Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Whitman, 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
Public Works Contract Award (ATP Project)
- Staff presented contracts for Phase 1 construction and management on Maricopa Highway to improve pedestrian and bike safety.
- Council members discussed cost overruns, e-bike safety concerns, and the inclusion of specific sidewalk improvements.
- The Council approved the construction contract with Granite Construction and the management agreement with TransTech Engineers.
Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Adoption
- Staff presented a revised budget overview with increased allocations for public safety and animal services, balanced by reducing equipment fund transfers.
- Public comment urged higher climate action funding, while Council debate focused on sourcing $346,000 for overdue equipment electrification.
- The Council adopted the annual budget resolution with a directive to staff to allocate funds for specific carbon-reducing equipment replacements.
Dignity Moves Homeless Encampment Project
- City Manager confirmed no site has been selected yet and outlined four criteria properties must meet for the $12 million grant project.
- Council members and the public discussed forming an ad hoc committee to facilitate community engagement and site vetting.
- Staff scheduled a detailed update on the project status and frequently asked questions for the July 9th regular meeting.
Council Member Reports
- Mayor Pro Tem Whitman reported on regional funding for slower ship speeds to reduce carbon emissions and recent blue whale sightings.
- Councilmember Francina provided an update on the Animal Services Director search and raised concerns about glue trap sales.
- Councilmembers Lang and Rule announced upcoming community events regarding the Pride Festival and broadband information.
Closed Session
- The Council convened to discuss potential litigation matters and public employee performance evaluations.
- No formal motions or votes were recorded during this portion of the meeting.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The meeting was called to order by Mayor Betsy Stix. A quorum was established following a roll call of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Councilmembers. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of Agenda
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. The motion passed.
Public Communications
- Multiple members of the public addressed the Council regarding the $12 million state grant for a permanent supportive transitional housing facility. Several speakers, including Randy Haney, Robin Gerber, William Wyrick, Bob Kemper, Barbara Bowman, and Jay Simon, urged the formation of an ad hoc committee or Citizen Advisory Council to facilitate community engagement, vet potential sites, and provide recommendations within a 45-day timeline. Sharon Meharry, representing the Ojai Valley Board of Realtors, offered the services of a realtor task force to assist in site selection and negotiation. Larry Steingold and Starchild cautioned against using the term "NIMBY" to describe concerned residents, emphasizing the need for detailed information on design and operations. Bill Miley submitted a list of ten questions regarding the grant program, covering housing unit nature, ownership, funding, and resident screening. Devorah Cutler suggested criteria checklists prioritizing mental health and new technologies. Jeff Crow provided an update on his business, noting a name change and financial challenges pending federal reclassification.
Consent Calendar
- The Council considered the consent calendar. Councilmember Francina requested to pull Item G (Ventura County Animal Services request for services) for discussion. Concerns were raised regarding the Animal Services contract and the search for a new director, with Councilmember Rule requesting a future update on the director search. A motion was made and seconded to approve Item G, which passed. A subsequent motion was made and seconded to approve the remainder of the consent calendar, which also passed.
Item 2: Award of Public Works Contract and Professional Services Agreement (ATP Project)
- Staff presented a report regarding the award of a construction contract to Granite Construction Company and a construction management agreement to TransTech Engineers Incorporated for Phase 1 of the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) project on Maricopa Highway. The project includes bike lanes, handicapped ramps, and pedestrian safety features.
- Discussion: Councilmember William Wyrick questioned the 15.8% cost for construction management services and the use of General Fund money. Councilmember Francina requested clarification on signage at specific intersections, which staff confirmed would be addressed. Councilmember Lang inquired about pricing and negotiation; staff explained that professional services are awarded based on qualifications, with the selected bid falling within the expected range for the project's complexity. Mayor Pro Tem Whitman confirmed the rate was standard and asked if approval committed the City to Phase 2; staff clarified that Phase 2 requires separate future approval. Councilmember Rule noted the project was approximately $500,000 over the original grant estimate due to rising costs and ineligible right-of-way funding, and raised concerns regarding e-bike safety. Councilmember Francina confirmed a sidewalk in front of the Ben Franklin shopping center would be included.
- Motion: Councilmember Rule moved to approve the item, costs, and contracts.
- Second: Mayor Pro Tem Whitman seconded the motion.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Item 3: Budget Study Session 3 (Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-25 Overview)
- Staff presented a revised budget overview. Finance Director Pam Brewer outlined adjustments to the General Fund, including increases for Sheriff's body-worn camera encasements, Animal Services, CDD, HPC, and Recreation contracts. To balance the budget, the transfer to the Equipment Replacement Fund was reduced by $204,000. The proposed General Fund budget stands at $16.3 million in revenues and expenditures, with an estimated ending fund balance of $20.7 million, including $3.4 million in unallocated, unreserved fund balance. Adjustments were made to Measure C funding to cover a drain repair and equipment replacements, including electric vehicles and charging stations. City Manager Phil White noted plans to return with a new City Reserve Policy, a Budget Climate Policy, and proposals for the surplus. Councilmember Francina questioned the replacement of functional gas-powered equipment with electric units; staff responded that the current fleet is aging. Councilmember Lang inquired about an energy management plan for HVAC systems and using the surplus for tree planting; staff recommended an RFP for an energy plan and confirmed the Council's authority to modify the budget for tree planting.
- Decision: No vote was taken on the budget adoption during this session; the item was for discussion and information only.
Public Comment on Budget and Climate Action
- During the public hearing segment, speakers urged the Council to increase budget allocation for climate action beyond the current 3%, citing the urgency of the climate crisis. Recommendations included reallocating funds to replace aging HVAC and water heating systems with heat pumps, deferring non-essential capital projects (such as parking lot paving, a new bucket truck, and a motorcycle officer position) to fund climate initiatives, and establishing a Climate Action Committee. Other comments addressed the Ojai Trolley system, noting staffing shortages and the need for an electric trolley. Concerns were also raised regarding the financial implications of the homeless encampment project, storm drain conditions, and the need for sidewalks and traffic safety measures. Several speakers referenced Measure C as a mandate for action on fire safety, water supply, climate action, roads, and trees.
Discussion on Budget and Climate Mitigation
- Council discussion centered on the motion to adopt the fiscal year 2024-25 budget and the allocation of funds for equipment replacement to reduce carbon emissions. Mayor Pro Tem Whitman moved to direct staff to find $346,000 within the adopted budget to fund a list of overdue equipment replacements identified by City Manager Phil White. Council members debated the source of these funds, considering options such as deferring the purchase of a new bucket truck, postponing parking lot paving projects, or utilizing the unprogrammed "Delta" fund of approximately $3.4 million. City Manager White noted that deferring paving projects would increase future costs and suggested a higher figure to ensure the electrification project could be fully completed. Council members expressed concern about using the Delta fund without further community input and emphasized the need for a comprehensive climate policy. Regarding the motorcycle officer position, it was noted that while the position is budgeted, it requires a separate approval process.
Motion and Vote on Budget Adoption
- A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Whitman and seconded by Councilmember Francina to adopt the resolution for the fiscal year 2024-25 annual budget. The motion included a directive to staff to locate and allocate $346,000 within the budget for the specified equipment replacement list at city facilities.
- Decision: Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.
Council Member Reports
- Mayor Pro Tem Whitman: Reported on a recent APCD meeting where funding was approved to encourage slower ship speeds to reduce carbon emissions and noted a NOAA report of approximately 30 blue whales in the channel.
- Councilmember Lang: Announced the annual Pride Festival scheduled for Sunday.
- Councilmember Francina: Provided an update on the search for a new Animal Services Director, noting five candidates were interviewed but no decision has been communicated by the County. She also raised a concern regarding the sale of glue traps at a local pet store.
- Councilmember Rule: Announced a broadband information meeting scheduled for the following evening.
City Manager's Report and Future Agenda Items
- City Manager White addressed questions regarding the Dignity Moves homeless encampment project. He confirmed that an update on the ERF grant and project status will be presented at the July 9th regular City Council meeting. He clarified that no specific site has been selected yet and that the upcoming presentation will focus on the current status, frequently asked questions, and the four criteria properties must meet. He invited the public to submit potential property ideas. Councilmember Rule proposed the formation of an ad hoc committee to engage the community in the Dignity Moves project. City Manager White suggested including this discussion as part of the agenda for the July 9th meeting.
Closed Session Agenda Items
- The Council announced its intention to convene in a closed session to address potential litigation and public employee performance evaluations for the City Manager and City Attorney. No formal motions, seconds, or votes were recorded in this portion of the meeting. The meeting was adjourned to closed session.