City Council — 2022-05-26

Active Transportation Project Right-of-Way Acquisition

• Staff reported on notification requirements for 29 property owners and clarified that approval does not authorize eminent domain.
• Council discussed acquisition costs, grant expiration timelines, and necessary contingency planning.
• Council approved the notice of decision and authorized staff to proceed with the acquisition process.

Ojai City Council Special Meeting – May 26

Agenda Approval

• A motion to approve the agenda was moved and seconded. The motion passed.

Active Transportation Project (ATP) Right-of-Way Acquisition

• Staff presented a report regarding the right-of-way acquisition process for the Active Transportation Project along Maricopa Highway and Ojai Avenue. Staff explained that while the City has planned to acquire necessary right-of-way through voluntary agreements, Caltrans requires a formal noticing process due to state highway funding and federal grant regulations. This process includes notices regarding the potential for eminent domain, even if the City does not currently intend to utilize that option. Staff noted that approximately 29 property owners would receive notifications. It was clarified that authorizing this notification process does not constitute approval of eminent domain; a separate Council vote would be required should that path become necessary.
• Council discussion focused on the procedural requirements mandated by Caltrans, including why property owners could not be contacted prior to the mailing of notices. Councilmembers inquired about the status of previous outreach efforts, the costs associated with the acquisition (identified by staff as approximately $364,000 total, with $200,000 allocated for services and acquisition), and timelines regarding grant expiration dates. Staff indicated that proceeding with the formal process is necessary to secure funding, which has an expiration in October 2022. Discussion also addressed contingency planning should voluntary agreements not be reached for all properties, including design modifications or alternative funding strategies.
• Public comment was received from two attendees. One speaker expressed support for the project and inquired about the potential impact on businesses should significant land acquisition occur. The other speaker suggested coordinating the project with a proposed school swimming pool development to minimize future road excavation costs.
• A motion was made and seconded to approve the notice of decision, approve letters and associated brochures, and proceed with the right-of-way acquisition as recommended by staff. The motion passed.

Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned.