City Council — 2021-08-10

Wildfire Resiliency Plan Discussion

• Experts presented a 13-point plan featuring improved communication and evacuation shelter protocols.
• Council members questioned funding mechanisms and the scope regarding non-fire disasters.
• Adoption was tabled to review feedback on scope and funding options by August 24th.

General Plan Update: Vision and Guiding Principles

• Staff presented a draft statement that residents urged to include stronger climate change language.
• The Council debated specific terminology regarding environmental mitigation and tourism definitions.
• The statement was adopted with amendments refining climate mitigation and visitor destination language.

Administrative and Community Updates

• Council directed Public Works to complete Grand Avenue paving prior to major Ojai Avenue construction.
• Members reviewed the success of the Centennial Birthday Party and discussed holding quarterly community events.

• The City Council of Ojai held a meeting to discuss a draft Wildfire Resiliency Plan, the General Plan Update, and various administrative updates.

Wildfire Resiliency Plan Discussion

• Experts Bob Roper and Chris Stanch (Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council) presented a 13-point plan to improve community safety against wildfires. Key recommendations included coordinating with the Fire District and Sheriff for better communication (AM radio, message boards), establishing backup evacuation shelters (beyond Nordoff High School due to air quality), creating risk assessment tools for insurance incentives, and conducting regional fuel reduction.
• Council Concerns: Members raised concerns regarding funding mechanisms (opposing sales tax increases, suggesting grants or parcel taxes), the need to address non-fire disasters (earthquakes, hydrant functionality), and whether to hire a contractor or assign internal staff.
• Outcome: The Council voted to table the adoption of the plan. It will be reviewed again on August 24th to incorporate council feedback regarding scope and funding options.

General Plan Update: Vision and Guiding Principles

• Staff presented a draft Vision and Guiding Principles statement for the General Plan Update.
• Public Comment: Resident Steve Columet urged the Council to strengthen the language regarding climate change, arguing the current text was too vague and did not reflect the urgency of recent climate reports.
• Council Amendments: The Council debated terminology regarding "Climate Change" versus "Environmental" mitigation and "Visitation" versus "Tourism."
• Outcome: The Council adopted the statement with amendments, including:
• Changing the mitigation principle to "Climate and Environmental Change Mitigation."
• Changing "Maintain a viable visitation industry" to "Maintain Ojai as a viable destination for visitors."
• Refining language regarding housing support for local workers.

Other Updates and Business

• COVID-19: Testing is available Wednesdays and Fridays at Sarzotti Park. Case numbers in the county and local zip code are increasing; mask-wearing and vaccination are urged but not mandated.
• Infrastructure: Council members requested that Public Works ensure Grand Avenue is fully paved and striped before major construction begins on Ojai Avenue.
• Community Events: The Centennial Birthday Party was a success; the Council discussed making similar community events quarterly.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for August 24th, featuring updates on the revised Fire Plan, Water Litigation, League of California Cities delegate selection, and CEQA guidelines.