Meeting Summary
Present: Rule, Lang, Francina
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
International City of Peace Presentation
- Ray Powers presented the organization's history and Ojai's 2015 designation as the 99th International City of Peace.
- The overview included local initiatives such as the Nuclear Free Zone and future art installation projects.
- No motion or vote was taken on this informational item.
Consent Calendar Amendment
- Council Member Ruhl requested to pull Item H regarding Ojai Day negotiation authority for discussion.
- The Council amended the item to delegate authority to the City Manager or designee instead of the Recreation Manager.
- The Consent Calendar was approved with this specific amendment included.
Habitat for Humanity MOU
- The Council discussed an agreement for five affordable housing units at 410 North Montgomery Street with an all-electric design.
- Amendments were adopted to guarantee the project remains all-electric and limit income eligibility to 30% of the Ventura County median.
- Staff confirmed that tree preservation and pesticide restrictions would be addressed through future design approvals and city ordinances.
- The motion to approve the MOU with these amendments passed.
Landscape and Lighting Districts Public Hearing
- Staff explained the routine annual process to place special assessments on the tax roll for landscape and lighting districts.
- Proposed levy amounts were set to remain at the same level as the previous year.
- The hearing was opened for public comment, but no vote was taken during this segment.
Soule Park Lighting and Street Tree Maintenance Resolution
- Staff confirmed no new lights would be added to Soule Park to maintain compliance with the dark skies ordinance.
- Clarification was provided that no pesticides would be used for street tree maintenance.
- The Council unanimously adopted the resolution to order the work and transmit documents for property asset assessments.
Pickleball Courts Initiative Measure
- The City Attorney presented a certified petition regarding the use of pickleball courts at City Hall and outlined three legal options.
- Following extensive public comment, the Council moved to order an impacts report under Elections Code section 9212.
- The report will analyze fiscal impacts, land use effects, legal risks, and include a Frequently Asked Questions section.
- The motion to prepare the impacts report passed unanimously.
Soule Park Pickleball Contract Award
- Staff recommended awarding the construction contract for eight new courts at Soule Park to the low bidder, Pacific Tennis Courts.
- The plan includes five pickleball courts, two paddle tennis courts, and one multi-purpose court with an anticipated July completion.
- The Council directed staff to proceed with the project and delay closing the City Hall courts until the new facilities are operational.
- The motion to award the contract and delay the closure passed unanimously.
Artisan Market Stakeholder Meeting
- The Community Development Director requested approval to hold a meeting addressing concerns about temporary use permits and vendor competition.
- Discussion emphasized the need to balance the interests of local artists, artisans, and brick-and-mortar businesses.
- The Council unanimously approved the motion to proceed with the community input meeting.
Closed Session
- The Council adjourned to a closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation.
- The specific matter involved a request for defense and indemnity by Council Member Leslie Rule in the case of Byrne v. Rule.
- No reportable action was expected from this session.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The meeting was called to order by Mayor Soule Park. A roll call was conducted, noting that Mayor Pro Tem Whitman participated remotely with intermittent audio difficulties. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Presentation: International City of Peace
- Ray Powers of the Ojai International City of Peace presented an overview of the organization's history, mission, and activities. The presentation covered the global movement's goal to create a culture of peace, Ojai's designation as the 99th International City of Peace in 2015, and local initiatives including the annual International Day of Peace, the "Nuclear Free Zone" designation, and the installation of peace poles and road signs. Future projects such as art installations and community listening circles were outlined. No motion or vote was taken on this item.
Public Communications
- Several members of the public provided comments on items not on the agenda. Topics included upcoming library events, eco-friendly tiny homes and grant funding, a correction regarding the Ojai Day activity guide date, security camera needs at specific locations, World Migratory Bird Day and habitat preservation, and suggestions regarding city document formats.
Consent Calendar
- The Council considered the Consent Calendar. Council Member Ruhl requested to pull Item H from the calendar for discussion. This item concerned the delegation of authority for negotiations regarding the Ojai Day event. Council Member Ruhl suggested amending the language to delegate authority to the City Manager or designee rather than the Recreation Manager. City Manager Ben Harvey agreed that "City Manager or designee" was more appropriate. The Council moved to approve the Consent Calendar with the amendment to Item H. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Habitat for Humanity
- The Council discussed and voted on an MOU with Habitat for Humanity regarding the development and management of five affordable housing units at 410 North Montgomery Street. Loren Hinkle of RRM Design Group presented the project concept, which includes six on-site parking spaces and an all-electric design. City Manager Ben Harvey and Assistant City Manager Lucas Alameda explained the MOU framework, the use of city funds, and the requirement for sweat equity.
- Council discussion addressed several points:
- Parking: Concerns were raised regarding overflow parking on Franklin Street. City Manager Harvey recommended against limiting vehicle ownership in the MOU, suggesting parking management strategies be addressed in future design phases.
- All-Electric: A request was made to guarantee the project remain all-electric. City Manager Harvey agreed to add an "all-electric" clause to the MOU.
- Income Levels: Inquiries were made regarding income thresholds. Habitat CEO Darcy Taylor clarified a preference for serving low-income populations. City Manager Harvey recommended revising the affordability clause to set the maximum at 30% of the median income of Ventura County.
- Landscaping and Pesticides: Requests were made to preserve existing trees and ban the use of poisons. City Manager Harvey noted that tree preservation is inherent in future design approvals and that a pending city-wide ordinance regarding pesticides would apply.
- Safety and Community Engagement: Public commenters expressed concerns regarding traffic safety and visibility. A suggestion was made to hold a community meeting to address design and safety concerns.
- Council Member Ruhl moved to approve the MOU with two amendments: (1) adding an all-electric clause, and (2) revising the affordability clause to limit income to not exceeding 30% of the Ventura County median income. Council Member Lange seconded the motion. The Council voted on the motion, and it passed.
Public Hearing: Landscape and Lighting Districts
- The Council opened a public hearing regarding the annual levy and collection for landscape and lighting districts and the plaza maintenance assessment. Staff explained that this is a routine annual process to place special assessments on the tax roll for July. The hearing was opened to allow for public comment on the levy amounts, which were proposed to remain at the same level as the previous year. No vote was taken during this portion of the hearing.
Soule Park Lighting and Street Tree Maintenance
- Staff confirmed that no new lights were being added to Soule Park, addressing concerns regarding the dark skies ordinance, and that the project represented a status quo matter for tax roll purposes. Regarding street tree maintenance, staff clarified that no pesticides would be sprayed. Council Member Lange moved to adopt the resolution ordering the work and directing the City Clerk to transmit documents to the County of Ventura for the levying and collection of property asset assessments. The motion was seconded by the Mayor. Following discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
Initiative Measure to Keep Pickleball Courts Open at City Hall
- The City Attorney presented a certified initiative petition regarding the use of pickleball courts at City Hall, outlining three options: adopt the ordinance as presented, submit the measure to voters in the November 2024 election, or order an impacts report under Elections Code section 9212. Public comment was extensive, covering arguments for and against the initiative, noise impacts, property values, the history of the courts, and the validity of petition signatures. Council discussion addressed concerns regarding misinformation, the city's retention of land ownership, and the need for clarity on legal and fiscal implications. Council Member Francina moved to order staff to prepare an impacts report pursuant to Elections Code section 9212. The motion included requests for the report to analyze fiscal impact, land use effects, community commerce, potential legal risks, and current available sites, as well as to include a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. The motion was seconded by Council Member Lange. The motion passed unanimously.
Soule Park Pickleball Award of Public Works Contract
- Staff presented a report on the construction of new pickleball and paddle tennis courts at Soule Park, detailing a negotiated land lease agreement with the County of Ventura. The plan includes eight courts: five dedicated pickleball courts, two dedicated paddle tennis courts, and one multi-purpose court with adjustable nets. Staff recommended awarding the contract to the low bidder, Pacific Tennis Courts of Moorpark, and requested that the existing City Hall courts remain open until the new Soule Park courts are operational, with an anticipated completion date by the end of July. Discussion focused on project cost, timeline, fair employment practices, prevailing wages, and potential future fundraising for shade structures. Council Member Lange moved to direct staff to proceed with the proposed courts and to delay the closure of the City Hall courts until the new facilities are usable. The motion was seconded by the Mayor. The motion passed unanimously.
Artisan Market Community Stakeholder and Input Meeting
- The Community Development Director requested approval to hold a community stakeholder input meeting to address concerns regarding artisan markets, temporary use permits, and the relationship between pop-up vendors and brick-and-mortar businesses. Public comment highlighted issues regarding nonprofit status requirements, competition, and parking. Council discussion emphasized the need for a workshop to balance the interests of local artists, artisans, and existing businesses. Council Member Ruhl moved to proceed with the community meeting to allow all voices to be heard and determine a path forward. The motion was seconded by Council Member Francina. The motion passed unanimously.
Closed Session – Anticipated Litigation
- The Council prepared to adjourn to a closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation. The specific matter involved a request for defense and indemnity by Council Member Leslie Rule in the case of Byrne v. Rule. The City Attorney noted that while staff recommended recusal for Council Member Rule as the claimant, the decision to recuse would be deferred to the majority of the Council. No reportable action was expected from this session.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned to closed session. No motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.