City of Fillmore

At the council's regular Tuesday meeting, Cliff Knight (State Dept. of Conservation) gave a presentation explaining the extent of present oil extraction (by so-called "fracking") immediately north of Fillmore. The Seneca oil company is seeking an exemption from the 1973 Sespe aquifer protection law. Knight showed numerous projections of oil extraction locations north of the city, areas within one mile of Fillmore's deep aquifer.

No questions would be taken at the meeting. Instead, a meeting in Ventura, October 24, at 5 p.m. was announced. Knight assured the council that all questions would be answered at that time.

The presentation amounted to a complicated series of geological maps and graphic renderings of the zones presently fracking for oil, and the area into which Seneca seeks to extend its operations.

Four residents spoke out against this drilling extention, citing the fact that the entire area is undercut by a an earthquake fault which allegedly threatens the risk of a 7.8 quake. Concerns were raised about the possibility of a catastrophic breach of the Sespe aquifer basin which could destroy Fillmore's fresh water supply. The proposal was said to meet state and federal guidelines.

One concerned resident who spoke against the proposed Seneca fracking extention, referenced a video on the subject of fracking entitled "Blue Gold". Concerned residents are encouraged to attend the meeting in Ventura on October 24.

****

The adoption of Ordinance 877 permitting a zoning change to permit structures to be 40 feet in height, or 3 stories, in the residential high density zone was approved unanimously.

****

Following discussion, the council also unanimously agreed to take steps to remove the one-third retail requirement in the Central Avenue business district, to improve tourist traffic on that main commercial area.

****

It was unanimously agreed that Rotorcraft, a new business to Fillmore, could purchase recycled water from the city at a reduced rate of $2.93 per unit (approximately 700 gals.) for a period of two years. Rotorcraft will begin construction of its plant in the Business Park this month. Considerable weight was given to the fact that this new business will also bring 85 new jobs to the city. Encouraging new companies in the Business Park was noted as the number one goal for the city.