City Council — 2024-06-25

ATP Project Contracts

• Staff presented details on the Maricopa Highway project scope including bike lanes and safety improvements.
• Council discussion covered construction management fees and funding source options.
• The council approved the contracts for construction and engineering services for the project.

Budget Study Session

• Staff presented the proposed General Fund budget overview including an unprogrammed surplus.
• Council discussion addressed the urgency of climate action and potential project deferrals.
• The council voted to adopt the budget resolution with directives for equipment replacement funding.
• Staff will report on additional grant funding opportunities in future meetings.

Closed Session

• The council attorney advised the council would meet regarding potential litigation matters.
• Employee performance evaluations for the City Manager and City Attorney were also discussed.
• No reportable action was expected from the closed session meeting.

Meeting Summary: City of Ojai City Council

Meeting Opening and Agenda Approval

• The meeting was called to order, quorum was established, and roll call was conducted. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. A motion to approve the agenda was made, seconded, and passed.

Public Communications (Homelessness and Grant Project)

• Members of the public addressed the council regarding the homelessness grant project and the partnership with Dignity Moves. Speakers expressed a desire for community involvement in site selection and suggested the formation of an ad hoc committee to assist with the project. Several speakers requested clarity on the grant requirements, the selection criteria for the site, and the timeline for construction. Concerns were raised regarding the credibility of the project and the need for transparency. Some speakers suggested alternatives to the encampment model, focusing on housing assistance and retention.

Consent Calendar (Item G)

• The Council considered Item G, a request for services regarding Ventura County Animal Services.
• Discussion: Councilmembers discussed the hiring process for the Animal Services Director and costs associated with the services.
• Vote Outcome: The motion to approve the request passed 5-0.

Agenda Item 2: ATP Project Contracts

• The Council reviewed the award of a public works contract to Granite Construction Company and a professional services agreement to TransTech Engineers Incorporated for the ATP project on Maricopa Highway.
• Discussion: Staff presented details regarding the project scope, including bike lanes and safety improvements. Public comment addressed construction management fees and funding sources. Council discussion focused on the necessity of the safety improvements and the use of general funds versus grant funds.
• Vote Outcome: The motion to award the contracts passed 5-0.

Agenda Item 3: Budget Study Session 3 (FY 2024-25)

• The Council reviewed the Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-25 Overview presented by the Finance Director. The proposed General Fund budget was approximately $16.3 million, with an unprogrammed surplus of approximately $3.4 million.
• Discussion: Public comment focused heavily on climate mitigation funding. Speakers urged the council to increase the budget allocation for climate action, suggesting the deferral of other projects such as parking lot paving, a bucket truck purchase, and a motorcycle officer position to fund equipment replacement and electrification of city facilities. Council discussion addressed the urgency of climate action, specific line item deferrals, and the use of the unprogrammed surplus (Delta Fund).
• Motion: A motion was made to adopt the budget resolution and direct staff to identify $346,000 within the budget for equipment replacement (Phil White list). The initial second was withdrawn due to concerns regarding the funding source; a new second was provided.
• Vote Outcome: The motion passed 3-2. Following the vote, a request was made for staff to report on additional grant funding for future consideration.

Council Member Reports

• Mayor Pro Tem Whitman: Shared information regarding blue whale sightings in the channel.
• Councilmember Lane: Reminded the public of the upcoming Pride Festival.
• Councilmember Francina: Inquired about the status of the Animal Services Director hiring process; was informed no new director is in place yet. Also raised concerns regarding glue traps found at a local pet shop; was advised to report via the MyOjai app.
• Councilmember Ruhl: Announced an upcoming broadband information meeting.
• Mayor Sticks: Announced a July 9th update regarding the Dignity Moves ERF grant status.

City Manager’s Report

• Dignity Moves Update: An update on the ERF grant and project status was scheduled for the July 9th meeting. A specific location for the project had not yet been determined.
• Ad Hoc Committee: Councilmember Ruhl expressed support for forming an ad hoc committee to assist with the homelessness project. The City Manager suggested discussing the committee structure and participation at the July 9th meeting.

Closed Session

• The Council Attorney advised that the Council would meet in closed session to consider potential litigation and employee performance evaluations for the City Manager and City Attorney. No reportable action was expected. The Council adjourned to closed session.