City Council — 2023-05-09

Formula Business Ordinance

• The Council amended the ordinance to exempt existing businesses from new formula requirements at current locations.
• Discussion clarified that ownership criteria do not determine formula business status.
• Staff noted concerns regarding potential loopholes in business naming conventions.

FY 23-24 Budget Workshop

• Staff presented a $14.9 million General Fund budget prioritizing deferred maintenance and debt reduction.
• Council motion approved the budget with direction to balance a $200,000 shortfall in a future workshop.
• Members discussed a Cost of Living Adjustment for stipends constrained by state election cycles.

Ojai Day Event

• A motion passed to direct the City Manager to apply for Caltrans street closure permits.
• Instructions require vendor placement that does not negatively impact local merchant access.
• The event plan will incorporate educational elements regarding climate change.

Council and Staff Reports

• Discussion began on a proposal for Council members to appoint Planning Commissioners.
• The Soule Park contract discussion was deferred pending a quorum at the Parks Commission.
• Volunteers offered to host a grant writing workshop for local nonprofits.

• Here is a summary of the Ojai City Council meeting proceedings:

Formula Business Ordinance

• Concern: A representative for a small beer manufacturer (Mr. Dyer) expressed concern that the proposed ordinance limiting formula businesses to five locations could inadvertently subject his existing location to stricter permit requirements (such as Conditional Use Permits) if the business expands elsewhere or needs minor permits, potentially treating him like a large chain.
• Resolution: The Council discussed adding an exemption. A motion was passed to amend the ordinance to exempt existing businesses from the new formula business requirements for their current locations as of the adoption date. If a business expands within its current footprint, they would face standard permitting, but not the stricter formula business hurdles.
• Discussion: Council and staff discussed loopholes regarding business naming (e.g., changing "Starbucks" to "Cafe by Starbucks") and ownership criteria, confirming that ownership is not a determining factor for formula business status.

FY 23-24 Budget Workshop

• Presentation: Staff presented the General Fund budget, projecting revenues of $14.9 million, a recovery from the $10 million low point during the pandemic. Key priorities include deferred maintenance, debt reduction (pension/medical), staffing, and building reserves.
• Deficit: A $200,000 shortfall was identified. Staff proposed balancing this by reducing the contingency fund, reducing prepayments for pension and retiree medical liability, and lowering transfers to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
• Council Stipend: Council discussed a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Council members. State law limits adjustments to roughly 5% per year over the last eight years (approx. 40% total) and changes take effect only after the next election (December 2024).
• Public Comment: Attendees raised concerns about a "structural deficit," the high costs of the Maricopa project, the need for increased revenue through taxes (Sales, TOT), and funding for the Ojai Museum.
• Action: A motion was made to approve the budget with the direction to return at a future workshop with a balanced version based on Council priorities.

Ojai Day Event

• Proposal: Based on survey results, Staff recommended moving the Ojai Day celebration back into the street, requiring a street closure permit from Caltrans. This would cost an additional $10,000–$15,000.
• Concerns: The Chamber of Commerce noted that while a closed street adds energy, previous years saw downtown merchants suffer because vendors blocked visibility and access to storefronts.
• Action: A motion passed directing the City Manager to apply for Caltrans permits to close the street, with instructions to ensure vendor placement does not negatively impact local merchants and to incorporate educational elements regarding climate change/car-free days.

Council and Staff Reports

• Updates: Council members reported on attendance at the SCAG conference, reading events at Noah’s Ark, Arbor Day tree planting, and the Humane Society’s re-envisioning efforts.
• Scheduling: The agenda for the May 23rd meeting was reviewed, covering the Budget, Engineering Report, Valet Parking, and Housing Element. The Soule Park contract discussion was deferred due to a lack of quorum at the Parks and Rec Commission.
• Workshops: Two experienced fundraisers (Heidi Whitman and Amber Landis) volunteered to host a grant writing workshop for local nonprofits at Kent Hall.
• Commission Composition: Discussion began regarding a proposal for each Council member to appoint a Planning Commissioner, potentially applying to all commissions.