City Council — 2022-05-24

Infrastructure, Budget, and Maintenance

• Staff noted Caltrans typically prefers rapid flashing beacons over raised crosswalks for Ojai Avenue.
• Council supported adding bike racks while staff suggested revisiting e-bike charging locations.
• Members supported upgrading City Hall lighting and discussing overhead billing credits for the Sheriff.
• Staff reported that private encroachments are hindering paving projects on Cuyama Avenue.

Electoral Systems and Ranked Choice Voting

• Staff presented legal risks and cost estimates regarding Ranked Choice Voting adoption.
• Council members expressed divided views on maintaining districts versus returning to at-large elections.
• A November ballot referendum was estimated to cost approximately $30,000.
• The Council agreed to receive the report and consult constituents without taking immediate action.

• The City Council meeting focused primarily on budget items, infrastructure improvements, and a detailed discussion regarding electoral systems, concluding with member reports and an update on upcoming community events.

Infrastructure, Budget, and Maintenance

• Council members and staff discussed various Capital Improvement Program (CIP) items, emphasizing safety and accessibility.
• Street Safety: Concerns were raised regarding speeding and pedestrian safety on Ojai Avenue. Speaker 02 suggested investigating raised crosswalks that function as speed bumps, though Staff (Speaker 09) noted Caltrans typically supports Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and curb extensions instead.
• Bike Infrastructure: There was strong support from Speakers 06 and 05 for installing more bike racks and electric bike charging stations. Staff explained that charging station locations would be revisited for Council direction, potentially including wall outlets near trails rather than dedicated chargers.
• Facilities & Lighting: Speaker 05 highlighted physiological issues with fluorescent lighting at City Hall, causing headaches, and supported upgrading it. Speaker 06 raised the issue of right-of-way encroachments by private property owners on public land, which is hindering paving projects like those on Cuyama Avenue.
• Sheriff’s Department: Speaker 06 proposed discussing a credit on overhead billing for the Sheriff’s Department, noting the City funds facility overhead while the Sheriff bills for it. Staff indicated the lease requires City responsibility for exterior improvements, but suggested asking for a commensurate reduction in billing is worth discussing.

Electoral Systems and Ranked Choice Voting

• A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a staff report (Speaker 10) on the current district-based electoral system versus Ranked Choice Voting (RCV).
• Legal Landscape: Staff explained that while Charter cities can adopt RCV, General Law cities (like Ojai) face legal uncertainty. The Santa Monica Supreme Court case regarding the California Voting Rights Act is pending, and a 2019 bill to allow General Law cities to use RCV was vetoed by Governor Newsom.
• Cost and Risk: Placing a referendum on the November ballot would cost approximately $30,000. Speaker 05 and 10 noted the risk of litigation challenging the City's authority to offer RCV, potentially incurring significant legal defense costs.
• Council Opinions: Opinions were divided. Speaker 02 supported RCV and returning to at-large elections, citing small-town dynamics and recruitment difficulties with districts. Speaker 08 opposed changing the system, arguing the elected mayor and current districts are functional and questioning the community benefit. Speaker 06 acknowledged the dysfunction of small districts but hesitated on the immediate cost.
• Outcome: The Council agreed to receive the report, consult constituents, and not take immediate action.

Council and Staff Reports

• Council Reports: Speaker 06 praised citizen activism regarding County project standards. Speaker 02 discussed the controversy over Camp Vermont expansion and encouraged video recording of MAC meetings.
• City Manager’s Report (Speaker 09): Upcoming events were announced, including Coffee with Chief Rivera, Art in the Park, the Memorial Day Concert, the Mountains to the Beach Marathon, and the return of the Ojai Music Festival. The next regular meeting will include budget workshops and Pride Month recognition.

Conclusion

• The meeting was adjourned following a birthday wish to Councilmember Sousa. No immediate action was taken on the voting system referendum, with further discussion and constituent outreach planned.