Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Commission Appointment Process
- The Council debated a proposed ordinance to formalize the selection process for vacant commission seats.
- Discussion centered on balancing a streamlined nomination method against a more rigorous vetting procedure.
- The Council approved the ordinance to implement the new appointment process as an experimental measure.
Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Overview
- Staff presented a $55.2 million revenue budget with a projected surplus of $474,000, highlighting a new Public Arts Fund.
- Council members and the public raised concerns regarding pension liabilities, climate funding levels, and the absence of a dedicated Budget Committee.
- The Council reached a consensus to advance the budget while directing staff to incorporate feedback on climate expenditures and committee structures.
Encampment Services and St. Francis Challenge Agreement
- Staff recommended a "Resident Steward Model" managed by St. Francis Challenge to address the City Hall encampment using ERF grant funds.
- Public comment focused on the compressed timeline, sole-source selection, and the adequacy of communal facilities.
- The Council approved the service agreement to hire St. Francis Challenge for encampment management and transition services.
Property Acquisition for Homeless Services
- The Council considered purchasing a vacant property at 601 East Ojai Avenue for $1.15 million to house a 30-unit tiny home village.
- Discussion addressed concerns over the site's location, traffic impacts, and the need for greater community engagement.
- The Council authorized the property purchase and passed an amendment to schedule a community outreach workshop.
Pickleball Courts Initiative Petition
- Staff presented a certified initiative petition requiring the City Hall pickleball courts to remain open in perpetuity.
- The Council debated the implications of the measure on city control and noise management before deciding on the submission path.
- The Council approved a resolution to submit the initiative to voters in the November 5, 2024, general election.
Council and Community Reports
- Council members reported that the Toland Landfill has reached its maximum authorized expansion capacity.
- Updates were provided regarding upcoming community events, including the Pride event committee and the Music Festival.
Full summary
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
- The June 11 meeting of the Ojai City Council was called to order, followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda
- A motion was made to approve the agenda, seconded, and passed.
Public Comment (General)
- Public comment was opened for items not on the agenda. Speakers included:
- Ron Solorzano (Regional Librarian), who provided an update on the Ojai Valley Library's summer reading program and upcoming events.
- Joel Fox (Ojai Valley Fourth of July Planning Committee), who requested additional volunteers for the upcoming event.
- Tara Jeffrey, who urged the Council to reconsider recent stop sign installations, arguing the issue requires enforcement rather than additional signage.
- Larry Steingold, who advocated for reinstating a Budget Committee and referenced the need for traffic studies.
- Elena Pascarella, who reported on a verbal altercation at the Peace Vigil and requested a mediation session between vigil participants and counter-protesters.
- Wendy Larner, who sought clarification on an agenda item's status; staff clarified it was recommended for action. A point of order was raised regarding the timing of the discussion.
Consent Calendar
- Public comment was taken on Item 1F (Commission Appointment Process) prior to the vote.
- Brian Aikens (Chair, Historic Preservation Commission) noted a candidate from the prior year wished to be considered.
- William Wyrick expressed concern that the proposed governance structure could create gridlock or an endless loop if the Council rejects a nominee.
Item 1F: Commission Appointment Process
- The Council discussed a proposed ordinance regarding the selection process for vacant commission seats.
- Mayor Pro Tem Whitman argued against the proposed process, advocating for a simpler method where a Council member nominates a candidate requiring majority Council support.
- Council Member Ruhl supported the proposed ordinance, arguing it ensures nominees are vetted through interviews with multiple Council members and the commission chair.
- Council Member Lange favored proceeding with the current proposal, noting it could be revised later if complications arise.
- Council Member Wyrick expressed unease regarding the requirement for a majority of the nominating committee but supported moving forward as an experiment.
- Mayor Stix noted a preference for a streamlined system but acknowledged the lack of majority support for an alternative motion.
- A motion was made to approve Item 1F, seconded, and passed following a roll call vote.
Item 2: Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Overview
- The Council discussed the proposed General Fund, Special Funds, and Enterprise Fund budgets for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
- Pam Greer (Director of Finance) presented the budget, outlining a starting fund balance of $17.9 million and a projected ending balance of $20.7 million. She detailed revenue sources, including Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), property tax, sales tax, and cannabis tax, noting a downward trend in cannabis revenue. She addressed long-term liabilities, stating the city is 70% funded for pension liabilities and 20% funded for Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) liabilities. Priorities included infrastructure strengthening and organizational efficiency.
- Council Member Whitman commented on the high funding levels for pension and OPEB compared to other municipalities.
- Ben Harvey (City Manager) clarified that pension and OPEB liabilities are long-term obligations paid annually.
- Greer presented a 15-year view of tax revenue projections.
Budget Presentation and General Fund Overview (Continued)
- Greer detailed specific expenditures, including $6.8 million for staffing, increased police services funding, facility maintenance, recreation programming, and a $325,000 reimbursement for encampment-related costs. A new Public Arts Fund was established with a $30,000 transfer. The proposed General Fund budget is $16.3 million.
Measure C and Special Funds
- Greer detailed Measure C revenue and expenditures, projecting a draw from the fund balance to end the year with $5.4 million. The Equipment Replacement Fund includes $1.3 million for electric vehicles and an ERP system. A new Encampment Resolution Fund was created with estimated revenue of $12.9 million. The total all-funds budget is projected at $55.2 million in revenue and $55.7 million in costs, resulting in an estimated surplus of $474,000.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
- The presentation included a review of the CIP, noting the Capital Improvement Fund begins with an audited balance of $1.1 million.
Council Questions and Staff Responses
- Revenue Sources: Council Member Wyrick inquired about the percentage of revenue from citizens versus visitors. Harvey explained that the majority of General Fund revenue is visitor-borne, while property tax is resident-borne.
- Gas Tax and Electric Vehicles: Wyrick asked about the impact of electric vehicles on gas tax revenue. Harvey noted revenues are trending down but remain a small portion of CIP revenue.
- State Budget Deficit: Council Member Lang asked about potential impacts of the state budget deficit. Greer noted unconfirmed rumors of potential state sales tax changes.
- Arts Funding: Lang inquired about a technological hub for artists. Harvey suggested this could be discussed during the budget adjustment phase.
- Climate Mitigation: Lang and others requested a breakdown of climate-related expenditures. Harvey stated approximately $1 million is budgeted for climate measures and offered to provide a detailed list.
- Public Arts Fund: Council Member Rule requested clarification on the new Public Arts Fund. Staff explained it was created to separate the 1% public arts contribution from development projects.
- Historic Preservation Committee: Rule noted the committee's budget was lower than requested. Harvey agreed to follow up with staff.
- General Plan and Studies: Council Member Whitman asked about funding for the Climate Action Plan, tourism management, and traffic studies. Harvey confirmed these elements are underway and noted a $20,000 line item for a modest traffic study, with larger studies potentially funded from the $4 million delta.
- Budget Committee: Lang asked why a budget committee was not utilized. Harvey explained the City Council serves as the budget committee.
- Property Tax: Rule asked for clarification on the 1% property tax allocation. Harvey deferred the question to the finance director.
Discussion on Property Tax Allocation
- Staff clarified that the City of Ojai receives 12.6% of the total 1% property tax revenue, approximately $3.25 million, with the remainder distributed to other entities.
Discussion on the Budget Committee
- Staff noted that convening a Budget Committee for the 2024-25 fiscal year would be too late. Staff suggested establishing one for the 2025-26 fiscal year or creating a City Council budget subcommittee.
Public Comment (Budget)
- Budget Committee: Multiple speakers urged the reactivation of a Finance and Budget Committee or subcommittee for oversight.
- Climate Funding: Several speakers criticized the current climate allocation as insufficient, advocating for an increase to at least 20% of the budget and suggesting the use of the $4 million "Delta" fund.
- Cannabis Taxation: One speaker suggested increasing taxes on cannabis businesses to fund homeless services.
- Road Funding: A speaker noted that moving road paving entirely to Measure C might leave insufficient funds for climate initiatives.
- Historic Preservation and Museum: Representatives requested $10,000 for building surveys and thanked the Council for the $60,000 museum allocation.
- General Concerns: Other comments included inquiries regarding the total budget figure and transparency of community grants.
Council and Staff Response (Budget)
- Climate Policy: Staff indicated that major reallocations are policy decisions best addressed in future agenda items. Staff agreed to provide a detailed list of climate-related line items and analyze the cost of replacing city-owned gas appliances.
- Future Actions: Staff confirmed the $4 million Delta fund, climate policy, and Budget Committee reactivation would be discussed in future meetings.
- Decision: The Council reached a consensus to move the budget forward with the understanding that staff would incorporate feedback. No formal motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Public Comment (Post-Recess)
- Following a recess, Colin Jones addressed the council regarding climate change and budget committee transparency. No motions were made or voted upon.
Item 3: City Hall Unhoused Encampment ERF Grant Location Update and Professional Services Agreement with St. Francis Challenge
- City Manager Ben Harvey reported that the encampment footprint at City Hall has been reduced and fencing installed. Staff is preparing to bid on tent platforms.
- ERF Grant: The City was awarded $12.7 million. Staff recommended shifting the Tiny Homes Pathway to Permanent Housing project from Kent Hall to a property at 601 East Ojai Avenue due to challenges at Kent Hall and the availability of the new site for up to 30 units.
- St. Francis Challenge Proposal: Amy Weiss presented a "Resident Steward Model" to manage the current encampment and prepare residents for transition. The model involves a lead steward and resident stewards receiving stipends. Funding is recommended from the ERF grant.
Public Comment (Item 3)
- Support: Several speakers supported the plan, citing the convergence of funding and services.
- Concerns: Other speakers raised concerns regarding the lack of an RFP, the use of a sole-source contract, transparency, and the effectiveness of the steward model.
- No formal motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon during this discussion segment.
Item 3 (Action): Service Agreement with St. Francis Challenge
- Public comment continued regarding the service agreement.
- Concerns: Speakers raised issues regarding the compressed timeline, lack of public notice, communal facilities (bathrooms/kitchens), and the sole-source selection.
- Staff Response: Staff explained the timeline is compressed due to state grant requirements mandating 50% expenditure within 12 months. Communal facilities were described as cost-effective. The sole-source selection was justified based on the timeline and recommendation from Dignity Moves. Staff confirmed the $150,000 cost would be drawn from the ERF grant and would not reduce funding for Help of Ojai.
- A motion was made to proceed with the staff recommendation to hire St. Francis Challenge. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 4: Resolution to Purchase Property at 601 East Ojai Avenue
- The Council considered a resolution to authorize the purchase of a vacant property at 601 East Ojai Avenue for $1.15 million. Staff reported the price was negotiated down from $1.2 million and is consistent with comparable properties. The site is zoned C1 and allows for emergency shelters through a conditional use permit.
Public Comment (Item 4)
- Speakers expressed concerns regarding lack of transparency, the suitability of the location on a main thoroughfare, potential impacts on local businesses, and long-term implications. Alternative uses, such as city parking, were suggested. No motion, vote, or final decision was recorded in this section.
Item 4 (Continued): Public Comment and Discussion Regarding the Proposed Tiny Home Village
- Public comment focused on the proposed acquisition for a 30-unit tiny home village.
- Notification and Process: Speakers expressed concern over late notification and lack of public input on alternative sites.
- Location and Zoning: Residents argued the location is unsuitable due to traffic and noise, while others supported it for its proximity to services.
- Financial Concerns: Questions were raised regarding the property valuation and per-unit costs.
- Project Scope: Speakers inquired about long-term funding and transition timelines.
- Alternative Sites: Several alternative locations were proposed.
- Support: Supporters urged approval to provide immediate safety and services.
Council and Staff Discussion
- Timeline and CEQA: Harvey explained the compressed timeline due to state grant requirements and noted the project is CEQA exempt.
- Encampment Management: City Attorney Gattis clarified that the facility will serve as transitional housing, allowing the Sheriff's Office to compel individuals camping elsewhere to move there.
- Funding: Harvey stated $583,000 from the ERF grant is available for motel vouchers.
- Alternative Sites: Harvey addressed alternative sites, rejecting the City Maintenance Yard due to drainage and size, and noting the Bowling Alley property is too expensive.
- Property Negotiations: Harvey explained the seller approached the city, necessitating closed-session negotiations.
- Design: The project includes communal dining, kitchens, showers, and will be all-electric with solar power.
- Community Engagement: Staff proposed holding a community meeting and creating an FAQ document.
- Parking: Harvey offered to implement a permit parking program for adjacent employees.
- No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon in this section.
Item 4 (Action): Property Acquisition for Homeless Services Site
- Discussion focused on the proposal to purchase the property at 601 East Ojai Avenue for a homeless services program operated by Dignity Moves. A representative described the referral-based model targeting chronically homeless individuals.
- Council Member Rule moved to authorize the purchase of the property for $1,150,000. Council Member Francina seconded the motion. Council Member Lang proposed a friendly amendment to schedule a community outreach workshop as soon as feasible. Council Member Wyrick seconded the amendment.
- The motion to authorize the purchase of the property at 601 East Ojai Avenue for $1,150,000 was passed. The motion to schedule a community outreach workshop as soon as feasible was passed.
Item 5: Initiative Petition Regarding Pickleball Courts at City Hall
- Staff presented a report on a certified initiative petition requiring the city to keep pickleball courts at City Hall open in perpetuity. Staff outlined two options: adopt the ordinance as proposed or submit the measure to the voters in the November 5, 2024, general municipal election. Discussion ensued regarding the process for submitting arguments for and against the measure in the voter information guide.
Discussion on FAQ Revision and Council Member Statements
- Council members discussed revising the FAQ document regarding the pickleball initiative. Staff suggested the council could submit edits for later publication. It was confirmed that the council could authorize specific members to write pro and con statements.
Public Comment (Pickleball Initiative)
- Kim Crane presented concerns regarding noise pollution.
- Tim Kraut and Brenda Kraut (Ojai Valley Pickleball group) urged the council to adopt the ordinance immediately to save taxpayer money and addressed noise standards.
- Dale Hanson and Lisa Braithwaite expressed opposition, citing noise disturbance and impacts on property values.
- Roger and Mark supported the initiative, citing petition support and the need for consistent signage.
- Patti Tabor supported keeping the courts open, citing accessibility and free access.
Discussion on Initiative Hours and Council Authority
- The City Attorney clarified that the initiative would require courts to remain open year-round without city permission, undoing prior decisions to close them. The council retains ownership and control of the land.
Motion to Submit Initiative to Voters
- A motion was made to adopt a resolution submitting the pickleball initiative ordinance to the voters at the November 5, 2024, general municipal election. The motion included an amendment to authorize any council member who wishes to submit an argument to do so, rather than specifying individual members. The motion was seconded.
- The motion to submit the pickleball initiative to the voters, with the amendment regarding council member statements, passed.
Administrative Clarification
- The City Attorney clarified that any council member wishing to submit an argument must do so with a complete and signed submission.
Council Member Reports
- Council Member Andrew Whitman reported that the Toland Landfill has reached its maximum authorized expansion capacity. Council Member William Wyrick responded to the report. No formal motions were made.
Community Updates
- The Chair provided updates on the Humane Society's 92nd birthday celebration, the Mesa Grand Opening, and the Music Festival. Council Member Rachel Lang reported that the Pride event committee has been established for June 30th. No formal motions were made.
Adjournment
- The Chair thanked the volunteers and declared the meeting adjourned.