City Council — 2022-06-28

Building Codes and Sustainability

• A motion passed requiring new construction to be electric ready with limited exemptions.
• A separate motion to remove exemptions for Accessory Dwelling Units failed to pass.
• Members discussed safety concerns regarding electricity and gas in new construction.
• A proposal was made to reconvene a committee to address remodeling codes with greater buy-in.

Personnel

• The council approved the hiring of a part-time Public Works Administrator.
• Approval was required due to specific pension regulations regarding the appointment.

Land Use and Affordable Housing

• Council indicated interest in a Special Housing Overlay for the American Legion property.
• Application fees were waived pending a concept review by the Planning Commission.
• Dissent was recorded regarding concerns about setting precedents for applicant treatment.

Community Events and Management

• Concerns were raised regarding tour bus parking and impacts on heritage oaks.
• Staff directed to prepare a Tour Bus Management Plan for the August meeting.
• Upcoming festivities including the 4th of July were reviewed in the report.

• The Ojai City Council meeting concluded with several significant decisions and ongoing debates regarding housing, climate codes, and community events.

Building Codes and Sustainability (Reach Codes)

• The council debated the transition from gas to electric appliances in new construction. A motion passed requiring all new construction to be "electric ready," with exemptions granted only for affordable housing or hardship cases. A separate motion to remove exemptions for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) failed for lack of a second. Council members discussed safety concerns regarding electricity and gas, with some members advocating for a "bottom-up" community approach to future reach codes involving remodeling, rather than the previous "top-down" method.

Personnel

• The council approved the hiring of Lindy Moore Palmer, a retired CalPERS annuitant from the City of Camarillo, to serve as a part-time Public Works Administrator. The appointment required council approval due to pension regulations.

Land Use and Affordable Housing

• A significant portion of the meeting focused on a request to apply a Special Housing Overlay (SPL) to 801 E. Ojai Avenue, property owned by the American Legion. Public speakers, including architect Nick Oatway, advocated for the project to provide affordable housing for veterans and workers.
• Decision: The council voted to indicate interest in the SPL overlay and waive application fees, pending a basic concept review by the Planning Commission.
• Dissent: Mayor Sticks voted against the fee waiver, citing concerns about setting a precedent that treats applicants differently than the standard process requires.

Community Events and Management

• The City Manager's report covered upcoming festivities, including the 4th of July and the Sterling Concert Series. Significant concern was raised regarding the recent Lavender Festival, specifically concerning tour bus parking on crosswalks, overcrowding, and impact on heritage oaks.
• Action: The council directed staff to prepare a Tour Bus Management Plan for the August meeting to address parking restrictions and event intensity.

Closing

• The meeting concluded with a proposal by Council Member Randy to reconvene an ad hoc committee to address reach codes for remodeling with greater community buy-in. The council adjourned after brief disagreements regarding the necessity of further community engagement on climate policies.