City Council — 2024-08-27

Cabin Village Site Selection

• Council debated multiple locations including Signal Street, Maricopa Highway, and Soule Park.
• The Signal Street Public Works Yard was selected for its central location and existing infrastructure.
• Staff confirmed necessary utility upgrades are manageable within current grant parameters.
• The motion to select the Signal Street site passed with a majority vote.

Ad Hoc Committee for Community Engagement

• Staff proposed a committee to manage communication and feedback regarding the Cabin Village project.
• Council recommended adding an immediate neighborhood representative to the member list.
• The motion to accept staff recommendations and select an additional representative passed.

2024 Annual Pavement Rehab Project

• Public Works presented the Paving Management Plan with contracts awarded to Toro and Phoenix Engineering.
• Staff recommended removing temporary speed cushions on Drown Avenue due to limited effectiveness.
• Council approved all recommendations regarding the project and future street prioritization.

• Based on the transcript provided, here is a summary of the Ojai City Council meeting proceedings, including key discussions, decisions, and reports.
• ### 1. Cabin Village Site Selection

Discussion

• The Council debated multiple potential locations for the new Cabin Village project (homeless housing), including the Signal Street Public Works Yard, Maricopa Highway, Rotary Park, Soule Park, and the Honor Farm property.
• Signal Street (Public Works Yard): Favored by Council Members Ruhl, Francina, and Mayor Sticks. Dignity Moves (Jeff Gaddis) expressed confidence in the site, stating there are no significant barriers to moving forward. The site is centrally located, near services, and utilizes existing City infrastructure, though some upgrades (water, sewer, power) are required.
• Concerns: Mayor Pro Tem Whitman voted against the site, citing the burden placed on one specific neighborhood and a lack of financial participation from Ventura County. Concerns regarding soil contamination, infrastructure costs, and displacement of Public Works equipment were raised by Staff (Lindy) and Council Member Ruhl.
• Feasibility: Staff noted that while infrastructure work is needed, it is manageable and funded within the current grant parameters.

Decision

• Motion: Council Member Ruhl moved to select the Signal Street / Lower Public Works Yard site.
• Second: Council Member Francina.
• Vote:
• Council Member Ruhl: Yes
• Council Member Francina: Yes
• Mayor Sticks: Yes
• Mayor Pro Tem Whitman: No
• Council Member Lange: Absent
• Outcome: Motion Passed (3-1).
• ### 2. Ad Hoc Committee for Community Engagement

Discussion

• Staff proposed a committee to manage communication regarding the Cabin Village project, involving community outreach, feedback collection, and FAQ management.
• Proposed Members: Jane Walter (Help of Ojai), Betsy Van Light, Ruth Miller, Bill Miley, and Paul Wallet (OTT participant).
• Recommendations: Council Members suggested adding a representative from the immediate neighborhood of the chosen site to ensure those most affected have a voice.

Decision

• Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Whitman moved to accept staff recommendations and direct the City Manager to select an additional neighborhood representative based on established criteria.
• Second: Council Member Francina.
• Vote: Unanimous (3 Yes, 1 No abstention, 1 Absent). Note: Whitman moved the motion, and all voting members present agreed.
• Outcome: Motion Passed.
• ### 3. 2024 Annual Pavement Rehab Project

Discussion

• Public Works Director Lindy presented a report on the 2024 Paving Management Plan (PMP), a $4 million project (year 1 of a 5-year plan).
• Contracts: Paving contract awarded to Toro (low bid); Construction Management to Phoenix Engineering.
• Speed Cushions: Staff recommended removing temporary speed cushions on Drown Avenue during paving due to limited effectiveness (only 2–3 mph reduction).
• Funding: Project funded by Measure C (TOT). Public commenters suggested raising the TOT tax to better cover infrastructure maintenance costs long-term.
• Future Planning: Council agreed to review the PMP to ensure "failed" streets are prioritized sooner in future cycles.

Decision

• Motion: Council Member Ruhl moved to approve all five recommendations regarding the paving project.
• Vote: Unanimous (4 Yes, 1 Absent).
• Outcome: Motion Passed.
• ### 4. Council and Staff Reports
• Broadband: Council Member Ruhl reported that fiber optic broadband expansion is accelerating due to state grant priorities for underserved areas. The City Manager will oversee the project.
• School District Housing: Council Member Whitman clarified that the City is interested in collaborating with the School District on workforce housing (Becker Development), though the District is not yet ready for a joint meeting.
• Traffic & Safety:
• Parking Drop-off: Nordhoff-Stoke school drop-off issues are being addressed with Caltrans.
• Bike Trail: Extension plans exist but funding/timing is TBD.
• Y-Intersection: Concerns raised about confusing lane markings at the Nordhoff intersection causing driver impatience.
• ### 5. Public Comments
• Ruth Miller: Expresses excitement for the project and willingness to assist.
• Bill Miley: Supports the project, emphasizes transparent communication and casework support.
• Andy Gilman: Encourages collaboration across the community during the upcoming election cycle.
• Tree Bear Odell: Presented a detailed proposal for eco-compatible tiny homes; offered to assist with the project. Staff offered to print and distribute his proposal.
• Anita: Suggested including unhoused community members and women on the communication committee. Staff noted diversity is already represented in the committee.
• Steve Quillacy & Larry Steingold: Discussed road conditions, requested additions to the paving map, and raised the issue of the TOT tax to fund road maintenance.

Meeting Adjourned.

• The meeting was closed after the reports and public comments, with Council Member Lange absent throughout.