Meeting Summary
Present: Weirick, Blatz, Stix, Francina
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At a glance
Mayor Pro Tem Election
- Nominations were received for Councilmembers Sousa and Whitman.
- Councilmember Whitman withdrew their nomination prior to the vote.
- The motion to elect Councilmember Sousa for a one-year term passed.
Housing Element Revisions
- Staff presented minor modifications to the housing element for state certification.
- Public comment requested referral to the Planning Commission for review.
- Council approved the revisions to avoid loss of grant eligibility.
Holdover Ordinance
- A public hearing addressed the adoption of a holdover ordinance for fire hardening.
- Staff explained adoption was necessary to preserve amendments before the state update.
- The motion to adopt the holdover ordinance passed.
Future Agenda Items
- Staff and Council discussed updates on the ATP project and cannabis lounges.
- Council passed a motion to request a staff report on rent stabilization options.
- Council passed a motion to place the creation of a housing committee on a future agenda.
Closed Session
- The Council convened to discuss litigation regarding Simply Ojai and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper.
- No reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The meeting was called to order, and a quorum was established. Roll call was conducted, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of Agenda
- A motion was made to approve the agenda and seconded. Decision: Motion Passed.
Historic Preservation Awards
- Presentations were made for three awards. Gina McCattin received the Historic Preservation Commission Annual Award. Ron Polito received a Lifetime Achievement Award, accepted by his wife, Judy Polido. John "Jack" Fay received a Lifetime Achievement Award, accepted by his daughter, Kathy Ray. Remarks regarding the recipients' service to the community were provided by staff and the Mayor.
Public Communications
- James Beck: Representing Gold Coast Transit, he thanked outgoing council members and discussed the FTA grant for hydrogen fuel cell buses.
- John Drucker: Requested that Mayor Sticks recuse herself from meetings concerning the Simply Ojai lawsuit, citing potential conflicts of interest and bias.
- Brian Aikens: Representing the Historic Preservation Commission and Ojai Valley Museum, he thanked the outgoing council for their support.
Consent Calendar (Items 1A through G)
- A motion was made to approve the consent calendar items, including election certification. The City Attorney provided information regarding a recount request for the mayor's race, noting that election certification would proceed per statutory requirements regardless of the recount, and that actions taken by officials under the apparent officeholder doctrine remain valid. Decision: Motion Passed.
Recognition of Outgoing Council Members
- Acknowledgments of service were presented for outgoing Councilmembers Blatts, Wyrick, and Haney. Remarks were provided by the Mayor, City Manager, County Supervisor, and a representative from the office of Congresswoman Julia Brownlee. Certificates and plaques were presented to the outgoing members.
Oath of Office
- The Mayor and newly elected Councilmembers Whitman, Ruhl, and Lang were administered the oath of office.
Nomination and Election of Mayor Pro Tem
- Discussion regarding the selection process occurred. Nominations were received for Councilmember Sousa and Councilmember Whitman. The nomination for Whitman was withdrawn, and a second was given for Sousa. A motion was made to elect Councilmember Sousa as Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term. Decision: Motion Passed.
Second Consent Calendar (Items 4A through G)
- A motion was made to approve Items 4A through 4F, with Item G pulled for separate discussion. Decision on Items 4A-F: Motion Passed.
- Item 4G: Housing Element Revisions: The City Manager presented the staff report regarding minor modifications to the housing element required for state certification. Public comment was received requesting referral to the Planning Commission for review. Staff advised against delay to avoid loss of grant eligibility and local control. A motion was made to approve the housing element revisions.
- Decision on Item 4G: Motion Passed.
Public Hearing: Holdover Ordinance (Item 5)
- A public hearing was opened and closed regarding the second reading and adoption of a holdover ordinance to maintain fire hardening amendments to the building code. Staff explained that adoption was necessary to preserve existing amendments before the January 1st state code update.
- Motion: A motion was made to adopt the holdover ordinance and seconded.
- Decision: Motion Passed.
Council Member Reports
- Councilmember Sousa reported on observations regarding electric bike speeds, the progress of Miners Oaks Park, and updates from the Humane Society.
City Manager's Report
- The City Manager reported on the distribution of the community disaster guide, completion of pergola repairs, and approvals for grants regarding electric vehicle chargers, bike racks, and the ATP project.
Future Agenda Items
- ATP Project: Discussion noted the project timeline and upcoming public meeting in January to review design changes.
- Cannabis Lounges: Noted as a future item expected in February.
- Rent Stabilization: A motion was made to request a staff report on rent stabilization options, including pros, cons, and alternatives.
- Decision: Motion Seconded and Passed.
- Housing Committee: A motion was made to place the creation of a housing committee on a future agenda.
- Decision: Motion Seconded and Passed.
- Workshops: Discussion regarding a goal-setting workshop in January.
Closed Session
- The Council convened in closed session to discuss two litigation matters: Simply Ojai v. City of Ojai and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper v. SWRCB. No reportable action was taken.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.