City Council — 2023-07-11

Planning Commissioner Removal Motion

• Discussion was triggered by an email containing language about political opponents and potential conflicts of interest.
• Arguments were presented regarding due process rights versus concerns over misinformation and staff relations.
• The Mayor moved to remove the commissioner, but a substitute motion on selection processes passed.
• Other agenda items were postponed following the conclusion of the vote.

City Manager Departure

• City Manager James Vega was acknowledged for his upcoming departure to a position in Port Hueneme.
• Council members recognized his leadership during the pandemic and infrastructure projects.
• Unanimous praise was offered for his service prior to the adjournment.

• The Ojai City Council meeting was dominated by a contentious debate regarding the potential removal of Planning Commissioner Jeffrey Starkweather from his position. The discussion was triggered by a private email mistakenly forwarded to the public, in which Starkweather described political opponents as "weak young female opponents." Starkweather was absent from the meeting, reportedly in England.

Key Arguments and Public Comment

• Support for Starkweather: Speakers argued that removing him while he was out of the country was a violation of due process. Supporters highlighted his significant advocacy for affordable housing, arguing he was being targeted politically because of his views. They characterized the "weak young female" comment as a reference to electability and experience rather than misogyny, urging the Council to give him a chance to explain or apologize rather than holding a "kangaroo court."
• Opposition to Starkweather: Speakers criticized the inappropriate language, citing it as evidence of misogyny that undermined women in the community. Major concerns were raised regarding a conflict of interest between his roles as Planning Commissioner and President of the Ojai Valley Democratic Club. Critics argued he blurred the lines of authority, overburdened city staff, and spread misinformation to the public regarding housing and city policies.

Council Deliberations and Motion

• Mayor Sticks moved to remove Commissioner Starkweather, citing the email as character defamation and arguing he was no longer the "best fit" for the Commission due to his conflict with Council policies and staff relations.
• Council Member Rule opposed the removal, calling it a character assassination and warning that removing a housing advocate could complicate negotiations with the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD). Rule offered a substitute motion to discuss the proper selection process for commissioners rather than immediate removal.
• Council Members Lang and Whitman supported the move against Starkweather, emphasizing the conflict of interest and the spread of misinformation.
• Voting: A vote was held on the substitute motion, which passed 3-2. Following this, the Mayor indicated other agenda items would be postponed.

City Manager Farewell

• The meeting concluded with an emotional send-off for City Manager James Vega, who is departing for a new position in Port Hueneme. Council members and the community thanked Vega for his leadership, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and in managing paving projects. The Council unanimously praised his service before adjourning the meeting.