Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Weirick, Blatz, 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
Surface and Groundwater Interaction Presentation
- A hydrogeologist presented data showing the Ojai Basin is at 73% capacity with distinct surface and deep aquifer systems.
- Council members discussed the implications of these findings for ongoing water rights litigation.
- The discussion highlighted potential benefits of the San Antonio Creek Spreading Grounds project.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on the presentation.
COVID-19 Status Report
- Case rates and hospitalizations have slowed, though the region remains in the Purple tier.
- The Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament was cancelled due to uncertainty regarding conditions by the March 1 deadline.
- A local vaccine center opened at Ojai Valley Hospital, administering 407 doses on its first day.
- Expanded vaccination eligibility is scheduled for March 1 and March 15.
Watershed Progressive Grant Projects
- Staff provided an update on four planning projects funded by a $1.78 million grant, including recharge enhancement and a pocket park.
- A video regarding water conservation and landscape resilience was shown to the council.
- No formal motion or vote was taken during this presentation.
Ventura River In-Stream Flow Grant Modifications
- Staff proposed adding Libbey Park to the grant program to maximize stormwater infiltration potential after the Signal Street site showed lower capacity.
- The modification includes a regenerative stormwater conveyance demonstration and a rain garden without requiring additional city funds.
- Design work for the Signal Street and Libbey Park projects is expected to be finalized by summer.
- The council voted to approve the inclusion of the Libbey Park component into the VRAF program.
OBGMA Nested Monitoring Well Permit
- Staff recommended approving an application for a nested monitoring well at Fulton Street to detail hydrogeological layers.
- Conditions were attached to mitigate noise and neighborhood impacts, including specific daytime work hours.
- OBGMA representatives clarified that drilling would use a sonic continuous core machine with potential depth extensions.
- The council voted to approve the application and authorize the City Manager to take necessary actions.
Second Unit Compliance Program Extension
- Staff reported that 74 units have been legalized under the program, with 13 applications currently pending.
- Discussion addressed state Housing and Community Development concerns regarding non-compliant Sanitation District fees.
- Staff clarified that the amnesty program applies only to units existing before the July 28, 2015 cutoff date.
- A motion was made to extend the program for an additional two-year term.
Accessory Dwelling Units and Sanitation District Fees
- The council directed the City Attorney to draft a letter regarding non-compliant Sanitation District fees for ADUs.
- Staff was instructed to prepare an ordinance or resolution to extend the ADU "must be built by" date.
- The council agreed by consensus to issue public notice regarding the recruitment of a retired building official as an ombudsman.
Future Agenda Items Discussion
- Council members requested an educational Zoom meeting on the Alternative Transportation Plan contingent on the General Plan workshop.
- A proposal was made to establish a City Hall Campus Committee to coordinate various campus groups.
- The Arts Commission requested regular reporting at the start of public comment, which was noted for future agenda modification.
- A suggestion to adjust meeting times seasonally was noted for future consideration without formal action.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The meeting was called to order with a quorum present. A roll call confirmed the attendance of Mayor Sticks, Mayor Pro Tem Wyrick, and Council Members Blatz, Francina, and Haney. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of Agenda
- A motion was made to approve the agenda with an amendment to adjust the closed session agenda, moving Item 2 ("Conference of Legal Counsel regarding anticipated litigation") to occur after the open session items. The motion was seconded and passed.
Presentation: Surface and Groundwater Interaction in the Southwest Ojai Basin
- Jordan Kier, a certified hydrogeologist with Watershed Progressive, presented on the interaction between surface and groundwater in the Ojai Basin. The presentation covered the basin's geological history, the distinction between deep production aquifers and shallow perched aquifer systems, and water flow paths. Data from monitoring wells indicated the basin is at approximately 73% capacity. The presentation noted that water infiltrating within city limits primarily affects the perched aquifer system, which discharges into San Antonio Creek, separate from deeper production aquifers. Council members discussed the implications of this data for ongoing water rights litigation and the potential benefits of the San Antonio Creek Spreading Grounds project. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Public Comment
- The City Clerk reported that no members of the public signed up for oral comment, though 32 written comments were received and distributed to the council.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made to approve all consent calendar items except Item D, which was pulled for correction. The motion was seconded and passed.
Correction of Minutes (Item D)
- Item D, regarding Council Member reports, was addressed for correction. A motion was made to approve Item D as amended to correct a reference regarding the Chumash word for Ojai on a welcome sign. The motion was seconded and passed.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Report
- James Vega provided a status update indicating a slowdown in case rates and hospitalizations, with the seven-day average case rate dropping to 16.9. The region remains in the Purple tier but is approaching Red tier thresholds. The report noted the cancellation of the Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament due to uncertainty regarding conditions by the March 1 deadline and ongoing discussions regarding protocols for an upcoming music festival. The report highlighted the opening of a local vaccine center at Ojai Valley Hospital, which administered 407 doses on its first day. Expanded vaccination eligibility was announced for March 1 and March 15. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Presentation: Watershed Progressive Grant Projects
- Regina Hahn of Watershed Progressive provided a status update on four planning projects funded by a $1.78 million grant, with $503,000 allocated to the City of Ojai. Projects include recharge enhancement for the East Topatopa and Downtown South neighborhoods, a pocket park at Signal Street and Grand Avenue, and water-wise/recharge incentive programs. A video regarding water conservation and landscape resilience was shown. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Ventura River In-Stream Flow (VRAF) Grant Update and Project Modifications
- Presenters from Watershed Progressive provided an update on the VRAF grant, outlining four components: management framework, planning and design, collaboration, and education. Staff presented data on water conservation potential, including graywater reuse and rainwater harvesting. Updates were provided for four initiatives: infiltration strategies in the Topa Topa and Downtown South neighborhoods; a stormwater park at Signal Street and Grand Avenue; and a Water Wise Recharge Incentive Program. Staff noted that stormwater infiltration potential at the Signal Street site was lower than anticipated and proposed adding Libbey Park to Project 3 to maximize potential. This addition involves regenerative stormwater conveyance and a demonstration rain garden. The grantor approved this modification without requiring additional city funds. Council members discussed timelines, the potential for converting the Pratt Canyon debris basin, costs, and code feasibility. Staff indicated design work for the Signal Street and Libbey Park projects is expected to be finalized by summer.
- Motion: To include the regenerative stormwater conveyance demonstration component in Libbey Park into the VRAF program.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
OBGMA Nested Monitoring Well Permit
- Staff presented an application from the Ojai Basin Groundwater Management Agency (OBGMA) for a nested monitoring well to be installed within the city right-of-way at Fulton Street to detail hydrogeological layers and monitor aquifer conditions. Staff noted that while a moratorium exists on new water supply wells, it does not apply to monitoring wells. Staff recommended approval with conditions to mitigate noise and other impacts, including scheduling work during specific daytime hours and notifying the neighborhood. OBGMA representatives clarified that drilling would utilize a sonic continuous core machine and that the well depth may be extended beyond the initial 280-foot bid depending on exploration results.
- Motion: To approve the OBGMA application for the nested monitoring well and authorize the City Manager to take necessary actions.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Second Unit Compliance Program Extension
- Staff presented a report on the Second Unit Compliance Program, originally created in 2013 to legalize pre-existing unpermitted second units. As of the report date, 74 units had been legalized, with 13 applications pending. Staff recommended extending the program for an additional two-year term. Council members discussed the program's effectiveness and barriers, including a letter from the state Housing and Community Development (HCD) agency stating that the Sanitation District's capacity fees for ADUs are non-compliant with state law. Questions were raised regarding the July 28, 2015 cutoff date for pre-existing units; staff clarified that units built after this date do not qualify for the amnesty-style program but can be permitted through standard processes.
- Motion: To extend the Second Unit Compliance Program for an additional two-year term.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The vote outcome was not recorded in the provided text.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Sanitation District Fees
- Discussion focused on ADU compliance challenges, specifically the "must be built by" date of July 28, 2015, and the lack of an independent ombudsman. It was suggested that the Council direct staff to recruit a retired building official to serve as an ombudsman. Regarding Sanitation District fees, the City Attorney outlined a two-step approach: authorizing a letter reiterating concerns and threatening further action, followed by considering litigation if unresolved.
- Motion: To direct the City Attorney to draft a letter regarding the Sanitation District fee issue for consideration at a future Council meeting.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
- Motion: To direct staff to prepare an ordinance or resolution to extend the ADU "must be built by" date, with staff to recommend a specific date for Council consideration.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
- Action: The Council addressed directing staff to issue public notice regarding the recruitment of an ombudsman by consensus without a formal vote.
City Manager Report
- The City Manager reported that the goal-setting session originally scheduled for February 27 was rescheduled to March 3. A General Plan workshop is planned for March 10 as a virtual event with approximately 49 participants registered.
Future Agenda Items
- Council members discussed several potential future agenda items:
- Alternative Transportation Plan (ATP): A request was made to schedule an educational Zoom meeting with the engineering firm regarding the ATP project, contingent on the success of the upcoming General Plan workshop.
- City Hall Campus Committee: A proposal was made to establish a comprehensive City Hall Campus Committee to coordinate various groups on the campus. The City Manager recommended this be placed on a future agenda.
- Arts Commission Reporting: The Council discussed a request from the Arts Commission to provide regular reports at the beginning of public comment. The Mayor and City Manager agreed to discuss potential agenda modifications during an upcoming goal-setting session.
- Meeting Times: A suggestion was raised to adjust meeting times seasonally (6:30 PM in winter, 7:00 PM in summer). No formal action was taken; the matter was noted for future consideration.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.