Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Proclamation of Oak Awareness Month
- The Mayor read a proclamation designating October 2021 as Oak Awareness Month to highlight local oak ecosystems.
- The proclamation urged residents to plant and preserve oaks while addressing threats to these environments.
- David White was present to receive the proclamation on behalf of the initiative.
Coronavirus Emergency Response
- Council members discussed the divisiveness of vaccine mandates and the transition from pandemic to endemic status.
- The City Attorney clarified that the City has not imposed a vaccination mandate on employees or the public.
- The Council voted to approve the emergency response item to maintain administrative flexibility for actions like outdoor dining variances.
Adoption of the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
- Staff presented the final version of the update, which includes a Regional Housing Needs Allocation of 54 units.
- Revisions were made to remove the City Hall site from the affordable housing overlay due to deed restrictions.
- The Council adopted the update following a public hearing and discussion on income level definitions.
Adjustment to User Regulatory Fees for Minor Temporary Use Permits
- Staff proposed a new "Minor Temporary Use Permit" category with a reduced fee and simplified application process.
- The Council adopted a resolution setting the fee at $100 and directing staff to create a one-page expedited form.
- One council member abstained from the vote pending a review of the list of qualifying events.
Ordinance to Create a Two-Year Pilot Program for Tiny House Regulations
- Staff presented an ordinance to regulate movable tiny homes as Accessory Dwelling Units with a limit of 10 units per year.
- Council members debated potential conflicts with state ADU rights and concerns regarding gentrification.
- No formal motion to adopt the ordinance was made during this segment of the meeting.
Tiny House Pads and Fire Hardening Program
- A motion was made to approve the introduction of an ordinance regarding tiny house pads and fire hardening.
- A substitute motion to table the item for further investigation into affordability requirements failed.
- The Council passed the main motion to approve the introduction of the ordinance as originally proposed.
Downtown Trolley Pilot Program Review
- Staff reported that ridership declined significantly due to the Delta variant and public hesitation.
- The Council approved a recommendation to pause the program after extending operations through October 16 for Ojai Day.
- Discussion included potential future funding sources such as the Ojai Tourism Enhancement District.
Opposition to Logging and Vegetation Removal in Los Padres National Forest
- The Council considered a request to oppose logging projects on Pine Mountain Ridge and Mount Pinos.
- Public comment supported the opposition citing ecological damage and the use of legal loopholes to bypass environmental review.
- The Council adopted a position opposing the projects and directed staff to explore options for judicial opposition.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Approval of Agenda
- The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. A motion was made to approve the agenda, seconded, and passed.
Agenda Item: Proclamation of Oak Awareness Month
- The Mayor read a proclamation designating October 2021 as "Oaktober" (Oak Awareness Month). The proclamation highlighted the historical significance of oak ecosystems in the Ojai Valley, their environmental benefits, and the need to address threats to these ecosystems. It urged residents to plant and preserve oaks. David White was present to receive the proclamation. No formal motion or vote was recorded for this item.
Agenda Item: Commission Reports
- The City Manager reported that there were no commission reports to present.
Agenda Item: Public Communications
- Several members of the public addressed the Council on various topics:
- Transportation and Trails: Carolyn Goldwasser discussed the Ojai Active Transportation Project and the Ojai Valley Trail. She recommended using black paint for lane markings, bright green paint for bike lanes, and addressing root maintenance on off-road trails. She advised against unsupervised children using highway bike lanes, suggested improved intersection signage, and requested that tall eucalyptus trees near Nordhoff High School not be cut down. She also proposed a separate off-road trail connection and pressure washing of sidewalks on Highway 150.
- Library Update: Ron Solorzano, Regional Librarian, provided an update on the Ojai Library, noting it is open seven days a week with resumed in-person programs, including the Ukulele Club, Shakespeare Salon, Poetry Series, and a therapy dog reading program. He highlighted the operational Homework Center and the "One County One Book" program featuring Your House Will Pay, and announced the upcoming annual used book sale. Council members asked clarifying questions regarding book donation procedures and the community read title.
- Vaccine Mandates and Passports: Karen Snyder and David Rogi spoke regarding vaccine passports and mandates. They argued against vaccine verification systems, citing civil liberties concerns, potential surveillance, and the creation of a two-tiered society. Snyder requested an ordinance banning vaccine passports and restricting requirements based on vaccination status. Rogi questioned vaccine efficacy regarding transmission, cited data on comorbidities, discussed PCR testing accuracy, and referenced historical legal cases regarding compulsory vaccination. Cindy Jones expressed support for removing emergency items from the consent calendar, arguing the emergency status was no longer necessary.
- Housing: Mona Burtt (via Zoom) commented on the housing element, stating that current definitions of affordable housing remain unaffordable for many low-income residents.
Agenda Item: Consent Calendar
- The Council addressed the Consent Calendar. A motion was made to approve all items except Item I (Coronavirus Emergency Response), which was pulled for separate discussion. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Coronavirus Emergency Response (Item I)
- Item I was discussed separately. Council members expressed concerns regarding the divisiveness of vaccine mandates and the need for open debate on transitioning from a pandemic to an endemic environment. The City Attorney clarified that the City has not imposed a vaccination mandate on employees or the public, though employees were asked to certify their status. The Attorney noted that an ordinance would be required to prohibit private businesses from imposing mandates, but such an ordinance could not be adopted immediately without prior drafting. The Council discussed the utility of the emergency declaration for allowing rapid administrative actions, such as outdoor dining variances, without returning to Council for budget approval. A motion was made to approve the Coronavirus Emergency Response item, seconded, and passed following a roll call vote.
Agenda Item: Adoption of the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update
- Staff presented the third and final version of the Housing Element update, noting the state deadline of October 15. The presentation explained that the General Plan update was delayed due to the pandemic, necessitating a separate timeline. The document included revisions based on previous feedback, such as removing the City Hall site from the affordable housing overlay due to deed restrictions. Staff explained the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process, noting Ojai's allocation of 54 units, with 15 designated for very low-income housing. The Affordable Housing Overlay Zone was described as a mechanism to streamline project approvals meeting specific affordability criteria.
- Public Hearing: The public hearing was opened. Bill Miley supported the revised element and clarified that income eligibility depends on household size. Mona Burtt (via Zoom) reiterated that current affordable housing options remain unaffordable for many. The public hearing was closed.
- Discussion and Vote: Council members discussed the flexibility to amend the element in the future and definitions of income levels. A motion was made to adopt the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update, including revisions in response to the HCD comment letter. The motion was seconded and passed following a roll call vote.
Agenda Item: Housing Element and Community Housing Needs (Additional Public Comment)
- Additional public comment was received regarding the housing crisis. Speakers highlighted concerns that the housing element does not adequately address the aging housing stock, rising home values, and the lack of workforce housing, noting only one single-family dwelling permit was issued in the previous year. Speakers argued that Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and tiny homes on wheels do not constitute affordable housing without specific requirements and suggested rent stabilization and a living wage as necessary solutions. Council members acknowledged the concerns, with one noting that tiny homes were never presented as a complete solution. It was confirmed that the next public workshop regarding the General Plan update is anticipated in January. No formal motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: Adjustment to User Regulatory Fees for Minor Temporary Use Permits
- Staff recommended creating a "Minor Temporary Use Permit" (Minor TUP) category to address feedback that the current $450 base fee and complex application process were barriers for small events. Staff proposed a fixed fee of $225 and a simplified one-page checklist for events not significantly impacting parking or traffic. Council members discussed the fee structure, processing time, and the distinction between events requiring street closures versus those that do not. Concerns were raised regarding the discretionary nature of the new permit and the need for clarity on qualifying events. Following public comment advocating for lower fees and a simplified process, a motion was made to adopt a resolution directing a reduced fee of $100 for minor temporary use permits and instructing staff to develop a one-page expedited application form. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was conducted; one council member abstained, citing a need to review a list of qualifying events. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Ordinance to Create a Two-Year Pilot Program for Tiny House Regulations
- Staff presented an ordinance to establish a two-year pilot program allowing movable tiny homes to be regulated as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The proposal included a limit of 10 tiny homes per year (20 total) and required units to meet specific criteria, including DMV licensing, ANSI standards, Class A roofing for fire hardening, and siting behind the principal dwelling on a permanent foundation. Staff noted that while the ordinance treats tiny homes as ADUs, the city retains the ability to impose numeric limits because state law mandates ADU rights primarily for stick-built units. Council members discussed potential conflicts between state-mandated ADU rights and proposed numeric limits. Legal staff clarified that because movable tiny homes are an option beyond state minimums, the city could lawfully limit their number. Concerns were raised regarding affordability, with one council member arguing the proposal might facilitate gentrification rather than helping low-income residents, suggesting a delay to explore mandatory affordability requirements. Other members supported the pilot program as a necessary step to provide housing options. Public comment included support for the ordinance and suggestions for a cooperative subsidy program. No formal motion was made to adopt the ordinance during this segment.
Agenda Item: Tiny House Pads and Fire Hardening Program
- Discussion centered on a proposal to introduce an ordinance regarding tiny house pads and fire hardening. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of clarity in state law concerning affordability requirements and potential conflicts with ADU regulations. A motion was made to approve the introduction of the ordinance as described in Attachment A. A substitute motion was proposed to table the matter and return it to staff to investigate the viability of imposing affordability requirements and seek clarification from the state Housing and Community Development (HCD) department. Staff noted HCD review could take several months but would be required regardless of immediate passage. The substitute motion to table the item was voted upon first and failed. The main motion to approve the introduction of the ordinance as proposed was then voted upon and passed.
Agenda Item: Downtown Trolley Pilot Program Review
- Staff presented a status report on the downtown trolley pilot program, launched in July 2021 as a no-fee Saturday route. Data indicated initial high ridership declined significantly due to the Delta variant and public hesitation. Some hotels requested to withdraw from the program. Staff recommended pausing the program after October 16, with a modification to extend operations through that date to support Ojai Day at a cost of approximately $1,000, covered by the Ojai Day budget. Public comment supported continuing transit options to address parking challenges, though concerns were raised regarding service frequency and loop duration. Discussion included potential future funding sources, including the Ojai Tourism Enhancement District (OTED), and the possibility of utilizing electric vehicles or coordinating with the Ojai Valley Inn. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation with a modification to extend the program through October 16. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Opposition to Logging and Vegetation Removal in Los Padres National Forest
- The Council considered a request to adopt a formal position opposing proposed logging and vegetation removal projects on Pine Mountain Ridge (including Reyes Peak) and Mount Pinos within the Los Padres National Forest. The proposal argued that projects approved by the Forest Service using a categorical exclusion would damage old-growth forests and chaparral habitats without providing meaningful fire safety benefits. Public comment supported the opposition, citing ecological concerns, the use of legal loopholes to bypass environmental review, and potential increased fire risk. Discussion focused on the strength of the opposition and the potential for the city to participate in legal challenges. A motion was made to adopt a position opposing the projects and to direct the distribution of a letter expressing this opposition. A friendly amendment was proposed and accepted to include language exploring options for joining in judicial opposition. The motion, as amended, was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Council Member Reports
- Council members provided updates on various topics. One member reported a discrepancy between posted speed limit signs and painted road markings on a local roadway, noting contradictory limits of 35 and 40 miles per hour, and shared historical context regarding Maricopa Highway construction and past advocacy for freeway expansion. Another member noted that the Ventura County Transportation Commission voted against endorsing a sales tax initiative for widening Highway 101, citing that simple freeway widening does not effectively address traffic congestion.
Agenda Item: City Manager's Report
- The City Manager announced details for the upcoming Ojai Day event, scheduled for the third Saturday in October from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Libbey Park. The event will feature local vendors and booths, concluding with a movie screening of Coco at 7:00 p.m. at Libbey Bowl, preceded by ghost stories told by local historian Richard Sennett.
Agenda Item: Future Agenda Items
- Discussion occurred regarding the inclusion of affordable housing on a future agenda. A speaker expressed interest in addressing affordable and low-income housing issues, suggesting options such as rent stabilization and living wage considerations. No formal motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon. Discussion also took place regarding the health of the Ojai City campus. A speaker inquired about the timeline for discussing this matter. It was stated that the plan was to include an item at the first meeting in November to discuss programming options. No formal motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon.
- The meeting concluded with no further business.