Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Weirick, Francina, Haney
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
Library Operations Update
- The Ojai Valley Library has resumed full seven-day in-person operations with safety protocols.
- New initiatives include a monthly farmer's market storytime, therapy dog program, and outdoor STEAM activities.
- Adult programs such as the Ukulele Club and Poetry Series continue alongside the operational homework center.
Historic Preservation Commission Awards
- The Council ratified four nominees for annual and lifetime achievement awards recognizing preservation efforts.
- Discussion highlighted the need to improve public accessibility to oral history archives currently stored on drives.
- The awards honor contributions to oral history, historic property preservation, and the Ojai Walking Tour.
Local Health Emergency Declaration Extension
- The Council approved extending the local health emergency declaration to maintain eligibility for state and federal funding.
- Staff clarified that the declaration enables rapid response to health orders and supports specific programs like outdoor dining.
- Members agreed the emergency status remains warranted despite high vaccination rates and the transition to endemic status.
Cannabis Regulations Review
- Operating hours for dispensaries were extended from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- The issue of creating an East End Overlay Zone was referred to the Planning Commission for deliberation.
- On-site consumption lounges were referred to the Planning Commission with a stipulation to examine monitoring legality.
- Indoor-only cultivation standards were referred to the Planning Commission for further review and code amendments.
Fire Hazard Reduction and Vegetation Management
- Staff was directed to propose a monthly abatement program starting April 1 to address year-round fire risks.
- The matter was referred to the Planning Commission to review standards while focusing on fire safety rather than general landscaping.
- Discussion included suggestions for tiered enforcement, extended notification periods, and drone surveys for large properties.
Integrated Waste Management Ordinance (SB 1383)
- The Council introduced an ordinance to comply with state mandates for organic waste diversion by January 1, 2022.
- Staff clarified that immediate compliance requires compostable or paper bags to prevent green waste contamination.
- Adoption of the ordinance is scheduled for the next council meeting in December.
Food Waste and Single-Use Plastics Ordinance
- The first reading of the ordinance was introduced with a second reading scheduled for December 14.
- Staff confirmed a one-year education period and biannual progress checks by CalRecycle are included.
- Discussion focused on enforcement mechanisms, exemption thresholds, and the need for community buy-in.
New California Housing Laws (SB 8, 9, and 10)
- Staff was directed to prepare an urgency ordinance to establish local objective standards before the state laws take effect.
- Discussion covered SB 9's allowance for lot splits and the lack of state funding for resulting infrastructure impacts.
- Public comment expressed concern over the loss of local control and potential impacts on community character.
Council Member Reports and Future Agenda Items
- Staff agreed to schedule a future report on options for taxing or regulating unoccupied homes.
- The Mayor requested six-month progress reports from nonprofits that received funding in the June budget.
- A council member requested a report on the creation and code basis of the Fire Safe Council.
Discussion on Council Procedures and the Disaster Council
- A proposal was made to streamline the Disaster Council process by removing a step requiring reconvening for expenditure discussions.
- No formal motion was moved or voted upon regarding the procedural change during this meeting.
- The discussion concluded with the Mayor adjourning the meeting.
Full summary
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
- The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stix. A roll call confirmed the presence of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Councilmembers. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by a staff member.
Approval of Agenda
- A motion was made to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded and passed.
Commission Reports
- No commission reports were presented.
Public Communications
- Ron Solorzano, Regional Librarian for the Ojai Valley Library, provided an update on library operations. He reported that the library is operating on a full seven-day schedule with in-person programming returning, subject to state and county COVID-19 safety guidelines, including face coverings. New initiatives include a monthly storytime program at the Ojai Community Farmer's Market (resuming in December), an online fall reading challenge, a therapy dog program, outdoor STEAM activities, and mobile library storytimes. Adult programs such as the Ukulele Club, Shakespeare Salon, and Poetry Series continue, and the homework center is operational.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made to approve all items on the consent calendar except for Items F and L, which were pulled for discussion. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item F: Historic Preservation Commission Awards
- The Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) presented comments regarding four nominees for annual and lifetime achievement awards: Claire Hill, Dwayne Bauer, Alan Raines, and Cricket Twitchell. The awards recognize contributions to oral history, historic property preservation (including vehicles and carriages), and the development of the Ojai Walking Tour. A discussion ensued regarding the archival location of oral history interviews, currently stored on drives and Dropbox accounts managed by the museum. Councilmembers expressed interest in making these archives more accessible to the public. A motion was made to ratify the HPC's recommendations for the awards. The motion was seconded, and a roll call vote resulted in the motion passing.
Item L: Extension of Local Health Emergency Declaration
- Public comment was received regarding the transition from pandemic to endemic status and the criteria for ending the local emergency declaration. Speakers questioned the necessity of the declaration given high vaccination rates and asked if the declaration was mandatory to secure funding. Staff responded that the emergency declaration is recommended for three primary reasons: eligibility for federal and state funding for emergency-related expenses, the ability to respond quickly to potential state or county health orders, and the maintenance of specific programs like outdoor dining and recreation that rely on emergency powers. Staff clarified that while funding is tied to the emergency status, the specific language of the resolution could be modified in the future. Councilmembers discussed the definition of "endemic" and current case numbers, noting that the situation remains unmanageable and that the emergency status is still warranted. A motion was made to approve the extension of the local health emergency declaration. The motion was seconded, and a roll call vote resulted in the motion passing.
Public Comment on Roads and Nuisance
- Two public comments were addressed prior to the next agenda item. 1. Road Conditions: A resident complained about the condition of city roads and the allocation of gas tax revenue. Staff responded that a pavement management plan is being finalized with paving scheduled for early 2022. Staff clarified that gas tax revenue accounts for approximately 10% of the paving budget, with the remainder coming from internal city budgeting. 2. Unpermitted Events: A property owner reported unpermitted, large-scale events held by a tenant on their property, citing safety concerns. The owner requested a letter from the city acknowledging the issue and directing code enforcement to stop a scheduled event. The City Attorney advised the Council to refrain from commenting on the matter, noting it involves subjective review by code enforcement and potential litigation between private parties.
Cannabis Regulations Review
- Staff presented a report reviewing current cannabis regulations and identifying options for potential changes based on previous Council direction. The report outlined four main areas of inquiry: dispensary hours, zoning expansion, on-site consumption, and indoor nurseries. Public comment was received regarding concerns over real estate impacts, school buffer zones, and the desire to see business proposals before making decisions.
- Operating Hours: A motion was made to extend operating hours from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.
- Location/Overlay Zone: Discussion addressed the appropriateness of the current M1 MPD zone for retail cannabis businesses versus creating an overlay zone in the east end of town. A motion was made to refer the issue of an East End Overlay Zone to the Planning Commission for deliberation. The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.
- On-Site Consumption: Discussion covered the lack of testing capabilities for THC impairment, the need for established deterrents, and the potential for increased traffic and tourism. A motion was made to refer the issue of on-site consumption lounges to the Planning Commission for consideration, with a stipulation that the Commission examine the legality of monitoring consumption. The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.
- Cultivation: Staff presented a recommendation for indoor-only cultivation, noting that outdoor cultivation is currently unlawful within the city. Discussion included the need for code amendments regarding plant size limits, mature plant management, security, odor control, and utility usage. A motion was made to refer the issue of indoor-only cultivation to the Planning Commission for deliberation. The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.
Fire Hazard Reduction, Vegetation Management Standards, and Enforcement Options
- Staff presented a report on utilizing existing city code sections to enforce fire hazard reduction, specifically targeting overgrown weeds, dead leaves on roofs/gutters, and piles of flammable materials. Staff recommended moving the start of the abatement program from April 30 to April 1 to reflect year-round fire seasons and implementing an educational outreach campaign prior to that date. Discussion included suggestions to extend the notification period, implement a tiered enforcement mechanism, and consider drone surveys for large properties. Concerns were raised regarding the ability to inspect private properties and the need for budget allocation for enforcement and potential assistance programs. A motion was made to direct staff to propose a monthly program within existing ordinances and to refer the matter to the Planning Commission for review of fire hazard reduction standards, ensuring the focus remains on fire safety rather than general landscape ordinances. The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.
Introduction of Ordinance Amending Integrated Waste Management (SB 1383)
- Staff presented an ordinance required by state law (SB 1383) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills. The ordinance mandates compliance by January 1, 2022. Key requirements include annual education and outreach, providing access to organics collection, contamination monitoring, waste audits, and city procurement of renewable fuels, compost, mulch, and recycled content products. Staff noted that while the ordinance adoption has no immediate budget impact, future program costs are unfunded. Discussion focused on the implementation of food waste collection, specifically the use of plastic bags versus reusable pails. Staff clarified that while reusable pails are being ordered for a voluntary program, the immediate requirement involves using compostable or paper bags to prevent contamination of green waste. Questions were raised regarding compliance for schools and hospitals. The Council proceeded with the introduction of the ordinance, with adoption scheduled for the next council meeting in December. No vote was taken on the final adoption in this segment; the item was introduced for the record.
Food Waste and Single-Use Plastics Ordinance
- Discussion focused on the implementation of state-mandated food waste diversion and single-use plastic reduction measures. Staff presented options for processing commercial green waste, including centralized facilities and decentralized local processing integrated with solar microgrids. Regarding single-use plastics, staff confirmed a pilot program is underway to reduce usage, though challenges remain regarding resident compliance and existing hardship clauses in the ordinance that allow exemptions based on cost. Council members discussed the need to review the ordinance's enforcement mechanisms and the low cost thresholds for exemptions. Council members emphasized the importance of an educational component to ensure community buy-in. Staff confirmed the ordinance includes a one-year education period and that CalRecycle will conduct biannual progress checks. A motion was made to introduce the first reading of the ordinance and direct staff to schedule a second reading on December 14. The motion was seconded and passed.
New California Housing Laws (Senate Bills 8, 9, and 10)
- Staff presented an overview of Senate Bills 8, 9, and 10, which address housing shortages and take effect on January 1. SB 8 extends the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 through 2030. SB 9 allows for lot splits and the creation of up to four residential units on single-family lots by right, provided specific criteria are met. SB 10 is an optional program allowing upzoning in transit-rich areas, which staff noted does not currently apply to Ojai. Discussion covered the implications of SB 9, including the requirement for owners to occupy one unit for three years, the lack of state funding for infrastructure impacts, and the city's limited ability to regulate. Exceptions for historic districts and mandatory homeowners associations (HOAs) were discussed. Public comment expressed concern over the loss of local control to the state, potential impacts on community character, and traffic congestion. Council members debated the necessity of an urgency ordinance to establish local objective standards before the state law takes effect. A motion was made to direct staff to prepare an urgency ordinance to address the new state housing laws. The motion was seconded and passed.
Council Member Reports and Future Agenda Items
- Council members provided reports on various topics. One member expressed support for staff to strictly enforce permitting and land use regulations, particularly regarding special events. Another member requested a future report on options for taxing or regulating unoccupied homes. This request was seconded, and staff agreed to schedule a future agenda item to explore regulatory options. Staff announced an upcoming Planning Commission meeting on November 17 to review the school district's Chaparral project proposal and confirmed that comments regarding Ventura County supervisor redistricting had been submitted. The Mayor requested six-month progress reports from nonprofits that received funding in the June budget adoption. Staff agreed to contact the designated organizations. A council member requested a report on the creation and code basis of the Fire Safe Council.
Discussion on Council Procedures and the Disaster Council
- A council member proposed a review of existing codes regarding the Disaster Council to potentially remove a procedural step requiring the council to reconvene specifically to discuss expenditures or the use of city manager time. The speaker argued that eliminating this layer would expedite the process and ensure all council members receive information directly. Another council member expressed uncertainty regarding the specific issue and stated that the current Disaster Council structure was acceptable. The first speaker clarified that the intent was to streamline the flow of information directly to the full council. No formal motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon regarding this proposal. The Mayor concluded the discussion and adjourned the meeting.