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
Agenda Approval and Reordering
- A motion to move the valet parking item earlier in the agenda failed to receive a second.
- The Council voted to approve the first five agenda items and table the valet parking item.
- Discussion focused on balancing public interest with the ongoing Planning Commission process.
Ojai Reach Codes Ordinance Review
- Staff reported on the six-month review of the all-electric construction mandate and proposed exemption removals.
- Public comment highlighted debates between emission reduction benefits and grid reliability concerns.
- A motion to remove all exemptions from the ordinance failed after extensive Council debate.
- The Council passed a motion to form an ad hoc group to review the issue and report back within two months.
Off-Site Valet Parking
- The Mayor solicited public comment on the lack of an ordinance regulating off-site valet parking.
- Council members expressed concern that discussing the topic could compromise a pending Planning Commission application.
- No formal action was taken, and the Council noted that no decision would be made that evening.
Arts Commission Restructuring
- Staff presented a proposal to reduce commission membership from seven to five with a rotating appointment process.
- The change was requested by the commission leadership to address current vacancies and streamline operations.
- The Council passed a motion to introduce the ordinance amending the Arts Commission structure.
Grant Writing Services Contract
- Staff recommended a one-year agreement with California Consultants for grant writing and administration.
- The contract is estimated at $49,000 annually and will be funded through vacancy savings.
- The Council passed a motion authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement.
SCAG Conference Voting Delegate
- Staff proposed designating a voting delegate for the Southern California Association of Governments conference.
- Discussion focused on selecting a member already traveling to the region to minimize costs.
- The Council passed a motion designating Council Member Blatz as the voting delegate.
Council and City Manager Reports
- The City Manager announced Ojai's second consecutive designation as a Tree City USA.
- Staff reported over 1,000 landscaping violation reports with a high compliance rate.
- Updates were provided on the budget process timeline and the affordable housing development agreement.
Future Agenda Items
- Several topics were proposed for future study, including water diversion and emergency siren systems.
- The Council discussed the feasibility of reviewing electrified equipment ordinances and intersection closures.
- Staff noted that some items require further alignment with existing processes before action.
Closed Session
- No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Approval of Agenda and Reordering of Items
- The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. A motion was made to move Item 6 (regarding valet parking) from the end of the agenda to Item 3 to accommodate public speakers; this motion did not receive a second. A subsequent motion was made to approve Items 1 through 5 and table Item 6. This motion was seconded. Following discussion regarding the appropriateness of removing an item with significant public interest versus allowing the Planning Commission process to continue, the Council voted. The motion to approve Items 1 through 5 and table Item 6 passed.
Agenda Item: Public Comment (General)
- Public comment was held on various topics. Regarding the tabled valet parking issue, numerous speakers expressed opposition to off-site valet parking, citing traffic, congestion, and neighborhood impacts, while one speaker representing the El Roblar Hotel argued for its necessity for economic viability. A Planning Commission member cautioned against discussing specific applications during public comment. Other topics included requests to stop renewing the state of emergency declaration, a review of the 25 mph speed limit, climate change and energy concerns (including wind energy and greenhouse gas emissions), restructuring the Planning Commission to include youth representation, and enforcement of the electric lawn and garden equipment ordinance. Additional comments addressed City Hall decor, gentrification, and housing supply.
Agenda Item: Consent Calendar
- A motion was made to approve all items on the Consent Calendar (Items 1A through 1M). The motion was seconded and passed following a roll call vote.
Agenda Item: Review of Ojai Reach Codes Ordinance (All-Electric Construction)
- Staff presented a six-month review of the Reach Codes ordinance, which requires electric vehicle connections and prohibits gas stoves/heating in new construction. Staff reported that since adoption, one single-family residence and five ADUs had been approved, with some ADUs voluntarily electrified. Public comment was received on the review and proposed removal of nine exemptions. Speakers in favor of removing exemptions cited cost-effectiveness, emission reductions, and indoor air quality benefits, while speakers opposing removal raised concerns regarding grid reliability, consumer choice, costs for older electrical panels, and the need for backup energy sources.
- The Mayor moved to remove all exemptions from the Reach Code. The motion was seconded for discussion. Following a point of order regarding the need for discussion prior to a vote, the Council debated the specific exemptions, including those for temporary buildings, ADUs, affordable housing, emergency generators, PACE program participation, pre-2021 projects, remodels, restaurants, and pool heaters. Council members discussed the necessity of mandates versus voluntary adoption, public health responsibilities, and the potential for a more comprehensive strategy including incentives. The motion to remove all exemptions failed.
- Subsequently, a motion was made to form an ad hoc group consisting of two council members, two members of the former Climate Emergency Committee, the City Manager, and the City Attorney. The group was tasked with reviewing points raised during the meeting and returning a report within two months. The motion was seconded and passed. The Council began the process of appointing the two council members to the committee prior to a recess.
Agenda Item: Off-Site Valet Parking
- The Mayor placed an item on the agenda to solicit public comment regarding the potential allowance of off-site valet parking, noting the lack of a current ordinance regulating the practice. Council members expressed concern that discussing the item at the Council level while a specific application was under consideration by the Planning Commission could compromise the integrity of that process. The Council did not take action on the item, and it was noted that no decision would be made that evening.
Agenda Item: Arts Commission Restructuring
- Staff presented a proposal to modify the Arts Commission ordinance, reducing membership from seven to five and implementing a rotating appointment process where each council member appoints one member. Staff noted the commission currently has five members with two vacancies and that the change was requested by the commission chair and vice-chair. Public comment was received. A motion was made to introduce the ordinance amending Title 4 of the Ojai Municipal Code to restructure the Arts Commission. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Grant Writing and Administration Services Contract
- Staff presented a proposal for a one-year services agreement with California Consultants for grant writing, management, and administration, recommended at a cost of $49,000 per year, funded by vacancy savings. Discussion addressed potential conflicts of interest, with staff noting a needs assessment would target grants specific to Ojai's priorities. A motion was made to authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement for an amount not to exceed $49,000 per year. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Designation of Voting Delegate for SCAG Conference
- Staff presented an item to designate a voting delegate for the 2022 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Conference. Discussion focused on selecting a member already traveling to the area to minimize travel. A motion was made to designate Council Member Blatz as the voting delegate. The motion was seconded and passed.
Council and City Manager Reports
- The City Manager announced the City of Ojai's designation as a Tree City USA for the second consecutive year and noted an upcoming Arbor Day celebration. The budget process was scheduled to begin at the next meeting. Regarding the development agreement with affordable housing components, staff indicated internal issues were being resolved with a return to the public process expected in May. Staff reported over 1,000 reports received via the landscaping violation app, with a high rate of compliance.
Future Agenda Items
- Several items were proposed for future consideration: increasing water diversion from the Ventura River, implementing a siren system for emergency awareness, holding a joint session with the School Board, reviewing the electrified maintenance equipment ordinance to include chainsaws, studying the El Paseo intersection closure, and funding an Earth Day event. Staff and Council discussed the feasibility and timing of these items, noting some require further study or alignment with existing processes.
Public Comment and Adjournment
- A member of the public addressed the board regarding city litigation and the need to reprioritize water infrastructure, specifically capturing water at the confluence of San Antonio Creek and Thatcher Creek. A board member responded by agreeing with the points and emphasizing conservation. No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during this segment. The meeting was adjourned.