CITY OF FILLMORE

CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2025 6:30 PM CITY HALL

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALL-EGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL

4. APPROVAL OF AGE-NDA

5. PRESENTATIONS

5.A MARCH PROCLAMATION TO HONOR/RECOGNIZE CESAR CHAVEZ DAY (3/31/25)

5.B PRESENTATION ON HOUSING TRUST FUND IN VENTURA COUNTY

6. PUBLIC COMMENTS

7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COMMENTS

8. CONSENT CAL-ENDAR

RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. IS TO BE APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE.

8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-MARCH 11, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-MARCH 11, 2025.PDF

9. NEW BUSINESS

9.A CREEKSIDE TRACT 6053 CITY WELL #8 PROTECTION AGREEMENT SR CREEKSIDE CITY WELL PROTECTION AGREEMENT. FINAL.PDF
RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Authorize the Mayor to execute the Well Protection Agreement between the City and
the Developer of Creekside Tract 6053, WH Creekside 131 LLC.

9.B CONSIDERA-TION OF ACCEPTANCE OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR DP NO.

01-02 MOD#4 NOVA STORAGE ADDITION AT 455 A STREET SR NOVA SELF STORAGE ACCEPTANCE. FINAL.PDF That the City Council: 1.
Consider the acceptance of certain public improvements installed for the Nova Self Storage Addition Project under
Development Permit No. 01-02 Mod#4. 2. Authorize the City Engineer to release the performance and payment bonds. 3.
Authorize the City Engineer to accept a warranty bond; hold for one year and release upon successful warranty inspection. 4.
Direct the Finance Director to adjust the balance sheet of street assets and begin depreciation in accordance with GASB 34
accounting guidelines.

9.C A REPORT TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING THE EMERGENCY REPAIRS FOR WELL NO.7 AND A REQUEST THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DETERMINE THAT
THE EMERGENCY HAS ENDED PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE SECTION 22050 AND RATIFICATION OF A CONTRACT AWARDED TO
GENERAL PUMP COMPANY, INC. AND AUTHORIZE THE FILING OF A NOTICE OF COMPLETION

SR TERMINATING THE EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO WELL NO.7. FINAL.PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Receive a report
regarding the status of the emergency repairs for Well No. 7; 2. Ratify the contract awarded to General Pump Company, Inc.
for an amount not-to-exceed $244,015.00 for the installation of a temporary rental pump and rehabilitation of Well No.7
(“Project”); 3. Determine that the emergency has ended and adopt Resolution 25-4050 memorializing this determination; 4.
Authorize staff to file the attached Notice of Completion; and 5. Authorize the final payment to the contractor of owed
retention and Release on Contract pending clearance of the 30-day lien period.

9.D APPOINTMENT OF PRIMARY AND ALTERNATE DELEGATES TO CALIFORNIA

JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS SR CJPIA DELEGATE -2025.PDF RECOMMENDATION City staff recommends that
the Council: 1.) Appoint an elected official to the CJPIA Board of Directors as the Primary delegate; and 2.) Appoint an
Alternate delegate that is either an elected official or staff member.

9.E REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE CONTRACT FOR THE 2025 THIRD OF JULY COMMUNITY FIREWORKS SHOW TO BE PROVIDED BY PYRO
SPECTACULARS, INC.

SR CONTRACT FOR THE 2025 3RD OF JULY COMMUNITY FIREWORKS SHOW.PDF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1.
Approve the appropriation of $29,000.00 for the 2025 July Third Community Fireworks Show, subject to approval of the
necessary permit from the Fillmore Unified School District; and 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with
Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. after the FUSD permit is received.

9.F CONSIDERATION OF ALLOWING VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST WITH FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS AT THE BOYS AND GIRLS

CLUB

SR - CONSIDERATION FOR USING VOLUNTEERS AT THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB.PDF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council
approve the participation of volunteers in specific facility improvement activities at the Boys and Girls Club as outlined
in this report. If approved, volunteers will be required to adhere to safety requirements, undergo necessary background
checks, and be supervised by a full-time City employee.

9.G CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF THE GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP AND ADOPTION OF GOALS AND CHANGE OF KEY RESULTS AREA TO
ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES

CITY OF FILLMORE’S GAOLS SR.PDF No recommendation shown.

9.H CONSIDERATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT (ZOA) NO. 24-02 AND ORDINANCE NO. 25-976 ALLOWING (1) BUT LIMITING
NONSTOREFRONT MEDICINAL CANNABIS RETAILERS TO THE BUSINESS PARK (BP) ZONE AND

(2) MEDICINAL CANNABIS DELIVERY, BOTH AS REQUIRED BY STATE LAW AND ADOPTING AN EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT

SR ORD 25-976 - SB1186 MEDICAL MARIJUANA DELIVERY ORDINANCE.PDF RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council conduct a public
hearing and then approve the first reading to introduce Ordinance No. 25-976 (Attachment 1) amending Fillmore Municipal Code
Sections 6.04.1203, 6.04.16, 7.40.010, and 7.40.040 to: (1) allow but limit non-storefront medicinal cannabis retailers in
the BP Zone and (2) allow medicinal cannabis delivery, both as required by Senate Bill 1186, and finding of exemption from
CEQA.

9.I CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT WITH KIMLEY-HORN TO IMPLEMENT THE CITY’S HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRAMS AND
ACCOMPANYING ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

SR_CONTRACT AMEND KIMELY HORN - HE PROGRAMS.PDF RECOMMENDATION City Staff recommends that the City Council take the
following actions: • Approve an appropriation in the amount of $31,900 from the general fund reserves to fund the cost of
this project; and • Approve Amended and Restated Contract Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn to add specified new services
related to Housing Element implementation, as set forth in Exhibit “A” of the Agreement and authorize the Mayor to execute
the agreement. Approval of the Amended and Restated Agreement would increase the not-to-exceed amount defined in Section 2.1
of the City’s original agreement with Kimley-Horn ($163,125) by the amount of $31,900, for a new not to exceed total of
$195,025.

9.J CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF COUNTY OF VENTURA SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM SERVICE CONTRACT VENDORS FOR USE BY CITY OF
FILLMORE SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM

SR VENTURA COUNTY SENIOR NUTRITION CONTRACT.PDF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Approve the utilization of five existing Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved vendors for the Older Americans Act Nutrition
Program for the City’s Senior Nutrition Program operations: Jordano’s Foodservice; Revolution Foods; Ventura Harbor
Restaurant Associates Inc aka Waters Edge; Waterside Restaurant; and Spencer Hilpert aka Azul; 2. Authorize the City’s City
Manager to make payments to these vendors using already budgeted funds for the City’s Senior Nutrition Program and to enter
into any agreements necessary to facilitate the continued use of these vendors through June 30, 2025, subject to City
Attorney approval.

10. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS

11. CITY MANAGER

CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT

12. CLOSED SESSION

12.A CLOSED SESSION - MARCH 11, 2025 MARCH 11, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF

13. ADJOURNMENT

MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025, CITY
HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

Above is the 2024 Crime Statistics for Fillmore. Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
Enlarge Photo

Above is the 2024 Crime Statistics for Ventura County. Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
Enlarge Photo

Starting with the reporting of the 2024 Crime Statistics (https://s45643.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/NIBRS-
Comparison-Q4-Official-02132025.pdf), the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) has transitioned to the National Incident
Based Reporting System (NIBRS). This transition aligns with a federal mandate and reflects our commitment to providing
transparent and comprehensive crime data to the community and the California and Federal Departments of Justice.

Historically, the VCSO Crime Analysis Unit (CAU) prepared a comparison of the previous three years of Uniform Crime
Reporting (UCR) statistics submitted. However, in 2024, VCSO received NIBRS certification, marking a significant change in
how crime data is collected and reported.

Previously, under UCR, the crimes reported included: Homicide, Rape/Criminal Sexual Assault, Robbery, Aggravated Assault,
Burglary, Theft, Motor Vehicle Theft, and Arson. Under UCR, VCSO jurisdiction reported on average (between 2021-2023) 3,700
crimes annually.

NIBRS requires data to be reported on over 50 offenses. Under the NIBRS requirements, VCSO jurisdiction reported 12,175
crimes for 2024. While this reporting method does provide a clearer picture of crime within our communities that we serve,
it makes it very difficult to compare previous years crime statistics to 2024 crime statistics.

NIBRS captures data in three crime categories: Crimes Against Persons, Crimes Against Property, and Crimes Against Society.

VCSO reported 2,388 Crimes Against Persons in 2024. Around 92% (2,192 victims) fell within the Assault category with many of
those offenses in the Simple Assault category (1,669 victims).

VCSO reported 11 victims of Homicide during 2024. There are no outstanding suspects in any of the Homicides and four of the
incidents involved mental health. Seven of the incidents involved known offenders to the victims, and three victims were
associated with vehicle related manslaughters.

Historically, under UCR, VCSO did not report vehicular manslaughter offenses. There were no gang related Homicides for 2024.

The NIBRS categories for Sex Offenses includes Rape, Sodomy, Sexual Assault with Object, and Fondling. For 2024, most of the
victims fell within the Fondling (50 or 43%) or Rape (40 or 35%) category.

The all-other reported crimes for the Crimes Against Persons category include Kidnapping/Abduction, Statutory Rape, and
Human Trafficking.

The Crimes Against Property category includes Robbery, Burglary, Theft, Motor Vehicle Theft, Arson, Destruction of Property,
Forgery, Embezzlement, Extortion, Fraud, Bribery, and Stolen Property. Of all the crimes reported to the DOJ under NIBRS,
this is the largest category for VCSO jurisdiction (totaling 6,098 crimes or 50% of VCSO’s reported crime). Historically,
under UCR, property crimes would also be the bulk of our reported crimes. Larceny accounted for 2,467 (40%) of the reported
crimes against property. Most of the thefts were shoplifting incidents (38% or 949 crimes), followed by all other larcenies
(28% or 688 crimes), and theft from motor vehicles (20% or 492 crimes). In previous years, thefts of catalytic converters
have been significant; however, in 2024, theft from motor vehicles that involved parts or accessories only accounted for 78
crimes (3%) and only 42 of those were catalytic converters. Burglary reports totaled 416 with 171 (41%) residential and 113
(27%) commercial. There are additional burglaries that fell within the school or other categories as well. Motor vehicle
theft accounted for 249 crimes (4%) and all other reported crimes for the Crimes Against Property totaled 2,888. Most of
these crimes fell into the Destruction of Property (1,180) or Fraud (1,259) categories.

The Crimes Against Society category includes Drug/Narcotic Violations, Drug Equipment Violations, Gambling, Pornography
Offenses, Prostitution, Weapons Violations, and Animal Cruelty. This category reported 3,689 (30%) of the total crimes that
VCSO reported to the Departments of Justice. Most of this category are Drug/Narcotic Violations (2,304 or 62%) and Drug
Equipment Violations (975 or 26%).

It should be noted that each geographical area in Ventura County is unique, and crime trends vary from city to city. The
2024 NIBRS Crime Dashboard further breaks down crime reporting per jurisdiction. For questions regarding each city’s
reported crimes, the following people can be contacted:

City of Fillmore Chief of Police– Captain Eduardo Malagon (805 477-7108)

City of Camarillo Chief of Police – Commander Eric Tennessen (805 797-7102)

City of Thousand Oaks Chief of Police– Commander Jeremy Paris (805 797-7105)

City of Moorpark Chief of Police– Captain Darin Hendren (805 797-7137)

City of Ojai Chief of Police – Captain Trina Newman (805 477-7039)

Prepared by:

Senerey De Los Santos

News Release Date:

March 7, 2025

Claudia Portugal Cornejo, 52, of Fillmore

VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Claudia Portugal Cornejo (DOB 10/26/72), of Fillmore, was sentenced to twelve months in jail for defrauding COVID-19 relief programs and stealing more than $101,000 from the County of Ventura, the State of California, and individual victims. An additional twenty-eight months in jail was suspended as a term of her felony probation. Cornejo pleaded guilty on October 21, 2024, to five felonies: two counts of grand theft, presentation of a fraudulent claim, false personation, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

“The defendant stole tens of thousands of dollars from taxpayers and hardworking individuals, lining her own pockets at the expense of those in real need,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “Through the hard work and investigative eye of the Sheriff’s Office and County CEO’s Office, her schemes were exposed and brought to the attention of our prosecutors.”
In June 2020, the County of Ventura launched the Business Assistance Grant (BAG) Program to support local businesses impacted by the pandemic. Over four phases, grants were awarded to eligible businesses that met specific criteria, including having a valid business license in Ventura County and proof of operation before March 17, 2020. A similar program, the California Relief Grant Program, was funded by the state.

Cornejo orchestrated a scheme to submit fraudulent applications, stealing $70,000 from the County of Ventura and $25,000 from the State of California. She also charged individuals upfront fees to submit applications on their behalf but never did, stealing an additional $6,800 from two victims.

The fraud was discovered in October 2021, when the County of Ventura’s Executive Office identified suspicious documents in BAG Program applications, including forged business certificates and doctored tax forms. An investigation by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the County CEO’s Office revealed Cornejo submitted multiple fraudulent applications, often charging victims to submit the paperwork, and taking a portion of approved grants. She carried out the scheme from her business, Fillmore General Services. The County also determined that outside of the frauds perpetrated by Cornejo, the fraud was not widespread.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Howard Wise, a member of the Special Prosecutions Fraud and Technology Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.

“It is appalling that Ms. Cornejo took advantage of programs designed to help established businesses stay open during COVID,” Mr. Wise said. “However, I was deeply impressed with the earnestness which the County of Ventura investigated this matter, shut it down, and supported the prosecution.”

In addition to the twelve-month jail sentence, Cornejo was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $92,659 to the County of Ventura for loss to the County and the costs associated with investigating the fraud. She was also ordered to pay $25,000 to the State of California and $6,800 to two individual victims. Those victims paid Cornejo to submit grants on their behalf but did not know Cornejo was engaged in fraud. Cornejo kept the money and did not submit the promised grant applications

***

Case: 2022000241

Defendant Information:
Claudia Portugal Cornejo (DOB 10/26/72) Fillmore
Charges pled guilty to:
• (2 counts) PC 487(a) – Grand theft
• PC 72 – Presentation of fraudulent claim
• PC 529(a)(3) – False personation of another
• PC 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy to commit a crime.

***
Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttitta@ventura.org
Approved: SW
Date: March 4, 2025
Release No.: 25-028

On 03/02/2025, (S) Jesus Garcia was arrested for first-degree burglary, violation of a court order and misdemeanor drug offenses.

On 03/02/2025, at about 2:50 AM, a victim reported a residential burglary at an apartment building located in the 600 block of River Street in Fillmore. The victim stated the burglar had entered their apartment while they were home and stole items. Fillmore patrol personnel responded to the residence and confirmed a first-degree residential burglary had occurred and the suspect fled the scene with property belonging to the occupants of the apartment.

At about 8:22 AM, staff of a local group home reported a client, Jesus Garcia, had walked away from their facility where he was mandated to stay in accordance with a court order. Garcia was last seen the night prior. As patrol personnel were looking for Garcia, staff members of the group home advised Sheriff’s Dispatch they found him near the river bottom and the A Street bridge. This is near the area where the burglary occurred earlier in the morning.

Fillmore patrol resources responded to the group home and spoke with staff members and Garcia. During patrol’s investigation, they developed probable cause to arrest Garcia for a violation of Penal Code § 166(a)(4) – [Violation of a Court Order] and Health & Safety Code § 11550(a) – [Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance]. A subsequent search at the facility was conducted and patrol personnel located evidence linking Garcia to the residential burglary.

Garcia was transported to the Fillmore Police Station and interviewed by a detective from the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation where they obtained additional evidence linking Garcia to burglary.
During the afternoon hours, detectives followed up with the burglary investigation and canvassed the area where the burglary occurred. During the canvas, they located additional evidence linking Garcia to the burglary. Garcia was supplementally arrested for a felonious violation of Penal Code § 460 – [First-Degree Residential Burglary]. He was transported and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for the aforementioned offenses pending court proceedings.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on “X” @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF and @FILLMOREPD, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 03/03/2025
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO

On 03/03/2025, deputies with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office-Fillmore Station arrested a 41-year-old man following a firearm incident in the quiet community of Ventura County known as Piru. At about 4:37 AM, patrol deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to a report of a neighbor shooting into another neighbor’s residence in the 700 block of Park Street, located in the unincorporated community known as Piru. Arriving deputies located the victim and his family who were evacuated as a safety precaution.
As the investigation unfolded, deputies determined a firearm had been negligently discharged, with a round striking and entering a neighbor’s residence. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
A short time later, the suspect, identified as (S) Patrick Casas, 41, exited his residence and was taken into custody by deputies without incident.

Detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation along with field evidence technicians from the Sheriff’s Bureau of Identification, and scientists from the Sheriff’s Crime Lab responded to the location for the investigation. A search warrant was obtained followed by a subsequent search of Casas’ residence. As a result, additional evidence linking Casas to the crime was located including 12 rifles, five handguns, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. None of the firearms seized were lawfully registered to Casas.

Casas was transported and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for a violation of Penal Code § 246.3(a) – [Negligent Discharge of Firearm into Residence]. Casas was served a Temporary Emergency Gun Violence Restraining Order authorized by a Ventura County Superior Court Judge. Casas remains in custody pending court proceedings.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office reminds our community members of the serious consequences of improper firearm handling and urges gun owners to exercise extreme caution.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on “X” @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF and @FILLMOREPD, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 03/04/2025
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO

***
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

By Nancy Rodriguez

The City of Fillmore is thrilled to reflect on the success of our youth basketball program, Legendz. This year, we welcomed a spirited group of 21 players who brought boundless energy and enthusiasm to the court. With the dedication of our six amazing coaches—Matthew Hernandez, Nancy Hernandez, Tania Melgoza, Yvette Moore, Miguel Rico, and Marissa Rodriguez—this season has been nothing short of spectacular!

Legendz was designed with passion and purpose, aimed at supporting young athletes who are looking for that extra bit of assistance to dive into the world of sports. Our program focuses on ensuring that every participant can progress at their own pace, allowing them to develop as individual players while honing vital skills. Whether dribbling, shooting, or teamwork, our players have made tremendous strides this season, and we couldn’t be prouder!

One of the most exciting developments this year was the introduction of adaptive basketball, spearheaded by our devoted Cultural, Arts, and Recreation Commissioner, volunteer, Nancy Rodriguez Hernandez. This program has opened doors for more young athletes to engage in the sport, emphasizing inclusivity and participation. It’s heartwarming to witness how this program has positively impacted our community, offering everyone the chance to experience the joy of basketball.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to all our coaches, players, families, city staff, and Mayor Christina Villasenor, for not only supporting the program, but making sure that the Boys and Girls Club gym was a safe place for everyone to play. It was a memorable season filled with growth, friendship, and fun. We look forward to seeing everyone back on the court next year, ready to create more unforgettable memories together! Go, Legendz!

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VENTURA, Calif. – An investigation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has determined that a petroleum-contaminated wastewater discharge into Grimes Canyon Creek originated from a vacuum truck operated by a temporary employee of Advanced Industrial Services, Inc. (AIS).

The case began on November 1, 2022, when an employee of California Natural Resources Group discovered petroleum byproduct in a dry creek bed at the Dryden oil lease facility in Fillmore. Environmental authorities launched an investigation to determine the source of the contamination.
Investigators used a combination of physical evidence, logbook records, photographs, tire tread analysis, and witness statements to track the discharge back to an AIS-operated vacuum truck. Evidence showed that between 4:00a.m. and 4:49 a.m., the driver loaded petroleum-contaminated wastewater, backed the truck up to Grimes Canyon Creek, and discharged approximately 150 gallons into a ravine leading to the creek bed. The driver then left without reporting the spill, as required by law.

“This case underscores the importance of thorough environmental investigations and the critical role of state and local partnerships to protect Ventura County’s natural resources,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “The objective of this settlement is to ensure that harmful discharges into our environment do not reoccur.”

Following the inve-stigation, AIS reached a $29,736 settlement with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. The company was also ordered to comply with permanent injunctive terms prohibiting the unlawful disposal of petroleum products.
Authorities urge the public to report any suspected environmental violations to ensure the protection of local waterways and ecosystems.

***

Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttitta@ventura.org
Approved: SW
Date: February 28, 2025
Release No.: 25-026