Meeting Summary
Present: Weirick, Francina, Haney, 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
Active Transportation Plan (ATP)
- The ATP item was postponed to a special meeting scheduled for the following Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.
- The postponement was requested to allow adequate time for reviewing complex graphic files and ensuring proper public notice.
- The special meeting will focus exclusively on reviewing the project and providing direction.
Investment Policy
- Council Member Francina inquired about including divestment from fossil fuel companies in the city's investment policy.
- Staff confirmed that divestment is not currently part of the policy.
- The matter was referred to the Budget and Finance Committee for further review and a recommendation.
Library Special Tax
- Item I regarding the Library Special Tax was discussed and approved without objection.
Micro-Enterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MECO)
- Staff recommended opposing state legislation that preempts local regulatory authority over zoning and safety codes.
- Council members expressed concerns regarding the loss of local control and potential impacts on residential neighborhoods.
- The motion to approve the opposition to the current legislation passed without objection.
Ventura County Animal Care Services Contract
- Staff presented a five-year contract proposal with significant cost increases, including a rise in hourly rates.
- Council members moved to approve a one-year contract term instead of the proposed five-year commitment.
- The motion to approve the one-year contract passed, noting the inclusion of a 90-day cancellation clause.
Budget Workshop
- Staff presented a projected deficit of $585,000 and outlined proposed reductions including a hiring freeze.
- Approximately 30-40% of the budget is currently focused on climate-related projects.
- No formal motions were made, and the matter was referred to the Budget Committee for further review.
City Manager's Report and Public Comments
- The City Manager updated the council on outreach regarding gas engine prohibitions and solar electrification projects.
- Public comments included requests for increased social services spending and additional oversight of the Sheriff's Office contract.
- Discussion focused on constructive engagement with the Sheriff's Department to address community concerns.
Pickleball Noise Mitigation
- A council member questioned the $15,000 investment for noise mitigation and the feasibility of charging players.
- Staff noted that a report on the efficacy and cost of sound buffers is not yet complete.
- Policy decisions regarding funding sources or the project will be addressed in a future budget workshop.
Lighting and Landscaping District Assessment
- Staff reported a projected surplus of $26,000 and recommended maintaining a $150,000 reserve for repairs.
- The average assessment was set at $41 per parcel following a public hearing with no comments.
- The motion to approve the assessment resolution passed.
Arcade Plaza Maintenance District Assessment
- Staff reported a projected surplus of $50,000 with annual revenues projected at $197,000.
- No public comments were received during the public hearing.
- The motion to approve the assessment passed.
Economic Recovery Task Force and Pandemic Update
- The Chamber of Commerce reported on efforts to assist local businesses with disaster loans and safety protocols.
- Discussion included strategies such as closing street sections to facilitate outdoor dining.
- The City Manager noted an increase in coronavirus cases but no increase in deaths.
Law Enforcement Services and Use-of-Force Policies
- The City Manager recommended engaging in a dialogue with the Ventura County Sheriff's Department regarding use-of-force policies.
- Council members discussed the importance of community-based policing and the city's contracted service levels.
- The Mayor and a council member expressed interest in participating in the upcoming meeting with the Sheriff's Department.
Police Contracts and Scorecard Review
- Discussion focused on moving toward individualized agreements to better support community policing.
- A police scorecard report was reviewed, though members noted the data may lack granularity for local conditions.
- Staff was directed to review the accuracy of the scorecard's facts.
Utility Power Outages
- The Council discussed balancing the prevention of daytime outages during the pandemic with utility repair needs.
- Staff reported success in scheduling most outages at night but noted increasing pressure for daytime work.
- Guidance was provided to maintain a preference for nighttime work while allowing exceptions for public safety.
Playground Status
- Staff confirmed that state and county mandates currently prohibit the opening of playgrounds.
- No action was taken regarding the addition of washing stations or capacity limits.
Emergency Resolution Continuation
- The Council addressed the continuation of the existing emergency resolution regarding public health measures.
- It was noted that the City Manager already holds authority to continue actions under the previously adopted resolution.
- No new motion was required.
Annual Review of Commissions and Committees
- Staff presented a report on expiring terms for various commissions.
- A motion passed to direct staff to draft code amendments reducing the Parks and Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissions to five members each.
- The new structure utilizes an "at-large" appointment method where each council member nominates one appointee.
Community Forest Management Plan
- Council members discussed revising the plan to focus on ecological sustainability rather than numerical targets.
- The Council agreed to form an ad hoc committee of two members and staff to develop recommendations.
- The direction to revise the plan and clarify the Tree Committee appointment process was accepted by consensus.
Ad Hoc Committee for Environmental Projects
- Council members discussed collaborating with a global environmental group on projects related to the Stewart Creek grant.
- Two council members were authorized to continue exploratory discussions and report back to the full Council.
- No formal ad hoc committee was created at this time.
Council Reports
- Reports were received on the APCD budget, VCTC/Gold Coast Transit budgets, and the first Climate Emergency Committee report.
- Staff announced the launch of virtual public art tours and recreation programs.
- The Council agreed to place an item on the next agenda to review Casitas Water's response regarding a sunset clause.
Future Agenda Items and Public Comment
- The Council discussed increasing Zoom capacity for the upcoming special meeting while managing security risks.
- It was decided to post a notice requiring written comments by a deadline to allow staff review time.
- The agenda for the special meeting on the Active Transportation Plan was confirmed.
Discussion on Workshop Procedure and Public Comment
- Council members debated procedural requirements for holding workshops and the timing of public input.
- It was clarified that public comment is required for every agenda item, including workshops.
- The suggestion to separate the decision to a future meeting was withdrawn as unnecessary.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The regular meeting of the Ojai City Council was called to order. The roll was called, confirming the presence of all council members and the Mayor. The meeting proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Approval and Postponement of Active Transportation Plan (ATP)
- A request was made to postpone Item 6, the Active Transportation Plan (ATP), to a special meeting due to the item's complexity, the need to review large graphic files, and concerns regarding adequate public notice. A motion was made to postpone the ATP item to a special meeting scheduled for the following Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. The motion was amended to set the time at 6:00 p.m. rather than 7:00 p.m. to allow for a longer discussion window. The motion to postpone the ATP item was moved, seconded, and passed without objection.
Consent Calendar
- Council Member Francina requested the removal of items E, I, and M from the consent calendar for separate discussion. A motion was made to approve the consent calendar with the exception of items E, I, and M. The motion was seconded and passed without objection.
Consent Calendar Item E: Investment Policy
- Council Member Francina inquired whether the city's investment policy included divestment from fossil fuel companies and banks funding them. Staff confirmed that divestment was not currently part of the policy. It was determined that the Finance Director and City Treasurer would review the matter and provide a recommendation to the Budget and Finance Committee. No formal motion was made; the matter was referred to the Budget and Finance Committee for further review.
Consent Calendar Item I: Library Special Tax
- Item I regarding the Library Special Tax was discussed. A motion was made to approve Item I. The motion was seconded and passed without objection.
Consent Calendar Item L: Micro-Enterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MECO)
- Staff presented a recommendation to oppose current state legislation regarding Micro-Enterprise Home Kitchen Operations as written, noting that it preempts local regulatory authority over zoning, parking, and safety codes. Council members expressed concerns regarding the lack of local control, potential impacts on residential neighborhoods, and safety issues. Council Member Francina moved to approve the item as written, with the understanding that the city supports the concept of local regulation but opposes the current legislation that preempts it. The motion was seconded. After discussion regarding the wording and the city's stance, the motion to approve the item was passed without objection.
Consent Calendar Item M: Ventura County Animal Care Services Contract
- Staff presented a contract for animal care services requesting approval for a five-year term with significant cost increases, including a 5% annual budget increase and an hourly rate increase from $60 to $90. Council members expressed concern over the cost increases and the commitment to a five-year term during economic uncertainty. Council Member Blatts moved to approve a one-year contract instead of the proposed five-year term. The motion was seconded. Council Member Francina moved to postpone the decision to the next meeting to send a letter of concerns, but this motion was not adopted. Council Member Haney noted that the contract includes a 90-day cancellation clause, providing flexibility regardless of the term length. The motion to approve the contract for a one-year term was passed without objection.
Public Comment
- Staff summarized sixteen public comments received, all supporting the expansion of pickleball hours at Libbey Park. Council Member Francina read a letter from the Ojai Valley Green Coalition announcing a new board and stating they would not be requesting funding for the 2020-21 fiscal year due to the pandemic.
Budget Workshop
- Staff presented the third budget workshop, outlining a projected deficit of $585,000. The presentation detailed revenue projections, including potential Measure C funds, and proposed reductions such as a hiring freeze, deferral of post-employment benefits, and reductions in community funding. Staff noted that approximately 30-40% of the budget is focused on climate-related projects. Council members asked questions regarding the condition of parking lots, City Hall repairs, and the payback of reserves. Staff confirmed that a Budget Committee meeting was tentatively scheduled to review projections before returning to the Council for adoption. No formal motions were made on the budget during this segment.
City Manager's Report and Public Comments
- The City Manager provided an update on outreach efforts regarding gas engine prohibitions and solar electrification projects, noting that a power purchase agreement for solar was not feasible due to facility size. Public comments summarized via email included requests to focus resources on climate crisis mitigation, increase spending on social services, and review the law enforcement services budget. A letter signed by over 60 residents called for additional oversight of the contract with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. Discussion ensued regarding constructive engagement with the Sheriff's Department to update contracts and address community concerns.
Pickleball Noise Mitigation
- A council member questioned the investment of $15,000 for pickleball noise mitigation and inquired about the legal feasibility of charging players for the cost. Staff noted that a report on the efficacy and cost of sound buffers had not yet been completed. It was determined that any policy decision regarding funding sources or the project itself would be addressed in a future budget workshop.
Lighting and Landscaping District Assessment
- A public hearing was held regarding the assessment for the Lighting and Landscaping District. Staff reported a projected surplus of $26,000 for the fiscal year, bringing the total fund balance to approximately $181,000 by June 30, 2021. The recommendation was to maintain a $150,000 reserve for streetlight replacement and emergency repairs, with an average assessment of $41 per parcel. Discussion included questions regarding the timeline for LED replacement and the prioritization of funds. No public comments were received. Following the close of the hearing, a motion was made and seconded to approve the assessment resolution. The motion passed.
Arcade Plaza Maintenance District Assessment
- A public hearing was held regarding the assessment for the Arcade Plaza Maintenance District. Staff reported a projected surplus of $50,000 at the end of the fiscal year, with annual revenues projected at $197,000. No public comments were received. Following the close of the hearing, a motion was made and seconded to approve the assessment. The motion passed.
Economic Recovery Task Force and Pandemic Update
- The City Manager presented an update from the Economic Recovery Task Force. The Chamber of Commerce reported on efforts to communicate disaster loan deadlines, develop safety protocols, and assist with signage. Discussion focused on strategies to support local businesses, including closing street sections for outdoor dining. Council members debated the relationship between the city and the business community. The City Manager provided an update on coronavirus statistics, noting an increase in cases but no increase in deaths. It was reported that the state released guidelines on June 5 for the reopening of various sectors, effective June 12, pending county approval.
Law Enforcement Services and Use-of-Force Policies
- The City Manager recommended that staff engage in a dialogue with the Ventura County Sheriff's Department regarding use-of-force policies and report back to the council. Council members discussed the city's unique situation of contracting for minimum levels of service and the importance of community-based policing. A council member expressed interest in accompanying the City Manager to the meeting, and the Mayor indicated a willingness to participate. No formal motion was moved or voted upon during this segment.
Police Contracts and Scorecard Review
- Discussion continued regarding the Sheriff's Department contract, focusing on moving toward individualized agreements to support community policing. A police scorecard report was reviewed, which rated the county poorly compared to other regions. Council members noted that the data may not accurately reflect local conditions due to a lack of granularity. It was agreed that staff should review the accuracy of the scorecard's facts. No formal motion was made.
Utility Power Outages
- The Council discussed the balance between preventing daytime power outages to protect residents during the pandemic and the utility company's need to perform repairs to mitigate fire risks. Staff reported success in scheduling 12 of 15 requested outages at night but noted increasing pressure from the utility company to perform work during the day. The Council provided guidance to staff to maintain a preference for nighttime work but to allow exceptions when daytime work is necessary for public safety. A conference call with the utility company was proposed. No formal motion was made.
Playground Status
- A question was raised regarding the status of the playground and the possibility of adding washing stations or limiting capacity. Staff confirmed that state and county mandates currently prohibit the opening of playgrounds. No action was taken.
Emergency Resolution Continuation
- The Council addressed the continuation of the emergency resolution regarding public health measures. It was noted that the resolution had been previously adopted, granting the City Manager authority to continue actions under the existing resolution. No new motion was required.
Active Transportation Plan (ATP)
- The matter regarding the Active Transportation Plan was confirmed as continued to a special meeting scheduled for the following Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. The special meeting will focus exclusively on this issue.
Annual Review of Commissions and Committees
- Staff presented a report on expiring terms for various commissions. A motion was made to direct staff to draft code amendments to reduce the size of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission to five members each, utilizing an "at-large" appointment structure where each council member nominates one appointee. The Arts Commission was excluded from this motion. The motion was seconded. Discussion included the appointment structure, residency requirements, and the potential impact of redistricting. The motion passed, and staff was directed to prepare the necessary language for code amendments.
Community Forest Management Plan
- Council members discussed the need to revise the Community Forest Management Plan to focus on ecological sustainability rather than numerical targets and to clarify the appointment process for the Tree Committee. The Council agreed to form an ad hoc committee consisting of two council members and staff to develop recommendations for revising the plan. No formal vote was recorded, but the direction was accepted by consensus.
Ad Hoc Committee for Environmental Projects
- Council members discussed an opportunity to collaborate with a global environmental group on projects related to the Stewart Creek grant and the area behind City Hall. Two council members were authorized to continue discussions with the group and staff to gather more information and report back to the full Council. No formal ad hoc committee was created at this time, but the exploratory work was approved.
Council Reports
- APCD: A report was given on the APCD budget and progress on a greenhouse gas inventory project.
- VCTC/Gold Coast: A report was given on the budgets for the Ventura County Transportation Commission and Gold Coast Transit, noting reliance on CARES Act funding.
- Climate Emergency Committee: The first report from the Climate Emergency Committee was received. Staff confirmed it would be posted on the city website.
- Ojai Day and Earth Day: Plans for Ojai Day and Earth Day 2021 were discussed, with staff tasked to prepare a proposed plan for Ojai Day.
- VRSD: A council member announced their appointment as Chair of the Facilities Committee for the Ventura Regional Sanitation District.
- Fire Safety: Staff reported on weed abatement efforts, including the sending of 197 letters and upcoming notices of violation.
- Arts and Recreation: Staff announced the launch of virtual public art tours and virtual recreation programs.
- Casitas Water Rate: Staff reported on the upcoming public hearing for Casitas water rates. The Council agreed to place an item on the next agenda to review Casitas's response regarding a sunset clause and restricted fund.
Future Agenda Items and Public Comment
- The Council discussed increasing the capacity for public comment on Zoom for the upcoming special meeting, noting technical ability but highlighting security risks. Council members discussed managing public comment volume, suggesting time limits or requiring written submissions in advance. It was decided to post a notice regarding a deadline for written comments to allow staff time to review them before the meeting. The agenda for the upcoming special meeting on the Active Transportation Plan was confirmed to include a review of the project and provision of direction.
Discussion on Workshop Procedure and Public Comment
- Council members discussed the procedural requirements for holding a workshop, specifically regarding the timing of public input. One member suggested holding a workshop without public comment and deferring the vote to a subsequent meeting. Another member clarified that public comment is required for every agenda item, including workshops, and that a decision cannot be made without adhering to these requirements. A third member expressed disagreement with the suggestion to separate the decision to a future meeting. The discussion concluded with the initial suggestion being withdrawn as unnecessary.
Adjournment
- The Chair announced that the time had come to end the meeting. The meeting was adjourned.