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Camarillo City Council: Water Conservation Mandate

By Logan McFadden

The Camarillo City Council held a Special Meeting on October 5, 2015 at the Camarillo Public Library. Tom Fox, Public Works Director, gave a presentation on Camarillo’s water conservation plan. Governor Brown’s recent Executive Oder set forth a temporary water conservation mandate which expires at the end of February 2016. The Governor will assess California’s water reserves at that time to determine what water conservation mandate, if any, will be required going forward.

The Metropolitan Water District set Camarillo’s water reduction target at 20% based upon 2013 usage. Camarillo’s effective long-range water plan was recognized by the MWD in setting the relatively low goal. Other cities received reduction goals as high as 37% because they had not already taken steps to conserve water. Camarillo has complied with its target in June (25%), July (27%), August (21%) and September (23%).

Camarillo’s water reduction strategy includes water conservation, recycled water, and a desalination treatment plant. Camarillo is served by five water agencies. Each agency determines the water reduction target independently. The area served by City Water is under a Stage 2 Alert which allows customers to water their lawns three days per week. The Camarillo Springs neighborhood, for example, is served by the Camrosa Water District and is under a Stage 3 alert.

The Regional Housing Need Authority (RHNA) is a statewide policy which prevents a city from arbitrarily stopping new development. California policy requires that housing be inclusive rather that exclusive. If a city submits a housing plan not in conformity with RHNA, the courts may approve higher density and lower quality projects. Each new development requires the developer to provide a water impact study.

Camarillo requires all new developers to “bring water to the table.” In other words a new development must not negatively impact the water supply currently available to serve existing water customers. This is generally met by transferring water rights from the former land owner to the City. If the transferred rights are not sufficient to meet the projected water consumption for the new development, the City will require the developer to participate in the rebate program. The developer pays a calculated fee per unit to support water conservation in another part of the City. Simply stated, an existing customer receives a cash rebate from the City for planting a drought tolerant landscape, installing low flow filters and/or purchasing water efficient appliances. The reduction in water use by the existing customer(s) is offset by the additional water usage for the new development, thus resulting in a net zero impact to the existing customers. The end result is that level of the Stage Alert remains the constant.

If the Governor increases the water conservation mandate in March 2016 to 40% as an example, then quite possibly all of the customers served by Camarillo City Water would move to Stage 3 Alert. This would allow for lawns to be watered twice per week. Individual customers may also have to install low flush toilets and/or water efficient appliances to meet their 40% reduction goal. Tom Fox took questions and received several compliments from the audience for the informative presentation. The City Council has positioned Camarillo at an advantage with the implementation of the long-range water conservation plan began several years ago.

On October 14, 2015, the City Council meeting will include a presentation of the proposed water ordinance to comply with the plan as discussed herein. Residents will each be given up to three minutes to comment on the proposed ordinance.

Then, on October 28th, the City Council will meet to vote on the ordinance.

Camarillo Council Meeting Archive

============================== Logan McFadden is a Citizensjournal.us city reporter and a recently retired banker, residing in Camarillo. He volunteers for the Heritage Action Sentinel team and serves as the AMAC Delegate to the 26th Congressional District.

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Camarillo – State of the City 2015

By Logan McFadden

Mayor Bill Little spoke on a wide range of topics at the Camarillo City Hall on Tuesday, September 22nd.

Mayor Bill Little Youtube

Bottom line, the city is meeting its water conservation goal set by Governor Brown’s Executive Order, growing through new residential and commercial projects, and maintaining a strong financial position.

The Mayor led off with a discussion of the California drought and its impact on Camarillo. Over the past year, the City Council has heard from several residents that are opposed to future residential and commercial developments. Among their concerns is more traffic, reduction of open spaces and water resources that will be needed to support new demand. Mayor Little addressed the water concern by stating the city has been proactive, requiring developers to “bring water to the table” through funding water-conservation projects within the city. The city staff will present a comprehensive plan next month followed by comments from the public.

Mayor Little stated that the city has a balanced budget and ample reserves. Over the last fiscal year, the city collected about $15 million in sales tax and $10 million in property taxes. The Camarillo Premium Outlets generate a large portion of the sales tax revenue.

There are several development projects in various stages of completion. On the drawing board is a hotel and conference center that will be located on vacant land south of the 101 Freeway and east of Las Posas Road. The project was stalled by the economic downturn beginning in 2008. Staff is negotiating an exclusive agreement with the Mian Companies to develop the property.

Some of the other projects include the following:

1. Stabilization of the hillside in the Camarillo Springs neighborhood to prevent future mud and debris flows 2. A recreation center that could include a bowling alley and ice skating rink 3. Two new Starbucks to open in the next few months 4. Local infrastructure improvements 5. Extension of a 4.5-mile bike trail to the CSUCI campus

  Little spoke highly of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office serving the city since 1964. The city has seen an increase in crime with 100 more crimes between January and June 2015 compared with the same time period in 2014. Little speculated that the passage of Proposition 47 has contributed to the increase. Proposition 47 was approved by the voters on November 4, 2014. The initiative reduces the classification of most nonserious and nonviolent property and drug crimes from a felony to a misdemeanor, thus allowing more offenders to stay out of jail. The department sponsors a wide variety of community programs such as Project HOPE, a program which helps the homeless, and Citizens Patrol, made up of a group of volunteers who assist police.

Mayor Little credited city staff for helping Camarillo run smoothly. His experience in working for five other cities in different parts of the country supports his opinion that the caliber of work is outstanding.

============================== Logan McFadden is a Citizensjournal.us city reporter and a recently retired banker, residing in Camarillo. He volunteers for the Heritage Action Sentinel team and serves as the AMAC Delegate to the 26th Congressional District.

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Affordable Housing in Camarillo

By Logan McFadden

The Camarillo City Council met on July 8, 2015. The Municipal Code which currently addresses “bachelor apartments” is being amended to define Single-Room Occupancy (SRO) Facilities. An SRO provides affordable housing for residents who do not need or cannot afford a large apartment. The SRO is a small unit from 200 to 400 square feet. The Council members heard a presentation which noted that other communities are establishing similar guidelines. Vice Mayor Mike Morgan expressed that the units would be too small to comfortably accommodate a kitchen, bathroom and bed plus ‘walking around’ space. A young resident spoke during the public hearing and said that an SRO is definitely needed in the community. The motion to amend the Municipal Code failed by a no vote of 3 to 2. The Mayor directed staff to re-consider the SRO amendment to increase the minimum size to 300 square feet for one person and 450 square feet for a maximum of two people. Councilmember Jan McDonald requested that the staff include floorplans showing a space configuration for each of the units. The code change will be discussed and voted upon at a future Council meeting.

During public comments, two residents spoke negatively about the current landscaping guidelines enforced by the City. They specifically requested an increase from a maximum of 50% of an area covered by artificial turf to 100% as an effective solution to water conservation. Drought friendly plants are also included as choices for landscaping. The homeowner must submit a landscaping plan and receive a free permit from the City. Mayor Little stated that following the Council meeting a discussion on landscaping guidelines would convene in the administrative conference room. He invited the two residents to join the discussion.

The Ventura County Civic Alliance presented the 2015 State of the Region Report. The report is a good resource for statistics on a variety of employment, housing and other community information. The report includes statistics on the following:

Agriculture Voter turnout Economy Projected growth Employment growth Employment by sector – The county is creating fewer high paying positions International trade Earnings by education level Air quality Home Ownership Multifamily housing Housing affordability Water usage Youth smoking County crime rates City crime rates Homelessness

To download a free copy of the report: HERE

Camarillo Council Meeting Archive

============================== Logan McFadden is a Citizensjournal.us city reporter and a recently retired banker, residing in Camarillo. He volunteers for the Heritage Action Sentinel team and serves as the AMAC Delegate to the 26th Congressional District.

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Camarillo City Council moves forward with hotel/conference center off 101 Freeway

By Logan McFadden

St. John’s Healthcare Foundation submitted a letter to the City requesting a grant for the purchase of equipment for the new Catheterization Lab. On June 10th, the Council discussed the grant and requested further information from Brian Pierik, City Attorney, regarding the grant. Mr. Pierik reported back to the Council. He opined that a grant for public health meets the requirement that public funds must be used for public purposes. The second provision requires that the grant money will not go into construction; otherwise the prevailing market wage will impact construction costs. Mr. Pierik recommended that he send a letter to the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) for a determination that a grant from the City will not trigger the prevailing wage clause. Councilmember Jan McDonald suggested that the letter should include more specifics in order to preclude an adverse decision by DIR. Mayor Bill Little instructed the City Attorney and City Manager, Bruce Feng, to further research the grant request and hold the matter in file pending more information for the Council’s consideration. The Council discussed a grant ranging from $100,000 to $200,000; however, the specific amount has yet to be determined.

The next agenda item was the five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The program also includes the Camarillo Sanitary District. The program includes 59 projects. The comprehensive capital expenditure program sets forth projects for buildings and grounds, storm drainage, transportation, water, sanitary, and redevelopment. The program indicates the location, size, and estimates of cost for all facilities and improvements to be financed from various fund sources. The Planning Commission determined that CIP is consistent with the City’s General Plan. The Council voted to adopt the five-year CIP as presented.

The City has long planned for construction of a hotel and conference center in Camarillo, at the southeast corner of Las Posas Road and the U.S. Highway 101/Ventura Freeway (adjacent to the Promenade shopping center). Land was purchased in 2004; however, the project was stalled by the great recession. Given the current strong market, the consensus of the City’s consultant and proposed developer is that now is the right time to move forward. The project will be built on 12.4 acres. The proposed developer is exploring plans with Hilton Hotels and Embassy Suites to manage the facility once completed. The Council voted to authorize the City Manager to execute an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement between the City and The Mian Companies (proposed developer). The initial concept is to build a 3.5 to 4 star hotel. The Council stated that the proposed project would have to meet Camarillo’s high standards.

The City Council and Camarillo Sanitary District conducted a detailed review of the proposed 2015/2016 Budget and amendments to the 2014/2015 Budget on June 3, 2015. The Budget was unanimously adopted by the City Council on June 24, 2015. Budget information can be found on the City’s website.

============================== Logan McFadden is a Citizensjournal.us city reporter and a recently retired banker, residing in Camarillo. He volunteers for the Heritage Action Sentinel team and serves as the AMAC Delegate to the 26th Congressional District.

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Camarillo City Council Lifts Emergency Proclamation

By Logan McFadden

The Camarillo City Council voted 4 to 1 to terminate the Proclamation of Local Emergency which was issued for the Camarillo Springs community. Vice Mayor Mike Morgan opposed the termination. The Emergency Proclamation was activated in November 2014 following heavy rains and debris flow from the mountain backing up to several homes. Since that time, over $1,000,000 has been spent to avert another disaster, including a $750,000 grant from NRCS, a federal government agency.

The City Attorney, Brian Pierik, explained that it would be inconsistent to issue building permits to yellow tag homeowners while leaving the Emergency Proclamation open. Also, the rainy season has ended.

Several homeowners voiced their opposition to the termination and requested that the Emergency Proclamation be once again extended. The extension was requested because there are specific mediation projects which have to be completed in accordance with geological surveys. As a condition of issuing yellow tag building permits, the homeowner had to acknowledge that “serious and dangerous conditions” still exist. There are five red tag homes which have not been granted a building permit.

A major contributor to any future debris flow would arise from adjacent land referred to as the Longo Properties (Longo). The City sent a letter to Longo in December 2014 declaring Longo a public nuisance. Specific actions required to prevent future debris flow from Longo impacting the Camarillo Springs community were outlined in the letter. To date, Longo has not taken any action. The attorney for the Camarillo Springs HOA asked the City Council to take action to force Longo’s compliance.

Emotions were running high and a couple of heated exchanges were quickly tamped down. A resident made a point that the disaster could have been avoided if the City Council had voted down the “foolhardy” Camarillo Springs development proposal 30 years ago. Barbara Williams, HOA President, spoke of her overall disappointment with the status of the mitigation projects. She questioned what would be the City’s future involvement if the Emergency Proclamation was terminated. Ms. Williams has done her best to represent the homeowners’ concerns. The homeowners applauded after her presentation to the Council members. Mayor Bill Little politely asked the homeowners to refrain, citing the Council’s policy of maintaining neutrality. Ms. Williams delivered her comments with a sense of urgency. El Nino 2015 is expected to intensify and last through the winter. The homeowners’ safety concerns are palpable.

A resident of a nearby mobile home park stated that the debris basins have not been tested and requested an extension of the Emergency Proclamation. He also stated that the City has not addressed debris flow issues at the park. Councilmember Charlotte Craven clarified that the benefit of an Emergency Proclamation is the granting of emergency powers which trigger disaster relief resources. The community is not experiencing an immediate emergency at this time. If another disaster happens, a new emergency proclamation can be issued by the City Manager within an hour. Ms. Craven assured the homeowners that the City will continue to reach out to all interested parties seeking resolution of outstanding safety issues.

The City Manager, Bruce Feng, apologized for any miscommunication or lack of information explaining the purpose and actions triggered by an emergency proclamation. He explained that there are federal requirements which allow the City to order and direct first responders. A primary objective is the safety of those in harm’s way. An order authorizes equipment and overtime which often runs into millions of dollars. The order also allows the local officials to apply to the federal government for reimbursement of costs. The City has requested additional funding from NRCS, but funding was declined as the NRCS funds have been expended on many weather related emergencies in the Midwest and on the East Coast. However, NRCS will continue to provide engineering consultants. Mr. Feng explained that the immediate crisis has passed, thus negating the need for a continuing emergency proclamation.

Mayor Bill Little promised the homeowners that the City Council and staff will continue to pursue all efforts to bring the parties together. He wants to take one step at a time. He does not want to start lawsuits which would only extend the time needed to correct the debris flow issues. Bottom line, the Mayor said “we will be there to get this thing resolved”.

======================================== Logan McFadden is a Citizensjournal.us city reporter and a recently retired banker, residing in Camarillo. He volunteers for the Heritage Action Sentinel team and serves as the AMAC Delegate to the 26th Congressional District.

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Camarillo City Council “fully aware” of Camarillo Ranch Foundation issues

By Logan McFadden

The Camarillo City Council met on Wednesday, May 13, 2015. During public comments, Matt Lorimer called for a public discussion of the Camarillo Ranch Foundation Board and the ranch’s operations. CitizensJournal has published an editorial submitted by Lori McVicker, a local resident, wherein she alleges financial statement irregularities and lax security HERE.    A Ranch board member, Mr. Fuhrman, responded HERE. Ms. McVicker submitted a second editorial which includes documentation supporting her allegations HERE.

Mayor Bill Little stated that he and another City Council member met with the Camarillo Ranch Foundation Board. Mr. Little is the liaison to the Board. The Council is now “fully aware” of the Ranch’s financial condition and other issues. Vice Mayor Mike Morgan stated “don’t believe everything you read in the newspapers”. The Council now has “exact facts” which support Mr. Fuhrman’s statements. Bill Little said that some changes are being made.

St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital presented its $80 million expansion project. The hospital will eliminate 65 small patient rooms and build 50 new larger patient rooms and three state-of-the-art operating rooms. Each patient room will have computer access and a sitting area. Also, the hospital will have other beds for emergency cases and intensive care units. The new building architecture compliments the public library design. The expansion will create a new main entrance and a warm environment.

Councilmember Kevin Kildee asked if the new addition will have solar. Solar is under consideration. Drought resistant landscape will be utilized. The ground breaking ceremony will be in late September 2015. The new wing is expected to be operational by March 2018. The parent company, Dignity Health, is providing $70 million for the new wing. An additional $10 million will be provided through a fundraising campaign.

===================================== Logan McFadden is a Citizensjournal.us city reporter and a recently retired banker, residing in Camarillo. He volunteers for the Heritage Action Sentinel team and serves as the AMAC Delegate to the 26th Congressional District and a Convention of States District Captain.

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Camarillo City Council unanimously approves HUD Five-Year Plan

By Logan McFadden

As a recipient of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, the City of Camarillo is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to prepare a Five-Year Consolidated Plan, an annual Action Plan, and an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI). The AI is also required to be updated every five years. The Action Plan describes the use of CDBG funds in fiscal year 2015-2016.

The Analysis of Impediments is a County wide effort which includes the following: • Demographic and housing characteristics • Practices in the housing market • Patterns and trends of housing discrimination • Public policies and regulations regarding housing choice • Fair housing services and resources available • Issue and recommendations • Plan to mitigate issues

The Consolidated Plan is a regional effort. The five-year plan with annual updates includes: • Analysis of housing and community development needs • Strategy (projects and programs) to address those needs using federal funds from HUD.

The Action Plan identifies how the $285,078 block grant will be spent. The grant breakdown follows: • Housing Rehabitation Program $92,651 • Neighborhood Revitalization Program (Habitat for Humanity) $92,651 • Public Services $42,761 • Fair Housing $12,000 • Administration $45,015

Public Services grants totaling $42,761 were awarded to the following organizations: 1. Interface $10,000 2. Long Term Care Ombudsman $8,000 3. RAIN Project $8,250 4. OASIS $5,000 5. Turning Point $5,000 6. Livingston Memorial VNA $5,000 7. Caregivers $1,511

During public comments, Matt Lorimer , said the program director is doing an excellent job and commended the City. Mayor Bill Little said the program is the result of good staff, good consultants, and good service organizations. Councilmember Charlotte Craven also recognized the volunteers.

===================================== Logan McFadden is a Citizensjournal.us city reporter and a recently retired banker, residing in Camarillo. He volunteers for the Heritage Action Sentinel team and serves as the AMAC Delegate to the 26th Congressional District and a Convention of States District Captain.

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Camarillo City Council Lowers User Fees

By Logan McFadden

The City Council unanimously approved a new User Fee Schedule at its Wednesday, May 13th meeting. Out of 160 fees, 155 were decreased. NBS Consultants was hired to recalibrate fees based upon current labor and overhead costs. NBS Consultants provides a very thorough and quantifiable review based upon direct input of staff. NBS has industry data used for comparison against Camarillo’s fee schedule. The following departments were reviewed: • Community Development • Building (Contract/City Cost Analysis) • Public Works/Engineering • Police • City Clerk • Finance

Not included in the fee calculation are taxes, fines, development impact fees and utility rates. User fees do not exceed 100% of the cost to provide the service. Vice Mayor Mike Morgan stated the city is “reducing fees like crazy”. Depending upon the service provided, fees were reduced from one dollar to thousands of dollars. Developer fees are separate from user fees and were not adjusted.

All non-development fees went into effect on May 14, 2015. All remaining fees will become effective on July 14th. In May 2016, the fees will be reviewed for labor costs and reviewed in a Council study session.

The City continues to set fees at the level to maintain 100% cost recovery. The services benefit private residents and the applicable fees are not drawn from the general fund.

During time set aside for public comments, Matt Lorimer stated that developers are utilizing city staff to the point that small business owners experience delays in permit approvals. He also pointed out that the city was not including examples of revised user fees as part of the presentation. Mike Morgan held up the fee schedule and invited Mr. Lorimer to review the specifics. Mr. Morgan stated that Camarillo’s user fees are very fair compared with other cities.

Councilmember Kevin Kildee pointed out that the lower fees are in part attributed to staff turnover. Personnel with higher salaries have retired and were replaced with new staff at lower salaries. The City Manager, Bruce Feng, said that several contracts with city vendors have been re-negotiated at lower rates. Additionally the staff is continually improving efficiency which cuts labor cost. The City recently made major changes in personnel and implemented a new organizational structure to save money. Mr. Kildee is a business owner and finds Camarillo to be a very business friendly. He also commented that a fee study will be done annually going forward which should smooth out the peaks and valleys of fees charged for services.

Councilmember Jan McDonald emphasized that the fees are not arbitrary, but calculated using a fairly complicated model. Councilmember Charlotte Craven assured residents that people who do not use the City’s services are not paying for them via taxes.

Mayor Bill Little observed that some services are for the public benefit which should be a factor in billing less than 100% of the cost. He made the same point last year when fees were increased, however, he voted with the majority to accept the recommended user fees.

===================================== Logan McFadden is a Citizensjournal.us city reporter and a recently retired banker, residing in Camarillo. He volunteers for the Heritage Action Sentinel team and serves as the AMAC Delegate to the 26th Congressional District and a Convention of States District Captain.

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