City Council — 2024-12-17

Pickleball Hours and Measures at City Hall

• Staff noted Measure O takes effect in December while Council retains authority over operating hours.
• Discussion balanced resident noise concerns against the voter mandate for increased weekend access.
• A resolution passed establishing seasonal hours, approved quiet equipment lists, and clear signage requirements.
• Staff will propose a sound mitigation wall and review the program in three months.

Agenda Item: Pickleball Hours and Measures at City Hall

Staff Report

• Staff presented a report regarding the recently certified Ojai Pickleball Act (Measure O), which is scheduled to go into effect on December 20. The City Manager noted that while the Measure is silent on specific operating hours, the City Council holds the ultimate authority to determine those hours, potentially after receiving a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission. Staff proposed a resolution using previously established restrictive hours as a starting point for Council consideration. Legal counsel clarified that the Council has the final authority to act on park facility hours and that any decisions can be appealed to the Council.

Discussion

• Discussion focused on interpreting the voter mandate of Measure O versus the Council's authority to regulate park hours to mitigate noise and community impact. Public comments were received from both supporters of the initiative and concerned residents. Supporters emphasized the voter approval of the measure, the importance of weekend access for families and working individuals, and the legal obligation to implement the measure without restrictive permits. Opponents raised concerns regarding noise disturbances affecting nearby residents, citing previous sound studies and the impact of play on property values and quality of life.
• The Council deliberated on specific hours of operation to balance access with noise mitigation. Various schedules were proposed, including different start and end times for weekdays and weekends, as well as midday closures. Discussion also covered the use of specific "quiet" equipment (paddles and balls), the installation of clear signage, and a potential sound mitigation wall. Council members agreed to schedule a future meeting in three months to review the effectiveness of the new arrangements and receive a report from staff and stakeholders.

Motion

• A motion was made and seconded to approve a resolution establishing the following:
• Operating Hours: Specific hours were set for winter and summer seasons, including a midday closure period. Summer hours included an extension in the afternoon compared to winter hours.
• Weekend Access: Adjustments to weekend start times were included to accommodate morning quiet hours.
• Equipment: Authorization of a "Blue Paddle List" specifying approved quieter paddles and balls.
• Mitigation: Staff requested to develop a proposal for a sound mitigation wall to be presented to the Council.
• Review: A report-back session scheduled for three months to assess the arrangement.
• Signage: Requirement for clear signage indicating operating hours and equipment rules.

Decision

• The motion passed by a vote of three to two. The City Manager will prepare the resolution for formal adoption. The meeting was subsequently adjourned following the completion of the agenda item and the approval of the agenda.