Camarillo City Council reorganizes and makes appointments
by Logan McFadden
The Camarillo City Council met on Wednesday, December 3, 2014. Mayor Kevin Kildee presented a certificate to Commander Stewart recognizing the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department for their Shop with a Cop program. The program is in its third year and enhances lives of underprivileged youth. Sixty young people each shop with a deputy and enjoy the Christmas experience. The program also builds positive bonds between the youth and law enforcement. Target is a sponsor.
E.J. Harrison & Sons presented the City a proclamation honoring Camarillo’s 50th anniversary. Harrison Industries was established in 1932 and is one of the oldest and largest privately owned trash collection businesses in the United States. Vice Mayor Bill Little praised Harrison for its aggressive re-cycling program. California has set a diversion goal of 75% by 2020. Harrison has already achieved 74%. Councilmember Charlotte Craven also praised Harrison for its excellent service. She stated that a large part of Camarillo’s success is due to good contractors hired to maintain city services.
The Ventura County Elections Division completed the canvass of election returns for the General Municipal Election held November 4, 2014. The Council adopted a Resolution certifying the results. The three re-elected Councilmembers were then sworn in for another four year term. Proclamations were presented by Mayor Kevin Kildee to Councilmembers Mike Morgan, Charlotte Craven and Jan McDonald for their outstanding service to the City.
Mike Morgan was first elected in 1980 and is now serving his 10th term. He has focused on slowing growth and preserving the Camarillo “small town lifestyle”. Mr. Morgan has also devoted much of his service on water issues which again have presented conservation challenges. Charlotte Craven is serving her 8th term. She thanked the people for re-electing her and commented that over the years state and federal regulations have become more complex and impact her job more with each passing year. Jan McDonald said she was honored to be re-elected. She commented that Camarillo has a “great group of citizens who really care for the City”. She also commended City staff members for their excellent service.
City Manager, Bruce Feng, then presented outgoing Mayor Kevin Kildee with a scrapbook recalling milestone moments over the past four years. Mr. Feng praised Mayor Kildee for his sacrifice, flexibility, and overall great service. Mr. Kildee owns a family business in Camarillo and always carved out time for his duties as Mayor.
The next order of business was the reorganization of the City Council. The Council unanimously voted to elect Bill Little as Mayor and Mike Morgan as Vice Mayor. Mr. Kildee continues to serve as one of the three at large Councilmembers. Bill Little acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Mayor Kevin Kildee. Mr. Little praised Kevin for his professional handling of many large public meetings and the coordination of Camarillo’s 50th anniversary activities. Mr. Kildee leaves his role as Mayor with the City’s reputation at a high point. Mr. Kildee thanked his fellow Councilmembers, staff members and family for their support. He then promised “the best is yet to come”.
Bill Little made his first comments as Mayor. He pledged to work diligently on behalf of the residents and thanked the organizations and businesses that supported the City’s 50th Anniversary celebration. He praised the police and fire departments for their support of the Camarillo Springs community during the recent storms and mud slides. Mr. Little then spoke of his agenda. First is the successful completion of approval by regulatory agencies for the construction of a water desalination plant. Other priorities include the sale and disposition of former re-development property by the end of 2015 and ensuring that the new high school, opening in September 2015, has state-of-the- art technology. He concluded by saying that the City has been well governed for many years and he “will carry on that tradition”.
The Camarillo City Council also elected new officers for three boards and commissions.
Camarillo Community Development Commission
Chairman Vice Mayor Mike Morgan
Vice Chairman Councilmember Charlotte Craven
Camarillo Library Board
President Councilmember Charlotte Craven
President Pro Tem Councilmember Jan McDonald
Camarillo Sanitary District
Chairman Councilmember Kevin Kildee
Secretary Councilmember Jan McDonald
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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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