City Council — 2023-01-24

Ordinance 984 (Becker Development Agreement)

• Residents opposed the agreement due to concerns over affordable units and proposed rent levels.
• Council debated transparency issues regarding legal fees discussed in a prior closed session.
• Members voted to submit the ordinance to voters on the March 5, 2024, Statewide Primary ballot.

Reach Code (Greenhouse Gas Reduction Code)

• Staff presented a revised ordinance proposing to rename it the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Code.
• The revision eliminates exemptions requiring new construction to be fully electric.
• The Council voted to defer consideration to the February 14 meeting.

City Manager Report & Other Business

• A city-wide disaster drill is scheduled to debrief on recent storm damage.
• Street bid plans and specifications were approved for public bidding.
• Federal representatives toured flood damage to advocate for emergency funding.
• Councilmembers requested reports on vacant home taxes and a housing committee.

Ojai City Council Meeting Summary

Item 1: Ordinance 984 (Becker Development Agreement)

• The meeting opened with extensive public comment regarding the Becker Development Agreement. Residents overwhelmingly opposed the agreement, citing a reduction of affordable units (from 33 to 27) and a shift toward market-rate housing (40 units). Commenters argued the proposed "affordable" rents (up to $3,500/month) remain unaffordable for local minimum-wage earners and warned of displacing residents from the Mallory Way and Cottage areas. A significant portion of comments demanded the repeal of Ordinance 984 or a direct vote by the citizens via referendum.
• Closed Session Controversy: Councilmember Leslie Rule challenged the City Attorney regarding a $30,000 legal fee discussed in closed session related to a lawsuit involving "Simply Ojai." The City Attorney cited attorney-client privilege. Following a debate on transparency versus privilege, the Council voted to allow Rule to proceed with her comments.
• Council Decision: The Council debated whether to repeal the ordinance or submit it to a referendum. After discussing the costs and turnout implications of various dates (Special Election, March Primary, or November General Election), the Council voted 3–2 to submit Ordinance 984 to the voters on March 5, 2024 (the Statewide Primary). Councilmembers Rule, Francina, and Lange voted for March; Mayor Stix and Councilmember Whitman voted for November.

Item 2: Reach Code (Greenhouse Gas Reduction Code)

• Staff presented a revised Reach Code ordinance, proposing to rename it the "Greenhouse Gas Reduction Code." The proposal seeks to eliminate nine current exemptions, effectively requiring all new construction (including ADUs, affordable housing, and restaurants) to be built electric with no new gas infrastructure, except in cases of infeasibility.
• Deferral: Councilmember Francina fell ill and departed during the discussion. To allow for her input and due to the late hour, the Council voted to defer this item, along with Rent Stabilization and the Valet Parking Initiative, to the next meeting on February 14.

Item 3: City Manager Report & Other Business

• Disaster Drill: A city-wide disaster drill is scheduled for the following morning at Kent Hall to debrief on recent storm damage.
• Infrastructure: Street bid plans and specs have been approved and are going out to bid.
• Federal Visit: Congressman Salud Carvajal toured flood damage in Matilla Canyon to advocate for future FEMA emergency funding.
• Future Agenda: Councilmembers requested reports on vacant home taxes for an affordable housing trust and the establishment of a Housing Ad Hoc Committee.
• Meeting Adjourned: The meeting concluded after the deferral of remaining items.