The October 13, 2015 Fillmore City Council meeting began with a presentation updating the Council on the progress made by The Retail Coach, a company the City hired to evaluate Fillmore's business and development potential. Also presented was an update on the Active Adult Center. Another item, which was just approved with a voice vote, was a Settlement Agreement costing the City $100,000.

Back on December 19, 2006 the City of Fillmore filed an Eminent Domain lawsuit to acquire a portion of Ventura County property along Highway 126, known as the Becerras property. The property also contained a billboard belonging to Clear Channel Outdoor. Agreements addressing the billboard were added to the Eminent Domain case along with a stipulation that the City would make its "best efforts" to relocate it to another location on that same property. But the billboard was not relocated and as a result Becerras claimed loss of the income the billboard had produced. Becerras subsequently filed a motion to enforce the issue which was heard in court on April 16, 2015.

The City objected stating there was "no absolute" requirement to relocate the sign and that the damage cost was included in the City's payment for the property. Ventura County Superior Court agreed with Becerras, that the City had breached the stipulation.

The Court agreed to mediation which produced a settlement agreement of $100,000 to Becerras with each party paying their own attorneys' fees. The payment, which is to be paid on or before October 30, 2015, will be taken out of the General Fund.

A presentation was given by Aaron Farmer representing The Retail Coach (TRC) on the 4-5 months of work completed so far regarding Fillmore's future development and retail business. Farmer stated that presently 20,300 people shop in Fillmore, with an expected 21,693 next year. He informed the Council that it takes a minimum of 20,000 customers for business to take an interest in a city/community. The goal of TRC is to contact developers and business to "....know about Fillmore...It's like building a brand" Farmer explained.

TRC attends conferences both in Southern California and throughout the country making business aware of Fillmore's potential. Farmer would like Fillmore to have an exhibit displayed at those conferences to help spread the word.

Farmer informed the Council that community development precedes economic development. He then commented on the visual affect of those approaching town and the appearance of business properties both on Central Avenue and Highway 126. Suggestions were make that no hand painted signs be displayed, no storage containers visible to the public, properties be required to have some landscaping and color charts that exclude "obnoxious colors." A stand alone website focusing on development and retail was also suggested.

Farmer stated he has five good business leads with two having been in town last week. One of those is a developer who is interested in redevelopment in downtown. "I'm encouraged, I'm encouraged by that....it's a numbers game, the more contacted the better the chances are." Farmer and associate Kimberly Allred will be working together doing community outreach contacting business and property owners in town.

The data on all the progress to date will come out in late November 2015. "Some projects will take longer than others.

The Council then reminded Farmer that when you need to set policy that is when you get pushback from business owners and the importance of support from the community for changes to happen. Farmer responded, "It's a domino affect, once one block improves then the next one usually does also.....it improves property values and business." He then stated he would get as many business involved as possible.

Mayor Douglas Tucker ended the conversation with, "We're a bedroom community with one job for every sixteen residents," then adding that Fillmore needs job creation and places with sit down dining.

At a previous Council Meeting Council Member Diane McCall had asked that the City's preparations for El Nino be brought before the Council. It was addressed by City Manager David W. Rowlands, Fire Chief/Assistant City Manager Rigo Landeros and Police Chief Dave Wareham.

Landeros began with identifying what residents can expect if the weather conditions do create an El Nino as predicted: lots of moisture; large amounts of debris; flooding due to the debris stoppage and a large amount of calls for service. He continued with the areas expected to be hit hardest: Pole Creak and 4th St.; Pole Creak and Ventura St.; Teitsort and Foothill; Shady Lane and Maple Court; the levee and A Street. There is also a great concern in protecting a main natural gas line that supplies the City of Fillmore. The line is exposed at a levee crossing Pole Creek. Also of concern is a plan to make sure the animals at the Equestrian Center are kept safe.

There is little possibility of Lake Piru overflowing or the dam breaking due to the extreme drought conditions these past years resulting in the lake being so empty.

Landeros said it is the responsibility of residents to be prepared by cleaning our their gutters and drains, being sandbag ready, possibly buying flood insurance, a disaster kit ready, a family preplan on where family members will be, a plan for animals, a plan for evacuation and registered with VCAlert.

Landeros said the department wants to make sure the fire personnel has the proper equipment and is looking for funds to cover added costs. He sited precautions the Fillmore Fire Department will do: make sure there is adequate staff, daily briefings and pre-filled sandbags. All equipment will be fully fueled along with lighted barricades, road closure and flooding signage and a large storage of plastic sheeting.

The Active Adult Center (AAC) is holding a Health Fair Saturday, October 24, 2015 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. This year the Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation will be partnering with the AAC and 40 or more venders are scheduled to attend the fair which includes pharmaceutical/drug stores, medical insurers, healthcare providers, non-profits and more. With Medicare's annual enrollment period approaching there will be numerous health care insurance companies available to answer questions.

Also, a reminder of Casino Night this Saturday at 6:00p.m. at the Fillmore Memorial Building. A $30 entrance gets you fun and food and all fundraiser proceeds support the Rotary Club and Future Farmers of America.