City Council — 2024-04-23

Meeting Summary

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The Council approved design review and development permits for a 15-unit affordable housing project.
Design features include pet-friendly units and climate measures such as electrification.
Staff addressed EMF exposure concerns by confirming a buffer zone would mitigate the risk.

The Council ratified expenditures to move campers from woodland areas to 17 tent platforms.
Authorization was granted to bid for the completion of 12 remaining encampment platforms.
An amendment was added to encourage volunteer participation in the construction process.
Staff indicated a state grant will later address permanent housing needs.

The Council authorized an agreement extension to manage bidding for a dedicated bike lane near Nordoff High School.
Fire and emergency vehicle access concerns were addressed by the Fire Chief confirming design feasibility.
Right-of-way issues were confirmed as resolved prior to authorizing the bidding process.
Construction for Phase 1 is expected to begin in July.

The Council debated removing the city consent requirement for neighbors filing civil suits against violations.
A substitute motion requiring staff analysis of complaints failed to pass.
City Attorney noted existing attorney fee provisions offer protection against frivolous lawsuits.
The Council amended the ordinance to allow notification of the city without requiring approval before filing suit.

The City Council convened to discuss several key agenda items, including affordable housing development, homeless encampment management, active transportation projects, and amendments to the short-term rental ordinance.

The Council approved a 15-unit deed-restricted affordable housing project at 304 South Montgomery Street.
Discussion: Staff noted that the city's compliant housing element allows for better enforcement of local ordinances. The project includes pet-friendly units and meets various climate measures (drought-tolerant landscaping, electrification).
Public Comment: Speakers generally supported the project, citing a need for more affordable housing and noting the cost burden on workers commuting to Ojai. One commenter expressed concern regarding EMF exposure from the nearby Edison Station; staff noted a buffer zone would mitigate this.
Action: The design review and development permits were approved by a 5-0 vote.

Staff requested ratification of expenditures exceeding the City Manager's authority and authorization to bid for the completion of a temporary unhoused encampment solution.
Discussion: Approximately $50,000 had been spent to move campers out of sensitive woodland areas into a parking lot to create 17 tent platforms. Authorization is needed to bid for 12 remaining platforms. Staff noted a recent $12.6 million state grant will address permanent housing needs later.
Public Comment: A speaker proposed a tiny home project using grant funding, and another inquired about the grant's disbursement schedule and Prop 1 implications.
Action: The Council ratified the expenditures and authorized bidding, including an amendment to encourage volunteer participation in the construction process. The motion passed 5-0.

The Council discussed the dedicated bike lane project near Nordoff High School on Maricopa Highway.
Discussion: Staff requested an extension of the agreement with Avant Garde ($45,000 cap) to manage the bidding process. Concerns regarding fire and emergency vehicle access were addressed; the Fire Chief confirmed the design is feasible. Right-of-way issues were confirmed as resolved.
Action: The Council authorized the professional services extension and the bidding process for Phase 1. Construction is expected to begin in July. The motion passed 5-0.

The Mayor pulled a specific section of the short-term rental ordinance from the consent calendar for discussion regarding Section 4-24.05(G).
Issue: The debate focused on the "city consent" requirement for neighbors filing civil suits against violations. The Mayor proposed removing the consent requirement to streamline the process and save staff time, relying on existing language that protects defendants in frivolous lawsuits via attorney's fees.
Debate: Council Member Ruhl argued for a staff analysis of complaints prior to filing to prevent "lawfare," while Mayor Pro Tem Whitman argued that removing consent avoids city liability and aligns with state practices. The City Attorney noted that attorney fee provisions already offer significant protection against frivolous suits.
Action: A substitute motion requiring staff analysis failed. The motion to strike the "with city consent" language passed (3-2), amending the ordinance to allow aggrieved parties to notify the city before filing suit without requiring approval.

Mayor's Report: Congratulated the community on the Krotona Centennial, the Ojai Art Center production, and the World Dance Festival.
City Manager's Report: None.
The meeting concluded with the adjournment.