Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Francina, Whitman, Lang, roll
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At a glance
Consent Calendar Amendments
- The description for legal fees was amended from "Brown Act guidance" to "legal services" to accurately reflect the work performed.
- The nomination of Andrew Ellison was not confirmed due to a procedural violation regarding the interview committee composition.
- Appointments for Sage Intner and Robert Munich to the Park and Recreation Commission were confirmed.
Recognition and Oaths of Office
- Certificates of recognition were presented to departing officials, including the Mayor, City Clerk, and Planning Commissioner.
- Steve Quillacy was sworn in as the new City Clerk and administered oaths to the incoming Mayor and Council Member.
Commission and Department Updates
- The Historic Preservation Commission requested a joint session with the Council to discuss the Ojai Civic Center project.
- The Library reported on upcoming programs, including a human trafficking prevention presentation scheduled for January.
Mayor Pro Tem Appointment
- Councilmember Rachel Lang was nominated and appointed to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term.
Earth-Friendly Management Policy
- The Council adopted a policy designating city parks as pesticide-free zones and prioritizing non-chemical pest control alternatives.
- Staff clarified that lethal measures remain an option for rats if non-lethal methods fail, while trap-and-release applies to other animals.
Energy Efficiency Ordinance Concept
- Staff presented a "FlexPath" ordinance concept requiring point-based energy scores for major home renovations rather than specific technologies.
- The Council directed staff to return with a proposed ordinance for a first reading and public discussion at the January meeting.
Future Agenda Items
- The Council approved adding an item to repeal the Rights of Nature Ordinance and initiate a community study, likely in March.
- A joint meeting with the Historic Preservation Commission was scheduled for a future agenda.
- A discussion regarding the waiver of closed session privilege for previous open sessions was added to the agenda.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The meeting was called to order with a quorum established. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of Agenda
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. The motion passed. It was noted that a presentation by the Chief Deputy City Clerk, who was ill, would be rescheduled for January.
Consent Calendar
- Council Member Rule requested to remove Items B (Warrants) and D (Park and Recreation Commission Nominations) from the consent calendar for separate discussion. Public comment was received regarding the interview process for commission nominees and legal fees.
- Item B (Warrants): Concerns were raised regarding a line item listing $38,547 in legal fees from Myers Knave as "Brown Act guidance," as the work was not related to the Brown Act. The City Manager suggested options to reframe the description or approve the warrants with a general description. A motion was made and seconded to change the description of Item 7 on page 1B-4 from "Brown Act guidance" to "legal services." The motion to amend the description passed. Following the amendment, a motion was made and seconded to approve the remaining consent calendar items (A, C, and E). The motion passed.
- Item D (Park and Recreation Commission Nominations): A motion was made and seconded to not confirm the nomination of Andrew Ellison, based on the finding that the nominating committee did not conduct the interview as a group of three members as required by ordinance, as the committee chair was absent. The motion to not confirm the nomination passed. Subsequently, a motion was made and seconded to confirm the appointments of Sage Intner and Robert Munich. The motion passed. It was noted that the interview and appointment process for other applicants remains ongoing.
Recognition of Departing Officials
- The Council recognized departing officials, including Planning Commissioner Steve Quillacy, City Clerk Cynthia Burrell, Council Member Sousa-Francina, and Mayor Betsy Stix. Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition were presented to Mayor Stix and Council Member Sousa-Francina by a representative of Congressman Salud Carbajal. Certificates of Recognition were presented by a representative of State Assembly Member Steve Bennett, and commendations were presented by a representative of Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere.
Oath of Office
- The new City Clerk, Steve Quillacy, was sworn in. He then administered the Oath of Office to the incoming City Council members: Mayor-elect Andy Gilman and Council Member-elect Kim Mang. A roll call was conducted to acknowledge the new leadership.
Commission and Department Reports
- Historic Preservation Commission: Chair Brian Eakins reported on the reappointment of commissioners and the status of the Ojai Civic Center Historic District project. The Commission requested a joint session with the City Council to provide guidance and updates on projects.
- Library: Regional Librarian Ron Solorzano provided an update on upcoming programs, including calendar-making activities, a stuffed animal sleepover, Teen Thursdays, and a January presentation on human trafficking prevention.
Public Comment
- Public comment was received on various topics, including congratulations to new officials, the need for transparency, e-bike regulations, fire hardening costs, the "over boom" ordinance, and the Cabin Village project. Concerns were raised regarding the location of Council meetings at Kent Hall due to lighting safety. In response, the City Manager explained that meetings are held at Kent Hall due to accessibility, capacity, security, and audio considerations, though staff agreed to explore improved lighting solutions. Regarding the Cabin Village project, staff stated the item was scheduled to return to the Planning Commission in February, with a detailed article planned for the upcoming newsletter.
Nomination and Appointment of the Mayor Pro Tem
- Staff presented a resolution to appoint a Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term. Councilmember Andrew Whitman nominated Councilmember Rachel Lang to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. Councilmember Leslie Rule seconded the nomination. The Council voted on the motion, and it passed.
Resolution to Approve the City of Ojai Earth-Friendly Management Policy
- Public Works Director Lindy Palmer presented a resolution to adopt an Earth-Friendly Management Policy to formally ratify Best Management Practices (BMPs) implemented over the past five to six years. The policy aims to protect public health by restricting hazardous chemicals and pesticides, designating city parks and structures as pesticide-free zones, and utilizing non-chemical alternatives first. Chemical pesticides are to be used only on an emergency basis with notification and record-keeping. Discussion focused on pest control protocols, specifically regarding non-lethal traps for rats and ground squirrels. Staff clarified that the trap-and-release provision applies to animals such as raccoons entering structures, not rats, and that lethal measures remain an option if non-lethal methods fail. Public comments supported the policy, with speakers emphasizing the benefits of reducing pesticide use and noting state laws regarding rodent trapping. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Earth-Friendly Management Policy. The motion passed.
Concept Review of Proposed Energy Efficiency Ordinance
- Staff and consultants presented a concept for a local energy efficiency ordinance targeting existing single-family homes undergoing major renovations or additions. The proposal utilizes a "FlexPath" approach requiring property owners to achieve a specific point score based on energy-saving measures rather than mandating specific technologies. Key details discussed included triggers based on square footage or project valuation, potential exemptions (financial infeasibility, technical infeasibility, seismic safety, historic properties, and affordable housing), and the need for an educational component. Council members discussed the extent of prior outreach and debated prioritizing this initiative over fire hardening efforts.
- Motion 1: Council Member Lang moved to direct staff to return with a proposed ordinance for a first reading and public discussion at the January meeting. Council Member Montgomery seconded the motion.
- Motion 2 (Substitute): Council Member Rule moved to substitute the first motion with a directive to bring the item back in February as part of the goal-setting process, coupled with community outreach to determine priorities. The substitute motion was not seconded and therefore failed.
- Outcome: The Council proceeded to vote on the original motion (Motion 1). The motion to direct staff to return with a proposed ordinance for a first reading and public discussion at the January meeting passed.
Energy Efficiency Ordinance and General Plan Updates
- Discussion continued regarding the process for the energy efficiency ordinance, with Council members expressing a preference for limiting review rounds with consultants. A public comment was provided by a representative from Ramey Associates regarding the distinction between climate mitigation and adaptation in the context of the General Plan and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
Council Member Reports
- Councilmember Lang reported on the Gold Coast Transit District, noting the recent rollout of holiday-themed buses.
City Manager's Report
- City Manager Ben Harvey stated there was no report to provide.
Future Agenda Items
- Repeal of Rights of Nature Ordinance: Mayor Montgomery proposed adding an item to the next agenda to repeal the Rights of Nature Ordinance and initiate a community study. Councilmember Whitman seconded the motion. The City Manager noted scheduling constraints would likely delay the item until March. The motion to add the item to the future agenda passed.
- Joint Meeting with Historic Preservation Commission: Mayor Montgomery proposed adding an item for a joint meeting between the Historic Preservation Commission and the City Council. Councilmember Whitman seconded the motion. The motion to add this item to the future agenda passed.
- Waiver of Closed Session Privilege: Mayor Montgomery moved to discuss waiving privilege on all open sessions from the previous two years to review matters previously held in closed session. Legal counsel noted that a discussion regarding the waiver of closed session privilege would typically need to occur within a closed session. Mayor Montgomery seconded the motion to schedule a discussion on this topic. The motion to add this discussion to the agenda passed.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.