City Council — 2020-04-28

Coronavirus Update and Pandemic Response

• City Manager reported projected revenue reductions of $1.2 million through May 31st with reserves covering five to six months of cash flow.
• Operational updates included reopening golf and tennis courts with restrictions while keeping skate parks and playgrounds closed.
• Council instructed staff to investigate noise mitigation equipment and explore limited trial openings for skate parks.

Active Transportation Project – Nordoff High School

• Staff presented design updates involving median removal and parking lot improvements estimated to cost $300,000 over the original scope.
• Council members discussed traffic safety impacts and prioritization of funding between highway and downtown enhancements.
• The Council approved a motion to submit the design to the State Architect for approval pending a future funding decision.

Gasoline Engine Landscape Equipment Ordinance

• Staff reported the ordinance banning gasoline-powered landscape equipment had taken effect with enforcement initially focused on scheduling.
• Discussion centered on balancing immediate enforcement with equipment availability concerns during the pandemic emergency.
• Council directed staff to prioritize education and warnings over strict enforcement while investigating competitive product availability.

Future Agenda Items

• Council supported sending legislative letters regarding concerns about uranium mining and Forest Ranger service reductions.
• A motion was approved to revisit the topic of a commercial eviction moratorium at the next meeting.

Meeting of the Ojai City Council

Call to Order and Consent Calendar

• The meeting was called to order. The clerk called the roll, and a quorum was established. With no changes requested, the agenda was approved as submitted. The consent calendar was moved and seconded, and approved. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Coronavirus Update and Pandemic Response

• The City Manager provided an update regarding the financial and operational impacts of the pandemic. Revenue was projected to be reduced by $1.2 million through May 31st, with an additional $500,000 potential impact if closures continued through June. Average monthly expenses were noted as approximately $830,000, with reserves totaling approximately $5.3 million, providing roughly five to six months of cash flow. It was noted that the City of Ojai was ineligible for initial CARES Act funding due to population size, and the County was not distributing its share to cities. Staff discussed the possibility of a line of credit for emergency usage.
• Operational updates included the following:
• Resources: Information was shared regarding a food and supply pantry for residents aged 60 or older and people with disabilities.
• Parks and Recreation: Golf was reopened. Tennis and pickleball courts were scheduled to reopen with restrictions, including single-play only and social distancing signage. Skate parks, children’s playgrounds, and barbecue pits remained closed due to social distancing concerns regarding shared equipment.
• Events: The May 9th concert at the Libby Ballroom was postponed. City commission meetings were to be held via Zoom for time-sensitive items. The 4th of July committee was continuing preparations pending public health orders.
• Face Coverings: The City of Ojai’s face covering requirement remained in effect for essential business transactions within city limits.
• Council members discussed specific park regulations, including hours of operation, noise concerns regarding pickleball, and enforcement regarding out-of-town visitors. It was determined that staff would continue to communicate with the public health officer regarding skate park and playground exemptions. The City Manager was instructed to investigate noise mitigation equipment and explore limited trial openings for skate parks.

Active Transportation Project (ATP) – Nordoff High School

• The City Manager and Public Works Director presented design updates for the Active Transportation Project, specifically regarding Maricopa Highway and the Nordoff High School parking lot. The proposed improvements included parking lot striping, median removal at Pirie Road, and a new driveway installation. The design additions were estimated to cost approximately $300,000 more than the original scope.
• Discussion focused on the design’s impact on traffic safety for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, as well as the funding implications. Council members inquired about bike lane visibility, pedestrian access, and cost estimates relative to the grant funding available. Questions were raised regarding the prioritization of funding between the highway improvements and downtown area enhancements.
• A motion was made to direct staff to proceed with submitting the design to the State Architect (DSA) for approval, incurring a $3,500 application fee. The motion was seconded. Council discussion noted that this step was for due diligence and design approval; a decision on full funding implementation would be addressed at a later date following DSA review.
• Decision: The motion to proceed with the design submission passed.

Gasoline Engine Landscape Equipment Ordinance

• Staff reported that the ordinance banning gasoline-powered landscape equipment had taken effect. Enforcement efforts were focused on scheduling appointments with businesses to ensure they had electrical equipment. Council members discussed the availability of electric trimmer mowers and the enforcement approach during the pandemic.
• Discussions centered on whether to enforce immediately or issue warnings during the emergency declaration, and whether enforcement should differ between residential and commercial operators. Concerns were raised regarding equipment availability for specialized tools.
• Decision: Council directed staff to exercise good judgment, prioritize education and warnings during the pandemic emergency, and investigate competitive product availability for specialized equipment before pursuing strict enforcement.

Council Reports

• Council Member Weyrich: Noted upcoming APCD meetings and the potential long-term shift in business models toward remote work, highlighting the importance of broadband infrastructure investment.
• Council Member Francina: Appreciation was expressed for the virtual Go Ojai workshop regarding the ATP project. Updates were provided on the animal ordinance and community engagement efforts.
• Council Member Blatts: Raised concerns regarding federal policies affecting the National Forest, specifically potential increases in extraction activities and reductions in ranger services that could impact the watershed.
• Mayor Johnston: Acknowledged citizen volunteers organizing graduation banners for the high school in the downtown arcade to accommodate the canceled graduation.

City Manager’s Report

• The City Manager reported the following:
• Grant Award: The City received an $864,000 grant for invasive plant removal and natural environment restoration in Middle Stewart Canyon Creek, aiding fire risk mitigation and aquifer recharge.
• Auditing: Staff initiated the process to solicit new auditors, as the current auditors had served longer than recommended.
• Weed Abatement: Inspections for fire risk mitigation began, with notices to be sent to property owners by May 31st.

Future Agenda Items

• Legislative Letters: Council supported sending letters regarding concerns about increased uranium mining on the Lake Casitas watershed and reductions in Forest Ranger services.
• Commercial Eviction Moratorium: A request was made to revisit the topic of a commercial eviction moratorium at the next meeting. This was moved and seconded.

Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned.