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City Council — 2020-11-10

City Council — 2020-11-10November 10, 2020

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BodyCity Council
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 November 10, 2020

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Meeting Summary

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Present: Johnston, Blatz, Francina, Haney, Weirick

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At a glance

ATP Demonstration Project

  • Staff presented design details for the temporary bike lane pilot between Church and Pirie streets.
  • Public feedback highlighted concerns regarding traffic and support for safety improvements.
  • Council addressed questions about staff costs and volunteer liability coverage during discussion.
  • The resolution of support and memorandum of understanding with SCAG were adopted.

Middle Stewart Canyon Restoration Project

  • The bid for invasive species removal and habitat restoration was approved for $265,000.
  • Authority for contract change orders was limited to 15% through a council motion.
  • Staff will coordinate with the contractor regarding creative reuse options for removed eucalyptus trees.

Regular Meeting Cancellations

  • Meetings scheduled for November 24th and December 22nd were cancelled for winter recess.
  • The December 8th meeting will remain to handle the mayoral inauguration and cannabis tax discussion.
  • The winter recess policy regarding holiday scheduling was reviewed by the Council.

Pandemic Update

  • Ventura County case rates remain near the threshold for the most restrictive Purple Tier.
  • Potential tier changes could impact indoor business operations and school reopening timelines.
  • Residents were reminded of gathering limits and encouraged to hold events outdoors.

Full summary

Meeting Summary: City of Ojai Council

    1. ATP Demonstration Project (Bike Lane Pilot)

    • Staff Presentation: Staff presented design deliberations for the temporary demonstration project, including the use of low-profile delineators, specific treatments between Church and Pirie streets, and a merge lane design at Ojai Avenue. The goal is to gather data to inform the permanent project design.
    • Public Comments: Comments were split between support and opposition.
    • Opposition: Representatives from Ojai United Methodist Church and the Save Maricopa Highway group raised concerns regarding traffic bottlenecks, lack of direct outreach to property owners, funding shortfalls, and the timing of the project during pandemic restrictions skewing results. Concerns were also raised regarding the indemnification agreement.
    • Support: Several residents spoke in favor, citing safety improvements, climate change mitigation, and the alignment with Complete Streets policies.
    • Council Discussion: Council member Randy Haynes raised questions regarding unreimbursed city staff costs and liability for volunteers. Staff confirmed that while the ATP grant covers consultants, city staff time is an in-kind contribution. Volunteer liability is covered under City insurance. The Council discussed the risks of indemnification but deemed them typical for such projects.
    • Action: A motion to adopt the resolution of support and the MOU with SCAG was passed unanimously (5-0).

    2. Middle Stewart Canyon Restoration Project

    • Bid Approval: The Council approved the bid from Crane Mark Cranes Tree for $265,000 to remove invasive species and restore habitat.
    • Contract Terms: Council member Haynes moved to limit the Public Works Director’s authority on change orders to 15% rather than the proposed 25%. The motion was approved.
    • Tree Disposal: Council member Francina inquired about the reuse of removed eucalyptus trees (e.g., for benches or art). Staff and community members discussed mulching options and coordinating with artists, noting that invasive species cannot be composted. Staff will coordinate with the contractor regarding potential creative reuse.

    3. Cancellation of Regular Meetings

    • Discussion: The Council discussed the "Winter Recess" policy regarding holiday meetings (November 24, December 8, December 22).
    • Action: The Council voted to cancel the November 24th and December 22nd meetings. The December 8th meeting will remain to handle the inauguration of the new Mayor and discuss the cannabis tax.

    4. Pandemic Update

    • Status: Ventura County’s case rate has risen to 7.2 per 100,000, exceeding the threshold for the Purple Tier (most restrictive).
    • Projections: If trends continue for two weeks, the county may move to the Purple Tier, which would impact indoor operations for businesses and churches and potentially pause the reopening of schools not yet in session.
    • Guidance: The County reports that private gatherings are the primary driver of transmission. Residents were reminded of the 3-household limit and encouraged to gather outdoors.

    5. Council Reports & Announcements

    • Community Events: A drive-in screening of the film Kiss the Ground is scheduled for Saturday at Nordhoff High School. Discussion arose regarding the applicability of regenerative agriculture techniques to local citrus farms.
    • Media: The Council was reminded that the Ojai CREW group will appear on the TV show First Look (hosted by Johnny Bananas).
    • Public Art: The Arts Commission has completed a project painting utility boxes to improve aesthetics.
    • Inauguration: Council members discussed logistics for swearing in the new Mayor on December 8th via Zoom.