Meeting Summary
Present: Weirick, Haney, Francina, Johnston
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
Traffic Safety Enforcement and School Resource Officer
- The Council approved a resolution allocating $100,000 for traffic enforcement after amending the text to remove the word "safety."
- Discussion addressed the role of the School Resource Officer, with the Police Chief recommending it remain a collateral duty for deputies.
- Debate occurred regarding the appropriateness of using city funds to support a position within the municipal school district.
Waiver of Late Payment Penalties for Transient Occupancy Tax
- The Council passed a resolution waiving late penalties for delinquent accounts and establishing a 15-day grace period for future payments.
- The waiver applies to amounts due as of the meeting date and includes a sunset clause tied to the lifting of stay-at-home orders.
- Members clarified the distinction between waiving penalties and deferring payment dates during the discussion.
Budget Workshop and Capital Improvement Program
- Staff presented a proposed budget with projected revenues of $3.4 million and expenditures of $3.2 to $3.3 million, highlighting a starting negative balance in the capital fund.
- Key funding areas include road maintenance, fire protection, climate mitigation, and facility repairs such as roof work and park improvements.
- Discussions covered the Grand Avenue bike lane project, the Fox Canyon Branca trail extension feasibility, and an $800,000 grant for habitat restoration.
- No formal motions were made or voted upon regarding the specific budget items during this segment.
Coronavirus Update and Reopening Protocols
- Staff reported that Ventura County moved to Phase Two, allowing retail and dining to reopen with reduced capacity and specific protocols.
- The Council maintained the city's face covering mandate and discussed the feasibility of street closures for outdoor dining.
- The 4th of July parade and concert were confirmed as canceled, while touchless hand sanitizer stations were scheduled for installation.
Pickleball Courts and Park Hours
- The Council received requests from the community to increase court numbers, shift to singles play, and extend operating hours.
- Staff was directed to provide a timeline for potential changes to the pickleball facilities and park schedules.
- No formal motion was made or voted upon regarding these requests.
Emergency Resolutions and Executive Orders
- The Council adopted a resolution confirming the continued existence of a local emergency.
- Executive Orders 20-03, 20-04, and 20-05 were adopted following an amendment to the motion.
- The motion passed after brief discussion and a vote.
Restaurant Reopening Protocols and Ojai Avenue Closure
- Staff clarified that businesses must self-certify compliance with reopening protocols but are not required to register unless inspected.
- The Council discussed closing Ojai Avenue for outdoor dining, noting that a permit application was submitted to Caltrans.
- It was determined that no immediate motion was required as the City Manager retains discretionary authority to close city-controlled streets.
Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks
- Staff reported that the organizing committee canceled the parade and requested city funding for a fireworks display.
- Due to financial constraints and a lack of fundraising, the Council determined it could not commit funds for the fireworks.
- No motion was made to approve funding or permits for the event.
Cannabis Business License Tax Ballot Label
- The Council approved a resolution to place a measure on the ballot proposing a general business license tax on cannabis businesses.
- The ballot label sets a maximum tax rate of 10%, with the Council retaining discretion to set rates between 0% and 10%.
- A suggestion to amend the maximum rate to 15% was made but not seconded.
Elections Resolutions and Casitas Water District Rate Increase
- The Council passed resolutions regarding upcoming elections and addressed a proposed rate increase by the Casitas Water District.
- Members expressed concern over the lack of a sunset clause for the $600,000 annual charge intended for litigation costs.
- The Council adopted a letter supporting the funding effort with conditions, reserving the right to protest if modifications are not made.
Council Reports and Future Agenda
- Council members provided updates on a greenhouse gas inventory project and the upcoming Community Advisory Committee meeting.
- Discussion regarding the format of future meetings, specifically in-person versus virtual options, yielded no formal decision.
Closed Session
- No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
Agenda Item H: Traffic Safety Enforcement and School Resource Officer
- The Council discussed a resolution allocating $100,000 for traffic enforcement and school safety. Discussion centered on the need for active traffic law enforcement versus general safety programs, the potential for a motorcycle patrol unit, and the role of the School Resource Officer (SRO). The Chief of Police recommended retaining the SRO position as a collateral duty for deputies to foster student relationships and mitigate issues. Debate occurred regarding the appropriateness of city funds supporting a position within the municipal school district. A motion was made to pass the resolution with an amendment deleting the word "safety" between "traffic" and "enforcement" to clarify the funding's purpose. The motion was seconded and passed without objection.
Agenda Item I: Waiver of Late Payment Penalties for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
- The Council discussed a resolution regarding late payment penalties for TOT for February, March, and April. The original proposal deferred payments until June 30th. Council members debated the distinction between waiving penalties and deferring payments. An amendment was proposed to waive late penalties for delinquent accounts and provide a 15-day grace period for future payments, rather than deferring the payment date. The waiver was clarified to apply to amounts due as of the meeting date and moving forward, with a sunset clause tied to the lifting of stay-at-home orders or a specific date. A motion was made to approve the resolution with the amendment. The motion was seconded and passed without objection.
Agenda Item J: COVID-19 Protocols for Businesses
- The Council discussed a resolution adopting 10 key protocols for businesses reopening during the pandemic, including mask mandates. Staff reported on proactive outreach to ensure compliance. Council members inquired about the duration of the protocols and the ability to modify them in the future. It was clarified that the Council retains the ability to rescind or modify the resolution. A request was made to postpone action on this item until after the general COVID-19 update discussion to allow for further context. The Council agreed to postpone action on Item J.
Budget Workshop and Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
- The City Manager and Public Works Director presented the proposed budget and CIP for the upcoming fiscal year, highlighting a challenging year with projected decreases in TOT revenue offset by Measure C funding. The presentation detailed a starting negative balance in the capital improvement fund, projected revenues of approximately $3.4 million, and proposed expenditures of approximately $3.2 to $3.3 million. Key funding areas included road and parking lot maintenance, fire protection, climate mitigation, building maintenance, and park/tree maintenance.
- Parks and Facilities: Discussion covered turf repair at Libbey Park, a sewer line pump station, and pergola timber replacement. Council members requested an annual inspection schedule for facilities, which staff agreed to implement. Budget items included roof repairs for the Community Development Department, the front arbor, and the gazebo near the pickleball court. A budget line item for a "pickleball sound study" was identified as a typo and corrected to "mitigation materials."
- Complete Streets and Bike Trails: The Grand Avenue bike lane project was discussed, noting community opposition to removing parking and width constraints. Staff explained that the Complete Streets Master Plan outlines options requiring parking removal to accommodate lanes on both sides. Discussion also covered the Fox Canyon Branca bike trail bridge widening and the feasibility of extending the trail through Soule Park; staff confirmed the county does not currently support the extension due to right-of-way and safety concerns.
- Bike Path Maintenance: Discussion focused on the condition of the bike path connecting the city to the golf course and Humane Society. Staff clarified maintenance responsibilities between the city and county and noted issues such as debris and root bumps. Staff indicated a full summary regarding the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and funding sources would be presented at the next meeting.
- Climate Mitigation and Fire Protection: Staff reported securing an $800,000 grant from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to remove invasive species and restore native habitat. Council members questioned the prioritization of climate initiatives versus deferred maintenance. Staff clarified that $76,000 from Measure C was allocated to climate mitigation, in addition to the grant and ATP projects.
- Other Projects: Plans were outlined for slurry coating on various city parking lots, purchasing a trailer for contractor equipment, inspecting aging corrugated metal pipes, and installing trash excluders. A $250,000 CMAQ grant was noted for improving trolley stops. Budgets were presented for IT equipment upgrades, network security audits, and replacing a bucket truck and chipper truck with a single combination unit.
- Public Comment: A public comment advocated for prioritizing climate mitigation over deferred maintenance, urging the allocation of $1 million from Measure C for electrification and solar installation. Staff reiterated existing funding dedicated to climate-related projects.
- No formal motions were made or voted upon regarding the budget items during this segment.
Coronavirus Update and Reopening Protocols
- Staff provided an update on the coronavirus situation in Ventura County, noting case counts and hospitalizations. The county had moved to Phase Two, allowing retail businesses and dine-in restaurants to reopen with reduced capacity and specific protocols. Hair salons and barber shops were also authorized to reopen with face covering requirements.
- City Protocols: The city maintains a face covering order and has implemented a no-cost permit process for businesses to expand outdoor seating.
- Street Closures: Discussion occurred regarding the potential closure of Matilija or Ohio Avenue for outdoor dining. Staff noted that due to limited restaurant openings, a street closure was not immediately feasible but remained an option.
- Recreation: Tennis and pickleball courts were open for single play only during limited hours. Public comments had requested extended hours.
- Events: The 4th of July parade and concert were confirmed as canceled.
- Sanitization: Installation of touchless hand sanitizer stations was scheduled.
- Face Coverings: Council members discussed the city's face covering mandate. Concerns were raised regarding health implications for children, while other members supported the policy citing CDC recommendations and business needs. The consensus was that the current balance requiring face coverings during interactions in public spaces was appropriate. No formal motion was made to change the policy.
Agenda Item: Pickleball Courts and Park Hours
- Discussion occurred regarding comments from the pickleball community requesting an increase in courts from two to four, a shift from doubles to singles play, and extended operating hours to match general park schedules. The Council requested that staff provide a timeline for these potential changes. No formal motion was made or voted upon.
Agenda Item: Emergency Resolutions and Executive Orders
- A motion was made to adopt a resolution confirming the continued existence of a local emergency and to adopt Executive Orders 20-03 and 20-04. The motion was amended to include Executive Order 20-05. The motion was seconded. Following brief discussion, the Council voted on the motion. Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Restaurant Reopening Protocols and Ojai Avenue Closure
- Discussion focused on the "Ten Commandments" for restaurant reopening, specifically regarding flexibility in rules such as door usage and ventilation. Staff clarified that businesses must self-certify compliance with the 10 protocols but are not required to register with the city unless requested during inspections. The Council discussed the potential closure of Ojai Avenue to create a pedestrian zone for outdoor dining. Staff reported that a no-cost permit application had been submitted to Caltrans. Council members debated current demand versus long-term benefits. Legal counsel confirmed the City Manager has the authority to close city-controlled streets under the emergency declaration, subject to Caltrans approval. The Council determined that no immediate action or motion was required, as the City Manager retains discretionary authority.
Agenda Item: Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks
- Staff reported that the Fourth of July parade had been canceled by the organizing committee. The committee requested city funding for the fireworks display, which was not budgeted. Council members discussed financial constraints and the lack of fundraising. It was determined that the city could not commit funds for the fireworks. No motion was made to approve funding or permits. Outcome: No action taken; fireworks display not funded.
Agenda Item: Cannabis Business License Tax Ballot Label
- The Council discussed a resolution to amend the ballot label for a proposed general business license tax on cannabis businesses. The proposed language sets a maximum tax rate of 10%, with the Council retaining discretion to set rates between 0% and 10% for different business types. A suggestion was made to amend the maximum to 15%, but no second was offered. A motion was made to approve the resolution as written, which was seconded. The Council voted to approve the resolution to place the measure on the ballot. Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Elections Resolutions and Casitas Water District Rate Increase
- The Council addressed resolutions regarding upcoming elections and a proposed rate increase by the Casitas Water District to fund legal costs for the Ventura adjudication case. A motion was made to approve the election-related resolutions, which was seconded. A roll call vote was conducted. Outcome: Passed.
- Regarding the Casitas Water District rate increase, the Council discussed the proposal to charge approximately $600,000 annually for litigation costs. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of a sunset clause. A motion was made to support the funding effort but to request that funds be placed in a separate litigation fund with a sunset clause upon the conclusion of legal expenses. The motion was amended to reserve the Council's right to protest the rate increase at the upcoming public hearing if the requested modifications are not made. The Council voted to adopt the letter expressing this position. Outcome: Passed (Adoption of letter with conditions and reservation of right to protest).
Agenda Item: Council Reports and Future Agenda
- Council members provided updates on various initiatives, including a greenhouse gas inventory project and the upcoming Community Advisory Committee meeting for the Highway Demonstration Project. Discussion regarding the format of future meetings (in-person vs. virtual) was held, with no formal decision reached.
Adjournment
- The discussion focused on recent communications with the county regarding potential changes to city operations and the city's ability to remain flexible while prioritizing safety. The chair confirmed there were no further items and adjourned the session.