Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Haney, Blatz, 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
Arts Commission Appointments
- The Council ratified appointments for Christine Steiner and Nigel Chisholm to the Arts Commission.
- Appointees discussed their professional backgrounds and the Commission's role as an arts incubator.
- The Commission will consider inviting proponents to speak regarding a proposed art hub at the Chaparral property.
Gas-Powered Landscape Equipment Ordinance
- Staff recommended Option 1, which requires a permit for all gas-powered chainsaw use.
- Proposed penalties for violations were increased to $100, $200, and $500 for first, second, and subsequent offenses.
- The Council directed staff to exercise discretion in issuing warnings for first-time offenders.
2022-23 Budget Workshop
- The Capital Improvement Projects budget is projected at $10 million, funded largely by Measure C and grants.
- Key allocations include street paving, climate mitigation, park improvements, and deferred maintenance.
- Council members requested community meetings for the Drown Avenue project and a combined report on charging stations and bike racks.
Voting Districts and Ranked Choice Voting
- Staff presented the legal feasibility and costs of placing a referendum on the November ballot to switch to ranked choice voting.
- Discussion highlighted concerns regarding legal risks, financial costs, and the timeline for voter approval.
- The Council agreed to receive the report and engage with constituents before taking further action.
Council Member Reports
- The county has officially directed a switch from Level of Service to Vehicle Miles Traveled metrics.
- The school board is seeking revenue offset ideas for a proposed community pool, referred to the Park and Recreation Commission.
- Concerns were raised regarding the Camp Vermont expansion deadline and the need for video recording MAC meetings.
City Manager's Report
- Upcoming city-coordinated events include the Ojai Valley Century Ride, Mountains to the Beach Marathon, and the Ojai Music Festival.
- The next regular meeting will feature public hearings on library contract assessment districts and a Pride Month presentation.
- A special meeting is scheduled to update the Council on ATP right-of-way acquisition steps.
Closed Session
- No reportable action was taken regarding labor negotiations for unrepresented employees.
- Direction was provided to defend the lawsuit filed by William Bradley Tully.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The meeting was called to order with a quorum present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda, which passed upon a roll call vote. The City Attorney reported on two closed session items from the previous meeting: labor negotiations regarding unrepresented employees, for which no reportable action was taken, and a lawsuit filed by William Bradley Tully, for which direction was provided to defend the suit. The Council observed a moment of silence regarding the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and acknowledged Council Member Francina's birthday.
Public Communications
- Three members of the public addressed the Council. Nick Oatway discussed the need for improved walkability and reduced automobile dependency, presenting a conceptual sketch for a pedestrian-only street connecting the school district site to a bus station. Jeffrey Starkweather supported walkability and advocated for a feasibility study regarding a community aquatic center versus a high school-only pool, emphasizing that programming should precede design. Bill Miley supported the community aquatic center proposal, highlighting the need for a valley-wide collaborative effort and active City government involvement to address operating costs and maintenance. The City Clerk noted that a discussion regarding the pool is scheduled for the June 2nd Parks and Recreation meeting. Council Member Haney expressed a desire to organize a joint meeting between the City Council and the School Board.
Consent Calendar
- Public comment was received on two items. Regarding Item J (Ojai Trolley), Janet Cole requested support for a salary adjustment plan for trolley drivers to aid in recruitment and retention, noting funding would come from COVID relief funds. Regarding Item L (Local Road Safety Plan), Bill Miley supported the plan and requested a review of traffic conditions on Ohio Avenue between North Ventura Street and Bald Street. A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar. The motion passed upon a roll call vote. The City Clerk noted the Council's immediate support for the trolley driver recommendations.
Agenda Item 2: Ratification of Arts Commission Appointments
- The Council considered the ratification of two appointments to the Arts Commission: Christine Steiner (term ending May 2026) and Nigel Chisholm (term ending May 2024). Both appointees appeared before the Council. Ms. Steiner stated her background as an art lawyer and commitment to the Commission's duties. Mr. Chisholm discussed the Commission's restructuring and its role as an incubator for the arts. Council Member Francina inquired about a proposal by Mark Whitman regarding an art hub at the Chaparral property; Mr. Chisholm confirmed the Commission would likely invite proponents to speak at a future meeting. A motion was made and seconded to ratify both appointments. The motion passed upon a roll call vote.
Agenda Item 3: Ordinance to Revise Gas-Powered Landscape Equipment Ordinance
- Staff presented a report on revising the city's ordinance prohibiting gas-powered landscape equipment. The proposed ordinance addresses three issues: inclusion of gas-powered chainsaws, clarification of liability for property owners/tenants/managers, and increased penalties. Staff recommended "Option 1," requiring a permit for any use of gas-powered chainsaws, over "Option 2," which would allow use for heavy-duty tasks. Penalties were proposed to increase from $50/$100/$250 to $100/$200/$500 for first, second, and subsequent violations. Discussion focused on enforcement and leniency. Council Member Francina suggested a warning system for first-time offenders. Council Member Haney argued for stricter enforcement. Council Member Weirich supported Option 1 to simplify enforcement. The City Clerk and City Attorney explained that staff could be directed to exercise discretion in issuing warnings for first-time violations. A motion was made and seconded to introduce the ordinance utilizing Option 1 for chainsaws, with direction to staff to exercise discretion regarding warnings for first-time offenders. The motion passed upon a roll call vote.
Agenda Item 4: 2022-23 Budget Workshop (Capital Improvement Projects and Measure C)
- The City Clerk presented an overview of the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and Measure C budget. The General Fund is projected to be balanced with approximately $13.1 million in revenue and expenditures. The total CIP budget is projected at approximately $10 million, funded by Measure C, a 10% TOT transfer, grants, and miscellaneous taxes. Key allocations discussed included street paving ($1.8 million), ATP grant funds ($4.1 million), climate mitigation projects ($1.1 million), tree and fire mitigation ($100,000), park improvements ($1.2 million), complete streets and infrastructure ($220,000), parking lot maintenance ($141,000), city facilities deferred maintenance ($440,000), drainage and trolley stops, and equipment/IT replacement.
- Discussion and clarifications were provided on several topics:
- Measure C Revenue: The City Clerk confirmed $4.2 million was collected over the first two years, with $2.5 million anticipated for the upcoming year.
- Maintenance vs. Capital Improvement: The Clerk explained that deferred maintenance costs have escalated to capital project levels, necessitating their inclusion in the CIP. The General Fund budget includes a significant increase in maintenance budgets and staffing.
- Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: It was confirmed the city can recover capital, energy, and service provider fees under Proposition 26.
- PEG Funds: It was confirmed PEG funds could be used to upgrade council chamber lighting.
- Police Department Paving: The project includes both public and non-public access areas within the security fence.
- MS4 Permit: The $80,000 allocation is a partnership with the county; funding sources and reimbursement will be investigated.
- Drown Avenue: Concerns regarding conflicting community desires were raised. The Clerk proposed holding community meetings to establish consensus before proceeding with the allocated $130,000 for paving. Council members discussed forming an ad hoc committee.
- Cultural Institutions: A suggestion was made to establish dedicated annual funding for the museum and arts organizations.
- Bike Infrastructure: Requests were made for immediate bike rack installation and clarification on charging station locations. The Clerk agreed to combine site selection for vehicle charging, bike charging, and bike racks into a single future report.
- Sheriff's Department Facility: Discussion occurred regarding the city's responsibility for facility repairs under an existing lease, with a suggestion to negotiate a credit against overhead billing.
- Right-of-Way Encroachments: The Clerk stated no official protocol exists for addressing private property encroachments impeding paving projects; the issue will be addressed when paving bids are presented.
- Public Comments: A member of the public provided comments including praise for the budget, questions regarding a donation line item, concerns about cybersecurity funding, and a proposal for a sponsored bench program. The Clerk responded that the cybersecurity budget is for an initial assessment.
- No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during this portion of the meeting. The City Clerk agreed to provide further details on specific items at future meetings.
Agenda Item: Discussion of Voting Districts and Ranked Choice Voting
- Staff presented a report on the city's current electoral system (district-based elections for council seats and at-large for mayor) and the mechanics of ranked choice voting (RCV). Staff noted that while seven charter cities have implemented RCV, general law cities are generally required to use a plurality vote system, though adoption via voter approval remains a legal possibility. Staff provided an update on the City of Santa Monica case regarding at-large elections under the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA), noting a Supreme Court decision is not expected in time for the November 2022 election.
- Discussion focused on the feasibility of placing a referendum on the November ballot to allow voters to decide on switching to an at-large system with RCV. Staff confirmed the deadline is August 12 and estimated the cost at approximately $30,000. Council members expressed varying views; some argued the current system has reduced candidate numbers and voter engagement, while others expressed concern regarding legal risks, financial costs, and the burden on staff. Public commenters generally supported placing the measure on the ballot to gauge voter preference. No formal motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon. The item was closed without action.
Discussion on Elected Mayor and District Voting
- Council members discussed the mechanics of running for office under the current district-based system versus an at-large system. One member noted the difficulty of explaining the district voting structure to constituents. The timeline of voter reaffirmation of the elected mayor process was clarified, with members noting it occurred in 2016 and was reaffirmed subsequently. It was acknowledged the issue could be placed back on the ballot if desired. No formal motion was made to change the system. The discussion concluded with a consensus to receive the report, review the information, and engage with constituents.
Council Member Reports
- County Level of Service (LOS) to Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT): A council member reported that the county has officially directed a switch from LOS to VMT metrics for project evaluation.
- Community Pool Proposal: A council member reported that the school board is seeking ideas regarding revenue offsets for a proposed community pool, and the matter is being referred to the Park and Recreation Commission.
- Mediation: A council member provided an update on a recent mediation involving the city, noting a discussion regarding communication protocols where the mediator suggested the Public Information Officer handle communications, which the city noted was not feasible due to staffing limitations.
- Park and Rec Open House: A council member thanked Chief Rivera and police deputies for their participation in the annual Park and Rec Open House.
- Camp Vermont Expansion: A council member raised concerns regarding the Camp Vermont expansion, noting the imminent deadline for public comment and expressing support for video recording MAC meetings.
- ATP Meetings: A council member inquired about the scheduling of ATP meetings.
City Manager's Report
- The City Clerk presented a schedule of upcoming city-coordinated events, including "Coffee with Chief Rivera," "Art in the Park," the Memorial Day Patriotic Concert, the Ojai Valley Century Ride, the Mountains to the Beach Marathon, and the Ojai Music Festival. The report outlined items for the next regular council meeting, including public hearings for library contract assessment districts, a budget workshop, arts and commissioner appointments, and a presentation recognizing Pride Month. A special council meeting was scheduled to update the council on the next steps for the ATP right-of-way acquisition.
Adjournment
- The meeting concluded with no future agenda items added. The chair recognized a birthday celebration and adjourned the meeting. No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon in this section.