On Tuesday, December 10th, at approximately 1:41 a.m., Fillmore Fire and Ventura County Fire Departments were dispatched to a reported brush fire in the Santa Clara River bottom near Burlington Street and Surrey Way. Arriving firefighters spotted the fire, and additional five engines, two hand crews, and one helicopter were requested. According to radio traffic the fire was estimated at 2-3 acres with good potential for spotting downwind. Firefighters were able to make access to the fire which was contained and mopped up. Responders remained on patrol status for the several hours due to high winds.
On Tuesday, December 10th, at approximately 1:41 a.m., Fillmore Fire and Ventura County Fire Departments were dispatched to a reported brush fire in the Santa Clara River bottom near Burlington Street and Surrey Way. Arriving firefighters spotted the fire, and additional five engines, two hand crews, and one helicopter were requested. According to radio traffic the fire was estimated at 2-3 acres with good potential for spotting downwind. Firefighters were able to make access to the fire which was contained and mopped up. Responders remained on patrol status for the several hours due to high winds.
Enlarge Photo
 


 
Pictured above are Council Members Christina Villaseñor as the new Mayor and Albert Mendez as the new Mayor Pro Tem taking the oath of office at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.
Pictured above are Council Members Christina Villaseñor as the new Mayor and Albert Mendez as the new Mayor Pro Tem taking the oath of office at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.
Enlarge Photo

Above are Council members, Chris Gurrola (left) and Mark Austin (right), who will be stepping down from Fillmore City Council. Center is former Mayor Carrie Broggie.
High Winds Bring Fire Hazards to Area
Above are Council members, Chris Gurrola (left) and Mark Austin (right), who will be stepping down from Fillmore City Council. Center is former Mayor Carrie Broggie. High Winds Bring Fire Hazards to Area
Enlarge Photo

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2024, 6:30 PM, CITY HALL
AGENDA
All agenda items passed with a 5-0 vote.

The Council has elected Christina Villasenor as the new Mayor and Albert Mendez as the new Mayor Pro Tem.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

5. PRESENTATIONS

5.A RECOGNIZING THE WINNERS OF THE 2024 CENTRAL AVENUE CHRISTMAS

TREE DECORATING

5.B RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

5.C NEW ELECTED OFFICIALS OATH OF OFFICE AND PRESENTATION OF

CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION

6. CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION MEETING RECESS (BREAK)

7. PUBLIC COMMENTS

8. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOM-MENDATIONS, AND COMMENTS

9. CONSENT CALENDAR

9A. THROUGH

9D. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.

9.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-DECEMBER 10, 2024

CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-DECEMBER 10, 2024.PDF

9.B CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 24-4038 UPDATING THE RESOLUTION
FIXING THE COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT OF NON-REPRESENTED MANAGEMENT/MIDMANAGEMENT, CONFIDENTIAL, AND PARTTIME EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE

MGMT COMP RESO-LUTION STAFF REPORT.PDF

9.C CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF AN UPDATED CALPERS PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULERE COMMENDATION FOR ITEM
FILLMORE - STAFF REPORT PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE.PDF

9.D CONTRACT FOR BUREAU VE-RITAS BUILDING AND PLAN REVIEW AND CONSULTING SERVICES
FILLMORE BUREAU VERITAS CONTRACT PLAN UPDATE.PDF

10. NEW BUSINESS

10.A ADOPTION OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 24-4033 DECLARING THE RESULTS OF THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024 ELECTION

SR DECLARING THE 2024 ELECTION RESULTS.PDF
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council adopt City Council Resolution 24-4033 Declaring the Results of the November 5, 2024 General and Municipal Election.

10.B SELECTION OF 2024 MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEMPORE

SR - SELECTION OF MAYOR AND MPT.PDF

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council select the 2024 Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. The City Clerk’s Department asks the City Council to nominate a Councilmember to serve as Mayor via a motion; the motion must be seconded, and then the Councilmembers will vote on the nomination. If the vote fails, a new nomination is made, and the process is repeated until a motion is adopted. Following the receipt of a majority vote of the Councilmembers for a Mayor for the new term, the current Mayor will call for nominations for Mayor Pro Tempore via the same motion process used for the selection of the Mayor. Following a majority vote of the Councilmembers for the Mayor Pro Tempore, the Council will reorganize accordingly.

10.C PRESERVATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT - APPOINTMENT OF STANDBY OFFICERS
PRESERVATION OF LOCAL GOV - APPOINTMENT OF STANDBY OFFICERS 2024.PDF

REQUEST: Staff requests that each member of the City Council appoint standby officers.

10.D APPOINTMENTS TO CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES, COM-MISSIONS, LIAISON, AND OUTSIDE AGENCIES
SR APPOINTMENT TO COMMITTEES, COMM AND OUTSIDE AGENCIES.PDF

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council discuss and: 1. That the Mayor appoint, with City Council consent, City Council representatives to the various positions listed on Attachment 1 including the adoption of Resolution No. 24 4034 Appointing a City Council representative to the Board of Directors of the Fillmore and Piru Basins Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA); and 2. Provide direction whether any standing committees or ad-hoc committees are no longer necessary and should be dissolved. The list of City Council standing and ad hoc committees is included on Attachment 1.
10.E DISCUSSION AND ADOPTION OF PROPOSED 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING CALENDAR 2025.PDF

RECOMMENDATION Staff is requestion that the City Council review and adopt the attached proposed 2025 City Council Meeting Schedule. Following City Council approval, the schedule will be published and posted on the City’s website.
10.F REVIEW OF FY 2023-24 DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE ANNUAL AND FIVEYEAR REPORT AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-4041 MAKING FINDINGS REGARDING UNEXPENDED DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES
SR FY 2023-24 DIF REPORT.PDF

RECOMMENDATION Staff is requestion that the City Council review and adopt the attached proposed 2025 City Council Meeting Schedule. Following City Council approval, the schedule will be published and posted on the City’s website.
10.G FINAL UPDATE ON THE EXPENDITURES OF THE CITYS AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS AND CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ALLOCATION OF THE BALANCE OF THE FUNDS
SR - 2024 ARPA UPDATE.PDF

RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Receive an update on the City’s use of its American Rescue Plan Funds (ARPA) funds; 2. Approve the allocation of ARPA funds, in an amount of $20,000 to increase the not-to-exceed contract amount of $60,000, for the first amendment to the RSG contract in a form approved by the City Attorney and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the first amendment; 3. Approve the allocation of ARPA funds, in an amount of $6,000, as a contingency to the office reconfiguration contract with Omnia Partners through Tri County Office Furniture and authorize the Interim City Manager to sign for such contingency; 4. Approve the allocation of the remaining ARPA funds, in an amount not to exceed $53,816, for a contract with PSD Citywide in a form approved by the City Attorney and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the agreement; and 5. Authorize the Interim City Manager to allocate any unused funds after reconciliation of all ARPA projects if excess funds remain available.

10.H ADOPTION OF THE FY 2025-26 RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE (ROPS) FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2026 AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF FILLMORE

SR - ADOPTION OF ROPS BUDGET FY 2025-26.PDF

RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Successor Agency Board of Directors: 1. Approve the attached Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) and Administrative Budget and authorize the Executive Director (City Manager) or his designee to submit the ROPS and Administrative Budget for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 for review and approval by the Ventura County Consolidated Oversight Board (“VCCOB”) and the California Department of Finance (“DOF”); and 2. Authorize the Executive Director or her designee to make any changes needed as directed by the VCCOB or DOF

SUCCESSOR AGENCY

11. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS

12. CITY MANAGER

CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT

13. ADJOURNMENT

MAYOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 14 , 2025, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

 


 
On Monday, December 9th, 3:48 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were on-scene investigating a two-vehicle crash on Old Telegraph Road and Highway 126. Involved vehicles were a Ford Edge SUV and a semi-truck trailer. According to CHP, the SUV collided with the semi-trailer, causing the semi’s gas tank to crack open and dump roughly 75 gallons of diesel on the road. The SUV driver was treated and taken to Ventura County Medical Center where her condition is unknown. CHP remained on-scene for several hours until the road was cleared. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
On Monday, December 9th, 3:48 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were on-scene investigating a two-vehicle crash on Old Telegraph Road and Highway 126. Involved vehicles were a Ford Edge SUV and a semi-truck trailer. According to CHP, the SUV collided with the semi-trailer, causing the semi’s gas tank to crack open and dump roughly 75 gallons of diesel on the road. The SUV driver was treated and taken to Ventura County Medical Center where her condition is unknown. CHP remained on-scene for several hours until the road was cleared. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
Enlarge Photo
 
Fillmore High School Associated Student Body will be hosting the third annual Winter Wonderland on Friday, December 13th. This event was previously advertised with an incorrect date. 
Winter Wonderland is a family-friendly night where sports teams, clubs, and ASB members will be putting on games and crafts for the community to enjoy. We will be hosting food trucks, a snow machine, and Santa himself to take pictures with anyone interested from 5:30-6:30! This event will be held in between the agriculture buildings behind the cafeteria from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The Second Street gate will be open, and entry is free. We hope to see you all there! 
Thank you - Livia Cabral (ASB Commissioner of Publicity) and Josh Overton (ASB Advisor).
Fillmore High School Associated Student Body will be hosting the third annual Winter Wonderland on Friday, December 13th. This event was previously advertised with an incorrect date. Winter Wonderland is a family-friendly night where sports teams, clubs, and ASB members will be putting on games and crafts for the community to enjoy. We will be hosting food trucks, a snow machine, and Santa himself to take pictures with anyone interested from 5:30-6:30! This event will be held in between the agriculture buildings behind the cafeteria from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The Second Street gate will be open, and entry is free. We hope to see you all there! Thank you - Livia Cabral (ASB Commissioner of Publicity) and Josh Overton (ASB Advisor).
Enlarge Photo
 
On Saturday, December 7, 2024, the streets of downtown Fillmore were filled with families and friends of all ages to watch the annual Fillmore Lions Christmas Parade. At 10am folks enjoyed classic cars decorated with Christmas cheer roll down Central Avenue, along with many local clubs, organizations, churches, schools, bands businesses and more. Ending this year’s 2024 parade was Santa Claus and his favorite Elf riding on the Fillmore Fire truck, waving to all the good little boys and girls. Photo credit Angel Esquivel
On Saturday, December 7, 2024, the streets of downtown Fillmore were filled with families and friends of all ages to watch the annual Fillmore Lions Christmas Parade. At 10am folks enjoyed classic cars decorated with Christmas cheer roll down Central Avenue, along with many local clubs, organizations, churches, schools, bands businesses and more. Ending this year’s 2024 parade was Santa Claus and his favorite Elf riding on the Fillmore Fire truck, waving to all the good little boys and girls. Photo credit Angel Esquivel
Enlarge Photo
 
Photo credit Gazette Staff. For more updates and information visit https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=169.
Photo credit Gazette Staff. For more updates and information visit https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=169.
Enlarge Photo

https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID =169

Public Works: Posted on: December 5, 2024 | Last Modified on: December 10, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Date: December 5, 2025

Park Renovation Announcements: Improvements Coming to Two Rivers Park, Rio Vista Park, and Shiells Park
The City of Fillmore is excited to announce a series of renovations aimed at enhancing the recreational facilities and overall visitor experience at Three Rivers Park, Rio Vista Park, and Shiells Park. These improvements will require temporary closures, but they will deliver long-term benefits for the community.

Two Rivers Park, Rio Vista Park, and Shiells Park are closed due to turf and other renovations. The baseball fields at Two Rivers Park, Rio Vista Park, Shiells Park are scheduled to reopen February 1st, while the soccer and football fields at Two Rivers Park will remain closed until the end of July 2025. The Dog Park at Two Rivers Park will remain open during this renovation period.

Two Rivers Park is set to undergo significant improvements aimed at enhancing its sports facilities. As a result, Two Rivers Park will be closed starting in December. The baseball fields will be reopened on February 1st, however, the soccer and football fields will remain closed until the end of July 2025. The Dog Park will remain open throughout this park improvements period. During the closure period, the soccer and football playfields will undergo major turf reconstruction, that includes leveling and fertilizing, and the entire park will be overseeding to improve the quality of the grass. Additionally, the irrigation system of these fields will be upgraded from the current underground drip system to a more efficient overhead sprinkler system. As part of the upgrades, Phase One of our sports field lighting will be installed to illuminate the soccer and football fields, and future Phase Two will illuminate the baseball fields. Other sports facility improvements include the addition of new nets for the park’s batting cages and repainting the Park’s restroom and pergola. These upgrades are designed to create a better experience for both athletes and visitors alike.

Shiells Park will undergo a series of minor yet impactful improvements to enhance its amenities. As a result, the park will be closed during the months of December and January. The park’s turf will be reconditioned, with efforts focused on leveling uneven areas and overseeding dry spots. Public Works will also pressure wash and repaint the entrance gates and various structures throughout the park. The baseball fields will receive several repairs, including leveling the playing surface, replacing the redwood headers, making small updates to the dugouts, and overhauling the irrigation system on Ball Field Two. In addition, the park will add a new set of concrete cornhole boards, replacing the previous horseshoe setup, offering a fun and modern upgrade for visitors of all ages.

Rio Vista Park will be closed during the months of December and January for turf rejuvenation in the gated basin area and around the play equipment and gazebos. This turf reconditioning effort aims to improve the overall health and appearance of the grass areas. The park’s gated basin is typically closed during the rainy season (November through April) as it is designed to capture stormwater from a much larger area than the park and recharge our vital groundwater supply. Therefore, the basin will reopen at the end of April.

For more information or updates about park closures and renovations, please contact Public Works Director Joe Bellomo at (805) 265-0948.

 
On Sunday, December 8th, the Fillmore Fire Foundation kicked off their Holiday Toy Drive by hosting their annual BBQ Chicken Dinner Fundraiser to collect donations that are used to purchase hundreds of toys for children in the Fillmore/Piru area. From 5pm to 7pm folks were able to swing by the Fillmore High School cafeteria in the horseshoe area and pick up their meal. A complete chicken dinner meal was prepared for anyone wanting to donate $15 or a brand-new toy valued at $15 or more, to be given away at the Community Holiday Giveaway event to be held December 14, 2024, from 9am-12pm. Collection drop-off boxes for new toys are available at the Fillmore Police and Fire Stations, City Hall and the Bank of the Sierra. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
On Sunday, December 8th, the Fillmore Fire Foundation kicked off their Holiday Toy Drive by hosting their annual BBQ Chicken Dinner Fundraiser to collect donations that are used to purchase hundreds of toys for children in the Fillmore/Piru area. From 5pm to 7pm folks were able to swing by the Fillmore High School cafeteria in the horseshoe area and pick up their meal. A complete chicken dinner meal was prepared for anyone wanting to donate $15 or a brand-new toy valued at $15 or more, to be given away at the Community Holiday Giveaway event to be held December 14, 2024, from 9am-12pm. Collection drop-off boxes for new toys are available at the Fillmore Police and Fire Stations, City Hall and the Bank of the Sierra. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
Enlarge Photo
 
Above is Fillmore’s Perce’s Kenpo Karate Studio’s Professor Michael Torres along with his students who medaled this past weekend at the Jiu Jitsu World League tournament. Pictured (l-r) are Torres, Eric Morales, Jose Ramirez, and Dayana Ramirez who competed at the tournament. See more photos on page 10. Photo credit Emma Torres.
Above is Fillmore’s Perce’s Kenpo Karate Studio’s Professor Michael Torres along with his students who medaled this past weekend at the Jiu Jitsu World League tournament. Pictured (l-r) are Torres, Eric Morales, Jose Ramirez, and Dayana Ramirez who competed at the tournament. See more photos on page 10. Photo credit Emma Torres.
Enlarge Photo
Pictured above is Perce’s Kenpo Karate’s Fillmore Jiu Jitsu Club’s Emma Lopez raising her hand after defeating her opponent. Photo credit by Emma Torres.
Pictured above is Perce’s Kenpo Karate’s Fillmore Jiu Jitsu Club’s Emma Lopez raising her hand after defeating her opponent. Photo credit by Emma Torres.
Enlarge Photo

Story by Michael Torres

Saturday, 11/23/24-Del Mar, CA— The San Diego Jiu Jitsu World League tournament held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds showcased the exceptional talent and dedication of competitors from across the region, including Perce’s Kenpo Karate’s Fillmore Jiu Jitsu Club.

Under the guidance of Professor Michael Torres, a Gracie Humaita Black Belt trained by the renowned Mario Aiello, several club members delivered standout performances that culminated in a series of impressive medal wins.

Jose Ramirez, secured a gold medal in the blue belt heavyweight gi division while earning a silver in no-gi. Ramirez’s strategic approach and powerful techniques were evident as he navigated his matches with composure. His dual medal haul reflects his depth of talent.

Eric Morales, a white belt middleweight competitor, demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity, earning a gold medal in his division. Morales’s journey through the tournament was marked by strategic grappling and determination, showcasing the foundational techniques he has honed.

Emma Lopez captured gold medals in both the gi and no-gi white belt womens middleweight divisions. Lopez’s performance was a testament to her dedication and adaptability on the mat. Her ability to transition between styles was pivotal to her success. With her double gold triumph, Lopez is quickly establishing herself as a formidable competitor in her class.
Dayana Ramirez showcased her skill and resilience, earning a silver medal in the women’s lightweight white belt no-gi division. Dayana fought fiercely in each match, demonstrating the heart and determination that the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instills in its athletes.

The students’ success at the Jiu Jitsu World League tournament is a testament to the rigorous training and supportive environment fostered by Professor Michael Torres. “I am incredibly proud of the students,” Torres said. “Their hard work and commitment have truly paid off, and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow in their jiu-jitsu journey.”

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and submission grappling techniques, emphasizing the use of leverage and technique to control and submit opponents. The students train out of Perce’s Kenpo Karate studio off of Highway 126 which offer classes for adults and kids throughout the week. For more information call or text Professor Michael Torres at 805-443-8501 or email fillmorebjj@gmail.com.

 
On Tuesday, November 26, multiple units responded to a collision on Highway 126 near Peck Road, Santa Paula involving two vehicles. Two female patients were transported to the hospital with injures, with one DOA. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
On Tuesday, November 26, multiple units responded to a collision on Highway 126 near Peck Road, Santa Paula involving two vehicles. Two female patients were transported to the hospital with injures, with one DOA. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
Enlarge Photo

On Tuesday, November 26th, 2024, at 11:14 a.m., Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a two-vehicle collision on westbound SR126 at Peck Road, Santa Paula. According to the CHP Angelica Vazquez Reyes, 59, of Fillmore, was driving a blue Dodge Dakota pickup truck westbound in the number 2 lane. For unknown reasons, she lost control, and the truck traveled into the number 1 lane into the path of a black Mercedes-Benz SUV, driven by a 40-year-old Santa Paula woman. The Dakota pickup truck was t-boned; the broadsided impact caused major damage to both vehicles. On-scene firefighters reported a total of two patients with major injuries, and extricated one patient from the scene. Both women were transported by ambulance to Ventura County Medical Center. The driver of the Dakota pickup truck died at the hospital. The crash closed westbound lanes for about an hour; lanes reopened around 12:30 p.m. Recent rain was a contributing factor to the incident, according to CHP; the CHP’s Ventura-area office is investigating.

 
On Monday, December 2nd, 2024, at 7:51pm a 3.3 earthquake was reported in Piru, Ca. According to USGS it was later reported as a 3.1 quake, with a magnitude 3.1ml and a depth of 15.3km. It was also reported as being felt in parts of Fillmore. Info courtesy https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/ ci40992360/executive.
On Monday, December 2nd, 2024, at 7:51pm a 3.3 earthquake was reported in Piru, Ca. According to USGS it was later reported as a 3.1 quake, with a magnitude 3.1ml and a depth of 15.3km. It was also reported as being felt in parts of Fillmore. Info courtesy https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/ ci40992360/executive.
Enlarge Photo