City Council — 2020-04-14

Novel Coronavirus Response

• Staff updated the Council on public health orders including mask mandates and trail closures.
• Discussion covered the reopening of the Farmers Market and the County's closure of Ben Franklin.
• The Council approved a motion to send a letter to the County regarding concerns over the closure.

Recommended Savings

• Staff presented a report outlining potential budget savings of approximately $150,000.
• Proposed measures included hiring freezes and the postponement of various projects.
• The Council directed staff to convene a budget committee meeting to review line items in detail.

Commercial Eviction Moratorium

• Staff and the City Attorney presented a proposal for a local commercial eviction moratorium.
• Debate covered the balance between tenant protections and alignment with state regulations.
• The Council voted to follow state orders without adopting a separate local ordinance.

Transient Occupancy Tax Deferment

• Staff reported that most hotels had submitted February TOT payments with one remaining outstanding.
• Discussion addressed waiving penalties for the March cycle due to economic uncertainty.
• A motion passed to waive late penalties for payments due up to and including April 30th.

Casitas Municipal Water District Well Project

• Staff requested approval for a permit to replace Mutual Well No. 5 with reduced capacity.
• Questions regarding fire hydrant flow and water capacity were addressed during the presentation.
• The Council approved the permits and application for the new well project by acclamation.

Landscape Equipment Business Licensing

• Staff updated the Council on the prohibition of gas-powered lawn equipment effective April 27th.
• Discussion centered on compliance timelines for licensed and unlicensed operators.
• A motion passed to extend the compliance period to 30 days with a first warning for initial non-compliance.

Meeting Summary: Ojai City Council Meeting

Call to Order and Consent Calendar

• The meeting began with a roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. With no public communications scheduled, a motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda and consent calendar. The motion passed without objection.

Item 2: Novel Coronavirus Response

• Staff provided updates regarding public health orders, including the implementation of face coverings in essential businesses, the postponement of permit reviews, and trail closures to ensure physical distancing. Discussion ensued regarding the city's mask mandate and the reopening of the Farmers Market at Nordoff High School. The Council also addressed the County’s order closing Ben Franklin, noting the City's limited authority over the matter. A motion was made to send a letter to the County placing concerns regarding the closure on the record. The motion passed.

Item 3: Recommended Savings

• Staff presented a report outlining potential budget savings of approximately $150,000 for the remainder of the fiscal year. Proposed measures included hiring freezes, reductions in training, and the postponement of projects. Discussion focused on the economic impact on the city and the uncertainty of state and federal funding. The Council directed staff to proceed with a budget committee meeting to review line items in detail.

Item 4: Commercial Eviction Moratorium

• Staff and the City Attorney presented a proposal for a local commercial eviction moratorium, discussing the difference between a 6-month payment plan adopted by neighboring cities and the state Judicial Council's order. Debate covered the balance between tenant protections and landlord obligations, as well as alignment with state regulations. A motion was made to follow the Governor's and Judicial Council's orders without adopting a separate local ordinance at this time. The motion passed.

Item 5: Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Deferment

• Staff reported that 11 of 12 hotels had submitted TOT payments for February, with one remaining outstanding. Discussion addressed whether to defer payments or waive penalties for the March cycle due to economic uncertainty. A motion was made to waive late penalties for payments due up to and including April 30th, without deferring the payment itself. The motion passed.

Item 6: Casitas Municipal Water District Well Project

• Staff requested approval for a permit to replace Mutual Well No. 5 with a new well of reduced capacity to serve the local water system. A representative from Casitas Water District explained the project's specifications, including a flow of 300 GPM and its role in local redundancy without increasing overall district pumping. Questions regarding fire hydrant flow and water capacity were addressed. A motion was made and seconded to approve the permits and application. The motion passed by acclamation.

Item 7: Landscape Equipment Business Licensing

• Staff updated the Council on the upcoming April 27th prohibition on gas-powered lawn equipment, including the status of the loaner program and business licensing enforcement. Discussion centered on compliance timelines for licensed and unlicensed operators. A motion was made to approve staff recommendations regarding business certification and extending the compliance period to 30 days with a first warning for initial non-compliance. The motion passed.

Council and Staff Reports

• Announcements were made regarding a virtual Earth Day event and an Alternative Transportation Plan (ATP) virtual workshop scheduled for the following evening. Council members thanked staff for their efforts during the emergency.

Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned in memory of Tom Asch.