City Council — 2021-08-24

Tiny House Regulations Ordinance

• Council reviewed a second reading of an ordinance for a two-year movable tiny home pilot program.
• Staff noted the proposal treats tiny homes like ADUs subject to ANSI standards.
• Members discussed concerns regarding affordability targets, fire safety, and rental cap enforcement.
• The Council voted to postpone the item and direct staff to explore options for low-income households.

Ventura River Water Adjudication Status

• Staff updated the Council on the Ventura River Watershed adjudication litigation timeline.
• The City Attorney noted shared concerns regarding cost allocation and governance structures.
• Members discussed hydrological connectivity and the financial motivations behind the litigation.
• The Council took no formal action as this item was informational.

Draft Ojai Wildfire Resiliency Plan

• Staff presented a draft plan comprising a list of action items for wildfire resiliency.
• Council members debated the document scope and designation as a Plan or Framework.
• Concerns were raised regarding the need for specific evacuation plans and funding details.
• The Council adopted the document as the Wildfire Resiliency Framework and directed staff to develop a funding proposal.

League of California Cities Delegates

• The Council discussed designating a delegate and alternate for the annual conference.
• A motion was made to designate the Mayor as the delegate and Council Member Francina as the alternate.
• The motion passed to send the designated representatives to Sacramento.

Coronavirus Emergency Response

• Staff reported an increase in local pandemic case counts and hospitalizations.
• An update was provided regarding a new County Health Order requiring indoor masking.
• Council members inquired about worker compliance and the feasibility of rapid testing.
• No formal action was taken as this item was informational.

Meeting Summary

Approval of Agenda and Public Comment

• The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. The Council addressed the approval of the agenda. A motion was made and seconded to remove Item 6 regarding Earth Friendly Management from the agenda. Council members noted the item contained flaws requiring further study and would be rescheduled for a future date. The motion to remove Item 6 passed. Following this, the agenda was approved.
• Public comment was received regarding the removal of the Earth Friendly Management item. Concerns were raised regarding notification procedures and public access to information. Council members and staff explained that procedural rules prevent official notice of removal until the vote occurs, though courtesy notifications were sent to interested parties.

Recognition

• Deputy Ramon Casas was recognized for his actions in extinguishing a fire near Libbey Park on July 30th. The Deputy received a City Commendation and a Centennial Coin.

Consent Calendar

• The Council moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Council Member Haney requested a brief pause on Item F to seek clarification regarding the Planning Commission study assessment guidelines. The City Attorney confirmed that while the provided list was inclusive, additional items could be added within the framework. Following this clarification, the motion to approve the Consent Calendar was seconded and passed.

Agenda Item 2: Tiny House Regulations Ordinance

• The Council reviewed the second reading of an ordinance to create a two-year pilot program for movable tiny home regulations. Staff presented the proposal, which allows for up to 20 permits over two years, treating tiny homes similarly to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) but subject to ANSI standards. The City Attorney advised on the legal complexities regarding rent control, noting that while rent for the unit itself is largely exempt from regulation under state law, the city may have discretion to regulate the rental of the pad, subject to litigation risk.
• Public commenters addressed affordability, fire codes, density, and potential for commercial use. Council members raised concerns regarding affordability targets, fire safety standards, density limits, and the legal ability to enforce rental caps.
• Decision: The Council voted on a motion to reconsider the item at a future meeting and direct staff to explore all options to make tiny home pads available to low and very low-income households, including density limits. The motion passed.

Agenda Item 3: Ventura River Water Adjudication Status

• Staff provided an update on the Ventura River Watershed adjudication litigation. The update included a timeline of proceedings, a phase one hearing scheduled for February 2022, and a proposed physical solution settlement. The City Attorney noted that while the City of Ojai has taken no formal position, it shares concerns regarding cost allocation and governance structures raised by the Casitas Municipal Water District. Council members discussed hydrological connectivity and the financial motivations behind the litigation.
• Decision: This item was informational. No formal action was taken.

Agenda Item 4: Draft Ojai Wildfire Resiliency Plan

• Staff presented the draft Wildfire Resiliency Plan, comprising a list of action items. Public commenters supported involving volunteer organizations and the Fire Safe Council. Council discussion focused on the scope of the document, with members debating whether to designate it a "Plan," "Guidelines," or "Framework." Concerns were raised regarding the need for specific evacuation plans, county coordination, and funding details.
• Decision: Following discussion to rename the document to reflect its status as a starting point, the Council moved to adopt the document as the Wildfire Resiliency Framework. The motion passed. Staff is directed to implement the plan and develop a funding proposal.

Agenda Item 5: League of California Cities Delegates

• The Council discussed the designation of a delegate and alternate to attend the League of California Cities annual conference in Sacramento.
• Decision: A motion was made and seconded to designate the Mayor as the delegate and Council Member Francina as the alternate. The motion passed.

Agenda Item 6: Coronavirus Emergency Response

• Staff reported on the local status of the pandemic, noting an increase in case counts, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions in Ventura County. An update was provided regarding the new County Health Order requiring indoor masking and increased testing days at Sarzadi Park. Council members inquired about worker compliance and the feasibility of rapid antigen testing.
• Decision: This item was informational. No formal action was taken.

Council and Staff Reports

• Redistricting: Staff announced the County of Ventura's redistricting process. Council Member Haney noted concerns regarding potential changes to District One that could impact Ojai's representation.
• Future Agenda: Council Member Haney moved to revisit Council Protocols, specifically regarding how items are placed on the agenda. The motion was seconded to be discussed at a future meeting. Discussion regarding the standard meeting start time was also noted for future consideration.

Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned.