Comm. Services, Public Safety, and Housing & Economic Development Committee Meeting - July 28, 2026

The City of Oxnard's Community Services, Public Safety, Housing, and Economic Development Committee held a special meeting on July 28, 2026, primarily focused on contract negotiations and operational issues related to the Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC). Key procurement-related discussions centered on the ongoing negotiations with Sterling Venue Ventures and the OPAC nonprofit regarding facility operations, security protocols, meeting room bookings, concession revenue sharing, and management of the city-owned digital marquee. The committee reviewed staff recommendations on security requirements for events, including minimum licensed security guard presence based on attendance, and supported maintaining the current dance permit process for special security conditions. There was significant discussion about meeting room booking authority, with Sterling requesting continued first-come, first-served access and the nonprofit seeking exclusive rights; the committee directed staff to continue working with both parties to develop agreeable contract language. The concession revenue payment language was updated to comply with ABC regulations, with a 15% payment based on gross margins. Regarding the digital marquee, staff recommended Sterling retain primary management with the nonprofit allowed to request advertising for signature community events, and the committee supported adding clearer language to ensure nonprofit access. The committee acknowledged the complexity of the dual-operator model and set expectations for bringing finalized contracts to the full city council by November 2026. Public comments highlighted concerns about security staffing, operational communication, local employment, and facility maintenance. Overall, the meeting advanced key contract and operational decisions affecting future procurement and vendor management at the OPAC facility.