Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Tiny House Pilot Ordinance
- Council discussed a two-year pilot ordinance allowing up to 10 movable tiny home permits annually.
- Legal uncertainties regarding rent stabilization and affordability requirements for pads were identified.
- The item was postponed to a future meeting with a directive to explore low-income pad options.
Deputy Ramon Casas Commendation
- Deputy Casas was recognized for rescuing a subject and extinguishing a fire near Libbey Park.
- The Council approved presenting him with a city commendation and a limited-edition centennial coin.
Ventura River Watershed Adjudication
- Staff updated the Council on a proposed settlement involving a new WaterMaster and watershed management.
- Concerns were raised regarding cost allocation, governance, and the City of Ventura's water usage.
- No formal position was taken as the City awaits the Phase One hearing scheduled for February 2022.
Wildfire Resiliency Plan
- Council debated the document's classification and scope, suggesting a broader valley-wide approach.
- Members noted a lack of specific implementation details, clear roles, and integration with county protocols.
- A motion passed directing staff to implement the plan despite these identified gaps.
Coronavirus Emergency Response
- Staff reported rising case and hospitalization metrics alongside a new county masking order.
- The City expanded testing at Sarzotti Park and distributed signage and masks to the public.
- Council discussed the need to prepare for worsening conditions without recording a formal vote.
Redistricting
- Staff announced the start of the Ventura County redistricting process with a meeting on August 31.
- The City of Ojai's redistricting process is scheduled to commence on September 14.
Agenda Item Removal
- The Council voted to remove Item 6 from the agenda following a motion and second.
Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternates for the League of California Cities Annual Conference
- Nominations were made for a delegate and an alternate to attend the conference in Sacramento.
- The Council approved the designations via a passed motion.
Meeting Start Time and Council Protocols
- Council discussed whether to maintain the 6:30 PM start time or revert to 7:00 PM per city code.
- A proposal was raised to require a majority council vote for setting the agenda rather than a subset.
Full summary
Tiny House Pilot Ordinance
- The City Council discussed a proposed two-year pilot ordinance to regulate movable tiny homes as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), allowing up to 10 permits annually. Discussion addressed the legal distinction between rent control and rent stabilization, noting that while the city may lack authority to regulate the rental price of the unit itself under the Costa-Hawkins Act, there is legal uncertainty regarding the ability to impose affordability requirements on the rental of the pad alone. Concerns were raised regarding the high cost of pads, the necessity of subsidies, and the potential for clustering, with a 500-foot radius limit proposed to prevent density concentration. The ordinance treats units built to ANSI/NFPA standards rather than the building code, meaning fire hardening and reach codes would not apply. Public comment and Council discussion highlighted barriers for low-income residents, including financing difficulties and the depreciation of structures, as well as the need for fire safety provisions, traffic management, and coordination with the County and School District. A motion was made to reconsider the item at a future regularly scheduled meeting, including a directive for staff to explore options for making tiny home pads available to low and very low-income households. The motion was seconded and passed.
Deputy Ramon Casas Commendation
- The Council recognized Deputy Ramon Casas of the Sheriff's Office for rescuing a subject from a fire near Libbey Park on July 30, 2021, and using a fire extinguisher to slow the fire's spread. A motion was made to present Deputy Casas with a City of Ojai commendation and a limited-edition centennial coin. The motion was seconded and passed. The commendation and coin were presented.
Ventura River Watershed Adjudication
- Staff provided a status update on the Ventura River Watershed adjudication litigation, noting a proposed "physical solution" settlement involving watershed management and a new WaterMaster. The Casitas Municipal Water District has not indicated support due to concerns over cost allocation and governance, and the City of Ojai has taken no formal position while sharing similar concerns. A Phase One hearing is scheduled for February 14, 2022, to determine the court's authority to adjudicate groundwater rights. The court has ordered the disclosure of expert witness reports by late August and September. Public comment raised concerns regarding hydrological connectivity assumptions and cost allocation. Council members expressed concerns regarding the City of Ventura's water usage and financial obligations. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
Wildfire Resiliency Plan
- The Council discussed a draft wildfire resiliency plan, debating whether the document should be classified as a "plan," "guidelines," or a "framework." Discussion focused on the scope of the document, with suggestions to expand it to a valley-wide approach involving the County and Fire Department, and to include fire hydrant maintenance and water supply hardening measures. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of specific implementation details, clear roles, a designated leader, and integration with county emergency protocols. Suggestions were made to rename the document to reflect its status as a starting point. A motion was made to direct staff to implement the plan. The motion was seconded and passed.
Coronavirus Emergency Response
- Staff provided an update on COVID-19 metrics for Ventura County and the 93023 zip code, noting increases in cases, hospitalizations, and ICU counts. The County Public Health Department issued a new health order requiring masking in indoor public places. The City distributed signage and masks and expanded testing at Sarzotti Park. Public comment inquired about rapid antigen testing. Council members discussed the city's previous proactive stance on masking and the need to prepare for worsening conditions. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
Redistricting
- Staff announced that the Ventura County redistricting process has begun, with the first meeting scheduled for August 31. The City of Ojai's redistricting process is scheduled to begin on September 14. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
Agenda Item Removal
- A motion was made to remove Item 6 from the agenda. The motion was seconded. The Council voted to remove the item. The motion passed.
Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternates for the League of California Cities Annual Conference
- The Council discussed the designation of delegates and alternates to attend the conference in Sacramento. Nominations were made for a delegate and an alternate. A motion was made to approve the designations. The motion was seconded and passed.
Meeting Start Time and Council Protocols
- Staff noted that city code currently sets the meeting start time at 6:30 PM. Council members discussed whether to change the code back to 7:00 PM or maintain the 6:30 PM start time. Additionally, a proposal was raised regarding council protocols for setting the agenda, suggesting it should be determined by a majority vote of the council rather than a subset of members. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
Consent Calendar
- The consent calendar was discussed. A motion was made to approve all items on the consent calendar. The motion was seconded and passed.
Adjournment
- A motion to adjourn the meeting was made, seconded, and decided. The motion passed.