Camarillo City Council: $2.1 million to shore up Camarillo Springs hillside
physician arial, pills sans-serif;”>By Logan McFadden
tadalafil arial,sans-serif;”>Following a fire, heavy rains in October and December of 2014 caused mud and debris to flow onto several residential properties in the Camarillo Springs community. Over $1 million was subsequently spent to carve out debris flow platforms and position K-rails. A federal government grant for $750,000 offset part of the $1 million. Further geological studies determined that the hillside still presents a high risk that future rains could again cause debris flows as the hillside vegetation has not yet recovered. On August 26, 2015, the City Council voted unanimously to engage Kane GeoTech to prepare plans and specifications for proposed improvements to the hillside, authorize staff to invite bids for the construction and pay Kane GeoTech $25,000. The City previously paid Kane GeoTech $40,000 for a design study.
It is anticipated that the City will award the Camarillo Springs contract by September 30th. Construction materials will be delivered to the site by October 23rd. The proposed improvements are to be completed in December. The expected El Nino rains are a looming factor which could interfere with the construction project. Staff presented a second timeline option to the Council which would require the City to order materials now for delivery by September 30th. The Council did not discuss the option and by default it appears that an earlier completion date sometime in November is therefore not feasible. The $2.1 million has not been approved by the Council. There are regular Council meetings on September 9th and 23rd which allow time for further discussion. A mediation meeting among the City, the Camarillo Springs HOA and Longo, an adjacent property owner, will determine each party’s liability prior to September 30th. Barbara Williams, HOA President, advised that the HOA has no money and most of the residents are on fixed incomes. It is not known if the homeowners will be assessed for any of the construction costs.
Hills above Camarillo Springs
The Council voted unanimously to award a $500,000 grant to St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital. The money will be used to purchase equipment for the new cath lab to be opened in 2017. Currently, patients are sent to Oxnard for cath lab tests. Since time is of the essence, a cath lab in Camarillo will save lives. The cath lab will be named for the City. The City will request the Department of Industrial Relations to verify that the grant will not impact the terms of the hospital’s construction contract. The terms of payment will be determined at a future Council meeting.
The Council approved an amendment to the Executive Physical Program to allow the spouse or domestic partner of executive employees and Councilmembers to participate in the health assessment program. The benefit will also be extended to retired executive employees and former Councilmembers and their spouse or domestic partner. Non-employees would be required to pay in advance the contracted rate of the cost of the physical before participating in the Program. The amendment does not impact the City’s budget.
The Council voted unanimously to add a new Camarillo Municipal Code ordinance providing an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small, residential rooftop solar systems in accordance with state requirements under the Solar Rights Act and Assembly Bill 2188. The application process will be online at a reduced cost. The current $500.00 standard fee will be lowered to $250.00. California has set a goal for every house to install solar, resulting in a zero carbon foot print. The homeowner should have an average utility bill of $150.00 per month to make the conversion to solar cost effective.
The Council voted 5-0 to amend the Camarillo Municipal Code defining “arcade”. The amendment increases the number of amusement machines from 5 up to 12, provided there is no negative impact on the primary business. A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) will no longer be required. Councilmember Jan McDonald asked how a nuisance/problem violation would be enforced without a CUP. The staff stated that a violation of City code would be sufficient grounds to cite the business owner.
Robert Kazahaya, General Manager, Access Records and Information Management, presented a $3,800 check to the Camarillo Council on Aging, representing the proceeds from the May 2015 community shred event.
Tara Diller, Director and Chief Lifesaving Officer gave an update on Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS). Tara proudly announced that the shelter attained “no kill” status in 2014. The number of animals placed into new homes climbed to 91%. This was an increase from 69% in 2013 and 67% in 2012. The shelter has built habitats and reduced the noise level by 70%. An outdoor information and adoption center is now available. A documentary on shelter life is available. The “Pit Crew” program, sponsored by Harley Davidson, debunks stereotypes associated with pit bull dogs. The shelter has an apparel line. The Canine Casablanca Gala will be held on September 12th from 5 pm to 10 pm. Information is available on the website www.vcas.us/gala. The donation for one ticket is $125 and $225 for two tickets. Proceeds will be used to build a puppy playground. Councilmember Kevin Kildee said the shelter is “night and day” from two years ago and gave kudos to Tara. VCAS is held up as a national model. The shelter is looking for volunteers. VCAS is located at 600 Aviation Drive in Camarillo. Phones: 888-223-PETS (7387) or 805-388-4341
Camarillo Council Meeting Archive
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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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