Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Whitman, Rule, Lang, Francina
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Historic Preservation Commission Awards
- The Commission presented annual awards to four individuals for community service and historical contributions.
- Tony Thatcher received the Lifetime Achievement Award for founding local schools and the tennis tournament.
- Other recipients were recognized for cemetery maintenance, historical documentation, and protecting sacred sites.
Energy Efficiency Code Update
- Staff presented a "FlexPath" approach allowing property owners to select measures to meet point-based requirements.
- The draft ordinance is scheduled for finalization in late 2024 with implementation anticipated in early 2025.
- State Energy Commission approval is expected by early 2025 prior to the code taking effect.
Arts Commission Report
- The Commission reported on 21 grant applicants for the current fiscal year.
- An application for a $250,000 state Catalyst Grant was announced to fund an economic impact study.
- The grant would also support existing arts grants and a new mentorship program.
Spay/Neuter Ordinance
- Public comment addressed health implications of early neutering and local animal overpopulation data.
- Council noted the revised version includes veterinary exemptions before adoption.
- The motion to adopt the ordinance was made, seconded, and passed.
Prohibition on Unethical Breeding
- Public testimony highlighted health issues associated with brachycephalic breeds.
- Council moved to adopt the prohibition following the presentation of evidence.
- The motion was seconded and passed without further amendment.
Parking Fine Uniformity
- Council requested an explanation regarding the rationale for modeling Oxnard's fine schedule.
- No vote was taken on this item during the current meeting session.
Update to Bail Schedule
- Staff recommended updating the bail schedule to align with peer cities using Oxnard as a model.
- Proposed increases included fines for parking in bus zones to $250 and disabled zones to $350.
- The motion to adopt the updated schedule was made, seconded, and passed.
Commercial Concert Programming at Libby Bowl
- Staff presented options to extend the agreement with Sterling Venue Ventures or select Ojai Valley Music.
- Representatives from both groups presented cases regarding financial stability and community integration.
- No final decision was reached during the initial discussion portion of the meeting.
Libby Bowl Concert Series Proposal (Ojai Valley Music)
- Council moved to direct the City Manager to negotiate a four-year agreement with Ojai Valley Music.
- A friendly amendment was adopted to ensure the contract includes traffic management elements.
- The motion passed, requiring City Manager to draft the contract for future Council approval.
Public Comment on Recreation Department and Gymnastics Program
- Speakers alleged programming changes were made without Commission oversight and urged reinstatement.
- The City Manager clarified that existing gymnastics programs are not being cut.
- Staff confirmed new pickleball programming is planned for Soule Park rather than the gymnasium.
Ordinance Establishing Administrative Remedies for Fee Challenges
- Council considered an ordinance implementing new state law regarding written opposition to fees.
- A motion was made to introduce the ordinance and waive the first reading.
- The motion passed, noting that a second reading and vote are still required at a future meeting.
Electrification of City-Owned Buildings
- Public Works presented a status report on transitioning fleet vehicles and prohibiting gas power tools.
- Staff discussed an upcoming agreement with the Clean Power Alliance and an RFP for design-build processes.
- The item was designated as "receive and file" with no motion made.
Rights of Nature Ordinance
- Council discussed an ordinance establishing rights for residents and natural communities to clean water and soil.
- The City Attorney recommended striking the phrase "by the sovereign people" to avoid legal confusion.
- The motion to pass the ordinance with amendments for educational materials and text removal was adopted.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Announcements
- The meeting was called to order by Mayor Zoe Omish, and a quorum was established. The Mayor announced a special meeting scheduled for November 19 at 6:00 p.m. at Kent Hall to discuss the future of the city's gymnastics program, requesting that public comments on this topic be reserved for that session. A new timed comment period for Council members was outlined, allowing five minutes per member per motion with the option to cycle back for additional time.
Approval of Agenda
- A motion was made to approve the agenda, seconded, and passed.
Historic Preservation Commission Awards
- Brian Akins, Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, presented annual awards. Connie Biggers was recognized for cleaning the Nordhoff Cemetery and community service; Janice Cash for historical articles and photography; Patrick Tumamite for protecting Chumash sacred sites; and Tony Thatcher received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his family's historical contributions, including founding the Thatcher School, Nordoff High School, and the Ojai Tennis Tournament.
Energy Efficiency Code Update
- Walker Wells of TRC Companies presented an update on the city's energy efficiency code efforts, detailing the timeline since 2017 and the proposed "FlexPath" approach. This approach allows property owners to select various measures to meet point-based requirements. The draft ordinance is scheduled for finalization in late 2024, with State Energy Commission approval expected by early 2025 and implementation anticipated in late February or March 2025.
Arts Commission Report
- Leonard Clay, Chair of the Arts Commission, reported on 21 grant applicants for the current year. The commission announced an application for a $250,000 state "Catalyst Grant" to fund an economic impact study of the creative economy, augment existing arts grants, and support a mentorship program.
Public Comment (General)
- Public comment was held on items not on the agenda. The majority of speakers addressed the gymnastics program, expressing support for maintaining the current schedule and equipment. Other comments included requests for clarification on properties omitted from homeless encampment consideration, concerns regarding cyclist and pedestrian safety, opposition to Measure O regarding pickleball noise, and comments on vegetarianism.
Consent Calendar
- Council Member Francina requested to pull Items E, F, and G for separate discussion.
- Item E (Spay/Neuter Ordinance): Public comment addressed health implications of early neutering and local animal overpopulation data. Council Member Francina noted the revised version includes veterinary exemptions. Council Member Whitman expressed support but noted consideration of amendments regarding extended neutering times for specific breeds if supported by data. A motion was made to adopt Item E, seconded, and passed.
- Item F (Prohibition on Unethical Breeding): Following public testimony regarding health issues of brachycephalic breeds, Council Member Francina moved to adopt Item F. The motion was seconded and passed.
- Item G (Parking Fine Uniformity): Council Member Francina requested an explanation regarding the rationale for modeling Oxnard's fine schedule. No vote was taken on this item during this portion of the meeting.
Agenda Item 1G: Update to Bail Schedule
- Staff recommended updating the city's bail schedule to align with peer cities, using Oxnard's schedule as a model. Proposed increases included fines for parking in bus zones to $250 and disabled parking zones to $350. Council members discussed the rationale and enforcement priorities. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the updated bail schedule. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 1H: Receive and File
- Staff clarified that this item was for "receive and file" purposes only, as the document was not enforceable under state law. No motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item 2: Commercial Concert Programming at Libby Bowl
- Staff presented two options: extending the agreement with Sterling Venue Ventures for four years or selecting a proposal from Ojai Valley Music (OVM). Representatives from both groups presented their cases. Sterling highlighted an eight-year track record and financial stability. OVM emphasized community integration, local vendors, and a permanent sound system. Council members inquired about scoring methodology, city oversight, and potential collaboration. Public comment was extensive, with support for both proposals and concerns regarding noise and local musician inclusion. No motion or final decision was reached during this portion of the transcript.
Agenda Item: Libby Bowl Concert Series Proposal (Ojai Valley Music)
- Council members discussed the OVM proposal, focusing on community center potential and local partnerships. Council Member Lange moved to direct the City Manager to negotiate a four-year agreement with OVM. Council Member Rule seconded the motion. A friendly amendment was proposed to ensure the contract includes traffic management elements, such as bike valet and pedestrian bicycle plans. The City Manager confirmed the contract would be drafted using existing templates and require Council approval before execution. The motion, including the amendment, was put to a vote and passed.
Agenda Item: Public Comment on Recreation Department and Gymnastics Program
- Following the Libby Bowl vote, public comment addressed concerns regarding the Parks and Recreation Commission and the gymnastics program. Speakers alleged programming changes were made without Commission oversight and urged the reinstatement of the Commission. The City Manager responded that no new pickleball programming is planned for the gymnasium and that existing gymnastics programs are not being cut; new pickleball programming is planned for Soule Park.
Agenda Item: Ordinance Establishing Administrative Remedies for Fee Challenges
- The Council considered an ordinance adding Article 3 to Chapter 6 of Title 1 of the Ojai Municipal Code to implement new state law regarding written opposition to fees under Proposition 218. Council Member Rule moved to introduce the ordinance and waive the first reading. The motion was seconded. Council Member Whitman clarified that waiving the first reading does not eliminate the requirement for a second reading and vote at a future meeting. The motion to introduce the ordinance and waive the first reading was put to a vote and passed.
Agenda Item: Electrification of City-Owned Buildings
- The Public Works Director presented a status report on electrification efforts, including the prohibition of gas power tools, fleet transition to electric vehicles, and replacement of gas water heaters. The staff discussed an upcoming agreement with the Clean Power Alliance and preparation of an RFP for design-build processes. The item was designated as "receive and file." No motion was made.
Agenda Item: Rights of Nature Ordinance
- The Council discussed an ordinance establishing rights for residents and natural communities to clean water and soil. Council Member Francina raised concerns regarding the phrase "sovereign people," and the City Attorney recommended striking the phrase to avoid legal confusion. Public comment addressed financial risks, vagueness of exceptions, and legal standing. Council Member Rule moved to introduce and pass the ordinance with two amendments: (1) directing staff to create educational materials, and (2) striking the phrase "by the sovereign people" from Section 5-16.03. Council Member Lange seconded the motion. The motion was put to a vote and passed.
Council Member Reports
- Council members provided brief reports on Ojai Day, staff appreciation, the appointment of a new Ventura County Animal Shelter director, and an upcoming e-bike safety workshop.
Public Comment and Announcements
- Speakers discussed cyclist safety education, congratulated organizers on the Miners Oaks Community Garden ribbon-cutting, and acknowledged attendance at the League of California Cities conference.
City Manager's Report
- No report was presented or discussed.
Future Agenda Items
- No future agenda items were proposed.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.