City Council — 2023-12-20

Meeting Summary

Present: Stix, Francina, Lang, Whitman, Rule

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Council leadership presented a scaled-back resolution referencing federal calls for de-escalation and humanitarian aid.
Speakers expressed diverse viewpoints regarding humanitarian crises, community safety, and the scope of city jurisdiction.
The council issued a statement expressing concern and de-escalation commitment without taking a formal vote on the resolution.
Members encouraged constituents to contact federal officials while noting the resolution could perpetuate community divisiveness.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stixx. A roll call was conducted, confirming the presence of Mayor Stixx, Mayor Pro Tem Francina, Council Member Lange, and Council Member Whitman. Council Member Rule participated remotely via Zoom under Assembly Bill 2449, citing emergency circumstances. Consent for remote participation was requested, and no opposition was noted. The meeting proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance led by City Clerk Weston.

A motion to approve the agenda was made by Council Member Whitman and seconded by Mayor Stixx. The motion passed via voice vote, and the meeting proceeded to the discussion item.

The council considered a discussion item titled "A resolution of the City Council of the City of Ojai, California affirming Ojai's city of peace commitment and support of congressional and international calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza."
Mayor Stixx and Council Member Lange provided background information regarding the item. They noted that a similar resolution had been proposed in November but was paused to allow for further information gathering and community dialogue. Following public comments and a December meeting, a special meeting was convened. The Mayor presented a scaled-back version of the resolution, referencing U.S. House of Representatives H.R. 786, which urged federal officials to facilitate de-escalation and humanitarian aid while acknowledging Israel's right to defend itself. Council Member Lange outlined three options for the council: dismiss the item as outside jurisdiction, amend the proposed language, or adopt the resolution.

Public comment was opened with a limit of two minutes per speaker due to a high volume of registrations. Over 50 individuals signed up to speak.
Speakers presented a wide range of viewpoints regarding the resolution. Supporters of the resolution urged the council to pass the item, citing the need to save lives, stop violence, and align with the city's designation as a City of Peace. Many speakers expressed concern for the safety and suffering of civilians and children in Gaza, calling the situation a humanitarian crisis.
Opponents of the resolution urged the council to vote against or dismiss the item. Concerns were raised regarding the safety of the local Jewish community, with some speakers stating the language could foster fear or hate. Other speakers argued that the resolution was one-sided, divisive, or outside the jurisdiction of the city council. Some expressed support for Israel's right to self-defense and criticized the timing and wording of the proposed text.
Throughout the public comment period, the council and staff managed time limits and technical issues regarding the display of the resolution text on screens.

City Attorney informed the council that no votes would be taken on the resolution during the evening. Instead, the council opted to issue a statement.
Mayor Stixx delivered a closing statement on behalf of the council. The statement expressed concern and grief over the military operations in Gaza and affirmed a commitment to de-escalation. However, it stated that the proposed resolution would not end the violence and might perpetuate divisiveness within the community. The council expressed commitment to working with all residents affected by the conflict and encouraging constituents to contact federal officials.
Following the statement, the meeting was adjourned. No action was taken on the ceasefire resolution.