City Council — 2022-07-27

Ranked Choice Voting and Districts

• Council members debated transitioning to city-wide Ranked Choice Voting from district-based elections.
• Concerns were raised regarding system costs and waiting for data on new district performance.
• A motion to allow voter authorization of RCV at Council discretion was voted upon.
• The vote resulted in a mixed outcome before the meeting recessed.

Parks and Recreation Update

• Staff reported that an acoustical sound study regarding court usage is currently under review by the Commission.
• Community concerns highlighted safety risks at City Hall courts and noise issues at Libbey Park.
• Council discussion focused on awaiting the Commission's full study before making scheduling changes.
• A motion to authorize temporary summer usage failed and no immediate policy changes were approved.

• The provided text is a transcript of an Ojai City Council meeting covering two main agenda items: a debate on voting methods and a contentious discussion regarding pickleball court usage.

Item 1: Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) and Districts

• The meeting concluded a discussion on transitioning from district-based elections to city-wide Ranked Choice Voting. Some council members expressed concern about locking the city into a system that is costly to defend and potentially confusing, preferring to wait for better data on how the new districts perform. A motion was made to allow voters to authorize RCV at the City Council's discretion. Following a roll call vote where the results appeared mixed, the council took a break.

Item 2: Parks and Recreation Update (Pickleball vs. Tennis)

• The majority of the meeting focused on a request to allow pickleball players to use the Libbey Park tennis courts during the summer heat.
• Staff Report: Staff reported that the Parks and Recreation Commission is reviewing proposals for an acoustical sound study. They do not expect a final report or solution for summer scheduling to be completed for several months.
• Public Comment: The public comment period was highly charged.
• Tennis Players/Residents: Argued that Libbey Park is a historic, privately-funded tennis facility. They expressed concern that pickleball noise violates city ordinances, disturbs neighbors, and lowers property values. They suggested Soule Park as a better location for a dedicated pickleball center, though noted access issues.
• Pickleball Players: Argued that the heat at City Hall courts is dangerous (100+ degrees) and that Libbey courts are underutilized. They emphasized that public facilities should be shared by the community and noted the lack of a nearby alternative that is accessible without driving.
• Community Members: Several residents emphasized the need to follow "regular order" and wait for the Parks and Rec Commission's full study before making temporary arrangements that might circumvent the process.
• Council Discussion:
• Councilmember Haney: Admitted his initial motion for temporary summer use at Libbey Park was born of "naivety" regarding the heat but was intended as a simple community relief measure. He apologized for the resulting controversy.
• Councilmember Blatz: Compared the situation to a "bad marriage" between tennis and pickleball, urging both groups to coexist or find other solutions.
• Mayor Sticks & Others: Emphasized supporting the Parks and Rec Commission's ongoing investigation. Several members discussed the feasibility of extending the bike trail to Soule Park to improve access as a long-term solution.
• Outcome: Councilmember Haney's motion to authorize the City Manager to negotiate temporary summer court usage failed due to a lack of a second and procedural objections. The council maintained the direction for the Parks and Rec Commission to complete their study and report back. No immediate changes to court usage were approved.