Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Extension of Urgency Ordinance Placing Moratorium on New Formula Businesses
- The Council approved a one-year extension of the moratorium on new formula businesses to allow time for Planning Commission review.
- Staff recommended lowering the definition threshold for formula businesses from eleven to five locations.
- The Planning Commission is directed to submit a revised ordinance recommendation by October 30.
Active Transportation Program Improvements on Ojai Avenue
- The Council authorized proceeding with the design phase for Ojai Avenue improvements using approximately $4.5 million in grant funding.
- Directives were issued to prioritize beacons over curb extensions and to install a fourth crosswalk near Blanche Street.
- Modifications to the Kenyatta Street intersection were mandated to reduce median protrusion and ensure emergency vehicle access.
Active Transportation Program Improvements on Maricopa Highway
- The Council approved the principle of lane reduction while mandating the removal of interior parking, planters, and flexible delineators.
- Staff is directed to advance both Class 4 and Class 1 design alternatives to a level sufficient for cost comparison.
- A final decision on the specific design will be made by the Council once cost estimates are available.
Approval of Amendments and Agreements for Project Design and Right-of-Way Engineering
- The Council approved necessary agreements to pursue alternate designs and conduct right-of-way engineering for sidewalk improvements.
- Funding was modified to advance both design alternatives to 20% completion rather than taking a single design to completion immediately.
Centennial Celebration Announcement
- Staff announced the city's 100th-anniversary celebration scheduled for Thursday afternoon at Sarzadi Park.
- The event will feature festivities including snow cones and will run from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Full summary
Agenda Item 1: Extension of Urgency Ordinance Placing Moratorium on New Formula Businesses
- The City Council discussed extending the existing moratorium on new formula businesses, defined as establishments with five or more locations sharing two or more of seven standardized features. The current moratorium, adopted on June 22, was set to expire on August 6. Staff recommended a one-year extension to allow the Planning Commission time to complete its review and recommend a revised ordinance. Discussion focused on the timeline for the Planning Commission's report, with a proposed deadline of October 30, subject to potential extensions. Council members also reviewed the definition of formula businesses, noting a proposed threshold of five establishments compared to the current ordinance's threshold of eleven. The City Attorney clarified that without an extension, the current ordinance would remain in effect, requiring a Conditional Use Permit for businesses meeting the stricter criteria. The City Manager reported that no businesses had been prevented from operating since the moratorium's implementation.
- A motion was made to approve the one-year extension of the moratorium, stipulating that the Planning Commission provide a recommendation by October 30, with the understanding that additional time could be requested if necessary. The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.
Agenda Item 2: Active Transportation Program (ATP) Improvements on Maricopa Highway and Ojai Avenue
- The Council held a design review meeting regarding Active Transportation Program improvements on Ojai Avenue and Maricopa Highway. Staff reported that the Ojai Avenue design was approximately 90% complete, while the Maricopa Highway portion included two alternate designs (Class 4 and Class 1) developed to 10%. The project involves approximately $4.5 million in grant funding.
Ojai Avenue Design
- Discussion covered specific design elements including sidewalk materials, curb extensions, and crosswalk safety. Council members suggested using decomposed granite instead of concrete in certain areas to reduce costs and maintain town character. Significant debate occurred regarding the use of curb extensions versus Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB), with some members advocating for beacons to improve safety and avoid pushing cyclists closer to traffic. Concerns were raised regarding the median at Kenyatta Street, with suggestions to reduce its protrusion and ensure mountable curbs for emergency vehicle access. Additional topics included the placement of crosswalks, lighting synchronization, and the transition from dedicated bike lanes to "sharrows" in the downtown core. Public comment addressed the visibility of existing beacons, with suggestions for embedded in-road lighting, and raised concerns regarding traffic flow, parking, and emergency access.
- A motion was made to proceed with the design phase for Ojai Avenue. The motion included directives to install a fourth crosswalk on the west side of Blanche Street, install beacons or appropriate signaling devices at intersections including Bryant, Fulton, and Drown, and modify the Kenyatta intersection by moving back the curb extension to accommodate bike lanes. The motion also directed staff to prioritize beacons over curb extensions where cost-effective. The motion was seconded. The Council voted on the motion, and it passed.
Maricopa Highway Design
- Staff presented the status of the Maricopa Highway demonstration project, noting the original design was approximately 90% complete. Two alternate designs were under investigation: a Class 4 facility (two-way bike lane on one side) and a Class 1 facility (separated path for pedestrians and cyclists). Staff noted that major modifications require Caltrans and grant agency approval. Public comment was extensive, with a petition of approximately 270 signatures opposing lane reduction. Speakers expressed concerns regarding emergency vehicle access, traffic congestion, confusion caused by two-way bike lanes, and the impact on local businesses. Supporters of the lane reduction cited safety improvements, traffic calming, and environmental benefits.
- Council members discussed design flaws identified in the demonstration project, reaching a consensus that interior parking, planters, and "zebra dillos" (flexible delineators) were mistakes and should be removed. The discussion centered on two primary alternatives: a Class 4 facility retaining lane reduction with a two-way separated bikeway and emergency lane, or a Class 1 facility creating a fully separated bike trail. Staff indicated that advancing both designs to a level sufficient for cost comparison would cost approximately $65,000.
- A motion was made to proceed with the principle of lane reduction, contingent upon the elimination of the identified demonstration project elements (interior parking, planters, and delineators). The motion directed staff to advance both the Class 4 and Class 1 designs to a level sufficient to establish a cost differential, with the final decision to be made by the Council once cost estimates were available. The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.
Agenda Item 3: Approval of Amendments and Agreements for Project Design and Right-of-Way Engineering
- Staff presented recommendations to approve amendments and agreements necessary to pursue alternate designs and conduct right-of-way engineering. Discussion focused on the necessity of acquiring right-of-way to address sidewalk and curb improvements impacting private property. Staff proposed a modification to the funding recommendation, suggesting that instead of allocating $65,000 to take one design to completion, the funds would be used to advance both 10% designs to approximately 20%, with one design subsequently taken to completion.
- A motion was made to approve the agreements, including the right-of-way clarifications and the modified design funding approach. The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.
Agenda Item 4: Centennial Celebration Announcement
- Staff announced the city's upcoming 100th-anniversary celebration, scheduled for Thursday afternoon at Sarzadi Park from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM. The event will include snow cones and other festivities. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.