City Council — 2022-05-10

Community Funding Grant Review

• Staff proposed setting a firm 1% budget allocation for future community funding years.
• Grant requests totaling $340,000 significantly exceeded the available budget.
• Eight organizations presented projects ranging from wildfire safety to rental assistance.
• The Council deferred the funding decision to a future meeting to allow time for review.

Council Reports and Discussion

• Members discussed the 101 freeway widening project and questioned its efficacy for congestion.
• Concerns were raised regarding rising rents and potential options for rent stabilization discussions.
• Staff addressed questions about data accuracy in an upcoming traffic speed study involving bicycle sensors.

• Here is a summary of the City of Ojai Council meeting transcript:

Community Funding Grant Review

• Budget Context: Staff presented data showing Ojai allocates approximately 1% of its budget to community funding ($130,000–$140,000), which is higher than the City of Ventura (0.1%) but lower in total dollar amount. Staff proposes setting a firm 1% budget allocation for future years.
• Funding Gap: Total grant requests reached $340,000, significantly exceeding the available budget. Staff recommended a two-step process: receiving information tonight and returning in a few weeks to make funding decisions.
• Applicant Presentations: Eight organizations presented their requests:
• Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council: Requested funds to support a wildfire safety liaison and home hardening data management, leveraging a CAL FIRE grant to maximize impact in the Ojai Valley.
• Ojai Retreat Cultural Center: Requested $12,000 for community events focusing on environment, education, and affordable housing.
• Help of Ojai: Requested $25,000 for rental assistance and emergency housing to prevent homelessness, noting a 24% increase in potential service capacity with full funding.
• Ojai Higher Ed: Requested $10,000 for math tutoring and college readiness support for first-generation students.
• Ojai Valley Green Coalition: Requested $30,000 for a four-year project to establish a sustainability hub, focusing on community engagement and a master plan.
• Ojai Valley Museum: Requested $60,000 for operating expenses and maintenance. A discussion ensued regarding why the city does not cover maintenance costs for city-owned property.
• Ojai Chamber of Commerce: Requested a reduced amount (65% of last year) with a long-term goal of eliminating city funding through increased membership dues. Discussed the need for a central location and economic development role.
• Ojai Community Hospital Foundation: (Presented via Zoom) Requested funds for outdoor patio furniture for the skilled nursing facility to facilitate safe visiting.

Public Comments

• Bill Miley: Argued that the Ojai Valley Museum functions as an institutional element and should receive guaranteed annual funding rather than competing in the grant process. He also proposed a priority criteria form for applicants to standardize evaluation.
• Jeffrey Starkweather: Advocated for viewing non-profits as "civic infrastructure" that expands city services. He urged the council to consider the "multiplier effect" of funding and support for civic engagement rather than strict dollar limits.
• Ryan: Echoed the sentiment that non-profits are a critical component of the community and emphasized their role in volunteerism and community leadership.

Council Reports & Discussion

• BCTC Meeting: Council members discussed a meeting regarding the 101 freeway widening, questioning the efficacy of adding lanes to solve congestion and drawing parallels to the city's parking issues.
• Housing/Rent Control: A council member and public commenters raised concerns about skyrocketing rents in Ojai, citing Oxnard's new rent control program. There was a discussion on whether to agendize a discussion on rent stabilization or invite an expert to speak.
• Upcoming Events: City Manager reported a high volume of upcoming events (Music Festival, Lavender Festival, Rec Open House) and confirmed the Parks and Rec joint meeting for May 17th.
• Traffic Study: Questions were raised regarding a traffic speed study, specifically regarding data accuracy with bicycles triggering sensors.

Outcome

• The Council decided to defer the decision on community funding grants to a future meeting to allow time for review of the information presented. The meeting was adjourned after this discussion.