Ojai City Council Regular Meeting

General Fund Balance Policy

• Staff proposed layered reserves to allow flexibility for cash flow and strategic capital projects.
• The Council adopted a resolution maintaining the 100% reserve target with flexibility to amend.
• The motion to establish the policy received unanimous approval.

Ventura County Behavioral Health Contract

• Staff presented a contract to fund an Intensive Services Coordinator embedded with the police department.
• Discussion included arguments for proactive support versus concerns over funding county obligations.
• The Council approved the one-year agreement utilizing City budget and ERF grant funding.

Parks & Recreation Commission Ordinance

• Council addressed a clerical error regarding the commission's authorized size in the Municipal Code.
• An ordinance was introduced to authorize up to seven members with discretion to appoint fewer.
• The motion to modify the code passed without recorded opposition.

Ojai City Council Meeting Summary

1. General Fund Balance Policy

• Discussion: The Council discussed adopting a policy regarding the General Fund Balance reserve. While the previous budget included a 100% reserve, staff suggested adding flexibility through "layered" reserves (separate funds for cash flow, emergencies, and strategic purposes like grants or capital projects).
• Decision: The Council adopted a resolution establishing the General Fund Balance policy, effectively maintaining the 100% target but retaining the flexibility to amend the policy as needed. The motion passed unanimously.

2. Ventura County Behavioral Health Contract

• Proposal: Staff presented a contract with Ventura County Behavioral Health to fund an Intensive Services Coordinator (RISE program). The coordinator would be embedded with the police department to connect unhoused individuals with mental health and substance abuse services.
• Funding: The cost would be split between the City budget and an ERF grant.
• Debate:
• Support: Advocates argued this creates a proactive, compassionate approach, builds trust with unhoused individuals, and addresses quality of life issues (e.g., Libbey Park disturbances). County Supervisor LaVere noted that state funding does not cover full needs, requiring local partnership.
• Opposition: Councilmember Whitman and Councilmember Mang voted against the motion. Concerns included the lack of clarity on why the City is funding services legally obligated to the County, the need for a comprehensive long-term budget plan for homelessness, and the risk of "the tail wagging the dog" regarding spending priorities.
• Decision: The motion to approve the one-year contract passed with a 3-2 vote (Whitman and Mang voted No).

3. Parks & Recreation Commission Ordinance

• Issue: The Council addressed a previous administrative error regarding the commission's size. The Parks & Rec department had intended to stay at five members with an option to expand to seven, but previous actions inadvertently set it to seven.
• Correction: An ordinance was introduced to modify the Municipal Code to allow the commission to be composed of up to seven members, giving the Council discretion to appoint a lesser number (starting with five). A clerical error in the text referencing a "three member commission" was clarified during public comment.
• Decision: The motion to introduce the ordinance passed unanimously.

4. Council Reports and New Agenda Items

• Budget Committee: The Budget Committee will present recommendations at the next meeting.
• New Items: Councilmembers requested the following items be added to future agendas:
• A speed hump policy (including temporary measures).
• Ember screen requirements for fire safety.
• Organization of a City Council float for the upcoming Fourth of July parade.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned.