Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Tree City Designation
- Staff proposed a proclamation to renew the City's Tree City USA status.
- Discussion covered ecological benefits, water resources, and Measure C funding for maintenance.
- The Council indicated intent to adopt the resolution and proclamation during the session.
Restoration Plan Grant
- Council discussed grant agreement terms and the city's ability to retain input on the plan.
- Staff and the City Attorney assured the city can modify plans without losing funding eligibility.
- A motion was made and passed to approve the grant agreement after separate discussion.
Bus Signage and Idling
- Discussion focused on prohibiting buses on North Signal Street and broader vehicle idling issues.
- Staff indicated a future report would address designated parking zones and enforcement rules.
- The Council approved the consent agenda following the separate discussion of this item.
Active Transportation Project Update
- Staff presented updates on lane reductions and curb cuts near the school district.
- Community concerns regarding bicycle safety and lane placement were raised during discussion.
- Council members discussed transparency in technical meetings and directed staff to continue design work.
Electric Landscape Equipment Program
- Staff presented options for incentivizing the transition to electric equipment ahead of a statewide ban.
- Council discussed preventing program abuse, commercial inclusion, and fees to sustain the program.
- No specific program was adopted, and staff was directed to refine guidelines and report back.
Organic Food Waste Ordinance
- Staff introduced an ordinance to comply with California SB 183 regulations and the 2022 deadline.
- Discussion covered state minimums versus local approaches and legal considerations regarding food recovery.
- The Council directed staff to consult stakeholders and refine the draft for return within a month.
Housing Element Progress Report
- Staff presented the annual report noting the completion of seventeen residential units.
- A clerical error in the report's column placement was identified and corrected for the record.
- A motion was made and passed without objection to receive and file the report.
Council Committee Protocols
- Discussion occurred regarding protocols for Council Member attendance on technical advisory committees.
- The Council aimed to ensure Brown Act compliance and transparency during committee interactions.
- Future agenda items will address committee inventory and specific meeting protocols.
Full summary
Call to Order and Agenda Approval
- The Ojai City Council meeting was called to order, and a quorum was established. A motion was made to approve the agenda, with the stipulation that items G and I be pulled for separate discussion. The motion was seconded and passed without objection.
Tree City Designation
- The Mayor presented information regarding the City's "Tree City USA" designation, noting that previous resolutions had expired. A proclamation was proposed to reinforce the importance of trees to the community. The discussion included the ecological benefits of trees, their relationship with water resources (perch water versus deep groundwater), and funding from Measure C for tree maintenance and fire risk mitigation. Representatives from the Ojai Trees nonprofit were present. The Council indicated an intent to adopt the resolution and proclamation.
Consent Agenda
- General Consent Items: A motion was made to approve the consent agenda, excluding items G and I. The motion was seconded and passed without objection.
- Item G (Restoration Plan/Grant): Council Members discussed the terms of a grant agreement regarding a restoration plan. Concerns were raised regarding the city's ability to retain input into the plan via the standard agreement language. City staff and the City Attorney provided assurances that the city retains the ability to modify plans and provide expert input without precluding funding eligibility. A motion to approve Item G was made, seconded, and passed without objection.
- Item I (Bus Signage and Idling): Discussion focused on the installation of signage prohibiting buses on North Signal Street and the broader issue of vehicle idling. Staff indicated that a future report would address designated parking zones and enforcement of idling rules for both buses and other vehicles.
- Final Consent Approval: Following the separate discussion of items G and I, a motion was made to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded and passed without objection.
Active Transportation Project Status Update
- Staff presented an update on the Maricopa Highway active transportation project, specifically regarding lane reductions and curb cuts near the school district. The City Manager reported that staff is coordinating with the school district to finalize a design that accommodates traffic flow and safety requirements, including a new curb cut. Public comment was received concerning bicycle safety, the placement of lanes, and the safety of students entering campus. Council Members discussed the transparency of technical advisory meetings and the potential for joint sessions with the school district to address community concerns. No vote was taken; staff directed to continue design work and return for further decision-making.
Public Comment
- Several members of the public and community representatives provided comments on various topics:
- Fire Safe Council: Expressed support for Measure C and discussed progress on fire mitigation grants and disaster preparedness.
- Library: Provided an update on upcoming workshops and events for the month of March.
- Pickleball Courts: Comments were received regarding noise levels from pickleball courts near residential areas, with requests for relocation or restrictions. Counter-comment supported the courts as a community asset.
- Ventura River Watershed: An update was given regarding an in-stream flow and water resiliency framework grant and an upcoming meeting.
- Arts Commission: Announced the release of a public art walking tour guide and invited the Council to an inaugural docent-led tour in April.
- Watershed Litigation: A report was provided regarding the Ventura River Watershed adjudication, noting a court-ordered extension for settlement discussions and the city's ongoing negotiations.
Electric Landscape Equipment Program
- Staff presented options for incentivizing the transition to electric landscape equipment ahead of a statewide ban on gas-powered tools effective April 27, 2020. Three program options were discussed: a loaner program, a licensing/sticker program for enforcement, and a rebate/incentive program. Council Members discussed the need to prevent program abuse, the inclusion of commercial versus residential users, and potential fees to sustain the program. No specific program was adopted. Council provided direction for staff to refine the program guidelines, incorporate feedback regarding fees and limitations, and report back.
Organic Food Waste Ordinance
- Staff introduced an ordinance regarding organic food waste to comply with California SB 183 regulations, with a state deadline of January 1, 2022. Discussion covered the state minimum requirements versus more aggressive local approaches, coordination with the County and other municipalities, and legal considerations regarding food recovery and the Takings Clause. No ordinance was adopted. Council provided direction for staff to consult with additional stakeholders and refine the draft for return to the agenda within a month.
City Housing Element Annual Progress Report
- Staff presented the required annual report on housing progress, noting the completion of 17 residential units (16 accessory dwelling units and one single-family unit). A clerical error in the report's column placement was noted and corrected for the record. A motion was made to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded and passed without objection.
Council and Staff Reports
- Council Member Reports: Information was shared regarding upcoming ecological workshops, advocacy efforts at the state level regarding pesticide notification, and the status of the "Complete Streets" committee protocols.
- City Manager's Report: Updates were provided on the timeline for the gas-powered equipment ban, the upcoming tree ordinance, a Sterling contract extension, and the preparation of a budget forecast.
- Committee Protocols: Discussion occurred regarding the protocols for Council Member attendance on technical advisory committees to ensure Brown Act compliance and transparency. It was noted that future agenda items would address committee inventory and meeting protocols.
Future Agenda Items
- Several items were identified for future consideration, including the tree ordinance resolution, the Sterling contract extension, budget forecasts, and a resolution regarding mountain lion protection. The Council also discussed the need to address the status and protocols of various advisory committees in future meetings. No formal motions were made on these items.