City Council — 2021-09-14

Council Meeting Protocols

• A motion to require a majority vote for adding agenda items during meetings failed to receive a second.
• Opponents argued the change would reduce the Mayor's authority and limit flexibility for urgent matters.
• Existing agenda procedures remain unchanged pending City Manager review of future requests.

2021-2029 Housing Element Update

• Staff presented a draft element allocating 53 housing units to meet the Regional Housing Needs Assessment.
• Council plans to adopt the update on October 12 to avoid penalties and maintain state grant funding eligibility.
• Strategies emphasize Accessory Dwelling Units, which have contributed significantly to recent housing production.

Water Infrastructure Waiver Request

• Discussion focused on a potential state waiver request due to water infrastructure constraints and aridification.
• Legal counsel warned that pursuing the waiver could signal opposition to affordable housing and trigger litigation.
• The Council deferred the decision to allow staff to investigate waiver feasibility before the next meeting.

• The City Council meeting focused on two primary agenda items: council meeting protocols and the draft Housing Element update. The session concluded with adjournment plans for the next meeting.

Council Protocols and Agenda Management

• The meeting opened with a debate regarding agenda protocols. A council member proposed a rule change requiring a majority vote (three of five members) to add new items to the agenda during a meeting, aiming to prevent delays and ensure focus on scheduled business.
• Arguments For: Proponents argued this would maximize meeting efficiency and ensure items are fully vetted before discussion.
• Arguments Against: The Mayor and opposing council members argued this would reduce the Mayor's authority, create ceremonial limitations, and hinder the ability to address time-sensitive issues. They noted the City Manager already reviews agenda requests.
• Outcome: The motion to change protocols did not receive a second and died, leaving current procedures in place.

2021-2029 Housing Element Update

• Staff (James) presented the draft Housing Element, which is part of the city's General Plan update.
• State Requirements: The state's Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) requires Ojai to plan for 53 housing units over the next eight years, a significant reduction from the 371 units allocated in the previous cycle.
• Deadlines: The state deadline for adoption and certification is October 15. The Council plans to adopt the element on October 12 to avoid penalties, litigation risks, or loss of state grant funding.
• Demographics: Ojai is unique in the region with an aging population (avg. age 53), decreasing population trends, and a high percentage of renter-occupied households (47%).
• Affordability: The median home price ($934,500) far exceeds the income levels of most residents. For example, the affordable rent for "extremely low income" households is calculated at $500/month, which is effectively unavailable in Ojai.
• Sites & Programs: Staff recommends keeping existing housing overlay sites and relying heavily on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), which have accounted for 65 units in the last three years.

Water Scarcity vs. Housing Mandates

• Public comments and Council discussion raised significant concerns regarding water infrastructure.
• Public Comment: Resident Tom Francis cited "aridification" and drought, arguing the current water system is unreliable for the next housing cycle. He requested a waiver from RHNA requirements due to critical infrastructure shortages.
• Council Discussion: A motion was made to request a state waiver based on water constraints.
• Staff/Attorney Advice: The City Attorney noted the state has never approved a waiver on infrastructure grounds and warned that pursuing one could signal opposition to affordable housing, potentially triggering legal challenges or loss of state funding.
• Outcome: The Council decided not to vote on the waiver request immediately. Instead, staff will investigate the feasibility of the waiver before the next meeting on September 28.

Other Business

• Next Meeting: Scheduled for September 28 at Libby Bowl.
• Future Items: Agenda items will include a budget update, fire hardening plans (BAP), and the updated disaster plan.
• Housing Feedback: Council members and public commenters (Bill Miley) emphasized the need to protect water supplies while acknowledging the necessity of affordable housing and the successful use of ADUs.