City Council — 2024-01-30

Meeting Summary

Present: Stix, Rule, Lang, Francina

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The Council authorized the City Manager to negotiate expedited construction with Ventura County Parks.
Discussion addressed funding, annual fees, and the broader vision for the park facilities.
Supervisor confirmation ensured the County would prioritize the project timeline.

Council approved keeping courts open until Soule Park is ready or July 1st, whichever comes first.
Operating hours were restricted with full closures on Saturdays, Mondays, and Sunday mornings.
Continued access requires players to commit fully to transitioning to the new Soule Park facility.

The Ojai City Council convened to address the contentious issue of pickleball courts located on the City Hall campus versus new development at Soule Park. The meeting featured passionate public comments from both pickleball players and neighboring residents, followed by council deliberation resulting in a vote to expedite Soule Park development and a compromise vote on keeping the City Hall courts temporarily open.

Pickleball Players: Speakers emphasized the social and physical benefits of the sport, arguing that current operating hours (closed after 4:30 PM in winter) are insufficient for working professionals. They requested a transition period until the Soule Park project is complete, citing Soule Park as currently just "a pipe dream." Many expressed a willingness to use "quiet paddles" and balls to mitigate noise.
Neighbors/Residents: Residents living adjacent to the City Hall courts (Smith-Hobson Estate) argued that the noise (specifically the high-frequency "ping") disrupts their peace and quiet. They highlighted the historic nature of the property, noting that sound barriers would compromise its integrity. Some compared the noise to a nuisance, while others noted the difficulty of parking and traffic during tournaments.

Motion: The Council moved to empower the City Manager to negotiate with Ventura County Parks to expedite the construction of pickleball courts at Soule Park.
Discussion: Council members discussed funding, fees ($30/year for seniors, $60/year for others), and the need for a "larger vision" for the park. Supervisor Matt Levere confirmed the County would prioritize this process.
Vote: 5-0 (Unanimous) in favor of proceeding with Soule Park negotiations.

Conflict: The Council debated whether to close the City Hall courts immediately or allow a transition period. Previous votes had leaned toward closure to protect the historic site and neighbors' quiet enjoyment.
Debate:
Closure Arguments: Councilmember Whitman and Mayor Stixx argued that pickleball is a privilege, not a right, and that the noise is incompatible with the residential nature of the City Hall campus. They emphasized the need to protect minority interests (neighbors) and historic preservation.
Compromise Arguments: Councilmembers Lange, Ruhl, and Francina (eventually) argued for a transition to avoid disenfranchising players who have no other place to play during weekdays. They proposed limiting hours rather than a full shutdown.
Motions and Amendments: Several motions were proposed and amended regarding the duration of the stay and operating hours. The final negotiated compromise included specific day restrictions and a firm end date.
Final Motion: Keep City Hall courts open until Soule Park is ready OR five months (July 1st), whichever comes first.
Restrictions: Closed Saturdays and Mondays. Closed Sunday mornings. Open Sunday afternoons (3 hours).
Condition: Players commit to 100% energy toward transitioning to Soule Park.
Vote: 3-2 in favor of the compromise.
Yes: Councilmembers Francina, Lange, Ruhl.
No: Councilmember Whitman, Mayor Stixx.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the Soule Park project and the temporary extension of City Hall court operations under strict conditions. The Council adjourned pending the implementation of these decisions.