City Council

Summary

This agenda item concerns a closed session meeting for the City Manager to negotiate with representatives from multiple employee organizations. These include the Oceanside Police Officers’ Association (OPOA), Oceanside Firefighters’ Association (OFA), Oceanside Police Management Association (OPMA), Management Employees of the City of Oceanside (MECO), Oceanside City Employees’ Association (OCEA), Oceanside Fire Management Association (OFMA), Western Council of Engineers (WCE), and unrepresented employees. The purpose is to discuss the status of negotiations previously authorized in open session, as permitted under Section 54957.6 of the Government Code.

Citizen Impact

This is a procedural item related to ongoing labor negotiations. Residents will not experience any direct impact from this specific agenda item, as it pertains to internal city employee contract discussions.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item concerns a conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation, as permitted by Section 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(3) of the Government Code. The specific facts and circumstances prompting this discussion are detailed in an email dated October 30, 2025, from the law firm Chatten-Brown Law Group.

Citizen Impact

This is a procedural item related to potential legal matters and has no direct impact on residents at this time.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City of Oceanside is engaged in negotiations with Aloha Partners, LP regarding the lease of city-owned land located at 1900 Harbor Drive North (APN 143-120-10). Vicki Gutierrez, the Real Estate Manager, is the city's negotiator. The discussions are focused on determining the price and terms for this lease agreement.

Citizen Impact

This item concerns the negotiation of a lease for city-owned property. Direct impact on residents is minimal at this stage, as it is a preliminary negotiation for potential future use of the land.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item is a procedural recommendation for the City Council/Harbor Board/CDC/OPFA to waive the reading of the full text of all ordinances and the full text and title of all resolutions on the agenda. This is a standard administrative practice to save time during meetings. Approval requires unanimous consent.

Citizen Impact

This is an administrative housekeeping item. There is no direct impact on residents as it only affects how council meetings are conducted.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item is a procedural acceptance of the official minutes from the December 17, 2025, regular meetings of the Small Craft Harbor District Board of Directors, Community Development Commission, City Council, and Oceanside Public Financing Authority. The minutes document actions taken during those meetings, including approvals of various contracts, amendments, budget adjustments, and resolutions. Key actions approved during the December 17th meeting included:

• Purchase orders for Parks & Recreation ($111,298) and Library ($159,552) vehicles.
• Change order for Capistrano Park play structure repair ($40,000).
• Amendments to professional services agreements for Water Treatment Plant ($59,360), Customer Information System ($471,118), Downtown Safety ($1,366,100), and Library Community Rooms ($186,117).
• Acceptance and appropriation of grant funds for COPS 2025 ($266,432) and COPS 2024 ($268,886), and Homeless Diversion Services ($106,500).
• Award of a contract for Downtown Water and Sewer Replacement - Phase II ($27,061,128) and an agreement for construction management ($5,035,276).
• Approval of an agreement for conveyance pipelines and lift station materials ($28,354,848).
• Adoption of a resolution approving the issuance of qualified 501(c)(3) bonds for Sunterra multifamily rental housing ($105,000,000).
• Adoption of resolutions supporting the Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act and continuing the Local Emergency Declaration for Oceanside Harbor sedimentation.
• Adoption of ordinances amending traffic code speed limits and changing zoning designations for approximately seven acres from Public/Semi-Public to Planned Development.

Citizen Impact

This is a procedural acceptance of past meeting minutes and does not directly introduce new policies or expenditures. Residents are impacted by the decisions and actions documented within these minutes, which include approvals for vehicle purchases, park repairs, utility upgrades, grant funding for public safety, and significant infrastructure projects.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering approving a purchase order to BMW Motorcycles for $76,518 to procure two new BMW R1300RT-P Police Motorcycles. This purchase is recommended as a sole source due to the Police Department's existing training and fleet standardization around BMW motorcycles. The new motorcycles will replace older models, offering improved engine performance, advanced electronics, and enhanced safety features. The purchase will be funded from the Fleet Replacement account.

Citizen Impact

This purchase will ensure the Police Department has up-to-date and reliable motorcycles for traffic enforcement and public safety operations. Residents will benefit from enhanced police visibility and response capabilities due to the improved technology and performance of the new vehicles.

Confidence

high

Summary

Staff recommends approving Amendment 3 to the Janitorial Services Agreement with NMS Management, Inc. This amendment adds floor care services for the Libby Lake Resource Center and Day Porter services at the Civic Center Library. The additional cost for these services is $7,213, bringing the revised total contract amount to $1,011,485. An annual contingency of $10,000 is also included for future needs. The City Council's approval is required because the cumulative total cost of services has reached a threshold.

Citizen Impact

This amendment will result in improved floor maintenance at the Libby Lake Resource Center and additional cleaning services at the Civic Center Library on Saturdays. Residents will benefit from cleaner public facilities without an immediate direct cost increase, as the additional services are incorporated into the existing contract.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering Amendment 3 to the Public Works Agreement (PWA) with Patterson Brothers Lighting (Patterson). This amendment, for $122,565, will upgrade athletic field lighting at Ron Ortega Park by replacing lamps and ballasts on three fields. This brings the total revised PWA amount to $658,425. The upgrades are a collaboration with Oceanside American Little League (OALL) to improve safety and visibility, using more energy-efficient components. The project is funded through the Ron Ortega Park Improvements account, which has sufficient available balance.

Citizen Impact

This amendment will result in upgraded athletic field lighting at Ron Ortega Park, enhancing safety and visibility for youth sports. Residents can expect improved recreational facilities, with the project funded by an existing account.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering Amendment 5 to the Lease Agreement with Vista Community Clinic (VCC) for space at the Libby Lake Resource Center (4700 North River Road). This amendment will expand VCC's leased premises by 498 square feet, bringing their total occupancy to 8,709 square feet. The expansion space will be charged a discounted rent of $1.03 per square foot. Additionally, the amendment introduces annual rent increases of 2% starting September 1, 2027, and updates Common Area Maintenance (CAM) costs to $6,072 per month (or $8.37 per square foot), applicable to VCC's total leased area. These changes are projected to generate a total revenue of $804,887 for the City during the current lease term, which extends through August 31, 2033. VCC provides vital community services including medical and dental clinics, and a teen center, with the Medical Clinic and Teen Center spaces continuing to be provided at no direct rent, in exchange for these services.

Citizen Impact

This amendment will increase the revenue the City receives from Vista Community Clinic's lease by approximately $804,887 over the remaining term. While VCC provides essential community services, residents may see a slight increase in their indirect costs if VCC passes on the rising operational expenses.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is asked to approve the continuation of emergency work on the 18-inch Mesa Loma Water Main and appropriate an additional $650,000 from the Water Fixed Asset Replacement Fund. This funding is needed to address further deficiencies discovered after initial repairs near Loma Alta Creek. The original leak was identified in January 2024, and emergency permits were obtained in early 2025. The contractor, Cass Arrieta, began work in April 2025. Initial repairs north of the NCTD tracks were completed by September 30, 2025. Subsequent testing revealed that 1,800 feet of isolated pipe failed to hold pressure, indicating another leak south of the railroad tracks. The recommended solution is to replace approximately 150 feet of existing steel pipe with PVC. This additional work commenced in December 2025 and is expected to be completed by February 13, 2026. The total estimated project cost is $2.67 million. The City Manager has already approved two change orders totaling $882,576.59 under the emergency procurement policy. Change Order No. 3, for $896,348.47, will cover the new work south of the tracks and a credit for unused funds from previous repairs. Additionally, staff recommends authorizing a $100,000 purchase order increase to Cass Arrieta to replenish a dedicated emergency account for future immediate response needs.

Citizen Impact

Residents may experience continued, though diminishing, disruptions related to the ongoing emergency repairs of a critical water main. This additional $650,000 appropriation ensures the necessary work to prevent further water service issues is completed, with the project expected to conclude by February 13, 2026.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance amends Chapter 5 of the Oceanside City Code to update enforcement provisions for electric bicycles (e-bikes) and mobility devices. Due to a significant increase in community complaints and police calls for service related to reckless e-bike operation, the City Council is introducing new measures. The ordinance adds two new sections:

• Section 5.18: Seizure of Electric Bicycles: Authorizes the Chief of Police to temporarily seize an e-bike if the operator is cited for reckless operation, failure to exercise due regard for safety, or two or more criminal violations of Chapter 5 within a 12-month period. The e-bike will be held as evidence until case adjudication and released to the owner upon proof of ownership, with no storage fees.
• Section 5.19: Prohibition on Unauthorized Passengers (“Double Riding”): Explicitly prohibits carrying a passenger on an e-bike unless it is designed with a separate passenger seat, aligning with California Vehicle Code § 21204. This aims to reduce unsafe riding and collisions.

These measures maintain the existing education-first enforcement model, allowing violations to be resolved through a bicycle safety course, court fine, or traditional adjudication. The ordinance is set to take effect 30 days after final passage.

Citizen Impact

Residents operating e-bikes should be aware that reckless riding or carrying unauthorized passengers can now lead to the temporary seizure of their e-bike in addition to fines or safety courses. This aims to improve safety for pedestrians and other road users.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is recommended to receive and file the proposed Five-year Pavement Management Program (PMP), which guides the strategic maintenance and rehabilitation of Oceanside's approximately 490 centerline miles of roadway and 16 miles of alleys, valued at $270 million. The PMP, last updated in 2017, is crucial for maintaining eligibility for state and regional funding sources under California Streets and Highway Code Section 2108.1. The City's most recent survey (November 2023) indicates an average Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 61, categorized as "good." However, 25% of the network is in "Poor" or "Very Poor" condition, representing a backlog that exceeds the national average of 13%. The current annual budget of $10 million is sufficient only to maintain the existing PCI. To gradually improve overall roadway conditions and reduce the backlog, an increased annual investment of $12.4 million is recommended for future budget cycles. The City Engineer is authorized to modify the plan based on available budget and observed pavement conditions.

Citizen Impact

This program directly affects the quality and safety of roads in your neighborhood and across the city. Insufficient funding could lead to a decline in road conditions, resulting in a rougher driving experience, increased vehicle wear, and potentially higher repair costs for the city (and taxpayers) in the long run.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is holding a public hearing to approve a plan of finance for the Olive Park Apartments project. This plan involves the California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA) issuing revenue bonds, not to exceed $75,000,000, to finance and refinance the acquisition, construction, and development of a 199-unit qualified residential rental project. The City previously awarded $6 million in funding and project-based vouchers to the project. The bonds are a conduit financing mechanism and do not represent debt for the City of Oceanside; repayment is the sole obligation of the borrower, Olive Park Apartments I, LP. The project is located on an approximately 6.11-acre parcel south of Oceanside Boulevard and north/northwest of College Boulevard, east of Rancho del Oro Road. The City's participation is limited to approving the bond issuance to meet federal tax law requirements (TEFRA).

Citizen Impact

This action enables the financing of a 199-unit residential rental project, which is expected to increase housing availability. Residents will have an opportunity to provide public comment on the bond issuance during the TEFRA hearing.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item recommends the Community Development Commission approve a significant two-building mixed-use development by Ryan Companies US, Inc. on a 3.52-acre site in downtown Oceanside, located between Mission Avenue, N. Myers Street, and the NCTD railway. The project, known as "Blocks 5 and 20 Mixed Use," is the final phase of the long-term Five Block Mixed-Use Plan.

The development includes:

• Block 5: An 8-story building with 193 dwelling units (190 flats, 3 live-work), including 20 low-income units, and 7,868 square feet of commercial area.
• Block 20: A 7-story building with 180 dwelling units (177 flats, 3 live-work), including 18 low-income units, and 9,538 square feet of commercial area.
  In total, the project will add 373 dwelling units, with 38 units designated for low-income households, and 17,406 square feet of commercial space.

To accommodate the density of 180.2 dwelling units per acre, the project utilizes State Density Bonus Law, requesting 14 waivers from local development standards. These waivers include significant increases in building height (Block 5 to 98'-6" from 35'; Block 20 to 87'-0" from 35'), reductions in setbacks, open space, and landscaping, and modifications to parking dimensions. The project provides 560 parking stalls across three-story parking structures.

The project is deemed exempt from CEQA under both statutory (AB 130) and categorical (In-fill Development) exemptions. While public outreach led to some design modifications, the Downtown Advisory Committee (DAC) expressed disappointment with the architectural character, stating it "lacks architectural character" and noted a "lack of public open space." Block 20 will also require a $396,000 reimbursement to the City for parking lot construction.

Citizen Impact

This development will significantly increase housing options in downtown Oceanside, including 38 new low-income units, and expand commercial activity. However, it will transform current public parking lots into high-rise buildings, potentially impacting coastal views from certain vantage points and altering the downtown aesthetic. The project's design, which includes numerous waivers from standard requirements, has raised concerns about architectural character and public open space.

Confidence

high

Summary

This report provides an update on SB79 (Weiner), a state law effective July 1, 2026, that mandates upzoning near major transit stations across California. The law allows for housing developments of 65-95 feet with densities up to 120 units per acre, often with ministerial approval. Oceanside's Sprinter line, a hybrid rail service, doesn't fit neatly into the law's definitions of 'light rail' or 'heavy rail,' creating ambiguity. Cities can adopt their own "local alternative plans" that accommodate the same build-out capacity as SB79, subject to state approval. Oceanside staff are developing such a plan with SANDAG's assistance and may seek legislative relief on deadlines or clarification.

Citizen Impact

SB79 will likely lead to increased housing density near transit corridors in Oceanside, potentially impacting neighborhood character and infrastructure. Residents may see new housing developments approved with fewer discretionary reviews.

Confidence

high