Meeting Summary
Present: Gilman, Lang, Rule, Whitman, Mang
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At a glance
Closed Session
- A defense and indemnity request for Council Member Rule was reviewed with no reportable action taken.
- The Habitat for Humanity project item was continued to a future date or time after the regular meeting.
Ojai Cabin Village Cost Model and County Partnership
- Staff presented a financial model projecting annual revenues of approximately $634,215 to offset $629,000 in operating expenses.
- Development costs are estimated at $8–9 million and are fully covered by a state grant, with potential savings available for future subsidies.
- Council members expressed concern over the lack of a formal operational commitment from the County of Ventura despite staff assurances of intent.
- The City Manager was authorized to negotiate an operational funding agreement with the County and to research the Dignity Moves model.
Public Comment on Cabin Village and Encampment
- Opponents raised concerns regarding safety, noise, and zoning legality for the proposed residential site near schools.
- Supporters advocated for the Public Works Yard location, citing urgency, state grant deadlines, and the moral need for shelter.
- The Mayor announced an upcoming town hall on February 24 to address community questions without making decisions.
Full summary
Closed Session Report
- The meeting opened with a report on a prior closed session. Two items were reviewed: a request for defense and indemnity by Council Member Rule and the Habitat for Humanity project. No reportable action was taken on the defense and indemnity request. The Habitat for Humanity item was continued to a time after the regular meeting or to another date.
Call to Order and Agenda Approval
- The special meeting was called to order following a roll call of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Council Members. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. A motion was made to approve the agenda, seconded by another member, and passed by the council.
Public Comment
- The council opened the floor for public comment regarding the proposed Cabin Village project and the current Ojai Tent Town encampment.
- Opposition to the Proposed Site: Speakers raised concerns about locating the Cabin Village in a residential area near families and schools, citing safety, noise, property damage, and a lack of transparency in site selection. Requests were made for a 30-day reassessment period or the selection of an alternative site in a commercial, agricultural, or out-of-city location. One speaker cited legal counsel alleging the proposed site is improperly zoned for residential use under the Ojai Municipal Code.
- Support for the Proposed Site: Other speakers supported the Public Works Yard location, citing vegetation screening, proximity to services, and city ownership of the land. Supporters emphasized the urgency of the housing crisis, the need to utilize state grant funding before deadlines, and the moral obligation to provide shelter. Residents near the current encampment described the situation there as safe and civilized, supporting the move to the proposed site.
- General Comments: Additional comments focused on the need for unity, long-term planning, and addressing the needs of the unhoused population.
- During this period, the Mayor announced an upcoming town hall meeting scheduled for February 24 at 5:30 PM to facilitate questions regarding the program, services, and examples from other cities. No decisions would be made at that meeting.
Agenda Item 1: Ojai Cabin Village Cost Model and County Partnership
- Staff presented a cost model for the Cabin Village project, developed in collaboration with the County of Ventura, Help of Ojai, and Dignity Moves. The presentation outlined the transition from the current unsheltered encampment to permanent supportive housing.
- Financial Projections: The model identified five revenue sources: interest on the $12.6 million state grant, Social Security income, Section 8 vouchers, County of Ventura operating support, and community donations. Using conservative estimates, the model projected annual operating revenue of approximately $634,215 against total annual operating expenses of approximately $629,000, indicating revenues would offset costs.
- Development and Environmental Costs: Staff confirmed preliminary environmental testing was sufficient and estimated total development costs at $8–9 million, fully covered by the grant. It was noted that the grant allows funds to be set aside for future operating subsidies if development costs are reduced.
- County Support and Funding: Council members expressed concern regarding the lack of a formal commitment from the County of Ventura for operational support. Staff clarified that the cost model assumes zero county support to remain conservative, though the county has indicated intent to support the project. Kimberly Albers, Ventura County Homelessness Solutions Director, confirmed that state statute requires 50% of development proceeds to be expended by the end of June, but remaining funds may be transferred to a designated account for operational subsidies.
- Operational Details: Questions were raised regarding security costs, the discontinuation of the Resident Steward Program, and the legal implications of the city becoming a landlord. Staff explained that security costs in the model are lower due to dedicated on-site case management and a controlled environment. The steward program was a six-month contract that concluded in December. Staff confirmed the model includes legal expenses and tenant agreements, noting the city will assume landlord-like responsibilities.
- Timeline and Roles: The meeting focused on the cost model, while zoning and development specifics were designated for an upcoming Planning Commission meeting on February 19. A community forum was scheduled for February 24.
Motions and Decisions
- Agenda Approval: A motion to approve the agenda was made, seconded, and passed.
- Authorization to Negotiate: Council Member Lang moved to authorize the City Manager to proceed with negotiations regarding an operational funding agreement with the County of Ventura and to direct staff to return with research on the Dignity Moves model and project feasibility. Council Member Whitman offered a friendly amendment to direct the City Manager to also pursue partnership agreements with the County of Ventura within those discussions. The amendment was accepted. The motion, as amended, was seconded by Mayor Gilman. The motion directed the City Manager to negotiate a future agreement with the County of Ventura to be brought back to the City Council for public review and approval, including seeking a definitive answer on the County's willingness to partner. It was clarified that this motion did not constitute approval of the cost model itself but authorized the negotiation process and further research.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed.
Administrative Note
- Due to time constraints, the Mayor announced that the agenda item regarding the motorcycle officer would be moved to the following week's meeting.
Special Meeting
- No discussion, motion, or vote occurred regarding a special meeting, as the chair noted the item was not on the current agenda having been addressed in a previous meeting.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned. No motion or vote was recorded for the adjournment.