Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Haney, Blatz, Francina, Weirick
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
Proclamation in Support of Ukraine
- The Council received a proclamation condemning military aggression against Ukraine.
- The Mayor read the proclamation affirming the city's status as an International City of Peace.
- It was agreed to distribute the proclamation to Ventura County cities and Ukrainian contacts.
Resolution to Invoke AB 361 (Hybrid Meetings)
- The Council discussed a resolution allowing hybrid meetings based on social distancing findings.
- Staff noted the resolution simplifies logistical processes for remote attendance.
- The resolution invoking AB 361 was adopted unanimously.
Redistricting Public Hearing (Draft Maps)
- Staff presented three draft maps with varying approaches to community boundaries and sequencing.
- Council members evaluated criteria including compactness and community of interest.
- Draft Map D with new sequencing was selected and adopted unanimously.
Evacuation Plan Development
- Staff reported consensus to create a streamlined evacuation plan modeled after Malibu.
- Council members suggested expanding stakeholders to include the hospital, schools, and media.
- Staff was authorized to develop the plan incorporating feedback on drills and notification systems.
Arts Commission Composition
- The Council discussed a proposal to consolidate the Arts Commission to a five-member body.
- Public comment highlighted the need for sufficient size to handle workloads and represent demographics.
- Staff was directed to prepare an ordinance for future debate on commission composition.
Bicycle and Skateboard Use in the Arcade
- Staff recommended education and outreach over immediate fines to address code violations.
- The Police Chief outlined plans for two-person foot patrols to engage with riders.
- Council members discussed root causes and suggested positive signage and public service videos.
Social Media Policy Adoption and Platform Expansion
- Staff presented a policy outlining guidelines for employee use and legal compliance.
- Discussion addressed protections for employees and the ramifications of content removal.
- The policy was adopted, authorizing city accounts on Twitter and Nextdoor.
Council Member Reports and Future Agenda Items
- Members reported on cannabis sales trends, upcoming retirements, and volunteer events.
- The City Manager outlined future agenda items including reach code reviews and Ojai Day.
- Staff agreed to share data regarding the El Paseo intersection configuration decision.
Public Comment on Traffic Safety and Accidents
- Discussion covered traffic safety data and specific accident locations on the 150 corridor.
- A specific incident involving a cyclist at the Kenyatta and El Paseo intersection was noted.
- No formal motions were made or voted upon during this segment.
Closed Session
- The meeting adjourned to a closed session regarding the initiation of litigation.
- No report-out was provided following the closed session.
Full summary
Call to Order and Opening Remarks
- The meeting was called to order with a quorum present. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence was observed to honor those lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mayor recognized International Women's Day with the theme "Break the Bias."
Approval of Agenda
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the meeting agenda. The motion passed unanimously.
Proclamation in Support of Ukraine
- The Council received a presentation regarding a proclamation affirming support for the people of Ukraine, highlighting the city's status as an International City of Peace and a Nuclear-Free Zone. The Mayor read the proclamation, which condemned military aggression against Ukraine. No vote was required. It was agreed that the proclamation would be distributed to other cities in Ventura County and relevant Ukrainian contacts.
Public Communications
- Public comment was opened for items not on the agenda. A representative from the Ventura County Library provided an update on the Ojai Library's return to full seven-day service and the resumption of in-person programs. A member of the public requested clarification on whether future virtual meetings would be held in conjunction with public meetings or as a replacement.
Consent Calendar
- The Council reviewed the consent calendar. Item H was pulled for separate discussion. A motion was made and seconded to approve all remaining consent calendar items (A through G and I). The motion passed unanimously.
Resolution to Invoke AB 361 (Hybrid Meetings)
- The Council discussed Item H, a resolution to invoke provisions of Assembly Bill 361 to allow for hybrid meetings. Discussion focused on legal requirements, clarifying that the resolution allows remote participation based on a finding that local officials have recommended social distancing measures, without requiring a finding of "imminent risk." Staff noted the resolution simplifies logistical processes for remote attendance. A motion was made to adopt the resolution invoking AB 361 based on the social distancing finding. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Redistricting Public Hearing (Draft Maps)
- The Council held a public hearing to receive input on three draft redistricting maps (Draft Maps B, C, and D) and to select a final map. Staff and a representative from Redistricting Partners presented the maps, describing Draft Map B as a "minimum change" option and Maps C and D as options designed to keep the Ventura Mesa Unit intact. Staff also presented sequencing options, recommending a "new" sequencing approach for Maps C and D. No public comment was received during the hearing. Council members discussed criteria including compactness, community of interest, and population deviation, reaching a consensus that Draft Map D offered the best balance. A motion was made to adopt Draft Map D with the new sequencing proposed by the City Attorney. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Evacuation Plan Development
- The Council discussed the development of a new Ojai Evacuation Plan. Staff reported that consensus had been reached among key partners to proceed with a streamlined plan modeled after the City of Malibu's document, distinct from the existing Emergency Operations Plan. Council members suggested expanding the list of stakeholders to include the community hospital, private schools, the Ojai Valley News, and the MAC Disaster Council. Members also emphasized addressing multiple emergency types and the importance of drills and notification systems. A motion was made to authorize staff to develop an evacuation and area refuge plan incorporating Council feedback. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Arts Commission Composition
- The Council discussed a request to consider modifications to the city code regarding the Arts Commission composition, specifically a proposal to consolidate the commission to a five-member body. It was clarified that the agenda item was to prepare an ordinance for future debate rather than to pass it immediately. Public comment was provided regarding the need for sufficient commission sizes to handle workloads and represent various demographics and art modalities. Council members discussed the rationale for reducing membership, the potential impact on subcommittees, and the ability of commissions to form ad hoc committees. A motion was made to direct staff to prepare an ordinance to amend code sections regarding commission composition for the purpose of focused deliberation. The motion was seconded and passed.
Bicycle and Skateboard Use in the Arcade
- Staff presented options to encourage compliance with city codes regarding bicycle and skateboard use in the downtown arcade to enhance pedestrian safety. Staff noted that while the code prohibits these activities with escalating fines, enforcement has been minimal. Staff recommended immediate implementation of education and outreach, including increased foot patrols, updated signage, and coordination with schools. The Police Chief stated plans to implement two-person foot patrols to engage with the community and educate riders rather than immediately issuing fines or confiscating equipment. Public commenters supported increased enforcement and education, with suggestions to involve the Park and Recreation Department and the school district. Council members discussed root causes, including the lack of safe infrastructure and the need for education starting at home and in schools. Suggestions included changing signage to positive instructions, patrolling on bicycles, and creating a public service video. No formal motion was made regarding specific enforcement options. Staff and the Police Chief indicated they would proceed with the recommended education and outreach plan unless directed otherwise.
Social Media Policy Adoption and Platform Expansion
- Staff presented a proposal to adopt a social media policy and expand the city's presence to include Twitter and Nextdoor. The proposed policy outlines guidelines for staff use, including prohibitions on posting personal opinions and requirements to comply with laws such as the Brown Act. Discussion addressed protections for city employees against hostile comments and the legal ramifications of removing content. A motion was made to adopt the social media policy and authorize the use of city accounts on Twitter and Nextdoor. The motion was seconded and passed.
Council Member Reports and Future Agenda Items
- Council members provided reports on various topics, including a decline in legal cannabis sales, the upcoming retirement of the Air Pollution Control District director, and volunteer cleanup events. The City Manager outlined the agenda for the next meeting, which includes a six-month review of reach codes and a plan for Ojai Day. Regarding future items, the hiring of a new director for Gold Coast Transit was noted. A request was made to consider a trolley proposal and to provide information on the decision-making process regarding the one-way configuration of the El Paseo intersection. Staff agreed to share relevant data and emails regarding the intersection with the Council.
Public Comment on Traffic Safety and Accidents
- Discussion occurred regarding traffic safety data and specific accident locations, including a 2019 report on the 150 corridor and a specific incident involving a cyclist at the intersection of Kenyatta, El Paseo, and Ojai Avenue. No formal motions were made, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.
Adjournment to Closed Session
- The meeting was adjourned to a closed session regarding the initiation of litigation. No report-out was provided, and no motions were made, seconded, or voted upon regarding the adjournment.