City Council — 2020-03-13

Resolution Confirming the Existence of Local Emergency

• The Council confirmed a local emergency declaration to coordinate with Ventura County Public Health actions.
• City Manager expenditure authority remains active while Council meetings may use modified Brown Act rules.
• Safety guides and FAQs were posted on the city website to align with county emergency resources.
• The resolution confirming the existence of the local emergency was passed.

Updates and Reports

• Schools remain closed with student care teams providing meals, devices, and mental health support.
• The tennis tournament status awaits NCAA determination while policies for large gatherings are prepared.
• Testing capacity remains limited while the local hospital prepares for potential patient surges.
• Outreach for vulnerable populations will integrate with county service plans for those at risk.

Meeting of the Ojai City Council Special Meeting

Call to Order and Roll Call

• The meeting was called to order by Mayor Johnston. The clerk called the roll, confirming the presence of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Council Members. A quorum was established.

Agenda Item 1: Resolution Confirming the Existence of Local Emergency

• Discussion focused on a resolution to confirm a local emergency declaration previously made by the City Manager. The Mayor noted that the City Manager had the authority to declare the emergency but that the Council was meeting to provide formal confirmation. The City Manager stated that this action was taken to coordinate with Ventura County Public Health, the County CEO, and other city managers, following the County's declaration of a public health emergency. It was clarified that the declaration was a preventive measure to align with county actions rather than a reaction to specific conditions within the city limits at that time. The City Manager indicated that resources, including FAQs and safety guides, were being posted on the city website and directed to VC emergency resources.
• Concerns were raised regarding the City Manager's expenditure authority during the emergency, specifically regarding expenditures exceeding $25,000. The Mayor clarified that while the City Manager possesses emergency authority, Council meetings could still be held via conference call under temporarily modified Brown Act rules if further Council action were required.
• A motion was made to approve the resolution confirming the local emergency. Following discussion, a roll call vote was conducted. The resolution was passed.

Agenda Item 2: Updates and Reports

• The City Manager provided updates on city departments and coordinated entities.
• School District: The Ventura County Office of Education and Ventura County Public Health Department were coordinating with the school district. The Superintendent announced that schools were closed through the following week, with evaluations conducted on a week-by-week basis. Student care teams would be established at campuses to provide breakfast, lunch, devices, Wi-Fi hotspots, and mental health crisis counseling. Distance learning and childcare services were not available at that time per state guidance. Upcoming musical events were canceled for the weekend, though live streaming was being considered.
• Events and Public Health: The status of a tennis tournament was discussed. The City Manager reported communication with organizers and noted that the NCAA was scheduled to determine the status of events. Council Members raised concerns regarding the demographic risks associated with large gatherings, specifically the interaction between younger participants and older residents. A policy was being prepared should the tournament proceed.
• Testing: The drive-through testing model was discussed as a potential response to laboratory lag times. The City Manager noted that the issue had been raised with the County Public Health Officer, but no update on implementation was available. Communication with the local hospital indicated preparation for potential surges, though testing capacity remained limited.
• Vulnerable Populations: Concerns were raised regarding the homeless population and the need for outreach and hygiene support, such as keeping bathrooms open and clean. It was noted that the county plan included integration of services for vulnerable populations, including those at risk due to housing status.

Public Comment

• Several members of the public addressed the Council. Questions were posed regarding the specific definition of the emergency declaration, assistance for residents facing utility or financial hardships, and testing availability.
• Emergency Definition: The City Manager confirmed the resolution and full declaration would be posted on the city homepage.
• Financial Assistance: It was noted that utility moratoriums and similar measures were likely to originate from the Governor or Federal government rather than the City. Existing resources, including the local food bank and services supported by the City, were highlighted as available for rent, utilities, and food assistance.
• Homeless Outreach: Public commenters suggested increased monitoring and outreach for homeless encampments. Council Members acknowledged the issue and noted integration with county plans to address high-risk areas.
• Testing Information: Public commenters inquired about N95 mask availability and testing protocols. The City Manager indicated that information from the hospital and health officer would be shared with the public as it became available via the website and social media.

Adjournment

• Following the updates and public comment, the meeting was adjourned.