City Council — 2024-03-26

Meeting Summary

Present: Stix, Whitman, Rule, Lang, Francina

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Police leadership presented 2023 data covering patrols, arrests, and crime categories.
Future plans for traffic enforcement and homeless liaison units were outlined.
Staff confirmed statistics applied to city limits and materials would be available.

The Council discussed anticipated litigation regarding the REACH Code and a property owner appeal.
Motion to move discussion to open session was withdrawn after legal counsel advised potential delays.
Report out directed the City Manager to resolve issues with the property owner.
Broader improvements to the Reach Code Ordinance were scheduled for a future meeting.

The meeting was called to order, a quorum was established, and the roll call was taken. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, a motion was made and seconded to approve the meeting agenda. The motion passed.

Chief of Police Trina Newman and Assistant City Manager Carl Alameda presented the 2023 crime statistics for the City of Ojai. The presentation covered patrol functions, response times, arrest numbers, property and violent crime categories, and traffic citations. Future plans for traffic enforcement and homeless liaison units were also outlined. During the discussion, a Council Member inquired about the geographic scope of the statistics and the availability of the presentation materials. The Chief clarified that the statistics pertained to city limits and that the materials would be made available.

The new Recreation Manager, Matt Davis, was introduced. The Arts Commission Chair acknowledged Council Member Rule and outlined upcoming educational seminars and a mentor program.
Public comment was received regarding the following topics:
Traffic enforcement levels and Caltrans infrastructure repairs at intersections.
Suggestions for campaign conduct limits and decorum for the upcoming mayoral election.
The REACH ordinance, including requests for incentives rather than bans and concerns regarding litigation.
Impact of the homeless encampment on surrounding neighborhoods.
Arts Center productions and events.
Installation of park benches and public seating.
Removal of non-native plants and environmental restoration projects.

A motion was made to approve the consent calendar, with the exception of Item B, which was pulled for discussion. A Council Member requested clarification regarding Item B, which concerned an invoice for patrol services. Staff explained that the item covered all contracted law enforcement services from the Sheriff's Department. Following the clarification, a motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar. The motion passed. The appointment of Karina Wright to the Arts Commission was included in the approval.

The Council considered two items scheduled for closed session regarding anticipated litigation related to the REACH Code and a specific property owner appeal. During public comment on the closed session items, an attorney for the property owner and a member of the public urged the Council to discuss the matter in an open session.
A Council Member moved to conduct the discussion in an open session, and the motion was seconded. The City Attorney advised that holding the discussion in an open session would delay the matter to a future agenda item and could potentially impact litigation strategy. Following this discussion, the motion to hold an open session was withdrawn. The Council proceeded to adjourn to closed session.

Following the closed session, the City Attorney reported out on behalf of the Council. The Council considered threats of litigation related to the REACH Code. The Council provided direction to the City Manager to reach a resolution with the property owner and to take up a broader discussion regarding improvements to the Reach Code Ordinance at a future meeting.

Council Members provided reports regarding attendance at a Tax and Revenue Policy Committee meeting, a visit to a local animal shelter, and participation in a Green Coalition gathering. The City Manager reported that the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved a 10-year land use agreement for the Soule Park pickleball courts. The City Manager also noted that staff is currently preparing the annual budget and Capital Improvement Program.