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
Proclamation for Serendipity Toys 40th Anniversary
- The Council issued a ceremonial proclamation recognizing the store's 40th anniversary and community contributions.
- The owner presented a video detailing the business history and adaptations over four decades.
- Council members offered remarks on the store's significance without taking a formal vote.
Ordinance Regulating Fences, Walls, Hedges, and Screening
- Staff proposed standards including a four-foot height limit for front-yard structures and performance-based rules for hedges.
- An amendment to impose a specific six-foot height limit for hedges was debated and subsequently failed.
- The Council approved the ordinance for first reading with intersection visibility standards and a reduced permit fee.
- The item is scheduled for a second reading at the next meeting to finalize enforcement.
All-Electric Reach Code Ordinance
- The Council rejected the Climate Committee's recommendation for a strict all-electric mandate without blanket exceptions.
- Instead, the Council approved the Staff draft for first reading with specific carve-outs for restaurants and pools.
- An amendment was added to include a mandatory six-month review clause before final adoption.
- Staff will incorporate these oral amendments into a written draft for a public hearing at the next meeting.
Ventura County Mass Care and Shelter Plan
- The City Manager presented an addendum to address specific City concerns regarding the county-wide agreement.
- The Council voted to approve and execute the agreement, making Ojai the last municipality in the county to sign.
Coronavirus Response and Emergency Update
- The City Manager reported 148 total cases in the local zip code and announced extended testing availability.
- Safety protocols were reiterated alongside an update on the transition from red flag warnings to enhanced fire risk periods.
Council Reports and Future Agenda Items
- Members discussed ongoing Voting Rights Act litigation and requested a future agenda item for further discussion.
- The ATP demonstration was scheduled for the following week to allow for public input.
- Council members explored the possibility of creating a formal recognition program for new businesses.
Closed Session
- No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The regular meeting of the Ojai City Council was called to order by Mayor Johnny Johnston. A roll call confirmed the presence of Mayor Johnston, Mayor Pro Tem Blatts, and Council Members Franzina, Haney, and Weirich, establishing a quorum. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of the Agenda
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as submitted. No changes were requested. The motion passed.
Proclamation for Serendipity Toys 40th Anniversary
- The Council presented a proclamation recognizing the 40th anniversary of Serendipity Toys. City Manager James Vega read the proclamation, which commended the business for its longevity and community support. The presentation included a video walkthrough by owner Joe Barthelmy detailing the store's history and adaptations. Council members offered remarks regarding the store's significance. No formal motion or vote was taken; the proclamation was issued as a ceremonial action.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the Consent Calendar. No items were pulled for separate discussion. The motion passed.
Ordinance Regulating Fences, Walls, Hedges, and Screening
- A public hearing was held on a proposed ordinance regulating fences, walls, hedges, and screening. Staff presented modifications treating hedges separately from fences and walls. Proposed standards included a four-foot height limit for front-yard fences, walls, and screens (with a process to expand to six feet for animal containment), a reduced $50 permit fee, and performance-based standards for hedges regarding safety and visibility rather than a specific numeric height limit.
- Discussion focused on the lack of a specific height limit for hedges. An amendment was proposed to impose a six-foot height limit for hedges in the front setback with provisions for minor variances. The amendment was seconded. Following debate on the necessity of a height limit versus performance standards, a vote was taken on the amendment. The amendment failed.
- The Council then voted on the main motion to approve the ordinance for first reading, incorporating a prior amendment regarding intersection visibility standards. The motion was made and seconded. The motion passed. The public hearing was opened, one written comment was received, and the hearing was closed. Staff confirmed the ordinance rescinds the suspension of enforcement effective 30 days after second reading and includes the $50 fee reduction. The item is scheduled for second reading at the next meeting.
All-Electric Reach Code Ordinance
- The Council discussed a proposed All-Electric Reach Code for new buildings, presented by the Climate Emergency Mobilization Committee. The Committee recommended adopting a draft ordinance (Attachment B) mandating all-electric systems without blanket exceptions, utilizing an appeals process for specific cases. Public comment was received from six speakers and 30 written submissions. Supporters cited health benefits, climate mitigation, and cost savings, while opponents and some Council members raised concerns regarding resiliency, costs for specific sectors (such as restaurants), and the definition of new construction. Technical clarifications were provided regarding water heating standards, the appeals process structure, and cost-effectiveness studies.
- A motion was made to approve the Climate Committee's recommendation (Attachment B) and schedule a public hearing. The motion was debated regarding the need for further community education and cost-benefit analysis. The motion failed.
- Subsequently, a motion was made to proceed with the Staff draft (Attachment A) as a first reading, with the ordinance returning for a second reading in 30 days. An amendment was proposed to include specific carve-outs for new restaurants and pool applications, as well as a mandatory six-month review clause. The amendment was accepted by the maker of the motion and seconded. Despite concerns from the Climate Committee regarding the review period and carve-outs, the Council voted on the amended motion. The motion to introduce the Staff draft with the added carve-outs and review provision passed. Staff was directed to incorporate the oral amendments into a written draft for the next meeting, where the item will return as a fully agendized item for public hearing.
Ventura County Mass Care and Shelter Plan
- The City Manager presented an update on the Ventura County Mass Care and Shelter Plan, noting the City was the last municipality in the county to sign the agreement. An addendum was prepared to address City concerns. A motion was made and seconded to approve and execute the agreement. The motion passed.
Coronavirus Response and Emergency Update
- The City Manager provided a briefing on the coronavirus response, reporting 148 total cases in the 93023 zip code. The update included reminders on safety protocols and announced the extension of COVID-19 testing through the remainder of the year. The briefing also addressed fire safety, noting the end of a red flag warning and the entry into an enhanced fire risk period.
Council Reports and Future Agenda Items
- Council members discussed ongoing litigation regarding districting and the Voting Rights Act, noting the Council is monitoring potential Supreme Court involvement and considering coordination with the League of California Cities. A future agenda item was requested to discuss this matter further. Regarding the ATP demonstration, a Council member requested the item be placed on the agenda for the following week to allow for public discussion. The City Manager announced that the reach code ordinance, the fences/walls/hedges ordinance, and an update on Stewart Canyon restoration project bids would return to the next meeting. Council members also discussed the possibility of establishing a formal recognition program for new businesses.
Adjournment
- The meeting concluded with informal remarks regarding constituent concerns and the ATP process. The chair called for a final confirmation of the meeting's conclusion.