Hiatus: Council has requests
for future business to return to
July 03, 2015
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
With the summer hiatus for the City Council members of the panel addressed a few issues at the special meeting held June 22 ranging from the upcoming SOAR vote to the number of public safety responders on disability leave.
Unless emergency business requires a special meeting the council will not reconvene until the regular August 17 session.
City Manager Jaime Fontes told the council at the June 22 meeting that a “matrix of items” is being prepared for future council discussion.
He also noted that Planning Director Janna Minsk had been contacted by attorney Richard Francis regarding the upcoming Save Open-Space & Agricultural Resources (SOAR) ballot initiative asking voters to reconfirm tight, countywide land-use policy.
Minsk said Fontes, “is talking to him, we’ll be asked for some input and we’ll be providing that...”
There is also a possible future Ventura County Transportation Commission initiative regarding a transportation tax that Fontes said voter research is being done for.
He invited Councilwoman Ginger Gherardi, the former longtime head of VCTC and presently a board director, to update the council and public in the future on the proposal.
Fontes also noted that San Bernardino is revamping their police and fire services perhaps through the establishment of an assessment district, a funding source that Gherardi has asked the city to consider exploring to financially shore up the short-funded fire department.
Gherardi expressed surprise at Fontes’ remarks regarding a potential transportation tax noting “Nothing has come to VCTC about it...”
And when it comes to the matrix mentioned by Fontes, Gherardi said, “I assumed the matrix would include items to come back with,” for decision-making, not just discussion.
“One of the things moving out there now,” that Gherardi said must be addressed, “is how we’re going to deal with LAFCO,” and its continuing interest in Adams and Fagan Canyons specifically removing the two canyons slated for future development from the city’s sphere of influence.
LAFCO, the Local Agency Formation Commission, recently continued a meeting where it was to consider the status of the two canyons.
Councilwoman Jenny Crosswhite asked for assurances that staff would continue its work on formalizing a youth commission while Gherardi said a joint meeting with the council and Santa Paula Unified School District must be scheduled.
Mayor John Procter noted that Citizens for a Safer Santa Paula has recommended that all view a video — Hemet Rocks — concerning the strategy Hemet has implemented to restore community and lower violence.
“Somewhat along the same lines,” the contract for the rock quarry southeast of the 12th Street Bridge should be examined said Councilman Jim Tovias.
Tovias noted he would like to “revisit the contract with Santa Paula Rock Company and make sure they are expanding within the agreement,” with the city.
The company is located on land owned by the Harding Park Trust and revenues help maintain and improve the Little League fields.
Another concern Tovias said he had concerned house tenting and robbery,
“I had a client who had their house tented,” for pest control and during the process the home was burglarized.
Tovias, an insurance broker, said his client lives in Ventura where the police are notified of such work at homes and residences so they can patrol the area.
“I know our police department is stretched,” but Tovias said he would like a presentation on such issues from SPPD and how such a situation can be avoided.
Vice Mayor Martin Hernandez, a member of the Santa Paula Project Hope Homeless Task Force noted the group has been meeting regularly.
Hernandez noted that a police officer that addressed the group brought up the issue of homeless camping sites. He asked that staff check to see if there is a local ordinance regarding camping within city limits and provide a presentation on the issue.
Gherardi asked that a report be prepared addressing the number of public safety responders now out on temporary disability.
Three firefighters were injured in the November 2014 Santa Clara Waste Water - Green Compass chemical explosions and fire.
Gherardi said nine police officers and firefighters “Have been out for a very long time,” and it might “make more sense” that they retire, a discussion that if it went into specifics would take place in closed session.
“I’m not saying I’d support this but I’m willing to explore the options,” said Hernandez who seconded Gherardi’s motion on exploring the issue.
