City Council — 2020-03-24

Sarasota Field Light Pole Replacement

• Staff requested replacing deteriorating wooden light poles with steel poles at the Sarasota Field.
• Council members discussed the timing relative to a proposed budget freeze on non-contractual obligations.
• Staff clarified that light fixtures would remain the same to comply with Dark Sky ordinances.
• The Council approved the project to proceed despite potential budget constraints.

Street Paving Menu

• Staff presented a list of streets requiring paving to satisfy SB1 funding accountability.
• Historical data confirmed the listed streets had not been paved in approximately thirty years.
• Bicycle safety components were noted for inclusion in future comprehensive engineering lists.
• The Council approved the street paving menu.

Coronavirus Emergency Update

• The City Manager reported on emergency measures including eviction moratoriums and playground closures.
• Staff identified fifty-one homeless residents and coordinated housing for ten individuals with county facilities.
• A budget deficit was projected due to revenue losses from closed hotels and restaurants.
• Council directed staff to monitor the financial situation and report on funding opportunities.

Ventura River Watershed Adjudication

• The City Attorney reported a six-month court extension for responses to the lawsuit.
• Partners continue to work toward negotiated solutions with the deadline extending to September 2020.
• Staff agreed to post state streamflow analysis documents on the city website.

Future Agenda Items

• Council agreed to pause the General Plan update due to inability to conduct stakeholder engagement.
• A future agenda item was scheduled to discuss potential Transient Occupancy Tax remittance delays.
• Non-urgent matters including SCAG demonstrations were directed to be postponed until conditions improve.

Ojai City Council Meeting Summary

Meeting Opening and Agenda

• The meeting was called to order remotely due to pandemic-related safety measures. Roll call was taken, establishing a quorum. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. There were no amendments proposed to the agenda. The Clerk called for the approval of the consent calendar.

Consent Calendar

• Two items, Item E (Sarasota Field) and Item F (Street Paving Menu), were removed from the consent calendar for separate discussion. A motion was made to approve the remaining items on the consent calendar (Items A, B, C, D, G, H, I). The motion was seconded. No objections were raised. The motion passed.

Item 1.E: Sarasota Field Light Pole Replacement

• Discussion: Staff presented a request to replace two deteriorating wooden light poles with steel poles at the Sarasota Field. Council Members discussed the timing relative to a proposed budget freeze on non-contractual obligations and hiring. Staff indicated the poles were in poor condition and posed a potential safety hazard, but the project had not yet begun, allowing for postponement. Questions were raised regarding lighting upgrades, with staff clarifying that the light fixtures would remain the same, though the poles would be upgraded from wood to steel. Compliance with Dark Sky ordinances was noted.

Motions and Votes

• A motion was made to defer the item until after the budget report was discussed. The motion was seconded. A vote was held, and the motion to defer was defeated.
• A subsequent motion was made to approve the item. The motion was seconded. A vote was held, and the motion passed.

Item 1.F: Street Paving Menu

• Discussion: Staff presented a list of streets requiring paving, required by SB1 funding accountability. Council Members requested historical data on previous paving dates to ensure resources were not duplicated on recently paved roads. Staff confirmed the listed streets had not been paved in approximately 30 years. Questions regarding the inclusion of bicycle safety infrastructure were raised. Staff clarified that bicycle components would be included in future comprehensive lists presented for engineering approval. There was also discussion regarding slurry sealing capabilities versus hot asphalt patching. Public Comment: A written public comment concerning bicycle infrastructure was acknowledged and noted in the record. Motions and Votes: A motion was made to approve the item. The motion was seconded. No objections were raised. The motion passed.

Public Comment

• Two written public comments were received regarding the closure of pickleball courts during the quarantine. These were read into the record. The previously noted comments regarding agenda items E and F were also entered into the record.

Item 2: Coronavirus Emergency Update

• Discussion: The City Manager provided a report on actions taken since the March 13, 2020, emergency declaration. Measures enacted included lifting grocery regulations, implementing a residential eviction moratorium, and closing playgrounds and skate parks. Tennis and pickleball courts were under review for closure. The Farmers Market was designated an essential service but subject to social distancing precautions. Homeless Services: Staff reported on county efforts to house at-risk individuals in motels. The City identified approximately 51 homeless residents, with 10 moved to county facilities. Council Members discussed the need to assist residents in contacting county resources. Budget Impact: A preliminary budget forecast was presented. While initially projected to balance, the forecast now anticipates a deficit due to revenue losses from hotel and restaurant closures. Staff estimated a potential revenue loss of approximately $250,000 per two-week period. Cost-saving measures, including freezing new contracts and recruitment, were implemented. Funding: Discussion occurred regarding federal and state grant opportunities and liquidity windows. The City Attorney confirmed the City Manager has authority under emergency powers to apply for federal or state assistance.

Ventura River Watershed Adjudication

• Discussion: The City Attorney reported that the court granted a six-month extension for responses to the lawsuit, extending the deadline to September 8, 2020. Partners continue to work toward negotiated solutions. A request was made to post state streamflow analysis documents on the city website.

Preliminary Budget Forecast

• Discussion: Following the emergency update, Council Members reviewed the financial implications of the pandemic. It was noted that the closure of hotels and restaurants would likely require the use of reserves to maintain a balanced budget in the current fiscal year. The Council directed staff to continue monitoring the situation and report back on potential cost reductions or funding opportunities.

Future Agenda Items

• General Plan Update: Council Members agreed to pause the General Plan update process due to the inability to conduct stakeholder engagement during the pandemic. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Discussion was held regarding requests from the hotel industry to delay remittance deadlines for collected taxes due to economic hardship. The City Attorney clarified that any waiver or delay of remittance deadlines requires Council action via an agenda item. It was decided to place this topic on a future agenda for discussion regarding potential adjustments to payment deadlines. Other Items: The Council directed staff to postpone other non-urgent matters, such as SCAG demonstrations, until conditions improve.

Meeting Adjournment

• Following a brief technical break to address live streaming issues, the meeting was adjourned.