At last night’s council meeting Fire Chief Keith Gurrola sought approval to purchase a thermal imaging camera, part of a FEMA Grant, to help firefighters detect heat behind walls before entering a building or room.

Presentation
7-A Ventura County Behavioral Health Director Scott Gilman addressed the Council regarding local homeless challenges and facilities available.

All items approved 5-0
8.A HOMELESSNESS
Fire Chief Gurrola and Police Chief Malagon provided an update on the people experiencing homelessness who are living in the Santa Clara River bottom and the recent court decisions which have limited the City’s abilities to address the homeless while allowing the City to support and protect concerned residents. In addition, Scott Gillman, Ventura County Behavioral Health Director, explained what services are available for the homeless.

8-B AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE SANTA CLARA RIVER WATERSHED BACTERIA MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
REQUEST: That the City Council approve Amendment No. 3 to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among the cities of Fillmore, Oxnard, Santa Paula, and Ventura, the County of Ventura, and Ventura County Watershed Protection District to provide equal cost sharing for the Santa Clara River Bacteria Monitoring and Reporting Program to extend the program for an additional 24 months.

8-C REQUEST: Staff is requesting that the City Council accept two separate FEMA grants awarded to the regional fire services: one for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and the second for FY 2021 AFG
APPROVE THE ACCEPTANCE OF 2 FEMA GRANTS, FOR PORTABLE RADIOS AND THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS

8.D CONTINGENT DESIGN AND ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WILLDAN ENERGY SOLUTIONS FOR WATER METER EFFICIENCY AND INFRASTRUCTURE ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF A FUNDING PLAN Smart Meter Program Willdan Energy Solutions.
All items approved 5 -5-0.

ADJOURNMENT - MAYOR MARK AUSTIN ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

Scott Beylik, Program Chair, introduced speakers District Superintendent of Schools Christine Schieferle, FHS Principal Keith Derrick and FUSD Facilities and Bond Manager Chris Kline. Their presentation provided an overview of the upcoming construction of the new Fillmore High School athletic complex. Mrs. Schieferle talked about the input from community meetings, P.E. teachers, coaches, students, and visiting other high schools in preparation for what was needed in the new building. Mr. Derrick and Mr.
Kline each gave interesting descriptions from the presentation boards on location of the building, as well as the interior
and parking lot. The passing of Measure G is what has made this possible. It is a big project, and the anticipated completion date is Summer of 2025. Measure V facilities projects will continue with future upgrades to the FHS Library, Cafeteria, College & Career Center and new windows and air conditioning in the Arts Building. Additional projects across the district will include additional shade structures at school sites and air conditioning in the San Cayetano and Piru cafeterias.

Fillmore City Council meeting; Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023; 6:30 pm
Agenda Item 8A
Fire Chief Gurrola and Police Chief Malagon will provide an update on the people experiencing homelessness who are living in the Santa Clara River bottom and the recent court decisions which have limited the City's abilities to address the homeless while allowing the City to support and protect concerned residents. In addition, Scott Gillman, the Ventura County Behavioral Health Director, will explain what services are available for the homeless.

Scott Lee began the Fillmore Rotary meeting with the Lions Club history. The Fillmore Lions Club started in 1927, and the motto is “We Serve”. The original Lions Club started in Chicago in 1917. At their first convention Helen Keller was the speaker and from there the “Knights of the Light” began. Lions sponsor a guide dog training program and aid with blindness and diabetes around the world. They also have a Disability Park in Concord. Locally the Lions are in charge of our parades and have a fireworks booth to earn money for their projects. They also give scholarships and support the community in many other ways. This year they are sponsoring the 86th Annual Lions Club Student Speaker Contest. Steve McKeown spoke on another aspect of the Lions Club, the Scout House, located on Sespe Avenue, where they meet, as well as the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. Fillmore Rotary is a charter member of the Cub Scouts, an active group. The Boy Scouts have a small number and are trying to recruit more members. The Rotary Club motto is “Service Above Self”. Both Clubs are working together to serve the youth and adults of Fillmore.

On Wednesday, February 15, at 1:00am, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office was involved in a westbound SR-126 pursuit from Hallock Drive, Santa Paula to Wells Road, Ventura. The 15-year-old female subject (of Fillmore) crashed into a guardrail near the Wells Road offramp. The subject was taken into custody by CHP-Ventura and arrested for DUI, felony evading, and reckless driving. Information credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On February 7th, 2023, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors accepted the donation of an Advanced Rescue Medevac (ARM) vehicle donated by Direct Relief to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

In January 2023, shortly after the devastating floods and rain throughout the Tri-Counties area, Direct Relief contacted the California Office of Emergency Services seeking to make a donation to purchase equipment which could be used in a wide range of rescue scenarios. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office had already been working with CalOES to find something similar. CalOES put Direct Relief in contact with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office to coordinate our efforts.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Ventura County Fire Department worked together and concluded the Lenco Advanced Rescue Medevac (ARM) was what would serve the citizens best. Direct Relief agreed and purchased the vehicle. On February 7th, 2023, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to accept the gift from Direct Relief.

The Lenco ARM is a fully armored vehicle. It has 36-inch run-flat tires, is 4X4, a turbo diesel engine, can drive through mud and water up to 44 inches deep, can endure direct flame for a short period of time, can climb 60-degree slopes and take winds up to 200 miles per hour. The vehicle also has a full medical interior, complete with onboard oxygen and a litter system like the equipment in an ambulance.

Because the vehicle is armored, it will be supervised and operated by members of the Sheriff’s SWAT team, but will have Ventura County Fire Department paramedics on board as part of the regular staffing for the vehicle. The purpose of the vehicle is to rescue citizens, officers and deputies in any kind of situation, whether tactical or natural disaster, and provide advanced life support to those victims until they are out of harms way and transport them to a safe location. No other vehicle in the county fleet has this capability.

Direct Relief is a world-wide humanitarian aid non-profit organization. Their mission is to improve the lives of people everywhere by providing lifesaving resources.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Ventura County Fire Department are hosting an event for Direct Relief on February 21st, 2023, to say thank you and demonstrate the capabilities of the new vehicle. The media are invited to attend. Please contact Capt. Cameron Henderson for further details of the event.

Nature of Incident: Donation of New Armored Rescue Vehicle
Report Number: N/A
Location: 800 S. Victoria Ave. Ventura, CA. 93009
Date & Time: February 7th, 2023
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Ventura County Fire Department
Prepared by: Assistant Sheriff Shane Matthews
Approved by: Assistant Sheriff Shane Matthews

Courtesy Jan Lee

April 15 and 16 are the dates for the Fillmore Flower Show for 2023. The theme is “Garden Treasures”. It should be a beautiful event again this year. Plan to enter some of the lovely treasures growing in your yard. If you go to fillmoreflowershow.org you will see all the rules to enter as well as the many divisions of plants and flowers.

The Flower Show committee, a group of volunteers who appreciate the garden treasures growing in the yards of the Fillmore community, has broadened the eligibility for youth this year. We want to encourage young people to go outside and discover the fun of growing, arranging and displaying plants and flowers. There are three divisions specifically for youth: Division IX Youth Arrangements, Division X Youth Composition and Division XI Youth Art, which is a non-competitive division. Ordinarily, youth must live within the boundaries of the Fillmore Unified School District to enter. But, starting this year, any youth may enter no matter where they live. Youth are age 3 up through 12th grade. All youth entries are FREE. Of course, youth may compete with the adults in any division.

At the Flower Show there will be a plant boutique where you can get some plants to grow in your garden. There will also be a table where children can participate in a gardening activity. While strolling around looking at the displays, you will be entertained by live music. From 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday the Flower Show will be open to the public. Admission is free. See you there!

City Council voted 5-0 to approve all agenda items:

7-A PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF THE ADOPTION OF THE CITY’S 2020 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the attached Resolution No. 23-3921, adopting the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan.

7.B GRANT OF EASEMENT AND AGREEMENT FOR EL DORADO ESTATES ANZA STREET GATE ENTRANCE
The City Engineer recommends that the City Council approve the Grant of Easement and Agreement Affecting Real Property to provide the El Dorado Estates Mobile Home Park with access and maintenance rights for the vehicular access gate, pedestrian access gate, and related infrastructure necessary to access the Park from Anza Street.

7.C DISSOLUTION OF CITY’S ACTIVE ADULT AND FILM COMMISSIONS FILLMORE - STAFF REPORT DISSOLVING ACTIVE ADULT AND FILM COMMISSION.
REQUEST That the City Council approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 23-948 to dissolve the Active Adult Commission by removing Fillmore Municipal Code Chapter 2.34 and approve Resolution No. 23-3920 to dissolve the Film Commission by repealing City Council Resolution No. 06-2911.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the first reading to introduce Ordinance No. 23- 948 and approve Resolution No. 3920.

7-D 308 CHAMBERSBURG ROAD/SH-23 PROPERTY UPDATE AND REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO RECORD A DEED RESTRICTION EQUESTRIAN CENTER STAFF REPORT - DEED RESTRICTION.
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize: 1. The Mayor to sign the deed restriction required by HCD and direct staff to record the signed document; and 2. Direct staff to arrange for the sale of the Property on the open market.

7-E FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR WATER QUALITY ADVISORY SERVICES STAFF REPORT MAGDALENO CONTRACT AMENDMENT 2023
It is recommended that the City Council approve the First Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement with Jaime Magdaleno for Water Quality Advisory Services and authorize the Mayor to sign the First Amendment to the contract.

7.F RECEIVE AND FILE DOWNTOWN STRATEGIC VISION REPORT PREPARED BY RETAIL STRATEGIES AND HAVE STAFF DISSEMINATE THE STRATEGIC PLAN AND ITS PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION SR - DOWNTOWN STRATEGIC VISION.
It is recommended that the City Council: 1. Receive and file the Downtown Strategic Vision.

7.G CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND ADOPTION OF KEY RESULTS AREAS AS THE CITY COUNCIL’S 2023-24 GOALS KEY RESULTS AREA - STAFF REPORT.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve and adopt the attached Key Results Areas as the City Council’s 2023-2024 goals.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On February 8, 2023, deputies assigned to the Fillmore patrol station contacted and arrested William Krol of Santa Cruz for making criminal threats against a female victim.

On February 7, 2023, the victim was walking her dog and was confronted by Krol. Krol aggressively approached the victim and threatened to kill her and seriously injure her dog. A diligent and unidentified citizen intervened and assisted the victim by escorting her to safety. The victim was not injured as a result of the confrontation. The victim was able to call 911 and report the incident. Patrol deputies responded and were unable to locate the suspect.

After the incident, Fillmore patrol deputies and detectives began an investigation and identified Krol as a possible suspect.

On February 8, 2023, a sergeant working patrol contacted and detained Krol at a local shopping center in Fillmore. After further investigation, Krol was positively identified as the suspect who made the criminal threats toward the victim. Krol was arrested for PC 422- Criminal Threats and was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to maintaining the safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any crime they come across by calling 911. 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.

Report Number: 23-16986
Location: Ventura Street & A Street / Fillmore
Date & Time: February 7, 2023 @ 10:20 A.M.
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Detective Bureau and Fillmore Patrol Services
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) William Krol, Transient/Santa Cruz, 52
Prepared by: Detective Frank Valdez
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

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).

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On February 10, 2023, a patrol deputy assigned to the Fillmore patrol station arrested a documented Fresno gang member for illegal possession of a loaded firearm and possession of methamphetamine. A second suspect was also arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

At approximately 3:30 AM, a Fillmore patrol deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for expired registration traveling in the 700 block of Ventura Street in the city of Fillmore. The vehicle was occupied by three Fresno County residents.

Upon contacting the driver, Suezann Dresser, the deputy determined she was under the influence of a controlled substance and she was placed under arrest.

The front passenger was identified as Jonathan Hernandez. During the ensuing investigation, Hernandez was arrested for being in possession of a loaded and concealed .22 caliber handgun and a small quantity of methamphetamine. Hernandez is a documented Fresno gang member and is prohibited by law from possessing or owning any firearms. The third occupant in the vehicle was released from the scene.

Hernandez was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trail Detention Facility on various firearms and narcotics violations. Hernandez remains in custody with his bail set at $50,000.00

Dresser was also booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trail Detention Facility for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to maintaining the safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any crime they come across by calling 911. 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.

Report Number: 23-18486
Location: 700 Block of Ventura Street / Fillmore Ca.
Date & Time: February 10, 2023 @ 3:30 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S-1) Jonathan Hernandez, 36, Fresno
(S-2) Suezann Dresser, 36, Fresno
Prepared by: Sergeant Will Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

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).

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Courtesy FHS Boys Basketball Coach Mark Blankenship

On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, Fillmore vs. Mary Star, first round of DIV 5AA playoff game, played at Fillmore. Fillmore-54, Mary Star of the Sea-49. Leading for Fillmore: Jack Morris, 18 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 block, 4 steals; Isaac Weslow, 17 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals; Nate Delgadillo, 7 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 2 steals; Jacob Munoz, 7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal.

***

Friday, February 10, 2023, Fillmore vs. Loara, Second round of Division 5AA CIF playoffs, played at Loara. Fillmore 36 - Loara 42, Played at Loara. Leading for Fillmore: Nate Delgadillo, 16 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block; Mahki Hooker, 6 points,3 rebounds 1 steal; Jacob Munoz, 5 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 steal; Isaac Weslow, 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks. Fillmore fell short to Loara, but finished the 2023 season 13-12.

Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

When most people think about the beginnings of the history of the Piru (originally pronounced "Pea-roo") area, they go back to 1887 when David Cook of Chicago bought the Rancho Temescal land grant from the Del Valle family and platted the town. Some more informed might go a little further back to when Benjamin Warring traded a pistol for the Buckhorn Ranch. Both would be missing a great deal of the area’s history and interesting stories.

Join Michelle Ybarra McKinley as she takes us back to the time of the Tataviams, the indigenous people who greeted the Portola Expedition in 1769, painting a picture of their life prior to the arrival of the Europeans.

She will tell of the people who settled the area, from Juan Fustero, the saddle maker, the Dominguez family, the Reasoners and others who settled the hills and canyons around Piru.

The Fillmore Historical Museum and Michelle McKinley will share these stories on Zoom on February 23, at 7:00 pm. There is no charge for the event, but you need to preregister to receive the meeting information. You can register now by going to the “Special Events” tab on our website, www.fillmorehistoricalmuseum.org