Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Whitman, Rule, Francina, Lang
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
Assistant City Attorney Report
- The report detailed a closed session decision that the City has no legal obligation to defend Council Member Rule in a specific lawsuit.
- Council Member Rule questioned the absence of specific motion text in the report regarding the indemnification request.
- The Assistant City Attorney stated she was not present at the closed session and will investigate the missing text.
Libby Bowl Management and Operating Agreement
- The Council approved a four-year agreement with Ojai Valley Music LLC featuring a two-tiered booking system prioritizing the vendor in summer and community use in winter.
- The agreement was amended to direct 10% of net profits exceeding $150,000 annually to a Libby Bowl operating fund.
- Discussions addressed operational details including bike valet outsourcing, traffic management strategies, and a meet-and-confer clause for contract modifications.
Concept Review of City Tree Ordinance
- Staff presented a report on potential revisions to address canopy loss, unqualified workers, and haphazard trimming practices.
- Public comment highlighted concerns regarding fire insurance conflicts, invasive species, and the need for a city arborist.
- The Council directed staff to continue the review and incorporate public feedback without adopting any immediate ordinance or committee.
Council Member Reports
- Members reported on disaster loan opportunities for fire-affected businesses, new fire maps, and a public forum on City-County relations.
- Updates included the failing condition of Matilija Dam, the appointment of new directors for Public Works and the Humane Society, and support for the Ojai Playhouse.
- Future discussions regarding vibrations from SpaceX launches were noted as upcoming agenda items.
City Manager Report
- City Hall will be closed for Thanksgiving and the week of Christmas, with Public Safety operating 24/7 and a skeleton crew remaining for emergencies.
- Recreation facilities will also be closed during the holiday periods to facilitate renovations.
Closed Session
- A closed session held on November 22, 2024, resulted in a determination that the City has no legal obligation to defend or indemnify Council Member Rule.
- The Council did not vote on granting the request for defense and indemnity before the session adjourned.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stix, and a quorum was established. Council Member Lange participated remotely via audio-visual technology under Assembly Bill 2449 due to illness. Consent for remote participation was granted without opposition. Council Member Lange confirmed she was the only individual over the age of 18 present at her remote location.
Approval of Agenda
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. The motion passed upon a roll call vote.
Assistant City Attorney Report
- Assistant City Attorney Taylor Anderson reported on a closed session held on November 22, 2024. The report stated that the City Council voted 3-2 to determine the City had no legal obligation to defend or indemnify Council Member Rule in the case Byrne, et al. v. Rule, et al. The report noted that the Council did not vote on granting the request for defense and indemnity before the session adjourned. Council Member Rule questioned the absence of specific motion text in the report; the Assistant City Attorney stated she was not present at the closed session and would investigate the matter.
Public Comment (General)
- Public comment was opened for items not on the agenda.
- Recreation and Parks Department: Speakers addressed the resignation of the Recreation and Parks Director, requesting administrative leave for the former Director, an interim appointment, and a management review. Concerns were raised regarding employee dismissals. The City Manager noted that discussing specific personnel actions is inappropriate during public comment and highlighted employee due process protections.
- Homeless Housing Project (Cabin Village): Speakers discussed safety and liability. One speaker presented data on incidents and requested a location review. Another speaker clarified that many cited incidents occurred prior to current security measures. A third speaker supported the stabilization model and noted safety improvements since July.
- Indemnification Precedent: A speaker expressed concern that the decision not to indemnify a Council member sets a negative precedent for public service.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar. The motion passed upon a roll call vote.
Libby Bowl Management and Operating Agreement with Ojai Valley Music LLC
- The City Manager presented a staff report regarding a proposed four-year management and operating agreement with Ojai Valley Music (OVM), with options for two four-year extensions. The agreement includes a two-tiered booking system: Tier 1 (May 1–October 31) prioritizes OVM, and Tier 2 (November 1–April 30) prioritizes community use, though OVM retains a right of refusal. The agreement includes a provision for the parties to meet and confer within 60 days after the first anniversary to discuss modifications.
- Public comment and Council discussion addressed several topics:
- Contract Review: Speakers suggested a six-month review period and the involvement of outside experts. The City Manager and Assistant City Attorney noted a one-year review is more appropriate to allow the vendor to establish operations. The Assistant City Attorney confirmed the contract allows for a meet-and-confer upon request within 60 days of the first anniversary, which could be made automatic.
- Financial Terms: Concerns were raised regarding the lack of a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and the fixed fee of $2,500 per event. Mayor Pro Tem Whitman proposed an incentive-based fee increase tied to performance metrics. An OVM representative proposed a model where 10% of net profits exceeding $150,000 annually would be directed to a Libby Bowl operating fund.
- Operational Details: Speakers requested clarification on missing exhibits, a potential typo regarding the start date, and the event limit application. Suggestions included improving the website, installing signage, and clarifying that the bike valet requirement entails secure bike parking. OVM representatives indicated they plan to outsource the valet to a local nonprofit.
- Traffic and Congestion: Discussion included potential negotiations to activate the trolley for longer hours with a shorter route to alleviate downtown congestion. The group agreed to work with the Chamber of Commerce and hotels to direct traffic away from residential areas.
Motion and Vote
- Council Member Rule moved to approve the Libby Bowl Management and Operating Agreement with Ojai Valley Music LLC, amended to include a provision directing 10% of net revenue exceeding $150,000 annually to the Libby Bowl fund. Council Member Lange seconded the motion. The motion passed upon a roll call vote.
Concept Review of City Tree Ordinance
- The City Council reviewed a staff report regarding potential revisions to the City's Tree Ordinance. Community Development Director Lucas Seibert presented background on concerns regarding haphazard trimming, unqualified workers, and a shift in property owner behavior leading to canopy loss. Staff requested direction on expanding protections beyond specific tree types, modifying permit requirements, establishing trimming and removal provisions, defining local species, regulating contractors, and setting replacement ratios. An educational requirement for tree service workers was also proposed. Consultant Jan Scowl discussed the ordinance history and the distinction between fire insurance issues and replacement mandates.
- Public comment addressed the intersection of tree preservation and fire insurance, suggesting a tree committee, a funding mechanism for low-income residents, and protection for young trees. Concerns were raised regarding invasive species and the need for a city arborist. Council members discussed the feasibility of a tree committee, mandatory certification for workers, and the financial implications for residents.
- No motion was made to adopt an ordinance or establish a committee. The Council directed staff to continue the review, incorporate public feedback, and prepare for future discussions, noting the process may extend into the next council term.
Council Member Reports
- Council Member Lange: Reported on the Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura, noting disaster loan opportunities for businesses affected by the Mountain Fire and the release of new fire maps.
- Council Member Francina: Reported on the Ventura County Animal Services Commission meeting with the new director and announced a public forum scheduled for December 2 regarding City-County relations.
- Mayor Stix: Encouraged public support for the newly opened Ojai Playhouse.
- Council Member Rule: Reported on a tour of the Matilija Dam, noting its failing condition and efforts to remove it. Highlighted the appointment of a new watershed director for Public Works and a new director for the Humane Society.
- Mayor Pro Tem Whitman: Mentioned upcoming discussions regarding the city's response to vibrations from SpaceX launches.
City Manager Report
- City Manager Ben Harvey provided holiday updates. City Hall will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday. A new closure schedule for the week of Christmas (December 23–27) was announced, during which the facility will be closed to the public, though Public Safety will operate 24/7 and a skeleton crew of Public Works and essential staff will remain for emergencies. Recreation facilities will also be closed during these periods for renovations.
Future Agenda Items
- Mayor Pro Tem Whitman noted that a future discussion is planned regarding the city's response to vibrations from SpaceX launches.
Public Comment and Adjournment
- During the final segment, a member of the public addressed the board regarding SpaceX, suggesting regulatory actions applicable to neighboring commercial operations might be relevant. A board member noted the matter pertained to a future agenda item. The chair acknowledged the comment, assured the speaker the topic would be discussed later, and thanked the public. The chair confirmed there were no further comments and formally adjourned the meeting. No motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during this portion.