Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Whitman, Francina, Lang, Rule
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At a glance
Finance and Budget Committee
- Staff proposed re-establishing the advisory committee to review projects exceeding $250,000.
- Community member selection was updated to require nomination by the Mayor and City Treasurer.
- The Council amended the policy to set a two-year term for resident members.
- Council Member Lange was appointed to fill the vacant City Council seat on the committee.
Council Member Code of Conduct and Ethics
- Staff presented a draft code covering transparency, civility, and accountability standards.
- Council discussion included amendments regarding social media distinctions and outside influence disclosure.
- Language regarding gratuities and official communication channels was added during the amendment process.
- The Council adopted the Code of Conduct and Ethics incorporating the discussed amendments.
Full summary
Ojai City Council Special Meeting Summary
- Date: October 14, 2024 Location: Ojai City Hall
Agenda Item 1: Finance and Budget Committee
- Staff presented a resolution to re-establish and affirm the City's Budget and Finance Committee. The proposed policy outlines the committee as an advisory body with seven members: two City Council members, the City Treasurer, the City Manager, the Finance Director, and two community residents. The committee's scope focuses on providing feedback regarding potential programs or projects over $250,000. A key update to the previous policy involves the selection process for the two community members; they will now be nominated by the Mayor and City Treasurer for City Council ratification, rather than being selected solely by the City Manager.
- Public comment on this item included suggestions to lower the project threshold to $100,000, increase the number of meetings, and remove the City Treasurer from the committee. Additional comments addressed appointment succession and the Mayor's role in the selection process.
- Council discussion followed. Council Member Ruhl suggested changing the term for resident members from four years to two years to allow for review, which was accepted as a friendly amendment. Mayor Pro Tem Whitman clarified that Council member appointments would generally align with annual committee assignments but would occur immediately to fill the current vacancy.
- Action: The Council moved and passed a motion to adopt the resolution affirming the Budget and Finance Committee policy, including the term length amendment.
- Action: The Council moved and passed a motion to appoint Council Member Lange to fill the vacant Council Member seat on the committee.
- Action: Staff indicated that the process to appoint the community member vacancies would proceed through advertisement and ratification as outlined in the adopted resolution.
Agenda Item 2: Council Member Code of Conduct and Ethics
- Assistant City Attorney Taylor Anderson presented a draft Code of Conduct and Ethics developed through listening sessions with Council members. The document covers public interest, transparency, impartiality, civility, respect, efficiency, conflict resolution, confidentiality, public resources, and accountability. Staff recommended incorporating formality into meeting conduct, such as time limits and designating communication channels.
- Public comment on this item included support for the code, suggestions for additional clarity on social media use, and concerns regarding enforcement mechanisms and First Amendment implications. Several speakers raised concerns regarding transparency, specifically referencing closed session discussions related to the gymnastics program at the Recreation Department. One speaker requested the document be made available for review prior to adoption, while another referenced recent personal interactions regarding park enforcement in Daly Park, which prompted a response from a Council member. Staff noted a public hearing regarding the gymnastics program would be held on November 19.
- Council discussion focused on several amendments to the draft. Council Member Francina moved to adopt the code with amendments regarding factual accuracy and social media responsibility. Council Member Lange proposed additional language distinguishing personal opinions from official communications on social media and requiring official positions to be transmitted through the City Manager's office. Council Member Ruhl proposed an amendment regarding the disclosure of outside influences, including community groups and non-profits, though noting the rule would not apply to individual constituents. Council Members discussed striking language regarding "personal relationships" to avoid ambiguity and adding "gratuities" to the section on impartiality.
- Action: The Council moved and passed a motion to adopt the Council Member Code of Conduct and Ethics, incorporating the discussed amendments regarding social media distinctions, gratuities, and outside influence disclosure.
Other Matters
- Public Hearing Notice: Staff announced a public hearing on the gymnastics program and proposed changes is scheduled for November 19 at 6:00 PM.
- Volunteer Opportunity: Council Member Lange noted an announcement regarding a search for interns and volunteers at the St. Francis Challenge tent town.
Adjournment
- The meeting concluded following the approval of the Code of Conduct and Ethics.