Meeting Summary
Present: Johnston, Blatz, Francina, Weirick
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Citizen's Option for Public Safety Funding
- Discussion addressed school resource officer inclusion and motorcycle traffic safety concerns.
- Staff was directed to gather information on enforcement options and funding sources.
- The item was continued to a future meeting to allow staff to provide answers.
Community Energy Corporation
- Council requested detailed information on renewable energy sources and contracting.
- A presentation was postponed until the Council could meet in person for clarity.
- The item was continued to a future meeting.
Operating Budget Workshop
- Staff presented a revised budget showing a projected $946,000 deficit due to the pandemic.
- Proposals included a hiring freeze and potential reductions in discretionary spending.
- Council directed staff to refine the budget based on feedback regarding specific allocations.
Coronavirus Report and Response
- Updates covered local case statistics, Phase Two reopening rules, and trail closures.
- Discussion focused on the disparity between reopening rules for large and small businesses.
- Staff confirmed stricter local requirements including mandatory face coverings and self-certification.
Fourth of July Parade and Park Usage
- Council members debated public health risks versus the feasibility of outdoor social distancing.
- Concerns were raised regarding playground closures and the safety of vulnerable populations.
- The decision was deferred to the next meeting pending a plan from the event committee.
Coronavirus Response: Ad Hoc Committee
- Staff proposed a two-member committee to recommend protocols and gather community feedback.
- Two council members volunteered to serve on the subcommittee.
- The motion to establish the committee was approved.
Commercial Eviction Moratorium
- Staff presented a proposal for a six-month moratorium allowing tenants to catch up on rent.
- Discussion addressed differences between state orders and the proposed local ordinance.
- The resolution imposing the commercial eviction moratorium was adopted.
General Plan Annual Progress Report
- Staff presented the 2018 and 2019 reports detailing planning and code enforcement activities.
- The report was approved for submission to state housing and planning agencies.
Council Member Reports
- The school board selected an awardee for negotiations on a new school project.
- Air quality data showed significant pollution reductions due to decreased vehicle traffic.
- The Ojai Groundwater Management Agency is moving forward with a rate increase for pumpers.
Staff Reports and Upcoming Agenda Items
- Updates included new county orders permitting pet grooming while restricting other services.
- Council requested additions to the next agenda regarding water rates and 5G developments.
- Staff will coordinate to ensure future public comment options comply with state orders.
Closed Session
- The Council met to consider labor negotiations for underrepresented employees.
- No reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Closed Session Report
- The Council met in closed session to consider labor negotiations for underrepresented employees. No reportable action was taken.
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The regular session was called to order, a roll call was conducted to establish a quorum, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of the Agenda
- A motion was made to approve the agenda with the exception of removing Items D and F from the consent calendar for separate discussion. The motion was seconded and passed without objection.
Consent Calendar (Remaining Items)
- A motion was made to approve the balance of the consent calendar. The motion was seconded and passed without objection.
Item D: Citizen's Option for Public Safety Funding
- Discussion focused on the inclusion of a school resource officer in the funding proposal and concerns regarding motorcycle traffic safety. A council member cited an incident involving motorcycles endangering a pedestrian and suggested focused enforcement on traffic laws for motorcycles. Another council member supported the enforcement suggestion and inquired about funding sources. The City Manager and City Attorney were directed to gather information regarding the school resource officer and motorcycle enforcement options. A motion was made to continue Item D to a future meeting to allow staff to provide answers. The motion was seconded and passed without objection.
Item F: Community Energy Corporation
- Discussion addressed a request for detailed information regarding the Community Energy Corporation, specifically concerning renewable energy sources and contracting. The Mayor noted that a requested presentation had been delayed due to the shutdown and remote meeting format. It was decided to postpone the presentation until the Council could meet in person to ensure clarity. A motion was made to continue Item F. The motion was seconded and passed without objection.
Public Comment
- Two public comments were received prior to the 5:00 PM cutoff. A letter from Mr. McCray regarding noise complaints from pickleball players on South Ventura Street was read into the record. A budget request from the Ojai Valley Museum was received; the Clerk was instructed to note the submission and forward it to the Budget and Finance Committee.
Workshop on the Operating Budget
- The City Manager presented a revised proposed budget reflecting the economic impact of the coronavirus, highlighting a projected deficit of $946,000 if current service levels were maintained without adjustments. The budget included a revenue drop of $1.2 million compared to the March projection. The presentation distinguished between mandatory services (police, public works, utilities) totaling approximately $9.4 million and discretionary items (community organization funding, retiree medical prepayments, transfers to TOT and equipment funds) totaling approximately $1 million. Staff identified potential reductions of $970,000 in discretionary items and a hiring freeze to balance the budget. Council members discussed deferring the retiree medical payment and the transfer to the TOT fund. Questions were raised regarding sales tax revenue from online retailers under the Wayfair Act and potential federal assistance for the Sheriff's budget under the CARES Act; the City Manager agreed to investigate the Sheriff's budget allocation. Council members expressed a desire to review community organization funding allocations individually rather than applying a blanket reduction to 2019 levels. The City Manager confirmed a hiring freeze is in place and that three and a half positions remain unfilled. No formal vote was taken on the budget. The Council directed staff to refine the budget based on feedback, with a revised proposal to be presented at a future meeting.
Coronavirus Report and Response
- The City Manager provided an update on COVID-19 statistics for Ventura County and the 93023 zip code, noting 678 total cases in the county and six cases in the zip code. The report covered the "Stay Well Ventura County Order" and the state's Phase Two reopening, which allows retail businesses to reopen for curbside delivery or pickup and permits manufacturing and supply chain businesses to operate. Clarification was sought regarding hotel operations; it was confirmed that while hotels may operate, they are restricted to essential business and cannot accommodate leisure or tourism. The City is working to access self-certification records to verify compliance. Council members expressed concern that reopening rules favor large retailers over small local businesses. Discussion included the possibility of sending a letter of concern to the County and State. The City Manager noted that Ojai maintains stricter requirements than the County, including a mandatory face covering ordinance and an executive order requiring businesses to self-certify compliance. The City Attorney explained federal and state paid sick leave requirements for employers with 50 to 500 employees. Discussion ensued regarding the gap for smaller employers and the need to encourage sick employees to stay home. Information was provided on expanded testing sites in Ventura County. Updates were given on trail closures, the closure of shared playground equipment and skate parks, the installation of retail pickup zones, and the launch of a virtual recreation program.
Fourth of July Parade and Park Usage
- Discussion centered on the feasibility of holding the Fourth of July parade and opening Libbey Park and its playgrounds. Council members expressed divergent views regarding public health risks, the potential for the event to attract visitors from high-risk areas, and the necessity of social distancing. Concerns were raised about the safety of vulnerable populations and the contradiction between closing playgrounds while planning a large gathering. Conversely, some members argued that outdoor events allow for social distancing and that canceling the parade was premature without further scientific data. It was noted that state and county orders currently prohibit the use of playgrounds. A motion was made to defer the decision on the Fourth of July parade to the next council meeting, with a request for the Fourth of July committee to provide a plan for that meeting. The motion was seconded and passed.
Coronavirus Response: Ad Hoc Committee
- Staff proposed the creation of an ad hoc committee consisting of two council members to weigh in on and recommend protocols as new public health orders develop, serving as liaisons to gather feedback from residents and businesses. A motion was made to establish an ad hoc committee with two council members to address evolving public health protocols. The motion was seconded. Two council members volunteered, and the council approved the formation of the subcommittee.
Coronavirus Response: Paid Sick Leave and Business Information
- The City Attorney provided clarification on the Federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, detailing paid sick leave requirements for private employers, including salary caps and restrictions based on employer size. Discussion followed regarding ensuring local businesses are aware of these obligations and benefits. The ad hoc committee was suggested as a vehicle to disseminate this information. Staff reported on ongoing contact with local nursing homes regarding their response measures.
Commercial Eviction Moratorium
- Staff presented a proposal to adopt a local commercial eviction moratorium, which would provide a six-month period for tenants to catch up on rent after the pandemic ends. The City Attorney explained the current Judicial Council order, which blocks the issuance of eviction summons for 90 days after the governor lifts the state of emergency. Discussion focused on the differences between the state order and the proposed local ordinance, specifically regarding the burden of proof on tenants to demonstrate financial hardship and the potential for unintended consequences on commercial negotiations. Concerns were raised about enforcement burdens on staff and the possibility of tenants gaming the system. A motion was made to adopt the resolution imposing the commercial eviction moratorium as written. The motion was seconded and passed following a roll call vote.
General Plan Annual Progress Report
- Staff presented the city's 2018 and 2019 General Plan Annual Progress Report, which had not been filed in previous years. The report details planning, building, and code enforcement activities. No public comment was received. A motion was made to approve the report for submission to the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Office of Planning and Research. The motion was seconded and passed without objection.
Council Member Reports
- School Board: A council member reported that the school board had selected an awardee for the exclusive right to negotiate regarding a new school project.
- Air Quality and Transportation: A council member discussed data from the Air Pollution Control District indicating significant reductions in ozone and NOx levels due to reduced vehicle traffic. The discussion included the potential for telecommuting and electric bicycles to reduce pollution long-term. Another council member inquired about installing electric bike charging stations and enhancing bike lanes as alternatives to mass transit. Staff noted recent approvals for electric bus chargers.
- Groundwater Management: A brief report was given regarding the Ojai Groundwater Management Agency (OBGMA) moving forward with a rate increase for pumpers to fund the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) plan.
Staff Reports and Upcoming Agenda Items
- Staff provided updates on new county orders allowing pet grooming while maintaining prohibitions on hair salons, gyms, and fitness studios. The agenda for the next meeting (May 26) was outlined, including the cannabis tax ballot language, the call for election, the Fourth of July parade, and the CIP budget review. Council members requested the addition of the ATP summary and the Casitas water rate increase to the agenda for discussion. Discussion occurred regarding allowing public comment via Zoom or in-person at City Hall for future meetings, particularly for applicants in public hearings. Staff and the City Attorney will coordinate to ensure compliance with Governor Newsom's orders. A request was made for a written public status report on 5G developments in Ojai. A request was made to ensure that if restaurants are allowed to open before the next meeting, the topic is added to the agenda for immediate discussion.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.