Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Haney, Blatz, Francina, Weirick
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Virtual Public Arts Tour
- The Arts Commission presented a virtual tour of the "East City Walk" featuring over 40 public artworks.
- Council and public discussed the tour's value and the potential for future audio guide enhancements.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on this informational presentation.
Joint Zero Emission Rollout Plan
- Public comment addressed the state regulation requiring clean-burning fuels by 2040 for transit vehicles.
- The Council approved the joint plan between the Ojai Trolley and Gold Coast Transit District.
2022 Street Paving Plan
- Staff presented a plan to treat 34 road segments using various methods funded by Measure C and other sources.
- Discussion focused on adding bid alternates for bike lanes and stormwater management improvements.
- The Council authorized staff to proceed with the project, including the option to add alternates.
2021 Crime Statistics
- The Police Chief reported a 100% increase in crimes against persons and a 19% decrease in property crimes.
- Council and public discussed traffic safety trends and the importance of community engagement.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on this informational report.
Habitat for Humanity Engagement
- Habitat for Humanity presented a proposal for affordable housing at 408 North Montgomery Street.
- The Council authorized the City Manager to sign a letter of engagement to present three design options.
- An amendment to mandate all-electric construction immediately failed for lack of a second.
Fiscal Policy Budget Committee Appointment
- Staff identified two applicants to fill a vacancy on the Fiscal Policy Budget Committee.
- The Council appointed Jeff Raines as the public member after a substitute motion to appoint both candidates failed.
Kent Hall Public Rental Policy
- Staff proposed a rental fee of $35 for three-hour bookings for community groups.
- The Council approved the policy with an amended fee of $50 for a three-hour rental.
Future Agenda Items: Districting and Rank Choice Voting
- The Council agreed to add a discussion on districting versus at-large voting to a future agenda.
- No formal motions were taken as the legal status of the matter remains in flux.
Full summary
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
- The meeting was called to order with a quorum present. A roll call was conducted, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of the Agenda
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. The motion passed.
Presentation: Virtual Public Arts Tour
- The Ojai Arts Commission presented a virtual tour of the "East City Walk," one of four public art tours in the city. The presentation included a video narrated by Arts Commission Chair Nigel Chisholm and filmed by Commissioner Smitty West, showcasing over 40 public artworks. The Arts Commission liaison explained that while the project was delayed by the pandemic, brochures containing QR codes linking to the other three tours are available at the Ojai Museum and through the Chamber of Commerce. The tour includes both public art program pieces and private artworks. Council members and the public commented on the density of art in Ojai and the value of the tour. Council Member Kezada inquired about implementing a "push-button" audio guide at specific sites. The liaison explained that current brochures are designed for walking tours and that some docent stories are not included in print or video formats. It was noted that the videos are also available on local cable channel 10. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.
Commission Reports
- No reports were submitted by city commissions.
Public Communication
- Jill Dolan of the Ojai Art Center Theater addressed the council to promote the upcoming production, "All In The Timing," a series of one-act plays running from April 29 through May 15. Details regarding showtimes and ticket prices were provided. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made to approve the consent calendar items, with the exception of Item F, which was pulled for public comment. The motion was seconded. The motion to approve all items except Item F passed.
Item F: Joint Zero Emission Rollout Plan
- Public comment was received from Bill Miley regarding the joint zero emission rollout plan between the Ojai Trolley and Gold Coast Transit District. Mr. Miley discussed the California State 2019 Innovative Clean Transit Regulation requiring clean-burning fuels by 2040 and noted that Gold Coast Transit is funding the plan. Following public comment, a motion was made to approve Item F. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
2022 Street Paving Plan
- Public Works Director Alma Kezada and staff presented the 2022 Street Paving Plan, outlining a 13-year cycle dating back to 2009. Staff presented data showing 67% of city streets require treatment, with an average Pavement Quality Index (PQI) of 53.4. The plan proposes treating 34 road segments using methods including full reconstruction, edge milling with overlays, and hot mix asphalt overlays.
- Discussion points included treatment types and costs, city responsibility for the Ojai Valley Trail, coordination with the Complete Streets Master Plan regarding bike lanes on Grand Avenue, and the trade-off between preservation and reconstruction. Staff confirmed funding from Measure C and other sources totaling approximately $1.8 million. Council Member Kezada asked about reclaiming right-of-way during paving projects; staff suggested addressing this in the upcoming five-year pavement management plan. Staff also noted that if the city's PQI score exceeds 80, SB1 funding could be utilized for other transportation projects.
- Public comments addressed paving criteria, the condition of specific streets including Drown Avenue and Grand Avenue, and coordination with "complete streets" initiatives. Commenters suggested adding raised crosswalks and addressing potholes. Staff responded that the current project completes the 2013 paving plan and identified North Drown Avenue and Fairway Lane as streets with failing quality not included in the current plan but recommended adding them as bid alternates. Staff confirmed a full-time public works inspector position was created to oversee work by other agencies.
- Council discussion focused on the transition to a five-year plan and the possibility of a lump-sum project for the worst-rated streets. The concept of "add alternates" in the bid process was discussed to allow flexibility for improvements such as bike lanes or stormwater management. It was noted that Drown Avenue would be revisited during Capital Improvement Program discussions.
- A motion was made to authorize staff to proceed with the preparation of the 2022 paving project. The motion was amended to include the previously discussed add alternates. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed.
City of Ojai Crime Statistics for 2021
- The Police Chief presented 2021 crime statistics. Part 1 crimes showed a 100% increase in crimes against persons and a 19% decrease in crimes against property. Part 2 crimes increased by 80%, primarily due to vandalism and other reported crimes. Total arrests decreased by 7.5%. Traffic statistics showed an increase in collisions compared to 2020, attributed to the return of normal traffic levels. Traffic citations totaled 771, a decrease from the previous year, with 163 citations issued for wireless device use. Future initiatives discussed include high-visibility patrols, foot patrols, and community engagement.
- Public comments thanked the department and discussed the correlation between alcohol use and crime. Council discussion highlighted the 30-year trend of reduced crime, the importance of traffic calming, and the need for shared road awareness. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.
Letter of Engagement with Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County
- Staff presented background on the affordable housing project at 408 North Montgomery Street. Darcy Taylor, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, presented the organization's mission to provide affordable homeownership targeting individuals at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Taylor explained that Habitat provides qualified mortgages and requires 500 hours of sweat equity from participants. The presentation emphasized that Habitat homeowners sign a 40-year agreement to maintain their properties and that 60% of construction is performed by volunteers. Taylor noted that building five or more connected units triggers a requirement for a Homeowners Association (HOA), which Habitat typically avoids to keep costs affordable.
- Council members and the public discussed the definition of "affordable housing," the potential for all-electric construction, and the feasibility of building on city-owned properties. Public commenters expressed support for the partnership. Regarding the all-electric requirement, Council members debated whether to mandate it immediately or wait for the design phase. One council member moved to authorize the City Manager to sign a letter of engagement with Habitat. Another council member moved to amend this motion to include an all-electric requirement; however, the amendment failed for lack of a second. The main motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a letter of engagement with Habitat for Humanity to present three design options was passed.
Appointment of Public Member to Fiscal Policy Budget Committee
- Staff reported a vacancy on the Fiscal Policy Budget Committee. Two applicants were identified: Johnny Johnston and Jeff Raines. Public commenters advocated for both candidates. During discussion, one council member moved to appoint Jeff Raines as the public member. Another council member moved a substitute motion to appoint both candidates and direct staff to return with an amendment to the investment policy resolution to expand the committee to two public members. The substitute motion failed. The original motion to appoint Jeff Raines as the public member of the Fiscal Policy Budget Committee was passed.
Kent Hall Public Rental Policy
- Staff presented a proposal to establish a rental policy and fee for Kent Hall, recommending a fee of $35 for a three-hour rental for public groups, charitable organizations, and community meetings. Staff clarified that the space is self-service. Council members discussed the proposed fee, with some expressing concern that $35 was too low to cover costs, while others supported the low rate. One council member moved to approve the policy with a fee of $50 for three hours. The motion to approve the Kent Hall rental policy with a $50 fee was passed.
Council Member Reports
- A council member reported on a meeting with the Department of Water Resources regarding the watershed and progress toward mediation consistent with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Another council member clarified that an ad hoc committee had met with the State Water Resources Board.
City Manager's Report
- The City Manager announced an upcoming Disaster Council meeting, a significant increase in applications for community funding, and upcoming agenda items including the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and an appeal regarding the Roglar Hotel. The report also announced an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony and a Rec Center Open House.
Future Agenda Items: Districting and Rank Choice Voting
- A council member requested that a discussion on districting versus at-large voting be added to a future agenda, citing an appeals court ruling. The Council agreed to include this topic. A discussion was held regarding the status of the matter involving districting and rank choice voting. It was noted that a ruling has not yet been issued, leaving the status in flux. A request was acknowledged to discuss options regarding these topics. No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon in this segment.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.