Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Rule, Lang, Francina
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At a glance
Soule Park Pickleball Facilities and County Collaboration
- The Council authorized the City Manager to negotiate a segmented development agreement with Ventura County to expedite court construction.
- Staff will return with preliminary cost and timeline estimates while prioritizing the creation and expansion of pickleball courts.
- Discussions included exploring a potential hardship program for permit fees and utilizing available grant funds.
Extension of Pickleball Play at City Hall Courts
- The Council voted to extend court operations for up to five months or until Soule Park facilities become available, whichever occurs first.
- Approved restrictions include closing courts on Saturdays, Mondays, and Sunday mornings while allowing limited Sunday afternoon play.
- The decision mandates the use of quiet equipment and reduces the number of active courts to mitigate noise in the residential area.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The January 30, 2024, special meeting of the Ojai City Council was called to order by Mayor Bill Miley. Following a roll call establishing a quorum, the meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance, a welcome for new City Manager Ben Harvey, and acknowledgments of community volunteers. Mayor Miley outlined conduct expectations regarding civility and the prohibition of disruptions. A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda, which passed.
Agenda Items 1A & 1B: Soule Park Pickleball Facilities and County Collaboration
- Staff and County representatives provided updates on the potential development of pickleball facilities at Soule Park. City Manager Harvey recommended negotiating with Ventura County to advance the project as a segmented effort rather than waiting for a comprehensive plan, noting available grant funds. County officials clarified that existing courts are playable but require improvements; maintaining the current footprint would likely result in ministerial zoning clearance, while expansion could trigger a discretionary process. It was noted that donations over $10,000 and grants over $100,000 require Board of Supervisors approval. No approved plan currently exists for Soule Park, and any future project would follow standard capital improvement procedures.
- Public comment was received regarding the need for the project to move forward and the importance of City involvement in management. Following discussion, a motion was made to empower the City Manager to collaborate with the Interim Public Works Director, the Soule Park Pickleball group, and citizens to negotiate an agreement with Ventura County regarding the development of pickleball courts. The motion included a request to expedite the process. A friendly amendment was adopted directing staff to negotiate and begin construction as soon as possible, and to return to the Council with preliminary estimates regarding the timeline and cost. Another friendly amendment was proposed to ensure the focus remained on the creation and expansion of pickleball courts and to discuss a potential hardship program for permit fees.
- The motion, as amended, was made by Council Member Francina and seconded by Council Member Lange. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 1C: Extension of Pickleball Play at City Hall Courts
- Staff recommended extending play at the City Hall courts, which were previously scheduled to close on January 31, until facilities at Soule Park become available. The recommendation included eliminating Sunday play, reducing daily hours by 30 minutes, and mandating the use of "Owl" paddles and quiet balls.
- Public comment was divided. Speakers supporting the closure cited noise disturbances, health impacts, and the incompatibility of the courts with the residential neighborhood. Speakers supporting the extension emphasized the social and health benefits of the sport, the effectiveness of quiet equipment, and the lack of a viable alternative at Soule Park due to construction and safety concerns.
- Legal counsel advised that a simple majority vote controls the reconsideration of the closure, as it is a fundamental policy question regarding city facilities. Council members debated the balance between recreational needs and the right to quiet enjoyment, noting the City Hall campus is a historic landmark. Staff reported a city investment of approximately $37,850 in the courts, offset by $12,000 in community donations.
- Several motions were considered: 1. A motion to grant courtesy use of the courts until Soule Park is operational, with stipulations regarding quiet equipment, was made by Council Member Rule. The motion failed to receive a second and died. 2. A motion to keep the courts open until Soule Park is ready or for a maximum of six months, with restrictions on Saturday play and reduced hours, was made by Council Member Lange and seconded by Council Member Rule. 3. A substitute motion was offered by Council Member Francina to close the courts three days a week (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday) and to close them entirely when Soule Park is operational or after four months, whichever comes first. 4. A friendly amendment to the substitute motion was proposed by Council Member Rule to close the courts two and a half days a week (Saturday, Monday, and Sunday morning), allowing Sunday afternoon play for three hours, with a closure date of five months (July 1) or upon Soule Park completion. This amendment was seconded by Council Member Lange. 5. A further friendly amendment to reduce the number of active courts from four to two was proposed by Council Member Whitman. The maker of the substitute motion declined to accept this amendment.
- Following further discussion on noise mitigation strategies, including reducing the number of players or courts, a final motion regarding the operation of the City Hall courts was made and seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed with a vote of 3-2.
Adjournment
- Following the vote, the meeting was adjourned.