Meeting Summary
Present: Gilman, Lang, Rule, Whitman, Mang
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
2024 Year-End Crime Statistics
- The Police Chief presented 2024 data showing over 3,500 calls for service and 261 arrests.
- Statistics noted a 6.64-minute average response time for priority one calls.
- Councilmembers inquired about theft classifications, perpetrator residency, and patrol status.
Trolley Fleet Purchase
- The Council approved purchasing two used 2020 propane trolleys to stabilize the current fleet.
- Staff explained that the previously approved electric trolley purchase is delayed until 2026.
- The new units will undergo DOT inspections before entering service.
Branding Professional Services
- Councilmembers expressed concerns regarding the proposed font, colors, and graphics.
- Staff was directed to form an informal working group with the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.
- The item will return in May for further consideration after gathering additional feedback.
Social Media and Newsletter Contract
- Councilmembers discussed the potential for partnerships with local colleges for student interns.
- Staff emphasized the need for a robust team capable of quick turnaround and weekend availability.
- The Council directed staff to refine the engagement strategy and consider volunteer roles.
Joint Commission Meeting Schedule
- Staff proposed a joint meeting schedule for four city commissions with extended two-hour durations.
- The Council approved the motion to facilitate more substantive discussion among commissions.
Salary Schedule Amendments
- The Council authorized specialty pay for recreation employees with USA Gymnastics certifications.
- A new Human Resources Risk Manager classification was added to the salary schedule.
- Staff confirmed plans for an additional umbrella insurance policy and a third-party safety review.
Movable Tiny House Ordinance
- The Council approved a draft ordinance to regulate movable tiny homes separate from ADU rules.
- Key provisions include allowing compostable toilets and removing mandatory third-party inspections.
- The motion included amendments to limit initial adoption to 20 units and schedule a public workshop.
Council Member Reports
- Councilmember Mang assumed the liaison role for the Housing Policy Commission.
- Staff noted that interviews for the Parks and Recreation Committee are scheduled for the next meeting.
Closed Session
- The Council received a report on performance evaluations for the City Manager and City Attorney.
- Direction was provided to staff on both items, but no reportable action was taken.
- The discussion regarding the City Attorney evaluation is scheduled to continue on April 22nd.
Full summary
Closed Session Report
- The Council received a report on two items discussed in closed session: performance evaluations for the City Manager and the City Attorney. The Council provided direction to staff on both items but took no reportable action. The discussion regarding the City Attorney evaluation was scheduled to continue at the April 22nd meeting.
Approval of Agenda
- The Council considered amendments to the agenda. Councilmember Whitman moved to pull Item 3 (Finance and Budget Committee) to allow staff time to analyze committee composition and the appointment process, including potential interviews. Councilmember Whitman also moved to pull Item 5 (City Council Protocols) for additional review and potential modification, suggesting it be addressed at a future meeting. Staff member Lucas Seibert requested to pull Consent Item 1e (Climate Action Plan and Economic Diversification Group applications) for further review and vetting. The Council approved the agenda as amended.
2024 Year-End Crime Statistics Presentation
- The Police Chief presented 2024 crime statistics for the City of Ojai. The presentation noted that year-over-year comparisons with 2023 were unavailable due to a transition from Uniform Crime Reporting to National Incident-Based Reporting systems. Key statistics included over 3,500 calls for service, a 6.64-minute response time for priority one calls, 261 arrests, and 78 traffic accidents. Crimes were categorized as 73 reports against persons, 149 against property, and 55 against society. Clearance rates were reported as 78% for crimes against persons, 26% for crimes against property, and 98% for crimes against society. The Chief stated that Ojai remains a safe community. Councilmembers asked questions regarding the distinction between larceny and other thefts, the residency of perpetrators, and the status of foot and bike patrols.
Public Communications
- One public speaker addressed the Council regarding advisory groups, road work, and the budget committee, suggesting a lower threshold for the budget committee and increased public representation. Staff responded regarding the Cabin Village project, confirming that additional testing by Rincon Consulting is underway. Results will be presented alongside the proposed development management agreement with Dignity Moves at the first meeting in May.
Consent Calendar
- The Council reviewed the consent calendar. Items C (Trolley Purchase) and F (Branding/Professional Services) were pulled for discussion. The Council moved to approve the remaining consent items (A, B, and D). The motion was seconded and passed.
Item C: Purchase of Two Trolleys
- The Council discussed the purchase of two used propane trolleys to stabilize the current fleet and potentially restore a second route. Staff explained that a previously approved electric trolley purchase was delayed due to manufacturer retooling, with an estimated arrival in February 2026. The proposed purchase involves two 2020 propane trolleys with known mileage, which will undergo DOT inspections before service. Councilmembers discussed potential future route expansion and the transition to an all-electric fleet. A motion was made to purchase the two trolleys, seconded, and passed.
Item F: Professional Services Agreement (Branding)
- The Council discussed a branding proposal presented by Tripepi Smith. Councilmember Whitman expressed concerns regarding the font, colors, and graphics, preferring the city's official brand. Councilmember Lang supported the initiative for a consistent look but requested more time to gather feedback and consider additional options. Staff offered to return the item in May with further input. The Council directed staff to form an informal working group with the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem to provide guidance and return the item for further consideration.
Item D: Professional Services Agreement (Social Media/Newsletter)
- Although previously approved as part of the consent calendar, the Council discussed Item D regarding the contract for social media and newsletter management. Councilmember Mang suggested exploring partnerships with local colleges for student interns to engage younger demographics. Staff explained the need for a robust team with infrastructure for quick turnaround and weekend availability, noting that the current contractor employs young professionals. Councilmembers discussed the challenges of volunteer management versus paid contracts and the need for a clear engagement strategy targeting younger age groups. The Council provided direction to staff to refine the strategy and consider the role of interns or volunteers in future discussions.
Item 2: Annual Schedule for Joint City Council and City Commission Meetings
- Staff presented a proposal to reintroduce a joint meeting schedule for the four city commissions (Planning, Arts, Parks and Recreation, and Historic Preservation) and to extend the meeting duration to two hours (4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) to allow for more substantive discussion. Councilmember Whitman noted potential scheduling conflicts but expressed willingness to work around them. A motion was made to approve the schedule, seconded, and passed.
Item 4: Salary Schedule Amendment (Gymnastics Specialty Pay and HR Risk Manager)
- Staff presented a recommendation to amend the salary schedule to authorize specialty pay for recreation employees holding USA Gymnastics certifications and to add the classification of Human Resources Risk Manager. Staff confirmed that employees already hold the necessary gymnastics certifications and that the pay adjustment recognizes additional training. Regarding the HR Risk Manager position, staff explained the need for a qualified professional to manage risk and adhere to best practices, noting the recruitment of a retired CalPERS annuitant from the City of Camarillo. Councilmember Whitman raised concerns regarding liability exposure for gymnastics programs. Staff responded that the city is pursuing an additional umbrella insurance policy and arranging for a third-party safety review by UCSB. A motion was made to approve both the specialty pay for gymnastics staff and the new HR Risk Manager classification, seconded, and passed.
Agenda Item 6: Ordinance Adding and Repealing Certain Sections of the Ojai Municipal Code Related to Regulations of Moveable Tiny Houses
- Community Development Director Lucas Seibert presented a draft ordinance to establish regulations for movable tiny homes following a two-year pilot program that concluded in 2023. The pilot resulted in only two approved units due to barriers including cumbersome permitting processes, third-party ANSI inspection requirements, and a lack of specific guidelines separate from Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations. The proposed ordinance seeks to separate tiny home regulations from ADU regulations, allowing properties to have both. Key modifications include removing the requirement for third-party ANSI inspections for pre-built units (relying instead on manufacturer certifications), allowing on-site stick-built construction, eliminating mandatory deck requirements, and permitting compostable toilets as an alternative to sewer connections.
- Discussion covered zoning and density, clarifying that single-family zones generally allow one tiny home while multifamily zones allow up to two. The ordinance does not change underlying zoning classifications. Regarding affordability, staff noted that state law prohibits deed restrictions on ADUs, though incentives could be explored in future discussions. Significant discussion focused on waste management; staff and public speaker Daniel Griffiths explained that compostable toilets are proposed for properties where sewer connection is cost-prohibitive or septic installation is not feasible. Concerns were raised regarding gray water systems and the high cost of connecting to existing septic systems. The ordinance requires tiny homes to be located in the rear of the property, mandates design consistency with the main residence, limits height to 14 feet, and caps square footage at 440. Public speaker Bill Miley spoke in opposition, arguing that tiny homes are inappropriate for Ojai, inefficient, and costly, and raised concerns about waste disposal.
- A motion was made to approve the item as recommended with specific amendments: directing staff to provide a public workshop for input before returning for a second reading and adoption; including compostable toilets as an option; disallowing the septic tank option; placing a limit of 20 units on the first calendar year of ordinance adoption; and scheduling the workshop for May and the second reading for the first meeting in June. The motion was seconded and passed.
Council Member Reports
- Councilmember Mang requested to assume the liaison role for the Housing Policy Commission (HPC), currently held by Mayor Pro Tem Lang, to balance the workload. The Council agreed to this change. Staff noted that interviews for the Parks and Recreation Committee are scheduled, with the goal of affirming candidates at the next meeting to ensure all commissions are operational. No City Manager report was provided, though the City Manager invited requests for future agenda items.
Indemnification Agenda Item Request
- Councilmember Leslie Rule formally requested that an indemnification agenda item be added to the upcoming meeting agenda, noting that a prior informal request had been made. No motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon regarding this request.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned. No vote was taken on the adjournment.