Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Haney, 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
Public Communications
- The Regional Librarian reported full seven-day operations and the return of in-person programs at the Ojai Library.
- A representative announced a $492,000 CAL FIRE grant awarded for a wildfire risk reduction project in Northern Ojai.
Hotel El Roblar Design Review Appeal
- Staff and the applicant presented details on restoring the historic 1919 building as a 50-room hotel with specific parking and water conservation measures.
- The appellant requested improvements including retained self-parking, reduced event capacity, and fossil-fuel-free operations.
- The Council adopted a resolution dismissing the appeal with conditions requiring enhanced water conservation measures and updated findings on water supply.
Community Service Grant Applications
- Staff presented 15 grant applications totaling $340,000 against a proposed budget allocation of approximately $130,000.
- Representatives from nine organizations presented their requests, while two listed applicants did not appear to speak.
- The Council requested additional tax documentation from some applicants and deferred final funding decisions to a future meeting.
City Manager's Report
- Upcoming agenda items include a budget workshop for the Capital Improvement Project and a discussion on Ranked Choice Voting.
- The City anticipates a high volume of events, including a Multiple Sclerosis bike ride and an expanded concert season limit of 24.
- The Parking Committee is currently working to reconvene following the unavailability of one member.
Future Agenda Items and Public Comment
- Residents discussed potential rent stabilization measures and suggested inviting a UCLA professor to speak on affordable housing.
- A Councilmember requested to place a Pride Month proclamation and activist presentation on the June 14th agenda.
- Staff clarified that traffic speed data excludes vehicles traveling below the speed limit, such as bicycles.
Full summary
Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The meeting was called to order with a quorum established. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, a motion to approve the agenda was made, seconded, and passed via roll call vote. No presentations or commission reports were submitted.
Public Communications
- Two public communications were received. Ron Solorzano, Regional Librarian, provided an update on the Ojai Library, noting full seven-day operations, the return of in-person programs, and the upcoming 2022 Summer Reading Program. Bill Miley shared information regarding a $492,000 CAL FIRE grant awarded to "Fuel Reduction Works" for a wildfire risk reduction project in Northern Ojai.
Consent Calendar
- A motion to approve the consent calendar was made and seconded. During discussion, a council member inquired about modifying the summer recess meeting schedule to cancel the second meeting in July and the first in August, rather than alternating months. Staff confirmed that no time-sensitive items would be affected by this change, provided one meeting remains in each month. The motion to approve the consent calendar passed upon a roll call vote.
Public Hearing: Appeal of Design Review Permit for Hotel El Roblar
- The Council opened a public hearing regarding an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of a design review permit for the Hotel El Roblar (formerly the Oaks of Ojai).
- Staff Report: Staff presented the project history, noting the Planning Commission's 4-1 approval on April 6, 2022. The project proposes a 50-room full-service hotel aiming to restore the building's 1919 aesthetic. Operational details include 24-hour hotel operations and specific hours for the restaurant, bar, and event center. Parking requirements of 78 spaces are met through a combination of on-site valet, off-site valet, and employee self-parking. Due to the Arts Commission lacking a quorum, staff recommended an escrow agreement for the public art fee. The City Attorney noted corrections regarding the classification of the outdoor pre-function area and the scope of operational reviews, and recommended findings regarding water demand and parking code discretion.
- Applicant Presentation: Ramin Shamsheri, a partner of the Hotel El Roblar, presented the proposal, emphasizing the restoration of the historic property, the creation of 40 hospitality jobs, and the generation of approximately $1.25 million in annual tax revenue. The presentation detailed architectural plans to restore the original façade and event spaces. Regarding parking, the applicant argued that a valet-only system would reduce street congestion compared to self-parking. Environmental measures cited included a 55% reduction in water consumption, electric HVAC, and potential solar thermal systems.
- Appellant Presentation: Tom Francis, representing Simply Ojai, presented the appeal. While supporting the hotel's reopening, the appellant sought improvements in five areas: retaining on-site self-parking, decreasing capacity in the event center and pool areas, implementing graywater/stormwater irrigation, amending resolution language to reflect water supply uncertainties, and requiring fossil-fuel-free operations. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and water supply constraints.
- Public Comment: Public comment addressed parking capacity, with the applicant noting plans to purchase an adjacent lot for low-impact gravel parking. The appellant countered that the project removes existing self-parking spaces. Regarding water, the applicant argued consumption would be lower than the previous operator due to the removal of the spa and xeric landscaping. The appellant raised concerns about a late-submitted graywater plan and the need for the resolution to reflect water supply constraints. On design, some commenters supported "Design Option 2" over "Design Option 1," arguing the latter would diminish the significance of the original historic arcade. Procedural comments included criticism of the appeal as a delay tactic and concerns over transparency regarding late-submitted documents.
- Council Deliberation: Council members discussed the prior review by the Historic Preservation and Planning Commissions. Concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of water provisions given drought conditions and a new report from Watershed Progressive. One member suggested deferring the decision to allow staff time to review new information.
- Motions and Decision: A motion was made to adopt a resolution dismissing the appeal, incorporating conditions recommended by staff and amendments discussed during deliberation. The proposed amendments included adding the word "currently" to findings regarding adequate water provisions and adding a condition requiring the applicant to install water conservation measures (low-water landscaping, low-flow fixtures, rainwater capture, and gray water facilities) to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director and Building Official. The motion was amended to include specific language regarding water conservation measures. The applicant concurred with the conditions. The Council proceeded to a roll call vote on the amended motion to dismiss the appeal with the specified conditions. The motion passed.
Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget Community Service Grant Applications
- Staff presented background information on the proposed balanced budget, which includes $103,000 allocated for community funding. Staff noted that 15 organizations applied for a total of $340,000, exceeding the available budget. Staff proposed setting a firm allocation at 1% of the total budget (approximately $130,000) and suggested a two-step process: receiving information at this meeting and making final allocation decisions at a future meeting.
- Representatives from the following organizations presented their applications:
- Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council: Requested funding for a wildfire safety liaison and home hardening programs. The Council requested the organization provide their Form 990.
- Ojai Retreat Cultural Center: Requested $12,000 to fund community issue events.
- Help of Ojai: Requested $25,000 to expand rental assistance and emergency housing services. The organization agreed to provide Form 990 tax documents.
- O'Hire Ed: Requested $10,000 to fund a math tutoring program for first-generation college-bound students.
- Ojai Valley Green Coalition: Requested $30,000 for Year 1 activities of a four-year sustainability project.
- Ojai Valley Museum: Requested $60,000 for operating expenses. Council members questioned the necessity of the museum paying for maintenance on city-owned property.
- Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce: Requested funding representing a 65% reduction from the previous fiscal year to maintain services while increasing membership dues.
- Ojai Community Hospital Foundation: Requested funding for outdoor patio furniture for the Continuing Care Center.
- Ojai Children's Memorial Garden and Girls Empowerment Workshop: Were listed on the agenda but did not present.
- Public commenters suggested that the Ojai Valley Museum should receive guaranteed annual funding rather than competing for grants and recommended the creation of a priority criteria form or a multiplier analysis for evaluating applications. No motion was made or vote taken on the grant applications during this portion of the meeting. The Council will receive further information and make allocation decisions at a subsequent meeting.
Council Member Reports
- One Council member reported on a meeting regarding the 101 freeway widening and HOV lane alternatives, drawing a parallel to parking issues. Another Council member commented on the environmental impact study costs and timelines for the freeway project.
City Manager's Report
- City Manager Cindy Convery provided updates on several items:
- A joint meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission is scheduled for May 17.
- The May 24 agenda will include a budget workshop for the Capital Improvement Project and a discussion on districting and Ranked Choice Voting options.
- The City is anticipating a high volume of events, including a Multiple Sclerosis bike ride and the Recreation Department's annual open house.
- The concert season is expected to reach the increased limit of 24 concerts.
- Regarding the Parking Committee, one member is unavailable, and the group is working to reconvene to provide recommendations.
Future Agenda Items and Public Comment
- Rent Stabilization: Discussion occurred regarding housing affordability and potential solutions such as rent stabilization. A resident suggested reviewing measures implemented in Hawaii. Another participant mentioned a UCLA professor preparing to speak on affordable cities and suggested inviting him to address the Council. No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon.
- Pride Month Proclamation: Councilmember Kemper requested to place an item on the June 14th agenda to issue a proclamation for Pride Month, including a short presentation by local activists. The request was acknowledged for future agenda placement. No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon.
- Traffic Speed Data: A participant inquired about traffic speed data calculations. Staff explained that data is not recorded for vehicles traveling below a certain speed limit, which typically excludes bicycles, and suggested the resident's ideas could be discussed as part of the Capital Improvement Project Program. No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.