Meeting Summary
Present: Johnston, Haney
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Trail Access and Neighborhood Impacts
- Residents expressed concerns about tourism, traffic, and safety regarding a proposed Daly Road trail easement.
- Speakers noted the easement was added to a permit without prior neighbor notification.
- The council received requests to remove the easement condition but took no action.
Micro-Enterprise Home Kitchen Bill
- A representative presented Assembly Bill 377 as an economic and healthcare opportunity for home cooks.
- The presentation outlined the state law's provisions for licensing home-cooked meal sales.
- No motion was made or voted upon during this informational segment.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Climate Mobilization
- Staff announced a public meeting to develop a city-wide greenhouse gas inventory.
- The Climate Mobilization Committee supported the process and suggested annual ordinance reviews.
- Discussion included the California Air Resources Board's definition of Small Off-Road Engines.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance
- Staff presented a modified ordinance covering size limits, parking requirements, and JADU regulations.
- Council members debated size limits relative to primary units and the possibility of having both ADUs and JADUs.
- Public comment raised questions regarding septic systems and garage conversion rules.
Ventura Lawsuit and Legal Strategy
- Staff reported the city was named in a cross-complaint filed by Ventura regarding water rights.
- Recommendations included a closed session to evaluate strategy and an informational town hall.
- No motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Small Off-Road Engine (SORE) Ordinance
- Discussion highlighted the city's "Green Zone" status and contractor compliance requirements.
- The ordinance was noted to take effect 90 days after final reading.
- No motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
- The council discussed the Chamber's role in economic diversification and a broadband initiative.
- Concerns were raised regarding the Chamber's financial deficit and overhead costs.
- A motion to approve $51,000 in additional funding for the Chamber passed.
Gas-Powered Outdoor Power Equipment Ordinance
- The council debated including hedge trimmers, pole saws, and lawn edgers for internal consistency.
- Discussion covered phase-in periods, enforcement mechanisms, and a licensing system for contractors.
- A motion to approve the ordinance with an amendment to include additional equipment types passed.
ADU and JADU Text Amendment
- The council reviewed a municipal code amendment prompted by new state laws regarding unit allowances.
- Discussion addressed parking, septic burdens, and the distinction between ministerial rights and new construction.
- A motion to approve the text amendment passed.
Naming City Facilities and Memorial Plaques Policy
- Concerns were raised regarding fundraising provisions, commercial naming, and administrative vetting burdens.
- Public comment addressed the proposed naming policy.
- A motion to refer the item to a subcommittee for review and simplification passed.
Committee Assignments for Fiscal Year 2020
- A motion was made to maintain current committee assignments for all council members.
- The motion passed without objection.
Police Department Personnel and Recognition
- Sheriff Ayoub introduced Captain Jose Rivera as the new Chief of Police for the Ojai Valley Station.
- Chief Fryhoff delivered a farewell address and recognized a local artist for a station mural.
- Captain Rivera addressed the council regarding his commitment to the department.
Water Rights and Ventura Adjudication Public Comment
- Residents expressed concern regarding the economic, housing, and fire resiliency impacts of the adjudication.
- Speakers criticized Ventura officials and urged the council to intervene legally.
- No motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
State Legislation (SB 50) Public Comment
- An attorney urged the council to oppose Senate Bill 50, which proposes upzoning most parcels.
- The speaker cited concerns regarding local zoning and design standards.
- No motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Staff Reports and Announcements
- Staff provided updates on climate workshops, water meetings, and upcoming agenda items.
- Announcements included library events and pending requests to name a walkway and bridge.
- No motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Closed Session
- The council scheduled a closed session to discuss legal matters related to the Ventura lawsuit.
- An open session was planned to discuss lifting the well moratorium.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Public Comment on Trail Access and Neighborhood Impacts
- Residents addressed the council regarding a proposed trail easement at the top of Daly Road intended to provide access to the Shelf Trail. Speakers expressed concerns regarding increased tourism, traffic congestion, and neighborhood safety. It was noted that the easement was added as a condition to a design review permit without prior notice to neighbors. Speakers requested council intervention to remove the easement condition. No motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: AB 377 (Micro-Enterprise Home Kitchen Bill)
- A representative presented on Assembly Bill 377, a state law regarding micro-enterprise home kitchens. The presentation described the initiative as an economic development and healthcare opportunity intended to support residents in obtaining licenses to sell home-cooked meals. No motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Climate Mobilization
- Staff announced a public meeting regarding the development of a greenhouse gas inventory for the city. The Climate Mobilization Committee expressed support for the staff process and suggested reviewing the related ordinance annually to add new regulated appliances. The committee noted the California Air Resources Board defines regulated engines by power output (19 kilowatts or less), referred to as Small Off-Road Engines (SORE). No motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: First Reading of Modified Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance
- Staff presented a report on a modified ADU ordinance recommended by the Planning Commission. Key provisions discussed included size limits (no prohibition on units at least 800 square feet or 16 feet high), parking requirements (no replacement required for garages converted to ADUs; one space required for detached units unless near transit or in historic districts), and regulations for Junior ADUs (JADUs) and multifamily conversions. Discussion ensued regarding whether a property could have both an ADU and a JADU, with staff noting the current interpretation allows for one or the other. Council members discussed size limits relative to primary units, with one member proposing an amendment to limit ADU size to 85% of the primary unit. Public comment raised questions regarding size limits, garage requirements, and septic systems. No motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: Ventura Lawsuit and Legal Strategy
- Staff reported that the city was named in a cross-complaint filed by Ventura regarding water rights. Staff recommended a closed session to evaluate strategy followed by an open session to implement it. An informational town hall was announced. No motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: Small Off-Road Engine (SORE) Ordinance
- Discussion continued regarding the regulation of gas-powered outdoor power equipment. A council member highlighted the city's "Green Zone" status and the ordinance's requirement for contractors to comply. The ordinance was noted to take effect 90 days after final reading. No motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
- Discussion focused on the Chamber of Commerce's role in diversifying the local economy and a broadband initiative. Concerns were raised regarding the Chamber's financial deficit and the proportion of overhead costs. The broadband initiative was discussed as a tool to attract remote workers. Public comment supported the funding request. A motion was made to approve additional funding of $51,000 for the Chamber. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Ordinance on Gas-Powered Outdoor Power Equipment
- The council discussed a proposed ordinance regulating gas-powered outdoor power equipment, including string trimmers, leaf blowers, and hedge trimmers. Council members questioned the initial exclusion of hedge trimmers, pole saws, and lawn edgers, suggesting their inclusion for internal consistency. Discussion covered the phase-in period and enforcement mechanisms, including a licensing system for landscape companies. Public comment addressed the deletion of specific hours of operation and suggested a mobile application for enforcement. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation with an amendment to include hedge trimmers, pole hedge trimmers, pole saws, and lawn edgers in the regulation. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Text Amendment Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs)
- The council reviewed a text amendment to the municipal code regarding ADUs and JADUs prompted by new state laws. Discussion addressed the number of units allowed per site, parking requirements, septic system burdens, and the distinction between ministerial rights and new construction. The need for incentive programs for affordable ADUs was also discussed. Public comment raised concerns regarding size limit confusion and suggestions for pre-permitted designs. A motion was made to approve the text amendment. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Policy on Naming City Facilities and Memorial Plaques
- The council discussed a proposed policy governing the naming of city facilities and the placement of memorial plaques. Concerns were raised regarding provisions allowing fundraising campaigns and commercial naming, as well as the administrative burden of vetting nominations. Public comment addressed the naming policy. A motion was made to refer the item to a council subcommittee to review and simplify the policy before a final vote. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Committee Assignments for Fiscal Year 2020
- A motion was made to maintain the current committee assignments for all council members for the upcoming fiscal year. The motion was seconded. The motion passed without objection.
Agenda Item: Police Department Personnel and Recognition
- Sheriff Bill Ayoub introduced Captain Jose Rivera as the new Chief of Police for the Ojai Valley Station, succeeding Chief James Fryhoff. Chief Fryhoff delivered a farewell address and presented a proclamation to 12-year-old artist Aubrey Larson for a mural painted in the station lobby. Captain Rivera addressed the council regarding his commitment to the department. No motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: Public Comment on Water Rights and Ventura Adjudication
- Residents addressed the council regarding the water rights adjudication involving the City of Ventura. Speakers expressed concern regarding the impact on the local economy, housing, and fire resiliency. Speakers criticized Ventura officials and urged the council to intervene legally. No motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: Public Comment on State Legislation (SB 50)
- An attorney addressed the council regarding Senate Bill 50, a state bill proposed to upzone most parcels to four units. The speaker urged the council to pass a resolution opposing the bill, citing concerns regarding local zoning and design standards. No motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: Staff Reports and Announcements
- Staff provided updates on the Climate Emergency Mobilization Committee workshop, a public meeting on water issues, upcoming agenda items for the January 28 meeting, library events, and pending requests to name a walkway and a bridge. No motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: Consent Calendar
- The council reviewed the consent calendar. Items pulled for separate discussion were addressed under their respective agenda items. The remaining items on the consent calendar were approved by motion.
Agenda Item: Adjournment
- The council discussed scheduling for the next meeting, including a closed session to discuss legal matters and an open session to discuss lifting the well moratorium. The meeting was adjourned.