Meeting Summary
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Clean Power Alliance Presentation
- Staff presented CPA operations, rate structures, and the city's 100% Green energy option.
- Council members inquired about cost differences, battery storage, and transmission regulations.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on the informational presentation.
Lifetime Achievement Award
- The Arts Commission Chair presented the 2019 Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award.
- Gaye Jones was recognized for contributions to the community through theater and teaching.
- No formal motion or vote was required for this recognition item.
Coronavirus Update
- The City Manager reported on case statistics, state mandates, and local health measures.
- Council discussion covered park usage, testing turnaround, and business classification.
- The item served as an informational update with no formal action taken.
Resolution on Racial Injustice and Policing
- Staff presented a resolution standing against racial injustice.
- A motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded without objection.
- The resolution passed unanimously by acclamation.
Resolution on USPS Support
- Staff presented a resolution supporting federal aid for the United States Postal Service.
- Council members discussed language regarding specific bill names and funding amounts.
- The resolution passed by acclamation following a motion.
Ordinance Regulating Public Murals
- Staff and the Arts Commission proposed an ordinance regarding murals on private commercial buildings.
- Discussion addressed property rights, artist rights, and public nuisance definitions.
- The Council deferred the introduction of the ordinance and referred it back to staff for revisions.
Ordinance Modifying Public Art Ordinance
- Staff proposed modifications regarding public art fees and jury composition.
- Key changes allowed commissions to approve fee waivers without City Council approval.
- The Council voted to approve the CEQA exemption and introduce the ordinance.
Full summary
Agenda Item 1: Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, and Agenda Approval
- The meeting called to order with a quorum present. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by staff. A motion to approve the agenda was made and seconded. The agenda was approved without objection.
Agenda Item 2: Clean Power Alliance (CPA) Presentation
- Representatives from the Clean Power Alliance provided a presentation regarding the organization's operations, rate structures, and energy mix compared to Southern California Edison (SCE). Staff detailed the 100% Green option chosen by the City of Ojai, the impact on greenhouse gas emissions, and the availability of financial assistance programs for customers. Council members asked questions regarding the differences between CPA and SCE programs, costs, battery storage, and transmission regulations. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.
Agenda Item 3: Consent Calendar
- A motion to approve the consent calendar was made and seconded. The item was approved without objection.
Agenda Item 4: Lifetime Achievement Award (Arts Council)
- The Arts Commission Chair presented the 2019 Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award to Gaye Jones. The recipient was recognized for contributions to the community through theater, directing, and teaching. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.
Agenda Item 5: Coronavirus Update
- The City Manager provided an update on coronavirus statistics for Ventura County and the Ojai area, noting an increase in cases within specific zip codes. The report covered state mandates regarding indoor operations for businesses and the county's status on the state watch list. Information was provided regarding testing sites, eviction moratoriums, face covering enforcement, and outdoor exercise permits. Council members asked questions regarding park usage, outdoor classrooms, testing turnaround times, and classifications of essential versus non-essential businesses. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.
Agenda Item 6: Resolution on Racial Injustice and Policing
- Staff presented a resolution standing against racial injustice. A motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded. No objections were raised. The resolution passed unanimously by acclamation.
Agenda Item 7: Resolution on USPS Support
- Staff presented a resolution supporting federal aid for the United States Postal Service. Council members discussed the language regarding the specific bill name versus the funding amount. A motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded. The resolution passed by acclamation.
Agenda Item 8: Ordinance Regulating Public Murals
- Staff and the Arts Commission presented a draft ordinance to regulate the placement of murals on private commercial buildings visible from the public right-of-way. Council members and staff discussed property rights, artist rights under state and federal law, the definition of public nuisance regarding disrepair, and the appeal process. Public comment included a request to prohibit murals entirely to preserve community aesthetics. Following discussion, a motion was made and seconded to defer the introduction of the ordinance and refer it back to staff to incorporate revisions based on the meeting's discussion. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 9: Ordinance Modifying Public Art Ordinance
- Staff presented a proposed ordinance modification regarding public art fees and jury composition. Key changes included allowing the Public Art Committee and Arts Commission to approve fee waivers without requiring City Council approval, and clarifying the selection process for jury members when no developer is present. Council members asked for clarification regarding the oversight of funds generated from fees. A motion was made and seconded to approve the finding that the ordinance is exempt from CEQA and to introduce the ordinance to modify Article 2 as stipulated. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried.
Agenda Item 10: Council Member Reports
- Council members provided updates on the Active Transportation project, community resources provided by the EDC and Chamber of Commerce, and code enforcement practices. Discussion arose regarding the potential cancellation of Ojai Day and the possibility of closing Ojai Avenue for a car-free community day. Staff agreed to explore this option for a future agenda item.
Agenda Item 11: City Manager's Report
- The City Manager reported on weekend code enforcement efforts regarding gas-powered equipment and short-term rentals. Staff noted low vendor interest in Ojai Day due to current challenges. Council members requested that Small Cell Regulations be added to the upcoming agenda for amendment and asked for a comprehensive report on the proposed removal of 680 trees in Stewart Canyon. Staff confirmed that sensors for the Active Transportation demonstration project will be installed four weeks prior to the project start date to establish a baseline.
Agenda Item 12: Future Items and Adjournment
- The Council agreed to add the Small Cell Regulations amendment and the Stewart Canyon report to a future agenda. The meeting was adjourned.