Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Weirick, Blatz, Francina, Haney
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Green Valley Project Presentation
- The Program Coordinator outlined youth engagement goals in environmental restoration and education.
- Partnerships with local organizations and school districts were highlighted for current and future initiatives.
- A community watering day was announced for July 17th without a formal vote.
Waste Management and Organics
- Residential service will transition to weekly collection for trash, recycling, and green waste starting July 5th.
- Presenters discussed challenges with plastic recycling markets and state requirements for organic waste diversion.
- Council members inquired about container standards, school system partnerships, and facility timelines.
Trolley Program and Funding
- The Council approved a trial transit service with a directive to explore no-fare options.
- An amendment shortened the trial period to two months to evaluate equitable charging structures.
- Staff will work with stakeholders to structure the trial without immediate fare collection.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Compliance Program
- The Council voted to extend the ADU compliance program deadline to January 1, 2021.
- This amendment legalizes units built between June 2015 and the new deadline.
- The motion passed following discussion on the impact on housing stock and Planning Commission review.
Budget Adoption
- The Council approved a balanced budget projecting revenues and expenditures at $10.85 million including emergency funds.
- The plan includes filling vacant positions and a $3.9 million Capital Improvement Plan funded by Measure C.
- A contingency fund of $200,000 was established with reserve levels projected to reach 27%.
Chamber of Commerce Funding
- The Council approved a $102,000 allocation to the Chamber of Commerce with an annual review condition.
- An amendment clarified that taxpayer funding is not indefinite and requires yearly demonstration of need.
- The agreement remains year-to-year with no guarantee of future financial support.
Community Funding Policy and Financial Disclosure
- Staff was directed to draft a clearer policy outlining financial disclosure expectations for funding applicants.
- The new policy will maintain previously voted funding priorities while increasing transparency.
- The motion to initiate this policy update passed unanimously.
Temporary Outdoor Dining Permit Extensions
- The Council extended the TopaTopa Brewery permit to January 3, 2022, with a parking condition.
- The extension requires maintaining a 10-minute parking spot for the adjacent dry cleaner.
- Staff recommendations to deny other permits based on safety criteria were upheld.
Moratorium on Formula Businesses (Urgency Ordinance)
- The Council adopted an urgency ordinance placing a 45-day moratorium on new formula businesses.
- The proposal lowers the qualifying business threshold from 11 to 5 and includes collective marketing.
- The measure includes a CEQA exemption to allow time for Planning Commission code review.
Fire Hardening and Building Appeals Board (BAB)
- The Direct Appeals Board was tasked with reviewing fire-hardening options and reporting by October 1, 2021.
- An amendment ensures the item returns to the Council agenda if the Board cannot function by the deadline.
- Discussion included inquiries about extending fire clearance distances and assessing large parcels.
Centennial Logo Competition
- The Council ratified the selection of "100 Circles Around the Sun" as the official centennial logo.
- Artist Sam Heyman was awarded a $250 prize for the winning design.
- The logo will be utilized for posters, banners, and a commemorative coin.
City Updates and Projects
- Staff reported the completion of the Libbey Park turf hill remodel and the Topaz curb cut.
- The MyOjai app was used for the first time to send emergency notifications regarding a gas line issue.
- Police and Sheriff departments increased bicycle patrols and planned speed enforcement operations.
Animal Keeping Ordinance
- The previously tabled animal keeping ordinance is scheduled for a staff and arborist review in July.
- The item is planned to return to the Council for a vote in August or September.
Air Pollution Control District (APCD) Update
- The APCD reported completing its new building and passing its budget to reduce rental costs.
- Modifications to the parking lot are underway to improve access for a neighboring church.
- Available funding programs for air pollution reduction and whale protection were highlighted.
City Manager Compensation
- A 2% cost-of-living adjustment to the City Manager's contract was adopted effective July 1.
- A first merit increase of 8% was approved to take effect on October 1, 2021.
Closed Session
- No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
Green Valley Project Presentation
- Tara Fay, Program Coordinator for the Green Valley Project, presented the initiative's goals to engage Ojai youth in environmental restoration, education, and leadership. Partners include Once Upon A Watershed, Watershed Progressive, PAX Environmental, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, Los Padres Forest Watch, and the Ojai Unified School District. Current projects involve restoration at Middle Stokes Creek and the Ojai Meadows Preserve. Future initiatives include a Youth Council, communications internships, and the PACS Environmental Science Institute. A community watering day was announced for July 17th. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Waste Management and Organics
- Representatives from Gold Coast Recycling and EJ Harrison presented updates on waste management. Starting the week of July 5th, residential service will include weekly collection for trash, recycling, and green waste. Gold Coast announced a $7 million investment in new equipment. Challenges regarding the recycling of plastics numbered three through seven due to market fluctuations were discussed, along with the need for state legislation to reduce plastic manufacturing. A representative from Agriment also presented on organic waste diversion, climate change mitigation, and state SB 1383 requirements, detailing the upcoming co-mingled yard and food waste program and the requirement for jurisdictions to purchase compost. Council members asked questions regarding proper containers for community food waste, potential joint ventures with the school system, and the timeline for the new facility. No formal motion or vote was taken on these presentations.
Trolley Program and Funding
- Discussion occurred regarding a proposed transit service trial. Public comment suggested charging hotels per room rather than a flat fee, or offering free rides to all downtown visitors to maximize ridership. A council member moved to approve the service with a condition that the City Manager work with involved parties to structure a four-month trial without fare collection. A friendly amendment was proposed to shorten the trial period to two months for evaluation purposes before determining equitable charging structures. The council voted to approve the recommendation to proceed with the trial, with a directive to explore no-fare options. The motion passed.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Compliance Program
- A public hearing was held regarding an ordinance to extend the ADU second unit compliance program deadline from June 23, 2015, to January 1, 2021, allowing units built between those dates to become legal. The City Clerk explained the program adds to the housing stock. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation to amend Section 10-2, 1709 of Title X (Planning and Zoning). The motion was seconded. Following discussion regarding concerns about preempting the Planning Commission's review, the motion passed.
Budget Adoption
- The City Clerk presented budget adoption details, noting a shift from a conservative pandemic budget to a revamping budget. Revenues were projected at $10.2 million (excluding emergency funding) and $10.85 million (including emergency funding), with expenditures projected at $10.85 million. The budget includes filling vacant positions, a $3.9 million Capital Improvement Plan funded largely by Measure C, and community support funding for the Chamber of Commerce, Ojai Valley Museums, Fire Safe Council, and Arts Commission. A contingency fund of $200,000 was included, projecting a surplus of $1,996. Discussion focused on reserve levels, with the City Clerk estimating the reserve at 20% and potentially reaching 27% upon receipt of the first COVID funding payment. A motion was made to approve the budget as recommended. The motion was seconded. Following discussion on the balanced nature of the proposal and the rebuilding of reserves, the motion passed.
Chamber of Commerce Funding
- Discussion addressed the $102,000 allocation to the Chamber of Commerce included in the budget. Public comment expressed support for the funding, citing historical contributions to tourism. Council members clarified that the agreement is year-to-year with no guarantee of future funding and that entities must demonstrate the need for funding annually. A friendly amendment was proposed to clarify that taxpayer funding for the Chamber is not indefinite and should be reviewed annually. A motion was made to approve the budget with this amendment regarding Chamber funding. The motion was seconded and passed.
Community Funding Policy and Financial Disclosure
- Council members discussed the clarity of policies regarding financial disclosure for organizations applying for city funding. A motion was made to direct staff to draft a clearer policy outlining expectations for financial disclosure for future applicants while maintaining previously voted funding priorities. The motion was seconded and passed.
Temporary Outdoor Dining Permit Extensions
- Staff presented a report on the temporary outdoor dining program. Of 17 businesses that responded, 10 permits were issued, six declined extensions, and one was denied based on criteria including parking, traffic, and accessibility. The Council discussed the safety and impact of specific installations, including a case involving TopaTopa Brewery where staff recommended denial due to parking concerns. Public comment from the brewery owner requested an extension until January 3, citing economic impact and lack of neighbor complaints. A motion was made to extend the TopaTopa Brewery permit to January 3, 2022, with a condition to ensure a 10-minute parking spot remains available for the adjacent dry cleaner. The motion was seconded and passed. A subsequent motion to uphold the City Manager's judgment on the matter was also moved, seconded, and passed.
Moratorium on Formula Businesses (Urgency Ordinance)
- The City Attorney presented a proposed urgency ordinance to place a 45-day moratorium on new formula businesses. The proposal sought to amend the existing ordinance by lowering the threshold for qualifying businesses from 11 to 5 and adding "collective marketing" (including digital and online marketing) as a qualifying factor. Public comment supported the moratorium to allow time for the Planning Commission to review the code. Council members discussed the necessity of the moratorium, the definition of collective marketing, and the legal findings required regarding immediate threats to public health, safety, and welfare. A motion was made to adopt the urgency ordinance and the associated CEQA exemption. The motion was seconded and passed.
Fire Hardening and Building Appeals Board (BAB)
- The Council reviewed recommendations regarding fire hardening improvement options. Discussion included inquiries about extending fire clearance from 100 feet to 200 feet around houses and assessing large parcels differently. A friendly amendment was proposed to ensure that if the BAB cannot perform its function by a certain date, the item returns to the council agenda. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation that the Direct Appeals Board review fire-hardening options and provide a recommendation to the City Council by October 1, 2021. The motion was seconded and passed.
Centennial Logo Competition
- The City Clerk presented the results of the centennial logo competition. The winning design, "100 Circles Around the Sun" by artist Sam Heyman, was unveiled. The logo will be used for centennial celebrations, including posters, banners, and a commemorative coin. A motion was made to ratify the selection and award the artist a $250 prize. The motion was seconded and passed.
City Updates and Projects
- Staff provided updates on completed projects, including the remodeling of the turf hill at Libbey Park and the completion of the Topaz curb cut. The City Clerk announced the first use of the MyOjai app for emergency notifications regarding a gas line issue. Staff reported that the Police Department and Sheriff's Department are planning speed enforcement operations and have increased bicycle patrols in parks in response to recent vandalism.
Animal Keeping Ordinance
- Staff reported that the animal keeping ordinance, previously tabled, is scheduled for a staff and arborist review meeting in July. The item is planned to return to the Council for a vote at a meeting in August or September.
Air Pollution Control District (APCD) Update
- A representative from the APCD reported that the district had passed its budget and completed its new building, with only the parking lot and EV charger installation remaining. The new facility is expected to reduce costs by eliminating rent. The district is modifying a portion of its parking lot to improve ingress and egress for a neighboring church. The speaker highlighted available funding programs designed to reduce air pollution in the Ojai Valley and protect whales in the Santa Barbara Channel.
City Manager Compensation
- The City Clerk announced the adoption of a 2% cost-of-living adjustment to the City Manager's contract, effective July 1, and a first merit increase of 8%, effective October 1, 2021. The action was taken as part of the consent agenda and passed.
Consent Calendar
- The Council reviewed the consent calendar. Item K regarding the trolley funding model was pulled from the consent calendar for separate discussion. A motion was made to approve all remaining consent items. The motion was seconded and passed.
Public Comment
- Residents addressed the Council on various topics, including requests for the reinstatement of the "Slow Down Drown" campaign, installation of speed humps on North Drown Avenue, adoption of a citywide 25 mph speed limit, and termination of the local emergency declaration. Comments were also received regarding the trolley program, the moratorium on formula businesses, and budget allocations.