City Council — 2022-04-12

Meeting Summary

Present: Blatz, Francina, Haney, Stix

This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.

Staff projected revenue increases from fees against rising insurance and staffing costs.
Council discussed financial health, reserve usage, and Measure C funding allocation.
The motion to receive and file the budget forecast report passed.

Data showed high compliance with the ordinance while staff recommended banning small battery chainsaws.
Members discussed enforcement funding, fine structures, and property owner responsibilities.
Staff was directed to return with text amendment options regarding fines and restrictions.

Public feedback favored a portable radar trailer over a permanent structure at Rotary Park.
Staff recommended purchasing the portable option for approximately $22,000.
The motion to approve the purchase and related funding adjustments passed.

Construction costs increased by $150,000 due to supply chain disruptions leaving a funding gap.
Staff recommended using Measure C funding to proceed immediately while pursuing additional grants.
The motion to approve the funding plan to move forward with the project passed.

A request was made for a $2,600 reserve fund donation to the Ojai Community Farmers Market.
Council discussed the educational value of the event despite resident concern over budget constraints.
The motion to approve the donation passed.

Staff presented the budget forecast for the upcoming fiscal year. Revenue projections showed a significant increase in business license fees, attributed to improved collection efforts rather than new business growth, and plan check fees which exceeded initial budget estimates due to higher-than-expected planning activity. Staff noted that expenditures were projected to rise, particularly in insurance costs through the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, staffing, and maintenance. Council members discussed the financial health of the city, including the use of reserves and Measure C funding. A motion was made to receive and file the report, which passed.

Staff provided a review of the ordinance adopted in 2020 prohibiting internal combustion engine equipment such as leaf blowers and mowers. Data indicated high compliance, with 138 citations issued over two years and a low rate of repeat offenses. Staff recommended adding battery-operated chainsaws under 16 inches to the prohibition list. Council members discussed the need for enforcement improvements, including funding for additional code enforcement hours, the effectiveness of the complaint hotline, and whether fines should be increased. Concerns were raised regarding the responsibility of property owners versus tenants and gardeners. It was suggested that a permit system be explored for Saturday tree trimming. A motion was made to direct staff to return with text amendment options regarding fines, owner responsibility, and chainsaw restrictions. The motion passed.

Staff presented a summary of public feedback regarding a proposal for a permanent electronic message board at Rotary Park. Community feedback indicated strong opposition to a permanent structure but support for a portable emergency message board. Staff recommended purchasing a portable radar trailer with messaging capabilities for approximately $22,000, compared to $42,000 for a permanent installation. Council members discussed the functionality and placement of the trailer. A motion was made to approve the purchase of the portable signage and related funding adjustments. The motion passed.

Staff updated the Council on the progress of the basketball and futsal courts project at Sarasota Park. Due to supply chain disruptions, construction costs had increased by $150,000, leaving a funding gap of $156,000 despite state and civic association grants. Staff recommended using Measure C funding to proceed with construction immediately to prevent further cost increases while continuing to pursue additional grants. Council members discussed the project's timeline and the Civic Association's contribution. A motion was made to approve the funding plan to move forward with the project. The motion passed.

Council members presented a request for a donation of $2,600 from the reserve fund to the Ojai Community Farmers Market for an Earth Day celebration. The event includes educational activities, music, and speeches. An organizer appeared via video to describe the program. Public comment was received from a resident who advised against the expenditure given the city's current budget constraints. After discussion regarding the educational value of the event, a motion was made to approve the donation. The motion passed.

Council members provided reports on a recent traffic accident involving a flipped vehicle, and an upcoming transportation commission workshop. The City Manager outlined agenda items for the next meeting, including a public art tour presentation, crime statistics, the capital improvement plan, paving reports, and an update from the parking committee. The meeting was adjourned.