Meeting Summary
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
Watershed Progressive Update
- Staff presented a grant project for water recharge and resiliency in the Ojai Valley.
- The initiative aims to capture 299 acre-feet of water annually through conservation measures.
- The city issued letters of support with further updates expected in late March or early April.
Mills Act Revision for 420 Tico Road
- Staff recommended revising the agreement to clarify coverage of the entire parcel.
- The revision addresses an interpretation issue raised by the Ventura County Assessor's Office.
- The Council approved the motion to revise the existing agreement.
Mills Act Agreement for The Hummel House
- Staff proposed a new agreement providing tax incentives for a 10-year preservation plan.
- Clarification confirmed the climbing wall is not a contributing element and may be removed.
- The Council adopted a resolution to enter into the new Mills Act agreement.
Pickleball Program and Court Placement
- Staff reported high usage at City Hall courts alongside ongoing noise complaints from residents.
- Debate arose over relocating courts to Libbey Park or Soule Park versus maintaining current sites.
- The Council delegated the issue to the Parks and Recreation Commission for accelerated fact-finding.
Affordable Housing Development Agreement
- Staff presented a proposal to create 65 units, including 25 deed-restricted affordable units.
- Discussion focused on project phasing, rental versus for-sale distinctions, and water conservation.
- The Council referred the proposal to the Planning Commission with a preference for rental units.
City Treasurer Appointment
- Staff reported receiving two applications for the vacant City Treasurer position.
- Nominations were called, and a roll call vote was conducted to select the appointee.
- The Council passed a motion to appoint Steve Olson to the position.
Community-Based Policing
- Discussion highlighted varying stakeholder definitions of community-based policing.
- The goal for the next meeting is to gather specific input on expectations and definitions.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.
Planning Commission Criteria and Parking
- Council members discussed updating secret criteria and addressing excessive parking requirements.
- Concerns were raised about asphalt parking mandates and the relationship with CEQA thresholds.
- It was agreed to prioritize the review of the Planning Commission work plan and local guidelines.
Fire Risk Designation and Studies
- Discussion centered on designating the city as a high-fire area based on scientific study.
- Proposals included utilizing the Fire Safe Council's assessment and modeling resources.
- Staff was directed to prepare a report outlining the costs of conducting a fire science study.
Closed Session
- No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
Presentation: Watershed Progressive Update
- Regina Hirsch of Watershed Progressive presented an update on a multimillion-dollar grant project for water recharge and resiliency in the Ojai Valley. Due to technical difficulties, the presentation utilized a "story map" tool to outline the Land Resilience Partnership, a technical assistance program offering site assessments, design plans, and funding for water conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting, rain gardens, and gray water systems. The presentation noted that widespread adoption of these measures could capture an estimated 299 acre-feet of water annually and provide additional benefits including fire resilience and improved water quality. Staff reported that the city has issued letters of support for implementation funding, with further updates expected in late March or early April. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.
Public Communication
- The Council opened the floor for public comments on items not on the agenda, limiting speakers to two minutes. Brian Akins, representing the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), thanked the Council and announced an upcoming HPC meeting dedicated to the downtown historic district. No other public comments were received.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar. The motion passed.
Item 2: Revision to Mills Act Agreement for Ojai Historic Landmark No. 15 (420 Tico Road)
- Staff recommended revising the existing Mills Act agreement for the property at 420 Tico Road to clarify that the agreement covers the entire parcel, addressing an interpretation issue raised by the Ventura County Assessor's Office regarding a portion of the property excluded in a 2020 reassessment. Staff estimated the fiscal impact at approximately $1,400 per year. During the public hearing, property owner Randy Leavitt confirmed the revision would remove ambiguity, and Brian Akins of the HPC supported the revision, noting the owner's commitment to preservation. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation to revise the agreement. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 3: New Mills Act Agreement for Ojai Historic Landmark No. 29 (The Hummel House, 1105 North Signal Street)
- Staff recommended entering into a new Mills Act agreement for the Hummel House, designated as Historic Landmark No. 29. The agreement provides tax incentives in exchange for a 10-year restoration and preservation plan, with an estimated fiscal impact to the city of approximately $3,453 per year. During the public hearing, Brian Akins (HPC) and property owner Tiffany Rochelle spoke in support of the agreement. Public comment inquired about a climbing wall structure on the property; staff clarified that while the main house and land are landmarked, the climbing wall is not a contributing element and could be removed, though any replacement would require HPC review. Council members sought clarification on the scope of landmarking and oversight mechanisms, which staff confirmed are shared responsibilities between the Community Development Department and the HPC. A motion was made to adopt a resolution entering into the Mills Act agreement. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 4: Pickleball Program Update and Court Placement
- Staff presented a report on the pickleball courts at the City Hall campus, noting high usage alongside ongoing noise complaints from nearby residents. Mitigation measures already implemented include sound fencing and the requirement for "green zone" paddles. Staff discussed potential options for expansion, including utilizing Court 6 at Libbey Park, though concerns were raised regarding the Ojai Tennis Tournament.
- Discussion continued regarding the conflict between the current City Hall courts, the Lower Libby Tennis Courts, and potential future sites such as Soule Park. Representatives of the Ojai Valley Tennis Club argued against moving pickleball to Lower Libby Court 6, citing Resolution 10-18 which designates the complex for tennis, and noting the high costs of converting courts back and forth. Proponents of pickleball argued that the current City Hall courts are insufficient and subject to restrictive hours, advocating for relocation to Lower Libby or a dedicated complex at Soule Park. Residents affected by noise described the impact of the game and supported swapping the City Hall courts for Lower Libby Court 6 to restore the City Hall court to tennis. Council members discussed the need for an interim solution and a long-term permanent home, with some members raising concerns regarding the procedural implications of informal meetings with stakeholders.
- A motion was made to delegate the issue to the Parks and Recreation Commission to gather facts, figures, and public input regarding costs, deed restrictions, and potential relocation options, with a request for the Commission to act on an accelerated basis. The motion was seconded and passed.
Development Agreement for Affordable Housing
- Staff presented a proposal for a development agreement involving four sites: Cottages Among the Flowers, World University, 304 South Montgomery Street, and the Mallory Way Bungalows. The agreement aims to create 65 total housing units, including 25 deed-restricted affordable units (20 moderate income, 5 low income) with a proposed 55-year restriction. The project involves renovating existing structures and new construction, with a commitment to improve a walking and hiking trail. Discussion focused on project phasing, the distinction between rental and for-sale units, and water conservation concerns. A motion was made to refer the proposal to the Planning Commission for further deliberation, with a stipulation expressing a preference that the units be designated as rentals rather than subject to separate title sale, and direction to consider priority for current residents. The motion was seconded and passed.
City Treasurer Vacancy
- Staff reported that two applications were received for the City Treasurer vacancy: one from Steve Olson and one from Jeff Raines. Discussion addressed the appointment process versus holding a special election, noting the position will appear on the November ballot for the remainder of the term. Nominations were called; a nomination for Mr. Raines did not receive a second, while a nomination for Mr. Olson was seconded. A roll call vote was conducted to select between the nominees. The motion to appoint Mr. Olson passed.
Council and Staff Reports
- The Mayor provided a report on the recent Martin Luther King Jr. celebration organized by the Ojai Youth Foundation. The City Manager announced an upcoming virtual community conversation regarding police services, scheduled to feature presentations by the City Manager and Police Chief Rivera. A council member congratulated staff on a recent audit that resulted in no exceptions.
Community-Based Policing
- Discussion focused on the upcoming meeting's emphasis on community-based policing, noting that the term carries varying meanings among stakeholders. The stated goal for the next meeting is to gather input from all participants regarding their specific expectations and definitions. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Planning Commission Criteria and Parking Requirements
- Discussion addressed the need to update secret criteria to align with desired outcomes from planning processes. Concerns were raised regarding current parking requirements, specifically the imposition of asphalt parking adjacent to businesses and the potential for requiring parking capacity within a three- to five-minute walk radius. It was suggested that the Council define parking parameters to avoid excessive requirements. Clarification was sought regarding the relationship between the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and parking mandates; it was acknowledged that CEQA thresholds and parking parameter definitions are distinct issues. It was agreed that the Planning Commission work plan, including local CEQA guidelines, should be prioritized for review. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Fire Risk Designation and Studies
- Discussion centered on the designation of the entire city as a high-fire or high-risk area. It was proposed that such a designation be supported by fire science, specifically through a fire propagation or fire science study, rather than being based solely on preference. The Fire Safe Council's grant-funded citywide assessment and fire modeling were mentioned as relevant resources. It was suggested that a staff report be prepared to outline the costs of conducting such a study and certifying the findings. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Meeting Adjournment
- The meeting was concluded. The Chair thanked the attendees and declared the meeting adjourned. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.