Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Francina, Rule, Lang, Whitman
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Website and Commission Updates
- Staff presented a preview of the new City website currently in its testing phase.
- The Historic Preservation Commission honored a former commissioner during their report.
- The Arts Commission announced upcoming grant workshops and application deadlines.
Landscape and Lighting Assessments
- A public hearing addressed the annual resolution to levy assessments for landscape and lighting districts.
- Staff recommended analyzing service levels given that rates have remained unchanged since 2012.
- Public comment raised concerns about excessive lighting and adherence to the Dark Sky Ordinance.
- The council adopted the resolution ordering the work and levying the assessments.
Commission Composition and Appointment Process
- Discussion focused on modifying the size and structure of the Historic Preservation and Parks and Recreation commissions.
- The council directed staff to draft an ordinance limiting non-resident commissioners on specific boards.
- A new selection process was established where each council member appoints one commissioner per commission.
- The motion passed after the Mayor declined a recusal request based on legal advice regarding conflicts.
Valet Parking Regulation and Initiative
- The council reviewed a lawsuit stemming from the rejection of a citizen initiative due to a filing error.
- Debate covered the legal merits of the suit and the impacts of banning versus regulating valet services.
- Public comment expressed support for regulation over a ban to manage traffic and business impacts.
- The council authorized specific members and staff to negotiate a draft ordinance with initiative proponents.
Housing Element Submission
- The council discussed submitting the housing element to the state to address non-compliance and trigger a review period.
- Public comment included requests to refer the document to the Planning Commission before submission.
- Members acknowledged the necessity of meeting state deadlines while retaining future modification rights.
- The motion to approve the submission to the Department of Housing and Community Development passed unanimously.
Closed Session
- No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The meeting was called to order, and a quorum was confirmed. The agenda was approved following a motion by Council Member Rachel Lang, which was seconded and passed unanimously. Staff presented a preview of the new City of Ojai website, noting its current testing phase and features such as a unified design and events calendar. Commission reports were received regarding the Historic Preservation Commission, which honored a former commissioner, and the Arts Commission, which announced upcoming grant workshops and applications.
Public Comment
- Members of the public addressed the council on various topics, including the Memorial Day Parade, a Ventura County Grand Jury report regarding residency requirements for a council member, litigation costs, health and vaccination claims, housing affordability and tax options, homelessness initiatives, commission transparency, and conduct during meetings. The City Attorney responded to inquiries regarding the Grand Jury report, clarifying that only a court can declare an office vacant and noting the "apparent office holder doctrine." Staff clarified that new tax measures would likely require a Proposition 218 vote.
Consent Calendar
- The council discussed several items pulled from the consent calendar for informational purposes, including legal fees (warrants), the annual Gann limit on appropriations, and a septic system issue. Regarding the septic issue, staff clarified that the item authorized conversations with agencies to determine responsibility rather than a commitment to assume liability. The council also discussed the Arbolada water quality issue, noting bacterial findings in seasonal streams and potential funding options for sewer system extensions. A motion was made to approve the consent calendar, seconded, and passed.
Landscape and Lighting Assessments
- A public hearing was held regarding the annual resolution to levy assessments for the Landscape and Lighting District and the Plaza Maintenance Assessment District. Staff noted that assessment rates have not been adjusted since 2012 and recommended an analysis of service levels. Public comment included concerns regarding excessive street lighting and requests for adherence to the Dark Sky Ordinance. A motion was made to adopt the resolution ordering the work and levying the assessments, seconded, and passed.
Commission Composition and Appointment Process
- The council discussed an ordinance to modify the size and structure of the Historic Preservation Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission, as well as the appointment process for all city commissions. Discussion covered residency requirements for quorums, the balance between resident and non-resident commissioners, and the selection process. A motion was made to direct staff to draft an ordinance limiting non-resident commissioners (to one on five-member commissions and two on seven-member commissions) and establishing a selection process where each council member appoints one commissioner per commission, with protections against removal except for cause. The motion was seconded. Following a request for the Mayor to recuse herself, which was declined based on legal advice regarding the absence of a financial conflict, the motion was put to a vote and passed.
Valet Parking Regulation and Initiative
- The council reviewed a staff report regarding a lawsuit filed after the City Clerk rejected a citizen initiative to regulate valet parking due to a procedural filing error. The Parking Committee had recommended regulating valet parking through the Planning Commission rather than banning it. Discussion covered the legal merits of the lawsuit, potential litigation costs, and the impacts of a ban versus regulation on traffic and accessibility. Public comment included support for regulation over a ban and concerns regarding traffic congestion and business impacts. A motion was made to authorize Council Members Francina and Lang, along with staff, to meet with the initiative proponents to negotiate a draft ordinance. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Housing Element Submission
- The council discussed the submission of the city's housing element to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to address non-compliance and trigger a statutory review period. Public comment included requests to refer the document to the Planning Commission prior to submission and calls for more aggressive housing development. Council members acknowledged the necessity of meeting state deadlines while retaining the ability to modify the element after review. A motion was made to approve the submission of the housing element to HCD, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Reports and Adjournment
- Council and City Manager reports were provided, including updates on a Parks and Recreation open house, a scheduled Pride flag-raising ceremony, and communications with the District Attorney's office. The agenda for the next meeting was outlined, including discussions on the Grand Jury report, a budget workshop, and other pending requests. The meeting was adjourned.