City Council — 2021-05-25

Downtown Trolley Pilot Program

• Staff proposed a four-month Saturday trolley pilot funded by federal sources.
• Council discussed route modifications but deemed specific requests out of scope.
• The Council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution for the June launch.

Earth Friendly Management Policy

• A draft policy was presented to eliminate toxic chemicals and pesticides on city property.
• Discussion included public support for health protections alongside Council concerns about data and operations.
• The Council deferred the vote to gather more specific local data and clearer definitions.

City Manager’s Report and Other Business

• Staff provided updates regarding the Quarry amendment hearing and upcoming Housing Element meeting.
• Council protocols were discussed to reflect local rules rather than Robert's Rules.
• Future agenda items were suggested including fire hardening measures and an emergency disaster plan.

• The Ojai City Council meeting addressed several key agenda items, including a new trolley program, a proposed earth-friendly management policy, and city updates.

Downtown Trolley Pilot Program

• Staff presented a proposal for a four-month test run of a special downtown trolley route starting in June. Funded by federal sources at no cost to the city, the Saturday-only service aims to support local businesses, reduce congestion, and lower emissions. Following a discussion regarding potential route modifications (specifically a request to add Fire Stick Pottery, which was deemed outside the scope of the initial downtown test), the Council unanimously voted to adopt the resolution moving forward with the pilot.

Earth Friendly Management Policy

• Mayor Sticks and Council Member Francina presented a draft policy aimed at eliminating the use of toxic chemicals, herbicides, and pesticides (such as Roundup/glyphosate) on city property to protect public health and the environment.
• Support: Public speakers strongly supported the policy, citing cancer risks, alignment with other progressive cities (like Malibu and NYC), and the need for the city to set an example.
• Concerns: Council Member Haney argued the proposal lacked specific data regarding Ojai’s current chemical usage, soil toxicity, and cost analysis. Council Members Ryan and Weirich raised operational concerns, noting vague definitions, potential conflicts with invasive species control (specifically in Stewart Canyon) and fire mitigation, and the philosophical issue of "zero risk" versus risk management.
• Outcome: The Council did not vote on the policy immediately. Council members indicated the need for more specific local data, cost estimates, and clearer definitions before proceeding to a public hearing.

City Manager’s Report and Other Business

• Updates: Staff provided updates on an Ojai Quarry amendment hearing (May 27), Emergency Preparedness Day (May 27), and an upcoming Housing Element meeting (June 2).
• Council Protocols: Members discussed updating the council protocol document to reflect local rules (Rosenberg’s rather than Robert's Rules) and clarified protocols regarding council member responsibility for presenting agenda items.
• Future Items: Council Member Weirich suggested placing the fire hardening measures task, a tiny home pilot follow-up, and an official emergency disaster plan on future agendas.
• The meeting concluded with the Council planning to gather further information on the Earth Friendly policy before moving forward.