number and hours of operation. Also approved was an amendment to Conditional Use Permit No. 398 for Saint Paul Episcopal Church to convert a rectory study center to a single-family residence, with additional language corrections. A request for administrative variances for a residence at 2145 Hyland Avenue was continued to September 9, 2021.
- Approved Ventura Music Hall Alcohol Use Permit (PROJ-15174) with modified Condition No. 26
- Approved Saint Paul Episcopal Church amendment to Conditional Use Permit No. 398 (PROJ-14972)
- Continued Spencer Residence Administrative Variances (PROJ-14945) to September 9, 2021
Water Commission
The San Buenaventura Water Commission has cancelled its regular meetings scheduled for July 27 and August 24, 2021. The next regular meeting is set for September 28, 2021 at 5:30.
- No regular meeting on July 27, 2021
- No regular meeting on August 24, 2021
- Next meeting scheduled for September 28, 2021 at 5:30
Historic Preservation Committee
The Historic Preservation Committee will hold a discussion regarding the public hearing process and its quasi-judicial role. The meeting also includes an oath of office for a new committee member.
- Oath of office for new Historic Preservation Committee member
- Discussion on the public hearing process and quasi-judicial role
The Historic Preservation Committee held an informational discussion on the public hearing process and its quasi-judicial role, with no formal actions taken. Members discussed potential process documents, training, and coordination with the General Plan update, but no votes or decisions were recorded.
- No formal decisions or votes were taken during the meeting
Parking Advisory Committee
There was no regular meeting of the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee held on Thursday, August 19, 2021.
Design Review Committee
The Design Review Committee will hold a public hearing on a formal design review for Laurel Courts, a proposed 3.5-story, 50,797-square-foot mixed-use building at 1028 Front Street with 46 dwelling units (5 affordable), 6,552 square feet of commercial space, and 60 parking spaces. The committee will also consider approving the April 7, 2021 meeting minutes and discuss the quasi-judicial role of the committee. The meeting is held electronically via WebEx due to COVID-19, with public comment accepted by email or live during the meeting.
- PROJ-12046: Formal Design Review, Coastal Development Permit, Exception, and Warrant for 1028 Front Street
- 50,797 sq ft mixed-use building with 46 dwelling units, 5 affordable, 6,552 sq ft commercial, 60 parking spaces
- Approval of April 7, 2021 meeting minutes
- Discussion on quasi-judicial role of Design Review Committee
- Public comment via email by 4:00 pm or live via WebEx
The Design Review Committee voted 3-0 to recommend the Planning Commission approve the Formal Design Review for the Laurel Courts project at 1028 Front Street, a 3.5-story, 50,797 sq ft mixed-use building with 46 dwelling units (5 affordable), 6,552 sq ft of commercial space, and 60 parking spaces. The recommendation includes conditions to enhance the corner plaza, use form over color, increase courtyard size, and add distinctive materials. Member Tomasello recused due to a conflict of interest, and Member Leo was absent. The committee also approved the April 7, 2021 meeting minutes (4-0) and held a quasi-judicial discussion.
- Approved April 7, 2021 meeting minutes (4-0)
- Recommended Planning Commission approve Laurel Courts Formal Design Review (3-0, Tomasello recused, Leo absent)
- Included conditions: enhance corner plaza, use form not color, increase courtyard size, add distinctive materials
- Held quasi-judicial discussion on public hearing process
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
General Plan Advisory Committee
The August 17, 2021 regular meeting of the City of San Buenaventura General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) has been cancelled. The next regular GPAC meeting is scheduled for September 21, 2021. The agenda contains no items for discussion or decision.
- Meeting cancelled by Assistant Community Development Director Neda Zayer
- Next regular GPAC meeting scheduled for September 21, 2021
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Administrative Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing on four planning items, including an alcohol use permit for Lalo's Restaurant, a lot line adjustment, amendments to a coastal development permit for affordable housing units, and a Thomas Fire overlay modification for a residence. The meeting will be conducted electronically via WebEx due to COVID-19, with public comment accepted by email or live during the meeting.
- Alcohol Use Permit (Type 41 on-sale beer and wine) for Lalo's Restaurant, 10235 Telephone Road, 1,600 sq ft restaurant with patio on 0.89-acre C-1A zone
- Lot Line Adjustment between 4020 Loma Vista Road (0.7-acre, Hospital zone) and 3975 Paloma Drive (0.5-acre, R-1 zone)
- Amendment to Coastal Development Permit to transfer two affordable residential units from 11 S Ash Street to 219-255 N Garden Street
- Thomas Fire Overlay Modification Permit for reconstruction at 714 Monte Vista Avenue, expanding from 2,535 to 3,143 sq ft (24% increase)
- Approval of July 15 and July 29, 2021 meeting minutes
The Administrative Hearing Officer approved all four formal items on the agenda. These included an alcohol use permit for Lalo's Restaurant with modified hours, a lot line adjustment on Loma Vista/Paloma, amendments to coastal development permits for affordable unit transfers, and a Thomas Fire overlay modification permit for a residence rebuild. No public comments were made, and no items were denied or tabled.
- Approved Lalo's Restaurant alcohol use permit with hours changed to 11 PM (PROJ-14932)
- Approved Loma Vista/Paloma lot line adjustment as conditioned (PROJ-15103)
- Approved Garden Street Loft and Historic Lodge coastal permit amendments as conditioned (PROJ-15165 & 15167)
- Approved Whirledge Residence Thomas Fire overlay modification permit as conditioned (PROJ-15107)
- Approved July 15 and July 29, 2021 meeting minutes
Planning Commission
The regular meeting of the San Buenaventura Planning Commission scheduled for August 11, 2021, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled to be held on August 25, 2021.
Arts & Culture Commission
The Ventura Arts & Culture Commission meets via teleconference to approve prior meeting minutes, receive a presentation on the Arts and Culture Existing Conditions Report tied to the General Plan Update, and vote on subcommittees for the fiscal year's approved initiatives. Public comment is accepted via email or live through WebEx.
- Approval of minutes from the May 26, 2020 subcommittee meeting and July 13, 2021 regular meeting
- Receive presentation and provide input on the Arts and Culture Existing Conditions Report for the General Plan Update
- Action item: approve subcommittees for Division initiatives and projects for the current fiscal year
Design Review Committee
The City of San Buenaventura (Ventura) Design Review Committee has cancelled its regular meeting scheduled for August 4, 2021, at 6:00 P.M. The next regular DRC meeting is scheduled for August 18, 2021. This notice is purely procedural; no items were discussed or decided.
- Regular meeting cancelled for August 4, 2021
- Next regular meeting scheduled for August 18, 2021
Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee
The Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee is holding a special teleconference meeting to review the adopted FY 2021-22 Measure O budget, including historical revenues and expenditures, and to hear departmental presentations on FY 2020-21 accomplishments and FY 2021-22 budget summaries. The committee will also consider approving minutes from the June 1, 2021 special meeting and receive an update from the Community Granting Sub-Committee. Public comment is available via WebEx, email, or live stream.
- Approve minutes from June 1, 2021 special meeting
- Review adopted FY 2021-22 Measure O budget with historical revenues and expenditures
- Departmental FY 2020-21 accomplishments and FY 2021-22 budget summaries
- Community Granting Sub-Committee update
City Council
The Ventura City Council is meeting to decide on consent items, including a $900,000 increase in legal fees for the Santa Barbara Channelkeeper lawsuit, a new $240,000 legal services agreement for the VenturaWaterPure project, and a $2.2 million design contract for wastewater plant improvements. The agenda also includes routine items like approving minutes, extending a local emergency, and accepting a grant for vehicle barriers.
- Authorize $900,000 amendment to Best, Best & Krieger legal services for Santa Barbara Channelkeeper litigation
- Authorize $240,000 legal services agreement with Nossaman, LLP for VenturaWaterPure project
- Approve $2,223,643 design services contract with Carollo, Inc. for wastewater tertiary filter replacement
- Approve $154,757 contract amendment with Tyler Technologies for software services
- Accept $80,000 Homeland Security Grant for vehicle barrier systems
The City Council approved a consent agenda including a $2,223,643 design contract with Carollo Inc. for the Wastewater Plant Tertiary Filter Replacement, a $900,000 increase for outside counsel in the Santa Barbara Channelkeeper litigation, and a $154,757 amendment to the Tyler Technologies contract. They also adopted a resolution updating the Water Resource Net Zero Fee to $22,806 per acre-foot per year. Appointments to advisory groups were approved, with Councilmember Brown abstaining on Port District appointments. The council held a joint meeting with the Planning Commission to discuss the Preliminary Draft Housing Element but took no formal action.
- Approved $2,223,643 design contract with Carollo Inc. for wastewater tertiary filter replacement (7-0)
- Authorized $900,000 additional legal services for Santa Barbara Channelkeeper litigation (7-0)
- Approved $154,757 contract amendment with Tyler Technologies (7-0)
- Adopted Resolution 2021-069 updating Water Resource Net Zero Fee to $22,806 per acre-foot (7-0)
- Approved appointments to advisory groups, with Brown abstaining on Port District appointments (6-0-1)
- Rejected all bids for Mission Park Main Street Frontage Improvements (7-0)
- Approved $825,000 traffic striping contract with Super Seal and Stripe (7-0)
- Approved $1,280,000 storm drain on-call contract amendment with Sam Hill and Sons (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Administrative Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing on a single continued item: a request for a Formal Design Review and Administrative Use Permit to allow Two Trees Community Church to use an existing 17,240-square-foot commercial building at 117 North Ventura Avenue as a church and offices. The project is in the T5.1 (Neighborhood Center) zone within the Downtown Specific Plan and is recommended for approval. The hearing is conducted via WebEx due to COVID-19, with public comment accepted electronically or by email.
- Formal Design Review and Administrative Use Permit for Two Trees Community Church at 117 North Ventura Avenue
- Existing 17,240 sq ft commercial building on 0.42-acre site
- T5.1 (Neighborhood Center) zone within Downtown Specific Plan
- Categorically exempt from CEQA under Section 15301, Class 1 (Existing Facilities)
- Public comment via WebEx or email by 4:00 pm on July 29, 2021
The Administrative Hearing Officer approved the Administrative Use Permit and Formal Design Review for PROJ-14959, allowing Two Trees Community Church to operate in an existing commercial building at 117 North Ventura Avenue. The approval was subject to conditions, and the officer clarified that a site plan showing off-site parking behind Von's shopping area is not included in the approved plan set. No public communications were made, and the meeting adjourned at 6:24 PM.
- Approved Administrative Use Permit and Formal Design Review for PROJ-14959 (Two Trees Church) as presented and conditioned
- Clarified that off-site parking behind Von's shopping area is excluded from the approved site plan
Planning Commission
The regular Planning Commission meeting scheduled for July 28, 2021, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting will be held on August 11, 2021. No items were discussed or decided.
- Meeting cancelled
- Next meeting August 11, 2021
Water Commission
This agenda is a cancellation notice. The San Buenaventura Water Commission will not hold its regular meetings on July 27 or August 24, 2021. The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 28, 2021 at 5:30.
- No regular Water Commission meeting on July 27, 2021
- No regular Water Commission meeting on August 24, 2021
- Next regular meeting scheduled for September 28, 2021 at 5:30
City Council
The Ventura City Council is holding a regular meeting that includes a public hearing to gather community input on redrawing election district boundaries. The consent agenda also covers several contracts and purchases, including a fire ladder truck, water infrastructure loans, and professional service agreements.
- Public hearing on redrawing election district boundaries
- Contract extension with MuniServices, LLC for $109,957 (total not-to-exceed $727,981)
- Purchase of a 2022 Pierce Ladder Truck for $1,459,682 plus $146,000 for fire suppression tools
- Professional Service Agreement with HDR, Inc. for VenturaWaterPure Brine Line and Ocean Outfall (not-to-exceed $2,970,100)
- Resolution of intention to vacate a portion of Church Street west of North Ann Street
The City Council approved all consent agenda items 9A-9H, including a $2.97M professional services agreement with HDR, Inc. for the VenturaWaterPure Brine Line and Ocean Outfall, and a $1.46M purchase of a new fire ladder truck. Councilmember Halter abstained from item 9G (vacating a portion of Church Street) due to set-back distance. The council also held a public hearing on redrawing election district boundaries but took no action, as it was for input only.
- Approved consent agenda items 9A-9H (7-0, with Halter abstaining on 9G)
- Approved $2,970,100 contract with HDR, Inc. for VenturaWaterPure Brine Line and Ocean Outfall (7-0)
- Authorized $1,459,682 purchase of 2022 Pierce Ladder Truck from South Coast Fire Equipment (7-0)
- Approved $100,000 application fee for VenturaWaterPure EPA infrastructure loan (7-0)
- Approved $61,500 contract with Waterways Consulting for fish passage design (7-0)
- Adopted Resolution of Intention to vacate portion of Church Street (6-0-1, Halter abstaining)
- Approved $315,398 lease with Evoqua for granular activated carbon system (7-0)
- Held public hearing on district boundaries; no action taken
Historic Preservation Committee
The July 22, 2021 regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Committee has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is August 5, 2021.
- Meeting cancelled for July 22, 2021 at 6:00 PM
- Next meeting scheduled for August 5, 2021
Design Review Committee
The City of San Buenaventura (Ventura) Design Review Committee's regular meeting scheduled for July 21, 2021, at 6:00 P.M. has been cancelled. The next regular DRC meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2021. This notice is procedural only, with no agenda items to discuss.
- Cancellation of July 21, 2021 Design Review Committee meeting
- Next regular meeting scheduled for August 4, 2021
General Plan Advisory Committee
The General Plan Advisory Committee is meeting to review existing land uses and general plan land use designations, provide comments on a draft vision statement, and identify locations for new development and areas of stability. The meeting includes staff updates, a presentation, small group exercises, and public comments.
- Review existing land uses and general plan land use designations
- Review and comment on draft vision statement
- Identify locations for new development and areas of stability
- Staff updates on housing element update and community council meetings
The General Plan Advisory Committee held its sixth meeting on July 20, 2021, focused on visioning. The committee reviewed existing land uses and land use policy, and discussed a draft set of Core Values and General Plan Strategies. Members provided feedback in small groups, suggesting additions and changes to the values and strategies, and identified potential 'areas of change' and 'areas of stability' across the city. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was a discussion and brainstorming session.
- Reviewed existing land uses and land use policy (no action taken)
- Discussed draft Core Values and General Plan Strategies (no action taken)
- Identified potential areas of change and areas of stability in small groups (no action taken)
- Received public comment on transportation, sustainability, and planning (no action taken)
City Council
The Ventura City Council will hold a workshop on state conflicts of interest laws and receive an update on the Matrix Report implementation. The meeting also includes a closed session on litigation and a threat to public services, plus a presentation from Southern California Gas Company on the compressor site project.
- Workshop on State Conflicts of Interest Laws
- Update on Matrix Report implementation
- Closed session: threat to public services or facilities (Police Chief consultation)
- Closed session: existing litigation (Coalition for Historical Integrity v City of San Buenaventura)
- Update from Southern California Gas Company on Compressor Site Project
The City Council held a workshop on the Southern California Gas Company compressor site project, hearing public comments and discussing concerns about venting, equipment, and proximity to schools. No formal action was taken on the project. The Council also agreed to reschedule a workshop on state conflicts of interest laws to a future meeting.
- Rescheduled Workshop on State Conflicts of Interest Laws to a future meeting
- Heard update from Southern California Gas Company on Compressor Site Project (no action)
- Received update on Matrix Report Implementation (no action)
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Ventura Administrative Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing on July 15, 2021, to decide on several planning permits, including a use permit amendment to convert a bowling alley into an event venue with a restaurant and bar. The agenda also includes coastal development permits, variances, and a tentative parcel map, all recommended for approval subject to conditions. The meeting will be held electronically via WebEx due to COVID-19.
- Use permit amendment to convert 14,229 sq ft bowling alley at 1888 East Thompson Blvd into event venue with restaurant and bar
- Coastal development permit to demolish and rebuild 3,290 sq ft residence at 1171 Kingston Lane
- Tentative parcel map and variance to divide one lot into three at 63 Lincoln Drive
- Director's permit for backyard chickens at 6272 Clara Street
- Coastal development permit for archeological trenching at 227 South California Street for Highway 101 off-ramp project
The Administrative Hearing Officer approved a use permit amendment allowing Discovery Ventura to convert a bowling alley at 1888 East Thompson Boulevard into an event venue with a restaurant and bar. The approval added a condition permitting temporary community events without a separate permit, and a compliance hearing will only occur after the first year if complaints are received. Several other permits were approved, including coastal development permits for residential projects and a backyard chicken permit, while a lot split on Lincoln Drive was continued for further analysis.
- Approved Discovery Ventura use permit amendment for event venue with restaurant/bar, adding community event condition (PROJ-7325)
- Approved Bargman Residence coastal development permit for new 3,290 sq ft home at 1171 Kingston Lane (PROJ-14794)
- Approved Clara Street director's permit for backyard chickens at 6272 Clara Street (PROJ-14904)
- Continued Lincoln Drive tentative parcel map and variance for further driveway/garage analysis (PROJ-13171)
- Continued Two Trees Church use permit to July 29, 2021 hearing (PROJ-14959)
- Approved Camp Residence variance for second floor addition with modified conditions at 2642 Bayshore Avenue (PROJ-14963)
- Approved Sayre Residence coastal development permit for addition and patios at 1302 Camden Lane (PROJ-14898)
- Approved Downtown Archeological Trenching coastal permit at 227 South California Street (PROJ-13183)
Parking Advisory Committee
The Downtown Parking Advisory Committee is meeting to receive updates on parking program utilization and budget forecasts, and to approve June meeting minutes. Staff communications cover EV charging agreements, a planned parking structure closure, and the Mission Park parking project.
- Approve minutes from June 17, 2021 meeting
- Receive Downtown Parking District budget revenue and utilization update
- Receive latest budget forecast
- Parking structure top 3 levels to be shut down, going to Council
- Mission Park Parking Project to be awarded by Council on August 2, 2021
Planning Commission
The July 14, 2021 regular Planning Commission meeting has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 28, 2021.
- Cancellation of July 14, 2021 Planning Commission meeting
- Next regular meeting set for July 28, 2021
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission will administer the oath of office to new commissioners Anthony Miller and Adam Nelson, then receive an overview of the current Capital Improvement Plan for Parks & Recreation. The only other business is approval of the June 9, 2021 meeting minutes. Public comment is available via WebEx, email, or live stream.
- Oath of office for commissioners Anthony Miller and Adam Nelson
- Overview of current Capital Improvement Plan for Parks & Recreation
- Approval of June 9, 2021 meeting minutes
Arts & Culture Commission
The Ventura Arts & Culture Commission is meeting via teleconference to review and recommend a public art design for a utility box at Telephone Road and Ramelli Avenue, and to discuss and develop subcommittees for current fiscal year projects. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from five prior meetings. Public comment can be submitted by email or live via WebEx.
- Review public art design rendering for utility box at Telephone Road and Ramelli Avenue
- Discussion and development of subcommittees for approved Division initiatives
- Approval of minutes from February 2, March 9, April 13, May 11, and June 8, 2021 meetings
City Council
The Ventura City Council is holding a regular meeting with a public hearing on an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of the Haley Point project at 2400 Channel Drive, along with consent items covering legal services, housing ordinance work, and water infrastructure contracts. The council will also consider appointments to advisory groups and an interim Principal Civil Engineer appointment.
- Appeal of Haley Point project (PROJ 14778) at 2400 Channel Drive — Formal Design Review, Planned Development Permit, Variances, Vesting Tentative Tract Map
- Amend Nossaman, LLP legal services agreement by $200,000 for Consent Decree and NPDES permit compliance
- Amend Downey Brand, LLP agreement by $75,000 for Kessner v. City of Santa Clara litigation
- Add $103,000 to Raimi + Associates agreement for Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (new total $2,486,814)
- Construction contract with Toro Enterprises, Inc. for Community Park 2nd Entrance at Ramelli and Telephone — $2,089,491 (total $2,298,440 with contingency)
The City Council voted 7-0 to deny an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of the Haley Point Project at 2400 Channel Drive, upholding the project's approvals. The council also approved a motion to bring back the Emergency Rent Protection and Evictions topic at a future meeting. All consent items, including contracts and agreements, were approved 7-0.
- Denied appeal and upheld Haley Point Project approvals (7-0)
- Approved motion to bring back Emergency Rent Protection and Evictions at future meeting (7-0)
- Approved consent items 9A-9M, including $2,089,491 construction contract for Community Park 2nd Entrance (7-0)
- Approved appointments to advisory groups, excluding Ventura Port District Board (7-0)
- Appointed Jay Spurgin as interim Principal Civil Engineer (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Historic Preservation Committee
The Historic Preservation Committee will consider a staff recommendation to allow demolition of a 1895 single-family house at 1429 Poli Street after a historic assessment found it not significant as a landmark but a potential Point of Interest. The meeting also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and public comment on non-agenda items.
- Historic Resource Assessment for 1429 Poli Street, a 1,672 sq ft 1895 residence on a 28,330 sq ft R-3-5 zoned site
- Recommendation to determine property not historically significant as a landmark
- Recommendation to designate site as a potential Point of Interest
- Recommendation to permit demolition of existing structures
- Approval of April 22, 2021 meeting minutes
The Historic Preservation Committee voted 3-1 to recommend that the Administrative Hearing Officer determine the original 1895 single-family residence at 1429 Poli Street is historically significant as a potential landmark, excluding the rear addition. The recommendation also includes determining the site is a potential Point of Interest and permitting demolition of existing structures. The motion was made by Member Huston and seconded by Vice-Chair Perzel, with Member Muller voting no.
- Approved the April 22, 2021, Historic Preservation Committee meeting minutes as presented (4-0).
- Recommended the Administrative Hearing Officer determine the 1895 residence at 1429 Poli Street is historically significant as a potential landmark (3-1).
- Recommended the Administrative Hearing Officer determine the site is a potential Point of Interest (included in the same motion).
- Recommended the Administrative Hearing Officer permit demolition of existing structures on the site (included in the same motion).
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Design Review Committee
The Design Review Committee's regular meeting scheduled for July 7, 2021, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 21, 2021. No agenda items were discussed.
- Meeting cancelled
- Next meeting July 21, 2021
Housing and Homelessness Subcommittee
The Housing and Homelessness Subcommittee (Hope & Solutions) is meeting electronically to receive presentations and provide input on two items: housing element recommendations from Homes for All and the Ventura Social Services Task Force, and a presentation on Just Cause Eviction from Maria Navarro of CAUSE. The meeting is open for public comment via WebEx, email, or live stream.
- Homes for All Housing Element Recommendations presentation and input
- Just Cause Eviction presentation by Maria Navarro from CAUSE
- Public comment via WebEx, email form, or live stream
- City Hall closed to public due to COVID-19; teleconference per Executive Order N-29-20
Economic Development Subcommittee
The Economic Development Strategy Committee's regular meeting scheduled for July 6, 2021, has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on September 7, 2021. No business items are listed for this meeting.
- Meeting cancelled
- Next meeting scheduled for September 7, 2021
General Plan Advisory Committee
The General Plan Advisory Committee is meeting to review the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) site selection process and discuss housing policies for the Draft Housing Element. The committee will receive a presentation on RHNA results and existing city housing programs, then discuss and prioritize potential new programs covering affordability, removing governmental constraints, expanding housing types, and tenant protections. Public comment is invited.
- Review RHNA site selection process
- Discuss housing policies for Draft Housing Element
- Review existing city housing programs
- Prioritize potential new programs: affordability, removing constraints, housing types, tenant protections
- Public comments at 8:15 pm
The General Plan Advisory Committee held its fifth meeting, focusing on housing topics including Regional Housing Needs Assessment obligations, a sites inventory update, and potential housing programs. The committee discussed and prioritized potential housing development areas and strategies through polls, with Pacific View Mall and the Johnson Drive Corridor identified as top sites, and inclusionary housing, adaptive reuse, and streamlined processing as top programs. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was advisory and informational.
- No formal decisions were made; the meeting was for discussion and feedback.
- Poll identified Pacific View Mall (18%) and Johnson Drive Corridor (15%) as top areas for new housing.
- Poll identified Inclusionary Housing, Adaptive Reuse, and Streamlined Processing as most popular housing strategies.
- Discussed potential rezoning of Pacific View Mall to higher density, possibly 50 du/ac.
- Discussed feasibility of ADU legalization and monitoring programs to increase ADU projections.
- Discussed potential for hotel/motel conversions outside the coastal zone.
- Discussed potential for adaptive reuse and redevelopment of business parks for housing.
- Discussed potential for inclusionary housing and rent stabilization programs.
City Council
The Ventura City Council is meeting to approve a consent calendar of routine items, including extending the local emergency declaration, funding outdoor dining design services, and awarding several public works contracts. The meeting also includes a closed session on litigation and a report on July 4th activities.
- Extend local emergency declaration until September 8, 2021
- $175,000 contract with Sargent Town Planning for outdoor dining design, offset by $50,000 donation from Downtown Ventura Partners
- $301,096 contract to FS Contractors for Mission Park Main Street Frontage Improvements
- $363,000 contract to Onyx Paving for Westside Sidewalk Repair ADA Improvements
- $864,653 contract with Kennedy/Jenks for Eastside to Westside Interconnect Waterline
The City Council unanimously approved a separation agreement for Public Works manager Brad Starr, ending his employment with 13 weeks severance ($37,062.01), continued health benefits ($5,704), and outplacement services up to $3,500. The agreement required Council approval because the severance exceeded the City Manager's delegated authority. The Council also approved a consent agenda of 22 items, including contracts for infrastructure projects, and continued the local emergency declaration until September 8, 2021.
- Approved separation agreement for Brad Starr, including $37,062.01 severance and $5,704 in health benefits.
- Adopted Resolution No. 2021-058 reconfirming local emergency and extending it until September 8, 2021.
- Authorized amendment to legal services agreement with Best, Best & Krieger, LLP, increasing compensation by $50,000 to $215,000.
- Approved professional services agreement with Sargent Town Planning for outdoor dining design, not to exceed $175,000, and accepted $50,000 donation from Downtown Ventura Partners.
- Authorized two-year agreement with Housing Authority for affordable housing program administration, not to exceed $260,000.
- Awarded public works contract to Onyx Paving Company for Westside Sidewalk Repair, $363,000, with contingency up to $399,300.
- Approved multiple contracts for wastewater plant aeration blowers, including $6,603,801 construction contract with Cushman Contracting Corporation.
- Adopted Resolution No. 2021-061 declaring intention to vacate a portion of Church Street, with public hearing set for July 26, 2021.
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Administrative Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing on several planning items, including coastal development permits, variances, a lot line adjustment, a design review, and a use permit amendment. The meeting is conducted via WebEx due to COVID-19, with public comment accepted electronically. Most items are recommended for approval, while two are continued.
- Continued: Magdaleno Residence variance at 7219 La Cumbre Circle (front yard setback 24' to 15', side 5' to 3')
- Biafora Residence coastal permit at 1238 Devon Lane: demolish 960 sq ft home, build 3,114 sq ft home with garage, deck, pool
- Via Baja Lot Line Adjustment at 139 and 149 Via Baja: merge .46-acre lot into adjacent lots, resulting in .91-acre and 1.63-acre lots
- Discovery Ventura Use Permit Amendment at 1888 East Thompson Boulevard: indoor live music venue, restaurant, bar; continued to July 15, 2021
- Kirby Barber RV Sign Variance at 6500 Auto Center Drive: two sets of LED illuminated channel letter signs on pylon sign
The Administrative Hearing Officer approved several residential and commercial projects, including coastal development permits, variances, and a design review permit, with some modifications. One project was continued to a later date, and another was conditionally approved pending verification of permits. The meeting minutes from June 10 were approved with a spelling correction.
- Approved June 10, 2021, meeting minutes with correction to Courtney Deppen's last name.
- Continued PROJ-14789 (Magdaleno Residence variance) to a date uncertain.
- Approved PROJ-14883 (Biafora Residence coastal permit) with added condition to explore concealing downspouts.
- Approved PROJ-14885 (Via Baja Lot Line Adjustment) as presented and conditioned.
- Approved PROJ-14860 (Barroschino Residence coastal permit and variance) with modification to 43.8% lot coverage.
- Approved PROJ-15017 (Fishbowl Digital Design Review Permit) as presented and conditioned.
- Continued PROJ-7325 (Discovery Ventura Use Permit Amendment) to July 15, 2021.
- Conditionally approved PROJ-14794 (Bargman Residence coastal permit) pending verification of demolition and grading permits.
Planning Commission
The Ventura Planning Commission is holding a regular meeting with a consent item to approve prior meeting minutes and an informational discussion on the quasi-judicial role of the commission in public hearings. No rezonings, contracts, or other substantive actions are on the agenda.
- Approval of May 26, 2021 meeting minutes
- Discussion on public hearing process and quasi-judicial role of Planning Commission
The Planning Commission approved the May 26, 2021 meeting minutes as presented, with a 4-0 vote (two abstentions, one absence). The commission also held an informational discussion on the public hearing process and its quasi-judicial role, led by staff. No public comments were made, and no other decisions were taken.
- Approved the May 26, 2021 meeting minutes as presented (4-0 vote, with two abstentions and one absence)
- Held an informational discussion on the quasi-judicial role of the Planning Commission (no action taken)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Water Commission
The Ventura Water Commission is meeting electronically due to COVID-19. They will review and recommend approval of the updated Water Resources Net Zero Fee, receive a presentation on the General Plan Update, and get updates on groundwater sustainability and the 2021 Water Efficiency Plan. They will also consider canceling the July and August meetings.
- Review and recommend City Council approve the updated Water Resources Net Zero Fee
- Receive presentation and provide input on the General Plan Update
- Oral update on Groundwater Sustainability Agencies and Santa Paula Basin Technical Advisory Committee
- Receive written report on the final 2021 Water Efficiency Plan
- Consider canceling July 27 and August 24, 2021 meetings
The Ventura Water Commission approved the updated Water Resources Net Zero Fee, recommending City Council approval. It also approved the 2021 Final Water Efficiency Plan and canceled its July and August meetings. The commission received updates on the General Plan and Groundwater Sustainability Agencies without a vote.
- Approved the May 25, 2021 meeting minutes with corrections to vote count and wording
- Approved the updated Water Resources Net Zero Fee recommendation for City Council
- Approved the 2021 Final Water Efficiency Plan
- Approved canceling the July 27 and August 24, 2021 meetings
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
City Council
The Ventura City Council is holding a special meeting to continue a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget. The council will consider adopting resolutions to approve the budget, establish appropriation limits, and set salaries for various employee groups. The agenda also includes adding nine capital improvement projects to the 2020-2026 Capital Improvement Program.
- Adopt FY 2021-22 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget
- Add nine CIP projects including Promenade Repair, Citywide Bridge Preventative Maintenance, and Bailey Reservoir Rehab
- Adopt salary resolutions for maintenance, general, supervisory, and paid officer/employee units
- Rescind Resolution No. 2021-043 and 2021-046
- Public hearing continued from June 14, 2021
The City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget and related salary resolutions, adding nine capital projects and a requirement for a Fire Department Strategic Plan within six months plus a mid-year budget review. A separate motion to fund Medic Engine 8 with three sworn fire positions failed on a 3-4 vote.
- Adopted FY 2021-22 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget and salary resolutions (6-1)
- Amended 2020-2026 Capital Improvement Program to add nine projects
- Added Fire Department Strategic Plan due within six months and mid-year budget adjustment
- Denied funding for Medic Engine 8 with three sworn fire positions (3-4)
🗳️ How they voted — 3 divided votes
City Council
The Ventura City Council is continuing its public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 operating and capital improvement budget, along with salary resolutions, to a June 21, 2021 meeting. The continuance was approved unanimously on June 14. The meeting will be held electronically due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Public hearing on FY 2021-2022 operating and capital improvement budget
- Salary resolutions for 2021-2022
- Continuance passed unanimously by all councilmembers present
- Meeting to be held via teleconference per Executive Order N-29-20
Parking Advisory Committee
The Downtown Parking Advisory Committee will consider approving its FY 2021-2022 work plan, receive updates on parking program utilization and budget forecasts, and discuss several parking-related projects. The agenda includes a vote on the work plan and updates on EV charging, the Harbor/California parking structure fee, and the Main St. closure.
- Approval of FY 2021-2022 Work Plan for submission to City Council
- Parking Management Program monthly utilization update
- Latest budget forecast presentation
- Harbor/California parking structure permanent $10.00 fee not going to Coastal Commission
- Mission Park Parking Project to be awarded by Council on June 28, 2021
Historic Preservation Committee
The City of San Buenaventura Historic Preservation Committee's regular meeting scheduled for June 17, 2021, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 8, 2021. The agenda contains only the cancellation notice and no other business items.
- Meeting cancelled for June 17, 2021 at 6:00 PM
- Next regular meeting scheduled for July 8, 2021
Design Review Committee
The regular Design Review Committee meeting scheduled for June 16, 2021, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 7, 2021. This notice is purely procedural and contains no agenda items for discussion or decision.
- Regular meeting cancelled for June 16, 2021
- Next regular meeting scheduled for July 7, 2021
Mobile Home Rent Review Board
The Mobile Home Rent Review Board will hold a special meeting to receive an information-only update on recent rent increases for mobile home parks under the city's rent stabilization ordinance, covering March 17 to June 15, 2021. The board will also consider approving minutes from its March 17, 2021 special meeting. Public participation is available via WebEx, phone, or written comments due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Rent increase update for mobile home parks under rent stabilization ordinance (March 17–June 15, 2021)
- Approval of minutes from March 17, 2021 special meeting
- Public comment via WebEx, phone, or written form (deadline 1:00 p.m. meeting day)
General Plan Advisory Committee
The General Plan Advisory Committee is meeting to review existing housing conditions in Ventura and summarize state housing laws and regulations. The committee will also answer questions about housing policy and the Housing Element update process. Public comments are scheduled.
- Overview of existing housing conditions in Ventura
- Summary of state housing laws and regulations
- Housing Element update process discussion
- Community feedback on housing to date
The General Plan Advisory Committee held its fourth meeting as an educational forum on housing, with no formal decisions or votes. The session covered existing housing conditions, Housing Element requirements, and upcoming engagement, followed by Q&A and public comment. No substantive actions were taken.
City Council
The City Council approved the proposed changes to the One-Time Investment Plan, allocating $16.32 million for community beautification, fire station improvements, IT systems, and other projects, and $8.36 million for personnel enhancements and increasing the General Fund and liability emergency reserves. The council also approved a 2.25% cost-of-living adjustment and a one-time lump sum payment for the City Manager and City Attorney. The FY 2021-2022 budget hearing was continued to June 21, 2021, with specific staffing items to be addressed.
- Approved the One-Time Investment Plan with $16.32M for community beautification, fire stations, IT systems, Main Street Moves, COVID response, and other projects.
- Approved $8.36M for personnel enhancements and increasing the General Fund and liability emergency reserves to match adopted policies.
- Approved 2.25% cost-of-living adjustments and one-time lump sum payments for the City Manager and City Attorney.
- Approved the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan.
- Approved the allocation of $4,601,064 in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funds for multifamily housing projects.
- Continued the FY 2021-2022 budget public hearing to June 21, 2021, to address Fire Department positions, unfreezing the Deputy City Clerk position, and converting a frozen Police position to two Crime Analysts.
- Approved a motion to explore adding a paramedic squad team to the Fire Department.
- Approved all consent items, including contract amendments, a computer replacement project, and various license agreements.
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Ventura Administrative Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing on June 10, 2021, to decide on several planning items, including coastal development permits, variances, and a new alcohol use permit. The meeting will be held virtually via WebEx due to COVID-19 restrictions. Items include approvals for stormwater lift stations, waterline replacement, a backyard chicken permit, and a restaurant alcohol permit, among others.
- Approve coastal development permits for stormwater lift stations at Dover and Weymouth Lanes (PROJ-14977) and waterline replacement at Weymouth and Devon Lanes (PROJ-14961)
- Approve variance for 260 sq ft addition at 8372 Cheshire St (PROJ-14995)
- Approve Director's Permit for backyard chickens at 6272 Clara St (PROJ-14904)
- Approve Alcohol Use Permit for Nick the Greek restaurant at 440 E Main St (PROJ-15025)
- Approve Design Review for Fishbowl Digital at 1094 E Main St (PROJ-15017)
The Ventura Administrative Hearing Officer approved several permits, including coastal development permits for stormwater lift stations and a waterline replacement, a variance for a residence on Cheshire Street, an alcohol use permit for Nick the Greek restaurant, a design review for Fishbowl Digital, a sign warrant for the Museum of Ventura County, and a community sign for Pierpont. Several items were continued to later hearings, including a variance for a residence on La Cumbre Circle, a coastal permit for a residence on Devon Lane, a lot line adjustment on Via Baja, a coastal permit for a residence on Devon Lane, a chicken permit on Clara Street, and a design review for a building on East Main Street. The meeting minutes from May 27, 2021, were approved.
- Approved the May 27, 2021, meeting minutes as presented.
- Approved Administrative Coastal Development Permit PROJ-14977 for stormwater lift stations at Dover and Weymouth Lanes, as conditioned.
- Approved Administrative Coastal Development Permit PROJ-14961 for waterline replacement at Weymouth and Devon Lanes, as conditioned.
- Continued Administrative Variance PROJ-14789 for 7219 La Cumbre Circle to June 24, 2021.
- Continued Administrative Coastal Development Permit PROJ-14883 for 1238 Devon Lane to June 24, 2021.
- Continued Lot Line Adjustment PROJ-14885 for 139 and 149 Via Baja to June 24, 2021.
- Continued Administrative Coastal Development Permit and Variance PROJ-14860 for 1338 Devon Lane to June 24, 2021.
- Approved Administrative Variance PROJ-14995 for 8372 Cheshire Street, as conditioned.
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission will receive a presentation on the City of Ventura Golf Operations at Olivas Links and Buenaventura Golf courses from KemperSports General Manager Carl Van Vallier. The commission will also consider approving the minutes from the May 12, 2021 meeting. The meeting will be held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Presentation on golf operations at Olivas Links and Buenaventura Golf courses by KemperSports GM Carl Van Vallier
- Approval of minutes from May 12, 2021 regular meeting
Arts & Culture Commission
The Arts & Culture Commission will review and recommend a public art mural design for 2521 Grand Avenue, receive an update on the City's Arts & Culture Section, and discuss forming sub-committees. The meeting is held virtually due to COVID-19, with public comment options available.
- Review and recommendation of public art mural design at 2521 Grand Avenue
- Presentation on Arts & Culture Commission role and City Council goals
- Update on Arts & Culture Section and discussion of sub-committee formation
City Council
The City Council will review and potentially approve the Information Technology Strategic Plan and Roadmap, a five-year plan developed by ThirdWave Corporation. The plan outlines 31 strategic initiatives, including creating a new IT department, updating IT governance, and a five-year investment roadmap totaling $12,882,060. Approval does not authorize funding; future funding will go through the annual budget process.
- Five-year IT investment roadmap: $12,882,060 total
- Creation of first Information Technology department with additional staffing
- Adoption of updated IT Governance model
- Upgrade Police/City-Wide Radio System
- Implement 311/Customer Relationship Management system
City Council
This is a special meeting of the Ventura City Council. The council will review and potentially approve the Information Technology Strategic Plan and Roadmap, and will continue the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget Workshop, receiving department presentations and providing feedback on proposed operating and capital improvement budgets.
- Review and approve Information Technology Strategic Plan and Roadmap by ThirdWave Corporation
- Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget Workshop #2 - department presentations and feedback on proposed budget
The City Council unanimously approved the Information Technology Strategic Plan and Roadmap developed by ThirdWave Corporation. The council also held a budget workshop for fiscal year 2021-22, receiving departmental presentations and providing input, but took no vote on the budget. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved the Information Technology Strategic Plan and Roadmap (7-0)
- Received departmental budget presentations and provided input; no vote taken
Finance, Audit & Budget Committee
The Finance, Audit & Budget Committee will meet to approve minutes from April 13, 2021, review and approve proposed changes to the One-Time Investment Plan, and approve the annual work plan for fiscal year 2021-2022. The meeting will be held electronically due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Approve minutes from April 13, 2021 special meeting
- Review and approve proposed changes to One-Time Investment Plan
- Approve FY 2021-2022 Annual Work Plan
Historic Preservation Committee
The City of San Buenaventura Historic Preservation Committee's regular meeting scheduled for June 3, 2021, has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is June 17, 2021. The agenda contains only the cancellation notice and no other business items.
- Meeting cancelled for June 3, 2021
- Next meeting scheduled for June 17, 2021
Design Review Committee
The Design Review Committee's regular meeting scheduled for June 2, 2021, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 16, 2021. This agenda contains only the cancellation notice and no substantive items.
- Regular meeting cancelled for June 2, 2021
- Next regular meeting scheduled for June 16, 2021
Housing and Homelessness Subcommittee
The Safe & Clean, Affordable Housing, and Homelessness Subcommittee is meeting to receive an informational overview on Inclusionary Housing from Community Development Director Peter Gilli. The agenda also includes routine items like roll call, prior meeting minutes approval, and public communication. No formal decisions are scheduled.
- Inclusionary Housing overview by Community Development Director Peter Gilli
The Housing and Homelessness Subcommittee met and received an informational overview of inclusionary housing from the Community Development Director. No substantive decisions were made; the only action was approving the prior meeting minutes unanimously.
- Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
Economic Development Subcommittee
The Economic Development Strategy Committee is meeting to discuss agenda items, including public communications received before the meeting. The only substantive item is a public email suggesting the city create a volunteer office and hire Raimi and Associates to identify wasted resources. No decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.
- Public comment from Trevor Gotsman proposing a volunteer office and consultant review
- Supplemental packet available at City Clerk's Office and online
Economic Development Subcommittee
The Ventura Economic Development Committee will receive a presentation from General Plan consultants Raimi & Associates on the Economic Development Element of the General Plan. The meeting also includes approval of the May 4, 2021 minutes and public communications. The agenda is otherwise routine, with no other substantive items.
- Presentation on Economic Development Element to the General Plan by Raimi & Associates
- Approval of Action Minutes from May 4, 2021
- Public communications period
Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee
The Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee is holding a special meeting to approve its FY 2021-2022 annual work plan, confirm it aligns with the Measure O ordinance, and consider forming a subcommittee to boost public participation in the budgeting process via a community grant program. The agenda also includes routine approval of prior meeting minutes and public communications.
- Approve minutes from May 4, 2021 regular meeting
- Affirm proposed Annual Work Plan for FY 2021-2022
- Consider appointment of Ad Hoc Sub-Committee for community grant program to increase public participation in Measure O budgeting
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Administrative Hearing Officer continued all seven formal items on the agenda to a date certain of June 10, 2021, including stormwater lift station replacements, a waterline replacement, a residence variance, a coastal development permit, a lot line adjustment, and a tentative parcel map. The only action taken was approval of the May 13, 2021 meeting minutes. No substantive decisions were made on the formal items.
- Approved May 13, 2021 meeting minutes as presented
- Continued PROJ-14977 (stormwater lift stations) to June 10, 2021
- Continued PROJ-14961 (waterline replacement) to June 10, 2021
- Continued PROJ-14789 (Magdaleno variance) to June 10, 2021, with additional information requested
- Continued PROJ-14883 (Biafora residence) to June 10, 2021
- Continued PROJ-14885 (Via Baja lot line adjustment) to June 10, 2021
- Continued PROJ-14860 (Barroschino residence) to June 10, 2021
- Continued PROJ-14773 (Victoria Avenue tentative parcel map) to June 10, 2021
City Council
The Ventura City Council is holding a special closed-session meeting to evaluate the performance of the City Manager. The public may submit comments on this item electronically, but the session itself is not open or broadcast. No other business is on the agenda.
- Closed session item: Public employee performance evaluation for City Manager (Gov. Code 54957)
- Public comments accepted via email or online form by 2:00 p.m. on meeting date
- Live public comment registration deadline: Noon on meeting date
The City Council met in a special closed session on May 27, 2021, to conduct a performance evaluation of the City Manager. No public comments were received, and no substantive decisions were made during the open portion of the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
- Held closed session for City Manager performance evaluation (unanimous)
Planning Commission
The Ventura Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposal for 72 townhomes on a 4.3-acre site at 2400 Channel Drive. The project requires a Formal Design Review, Planned Development Permit, Variances, and a Vesting Tentative Tract Map. The staff recommends approval subject to conditions. The meeting also includes approval of the minutes from May 5 and May 12, 2021.
- 72 townhomes at 2400 Channel Drive in the Limited Industrial (M-1) zone
- Formal Design Review, Planned Development Permit, Variances, and Vesting Tentative Tract Map
- Applicant: Warmington Residential
- Approval of May 5 and May 12, 2021 meeting minutes
The Planning Commission approved the Haley Point project, a 72-townhome development on a 4.3-acre site in the Limited Industrial zone, including a Formal Design Review, Planned Development Permit, Variances, and Vesting Tentative Tract Map. The approval was subject to conditions in Resolution No. CD-2021-07, with a modification to realign the driveway on Channel Drive with Evergreen Drive to create a four-way stop. The motion passed 4-0, with Commissioner Abbe recused and Chair Farkas and Commissioner McCarty absent. The commission also approved the May 5 and May 12, 2021 meeting minutes unanimously.
- Approved Haley Point project (72 townhomes) with design review, planned development permit, variances, and tentative tract map (4-0, Abbe recused)
- Approved May 5 and May 12, 2021 meeting minutes (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Water Commission
The Ventura Water Commission is meeting to consider several water-related items, including recommending the City Council adopt the Final 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, reviewing the 2021 Draft Water Efficiency Plan, and discussing the Draft 2021 Water Commission Work Plan. The meeting is being held electronically due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Final 2020 Urban Water Management Plan recommendation for City Council adoption
- 2021 Draft Water Efficiency Plan for review and comment
- Draft 2021 Water Commission Work Plan for feedback and possible adoption
- Approval of April 27, 2021 meeting minutes
The Water Commission voted 6-0 to recommend that the City Council adopt the Final 2020 Urban Water Management Plan with staff-incorporated changes. It also adopted the 2021 Water Commission Work Plan, adding updates on State Water Intertie Project milestones. The commission received the 2021 Draft Water Efficiency Plan and Draft Work Plan for discussion without a vote. No substantive decisions were made on the efficiency plan.
- Recommended City Council adopt Final 2020 Urban Water Management Plan (6-0)
- Adopted 2021 Water Commission Work Plan with State Water Intertie Project milestone updates (6-0)
- Approved April 27, 2021 meeting minutes (5-0-1, Chair Hubner abstained)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
City Council
The City Council is reviewing a proposed revised schedule of fees, hourly rates, and equipment charges for various city services. The update aims to recover the basic costs incurred by the City for service delivery.
- Proposed fee updates for Planning Division applications
- New construction permit fees through the Building and Safety Division
- Fire Department permit, inspection, and equipment rates
- Public Works fees for street repairs, graffiti removal, and fleet maintenance
- Ventura Water service fees for water and wastewater
City Council
The Ventura City Council will hold a regular meeting with a closed session on litigation, followed by consent items and public hearings. Key actions include adopting ordinances to adjust water and wastewater rates and implement monthly billing, approving contracts for legislative representation, warehouse operations, and emergency well rehabilitation, and considering a revised fee schedule for FY 2021-2022. The agenda also includes an update on the Active Transportation Plan and several property transactions for the Ventura Veterans Home project.
- Adopt ordinance adjusting water and wastewater rates and implementing monthly billing (second reading)
- Approve $72,000/year contract with ENS Resources for legislative representation
- Approve $151,980/year contract with General Parts Company for warehouse operations
- Approve emergency purchase order up to $422,552.74 for Saticoy Well No. 3 rehabilitation
- Public hearing on revised user and regulatory fees for FY 2021-2022
The City Council approved a consent agenda including water and wastewater rate adjustments with monthly billing, a $422,552 emergency repair for Saticoy Well No. 3, and a $151,980 warehouse contract. They also approved new memoranda of understanding with maintenance and police unions, adopted revised salary resolutions, and rescinded the Stage 2 water shortage emergency effective July 1, 2021. The cannabis permit process update was moved to a future meeting with no action taken.
- Approved water/wastewater rate adjustments and monthly billing (Ordinance 2021-009) (7-0)
- Approved emergency well rehabilitation for Saticoy Well No. 3 up to $422,552.74 (7-0)
- Approved $151,980 warehouse contract with General Parts Company (7-0)
- Approved MOUs with Ventura Maintenance Employees' Association and Police Officers' Association (7-0)
- Adopted revised salary resolutions for maintenance, police, and unrepresented employees (7-0)
- Rescinded Stage 2 water shortage emergency effective July 1, 2021 (7-0)
- Approved revised user and regulatory fees for FY 2021-2022 (7-0)
- Moved cannabis permit process update to future meeting, no action taken
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Parking Advisory Committee
The Parking Advisory Committee will review the FY 2021-2022 budget and discuss prioritizing projects for Downtown Parking District funds. The committee is also considering making a temporary emergency fee at the Harbor/California structure permanent.
- Proposal to make the $10.00 fee at the Harbor/California parking structure permanent
- Approval of the FY 2021-2022 Budget
- Review of Downtown Parking District Budget revenue and utilization
- Selection of projects for Capital/Program Funding Plan
- Update on Mission Park Parking Project bidding and construction
Historic Preservation Committee
The May 20, 2021 regular meeting of the City of San Buenaventura Historic Preservation Committee has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is June 3, 2021. The agenda contains no items for discussion or decision.
- Meeting cancelled for May 20, 2021 at 6:00 P.M.
- Next meeting scheduled for June 3, 2021
Design Review Committee
The May 19, 2021 regular meeting of the City of San Buenaventura Design Review Committee has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 2, 2021.
- Meeting cancelled by Assistant Community Development Director Neda Zayer
General Plan Advisory Committee
The May 18, 2021 regular meeting of the City of San Buenaventura General Plan Advisory Committee has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 15, 2021.
- Meeting cancelled by Assistant Community Development Director Neda Zayer
- Next regular GPAC meeting scheduled for June 15, 2021
City Council
The Ventura City Council will hold a public hearing on proposed five-year water and wastewater rate increases and rate structure changes, including a shift to monthly billing. The council will also receive department presentations for the Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget workshop. The meeting includes a closed session for litigation, performance evaluations, and labor negotiations.
- Public hearing on water and wastewater rate increases for FY 2022-2026
- Ordinance to adjust utility rates and implement monthly billing
- Ordinance to amend water shortage regulations and surcharge rates
- Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget Workshop #2
- Closed session: litigation, performance evaluations, labor negotiations
The City Council held a public hearing on proposed water, wastewater, and water shortage surcharge rate increases for fiscal years 2022-2026. After receiving insufficient written protests (1,035 for water, 1,013 for wastewater, 977 for water shortages, far below the majority thresholds), the Council voted 7-0 to approve the rate increases and introduce the ordinances, waiving first reading. The ordinances are set for a second reading and adoption at the May 24, 2021 meeting. The Council also held a budget workshop but took no action, agreeing to continue at a special June 7th meeting.
- Approved 5-year water, wastewater, and water shortage surcharge rate increases (7-0)
- Introduced ordinance to adjust water and wastewater rates and implement monthly billing (7-0)
- Introduced ordinance to adjust water shortage surcharge rates and update regulations (7-0)
- Set ordinances for second reading and adoption on May 24, 2021 (7-0)
- Determined ordinances are exempt from CEQA (7-0)
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Administrative Hearing Officer approved all three items on the agenda: an administrative variance for a residence at 4982 Lafayette Street, an administrative use permit for a bar/restaurant at 10 and 14 S. California Street, and a formal design review and administrative use permit for a car wash at 4107 East Main Street. Each approval was subject to conditions, and all projects were found categorically exempt from CEQA. The meeting minutes from April 15, 2021, were also approved.
- Approved April 15, 2021 meeting minutes
- Approved administrative variance for Esparza residence at 4982 Lafayette Street (rear yard setback reduced from 25 to 19 feet)
- Approved administrative use permit for Rocks and Drams at 10 and 14 S. California Street (Type 47 alcohol license)
- Approved formal design review and administrative use permit for The Wash car wash at 4107 East Main Street
Planning Commission
The Ventura Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to decide on a formal design review and planned development permit for a four-story personal storage building at 4451 Market Street. They will also receive a presentation on the General Plan Update and provide feedback. The meeting is held virtually due to COVID-19, with public comment options via email or live WebEx.
- Formal Design Review and Planned Development Permit for a 62,664 sq ft storage building at 4451 Market Street
- 44 on-site parking spaces on a 0.9-acre site in Manufacturing Planned Development zone
- General Plan Update presentation by Raimi and Associates
- Approval of April 28, 2021 meeting minutes
The Planning Commission approved the Coastal Storage project, a four-story 62,664 square-foot personal storage building with 44 parking spaces at 4451 Market Street, via Resolution No. CD-2021-06. The vote was 7-0. The commission also approved the April 28, 2021 meeting minutes as corrected, and received a presentation on the General Plan Update, providing input on housing, water resources, and land use.
- Approved Coastal Storage project (Formal Design Review and Planned Development Permit) at 4451 Market Street (7-0)
- Approved April 28, 2021 meeting minutes as corrected (6-0, with Vice-Chair Comden abstaining)
- Received General Plan Update presentation and provided input (informational only)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Arts & Culture Commission
The Arts & Culture Commission is meeting to receive a presentation on the General Plan Update and provide input, and to review and recommend a public art design for a utility box at Santa Clara Street and Oak Street. The meeting is held virtually due to COVID-19, with public comment options available.
- General Plan Update presentation and input
- Public art utility box design at Santa Clara Street and Oak Street (action item)
City Council
The City Council will consider a comprehensive revision to the City's Emergency Operations Plan, which has been released in advance for council and citizen review. The plan is available online for public access.
- Emergency Operations Plan update (Version 2-23-2021) released for council and public review
City Council
The Ventura City Council will hold a regular meeting with a closed session for labor negotiations and performance evaluations. The open session includes consent items on labor agreements, water infrastructure contracts, and a resolution urging state review of a SoCalGas compressor site.
- Resolution urging state agencies to fully review environmental, health, and safety issues at SoCalGas compressor site at 1555 North Olive Street
- Approval of Memoranda of Understanding with SEIU Local 721 and a side letter with Ventura Police Management Association for a 2.25% lump sum payment
- Amendment to agreement with Liberty Composting, Inc. for biosolids, increasing funding by $1,620,000 to a total not-to-exceed $2,810,000
- Authorization to apply for a $2,513,500 grant for the VenturaWaterPure program
- Amendment to outside counsel agreement with Best, Best & Krieger for California Water Impact Network litigation
The City Council adopted a resolution urging state agencies to fully review the environmental, health, and safety issues of Southern California Gas Company's compressor site at 1555 North Olive Street. It also approved a Local Coastal Program amendment to allow commercial cannabis businesses in the coastal zone, along with several consent items including labor agreements, a claims administration contract, and a biosolids agreement. The council approved Mills Act contracts for four historic landmarks and adopted the 2021-2022 Annual Action and Funding Plan for CDBG and HOME funds.
- Adopted Resolution 2021-030 urging state review of SoCalGas compressor site cleanup (7-0)
- Approved Local Coastal Program amendment to allow cannabis businesses in coastal zone (7-0)
- Approved Mills Act contracts for four historic landmarks (7-0)
- Adopted 2021-2022 Annual Action and Funding Plan for CDBG and HOME funds (7-0)
- Approved consent items including SEIU MOUs and salary resolutions (7-0)
- Approved second amendment to George Hills claims administration contract (7-0)
- Approved amendment to Liberty Composting biosolids agreement (7-0)
- Adopted 2021 Emergency Operations Plan with staff update amendment (7-0)
Historic Preservation Committee
The May 6, 2021 regular meeting of the City of San Buenaventura Historic Preservation Committee has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is May 20, 2021.
- Meeting cancelled
- Next meeting scheduled for May 20, 2021
Planning Commission
The Ventura Planning Commission will hold a special meeting to consider two development projects. The first is a continued item for the Hawaiian Village project at 998 Church Street, a Thomas Fire rebuild with 64 apartment units. The second is a new item for a 12-unit apartment building at 1926 Thompson Boulevard. Both require design review and other permits, and the commission will vote on whether to approve them.
- Hawaiian Village: 64-unit apartment rebuild at 998 Church Street, 81 parking spaces, 3.4-acre site
- Thompson Residential: 12-unit apartment building at 1926 Thompson Boulevard, including 2 live/work units, 23 parking spaces
- Both projects require Formal Design Review and exceptions; Thompson also needs a Coastal Development Permit
- Consent item: approval of March 10, 2021 meeting minutes
The Planning Commission approved two major housing projects. The Hawaiian Village project at 998 Church Street, a Thomas Fire rebuild with 64 apartment units, was approved 7-0 with conditions. The Thompson Residential Apartments at 1926 Thompson Boulevard, a 12-unit building with two live/work units, was also approved 7-0 with conditions. The meeting minutes from March 10, 2021, were approved 4-0 with three abstentions.
- Approved Hawaiian Village Design Review, Planned Development Permit, and Exception at 998 Church Street (7-0)
- Approved Thompson Residential Apartment Design Review, Coastal Development Permit, and Exception at 1926 Thompson Boulevard (7-0)
- Approved March 10, 2021 Planning Commission meeting minutes (4-0, 3 abstentions)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Design Review Committee
The regular Design Review Committee meeting scheduled for May 5, 2021, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2021.
- Meeting cancelled
- Next meeting: May 19, 2021
Housing and Homelessness Subcommittee
The Housing and Homelessness Subcommittee will consider renaming itself to better reflect its work on Safe & Clean, Affordable Housing, and Homelessness. Members will also receive and file an update from The Salvation Army on the Safe Sleep partnership and its other service efforts.
- Select an updated name for the Safe & Clean, Affordable Housing, and Homelessness Subcommittee
- Receive and file an update from The Salvation Army on the Safe Sleep partnership and other service efforts
Economic Development Subcommittee
The Economic Development Committee is meeting virtually due to COVID-19. They will receive an informational update on the COVID Gap Plan (no action required) and review the 2021 meeting calendar to avoid conflicts with other city meetings. The agenda also includes approval of the April 6, 2021 minutes and public communications.
- COVID Gap Plan update (information only)
- Review of 2021 meeting calendar for scheduling conflicts
- Approval of April 6, 2021 action minutes
Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee
The Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee will review the proposed FY 2021-2022 Measure O budget and affirm that projected revenues and recommended expenditures align with the Measure O Ordinance. The agenda includes a presentation on historical revenues, new budget requests, expenditures by project, the capital improvement program, and a 5-year outlook. The meeting will be held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Approve minutes from February 9, 2021 regular meeting
- Review proposed FY 2021-2022 Measure O budget
- Affirm budget consistency with Measure O Ordinance (No. 2016-016)
- Discuss Ventura Water spending on protecting water supply and conservation
Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee
The Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee is reviewing the proposed FY 2021-2022 Measure O budget. Public comment received before the meeting urges support for funding for the year-round shelter (Mercy House), Riverbottom cleanup, and related homeless services, while questioning a request for an on-site manager at Turning Point at River Haven.
- Proposed FY 2021-2022 Measure O budget
- Public comment from Judy Alexandre, chair of Ventura Social Services Task Force, requesting funding for Mercy House shelter and Riverbottom cleanup
- Discussion of funding for homeless services and housing needs
City Council
The City Council will meet for a special session to receive the proposed Fiscal Year 2021-22 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget. The meeting also includes consideration of an investment plan for one-time funding and adjustments regarding Southern California Edison Thomas Fire settlement funds.
- Receipt of the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Proposed Operating and Capital Improvement Budget
- Approval of the proposed Investment Plan for One-Time Funding
- Authorization to move Southern California Edison Thomas Fire settlement monies to the General Fund
- Closed session conference with legal counsel regarding Santa Barbara Channelkeeper v. State Water Resources Control Board and City of San Buenaventura
The City Council received the proposed Fiscal Year 2021-22 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget and approved the Investment Plan for One-Time Funding, including moving Southern California Edison Thomas Fire settlement monies to the General Fund. The motion carried 7-0. Discussions included fire station funding, personnel needs, and a future Fire Strategic Plan.
- Received FY 2021-22 Proposed Operating and Capital Improvement Budget (7-0)
- Approved Investment Plan for One-Time Funding and authorized creation of committed fund balance (7-0)
- Authorized Finance and Technology Department to appropriate Thomas Fire settlement funds to General Fund (7-0)
Planning Commission
The Ventura Planning Commission will consider two development projects: a 64-unit apartment rebuild at 998 Church Street (Hawaiian Village) and a mixed-use project at 1718 East Main Street with commercial space and 8 residential units. The commission will also approve the minutes from the March 10 meeting.
- Hawaiian Village: 64 apartments in 4 buildings, 81 parking spaces, 3.4-acre site
- Main Street Mixed-Use: 6,000 sq ft new building, rehab of 4,300 sq ft building, 8 units
- Both items are formal design reviews with recommendations to approve
- Public comment accepted via email by 4 pm or live via WebEx
- Meeting held remotely due to COVID-19
The Planning Commission approved the Main Street Mixed-Use Development (Project 14602) at 1718 East Main Street, including design review, exception, and lot line adjustment, with a 6-0 vote after an initial motion failed 3-3. The commission also continued the Hawaiian Village project (Project 13740) to May 5, 2021, and failed to approve the March 10, 2021 meeting minutes due to abstentions and an absence.
- Approved Main Street Mixed-Use Development (Project 14602) with conditions, including signage for parking (6-0)
- Continued Hawaiian Village project (Project 13740) to May 5, 2021 (6-0)
- Failed to approve March 10, 2021 meeting minutes due to abstentions and absence; deferred to next meeting
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Water Commission
The Ventura Water Commission will receive the 2021 Final Draft Comprehensive Water Resources Report and consider recommending that the City Council rescind the Stage 2 Water Shortage Event declaration, effective July 1, 2021. The report updates supply and demand projections, including a new drought-based demand adjustment, and incorporates public and commission comments.
- Recommendation to rescind Stage 2 Water Shortage Event, effective July 1, 2021
- 2021 supply projection of 16,345 acre-feet vs. demand projection of 15,631 acre-feet (with 10% drought adjustment)
- Rainfall at 3.42 inches (23% of normal) as of March 15, 2021
- Water loss factor updated to 6.15% based on 2020 state-required audit
- New drought adjustment: demand increased 5% if rainfall below 75% of normal, 10% if below 50%
Water Commission
The Ventura Water Commission is meeting to discuss and potentially recommend actions on several water management items, including the Draft 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, the 2021 Comprehensive Water Resources Report, and a proposed ordinance to adjust water and wastewater rates and implement monthly billing. The commission will also consider recommending the transfer of the city's State Water Project allocation for 2021.
- Draft 2020 Urban Water Management Plan presentation
- 2021 Final Draft Comprehensive Water Resources Report with recommendation to rescind Stage 2 Water Shortage Event effective July 1, 2021
- Recommendation to transfer State Water Project Table A Allocation for 2021 to San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency
- Ordinance to adjust water and wastewater service rates and charges and implement monthly billing
- Approve minutes of March 23, 2021 regular session and March 30, 2021 special meeting
The Ventura Water Commission voted 5-0 to recommend City Council rescind the Stage 2 Water Shortage Event declaration effective July 1, 2021, and to authorize transferring the City's 2021 State Water Project Table A allocation to San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency. The commission also received reports on the Draft 2020 Urban Water Management Plan and the 2021 Final Draft Comprehensive Water Resources Report, and discussed a proposed ordinance to adjust water and wastewater rates and implement monthly billing, but took no votes on those items.
- Approved minutes of March 23, 2021 regular meeting (5-0)
- Approved minutes of March 30, 2021 special meeting (5-0)
- Received 2021 Final Draft Comprehensive Water Resources Report (5-0)
- Recommended City Council rescind Stage 2 Water Shortage Event declaration effective July 1, 2021 (5-0)
- Recommended City Council authorize transfer of 2021 State Water Project Table A allocation to San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (5 roll-call votes)
City Council
The Ventura City Council will hold a public hearing on adopting the 2020 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan and consider extending an emergency ordinance that streamlines development approvals. The council will also vote on refinancing up to $26 million in outstanding obligations and extending the local emergency declaration.
- Refunding of up to $26 million in outstanding 2007/2010 certificates and 2012 bonds
- Adoption of 2020 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan
- Extension of Emergency Streamlining Ordinance (requires 4/5 vote)
- Reconfirming local emergency and extending it until July 10, 2021
- Transfer of $2 million in development impact fees to new fund
The City Council voted 6-1 to extend the Emergency Streamlining Ordinance (ESO) for one year, which temporarily supersedes parts of the municipal code to speed up development approvals. The extension includes conditions for community outreach and board collaboration, with updates to be provided to the Council during the extension. The Council also approved a $26 million refunding of certificates of participation, adopted the 2020 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan, and approved a settlement agreement with United Water Conservation District for a $1,002,083 refund.
- Extended Emergency Streamlining Ordinance for one year (6-1)
- Approved $26M refunding of 2007/2010 certificates of participation (7-0)
- Adopted 2020 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan (7-0)
- Approved settlement with United Water Conservation District for $1,002,083 refund (unanimous)
- Approved consent items including $400,697 traffic signal maintenance contract (7-0)
- Approved $59,800 cybersecurity forensic services amendment (7-0)
- Directed staff to draft resolution on SoCalGas compressor site testing (7-0)
- Requested staff to add 'respect' to Council protocols (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Historic Preservation Committee
The Historic Preservation Committee is meeting virtually to approve the minutes from the February 18, 2021 meeting. The body will receive presentations and provide feedback on the draft Citywide Historic Context Statement prepared by Historic Resources Group and the General Plan Update effort prepared by Raimi and Associates. No final decisions on these informational items are scheduled, only feedback.
- Approval of the February 18, 2021 meeting minutes
- Review of draft Citywide Historic Context Statement by Historic Resources Group
- Discussion of General Plan Update effort by Raimi and Associates
The committee approved the February 18, 2021 meeting minutes as amended (4-0). They also received presentations on the draft Citywide Historic Context Statement and the General Plan Update, providing feedback and comments on both, but took no formal action on these items.
- Approved February 18, 2021 meeting minutes as amended (4-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Design Review Committee
The April 21, 2021 regular meeting of the City of San Buenaventura Design Review Committee has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 5, 2021. No items were discussed or decided.
- Meeting cancelled for April 21, 2021 at 6:00 P.M.
- Next regular meeting scheduled for May 5, 2021
City Council
The City Council will receive a presentation of the completed Fire Department Operational Performance Study, conducted by Emergency Services Consulting International. The study evaluates current fire operations, staffing, and service delivery, and includes recommendations for short-, mid-, and long-term improvements. The council will discuss the findings and consider next steps.
- Presentation of Fire Department Operational Performance Study
- Study includes recommendations for staffing and deployment
- Report covers financial overview, including projected expenses through FY 24/25
- Study notes increased emergency service demand and demographic challenges
City Council
This is a special meeting of the Ventura City Council. The only formal item is a presentation on the Fire Department Operational Performance Study, with no specific action requested at this time. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19, and public comments are limited to agenda items.
- Fire Department Operational Performance Study (no action requested)
The City Council held a special meeting to receive a presentation on the Ventura Fire Department's operational performance from consultant Emergency Services Consulting International. No formal decisions were made; the item was informational only, with discussion covering potential new fire station needs, staffing, and response times. The meeting also noted the rescheduling of the budget presentation to a special meeting on May 3, 2021.
- Received Fire Department Operational Performance Study presentation (no vote)
- Rescheduled budget presentation to May 3, 2021 special meeting (reported by City Manager)
General Plan Advisory Committee
The General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) is meeting to discuss the 'plan drivers'—the key issues and opportunities shaping Ventura's General Plan over the next 20-30 years. Members will brainstorm strategies to address these drivers and prioritize them by impact. They will also review and give feedback on the approach for the first public workshop scheduled for April 29, 2021. The meeting is procedural and advisory, with no final decisions or votes on specific projects.
- Discussion of 'plan drivers' for the General Plan update
- Prioritization exercise to categorize plan drivers by high/medium/low impact
- Review of approach for the April 29, 2021 public workshop
- Public comments period at 8:15 pm
The General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) met to discuss and prioritize 'plan drivers' for Ventura's General Plan update. Members refined the list, adding new drivers like broadband access and public transportation, and ranked homelessness, water supply, and cost of housing as the top high-priority issues. The committee also provided feedback on the upcoming community workshop, emphasizing outreach to minority and Spanish-speaking populations.
- Prioritized plan drivers: homelessness, water supply, cost of housing ranked highest (81% high priority each)
- Added new plan drivers: safe access to open spaces, internet access/broadband, public transportation, city of neighborhoods
- Discussed strategies for housing, including utilizing brownfield sites and increasing density in focused areas
- Reviewed approach for first community workshop on April 29; feedback was positive with suggestions for outreach
- Heard public comments on family outflux, healthy food access, second train track, noise/light pollution, and project labor agreements
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Administrative Hearing Officer approved an Administrative Coastal Development Permit for three Mound Basin groundwater monitoring wells at the City of Ventura Wastewater Services facility, 1400 Spinnaker Drive. The approval included removal of Condition No. 4 and modification of Condition No. 8 to require compliance with the City's Noise Ordinance. The officer also directed staff and the City Attorney to review standard conditions for any inapplicable language. The meeting minutes from March 25, 2021, were approved as presented.
- Approved March 25, 2021 meeting minutes as presented
- Approved Coastal Development Permit for 3 groundwater monitoring wells at 1400 Spinnaker Drive, with conditions
- Removed Condition No. 4 from the permit
- Modified Condition No. 8 to require compliance with City's Noise Ordinance
- Directed staff and City Attorney to review standard conditions for inapplicable language
Parking Advisory Committee
The Downtown Parking Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss parking matters, including a public comment from a resident about the C St. parking lot. The commenter requests a monthly or annual pass option for the lot, citing the needs of surfers and beach-goers, and compares rates from Huntington Beach. The committee will consider this input in their discussions.
- Public comment from Sidney York requesting monthly/annual parking pass for C St. lot
- Comparison to Huntington Beach parking rates: $1.50/hour, $15/day, $150/year
- Discussion of potential pass system with rear-view mirror hang tags and member ID check-in
Parking Advisory Committee
The Downtown Parking Advisory Committee will discuss and prioritize a list of capital projects and programs funded by the Downtown Parking District, including a long-term parking study, signage, and security upgrades. They will also receive a monthly update on parking revenue and utilization, and approve the minutes from the March 18 meeting. The meeting is held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Long Term Parking Study – $209,000
- Electronic Parking Space Information Signage at Santa Clara Street Parking Structure – $50,000-$120,000
- Replacement of parking payment system at Harbor Blvd Parking Structure – $300,000
- Increased Security Presence (Ambassador) – $150,000/year
- Police Security (One additional Police Officer) – $200,000/year
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission will receive an overview of the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) process, discuss options for rebuilding the Marina Park Playground, and consider forming a three-person subcommittee for public outreach. The meeting also includes approval of the March 10, 2021 minutes and public comment opportunities.
- Overview of City's CIP process from Public Works director Phil Nelson
- Discussion of Marina Park Playground rebuild options
- Proposal to form a three-person commission subcommittee for public outreach on playground options
- Approval of regular meeting minutes from March 10, 2021
Planning Commission
The April 14, 2021 regular meeting of the City of San Buenaventura Planning Commission has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 28, 2021. The agenda contains only the cancellation notice and declaration, with no items for discussion or decision.
- Regular meeting cancelled
- Next meeting scheduled for April 28, 2021
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to discuss agenda items, including public comments about the Marina Park playground that has remained closed since COVID-19 and other park maintenance concerns. The agenda is largely procedural, with public comments highlighting specific issues.
- Public comment: Marina Park playground closed since COVID, never reopened
- Public comment: Nine concerns at Marina Park, including dog water fountains, bird noise device, squirrel damage, missing benches
- Public comment: Question about when Marina Park playground will be fixed
Arts & Culture Commission
The Ventura Arts & Culture Commission will hold a regular meeting to elect a Vice Chair and review public art proposals, including a mural on Wall Street and utility box designs at several intersections. The meeting will be held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Election of Vice Chair for 2021
- Review mural design on Wall Street between Cedar Street and East Park Row Avenue
- Review utility box art at Santa Clara Street & Oak Street
- Review utility box art at Telephone Road & Ramelli Avenue
- Review utility box art at Telegraph Road & Day Road
Finance, Audit & Budget Committee
The Finance, Audit & Budget Committee is meeting to review the proposed FY 2021-2022 operating and capital improvement budget, receive a presentation on sales tax revenues, and approve minutes from a prior meeting. The meeting is held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Review of FY 2021-2022 Proposed Operating and Capital Improvement Budget
- Receive presentation from MuniServices regarding Sales Tax Revenues
- Approve minutes from Special Meeting of April 1, 2021
Finance, Audit & Budget Committee
The Finance, Audit & Budget Committee will receive a presentation from Muni Services regarding sales tax revenues. This is the only substantive item on the agenda; the rest is procedural information about public communications and supplemental packets.
- Presentation from Muni Services on Sales Tax Revenues
City Council
The Ventura City Council will consider consent items including a $765,000 cybersecurity services agreement, a $200,000 contract amendment for permit processing, and authorization to apply for a $10 million water reclamation grant. Public hearings will address CARES Act Community Development Block Grant funding and 2021-2022 CDBG applications. Formal items include a 5-year agreement with the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau and updates on the General Plan and Active Transportation Plan.
- Approve 3-year cybersecurity services agreement with NovaCoast Inc. for up to $765,000
- Authorize application for up to $10,000,000 Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART grant for VenturaWaterPure
- Adopt ordinances amending downtown parking district boundaries and prevailing wage compliance
- Approve $180,600 Downtown Ventura Partners maintenance agreement, extendable to $903,000
- Public hearing on CARES Act CDBG funding recommendations and 2021-2022 CDBG applications
The City Council approved the consent agenda (items 9A-9M) unanimously, including a $200,000 contract amendment for permit services, a cybersecurity agreement, and two ordinances. They also approved CARES Act Community Development Block Grant funding recommendations and a 5-year agreement with the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau. The General Plan Update was continued past 11 p.m., and the Active Transportation Plan was moved to a future meeting.
- Approved consent agenda items 9A-9M (7-0)
- Approved $200,000 contract amendment for Stuart Consulting Services (7-0)
- Approved 3-year cybersecurity agreement with NovaCoast Inc. (7-0)
- Approved CARES Act CDBG funding recommendations (7-0)
- Approved 5-year agreement with Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau (7-0)
- Appointed Mark Abbe and Jenny Lagerquist to Planning Commission (7-0)
- Continued General Plan Update past 11 p.m. (7-0)
- Moved Active Transportation Plan to future meeting (7-0)
Historic Preservation Committee
The April 8, 2021 regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Committee has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is April 22, 2021.
- Meeting cancelled
- Next meeting April 22, 2021
Design Review Committee
The Design Review Committee will hold a virtual meeting to consider two development proposals: a 3,900-square-foot express car wash at 4107 East Main Street and a four-story, 62,664-square-foot self-storage building at 4451 Market Street. The committee will also approve the minutes from the March 17, 2021 meeting. Public comments can be submitted by email or live via WebEx.
- Formal Design Review and Administrative Use Permit for express car wash at 4107 East Main Street (3,900 sq ft, 0.5-acre site)
- Formal Design Review and Planned Development Permit for self-storage building at 4451 Market Street (62,664 sq ft, 36 parking spaces, 0.9-acre site)
- Approval of March 17, 2021 meeting minutes
The Design Review Committee approved the minutes from the March 17, 2021 meeting with an amendment regarding a sound wall. The committee recommended the Administrative Hearing Officer approve the formal design review for an express car wash at 4107 East Main Street. It also recommended the Planning Commission approve a self-storage building at 4451 Market Street, subject to design changes. The April 21, 2021 meeting was cancelled.
- Approved the March 17, 2021 meeting minutes with an amendment to the sound wall design for PROJ-14788, requiring it to drop to 42 inches at the front yard setback.
- Recommended approval of the formal design review for PROJ-14536, a 3,900 sq ft express car wash at 4107 East Main Street, to the Administrative Hearing Officer (5-0).
- Recommended approval of the design for PROJ-14609, a four-story self-storage building at 4451 Market Street, to the Planning Commission, with conditions including adding a vine to the trellis, changing tree species to Tipuana Tipu, wrapping CMU block material, and rotating rooftop equipment screening (5-0).
- Cancelled the April 21, 2021 meeting.
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Housing and Homelessness Subcommittee
The Safe & Clean, Affordable Housing, and Homelessness Subcommittee will consider renaming itself, receive an end-of-season report on winter weather response, and hear updates on homelessness efforts including the Safe & Clean Communications Plan, Lift Up Our Voice, and River Haven. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19.
- Action: Select an updated name for the Safe & Clean, Affordable Housing, and Homelessness Subcommittee
- Information: End of season report for 2020/21 winter weather response
- Action: Add additional public comment to the end of the meeting
- Information: Update on Safe & Clean Communications Plan regarding homelessness
- Information: Update from Lift Up Our Voice to End Homelessness and River Haven
The Housing and Homelessness Subcommittee unanimously approved extending the outreach worker partnership with the County. The subcommittee also selected Councilmember Brown as Chair and Councilmember Johnson as Vice Chair. No public comment was received, and no prior minutes were available for approval.
- Approved extension of the outreach worker partnership with the County (motion by Halter, second by Johnson, passed unanimously).
- Selected Councilmember Brown as Chair and Councilmember Johnson as Vice Chair (motion by Brown, second by Johnson, passed unanimously).
Economic Development Subcommittee
The Economic Development Committee is considering a request to extend the Emergency Streamlining Ordinance by one year. Public comments in the packet are split: one supports the extension, while two residents urge a shorter extension or none, citing concerns about reduced oversight by advisory boards.
- Agenda Item 2: Emergency Streamlining Ordinance extension request
- Public comment from Ventura Chamber of Commerce supporting extension
- Public comments from two residents opposing one-year extension, suggesting 2-3 months max
- Comments reference Main Street Moves already extended to 2022
Economic Development Subcommittee
The Economic Development Committee will receive updates on the COVID Gap Plan and the Emergency Streamlining Ordinance, and will consider supporting a one-year extension of the ordinance. The meeting is held virtually due to COVID-19, with public comment options listed.
- Update on COVID Gap Plan status
- Consideration of one-year extension to Emergency Streamlining Ordinance
- Approve minutes from March 2, 2021
Economic Development Subcommittee
The Economic Development Strategy Committee is meeting to consider a proposed one-year extension of the Emergency Streamlining Ordinance, which was created to help businesses adapt during COVID-19. Public comments are split, with some residents urging the committee not to extend it and others supporting the extension as critical for recovery. The agenda packet also includes a resident's questions about the city's business development plan regarding ARP revenue, commercial vacancies, and workforce retention.
- Proposed one-year extension of the Emergency Streamlining Ordinance
- Public comments opposing extension from Carol Spector, Wendy Sauter, Robert Guthrie
- Public comments supporting extension from Stephanie Caldwell, Katie Fornadel, Josh Damigo, and others
- Resident Bob Alviani questions city's plan for $27.6M ARP revenue and $10M loss from Players Club fees
- Questions about filling commercial vacancies and retaining local workforce
Finance, Audit & Budget Committee
The Finance, Audit & Budget Committee is meeting to review financial plans and guidelines. The agenda includes a review of a proposed reimbursement plan for American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 stimulus funds and draft spending guidelines for the General Fund unassigned fund balance.
- Review Proposed Reimbursement Plan for Stimulus Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
- Review Draft Spending Guidelines for General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance
- Approval of minutes from the Special Meeting of Tuesday, March 3, 2021
Finance, Audit & Budget Committee
The Finance, Audit & Budget Committee will review a proposed reimbursement plan for stimulus funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The agenda includes public communications with questions about how the funds will spur the local economy, address budget shortfalls, and support jobs and tourism.
- Review proposed reimbursement plan for American Rescue Plan Act funds
- Questions raised about Main Street Moves ($1.5m) and City Hall Repairs ($1.8m) economic impact
- Concerns about negative budget projections over next 5 years and $10 million loss from Players Club taxes
- Inquiry about plans to fill commercial vacancies and partner with Pacific View Mall
- Questions about increasing jobs and retaining local workforce
Water Commission
The Ventura Water Commission is holding a special meeting to review the Final Draft 2020 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan and a proposed ordinance amending water conservation and shortage regulations and rates. The Commission will provide feedback and may recommend approval to the City Council. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19.
- Final Draft 2020 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan (WSECP) recommended for City Council approval
- Proposed ordinance amending Water Conservation Regulations and Water Shortage Regulations and Rates
- Staff recommends rainfall-based demand adjustments: 5% if rainfall below 75% of normal, 10% if below 50% of normal
- Plan includes water shortage surcharge rates and mandatory conservation stages
- Public comments accepted via email or WebEx during the meeting
The Ventura Water Commission voted 7-0 to recommend City Council approve the Final Draft 2020 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan, with amendments adding a footnote about State Water Project supply projections and replacing "weather" with "climate" where appropriate. The Commission also voted 7-0 to recommend City Council approve an ordinance amending water conservation and shortage regulations, with modifications to remove criminal liability for noncompliance and clarify that surcharge rates apply only at Stage 2 shortages. Both items were approved unanimously and will go to City Council for final action.
- Approved recommendation to City Council for the Final Draft 2020 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan, with a footnote to Table 1-1 and wording change from 'weather' to 'climate' (7-0).
- Approved recommendation to City Council for the ordinance amending water conservation and shortage regulations, removing criminal liability and adding a Stage 2 clause to Section 22.171.060 (7-0).
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
City Council
This is a special meeting consisting solely of a closed session, with no public action items. The council will discuss labor negotiations with several employee organizations, including SEIU Local 721, VMEA, VFMA, VCFA, VPOA, and unrepresented employees. Public comment is limited to closed session items and can be submitted electronically.
- Closed session conference with labor negotiators for SEIU Local 721, VMEA, VFMA, VCFA, VPOA, and unrepresented employees
- City negotiators: City Manager Alex D. McIntyre and HR Director Danielle Keys
- Public comments accepted via email or online form by 2:00 p.m. on meeting date
- Live public comment registration deadline: Noon on meeting date
The Ventura City Council met in a special closed session on March 29, 2021, to confer with labor negotiators regarding employee organizations. The session was held via teleconference, and no public comments were received. The meeting adjourned with no reportable action taken.
- Held closed session to confer with labor negotiators
- No reportable action taken
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Administrative Hearing Officer approved two Alcohol Use Permits for restaurants, both as conditioned. The first was for Grapes and Hops Restaurant at 454 East Main Street, and the second for Caribbean Haven Restaurant at 1780 South Victoria Avenue, Suite E. The meeting minutes from February 25, 2021, were also approved. No public comments were made.
- Approved February 25, 2021 meeting minutes as presented
- Approved Alcohol Use Permit for Grapes and Hops Restaurant at 454 East Main Street, as conditioned
- Approved Alcohol Use Permit for Caribbean Haven Restaurant at 1780 South Victoria Avenue, Suite E, as conditioned
Water Commission
The Ventura Water Commission will receive a staff presentation and provide comments on the 2021 Draft Comprehensive Water Resources Report (CWRR). The report updates the city's water supply and demand projections and, using a new methodology, indicates no water shortage event is triggered for fiscal year 2021-22, potentially allowing the city to rescind the current Stage 2 water shortage declaration. The commission's feedback will be incorporated into a final draft for City Council consideration in May 2021.
- Proposal to use a 5-year average demand baseline instead of 10-year average, reflecting lower water use since 2015
- Updated water loss factor of 6.15% based on the most recent state-required audit
- Supply projection of 16,345 acre-feet vs. demand projection of 14,210 acre-feet for 2021, a 15% surplus
- Recommendation to rescind the Stage 2 Water Shortage Event (10% mandatory conservation) effective July 2020
- Public comments on the draft accepted until April 1, 2021, via email to [email protected]
Water Commission
The Ventura Water Commission will receive updates on Ventura Water's financial status, the Ventura River Litigation, and the 2021 Draft Comprehensive Water Resources Report, and will consider scheduling a special meeting for March 30, 2021. The meeting will be held electronically due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Financial update: Water Fund expenses projected $5.8M under budget; Wastewater Fund $2.3M under budget
- Ventura River Litigation: update on proposed Physical Solution
- 2021 Draft Comprehensive Water Resources Report for comment
- Special meeting scheduled for March 30, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.
- Approve minutes of February 23, 2021 regular session
The Ventura Water Commission approved the February 23, 2021 meeting minutes and scheduled a special meeting for March 30, 2021. Both motions passed 5-0, with Commissioner McCord abstaining. The commission also received informational updates on finances, Ventura River litigation, and the 2021 Draft Comprehensive Water Resources Report, but took no votes on those items.
- Approved February 23, 2021 meeting minutes (5-0)
- Approved special meeting for March 30, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
City Council
The Ventura City Council will hold a public hearing to declare results of majority protest proceedings and form the Ventura Tourism Marketing District, which would levy assessments on lodging businesses. The consent calendar includes several contracts and ordinance amendments, including a street resurfacing contract, a janitorial services contract, and amendments to municipal codes on purchasing and public works.
- Form Ventura Tourism Marketing District and levy assessments on lodging businesses
- Approve $756,038 street resurfacing contract for Telephone Road (Saratoga to Victoria)
- Award $1,513,191 janitorial services contract to US Metro Group, Inc.
- Approve $269,927 waterline replacement contract for Pierpont Lanes, Devon and Weymouth
- Amend municipal code on purchasing, contracts, and public works; add prevailing wage compliance chapter
The City Council approved a motion to receive the Water Commission's recommendation for proposed five-year water and wastewater base rates and water shortage rates as maximum potential increases, with annual rate check-ins. It also accepted the final Cost of Service and Rate Design Study and authorized staff to proceed with Proposition 218 noticing and a public hearing on May 17, 2021. The motion passed 7-0.
- Approved the addendum to the Community Memorial Health Systems lease to enable hospital debt refinancing, with a deletion of a provision allowing HUD to acquire property without Council consent.
- Approved the County Outreach Partnership extension with Ventura County through June 30, 2024, and authorized the City Manager to act as agent.
- Introduced ordinances to amend Downtown Parking District boundaries and purchasing/contracts code, with second readings set for April 12, 2021.
- Awarded a $756,038 public works contract to Toro Enterprises for street resurfacing on Telephone Road, with a contingency and budget increase.
- Awarded a $1,513,191 janitorial services contract to US Metro Group, with amendments up to $4,605,294 over five years.
- Awarded a $269,927 waterline replacement contract to J. Vega Engineering for Pierpont Lanes, Devon, and Weymouth.
- Formed the Ventura Tourism Marketing District, levying assessments on lodging businesses (Resolution 2021-016).
- Adopted the Fiscal Years 2020-2026 Capital Improvement Program, including several new projects and separate resolutions for projects with potential conflicts of interest.
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Design Review Committee
The Design Review Committee will consider three development projects, including a 72-townhome proposal at 2400 Channel Drive, a mixed-use building at 1718 East Main Street, and a 12-unit apartment building at 1926 Thompson Boulevard. The committee will vote on whether to recommend approval of each project's design to the Planning Commission, with specific design changes suggested for each.
- 72 townhomes proposed at 2400 Channel Drive (PROJ-14778)
- Mixed-use building with 8 residential units at 1718 East Main Street (PROJ-14602)
- 12-unit apartment building with 2 affordable units at 1926 Thompson Boulevard (PROJ-10084)
- Consent item: approval of March 3, 2021 meeting minutes
- Public comments accepted via email or live WebEx until 4:00 pm on meeting date
The Design Review Committee voted 3-0 to recommend the Planning Commission approve the Haley Point project, a 72-townhome development at 2400 Channel Drive, with design conditions including relocating the driveway to Arcade Drive, stepping down the sound wall height, and removing cupolas. The committee also recommended approval for two other projects: a mixed-use development at 1718 East Main Street and a 12-unit apartment building at 1926 Thompson Boulevard, each with specific design modifications. The minutes from the March 3, 2021 meeting were approved with a 2-1 vote, with Chair Antelman abstaining.
- Approved the March 3, 2021 meeting minutes (2-1, with one abstention).
- Recommended Planning Commission approval of the Haley Point project (72 townhomes) with design conditions (3-0).
- Recommended Planning Commission approval of the Main Street Mixed-Use Development with design conditions (3-0).
- Recommended Planning Commission approval of the Thompson Residential Apartment project with design conditions (3-0).
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
Mobile Home Rent Review Board
The Mobile Home Rent Review Board is holding a special meeting to approve minutes from a December 2020 meeting and receive an information-only update on recent rent increases for mobile home parks under the city's rent stabilization ordinance. The meeting is conducted remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Approve minutes from December 21, 2020 special meeting
- Staff update on mobile home park rent increases from December 20, 2020 to March 16, 2021
The Mobile Home Rent Review Board held a special virtual meeting with only three members present. The board approved the minutes from the December 21, 2020 special meeting in a 3-0 vote. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included informational updates only.
- Approved minutes from December 21, 2020 special meeting (3-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
General Plan Advisory Committee
The General Plan Advisory Committee is holding its second meeting to review Ventura's demographic profile, discuss the community engagement plan, and share results from preliminary community engagement. Members will brainstorm key issues and opportunities in breakout groups, then report back. The meeting is informational and discussion-focused, with no formal decisions or votes scheduled.
- Review of Community Demographic Profile
- Discussion of Public Engagement Plan
- Results of Community Issues and Opportunities Survey
- Breakout groups on key issues and engagement strategies
- Public comment period via Zoom registration
The General Plan Advisory Committee held its second meeting to review Ventura's demographic profile and community engagement plan, and to discuss preliminary engagement results. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was a discussion and brainstorming session. The committee identified key issues such as housing affordability, transportation, and climate, and proposed outreach strategies for various community groups.
- No formal decisions were made; the meeting was for discussion and input.
- Reviewed Ventura's demographic profile, noting a declining middle-aged population and income inequality.
- Discussed the community engagement plan and provided input on reaching specific groups.
- Brainstormed key issues and opportunities, including housing, transportation, and climate.
- Identified outreach strategies for Hispanic/Latino, lower-income, renter, youth, and disabled populations.
- Heard public comments on parking, park safety, and walkability.
City Council
The Ventura City Council is holding a regular meeting with three workshop items: a Brown Act training session, a land use overview, and a broadband presentation. The meeting is conducted electronically due to COVID-19 restrictions. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.
- Brown Act Workshop for City Council
- Land Use Overview presentation
- Broadband Workshop presentation
- Proclamation for Irish Heritage Month
- County of Ventura Business Assistant Grant Program announcement
The City Council met in a regular session and held three informational workshops: a Brown Act training, a land use overview, and a broadband deployment update. No formal decisions or votes were taken during the meeting; the broadband discussion concluded with Council agreeing to review the Magellan study further and schedule a second workshop in late summer.
- No formal votes or decisions taken; workshops held on Brown Act, land use, and broadband
- Council agreed to delay broadband direction pending review of Magellan study
- City Manager suggested second broadband workshop in late summer
Planning Commission
The Ventura Planning Commission will elect a chair and vice-chair, approve minutes, and hold a public hearing on a design review for a new apartment project. They will also review two new capital improvement projects for General Plan conformance.
- Election of Planning Commission Chair and Vice-Chair for 2021
- Approval of December 9, 2020 meeting minutes
- General Plan Conformance Review of two new Capital Improvement Plan work plans: City Hall East Boiler Replacement (Project 72156) and Upgrade of Co-Generation System (Project 74103)
- Formal Design Review, Coastal Development Permit Amendment, and Exception for Garden Estates at 32 S. Garden Street: two 3-story apartment buildings (11 units) and conversion of two existing apartments to low-income units
The Planning Commission approved the Garden Estates design review, coastal development permit amendment, and exception for two new 3-story apartment buildings at 32 S. Garden Street, with conditions including one parking space per unit. The vote was 4-1, with Commissioner Zucker dissenting. The Commission also re-elected Jane Farkas as Chair and David Comden as Vice-Chair for 2021, and approved a resolution finding two new capital improvement projects in conformance with the General Plan.
- Re-elected Jane Farkas as Chair and David Comden as Vice-Chair for 2021 (5-0).
- Approved the December 9, 2020 meeting minutes (4-0, with one abstention).
- Adopted Resolution CD-2021-01, finding two new capital improvement projects in conformance with the General Plan (5-0).
- Approved Resolution CD-2021-02 for the Garden Estates project, with conditions (4-1).
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a regular meeting with consent items including approval of minutes and election of officers. Due to Bill McReynolds' resignation, the commission will consider moving Don Wood to Chair and selecting a new Vice-Chair. The meeting will be held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Approval of February 10, 2021 meeting minutes
- Election of officers: Don Wood to Chair, new Vice-Chair to be selected
- Parting comments from former Chair Bill McReynolds
Arts & Culture Commission
The Arts & Culture Commission will meet to elect a Chair and Vice Chair for the 2021 calendar year. The commission will also review design proposals for a public art mural and a utility box.
- Election of Chair and Vice Chair for the 2021 calendar year
- Design review and approval for a public art mural at 3354 Loma Vista Road and Saint Pauls Drive
- Design review and approval for a public art utility box at Loma Vista Road & Ashwood Avenue
- Presentation on the commission's role in reviewing public art mural and utility box designs
- Introduction of a public art mural project on Wall Street between Cedar Street and East Park Row Avenue
City Council
The Ventura City Council will hold a regular meeting with a closed session on litigation, followed by consent items and a public hearing. Key decisions include approving a $842,000 cannabis consulting contract, adopting new commercial cannabis permit fees, and declaring an emergency for harbor dredging. The meeting is conducted electronically due to COVID-19.
- Approve $842,000 cannabis consulting contract with Hinderliter de Llamas & Associates (2021-2026)
- Adopt new Commercial Cannabis Permit Application Fees, effective April 1, 2021
- Declare emergency for Ventura Inner Harbor Stub Channel dredging, authorizing emergency permits
- Authorize $114,500 amendment to Nossaman LLP legal services agreement
- Approve $294,969.89 for Arroyo Verde playground components
The Ventura City Council approved a consent agenda including a $842,000 cannabis consulting contract, a new cannabis business permit fee schedule effective April 1, 2021, and an emergency dredging declaration for the Ventura Keys. They also approved two new positions for the VenturaWaterPure project and reappointed Paul Meehan to an air pollution advisory committee. The meeting was held via teleconference due to COVID-19 protocols.
- Approved consent items 9A-9M, including a $842,000 cannabis consulting contract with Hinderliter de Llamas & Associates.
- Adopted Resolution 2021-015 establishing commercial cannabis business permit fees, effective April 1, 2021.
- Adopted Resolution 2021-014 declaring an emergency for Ventura Inner Harbor Stub Channel dredging.
- Authorized two new full-time positions for the VenturaWaterPure project.
- Reappointed Paul Meehan to the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District Advisory Committee.
- Approved the purchase of playground components for Arroyo Verde Park for $294,969.89.
- Approved the appointment of William McReynolds to the General Plan Advisory Committee.
- Approved the reappointment of Councilmember Lorrie Brown as voting delegate for SCAG's 2021 General Assembly.
Historic Preservation Committee
The City of San Buenaventura Historic Preservation Committee's regular meeting scheduled for March 4, 2021, at 6:00 P.M. has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is March 18, 2021. This agenda contains only the cancellation notice and no items for discussion or decision.
- Regular meeting of March 4, 2021 cancelled
- Next meeting scheduled for March 18, 2021
Design Review Committee
The Ventura Design Review Committee will hold a virtual meeting to review two formal items: a Thomas Fire rebuild of 64 apartment units at 998 Church Street and a mixed-use building with 19 units at 102 S. Garden Street. The committee will forward design recommendations to the Planning Commission for both projects. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and public communications.
- PROJ-13740: 64-unit apartment rebuild at 998 Church Street, 81 parking spaces, 3.4 acres
- PROJ-11836: 4-story mixed-use building at 102 S. Garden Street, 19 units, 21 parking spaces
- Consent item: approval of Jan 20 and Feb 17, 2021 meeting minutes
- Public comments accepted via email by 4 pm or live via WebEx
The Design Review Committee approved forwarding design recommendations for the Samet Apartments project at 102 S. Garden Street to the Planning Commission, with a 4-0 vote. The committee also failed to forward design recommendations for the Hawaiian Village project at 998 Church Street, with a 2-2 vote. Both items were formal design reviews for proposed developments.
- Approved forwarding Samet Apartments design recommendations to Planning Commission (4-0)
- Failed to forward Hawaiian Village design recommendations to Planning Commission (2-2)
- Approved January 20, 2021 meeting minutes (4-0)
- Approved February 17, 2021 meeting minutes (3-0, 1 abstention)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Finance, Audit & Budget Committee
The Finance, Audit and Budget Committee will meet virtually to approve minutes, elect a chair and vice-chair, and discuss recommending revisions to Municipal Code 4.600 on purchasing, contracts, and public works. They will also consider refunding outstanding 2007 and 2010 Certificates of Participation and 2012 Lease Revenue Refunding Bonds, and approving engagement of professional services. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19, with public comment options via WebEx, email, or form.
- Approve minutes from January 6, 2021 special meeting
- Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
- Recommend revisions to Municipal Code 4.600 (purchasing, contracts, public works)
- Recommend refunding 2007/2010 Certificates of Participation and 2012 Lease Revenue Refunding Bonds
- Discuss upcoming meeting schedule (April 13, 2021) and topics (Sales Tax Review, FY 2021-2022 Budget)
Housing and Homelessness Subcommittee
The Housing and Homelessness Subcommittee will meet to select a Chair and Vice Chair. The meeting includes updates on the Foul Weather Shelter and the Downtown Ventura Partners Park Ambassador program.
- Selection of Chair and Vice Chair for the subcommittee
- Approval of extension for outreach worker partnership with the County
- Update on Foul Weather Shelter activation for the winter season
- Update from Downtown Ventura Partners regarding the Park Ambassador program
Economic Development Subcommittee
The Economic Development Committee will select a Chair and Vice Chair, review and approve the 2021 meeting calendar, and receive informational updates on the COVID Gap Plan and Q3 2020 sales tax. Public participation is available electronically due to COVID-19 closures.
- Select Chair/Vice Chair for the Economic Development Committee
- Approve 2021 meeting calendar (1st Tuesday monthly, with May and November ending at 5:00 p.m., August dark)
- Receive update on COVID Gap Plan (information only)
- Receive Q3 2020 sales tax update (information only)
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Administrative Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing to consider two alcohol use permit requests: one for Fresh Grill at 1946 East Thompson Boulevard and another for Transmission Brewing at 1098 East Front Street. The meeting also includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes and public communications. Both projects are categorically exempt from CEQA as existing facilities.
- Fresh Grill: Alcohol Use Permit (Type 47) for 1,883 sq ft restaurant with 1,565 sq ft patio at 1946 East Thompson Boulevard
- Transmission Brewing: Alcohol Use Permit (Type 23) to expand service to roof deck and outdoor area at 1098 East Front Street
- Approval of February 11, 2021 meeting minutes
- Public comments accepted via email or live WebEx
The Administrative Hearing Officer approved two alcohol use permits. The first was for Fresh Grill at 1946 East Thompson Boulevard, allowing a Type 47 license for a restaurant with a patio. The second was for Transmission Brewing at 1098 East Front Street, allowing a Type 23 license to expand alcohol service to a roof deck and outdoor area. Both approvals were made as presented and conditioned, and both projects were found categorically exempt from CEQA.
- Approved Alcohol Use Permit for Fresh Grill (Type 47) at 1946 East Thompson Blvd, as conditioned
- Approved Alcohol Use Permit for Transmission Brewing (Type 23) at 1098 East Front St, as conditioned
- Approved February 11, 2021 meeting minutes as presented
City Council
The City Council approved consent items including two cannabis ordinances (2021-004 and 2021-005) on second reading, a $204,401 construction contract for Midtown Commons parking lot improvements, and a $157,925 water treatment consultant agreement. The council also adopted City Council Protocols (Resolution 2021-010), approved Budget Principles for FY 2021-2022, and adopted the 2021-2022 City Council Goals. The cannabis ordinances passed 4-3, with Councilmembers Sanchez-Palacios, Johnson, and Mayor Rubalcava voting no.
- Adopted cannabis ordinances 2021-004 and 2021-005 (4-3)
- Approved $204,401 construction contract to FS Contractors for Midtown Commons parking lot (7-0)
- Approved $157,925 professional services agreement with Kennedy/Jenks for water treatment (7-0)
- Adopted City Council Protocols as amended, Resolution 2021-010 (7-0)
- Approved Budget Principles for FY 2021-2022 (7-0)
- Adopted 2021-2022 City Council Goals (5-2)
- Approved appointment of Friedman and Sanchez-Palacios to Ventura Water Pure Ad Hoc Committee (7-0)
- Authorized $50,000 amendment to outside counsel for United Water Conservation District litigation (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Water Commission
The Ventura Water Commission will receive an update on the Draft 2020 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan (WSECP), which is being developed alongside the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan. The draft incorporates new state requirements, including six standard shortage levels, annual supply and demand assessments, and communication protocols. The Commission may provide verbal feedback at the meeting or written comments until March 2, 2021. The final draft will be presented to the Commission on March 23 and to City Council for approval in April.
- Draft 2020 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan (WSECP) update
- New state requirements: six shortage levels, annual assessments, communication protocols
- Revisions to Water Conservation Ordinance and Water Shortage Regulation and Rates Ordinance
- Potential update to penalty section of Water Conservation Ordinance
- Public comments accepted until March 2, 2021
Water Commission
The Ventura Water Commission is meeting to discuss and potentially recommend approval of a draft interagency agreement for the State Water Interconnection Project, as well as receive updates on the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan and the Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan. The meeting is held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Draft Construction/Operation Interagency Agreement for State Water Interconnection Project with United Water Conservation District, Casitas Municipal Water District, and Calleguas Municipal Water District
- 2020 Urban Water Management Plan update schedule
- Draft 2020 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan
- State Water Interconnection Project update
- Approve minutes of December 15, 2020 regular session
The Ventura Water Commission voted 4-0 to recommend that the City Council approve the draft Construction/Operation Interagency Agreement for the State Water Interconnection Project, with the condition that legal staff consult with other agencies to potentially add a dispute resolution provision and further define 'reasonable judgment' in Section 11. The Commission also gave the Ventura Water General Manager authority to make final edits consistent with the agreement's general terms. The Commission approved the minutes of the December 15, 2020 meeting (corrected to January 26, 2021) and received informational reports on the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan update schedule and the Draft 2020 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan, with no votes taken on those items.
- Approved minutes of the December 15, 2020 meeting, corrected to January 26, 2021, by a 5-0 vote.
- Recommended to City Council the draft Construction/Operation Interagency Agreement for the State Water Interconnection Project, with conditions, by a 4-0 vote.
- Authorized the Ventura Water General Manager to make final edits to the agreement, provided general terms do not change.
- Received the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan update schedule (no vote).
- Received the Draft 2020 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan (no vote).
- Received an update on the State Water Interconnection Project (no vote).
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
City Council
The Ventura City Council will hold a public hearing on establishing a Tourism Marketing District and consider final adoption of two ordinances allowing commercial cannabis businesses in certain zones. The consent calendar includes contracts for parking lot improvements, water treatment consulting, and legal services, plus a lease extension. A study session will review the proposed 2020-2026 Capital Improvement Program.
- Second reading of ordinance to allow commercial cannabis businesses (Chapter 6.420)
- Second reading of ordinance to allow cannabis activities in certain zones (Section 24.105.200)
- Public hearing on establishing Ventura Tourism Marketing District
- Award $204,401 contract to FS Contractors for Midtown Commons Parking Lot Improvements
- Approve $173,717.50 agreement with Kennedy/Jenks for water treatment plant improvements
The February 22, 2021 regular meeting of the Ventura City Council was continued to February 24, 2021 because of a lack of quorum and a Spectrum internet outage. No substantive decisions were made at this meeting; the agenda items listed were not acted upon.
- Meeting continued to February 24, 2021 due to lack of quorum and Spectrum internet outage
City Council
This special meeting is convened solely to conduct interviews and select a new City Councilmember for District 4 to fill a vacancy. The Council will administer the oath of office to the selected candidate. No other business or policy items are on the agenda.
- Interviews for City Councilmember District 4 applicants
- Selection of City Councilmember District 4 appointee pursuant to City Charter Section 705(c)
- Oath of office administered to newly appointed Councilmember
Parking Advisory Committee
The committee will elect a Chair and Vice-Chair for the 2021 calendar year. Members will also receive an update on the Parking Management Program budget and discuss various downtown parking projects.
- Election of Committee Chair and Vice-Chair
- Surfers Point charging fee of $1.00 per hour
- Mission Park Parking Project update regarding potential bidding in mid to late April
- Tesla Supercharger installation behind DVP
- Review of Downtown Parking District Budget revenue and utilization
Historic Preservation Committee
The Historic Preservation Committee will hold a regular meeting via WebEx due to COVID-19 restrictions. The main item is a request for a Mills Act Contract for the J.C. Penney Company building at 327 E. Main Street, which would provide a property tax incentive for its preservation. The committee will also approve the minutes from the January 21, 2021 meeting.
- Mills Act Contract for Landmark No. 112 'J.C. Penney Company' at 327 E. Main Street
- 4,920 square-foot commercial building on a 4,800 square-foot site in Urban Core (T6.1) zone
- Approval of January 21, 2021 meeting minutes
The Historic Preservation Committee approved the January 21, 2021 meeting minutes with corrections and recommended City Council approve a Mills Act Contract for the J.C. Penny Company building at 327 E. Main Street. Both motions passed unanimously 5-0. The meeting also included announcements about the chair's departure and recruitment for new members.
- Approved January 21, 2021 meeting minutes as corrected (5-0)
- Recommended City Council approve Mills Act Contract for J.C. Penny building at 327 E. Main Street (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Design Review Committee
The Design Review Committee will hold a formal review of a proposal to build two 3-story apartment buildings totaling 11 units and convert two existing apartments to low-income units at the Garden Estates complex, 32 S. Garden Street. The committee will forward design recommendations to the Planning Commission. The committee will also discuss how to make the Conceptual Review process more effective and consider approval of the January 20, 2021 meeting minutes.
- Formal Design Review and Coastal Development Permit Amendment for 11 new apartment units at 32 S. Garden St.
- Conversion of two existing apartments to low-income units within the 48-unit complex
- Discussion on improving the Conceptual Review process
- Approval of January 20, 2021 meeting minutes
The Design Review Committee voted 4-0 (with Member Tomasello recused as applicant) to forward design recommendations for the Garden Estates project at 32 S. Garden Street to the Planning Commission. The recommendations include preserving trees, refining railing details, ensuring window privacy, and providing continuity of materials between existing and new buildings. A prior motion to continue the project failed 2-2. The committee also discussed improving the conceptual review process.
- Approved January 20, 2021 meeting minutes (5-0)
- Motion to continue Garden Estates project failed (2-2, Tomasello recused)
- Forwarded Garden Estates design recommendations to Planning Commission (4-0, Tomasello recused)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Design Review Committee
This is the agenda for the February 17, 2021 Design Review Committee meeting. The document contains only procedural information about supplemental packets and how to access them; no specific agenda items are listed. The meeting is scheduled to occur, but the agenda does not detail any decisions or discussions.
- Supplemental packets available at Planning Division Public Counter, 501 Poli Street, Room 117, Ventura
- Supplemental packets also available on City's website
- Meeting date: February 17, 2021
- No specific agenda items provided in this document
General Plan Advisory Committee
The General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) is holding its first meeting to initiate the General Plan Update for Ventura. The agenda covers committee roles, bylaws, a Brown Act overview, and background on the General Plan process and schedule. This is an introductory and organizational meeting, not a decision-making session.
- First meeting of the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC)
- Discussion of GPAC bylaws, roles, and responsibilities
- Brown Act overview by City Attorney
- General Plan Update process and background presentation by Raimi + Associates
- Public comments via Zoom registration
The General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) convened its first meeting on February 16, 2021, with objectives to initiate the committee, discuss roles and responsibilities, and provide an overview of the General Plan process. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational and included presentations, Q&A, and public comments. The committee discussed Brown Act compliance, community engagement, and next steps.
- No formal decisions made; meeting was informational
- GPAC roles and responsibilities reviewed, including Brown Act requirements
- Community engagement approach discussed, including Spanish interpretation services
- Next steps outlined: review background materials and sign up for project email list
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Administrative Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing on four development requests, including a new eight-unit apartment building with live/work units on Olive Street, a restaurant facade remodel on Main Street, a home addition on Emerald Court, and a new gym on Ralston Street. All items are recommended for approval as conditioned. The meeting will be held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Formal Design Review and Lot Line Adjustment for 8-unit apartment with 4 live/work units at 830 N. Olive Street (PROJ-12812)
- Design Review for exterior facade improvements to restaurant at 419 E. Main Street (PROJ-14877)
- Planned Development Permit Amendment for 509 sq ft second story and 95 sq ft deck at 932 Emerald Court (PROJ-14758)
- Administrative Conditional Use Permit for new gym at 5120 Ralston Street (PROJ-14756)
- Approval of January 14 and January 28, 2021 meeting minutes
The Administrative Hearing Officer approved four development applications, including an eight-unit apartment building at 830 N. Olive Street, a restaurant facade renovation at 419 E. Main Street, a home addition at 932 Emerald Court, and a gym at 5120 Ralston Street. The Olive Street approval included added conditions for more shade trees, reduced massing, and additional landscaping. All projects were found categorically exempt from CEQA.
- Approved Formal Design Review and Lot Line Adjustment for 830 N. Olive Street (8-unit apartment) with added conditions for shade trees, massing reduction, and landscaping
- Approved Design Review for restaurant facade at 419 E. Main Street as conditioned
- Approved Residential Planned Development Permit Amendment for 932 Emerald Court (second story and deck) as conditioned
- Approved Administrative Conditional Use Permit for gym at 5120 Ralston Street as conditioned
- Approved minutes from January 14 and 28, 2021 hearings
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a regular meeting to approve the minutes from January 11, 2021, and receive an update on the Ventura Aquatic Center reservation system. The meeting will be conducted electronically due to COVID-19 restrictions, with public comment accepted via email or Zoom.
- Approval of minutes from January 11, 2021
- Update on Ventura Aquatic Center reservation system
- Special presentation by Sespe Fly Fishers
- Public communications period
Planning Commission
The February 10, 2021 regular meeting of the Ventura Planning Commission has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 24, 2021. The agenda contains no items for discussion or decision.
- Meeting cancelled
- Next meeting: February 24, 2021
Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee
The Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee is meeting to review the FY 2019-20 audit results, discuss the budget timeline, and receive a financial update on Measure O projects and spending from multiple city departments. The agenda also includes approving minutes from previous meetings. This is a routine oversight meeting with no major decisions listed.
- Approve minutes from September 22, 2020 and November 5, 2020 meetings
- FY 2019-20 Audit Results Management discussion
- Budget Timeline discussion
- Measure O Financial Update with presentations from Fire, Community Development, City Manager's Office, Parks & Recreation, Public Works, and Police
Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee
The Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee is reviewing a resident's letter raising concerns about a proposed sidewalk reimbursement program that could be funded by Measure O. The letter questions the program's equity, cost, and lack of objective prioritization. The committee may discuss or reconsider its previous stance on the proposal.
- Proposed $350,000 annual budget for sidewalk cost-sharing program
- Concerns about first-come, first-serve allocation of funds
- Equity issues with district-based funding allocations
- Potential impact on Measure O funds for sidewalk improvements
City Council
The Ventura City Council will hold a public hearing on ordinances to allow commercial cannabis businesses in the city, including delivery services and certain activities in specific zones. The council will also consider adopting protocols, budget principles, and goals for 2021-2022, and approve several public works contracts and project amendments.
- Public hearing on ordinances to allow commercial cannabis businesses and establish maximum number and buffers
- Award $722,002 contract to EverLevel Holdings, LLC for Emergency Generators Project
- Approve $80,440 professional services agreement with JL Skye for electrical analysis
- Amend Capital Improvement Plan for Police/Fire Headquarters chiller replacement ($303,850) and air handler improvements ($315,000)
- Extend Main Street Moves Permit to August 31, 2021
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Historic Preservation Committee
The February 4, 2021 regular meeting of the City of San Buenaventura Historic Preservation Committee has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is February 18, 2021.
- Meeting cancelled
- Next meeting: February 18, 2021
Design Review Committee
This agenda is a notice of cancellation for the regular Design Review Committee meeting scheduled for February 3, 2021. The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 17, 2021. No items will be discussed at the cancelled meeting.
- Regular meeting cancelled
- Next meeting scheduled for February 17, 2021
Arts & Culture Commission
The Ventura Arts & Culture Commission is meeting to approve the 2021 Cultural Funding Grant Program award recommendations from a peer review panel, and to approve the 2021 meeting calendar. The agenda also includes routine items like public comment, commissioner communications, and future agenda topics. No other substantive decisions are listed.
- Approval of 2021 Cultural Funding Grant Program awards
- Approval of 2021 meeting calendar (March 9, April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, October 12, November 9)
- Oath of office for commissioners
- Public comment period for non-agenda items
City Council
The Ventura City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss filling the District 4 vacancy left by Erik Nasarenko's resignation, with options including appointment or special election. They will also receive updates on the Matrix Report implementation and the emergency streamlining ordinance, and consider extending it.
- Consider options to fill District 4 vacancy: appointment or special election
- Update on Matrix Report implementation
- Status report and possible extension of emergency streamlining ordinance
- Closed session on litigation: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper v. State Water Resources Control Board and City of San Buenaventura
The City Council voted 4-2 to appoint a District 4 resident to fill the vacant council seat left by Erik Nasarenko's resignation, with an application process starting February 2 and interviews scheduled for mid-February. The council also voted 6-0 to schedule a public hearing on extending the Emergency Streamlining Ordinance. A report on the Matrix Report implementation was received and filed with no action.
- Appointed a District 4 resident to fill vacant council seat (4-2, 1 vacant)
- Scheduled public hearing to consider extending Emergency Streamlining Ordinance (6-0, 1 vacant)
- Received and filed Matrix Report implementation update (no action)
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Administrative Hearing Officer will consider one formal item: a request for an Administrative Coastal Development Permit to demolish an existing 1,290 square-foot aeration blower building and construct a new 1,840 square-foot building at the City of Ventura Water Reclamation Facility, 1400 Spinnaker Drive. The project is categorically exempt from CEQA. The meeting also includes approval of the January 14, 2021 meeting minutes and public communications.
- Administrative Coastal Development Permit for aeration blower building replacement at 1400 Spinnaker Drive, from 1,290 to 1,840 square feet
- Project located in General Industrial (M-2) zone, land-use designation Industry
- CEQA categorical exemption under Section 15302, Class 2 (Replacement or Reconstruction)
- Approval of January 14, 2021 Administrative Public Hearing minutes
The Administrative Hearing Officer approved an Administrative Coastal Development Permit for the City of Ventura Water Reclamation Facility at 1400 Spinnaker Drive. The permit allows demolition of an existing 1,290-square-foot aeration blower building and construction of a new 1,840-square-foot building in a new location. The approval was conditioned as presented. The meeting also continued approval of the January 14, 2021 meeting minutes to the next meeting on February 11, 2021, pending staff review of the recorded action on a prior agenda item.
- Approved Administrative Coastal Development Permit for aeration blower building at 1400 Spinnaker Drive (as conditioned)
- Continued approval of January 14, 2021 meeting minutes to February 11, 2021
Water Commission
The Ventura Water Commission will consider approving final water and wastewater base rates and proposed water shortage rates from a rate study, and select a commissioner for outreach. It will also receive an update on the Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan, appoint a member to the VenturaWaterPure Ad Hoc Committee, and elect a chair and vice chair. The meeting will be held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Review and approve final water and wastewater base rates
- Review and approve proposed water shortage rates
- Select a commissioner for rate study outreach
- Update on 2020 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan
- Appoint member to VenturaWaterPure Ad Hoc Committee
The Ventura Water Commission unanimously approved the proposed five-year water and wastewater base rates and water shortage rates as maximum potential increases, with rate adjustments beyond Fiscal Year 2021-22 subject to annual check-ins. The commission also elected new leadership, approved prior minutes, and made committee appointments. All votes were 7-0 except one abstention.
- Approved five-year water and wastewater base rates and water shortage rates as maximum potential increases (7-0)
- Elected Commissioner Hubner as Chair for 2021 (7-0)
- Elected Commissioner McCord as Vice Chair for 2021 (7-0)
- Approved December 15, 2020 minutes with addition regarding VenturaWaterPure staffing analysis (7-0)
- Selected Commissioner McCombs for rate study outreach efforts (6-0-1, McCombs abstained)
- Appointed Commissioner Mulligan to VenturaWaterPure Ad Hoc Committee (7-0)
- Approved tentative 2021 meeting schedule (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (7 roll-call votes)
City Council
The Ventura City Council approved a one-year extension of interim urgency ordinance No. 2020-003 restricting new accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to January 26, 2022, with a 7-0 vote. It also allocated up to $660,000 in HOME funds for the Ventura Veterans Home development at 10900 Telephone Road, including $645,000 for construction of a 122-unit veterans apartment community. The council approved numerous consent items, including a $993,806 contract for the Arroyo Verde Park inclusive playground, a $723,864 amendment for the water billing system upgrade, and a $40,000 amendment for catch basin cleaning services. The emergency generators contract (Item 9J) was pulled due to a bid protest, and the Ventura Water Pure Ad Hoc Committee appointments were continued.
- Extended interim urgency ordinance restricting new ADUs to Jan 26, 2022 (7-0)
- Approved $660,000 HOME funding for Ventura Veterans Home (7-0)
- Approved $993,806 contract for Arroyo Verde Park inclusive playground (consent)
- Approved $723,864 amendment for water billing system upgrade (consent)
- Approved $40,000 amendment for catch basin cleaning services (consent)
- Approved $28,072 sale of 525 acre-feet of State Water Project carryover water (consent)
- Approved Marina Park Playground Replacement project with $635,304 appropriation (7-0)
- Approved 2021 Councilmember assignments (consent)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Parking Advisory Committee
The Downtown Parking Advisory Committee approved the minutes from the November 19, 2020 meeting. The committee received a staff presentation on the monthly parking utilization and budget update. No other formal decisions were made; the meeting consisted of informational updates and staff communications.
- Approved November 19, 2020 meeting minutes (motion by Morehouse, second by Porter)
- Received parking management program monthly utilization update
Historic Preservation Committee
The Historic Preservation Committee will elect new leadership and review a historical resource assessment for properties at 1691 East Main Street. The committee will also receive a presentation regarding a design study for the Pierpont Inn.
- Election of 2021 Committee Chair and Vice-Chair
- Historic Resources Assessment for 1691 East Main Street (PROJ-14665)
- Conceptual Design Study presentation for Pierpont Inn at 550 Sanjon Road (PROJ-14889)
The committee unanimously elected Laura O'Neill as Chair and Rachel Perzel as Vice-Chair for 2021. It approved the December 2, 2020 meeting minutes with corrections. The committee determined that the 1939 building at 1691 East Main Street is historically significant, while the 1952-1958 building is not. It also provided feedback on the Pierpont Inn conceptual design study.
- Elected Laura O'Neill as Chair for 2021 (5-0)
- Elected Rachel Perzel as Vice-Chair for 2021 (5-0)
- Approved December 2, 2020 minutes as corrected (5-0)
- Determined 1939 building at 1691 E Main St historically significant (4-1, Perzel recused)
- Determined 1952-1958 building at 1691 E Main St not historically significant (4-1, Perzel recused)
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
Design Review Committee
The Ventura Design Review Committee meets via Zoom to elect its 2021 chair and vice-chair, approve prior meeting minutes, and review two development proposals. The committee will forward a design recommendation for an eight-unit apartment building at 830 N. Olive Street and provide conceptual comments on a mixed-use building at 701 E. Santa Clara Street. Public comment is accepted by email or live via Zoom with registration.
- Election of Design Review Committee Chair and Vice-Chair for 2021
- Approval of December 2, 2020 meeting minutes
- PROJ-12812: Formal Design Review and Lot Line Adjustment for 8-unit multi-family building with 4 live/work units at 830 N. Olive Street
- PROJ-11717: Conceptual Design Review for 3-4 story mixed-use building with 5,280 sq ft commercial space and 63 residential units at 701 E. Santa Clara Street
The Design Review Committee approved forwarding the Olive Street and Bell Way project (830 N. Olive St.) to the Administrative Hearing Officer with a 5-0 vote, adding comments to review parking-lot trees and reduce the building's cantilever. The committee also elected Albert Antelman as Chair and Fiona Dunne as Vice-Chair for 2021, and approved the December 2, 2020 meeting minutes. For the 701 Santa Clara project, the committee provided conceptual comments only, with no formal decision.
- Elected Albert Antelman as 2021 Chair (5-0)
- Elected Fiona Dunne as 2021 Vice-Chair (5-0)
- Approved December 2, 2020 meeting minutes (5-0)
- Forwarded 830 N. Olive St. project to Administrative Hearing Officer with comments (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Design Review Committee
This agenda is procedural boilerplate. It announces supplemental packets for the January 20, 2021 Design Review Committee meeting, with no specific agenda items listed. The packets are available at the Planning Division Public Counter and on the City's website.
- Supplemental packets dated January 16–18, 19, and 20, 2021
- Packets available at 501 Poli Street, Room 117, Ventura
Director's Hearing (Administrative Hearing)
The Ventura Administrative Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing on two formal items: a lot line adjustment to merge two residential lots at 329 Lincoln Drive, and a minor design review to change the exterior paint of Café Fiore at 66 South California Street. The consent item is approval of the December 10, 2020 meeting minutes. The meeting is held via Zoom due to COVID-19, with public comment accepted by email or live.
- Lot line adjustment to merge two residential lots at 329 Lincoln Drive (APN 161-160, 8,245 sq ft; APN 072-0-161-150, 7,627 sq ft)
- Design review permit for exterior paint change at Café Fiore, 66 South California Street (4,000 sq ft restaurant)
- Both projects are categorically exempt from CEQA
- Approval of December 10, 2020 meeting minutes
- Public comment via email by 4:00 pm or live via Zoom
The Administrative Hearing Officer approved two items: a lot line adjustment merging two residential lots at 329 Lincoln Drive, and a minor design review permit for exterior paint changes at Café Fiore restaurant. The Café Fiore approval included an added condition requiring the applicant to provide a better paint color exhibit or sample before painting.
- Approved Neufeld Lot Line Adjustment at 329 Lincoln Drive, merging two residential lots (as conditioned)
- Approved Café Fiore Design Review Permit for exterior paint at 66 South California Street, with added condition for paint color certainty
Planning Commission
The regular Planning Commission meeting scheduled for January 13, 2021, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting will be held on January 27, 2021. No items were discussed or decided.
- Meeting cancelled
- Next meeting January 27, 2021
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting remotely due to COVID-19. The agenda includes only routine consent items: approving the November 12, 2020 meeting minutes and adopting the 2021 meeting calendar. No substantive policy or project decisions are scheduled.
- Approval of November 12, 2020 meeting minutes
- Approval of 2021 meeting calendar (Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 14, May 12, Jun 9, Jul 14, Aug 11, Sep 8, Oct 13, Nov 10, Dec 18)
City Council
The Ventura City Council will hold a public hearing to decide an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of the VA Clinic project, including its environmental review. The council will also consider consent items such as extending the local emergency declaration, approving contracts for park maintenance, transportation planning, and waterline work, and adopting ordinances on floodplain regulations and job order contracts. Formal items include receiving the FY 2019-2020 financial report and a budget workshop with a mid-year update.
- Appeal of VA Clinic project (PROJ-14017) - council to uphold or deny appeal of Planning Commission approval
- Extend local emergency declaration until March 12, 2021
- Increase outside counsel contract with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore by $50,000 for labor negotiations
- Approve $694,164 contract with Nelson\Nygaard for Active Transportation Plan
- Authorize paid parking at Surfers Point at $1.00 per hour
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Historic Preservation Committee
The January 7, 2021 regular meeting of the City of San Buenaventura Historic Preservation Committee has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is January 21, 2021.
- Meeting cancelled
- Next meeting January 21, 2021
Finance, Audit & Budget Committee
The Finance, Audit & Budget Committee will meet to approve minutes, review the FY 2019-20 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), and preview Budget Workshop #1, which includes a financial update and 5-year General Fund forecast. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Approve minutes from September 17, 2020 special meeting
- Presentation of FY 2019-20 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
- FY 2020-21 financial update for General Fund, Measure O Fund, and Ventura Water Operating Funds
- 5-Year General Fund Forecast
- FY 2021-22 Budget Development Process
Design Review Committee
This agenda is a notice of cancellation for the January 6, 2021 regular meeting of the City of San Buenaventura (Ventura) Design Review Committee. No items will be discussed or decided at this meeting. The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2021.
- Regular meeting cancelled
- Next meeting scheduled for January 20, 2021