City Council — 2020-01-28

Meeting Summary

Present: Johnston, Blance, Francina, Haney, Weirick

This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.

Council debated requiring sprinklers in residential additions exceeding 1,000 square feet.
Proponents argued for life safety and consistency with state fire codes.
Opponents cited high costs and potential water pressure concerns during wildfires.
The motion resulted in a split vote and the item was concluded.

Discussion focused on designating the entire city as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
Supporters noted the need for uniform building standards and insurance alignment.
Opponents highlighted fears regarding increased insurance premiums and affordability.
The Council voted to continue the item to gather more information before revisiting.

Staff presented a plan to investigate solar panels and microgrids for climate resiliency.
Funding sources such as Measure C funds and administrative agreements were discussed.
The Council authorized staff to proceed with an energy audit and Request for Proposals.
The motion passed without objection to authorize the energy audit and RFP.

Councilmembers discussed expanding and extending the lease with the School District.
Concerns were raised regarding grant eligibility and facility life requirements.
The Council reached a consensus to authorize the City Manager to negotiate terms.
The City Manager is authorized to engage in discussions regarding improvements.

The City Council of Ojai convened to discuss several critical agenda items regarding fire safety, infrastructure, and community facilities. Key topics included the adoption of a mandatory fire sprinkler ordinance, the designation of the entire city as a High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, solar energy initiatives for city facilities, and the skate park lease.

Debate: The Council debated an ordinance requiring fire sprinklers in residential additions exceeding 1,000 square feet or 50% of the home's size.
Proponents: Wayne (Fire Protection District representative) argued for environmental benefits, such as reduced water usage and hazardous runoff. Massoud Aragi (County Fire Marshal) emphasized consistency with state codes, the need for better tools in a high-fire zone, and the precedent set by 30 years of similar ordinances in Ojai. Councilmembers Haney and Mayor Johnston supported the motion for life safety and consistency with new construction/ADUs.
Opponents: Bob Daddy (Community Member) and Councilmember Weirich (Bill) argued against the ordinance, citing high retrofitting costs, potential water pressure issues during wildfires, and redundancy with fire alarms. Speaker 09 (Councilmember Blasts) raised concerns about unintended consequences and water pressure.
Outcome: The motion was put to a vote. The roll call resulted in a split decision (Mayor and Haney voted Yes; Weirich, Francina, and Blasts voted No). The discussion concluded with the Council moving to the next agenda item.

Debate: Discussion focused on adopting a map designating the entire city as a "Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone" rather than specific pockets.
Proponents: Bob Daddy and the Fire Marshal argued this is necessary for uniform building standards and aligns with insurance underwriting realities, noting that insurance rates have already risen due to the Thomas Fire.
Opponents: Heidi Whitman and Doug Labar (public comments) and Councilmembers Weirich, Blasts, and Francina opposed immediate adoption. They cited fears of increased insurance premiums, policy cancellations, and affordability issues without thorough research into unintended consequences.
Outcome: The Council voted to continue Item 8. The Council decided to gather more information regarding insurance impacts, SB 50 implications, and hardening strategies before re-visiting the item.

Discussion: Staff presented a plan to investigate solar panels, battery backup, and microgrids for city facilities to aid climate resiliency.
Funding: Council discussed using Measure C funds versus Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) or administrative agreements under the City Manager's authority.
Outcome: The Council moved and seconded a motion to authorize staff to proceed with an energy audit and Request for Proposals (RFP). No recorded vote was required, and the motion passed without objection.

Discussion: Councilmembers Weirich and Blasts requested a discussion on expanding and extending the skate park lease with the School District. Issues raised included grant eligibility (requiring 20-year facility life), parking, and food truck regulations.
Outcome: The Council reached a consensus to authorize the City Manager to engage in further discussions with the School District regarding the lease terms and improvements.

Pickleball Facility: Councilmember Weirich requested an agenda item to solicit neighbor feedback regarding noise and operating hours at the new pickleball courts.
Green Waste: Weirich proposed leasing the Baldwin Road county site for green waste to address climate emergency goals. The Mayor requested a business plan/report before adding to the agenda.
Animal Keeping Ordinance: Councilmember Francina requested to delay the animal keeping ordinance to allow time for further research and meetings with animal services to address vagueness in current laws.
Future Agenda: Staff noted upcoming items including a landmarking recommendation for 1104 Foothill Road and the ATP item.
Closing: The meeting adjourned, though the Mayor requested Chief Jose Rivera speak regarding his first two weeks before final departure.

The Council prioritized a cautious approach to the Fire Hazard Zone map due to potential economic repercussions on residents while moving forward with solar energy initiatives. The Fire Sprinkler ordinance faced significant opposition regarding cost and necessity, resulting in a failed or split vote, while the Skate Park lease was advanced for further negotiation.