Meeting Summary
Present: Gilman, Lang, Rule, Whitman, Mang
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At a glance
Closed Session Report
- Staff directed to pursue renewed resolution efforts for the code enforcement case at 1117 Sunset Place.
- Staff instructed to post a Request for Qualifications for the City Attorney's office by week's end.
- Selected firms will be invited to interview, with the process documented via social media.
Parks and Recreation Commission Ordinance
- Council clarified intent to maintain a five-member commission with an option to expand to seven later.
- Members agreed to appoint five individuals and hold the first training meeting in June.
- No formal vote was recorded on the ordinance amendment during this segment.
Ojai Valley Inn Monitoring Well Permit
- Staff confirmed the five proposed wells are for water efficiency data collection, not production.
- Council approved the application while noting a separate permit would be required for future production use.
- Public comment raised health concerns regarding golf courses and suggested water recycling technology.
City Goals and Tactics
- Council identified discrepancies in affordable housing tactics and discussed monetizing tactics for budget alignment.
- Proposals included a Traffic Safety Commission, interactive transit signage, and a centralized Arts Calendar.
- Staff agreed to provide a cost estimate for implementing ranked-choice voting under Measure M.
- A special workshop was scheduled to finalize the goals and tactics document.
City Council Protocols
- Discussion focused on legal requirements for special meetings, closed sessions, and audio recording.
- Council directed staff to draft protocols regarding who may call special meetings and closed session processes.
- Broader transparency philosophy will be addressed in a future workshop.
Open Artisan Night Market Research
- Staff concluded existing events provide adequate opportunities and recommended upholding current code.
- Council directed the City Manager to work with the Chamber of Commerce on potential not-for-profit evening markets.
- Public comment expressed opposition due to traffic and noise concerns.
Full summary
Closed Session Report
- The Council reconvened from a closed session where staff reported on three items. Regarding a potential code enforcement case at 1117 Sunset Place involving potential litigation, the Council directed staff to pursue renewed resolution efforts in consultation with the Code Enforcement Team, Human Development Team, City Attorney's Office, and Ventura County Sheriff's Office. Regarding the City Attorney's office, the Council directed staff to post a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) by the end of the week with a 45-day submittal period, inviting the current firm to participate. Selected firms will be invited to interview, and a social media post documenting the process was noted.
Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance
- Roll call was conducted, establishing a quorum. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Agenda Approval
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed.
Public Communications
- Members of the public addressed the Council on several topics:
- Library: Updates were provided on the "Showtime at the Ojai Library" film series, the summer reading program, and a partnership to rewild the library courtyard, anticipated to begin in early 2026.
- Trolley Service: Speakers expressed concern over driver shortages, suspended Sunday service, and inconsistent scheduling. Requests included hiring additional drivers, restoring Sunday service, returning the B route, reinstating discount tokens, and expanding routes to the East End and Miners Oaks. One speaker noted a previous contract with Gold Coast Transit for driver training had stopped.
- Employment and Veterans: Speakers urged the reinstatement of a former trolley employee, Mr. Palacios, a disabled veteran, and criticized management's handling of his situation.
- Sanctuary City Resolution: One speaker requested a resolution declaring Ojai a sanctuary city; another opposed the concept citing resource and job concerns.
- Charging Stations: Speakers suggested charging full cost recovery for electric vehicle charging stations rather than a subsidized fee and raised concerns regarding safety, lighting, and noise at the proposed location.
- Other: Comments included monitoring federal funding threats to housing and climate programs and a request for a Town Hall meeting regarding the trolley.
Council and Staff Response to Public Comment
- Trolley: Staff confirmed Sunday service was paused due to driver shortages but noted active recruitment, the delivery of two new trolleys undergoing inspection, and continued partnership with Gold Coast Transit for training. Staff also mentioned exploring contract services to backfill vacancies. Council members noted the trolley is a high priority and that pay increases were implemented in July.
- Charging Stations: Staff clarified the current policy of charging $1 per hour, which is below the estimated full cost recovery of approximately $3 per hour. Staff stated there is no significant noise issue with the proposed units and that the Sarzodi location faces a field across from residences.
- Sanctuary City: The Mayor indicated the Council values trolley service and is working to improve it. No formal action was taken on the sanctuary city resolution.
Consent Calendar
- Council Member Whitman requested to pull Item A (Parks and Recreation Commission appointment ordinance) for separate discussion. A motion was made and seconded to approve all Consent Calendar items except Item A. The motion passed.
Item A: Parks and Recreation Commission Ordinance Amendment
- The Council discussed the ordinance amendment regarding the composition of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Mayor raised concerns regarding language suggesting a three-member commission, noting the intent was to maintain a five-member commission with an option to expand to seven. Staff clarified the ordinance language matches the Arts Commission, allowing for a variable number of members, though the intent is not to reduce the commission below five. The Council agreed to proceed with appointing five members, holding the first meeting in June for training, and revisiting the decision to expand to seven members after the Commission convenes. Discussion also covered interview logistics under the Brown Act. No formal vote was recorded on the ordinance amendment in this segment.
Item G: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
- Public comment was received regarding the charging station project, which had been approved as part of the Consent Calendar. Speakers urged full cost recovery and raised concerns about safety and noise. Staff clarified the subsidized rate policy and addressed noise and lighting concerns. Council Member Whitman suggested revisiting the subsidization policy. No new motion was made to alter the previously approved item.
Item H & I: City Warrants and Legal Fees
- Public comment was received regarding legal fees and special projects. A speaker requested a breakdown of "miscellaneous litigation" costs and questioned the authorization of special projects. No new motion was made to alter the previously approved items.
Item 2: Public Hearing – Ojai Valley Inn Monitoring Well Permit
- A public hearing was held regarding an application from the Ojai Valley Inn for five monitoring wells. Staff explained the wells (approximately 30 feet deep) are for gathering data on water efficiency for irrigation, not production, and noted a letter of support from the Ojai Basin Groundwater Management Agency (OBGMA). Staff indicated an ordinance amendment is in process to remove the separate city permit requirement, relying instead on OBGMA and County permits, but the hearing was held to avoid delays. Council members clarified that a separate production well permit would be required if the Inn later wishes to use the wells for production. Public comment included a citation of a study linking Parkinson's disease to living near golf courses and a suggestion that the Inn utilize water recycling technology. A motion was made and seconded to approve the application. The motion passed.
Item 3: City Goals and Tactics
- The Council discussed the status of nine city goals and corresponding tactics. Staff presented a revised document with corrections and input. Council members noted discrepancies between the draft and prior discussions, specifically regarding affordable housing tactics, and addressed the relationship between goals and the city budget. Staff explained that monetizing tactics would allow for policy decisions on funding priorities. The Council proposed holding a special workshop to finalize the goals and tactics. Public comment included requests for action dates on fire hardening, opposition to increased sales taxes and paid parking, support for arts funding, and suggestions for animal welfare initiatives.
- Discussion focused on Goal 8 (Financial Stability) and Goal 9 (Communications and Relationships).
- Goal 8: Topics included an energy efficiency audit for city facilities, clarifying language on developer fees, and an interactive budget reporting tool. Staff confirmed an inventory of city-owned properties is available.
- Goal 9: Proposals included creating a Traffic Safety Commission, interactive signage at transit stops, a wayfinding audit, and a centralized City Arts Calendar. Discussion also covered a potential professional services agreement with the Humane Society and an ordinance regarding renters' rights to animals.
- Ranked-Choice Voting: Council members requested a cost assessment for implementing Measure M. Staff explained costs would include county charges for specialized software, potential litigation, and legal risks, noting the county currently lacks the software. Staff agreed to provide a cost estimate.
- No formal motions were moved or voted upon regarding the City Goals and Tactics. The Council agreed to capture proposed tactics for further review and schedule a workshop.
Item 4: Concept Review of City Council Protocols
- The City Attorney presented a review regarding revisions to City Council protocols, focusing on special meetings, scheduling closed sessions, transparency of closed sessions, and audio recording of closed sessions. Discussion centered on legal requirements, the role of the City Attorney in determining the necessity of closed sessions, and the balance between transparency and attorney-client privilege. Proposals included requiring audio recording of closed sessions and clarifying agenda items regarding who requested special meetings. The Council debated forming an ad hoc committee or holding a workshop. A motion was made and seconded to direct staff to prepare a draft addressing administrative protocols regarding who may call special meetings and the process for closed sessions, with broader transparency philosophy to be addressed in a future workshop. The motion passed.
Open Artisan Night Market Research Results
- Staff presented research on the feasibility of outdoor night markets for artisans. The report noted that current Municipal Code permits for-profit markets indoors and allows non-profit outdoor markets via temporary use permits. Staff concluded existing Chamber of Commerce events and the Thursday Farmers Market provide adequate opportunities. Staff recommended upholding the current code while working with the Chamber of Commerce, which expressed interest in moving some daytime events to evening hours. Public comment included opposition due to traffic and noise concerns, and requests for input from local studio artists. A motion was made and seconded to direct the City Manager to continue upholding the Ojai Municipal Code while working with the Chamber of Commerce toward potential not-for-profit market opportunities. The motion passed.
Council Reports
- Ad Hoc Float Committee: The Mayor Pro Tem reported the committee is preparing renderings and a creative brief.
- Student Council Meeting: The Mayor announced an upcoming Student Council meeting featuring a presentation by the Parks and Recreation Interim Director.
- Vandenberg Air Force Base: The Mayor reported on a recent meeting with the base commander and noted that next steps regarding resource sharing are being explored.
Adjournment
- Following a brief discussion regarding grant funds for facility construction, Chair Montgomery solicited final reports. Member Harvey stated there was no report. The Chair moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded and adopted. The meeting was adjourned.