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
Pickleball Court Usage, Noise Mitigation, and Future Site Development
- Staff presented options for new facilities at City Hall, Libbey Park, and Soule Park amid noise complaints and shared-use concerns.
- The Council directed the City Manager to convene a stakeholder committee to address all issues and provide recommendations.
- Negotiations with the County regarding Soule Park and the School District for interim facilities were ordered to restart.
- A future date was set for the Council to make a final decision on the status of the City Hall courts.
Selection of Executive Search Firm for City Manager Recruitment
- Three proposals from executive search firms were reviewed with costs ranging from $28,000 to $36,500.
- The Council directed staff to schedule public Zoom interviews with the three recruiting firms to aid in selection.
Interim City Manager Goals and Objectives
- A preliminary list of priorities was presented, covering recruitment, staff retention, the General Plan update, and financial systems.
- Discussion included growth management, the City-School District relationship, and potential re-establishment of a liaison committee.
- The Council approved the interim priorities list subject to future refinement and oral addendums.
Closed Session
- The Council discussed anticipated litigation regarding a housing development proposal and a threatening communication from Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation.
- Staff was directed to send a response letter maintaining the city's process, which was scheduled for delivery the following day.
Full summary
Closed Session Report
- The City Attorney reported that the Council met in closed session to discuss two items involving anticipated litigation: a housing development proposal by the Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation for 320 Bryant (corrected from 820 Bryant) and a written communication threatening litigation from the same corporation via the law office of Barbara McCree-Ortiz. The Council directed staff to send a response letter to Ms. McCree-Ortiz maintaining the city's process. The letter was scheduled for delivery the following day and made available as a public record upon request.
Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, and Agenda Approval
- The regular meeting was called to order, a quorum was established, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. The motion passed.
Commission Reports
- Brian Aikens, Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, reported that the Commission had arranged a tour of the historic stable (carriage house) for Council and Commission members, noting the need to adhere to Brown Act requirements regarding group size. He also reported his scheduled presentation to the Ojai Unified School District regarding city properties, specifically the Nordoff Grammar School and Matilija Middle School properties, including background materials and a previously passed City Council motion.
Public Communications
- Public comment was opened for items not on the agenda. Speakers included Ron Solorzano, who announced upcoming library events; Larry Steingold, who raised topics regarding school district properties, the Becker Agreement, parking, speed limits, electric bike helmets, and cash alternatives; Kale Starbird, who advocated for white roof or solar panel regulations; and Nury, who invited Council members to a dinner with homeless individuals and requested discussion on wildfire prevention. The Mayor noted that the Ojai Wildfire Resiliency Plan had been passed in September 2021.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar. The motion passed.
Pickleball Court Usage, Noise Mitigation, and Future Site Development
- The City Manager presented a staff report regarding growing interest in pickleball and the need for additional facilities. The report identified three primary areas: City Hall courts (noting noise complaints), Lower Libbey Park tennis courts (discussing shared use concerns), and Soule Park (potential for re-initiating negotiations with the County). The City Manager recommended directing staff to re-initiate discussions, obtain designs, and secure cost estimates for Soule Park. Staff clarified that negotiations with the County regarding Soule Park had previously stalled due to a lack of quorum within the Park and Recreation Commission, but confirmed the Council has the authority to take the item back or direct the Commission.
- Public comment was extensive, covering noise impacts at City Hall, the viability of shared use at Libbey Park, and the potential for a permanent facility at Soule Park. Speakers representing neighbors cited decibel levels exceeding 60 dB and referenced a professional sound study indicating a violation of the right to quiet enjoyment. Recommendations included sound barriers, low-impact equipment, or relocating play to Soule Park. Speakers representing the pickleball community emphasized high utilization and the lack of immediate alternatives. Speakers representing the Ojai Valley Tennis Club argued against shared use at Libbey Park due to noise, existing agreements (Resolution 1018), and financial contributions, while supporting Soule Park as a long-term solution.
- Council discussion focused on the expiration of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for City Hall courts on January 1, 2024, legal liability concerns, and the need for interim and permanent solutions. Proposals included forming a stakeholder committee versus having staff lead the work.
- Three motions were presented and voted upon regarding this item: 1. Motion: To direct the City Manager to develop a plan for convening a committee of stakeholders to discuss all issues and return with a schedule and recommendations.
- Outcome: Passed.
- 2. Motion: To direct the City Manager to restart negotiations with the County regarding Soule Park and the Ojai Valley Unified School District regarding interim and permanent pickleball facilities.
- Outcome: Passed.
- 3. Motion: To set a date certain for the Council to decide the fate of the City Hall pickleball courts, with the City Manager to recommend the specific date for Council approval.
- Outcome: Passed.
Selection of Executive Search Firm for City Manager Recruitment
- The City Manager presented three proposals from executive search firms for the recruitment of a new City Manager, with costs ranging from $28,000 to $36,500 inclusive of expenses. Discussion focused on the selection method, including options for reviewing written proposals, forming a subcommittee, or conducting public Zoom interviews.
- Motion: To direct staff to schedule public Zoom interviews with the three recruiting firms.
- Outcome: Passed.
Interim City Manager Goals and Objectives
- The City Manager presented a preliminary list of priorities for the interim period, including City Manager recruitment, retaining key Public Works staff, recruiting a Recreation Manager, advancing the General Plan update, exploring revenue sources, defining a housing workshop, establishing commission appointment protocols, and upgrading financial systems. Discussion covered growth management philosophies, the relationship with the School District, and specific issues such as Arbolada sewer concerns. The potential re-establishment of a "2-2" liaison committee between the City Council and the School District was discussed, and it was noted that the City Attorney is preparing a memo on the legal relationship between the City and School District regarding land use.
- Motion: To approve the City Manager's list of interim priorities, subject to oral addendums and future refinement.
- Outcome: Passed.
Council Member Reports
- The Mayor Pro Tem reported on her role as liaison to Ventura County Animal Services regarding an upcoming meeting about the county shelter's "no-kill" status and its connection to the housing crisis. The Mayor reported on a successful evacuation simulation conducted by the Red Cross and the School District as part of the Ojai Wildfire Resiliency Plan. No formal motions were made regarding these reports.
Future Agenda Items and Adjournment
- The Chair noted that the agenda for upcoming meetings and the following year is full. No formal motion was made regarding future agenda items. The meeting was adjourned.