Meeting Summary
Present: Johnston, Blatz, Francina, Haney, 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
Special Meeting and Closed Session Report
- The City Clerk reported on a prior executive session regarding a liability claim filed by Ronald McRae.
- Staff received direction during the session, and no reportable action was taken.
- The special meeting was subsequently adjourned.
Statement of Investment Policy
- Council Member Francina requested an amendment to prohibit investments in fossil fuel companies and related banks.
- Staff noted that strict adherence could limit options to local credit unions due to widespread industry involvement.
- The council postponed the decision to the July meeting to allow time for further research on eligible institutions.
Fiscal Year Budget Review and Adoption
- Staff presented a revised budget addressing a projected deficit through tax adjustments and service reductions.
- The plan includes a hiring freeze, reduced community funding, and the use of reserves to balance the year.
- Measure C funds were identified for capital improvements, while requests for trolley stop amenities were noted for future consideration.
Public Hearing on Budget and Police Services
- Public comments focused on the outdated police contract, use-of-force concerns, and requests to reinvest funds into social services.
- Council Member Haney moved to approve the budget as proposed, authorizing the total amount for community support.
- The council agreed to dedicate time at the July 14th meeting to discuss police services and social service reinvestment.
Coronavirus Response and City Operations Update
- Staff reported increased case and hospitalization numbers, though the county remains under close monitoring.
- Updates included the reopening of skate parks, fitness classes, and outdoor dining with specific safety protocols.
- The state is moving toward Stage Three reopening, and the city is exploring hybrid meeting formats for future sessions.
Low Fee Park Rental for Fitness Classes
- A motion was made to approve an executive order creating a low fee park rental permit for fitness classes.
- Discussion included inquiries about the farmers market reopening and the concept of car-free streets.
- The motion to approve the low fee park permit was put to a vote and passed.
Climate Emergency Mobilization Ad Hoc Committee Interim Report
- The committee presented findings on mitigation measures including electric vehicle transition and building electrification.
- The report highlighted Ojai's local ban on gas-powered lawn equipment as a model cited by state regulators.
- The council agreed to receive and file the report, which will be posted on the city website.
Ventura County Animal Services Agreement
- Staff presented a five-year agreement with Ventura County Animal Services that includes a cost increase.
- Council members discussed concerns regarding the "one size fits all" approach and lack of cost stability guarantees.
- The council approved the agreement with a directive for staff to explore alternative animal control options.
Individual Campaign Contribution Limits
- The City Attorney presented options regarding Assembly Bill 571, which sets a state default contribution limit of $3,000.
- A motion to set the limit at $1,500 was rescinded following discussion on enforcement challenges.
- The council decided to postpone action to allow staff to provide additional information on enforcement tools.
Council Member Reports
- The Mayor announced he will not stand for re-election, while Council Member Blatz announced his intention to run for Mayor.
- Council Member Weirich reported on economic recovery challenges and the need for bus stop shade and EV charging grants.
- Council Member Francina shared findings on regenerative agriculture and announced an upcoming Q&A session.
Movie Theater Status
- Discussion occurred regarding the potential reopening of movie theaters around July 1st.
- It was suggested that staff contact the local theater to gather information on operations and timelines.
- No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken on this item.
Bus Stop Enclosures
- The joint venture regarding bus enclosures at the Signal and Y locations was discussed.
- A plan was outlined to inquire with GoCoast about obtaining additional covers for other bus stops.
- No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken on this item.
Future Agenda Items
- Discussion addressed upcoming agenda items, noting that the division of the community lump sum must be included next.
- Members were invited to contact the chair or staff with additional items for discussion before the July meeting.
- No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken on this item.
July 4th Parade
- A question was raised regarding the organization and logistics of the July 4th downtown community parade.
- The discussion confirmed that the Mayor is not coordinating the event.
- No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken on this item.
Closed Session
- The City Clerk reported on a prior executive session held to consider a liability claim filed by Ronald McRae.
- Staff received direction during the session, and no reportable action was taken.
- The special meeting was subsequently adjourned.
Full summary
Special Meeting and Closed Session Report
- The City Clerk reported on a prior executive session held to consider a liability claim filed by Ronald McRae. Staff received direction during the session, and no reportable action was taken. The special meeting was subsequently adjourned.
Agenda Approval and Consent Calendar
- The regular meeting was called to order, and a quorum was established. Council Member Francina requested the removal of Item D, the Statement of Investment Policy, from the consent calendar for separate discussion. A motion was made and seconded to approve the remainder of the consent calendar. The motion passed.
Statement of Investment Policy (Item D)
- Council Member Francina requested an amendment to the city's investment policy to prohibit investments in fossil fuel companies and banks funding fossil fuel projects. Staff reported that research indicated most major financial institutions have some involvement with fossil fuels, which could limit the city to local credit unions under a strict policy. Staff also noted current budget constraints and competing priorities. Council Member Wyrick expressed concern regarding the additional research burden on staff. The council agreed to postpone the decision to the next meeting in July to allow time for Council Member Francina and Climate Emergency Mobilization Committee member Michelle Ellison to research eligible financial institutions. No vote was taken on the policy change.
Fiscal Year Budget Review and Adoption
- Staff presented the fourth version of the fiscal year budget, addressing a projected $946,000 deficit from earlier versions by adjusting property tax revenue projections and reducing service enhancements. The proposed budget includes a hiring freeze, reduced funding for community organizations, and project deferrals. While the budget projects a balance for the upcoming year, it relies on using reserves, which are projected to decrease from $3.4 million to $2.3 million. Measure C funding, totaling approximately $1.5 million, was identified for capital improvements including paving, park improvements, and City Hall repairs. Council Member Francina requested the addition of benches and shade structures at trolley stops; staff indicated benches could be deployed from inventory while shade structures required a quote and were not currently budgeted. Council Member Wyrick suggested future discussions on earmarking Measure C funds for infrastructure and using TOT funds for amenities, as well as strategies to replenish reserves. Council Member Haney noted the budget's flexibility for future adjustments.
Public Hearing on Budget and Police Services
- A public hearing was opened regarding the budget and police services. Four audio recordings and several written comments were received. Comments primarily addressed the contract with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office (VCSO), noting that police services consume approximately one-third of the general fund ($3.5 million). Commenters cited a lack of contract updates since the 1980s, concerns over use-of-force practices, racial profiling, and transparency. Specific incidents mentioned included the killing of Megan Hockaday and the defacement of a Black Lives Matter sign. Commenters urged the council to renegotiate the contract, reduce police spending by half, reinvest funds into social services, housing, and education, and establish an independent citizen review board with subpoena power. Additional comments addressed the climate crisis, urging increased funding for climate mitigation, specifically converting city facilities from gas heating to electric heat pumps. Following a brief recess to review written submissions, Council Member Haney moved to approve the budget as proposed by staff, authorizing the total amount for community support without detailing the division of funds. Council Member Wyrick seconded the motion. Council Member Francina noted the public comments regarding police services and the need for further discussion. Council Member Haney proposed dedicating time at a future meeting (July 14th) to discuss police services and social service reinvestment, which the council agreed to. A roll call vote was conducted on the motion to approve the budget. The motion passed.
Coronavirus Response and City Operations Update
- Staff provided updates on coronavirus statistics for Ventura County and Ojai, noting an increase in total cases, hospitalizations, and deaths compared to the previous month, with hospitalization numbers nearly doubling. The county had been removed from the state watch list but remains under close monitoring. Staff confirmed that reported deaths involved individuals with underlying health conditions. Discussion ensued regarding the importance of social distancing and mask-wearing. Staff provided information on testing sites, upcoming antibody testing, and state and county reopening guidelines. Updates included the reopening of skate parks, fitness classes in parks (with a $20 coordination fee), and statewide enforcement of face covering orders. The status of playgrounds remains pending further county guidance. Staff clarified California face covering requirements, noting masks are required in public spaces, food preparation areas, and outdoors when six-foot distancing is not feasible, with exemptions for children under two, individuals with medical conditions, and those eating at restaurants. The state is moving toward Stage Three reopening, projected for June 26, including personal services and movie theaters. Recent city actions included installing touchless hand sanitizer stations, increasing trash pickup, and more frequent bathroom sanitization. Nine outdoor dining permits have been issued, and skate parks, tennis courts, and pickleball courts have reopened with limited hours. Recreation programs are gradually resuming with an emphasis on small, non-contact, outdoor groups. Staff noted the County Board of Supervisors has authorized cities to reopen meetings to the public, potentially in a hybrid format with outdoor seating for the July 14 meeting. Regarding the potential closure of Montgomery Street, staff reported that most businesses are shorthanded and unable to expand operations, with only two businesses currently indicating participation.
Low Fee Park Rental for Fitness Classes
- A motion was made and seconded to approve an executive order creating a low fee park rental permit for fitness classes. During discussion, a council member inquired about the reopening of the farmers market using the Aliso Street entrance; staff confirmed coordination with market organizers is ongoing. Another council member commented on the concept of car-free streets for public social distancing. The motion to approve the low fee park permit was put to a vote and passed.
Climate Emergency Mobilization Ad Hoc Committee Interim Report
- The Climate Emergency Mobilization Ad Hoc Committee presented its first interim report, commissioned six months prior. The committee focused on mitigation measures, including transitioning to electric vehicles, energy conservation, building electrification, solar installation with battery backup, and carbon sequestration through native tree planting. The report highlighted the city's role in influencing state-level policy regarding small engine emissions, noting Ojai's local ban on gas-powered lawn equipment was cited by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as a model. The committee requested the Council receive and file the report and post it on the city website. Council members discussed the findings and the importance of mitigation. It was confirmed the report would be posted online and the committee would continue to meet via Zoom. No formal motion was made to adopt the report as policy; the action was to receive and file the document.
Ventura County Animal Services Agreement
- Staff presented a five-year agreement with Ventura County Animal Services, which includes a cost increase. Staff noted that seven of the eight cities served by the county had already agreed to the contract, which includes a 90-day opt-out clause. Council members discussed the contract terms, questioning the renewal language and the lack of guaranteed cost stability. Concerns were raised regarding the "one size fits all" approach versus Ojai's specific needs, such as its spay and neuter ordinance. A motion was made and seconded to approve the agreement with a directive for staff to explore alternative animal control options. The motion was put to a vote and passed.
Individual Campaign Contribution Limits
- The City Attorney presented options regarding Assembly Bill 571, which imposes a state default campaign contribution limit of $3,000 per contributor per candidate for local elections starting January 1, 2021. Options included adopting the state default, adopting a different limit, or doing nothing. Council members discussed the implications of lowering the limit below the state default, including enforcement challenges and potential outside influence via independent expenditures. A motion was made to set the limit at $1,500. Following discussion regarding enforcement mechanisms and the need for further information on how other communities have handled the issue, the motion was rescinded. The Council decided to postpone action on this item to allow staff to provide additional information on enforcement tools and comparative data.
Council Member Reports
- The Mayor announced he will not be standing for re-election in the upcoming municipal election. Council Member Weirich reported on a VCOG meeting regarding economic recovery, noting tourism-dependent cities face a slower recovery timeline. He also discussed the need for shade at bus stops and the availability of grants for electric vehicle charging stations. Council Member Blatz announced his intention to run for the Mayor's position and expressed interest in working with Council Member Weirich on Sheriff's contract issues. Council Member Francina announced an upcoming Q&A session regarding the Maricopa Highway demonstration project and shared findings from a UCLA Anderson School study on the economics of regenerative agriculture in Ojai.
Movie Theater Status
- Discussion occurred regarding the potential reopening of movie theaters, with a suggestion that some may open around July 1st. It was noted the local theater had not been discussed in several months. A suggestion was made for staff to contact the theater to gather information on operations and determine a potential timeline. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Bus Stop Enclosures
- The joint venture between GoCoast and Grants regarding bus enclosures at the Signal and Y locations was discussed. It was noted the next GoCoast meeting is scheduled for the first Thursday of the month. A plan was outlined to inquire with GoCoast about obtaining additional covers for other bus stops. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Future Agenda Items
- Discussion addressed upcoming agenda items, noting the budget had been completed. It was stated that the division of the community lump sum must be included on the next meeting's agenda, though specific details do not need to be finalized at the current meeting. Members were invited to contact the chair or staff with additional items for discussion before the July meeting or summer break. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.
July 4th Parade
- A question was raised regarding the organization of the July 4th downtown community parade, including meeting location and logistics. The discussion confirmed the Mayor was not coordinating the event. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Adjournment
- The meeting was concluded at approximately 10:08 PM. No formal motion to adjourn was recorded, and no vote was taken.