Meeting Summary
Present: Blatz, Francina, Haney, Stix
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
Historic Preservation Commission Report
- The Commission reported on a special meeting regarding the El Roblar Hotel project options.
- Individual recommendations were provided to the Planning Commission without a formal motion.
- The report was received and filed by the Council.
2022-2023 General Fund Budget Forecast
- Staff presented a forecast showing a projected $40,000 deficit due to inflation and rising costs.
- Discussion covered revenue sources, reserve levels, and reductions in community funding.
- The Council received and filed the report for further review at a subsequent meeting.
Gas-Powered Landscape Equipment Ordinance Update
- Staff noted 90% compliance with the current prohibition and discussed enforcement challenges.
- Recommendations included tightening language to cover small chainsaws and clarifying owner liability.
- The Council approved text amendments to the ordinance regarding enforcement and responsibility.
Rotary Park Emergency Message Board
- Public feedback indicated strong opposition to a permanent board in favor of a portable solution.
- Staff recommended purchasing a portable radar trailer with variable messaging capabilities.
- The Council authorized the purchase and allocated additional Measure C funds to cover the cost.
Sarzotti/Sarasota Multipurpose Sports Courts
- Project costs increased to $492,000 due to supply chain disruptions and inflation.
- A funding gap of approximately $156,000 remains after accounting for grants and city matches.
- The Council approved using Measure C funds to cover the shortfall and proceed immediately.
Ojai Community Farmers Market Donation
- A request was made to donate $2,600 from the reserve fund for an Earth Day celebration.
- Public comment included both support for the event and concerns regarding city reserves.
- The Council approved the motion to authorize the donation.
Closed Session
- The Council reported on a prior closed session regarding Ventura water litigation.
- A unanimous decision was made to request joining the Upper Ventura River Groundwater Agency.
- This action was recorded for the official meeting record.
Full summary
Agenda Item 1: Approval of the Agenda
- A motion was made to approve the agenda, which was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 2: Commission Reports
- A report was received from the Historic Preservation Commission regarding the El Roblar Hotel project. The Commission Chair reported that a special meeting was held to discuss project options and provide individual recommendations to the Planning Commission, though no formal motion was made by the Commission. The report was received and filed.
Agenda Item 3: Consent Calendar
- The Consent Calendar, containing items A through H, was presented. A motion was made to approve the items, which was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 4: 2022-2023 General Fund Budget Forecast
- Staff presented the budget forecast, outlining projected revenues of $13.1 million and expenditures of $13.14 million, resulting in a projected deficit of approximately $40,000. Discussion focused on revenue projections, including sales tax, tourism-related taxes (Transient Occupancy Tax), and cannabis tax, as well as expenditure increases related to inflation, insurance, staffing, deferred maintenance, and retiree medical costs. Council members inquired about the composition of "other tax revenues," the increase in plan check fees, inflation calculation methodologies, reserve fund levels, and the reduction in community funding. Public comment was received regarding community funding reductions and potential sales tax increases. A motion was made to receive and file the budget forecast report, which was seconded. The motion passed. The item was designated for further review at a subsequent meeting.
Agenda Item 5: Gas-Powered Landscape Equipment Prohibition Review and Update
- Staff presented a review of the ordinance prohibiting gas-powered landscape equipment, noting approximately 90% compliance and 138 citations issued with only three repeat offenses. Discussion centered on enforcement mechanisms, including the effectiveness of the hotline, verification methods, and holding property owners responsible for violations committed by hired gardeners. Suggestions were made to tighten ordinance language to include chainsaws with bars less than 16 inches and to consider Saturday work permits for tree services. Public comment was received regarding persistent violations and the need to explicitly hold property owners responsible. A motion was made to approve staff recommendations regarding the ordinance update, which included text amendments to clarify owner responsibility and enforcement procedures. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item 6: Public Feedback Summary on Proposed Permanent Electronic Emergency Message Board at Rotary Park
- Staff presented a summary of public feedback regarding a proposed permanent electronic message board. Survey results indicated significant opposition to a permanent board, with a majority supporting a portable trailer for emergency use only. Staff recommended purchasing a portable speed monitoring radar trailer with variable messaging capabilities for $22,000, requesting authorization to allocate an additional $14,300 from Measure C funds to cover the cost. Council members discussed the utility of the portable sign. A motion was made to authorize the purchase of the portable message board and allocate the necessary funding. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item 7: Sarzotti/Sarasota Multipurpose Sports Courts (Basketball and Futsal)
- Staff presented information regarding the construction of multipurpose sports courts at Sarzotti/Sarasota Park, funded by Measure C. The project cost estimate increased from $328,000 to $492,000 due to supply chain disruptions and inflation. With existing grants totaling $309,000 and a $25,000 city match, a funding gap of approximately $156,000 remained. Staff recommended proceeding immediately using Measure C funds to cover the deficit to prevent further cost increases. Discussion included the timeline for repayment of Measure C funds and the project's priority status. A motion was made to proceed with the project using Measure C funding to cover the shortfall. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item 8: Donation to Ojai Community Farmers Market for Earth Day Celebration
- A request was presented to donate $2,600 from the reserve fund to support an Earth Day celebration at the Ojai Community Farmers Market. Public comment was received both supporting the donation and expressing concern regarding the city's financial reserves. A motion was made to approve the $2,600 donation, which was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 9: Council Member Reports and City Manager's Report
- Council members provided reports on various topics, including a visioning session with the Ventura County Transportation Commission and a traffic accident near the ATP project site. The City Manager's report addressed insurance rate increases and actuarial data. No formal motions were taken on these reports.
Agenda Item 10: Closed Session Report (March 28, 2022)
- A report was provided regarding the closed session held on March 28, 2022, concerning Ventura water litigation. The Council had unanimously decided to move forward with a request to join the Upper Ventura River Groundwater Agency. This action was reported to the Council for the record.
Additional Discussion Items
- Council members discussed a bid of $30,000 to relocate a trash can enclosure at the southern entrance of Sarasota Park. The discussion focused on the logistics of moving the block wall and the necessity of the project. No formal motion or vote was recorded for this item. Staff also outlined the agenda for the upcoming meeting, which will include a second budget workshop, a crime statistics report, and an Arts Commission presentation. No motions were made regarding the upcoming agenda.