Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Weirick, Blounts, Francina, Haney
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
Minutes Approval and Committee Clarification
- Council approved the regular meeting minutes after clarifying past actions regarding the Climate Emergency Committee.
- Staff confirmed they will handle Zoom setup and public posting while the committee conducts meetings.
- The City Attorney noted that structural changes to the committee require a future agenda item.
Rosenberg Rules Ordinance
- The Council adopted the Rosenberg Rules of Order and set the regular meeting start time to 6:30 p.m.
- The City Attorney clarified that immediate well capping is not expected for non-participating owners in the Ventura River adjudication.
- Public was reminded of the January 29, 2021, deadline to file an answer regarding water rights.
RTK Studios Expansion
- The Council approved the studio expansion project, including demolition of a residence and construction of new storage and residential units.
- An amendment was added to explicitly prohibit short-term occupancy in the accessory dwelling unit for clarity.
- The project requires a tentative parcel map, planned development permit, conditional use permit, and design review permit.
COVID-19 and Emergency Response Update
- The City Manager reported a surge in cases but stabilizing hospitalizations, with Ventura County remaining in the "Purple" tier.
- The City extended its COVID testing site at Sarzotti Park through February 22.
- The Council agreed to receive a further report on Senate Bill 91 and eviction protections at the next meeting.
Mid-Year Budget Review and Financial Measures
- Staff presented a budget review showing a projected revenue drop to $7.6 million due to pandemic-related declines.
- The Council authorized an inter-fund loan of approximately $430,000 to address the monthly deficit.
- Direction was provided to staff regarding capital improvement priorities funded by Measure C collections.
Topatopa Brewery Project
- The Council accepted an applicant offer of $52,500 to cover remaining costs for driveway removal and ADA curb ramp installation.
- A provision was included to extend the payment timeline due to the economic impact of the pandemic.
- The City Manager and Public Works Director were authorized to award the contract without further Council approval.
Flood Protection Ordinance Update
- The Council adopted an urgency ordinance to update floodplain management rules and maintain National Flood Insurance Program compliance.
- The update aligns with the 2019 building code and requires a one-foot freeboard.
- Staff clarified that manufactured homes fall under the ordinance while tiny homes are not currently permitted.
Chamber of Commerce Funding
- The Council approved six months of funding for the Chamber of Commerce at a 10% reduced level.
- Funding is subject to further adjustments at the City Manager's discretion based on financial exigency.
- Discussion focused on the Chamber's effectiveness in diversifying the local economy and reestablishing cultural events.
Clean Power Alliance (CPA) Appointments
- The Council appointed Michelle Ellison as the second alternate to the Clean Power Alliance board.
- A prior motion to appoint her as the first alternate failed during discussion.
- Debate centered on whether alternates should be Council members or experts and the hierarchy between positions.
Future Agenda Items and Planning Proposals
- The Council agreed to agendize a proposal for a business diversification committee.
- A goal-setting meeting and a joint meeting with the Planning Commission regarding the Chaparral property were scheduled.
- Staff advised that a closed session regarding real estate negotiations for the Chaparral site may be a necessary first step.
Meeting Schedule Adjustment
- The current 7:00 p.m. meeting time will continue for two more weeks before shifting to 6:30 p.m.
- Under the new schedule, meetings are expected to conclude at 9:30 p.m.
Closed Session
- The Council proceeded to a closed session to address goal setting and matters requiring confidentiality.
- No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The meeting was called to order with a quorum present. Roll call confirmed the attendance of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and all Council Members. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Agenda Approval and Consent Calendar
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. Items D and H were removed from the consent calendar for separate discussion. A motion was made and seconded to approve the remaining consent items (A, B, C, E, F, G, I, and N). The motion passed.
Approval of Minutes (Regular Meeting)
- Council Member Haney requested clarification regarding previous actions taken concerning the Climate Emergency Committee. It was confirmed that the Council had previously moved to continue the ad hoc committee, amended the motion to require a defined agenda, and further amended it to include public notice of all meetings. The City Manager explained that staff would handle Zoom setup and public posting of meeting details, while the committee would conduct the meetings. The City Attorney noted that this discussion was for clarification of past actions and that structural changes would require a future agenda item. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes. The motion passed.
Rosenberg Rules Ordinance
- Council Member Haney raised concerns regarding rumors about the Ventura River watershed adjudication, specifically fears of well capping for non-participating owners. The City Attorney clarified that while non-participation could complicate future water rights adjudication, immediate well capping is not expected, and urged well owners to seek independent counsel. The City Attorney reminded the public of the January 29, 2021, deadline to file an answer. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item, which adopts the Rosenberg Rules of Order and sets the regular meeting start time to 6:30 p.m. The motion passed.
Public Comment
- One member of the public addressed the Council regarding the Maricopa Highway Demonstration Project, advocating for removing the four-lane divided highway configuration to align with the city's character and prioritize active transportation.
Public Hearing: RTK Studios Expansion
- A public hearing was held regarding the RTK Studios expansion project. The Community Development Manager presented a staff report detailing the proposal, which includes expanding the existing studio, demolishing a vacant single-family residence, and constructing a new storage/distribution area and a two-story residential unit. The project requires a tentative parcel map, a planned development permit, a conditional use permit, and a design review permit. The Planning Commission had previously recommended approval. During discussion, a Council Member noted the absence of a condition prohibiting short-term rentals in the accessory dwelling unit. The City Attorney clarified that the City Code already prohibits short-term rentals but agreed a condition could be added for clarity. Applicants were present but offered no public comments. A motion was made and seconded to approve the project, including an amendment to explicitly prohibit short-term occupancy use. The motion passed.
COVID-19 and Emergency Response Update
- The City Manager presented an update on the COVID-19 situation, noting a surge in cases in Ventura County and the 93023 zip code, though hospitalization numbers were stabilizing. Ventura County remains in the "Purple" (Widespread) tier, allowing restaurants, gyms, places of worship, and personal care services to reopen with restrictions. Ventura County is in Phase 1A for vaccinations, prioritizing healthcare workers and those aged 75 and older. The City has extended its COVID testing site at Sarzotti Park through February 22. Council Members discussed transportation assistance for vaccination sites and age eligibility discrepancies. The City Attorney provided an update on Senate Bill 91, pending legislation to extend the state eviction moratorium until June 30, 2021. The Council agreed to receive a further report on eviction protections at the next meeting.
Mid-Year Budget Review and Financial Measures
- The City Manager presented the mid-year budget review, noting a projected revenue drop from $11.5 million to $7.6 million due to the pandemic, primarily from declines in hotel and sales tax. Expenditures were reduced by approximately $2.4 million, but a monthly deficit remains, requiring the use of emergency reserves. Reserves were projected to drop to approximately $650,000 by the end of March if business closures continued. Staff reported that Measure G is estimated to provide $30,000 to $40,000 monthly in reserves. Staff recommended an inter-fund loan of approximately $430,000 (transferring $350,000 from the vehicle and equipment replacement fund and $80,000 from the technology fee fund) as an emergency measure. Staff also discussed delaying payables and securing a line of credit, though banks required collateral the city was unwilling to pledge. Discussion included long-term strategies such as a sales tax initiative and adjustments to the cannabis tax. Staff reported that approximately $500,000 has been collected under Measure C, funding critical repairs and a grant contribution. A motion was made to approve the receipt and filing of the budget review, authorize the City Manager to execute the inter-fund loan of approximately $430,000, and provide direction to staff regarding Measure C capital improvement priorities. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Topatopa Brewery Project
- Staff presented a report regarding the Topatopa Brewery project, which holds a temporary certificate of occupancy pending the completion of required improvements, including driveway removal and ADA-accessible curb ramp installation. Staff outlined five options for resolution, recommending an upfront payment of $52,500 by September 30, 2021, with the city performing the work. Representatives from the brewery cited expanded project scope and financial strain due to the pandemic, requesting a modified scope and extended payment timeline. Council members questioned the timeline, the waiver of parking fees, and the expansion of scope beyond original conditions. Discussion centered on "mission creep," cost allocation, and responsibility for curb improvements. One Council Member proposed a motion to limit the applicant's responsibility strictly to ADA compliance within the existing curb boundary. This motion was moved and seconded. A subsequent motion was made to accept an applicant offer of $52,500 to cover remaining costs with a September 30th deadline, including a provision to extend the payment timeline due to the economic impact of the pandemic. The motion passed. It was determined that the project would proceed under the city's authority for contracts under $60,000, allowing the City Manager and Public Works Director to award the contract without further Council approval.
Flood Protection Ordinance Update
- Staff presented an urgency ordinance to update the city's floodplain management ordinance to maintain compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program by a January 29 deadline. The update clarifies definitions, aligns with the 2019 building code, and requires a one-foot freeboard. Council members asked questions regarding applicability to tiny homes and manufactured homes, and the definition of "water surface elevation." Staff clarified that tiny homes are not currently permitted and that manufactured homes would fall under the ordinance. A motion was made to approve the adoption of the urgency ordinance. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Chamber of Commerce Funding
- Staff reported on the city's partnership with the Santa Ynez Valley Chamber of Commerce, which has received $8,500 per month for business development and broadband support. Staff recommended reviewing funding for potential reductions consistent with broader budget cuts. Council members discussed the value of the Chamber's work in reestablishing cultural events and questioned the Chamber's effectiveness in diversifying the local economy. Questions were raised regarding the Chamber Executive Director's residence and the percentage of local businesses that are members. A motion was made to approve six months of funding for the Chamber at a 10% reduced level, subject to further adjustments at the discretion of the City Manager based on financial exigency. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Clean Power Alliance (CPA) Appointments
- The agenda item addressed the appointment of alternates to the Clean Power Alliance board. The City is entitled to one voting member and two alternates. Public comment supported the retention of Michelle Ellison as an alternate. Council discussion focused on whether an alternate should be a Council member or an expert, and whether a hierarchy between alternates should be established. A motion was made to appoint Michelle Ellison as the first alternate. The motion was seconded. The motion failed. A subsequent motion was made to appoint Michelle Ellison as the second alternate. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Council Member Reports
- Council members provided updates on various topics. One member inquired about the status of pickleball court infrastructure improvements; staff responded that Public Works is finalizing the design. Another member reported that Gold Coast and VCTC continue to provide free transportation services. The City Manager reported on a recent California Public Utilities Commission hearing regarding Southern California Edison's public safety power shutoffs and noted that the Maricopa Highway Demonstration Project is scheduled for February 10th.
Future Agenda Items and Planning Proposals
- Discussion occurred regarding future agenda items, including a joint session with the Ojai Valley Unified School District and the creation of a business diversification committee. One Council member proposed forming a committee to explore business diversification. Another suggested prioritizing a goal-setting meeting and a joint meeting with the Planning Commission regarding the Chaparral property. Staff advised that a closed session regarding real estate negotiations for the Chaparral site might be a necessary first step. It was agreed to agendize the business diversification committee proposal and to schedule the goal-setting meeting and joint Planning Commission meeting in the near future. Concerns were raised regarding a previous joint meeting with the school board, noting canceled public meetings and a lack of updated plans. It was suggested that future proposals be directed to the Planning Commission first.
Scheduling and Meeting Hours
- Discussion took place regarding the scheduling of future meetings. It was clarified that the current meeting time of 7:00 PM would continue for two more weeks, after which the meeting time would shift to 6:30 PM. It was clarified that under the new schedule, the meeting would conclude at 9:30 PM.
Procedural Decisions
- It was decided to proceed with a closed session to address specific items, including goal setting and matters requiring confidentiality. No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon in this segment. The meeting concluded with informal remarks.