City Council — 2021-01-26

Chamber of Commerce Funding

• The council approved a six-month partnership renewal with a 10% funding reduction from reserves.
• The City Manager may adjust or terminate funding if the city's financial situation worsens.
• Discussion focused on the chamber's value regarding pandemic compliance versus economic data.

Clean Power Alliance Appointment

• Council members debated appointing an expert versus an elected official for board accountability.
• Michelle Ellison was appointed as the second alternate rather than the first alternate.
• Public comments supported her retention for knowledge and continuity with the alliance.

Staff Reports and Updates

• Public Works is finalizing pickleball court designs with sound mitigation specifications expected soon.
• Staff is meeting with the Chamber to explore safe opportunities for resuming the tennis tournament.
• The City Manager reported attending a CPUC hearing regarding safety power shutoffs.

Chaparral Property and Future Agenda

• Council discussed joint meetings with the School District regarding the Chaparral property.
• Real estate negotiations will be prioritized in a closed session before public discussions occur.
• Future council meetings will begin at 6:30 PM starting with the next scheduled session.

• The Ojai City Council held a late-night meeting that began with minor technical difficulties and casual banter regarding haircuts before moving to official business.

Chamber of Commerce Funding

• The council discussed renewing the partnership with the Chamber of Commerce for another six months. City Manager James Zuckerman recommended a 10% funding reduction due to budget constraints, with the funding drawn from reserves. Council members debated the Chamber's value during the pandemic, specifically Jamie Fleming's role as a liaison to businesses for COVID compliance and PPP information. While some members questioned the Chamber's ability to drive economic diversification or data collection, others argued it was a vital surrogate for city staff. The council approved the motion to fund the Chamber for six months at a 10% reduced rate, subject to further adjustments or termination by the City Manager if the city's financial situation worsens.

Clean Power Alliance (CPA) Appointment

• A significant portion of the meeting addressed appointments to the Clean Power Alliance board. Mayor Sticks advocated for Michelle Ellison to serve as the first alternate due to her extensive expertise and track record with the CPA. Council Member Weirich argued that an elected official should hold the seat to ensure accountability and accurate reporting to the council. Public comments from supporters heavily favored retaining Ellison for her knowledge and continuity. Ultimately, the council voted not to make her the first alternate but appointed her as the second alternate.

Reports and Updates

• Pickleball Courts: Public Works is finalizing designs for a rock wall and sound mats; specifications are expected in two weeks.
• Transportation: Gold Coast and VCTC are continuing to provide free rides during the pandemic.
• SCE Power Shutoffs: The City Manager reported attending a CPUC hearing regarding safety power shutoffs.
• Tennis Tournament: Staff is meeting with the Chamber to explore safe partnership opportunities for resuming the tournament.

Future Agenda and Chaparral Property

• Council members discussed future items, including a joint meeting with the Ojai Valley Unified School District regarding the Chaparral property. However, they agreed to prioritize a closed session regarding real estate negotiations before holding public discussions with the Planning Commission or School Board. The meeting concluded with an announcement that future meetings will start at 6:30 PM.