East Ventura Community Council
Minutes, January 19, 2023 General Meeting via Zoom

There were 3 Board Members in attendance, Norene Charnofsky, John Kunsmiller, and Sara Ostrander

There were 21 attendees, including 5 city government representatives.

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm by presiding officer Sara Ostrander.

The police report was given by Commander Ryan Weeks of the Ventura Police Department. There were 18 reported incidents in Districts 4 and 5 during December. They included 12 thefts, 2 car thefts (one was a relative who borrowed the car), 1 commercial burglary, 1 residential burglary, 4 bike thefts, and 4 thefts of catalytic converters. The catalytic thefts were committed by and organized group from Los Angeles. Commander Weeks gave an update on the Emergency Services activities during the recent rain storms. A “foul weather shelter” was opened and used by many. There were several people rescued from the rivers and barrancas. Emergency Services did notify people in the rivers and barrancas of impending danger. The Citizens Police Academy is full this class, but he encouraged people to sign up when the next class is available.

The minutes of the November 17, 2022 meeting were read and approved.

The Treasurer’s report was given and accepted. There is currently $968.30 in the bank and a check was written for $100.00 for Accounts Payable. There is a $500.00 minimum balance required at the bank.

Sara gave a summary of events since the last General Meeting on November 17, 2022. These include the resignation of the Chair, John McNally and the Vice Chair, Judy Alexandre. Also, 2 past board members were removed as signatories on the checking account, leaving only Norene C.

Nominations or volunteers for Chair were requested. There were no volunteers.

There was a brief discussion period. The need for insurance was questioned and whether 3 quotes were obtained. We have requested 3 quotes, with one quote pending, another quote denied, and one quote for $1,575.

Since there was no Chairperson elected, no old or new business was conducted.

Deputy Mayor Jeanette Sanchez-Palacios spoke about her hopes for the upcoming year and what committees she has been assigned. She hopes to be accessible to community members. She and Councilmember Bill McReynolds are planning an event for Saturday February 11th at 10:00 in Chumash Park. This will be an opportunity to meet members of the community and find out what is important. She mentioned the King Tide Walk on Saturday the 21st at 8:30 am.

Councilmember Bill McReynolds spoke about the committees he has been assigned and how he sees his role on the City Council. He said that most of the residents seem to be concerned about infrastructure.

Johnson Drive and Bristol Road were mentioned. If people are interested, they can volunteer for committees and boards: Mobile Home Rent Review, Planning, Parks and Recreation, and Downtown Parking for example.

Gina Dorrington from Ventura Water spoke about IPR, Indirect Potable Reuse.

A poll was taken and participants voted to continue the Council in its current form.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Sara Ostrander, Secretary