City Council — 2020-10-27

All-Electric Reach Code Ordinance

• Several Council members raised concerns regarding cost-of-living impacts and unintended consequences.
• The Council voted to introduce the Staff version with specific amendments and a sunset clause.
• Approved exemptions were added for new restaurants and pool applications.
• The ordinance will return for a public hearing after staff prepare the amended text.

Ventura County Mass Care and Shelter Plan

• The Council approved the agreement for the county-wide shelter operation plan.
• Ojai became the final city in Ventura County to sign on to the agreement.

Districting and Voting Rights

• Members discussed Supreme Court involvement in the Santa Monica districting case.
• The Council agreed to monitor the situation and consider supporting an amicus brief.
• Potential support would come through the League of California Cities for small cities.

ATP Project Communication

• A Council member expressed dissatisfaction with a contractor's communication style regarding the project.
• An agenda item was planned for a follow-up update on the ATP demonstration issue.

Meeting Summary: Ojai City Council

1. All-Electric Reach Code Ordinance

• The majority of the meeting was dedicated to debating a "Reach Code" ordinance requiring all-electric systems in new construction to address climate change.
• Debate: The City Climate Committee recommended a strict, clean ordinance (Attachment B) with few exemptions. Council Members Weyrich, Haney, and Blatz raised concerns regarding cost-of-living impacts, affordability, and unintended consequences for specific scenarios (e.g., restaurants, pools). They argued for a more flexible approach with carve-outs and a mechanism to review the ordinance later.
• Compromise: After extensive discussion on appeals processes and cost-effectiveness data, the Council voted to introduce the Staff version (Attachment A) with specific amendments.
• Amendments Approved:
• Exemptions added for new restaurants and pool applications.
• A "sunset clause" mandating a mandatory review of the ordinance in six months to assess its impact.
• Next Steps: The amended ordinance will be prepared by staff and returned for a public hearing/second reading. The Climate Committee noted concerns with the carve-outs but acknowledged the Council's right to adjust the policy.

2. Ventura County Mass Care and Shelter Plan

• The Council approved the agreement for the county-wide shelter operation plan. Ojai was the final city in Ventura County to sign on.

3. Public Health and Safety Updates

• COVID-19: The City Manager reported 148 total cases in the 93023 zip code (covering a larger area than just the city limits). Testing services have been extended through the end of the year.
• Fire Safety: The Red Flag Warning has ended, but the enhanced fire season has begun. Residents were urged to sign up for VC Alerts.

4. Districting and Voting Rights

• Council members discussed the Supreme Court's involvement in the Santa Monica districting case regarding the Voting Rights Act. They agreed to monitor the situation and potentially support an amicus brief for small cities via the League of California Cities.

5. Other Business

• Community Mandala: The community art project in Signal Street was completed and described as a success.
• Business Support: Council discussed recognizing new local businesses (specifically "Serendipity") to boost morale during the pandemic.
• ATP Demonstration: Council Member Weyrich expressed dissatisfaction with a contractor's communication style regarding an upcoming project. An agenda item was planned for a follow-up update on this issue.