Meeting Summary
Present: Johnston, Blance, Francina, Haney, Weirick
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
Agenda Modifications and Truck Management Plan
- The ATP meeting was rescheduled to the first meeting in February.
- The City Manager was granted discretion to execute the Truck Management Plan immediately.
- Two consent agenda items were removed for separate discussion.
Ventura County Civic Alliance Report
- A regional report covered demographics, economic output, and housing costs.
- Key findings included flatlining economic output and high teen substance abuse rates.
- Council members requested clarification on construction permit data.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance
- The ordinance was approved with a direction to remove owner-occupancy deed restrictions.
- Staff was directed to record documents lifting past restrictions for existing properties.
- The City Attorney confirmed the Council's authority to direct this action.
Two-Cycle Engine Ban Ordinance
- The ordinance was adopted with a provision to develop future repair exemptions.
- Regulations regarding the permitting process will be presented at a later meeting.
- The City Attorney noted the exemption could be handled via administrative policy.
Ojai Playhouse Theatre Historic Landmark Designation
- The theater was designated as City Historic Landmark Number 26.
- A unanimous waiver of all associated application and permitting fees was approved.
- The designation scope was confirmed to cover the building's exterior only.
Watershed Adjudication
- Staff was directed to evaluate a joint defense strategy for valley landowners.
- Discussion included the possibility of alternative dispute resolution.
- No motion or vote was taken on this item.
City Commissions Attendance Policy
- A proposed policy declaring vacancies after three absences was withdrawn.
- The Council decided to postpone action to develop a revised strategy.
- The item will be reconsidered at a future meeting.
Fire Sprinkler Ordinance
- Amendments requiring sprinklers in significant residential and commercial additions were enacted.
- The ordinance does not mandate sprinklers for detached ADUs unless the main residence is sprinklered.
- Council discussion balanced firefighter safety against housing affordability concerns.
Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map
- The item was continued to allow for further research on insurance impacts.
- Staff will investigate SB 50 implications and hardening strategies.
- No final vote on designating the city as a high fire hazard zone was taken.
Solar Energy Options for City Facilities
- Staff was authorized to proceed with an energy audit and Request for Proposal.
- Funding sources including Measure C were discussed for the project.
- The City Manager may utilize administrative authority for agreements under $25,000.
Skate Park Lease Expansion
- Consensus direction was given to the City Manager to engage the school district.
- Discussions will cover lease extension, farmers markets, and parking improvements.
- A 20-year lease term is needed to qualify for state grants.
Council Member Reports and Future Agenda Items
- The animal keeping ordinance vote was postponed for further legal review.
- A report on green waste management feasibility at the Baldwin Road site was requested.
- Neighbor feedback on the new pickleball facility will be solicited for a future agenda.
Full summary
Call to Order and Agenda Approval
- The meeting was called to order, and a quorum was established. Discussion occurred regarding the order of agenda items, specifically the "Safe Streets" issue (Item 8, ATP meeting), which had generated ten public comment cards. A motion was made to move the ATP meeting to the first meeting in February and place it at the head of the agenda. This motion was amended to grant the City Manager discretion to execute Items 3 and 4 (Truck Management Plan) immediately due to time-sensitive Caltrans requirements. The amended motion was seconded and adopted without objection. Items K and L were removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion. With these modifications, the agenda was approved.
Presentation: Ventura County Civic Alliance Report
- David Marin of the Ventura County Civic Alliance presented a report on regional demographics, economy, housing, education, environment, public health, and safety. Key data points included an average county age of 37.5, flatlining gross economic output, and average two-bedroom rental rates of $2,089. The report noted declining student enrollment, significant solar capacity growth, high rates of teen substance abuse in Ojai, and $1.4 billion in damage from the Thomas Fire. Council members asked questions regarding construction permit data and economic interpretations. Copies of the report were distributed.
Public Comment
- Jeff Otterbein: Urged immediate action on the climate emergency declaration, citing the postponed bicycle project as an example of procedural delays.
- Joan Kemper: Requested permission to install ten weatherproof recycled plastic rabbit sculptures to promote a theater production and support a charity. No funding was requested. The Mayor noted the item was not on the agenda for action, but the City Manager would be contacted regarding logistics.
- Brian Akins: Announced the upcoming "22 Miles" landscape exhibition at the Ojai Valley Museum.
- Ron McRae: Complained about noise from a nearby pickleball court, alleging violations of the General Plan and requesting a review. The Council noted the issue would be addressed in a future agenda item or City Manager report.
Consent Agenda Item K: Second Reading of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance
- Discussion focused on deleting deed restriction language regarding owner-occupancy requirements. Concerns were raised regarding the fairness of removing restrictions for future ADUs while leaving existing deed restrictions in place. A motion was made to approve the ordinance with a direction to staff to record documents lifting all past ADU deed restrictions for existing properties. The motion was seconded. The City Attorney confirmed the Council's authority to direct such action. The motion was adopted.
Consent Agenda Item L: Two-Cycle Engine Ban Ordinance
- Discussion centered on the transition period for operators moving from gas-powered to electric equipment, including concerns about equipment costs and breakdowns. A proposal was made to create a temporary exemption for operators with equipment in repair. A motion was made to approve the ordinance as submitted, with the understanding that regulations regarding the repair exemption and permitting process would be developed and presented at a future meeting. The motion was seconded. The City Attorney noted the exemption could be handled via administrative policy. The motion to adopt the ordinance with the provision to return with specific regulations was adopted.
Public Hearing and Action: Ojai Playhouse Theatre Historic Landmark Designation
- The public hearing was opened regarding the recommendation to designate the Ojai Playhouse Theatre as City Historic Landmark Number 26. The City Clerk summarized the Provenience Group report, noting the theater is the oldest operating theater in Ventura County and eligible for state and national registry. The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) unanimously recommended the designation and a waiver of application fees. Brian Akins, HPC Chair, testified on the theater's historic significance and financial benefit. Tanya Parker, representing the owners, expressed support for the designation to maintain historical character but requested a waiver of permitting fees to avoid delays during reconstruction. Council discussion covered the building's history and the scope of the designation (exterior only). A motion was made to approve the historic designation with a provision to waive all associated fees. The motion was seconded and passed.
Watershed Adjudication
- The City Attorney provided an update on the Ventura River watershed adjudication initiated by the City of Ventura, which now includes all water users in the watershed. Discussion focused on the potential for a joint defense strategy among valley landowners and the possibility of alternative dispute resolution. The Council directed staff to evaluate a joint defense approach. No motion was made, and no vote was taken.
City Commissions Attendance Report and Membership Status
- Staff presented an attendance report noting that several commissioners had met the threshold of four or more absences. A motion was proposed to adopt a policy declaring a commissioner position vacant if the member exceeds three absences, while allowing the incumbent to serve until a replacement is appointed. The motion was seconded. Following debate regarding the fairness of strict numerical thresholds versus case-by-case reviews and the need for exceptions, the Council decided to postpone action. The motion was withdrawn temporarily to allow for the development of a revised strategy. The item will be reconsidered at a future meeting.
Ventura County Fire Protection District Ordinance (Chapter 9) and Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map
- Fire Sprinkler Ordinance: Staff presented amendments requiring fire sprinklers in residential additions exceeding 1,000 square feet or 50% of the existing structure, and in commercial additions exceeding 25% of the floor area. Public comment included support from a retired fire captain regarding firefighter safety and opposition from Building Appeals Board members citing retrofit costs and housing affordability. The County Fire Marshal clarified the ordinance applies to significant additions and does not mandate sprinklers for detached ADUs unless the main residence is sprinklered. Council discussion balanced fire safety against housing affordability and cost-benefit analyses. A motion was made to enact the ordinance. The motion was seconded and passed.
- Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map: The Council discussed a proposal to designate the entire city as a high or very high fire hazard zone to enforce stricter construction standards. Proponents argued the current map is outdated and insurance companies are already adjusting rates. Opponents expressed concern that the designation would increase insurance costs and reduce property values without clear evidence of consequences. Staff reported an inability to obtain clear data on financial impacts from insurance companies. A motion was made to continue the item to allow for further research on insurance impacts, SB 50 implications, and hardening strategies. The motion was seconded. The item was continued; no final vote on adoption was taken.
Solar Energy Options for City Facilities
- Staff presented an item regarding the exploration of solar energy options, including panels, battery backup, and microgrids, for city facilities. Discussion highlighted the need for an energy audit and the development of a Request for Proposal (RFP). Funding sources, including Measure C, were discussed. A motion was made to authorize staff to proceed with the energy audit and RFP process, potentially utilizing the City Manager's authority for administrative agreements under $25,000. The motion was seconded and passed without objection.
Potential Expansion of Skate Park Lease
- The Council discussed a request to explore the expansion and extension of the skate park lease with the school district, including potential farmers markets, parking improvements, and a commemorative plaque. Concerns were raised regarding food vendors and the need for a 20-year lease term to qualify for state grants. It was noted that previous prohibitions on food may have exceeded city authority. A motion was made to provide consensus direction to the City Manager to engage in discussions with the school district. The motion was seconded. The item was concluded with consensus direction to proceed.
Council Member Reports and Future Agenda Items
- Wildfire Mitigation at Landfills: A report was given on efforts to address wildfire mitigation at regional landfills, including vegetation management using goats.
- Humane Society Events: A report noted that the Chamber of Commerce has begun hosting puppy adoption events at the park.
- Animal Keeping Ordinance: A request was made to postpone the upcoming vote on the animal keeping ordinance to allow for further review and consultation with animal services due to concerns about legal vagueness. The Council agreed to delay the item.
- Pickleball Facility: A request was made to solicit neighbor feedback regarding the new pickleball facility to address noise and operating hour concerns. The Council agreed to place this on a future agenda.
- Green Waste Management: A proposal was raised to explore leasing the vacant Baldwin Road county site for local green waste management. The Council agreed to request a report from the City Manager regarding feasibility and a business plan before placing it on the agenda for a formal vote.
- Agenda Process: The Council discussed the need for more structure in the agenda process, suggesting that future items submitted by council members should include a preliminary report or outline.
Adjournment
- No formal agenda items were discussed, moved, seconded, or decided following the adjournment of the meeting. The segment consisted of informal remarks.