Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Francina, Rule, Lang, Whitman
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Help of Ojai Presentation
- Presenters outlined six core programs including senior services, nutrition, and homeless prevention funds.
- Data highlighted a 16% increase in unhoused individuals alongside rising rent challenges.
- Council members inquired about county matching funds and potential collaboration on SB 647.
Arts Commission Report
- The commission reported on a five-year plan prioritizing art education and upcoming seminars.
- A proposal was suggested to convert a decaying city barn into a gallery for the city collection.
- Council discussion emphasized the necessity of affordable housing to sustain the local art community.
Public Communications Updates
- Various organizations provided updates on library programming, arts productions, and historic district concerns.
- The Planning Commission Chair addressed directives regarding commission composition and removal protocols.
- A request was made to review roof design requirements in the Taormina Historic District Ordinance.
Brown Act Compliance Discussion
- Staff clarified that council members may attend non-city public events but cannot caucus or decide city business.
- Guidance was provided to avoid discussing specific pending applications to ensure neutral decision-making.
City Manager Salary Schedule Amendment
- A resolution increased the maximum annual compensation for the City Manager classification to $225,000.
- Staff confirmed the cost would be drawn from a $400,000 contingency fund to remain competitive.
- The council approved the resolution effective July 15, 2023.
Interim City Manager Employment Agreement
- An agreement was presented for Mark Scott at the maximum salary rate of $225,000 annually.
- The position is limited to 960 hours per fiscal year and excludes standard benefits due to PERS status.
- The council approved the employment agreement via roll call vote.
Assistant City Manager Introduction
- Carl Alameda was introduced as the new Assistant City Manager effective immediately.
- His role will focus on internal services including human resources, risk management, and finance coordination.
Planning Commissioner Removal Request
- The Mayor presented a request to remove Commissioner Jeffrey Starkweather citing inappropriate language and staff relations.
- Public comment was extensive with speakers debating due process, political motivation, and the commissioner's conduct.
- A substitute motion passed to address the removal while affirming the Council's authority over commission appointments.
Council Member Reports and Closing Remarks
- Members discussed the recent 4th of July parade and a postponed paving project start date.
- Farewell remarks were offered to outgoing City Manager James Vega acknowledging his service during the pandemic.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stixx. A quorum was established following a roll call conducted by City Clerk Weston Montgomery. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of the Agenda
- Council Member Roth moved to remove Item 6, regarding Planning Commissioner Jeffrey Starkweather, from the agenda due to the commissioner's absence and the desire for a peaceful final meeting with outgoing City Manager James Vega. Mayor Stixx moved to keep the item on the agenda but reposition it from Item 6 to Item 4 to address time-sensitive community concerns. Council Member Whitman seconded the motion to move the item. Discussion focused on the timing of the item, the commissioner's availability via Zoom, and the impact on community harmony. The council voted on Mayor Stixx's motion to move Item 6 to Item 4. The motion passed. The agenda was approved with this modification.
Presentation: Help of Ojai
- Jane Walter and Megan Telfer, Co-Executive Directors of Help of Ojai, presented an overview of the organization's six main programs: Senior Activity Program, Transportation Program, Senior Nutrition Program, Second Helpings Donation Center and Thrift Store, Community Assistance Program, and Homeless Prevention/Housing Assistance Funds. Presenters highlighted a 16% increase in unhoused individuals in Ojai over the past year and discussed challenges related to rising rents. They explained their "Housing First" model and the Inclement Weather Program. Council members asked questions regarding county matching funds, hotel placement locations, and potential collaboration on SB 647.
Commission Reports: Arts Commission
- Commissioner Pamela Grau reported on the Arts Commission's five-year plan, focusing on art education. She announced an upcoming seminar on July 13 regarding art festivals and fairs, and a future seminar in September on copyright law and estate planning for artists. During public comment, Council Member Roth emphasized the necessity of affordable housing to sustain the local art community. Commissioner Grau noted existing initiatives and suggested converting a decaying city barn into a gallery for the city collection.
Public Communications
- Updates were received from various organizations and individuals:
- Ojai Valley Library: Ron Solorzano outlined summer reading challenges, weekly programming, and upcoming events.
- Ojai Center for the Arts: Len Clay promoted current productions and an exhibit; Jill Dolan encouraged community attendance at local arts venues.
- Planning Commission: Chair Steve Quillacy addressed the council's directive to draft an ordinance on commission composition, stating the current commission is diligent and non-political. He noted that while the council can remove commissioners, such actions require justification in a public meeting.
- Taormina Historic District: Sue Williamson requested a future agenda item to eliminate roof design requirements in the Taormina Historic District Ordinance, arguing restrictions prevent affordable housing construction and create fire hazards. Council Member Roth agreed to review the request if submitted formally.
- Ethics and Procedure: Larry Steingold raised questions regarding the appointment process for Planning Commission members and suggested the adoption of an ethical code of conduct.
Discussion on Brown Act Compliance
- A discussion arose regarding the Brown Act and council attendance at a "Brown Bag Lunch" event organized by the Chautauqua Foundation. Staff clarified that while a majority of the council may attend an open, public meeting organized by a non-city entity, they cannot caucus or make decisions on city business. Council members were advised that discussing policy ideas is permissible, but commenting on specific pending applications should be avoided to ensure neutral decision-making.
Consent Calendar
- Public comment was received regarding Consent Item D (the Sheriff's contract), with a speaker urging the council to direct the new city manager to negotiate a proper contract rather than renewing existing terms. Staff explained that the current item is a statutory requirement to request service for the coming year under the existing contract and does not preclude future negotiations. A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar. The motion passed.
Item 2: Adoption of Resolution Amending Salary Schedule for City Manager
- Staff presented a resolution to amend the salary schedule for the city manager classification, increasing the maximum compensation from $181,543.68 to $225,000 annually, effective July 15, 2023. Staff noted this adjustment is necessary to remain competitive in recruiting an interim and permanent city manager and confirmed the cost would be drawn from the $400,000 contingency fund. A request was made to track future draws from this fund. Public comment included a suggestion to post a biography of the new interim manager on the city website. A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution. The motion passed via roll call vote.
Item 3: Employment Agreement for Interim City Manager Mark Scott
- Staff presented an employment agreement for Mark Scott as interim city manager, effective July 15, 2023. The agreement sets compensation at the maximum salary approved in Item 2 ($225,000 annually), paid on an hourly basis of $108.17 due to his status as a PERS annuitant. The position is limited to 960 hours per fiscal year and does not include standard benefits. Staff provided background on Mr. Scott's experience. A motion was made and seconded to approve the employment agreement and resolution. The motion passed via roll call vote.
Introduction of Assistant City Manager
- Staff introduced Carl Alameda as the new Assistant City Manager, effective immediately. Mr. Alameda outlined his background in municipal management. Staff explained that his role would focus on internal services, including human resources, risk management, information technology, and finance coordination.
Item 4: Request to Remove Planning Commissioner Jeffrey Starkweather
- The council addressed a request to remove Planning Commissioner Jeffrey Starkweather. The Mayor presented the item, citing an email in which the commissioner referred to female city council candidates as "weak young female opponents," as well as allegations of belittling staff and residents. The City Attorney explained the legal process for removal under the Municipal Code, noting that due process requires notice and an opportunity to be heard, which had been provided via agenda notice and Zoom access.
- Public comment was extensive. Speakers in favor of removal cited violations of the commissioner handbook, unauthorized demands on staff time, past professional misconduct, and the use of misogynistic language. Speakers opposing removal argued the email was taken out of context, questioned the characterization of the commissioner's actions as misogynistic, and suggested the move was politically motivated. Concerns were raised regarding due process given the commissioner's absence from the country.
- Council members discussed whether Starkweather should be required to choose between his role as Planning Commissioner and President of the Ojai Valley Democratic Club. The Mayor stated the item was placed on the agenda in response to community concerns regarding staff relationships. Council Member Whitman argued that Starkweather's public challenges to City Council policies were incompatible with the impartiality required of a Planning Commissioner. Council Member Rule expressed opposition to removal, noting no complaints had been filed by fellow commissioners and arguing that removing a commissioner who supports affordable housing could negatively impact city negotiations.
Motions and Decisions
- 1. The Mayor moved to remove Commissioner Jeffrey Starkweather from the Planning Commission. Council Member Whitman seconded the motion. 2. Council Member Whitman offered a substitute motion, which was seconded by Council Member Lang. The substitute motion maintained the intent to address the removal but framed it within a broader context of reviewing the selection process for commissions and affirming the City Council's authority to remove commissioners if deemed in the city's best interest. 3. The Council voted on the substitute motion. The motion passed.
- Following the vote, the Mayor announced that two other agenda items would be postponed.
Council Member Reports and Closing Remarks
- Council members provided closing remarks regarding the recent 4th of July parade and an upcoming paving project. The City Manager reported that the scheduled start of the year's paving project has been postponed to the following week to allow time for discussion on the next five-year plan. Several council members offered farewell remarks to outgoing City Manager James Vega, acknowledging his service during the COVID-19 pandemic and his transition to a new position in Port Hueneme. No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.
Adjournment
- The Chair thanked attendees for their presence. The meeting was adjourned.