Meeting Summary
Present: Stix
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Employee Service Awards
- Staff recognized over 30 employees for five or more years of service.
- A video highlighted contributions during the Thomas Fire and the pandemic.
- Each honoree received a branded Yeti mug as a token of appreciation.
Ojai Day Poster Competition
- The public art jury selected "Ojai's 100" by Anthony McMahon as the winner.
- The winner received a $250 prize for the design.
- The poster is scheduled for display at Libbey Park on October 16, 2021.
Residential Growth Management Plan Extension
- Staff recommended extending the plan as a backstop against potential state law changes.
- Council discussed the necessity of the plan given state preemption and water constraints.
- The ordinance was adopted to extend the plan through October 1, 2025.
Maricopa Highway Active Transportation Design
- Staff presented Class 1 and Class 4 bikeway options with varying costs and safety features.
- Discussion focused on safety benefits, costs, and the impact on mature eucalyptus trees.
- Council voted to proceed with the Class 1 design development for Caltrans review.
Fire Hardening Improvement Recommendations
- Staff presented 15 recommendations from the Building Appeals Board regarding fire safety.
- Public comment raised concerns about economic impacts and conflicts with tree ordinances.
- Council requested a cost analysis and further discussion on enforcement options.
Wildfire Resiliency Implementation
- Council distinguished between items addressable by current staff and those needing broader engagement.
- Staff was directed to develop an implementation plan integrating recommendations with the disaster framework.
- A report on budget-addressable items is due at the October 26 meeting.
Street Survey and Pavement Management Plan
- Staff proposed contracting Stantec to conduct a comprehensive street survey and update the plan.
- The contract was approved with an amendment to include ArcGIS software integration.
- Staff was directed to return with a proposal for assessing Drown Avenue and city parking lots.
Draft Housing Element Update
- Staff presented the draft update noting the city is on pace to meet the state deadline.
- Council agreed to revise language clarifying height standards and citing underlying code.
- The item was directed to staff for revision and final adoption at the next meeting.
Maricopa Street Construction Coordination
- Staff reported on ongoing construction and coordination with the Sanitary District.
- A plan was established to use a slip lane for detours to avoid closing the street.
Sierra Canyon Phase Two Timeline
- Staff confirmed Phase Two of the project remains on track to begin in October.
- A kickoff meeting is scheduled with a follow-up report committed to the Council.
Budget Committee Meeting Schedule
- Staff indicated the Budget Committee meeting is scheduled for the week of October 15.
- A full report on the committee's activities will follow.
Meeting Logistics (Lighting)
- An attendee requested that bright pole lights be dimmed to reduce glare.
- Staff acknowledged the request and will coordinate to determine feasibility.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The meeting was called to order with a quorum present. Roll call confirmed the attendance of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, President, and Councilmembers.
Approval of Agenda
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. The motion passed.
Presentation: Employee Service Awards
- Staff presented employee service awards to recognize City of Ojai employees with five or more years of service. A video highlighted over 30 employees representing more than 300 collective years of service, noting their contributions during the Thomas Fire and the COVID-19 pandemic. Each recognized employee received a Yeti mug with the city logo.
Presentation: Ojai Day Poster Competition
- Staff announced the results of the Ojai Day poster competition. The public art jury selected "Ojai's 100" by Anthony McMahon as the winning design. The winner received a $250 prize. The poster is scheduled for display at Ojai Day on October 16, 2021, at Libbey Park.
Commission Reports
- No commission reports were submitted.
Public Communications
- Public comments were received on various topics, including appreciation for city employees, a report of a missing traffic signal push button at Ohio Avenue and Signal Street, a suggestion to use gray water for irrigation, opposition to the continuation of the local emergency declaration regarding COVID-19, and a request to review zoning discrepancies on Gridley Road.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made and seconded to approve all items on the consent calendar. The motion passed.
Public Hearing: Adoption of Ordinance Amending the Residential Growth Management Plan
- A public hearing was opened regarding an ordinance to extend the Residential Growth Management Plan. Staff recommended extending the plan as a "backstop" measure to ensure local control remains in effect if state laws prohibiting such limits (specifically Senate Bill 330) are repealed or sunset. The City Attorney noted that SB 330's prohibition was extended to 2025 and that a statewide initiative to restore local control had been filed. Public comment included support for the plan as a contingency, suggestions to extend the term further to 2030, and concerns regarding potential conflicts with state laws. Council discussion addressed the necessity of the plan given state preemption, current low housing construction numbers, and the city's water supply constraints. A motion was made to adopt the ordinance extending the Residential Growth Management Plan to October 1, 2025. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was taken with one abstention. The motion passed.
Public Hearing: Active Transportation Program Design on Maricopa Highway
- A public hearing was opened regarding the selection of a design for the Maricopa Highway active transportation project. Staff presented two options: a Class 1 Bikeway (raised curb, estimated at $1.27 million) and a Class 4 Bikeway (street-level with bollards, estimated at $675,000). Staff noted that on-street parking would be relocated and that construction was targeted for October of the following year. Public comment and Council discussion focused on safety, cost, the impact on eucalyptus trees, and Caltrans approval requirements. Supporters of the Class 1 design cited increased safety and alignment with the Ojai Valley Trail, while opponents cited cost and the removal of mature trees. Council discussion weighed the trade-offs between safety, cost, and aesthetics, with some members noting that eucalyptus removal aligns with disaster plans regarding fire hazards. A motion was made to proceed with the Class 1 design development to a level sufficient to obtain a decision from Caltrans. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Review of Fire Hardening Improvement Recommendations from the Building Appeals Board (BAB)
- Staff presented 15 recommendations from the Building Appeals Board regarding fire hardening improvements, including vegetation clearing, deck skirting, and smoke detector placement. Staff noted that no ordinance had been developed and requested Council direction on next steps. Public comment expressed concerns regarding the economic impact on real estate transactions, the feasibility of removing mature oak trees, and conflicts with existing tree protection ordinances. Speakers suggested using incentives rather than mandates. Council discussion addressed enforcement options, the definition of combustible materials, and the need for a cost analysis. No motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Wildfire Resiliency Recommendations and Implementation
- Discussion continued regarding wildfire safety recommendations, including tree protection, mulch management, and fire hardening incentives. Council members distinguished between items addressable by existing staff and those requiring broader engagement or funding. Council directed staff to develop an implementation plan integrating these recommendations with the existing disaster resiliency framework. Staff was instructed to identify items addressable within the current budget for a report due at the October 26 meeting, while remaining recommendations were referred to the Fire Safety Council. No formal motion or vote was recorded; the direction was accepted as a consensus instruction.
Street Survey and Pavement Management Plan Update
- Staff presented a proposal to contract with Stantec to conduct a comprehensive street survey and update the pavement management plan using specialized equipment and software to shift from reactive repairs to preventive maintenance. Public comment raised concerns regarding the condition of Drown Avenue and requested the inclusion of sidewalk assessments. Council discussion included the potential for assessing sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and parking lots, as well as the inclusion of an add-on for ArcGIS software integration. A motion was made to approve the contract with Stantec, amended to include the software option and to direct staff to return to the consent calendar with a proposal for assessing Drown Avenue and city parking lots. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
- Staff presented the draft Housing Element update, noting the city is on pace to meet the state deadline. Public comment addressed concerns regarding language allowing three-story buildings, the need for an amnesty program for unpermitted units, and the impact of state laws removing owner-occupancy requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Staff and the City Attorney clarified that height standards align with existing code and that ADU owner-occupancy removal is mandated by state law. The Council agreed to have staff revise specific language to clarify height standards and add a footnote citing the underlying code. No formal motion or vote was taken; the item was directed to staff for revision and final adoption at the next meeting.
Councilmember Reports
- The Mayor reported receiving a peace pole donated by "May Peace Prevail on Earth" and acknowledged the successful 75th anniversary of the Ojai Music Festival.
Maricopa Street Construction and Sanitary District Coordination
- Staff reported on ongoing construction affecting Maricopa Street. A meeting with the Sanitary District resulted in a plan to utilize a slip lane for detours to avoid closing the street. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Sierra Canyon Phase Two Timeline
- Staff confirmed that Phase Two of the Sierra Canyon project remains on track to begin in October, with a kickoff meeting scheduled. A follow-up report was committed to the Council. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Budget Committee Meeting Schedule
- Staff indicated that the Budget Committee meeting was scheduled for the week of October 15 through October 18, with a full report to follow. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Meeting Logistics (Lighting)
- An attendee requested that bright pole lights be dimmed to reduce glare. Staff acknowledged the request and stated they would coordinate to determine if adjustments could be made. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.