# 05.21.2009 City Council - Special Meeting


**Body:** City of Ventura
**Date:** November 12, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Construction & Infrastructure, Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding


The City of Ventura City Council special meeting on May 21, 2009, considered an amended agreement for the sale of the surplus Church Street site and slope stabilization near Helen Yonker’s property. The proposed arrangement would require the developer to install a V-ditch and vegetation within 60 days, with later stabilization tied to development of the site; the engineer estimated about $20,000 for the ditch and related work, and approximately $150,000 for a retaining-wall solution for one home. Council approved the amended agreement 5–2, with conditions discussed during the meeting including securing funds for the initial work, completing the ditch and vegetation before a subsequent property transfer, and insurance protections. The underlying proposal allows up to three years for the later stabilization. No vendor or construction contract award was made by the council.

The council also discussed a proposed half-cent sales-tax measure for the November 2009 ballot, estimated to generate about $10 million annually, and the city’s fiscal pressures, including prior cuts of roughly $11.5 million and possible state revenue diversions. No vote was taken to place the tax measure on the ballot; the council voted to have the City Attorney return on June 8 with ballot-language options, alongside survey results. Staff reported that voluntary vendor contract reductions had produced less than $50,000 in savings to date, with reductions of about 5% on affected contracts.

**Source:** City of Ventura