City Council — 2022-03-08

Arts Commission Composition

• Discussion concluded regarding the composition of the Arts Commission.
• A motion passed to direct staff to prepare an ordinance amending relevant code sections.
• The amendment aims to facilitate focused deliberation on the commission structure.

Bicycle and Skateboard Use in the Arcade

• Staff recommended enhanced foot patrols and education outreach over immediate fines or confiscation.
• Public comment highlighted safety concerns for pedestrians and suggested infrastructure improvements.
• Staff confirmed they will proceed with the recommended patrols and outreach immediately.

Social Media Policy and Platform Expansion

• Staff proposed adopting a social media policy and expanding communication to Twitter and Nextdoor.
• Council discussion addressed liability concerns regarding comment moderation and emergency communications utility.
• The motion to adopt the policy and authorize the new platforms passed.

Closed Session

• The meeting adjourned to a closed session following the public agenda.
• The Council entered the private session to initiate litigation discussions.

• The Ojai City Council meeting continued with discussions and actions on several agenda items.

Arts Commission Composition

• Discussion concluded regarding the composition of the Arts Commission. A motion was made to direct staff to prepare an ordinance to amend the relevant code sections for the purpose of focused deliberation. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote resulted in the motion passing.

Bicycle and Skateboard Use in the Arcade (Item 5)

• Staff and the Police Chief presented options to enhance pedestrian safety regarding bicycle and skateboard use in the downtown arcade. Current code prohibits riding in the arcade with penalties ranging from $50 to $250, though enforcement has been minimal. Staff recommended beginning with education, outreach, and increased foot patrols by police and code enforcement, rather than immediate confiscation or increased fines.
• Public comment was received, with concerns raised regarding safety for pedestrians, particularly store owners and older customers. Suggestions included focusing patrols on peak times (e.g., after school), utilizing peer-to-peer education through schools, improving signage wording, and considering infrastructure changes to make downtown safer for cyclists in the long term. Council discussion covered the balance between enforcement, education, and root causes such as infrastructure and parking availability.
• No formal motion was called on this item. Staff and the Police Chief confirmed they would proceed with the recommended foot patrols and education outreach immediately, with other enforcement options to be considered if necessary.

Social Media Policy and Platform Expansion (Item 6)

• Staff presented a proposal to adopt a social media policy and expand city communication to include Twitter and Nextdoor, in addition to the existing Facebook page. The policy outlines staff conduct and comment moderation guidelines. Council discussion focused on the liability of comment moderation and the utility of the platforms for emergency communications and targeted neighborhood outreach.
• A motion was made to adopt the social media policy and authorize the use of Twitter and Nextdoor. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote resulted in the motion passing.

Council Member Reports and Future Agenda Items

• Council members provided reports on various topics, including a decline in state cannabis sales, the upcoming retirement of the Air Pollution Control District Director, and the hiring of a new Gold Coast Transit Director.
• Future agenda items were discussed, including a request regarding a trolley service and a safety review of the El Paseo intersection following a reported accident. Staff indicated they would share accident data with the Council and consider the trolley request for a future agenda.
• The meeting adjourned to a closed session to initiate litigation discussions.