February 4, 2025 — Ojai City Council Special Meeting

Meeting Summary

Present: Gilman, Lang, Rule, Whitman, Mang

This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.

Staff presented a cost model for the proposed project developed with county and nonprofit partners.
Council members inquired about security costs and the County of Ventura's financial commitment.
The Council authorized the City Manager to negotiate an operational funding agreement with the County.
Staff was directed to return with research on project feasibility and the Dignity Moves model.

Staff reported on the prior closed session regarding a request for defense and indemnity.
No reportable action was taken on the Council member's request during the report.
The discussion concerning a Habitat for Humanity project was continued for a future date.

Staff reported on items discussed during a prior closed session. Regarding the request for defense and indemnity by Council Member Rule, no reportable action was taken. The second item concerning a Habitat for Humanity project was continued for discussion after the regular meeting or at a later date.

A motion was made to approve the agenda and seconded by the Mayor. The motion passed upon a voice vote.

The council accepted general public comment regarding the Cabin Village project and cost model. Speakers addressed various topics including site location, safety, funding, and zoning.
Site Location: Several residents expressed support for the proposed Public Works Yard site, citing city ownership, proximity to services, and screening. Others opposed the location, citing safety concerns for families and children, zoning code violations (specifically citing Municipal Code Sections 10-2.603 and 10-2.2601B), and proximity to residential areas.
Funding and Cost Model: Speakers raised questions regarding the long-term financial commitment of the project. Some noted that the cost model represented a one-year projection and requested a multi-year model. Concerns were raised about the lack of a concrete funding commitment from Ventura County. Comparisons were made to projects in Alameda and Thousand Oaks regarding operational costs.
Services and Safety: Comments included requests for specific details on security, behavioral health services, and environmental testing (Phase II). Some speakers advocated for a 30-day reassessment period, while others urged immediate action to utilize state grant funds before deadlines.
Future Meetings: Staff and Council noted upcoming opportunities for public input, including a Planning Commission meeting on February 19 and a town hall-style meeting on February 24.

Staff presented a cost model for the proposed Cabin Village project, developed in collaboration with the County of Ventura, Help of Ojai, and Dignity Moves.
Grant Funding: The city received a grant of over $12.6 million from the State of California's Encampment Resolution Funding Grant Program.
Projections: The model outlined projected operating revenues (interest income, Social Security rent, voucher assistance, donations) and expenses (administrative, maintenance, utilities). Staff described the revenue projections as conservative.
Security: Council members inquired about security costs, noting the difference between current Tent Town expenses and the proposed Cabin Village model. Staff explained that dedicated case management was expected to reduce security needs compared to the current setup.
County Partnership: Discussion focused on securing an operational funding agreement with Ventura County Behavioral Health. Council members requested clarity on the County's financial commitment and partnership terms.
Planning Process: Staff clarified that the project would proceed to the Planning Commission for advisory review on zoning and planning issues on February 19, prior to final City Council ratification.

Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Lang moved to approve the staff recommendation authorizing the City Manager to proceed with negotiating an operational funding agreement with the County of Ventura and to return with research on the Dignity Moves model and project feasibility.
Amendment: A friendly amendment was offered and accepted to direct the City Manager to pursue partnership agreements with the County of Ventura.
Second: The motion was seconded by Mayor Gilman.
Vote: A roll call vote was held:
Council Member Rule: Yes
Council Member Whitman: Yes
Mayor Gilman: Yes
Council Member Mang: Yes
Outcome: The motion passed. The Council authorized the City Manager to negotiate with the County and conduct further research.

The Council moved a motorcycle officer item to the following week's meeting due to time constraints. The meeting was adjourned.