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
Pride Month Proclamation
- A presentation highlighted the 31-year history of local Pride events and current challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community.
- The Mayor read a proclamation designating June 2022 as Pride Month to recognize community contributions and civil rights.
- A book drive for the Ojai Unified School District was announced during the segment.
Historic Preservation Commission Reports
- The Commission requested future agenda items to vote on city-owned parcels and amend codes regarding property classifications.
- Council members discussed the timing of these items but made no formal motion to place them on the agenda during this meeting.
- The Commission confirmed it would not pursue landmark status for the Mallory Way Cottages unless requested by the City.
Commissioner Appointments
- Candidates for the Arts and Planning Commissions introduced themselves and outlined their professional backgrounds.
- The Council ratified the appointments of Valerie Freeman and Pamela Grau to the Arts Commission.
- The Council ratified the appointments of Judy Murphy and Jeffrey Starkweather to the Planning Commission.
Lighting and Landscaping Assessments (Districts 1 and 3)
- Staff reported a projected surplus and a healthy reserve balance for the annual assessment levy.
- Council members inquired about transitioning to LED technology, though staff noted ownership constraints with the utility provider.
- The Council adopted the resolution ordering the work and levying the assessments for the fiscal year.
Arcade Plaza Maintenance Assessment (District 2)
- Staff presented a projected deficit for the year due to planned improvements, which will be covered by existing reserves.
- Public comment requested that outdoor dining fees be allocated to this fund and raised concerns about maintenance disparities.
- The Council adopted the resolution ordering the work and levying the assessments for the fiscal year.
Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget Workshop
- Staff presented a balanced general fund budget with revisions including increased hotel tax revenue and pension prepayments.
- Council members debated the allocation of community funding, agreeing to move museum funding to a separate line item in future years.
- The Council approved the $151,000 community funding amount for the current year after rejecting an amendment to increase the total.
Cannabis Regulations Review
- Staff presented Planning Commission recommendations allowing edibles-only consumption lounges within existing dispensaries.
- Public comment expressed disappointment with the restrictions and argued for broader consumption options to compete with neighboring cities.
- The Council directed staff to analyze feasibility for on-site lounges and explore alternative locations for future ordinance changes.
Consent Calendar Actions
- The Council approved the continuation of Zoom meetings with a stipulation that this be the final time the item appears on the consent calendar.
- A resolution regarding gas-powered tools was approved, granting administrative discretion to develop a permitting process with specific exemptions.
- The Library Special Tax item was approved as written following discussion on funding mechanisms and cost-of-living adjustments.
- The warrant report was received and filed after being pulled from the consent calendar for review.
Closed Session
- The meeting was adjourned to a closed session following the conclusion of public agenda items.
Full summary
Call to Order and Agenda Approval
- The meeting was called to order with a quorum present, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. A motion was made and seconded to modify the agenda by moving the Commissioner Appointments item to precede the Budget item to accommodate attendees. The motion to approve the modified agenda passed.
Pride Month Proclamation
- A presentation was delivered regarding the history and status of the LGBTQ+ community in Ojai, highlighting the 31-year history of local Pride events, challenges facing specific demographics, and national legislative trends. A book drive for the Ojai Unified School District was announced. Following the presentation, the Mayor read a proclamation designating June 2022 as Pride Month in Ojai, recognizing the community's contributions and the city's commitment to civil rights and diversity.
Commission Reports: Historic Preservation
- The Historic Preservation Commission Chair reported on three items: 1. City-Owned Parcels: The Commission identified seven city-owned parcels within the proposed downtown historic district, six of which are already landmarks. The Commission requested an agenda item for the City Council to vote on supporting, opposing, or taking no position on the nomination of these parcels. 2. Code Amendment: The Commission requested an agenda item to discuss amending the municipal code to clarify rules for "contributing" and "non-contributing" properties within the proposed district to address property owner concerns regarding future modifications. 3. Mallory Way Cottages: The Commission reported that these cottages were previously evaluated and deemed unsuitable for landmark status due to deviations from original characteristics. The Commission stated it would not pursue this item unless requested by the City.
- Council members discussed the timing of the requested agenda items, noting the code amendment could be considered prior to district adoption or later in the process. No formal motion was made to place these items on the agenda during this segment; the discussion was noted for future consideration.
Public Communications
- Members of the public addressed the Council on items not on the agenda:
- School District Pool: A speaker advocated for a feasibility study regarding community access to the new school district aquatic center funded by Measure K.
- Ojai Music Festival: A speaker expressed concern over vaccination requirements and the continuation of the state of emergency declaration.
- Pickleball Courts: Speakers discussed high demand at Libbey Park, requesting expanded play times, conversion of lower courts for evening play, and addressed concerns regarding sound testing and potential relocation to Soule Park.
- Affordable Housing: A speaker raised concerns regarding the Becker Group development project, questioning tenant income levels and the accuracy of reported affordable housing unit counts.
- Traffic Safety: A speaker requested the installation of cameras in the Arcade to address safety concerns regarding children riding bicycles.
Consent Calendar
- Public comment was received on several items:
- Gas-Powered Tools (Item I): Speakers expressed concerns regarding a proposed ban, citing equipment costs, the lack of battery-powered tools for heavy-duty tasks, and administrative burdens. The City Manager clarified exemptions for emergency road clearance and noted the Ojai Valley Inn is not exempt.
- Residential Growth Management Plan (Item J): A speaker noted the high percentage of vacant homes and expressed concern regarding second homes.
- Library Special Tax (Item M): A speaker discussed the lack of a cost-of-living adjustment in the current funding measure.
Consent Calendar Actions
- Warrants: The item was pulled from the consent calendar for review. A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the warrant report. The motion passed.
- Zoom Meetings (Item F): The item was pulled from the consent calendar. A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution authorizing the continuation of Zoom meetings for Council and Commission meetings, with the stipulation that this be the final time the item appears on the consent calendar. The motion passed.
- Library Special Tax (Item L): The item was pulled from the consent calendar for discussion regarding funding mechanisms and potential cost-of-living adjustments. Following discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the item as written. The motion passed.
- Gas-Powered Tools (Item I): The item was pulled from the consent calendar. Council discussed the feasibility of a permit system, including exemptions for fire clearance and permit fee structures. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item, granting administrative discretion to develop the permitting process. The motion passed.
- Remaining Items: A motion was made and seconded to approve the remaining items on the consent calendar. The motion passed.
Commissioner Appointments
- The City Manager presented four candidates: Valerie Freeman and Pamela Grau for the Arts Commission, and Judy Murphy and Jeffrey Starkweather for the Planning Commission. Candidates introduced themselves and outlined their backgrounds.
- Arts Commission: Council members discussed the interview process, noting that the Arts Commission Chair had expressed a preference for a specific candidate prior to interviews, influencing the decision not to have the Chair present. A motion was made and seconded to ratify the appointments of Valerie Freeman and Pamela Grau to the Arts Commission. The motion passed.
- Planning Commission: Judy Murphy and Jeffrey Starkweather introduced themselves. Public comments were received expressing strong support for the nominees based on their community involvement and professional backgrounds. A motion was made and seconded to ratify both appointments. The motion passed. The outgoing commissioner was thanked for 12 years of service.
Levy and Collection of Assessments for Lighting and Landscaping Districts 1 and 3 (Fiscal Year 2022-23)
- Staff presented a report on the annual public hearing for Districts 1 and 3, which generate approximately $93,000 annually. Staff reported a projected surplus of roughly $4,000 and a reserve balance of approximately $140,000. Public comment supported maintaining current funding levels. Council members inquired about street lighting fixture ownership and the feasibility of transitioning to LED technology. Staff clarified that Southern California Edison retains ownership and that while ownership transfer is not currently feasible, the city could explore LED conversion programs. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution ordering the work and levying the assessments. The motion passed.
Levy and Collection of Assessments for Arcade Plaza Maintenance District (Fiscal Year 2022-23)
- Staff presented the annual public hearing for District 2, projected to generate $197,632 in revenue. Staff noted a projected $17,000 deficit for the current year due to planned improvements, which will be covered by existing reserves, leaving a projected balance of $87,000. Public comment included a request to ensure fees from outdoor dining and merchandising are allocated to this fund and a concern regarding maintenance disparities on adjacent properties. Staff committed to following up on these issues. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution ordering the work and levying the assessments. The motion passed.
Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget Workshop Number 4: Summary and Revisions
- Staff presented the fourth budget workshop, summarizing revisions to the proposed budget. The general fund budget is balanced at $13.4 million in both revenue and expenditures. Key revisions included a $300,000 increase in projected hotel tax revenue, a $100,000 increase to the contingency fund, and the initiation of prepayments for unfunded pension and retiree medical liabilities. The budget includes $151,000 designated for community funding.
- Public comments were received from representatives of the Ojai Valley Museum, the Ojai Valley Fire and Safe Council, and the Ojai Valley Green Coalition requesting specific allocations. Additional comment addressed pension prepayment and the balance between tourist revenue and resident benefits. Council members debated the allocation of the $151,000 community funding line item. One Council member proposed removing the Ojai Valley Museum's $60,000 request from the community funding category to establish it as a separate, permanent line item. Other members suggested addressing the categorization change in future budget cycles. A motion was made to approve the $151,000 community funding amount for the current year, with an agreement to move the museum funding to a different budget category in subsequent years. An amendment to increase the community funding total to $201,000 was proposed but not supported by the majority. The original motion to approve the $151,000 amount was put to a vote. The motion passed.
Review of Cannabis Regulations Pursuant to Title IV
- Staff presented a report regarding the Planning Commission's recommendations on cannabis regulations. The Planning Commission recommended allowing consumption lounges for edibles only within existing dispensaries and did not recommend moving forward on other previously proposed items. Council members and staff discussed regulatory oversight, liability concerns regarding over-consumption, and the need for regulations regarding on-site staff and intervention measures.
- Public comment was provided by business owners and advocates. Speakers expressed disappointment with the "edibles only" recommendation, arguing it was not a viable business model and that smoking or vaping was necessary. Arguments were made that restricting legal consumption aids the black market and that Ojai risks losing customers to neighboring cities. Speakers proposed the formation of an ad hoc working group or treating cannabis lounges similarly to alcohol establishments. Council members expressed concern about creating policy based solely on business requests and emphasized the need to destigmatize cannabis.
- A motion was made to direct staff to work with existing dispensaries to draft modifications to the enabling resolution and city code to allow on-site consumption lounges as an ancillary use at current locations. The motion was amended to also include an analysis of options for off-site or different locations if the current footprint is insufficient. The motion was seconded. The motion passed. The Council directed staff to collaborate with dispensaries to analyze the feasibility of on-site consumption lounges and explore alternative locations, with the goal of returning with proposed ordinance changes and analysis for further Council consideration.
Council Member Reports and City Manager's Report
- Council Member Reports: The Mayor noted the successful 90th birthday celebration for the Humane Society. A Council member announced the appointment of a new permanent director for the Air Pollution Control District.
- City Manager's Report: Upcoming events at the Bowl were announced. The primary focus of the upcoming June 28th meeting was identified as budget adoption.
- Additional Discussion: Updates were provided regarding the Sewall Park Management Agreement, noting a resubmitted proposal to the County. Discussion occurred regarding enforcement in the arcade, including increased foot patrols and code enforcement presence. The feasibility of installing cameras was debated, with some Council members questioning their effectiveness for enforcement without license plates. The Reach Code was noted as being prepared for the June 28th meeting. Plans were confirmed to recognize three retiring Planning Commissioners who served over 10 years.
Discussion on Historic Preservation Commission Recommendation and City Parcel Voting
- A speaker requested that the Historic Preservation Commission's recommendation regarding Mills Act tax benefits be added to the agenda for discussion, arguing that the proposal to eliminate the requirement for a separate historic resources report alters the benefit-cost calculus for property owners. The speaker also noted the relevance of discussing how the city would vote on its own parcels. Another speaker stated that the matter could not be debated during the current meeting. The initial speaker clarified that the request was solely to place the items on the agenda for future discussion. A board member expressed support for adding the items to the agenda. No formal motion, second, or vote was recorded in this segment.
- The meeting was subsequently adjourned to a closed session.