Ojai City Council Regular Meeting

Council Protocols and Transparency

• Staff presented options for revising protocols regarding special meetings and closed sessions under the Brown Act.
• Members debated the City Attorney’s influence over qualifying items for closed sessions.
• The Council agreed to table the broader transparency discussion for a future workshop.
• Staff was directed to draft specific policy language regarding meeting procedures for the next meeting.

Outdoor Markets and Night Events

• Staff recommended upholding the current Municipal Code prohibiting for-profit outdoor markets.
• Discussion covered concerns about traffic, noise, and access for local artisans.
• The Council voted to continue current codes while exploring non-profit evening event opportunities.

Meeting Summary: Ojai City Council

Council Protocols and Transparency

• The majority of the meeting was dedicated to a discussion regarding Council protocols, specifically concerning special meetings, closed sessions, and transparency under the Brown Act.
• Staff Presentation: The City Attorney outlined options for revising protocols. Key topics included who is authorized to call special meetings (currently the Mayor or three Council members) and how closed sessions are scheduled (currently as separate special meetings if held outside regular hours).
• Transparency Concerns: Council members and the public expressed strong concerns about the lack of transparency regarding who calls closed sessions and the content within them. Multiple community members urged the Council to audio record closed sessions to ensure compliance with agendas and accountability.
• City Attorney’s Role: The Council debated the extent of the City Attorney's influence in determining which items qualify for closed sessions. Some members argued the Council should have the final say on whether the "threat of litigation" threshold is met before entering a closed session.
• Decision: The Council debated whether to form an ad hoc committee or hold a dedicated workshop to resolve these complex issues. Ultimately, the Council agreed to table the broad philosophical discussion on transparency for a future workshop. However, they moved forward with addressing the administrative rules regarding who calls special meetings. A motion was made to direct staff to draft specific policy language regarding special meetings and closed session procedures to be presented at the meeting following the next one.

Outdoor Markets and Night Events

• Community Development staff presented research regarding outdoor and night markets, following previous discussions about the impact of for-profit markets on local brick-and-mortar businesses.
• Recommendation: Staff recommended upholding the current Municipal Code, which generally prohibits for-profit outdoor markets but allows non-profit organizations to hold outdoor events via Temporary Use Permits.
• Discussion: Council Member Lang noted that local artisans feel excluded from current Chamber of Commerce festivals (e.g., Lavender Festival) and suggested that markets serve as an incubator for businesses unable to afford brick-and-mortar rent. Staff clarified that non-profits can apply for outdoor markets now, while for-profit vendors would need to organize under a non-profit entity or operate indoors.
• Public Comment: Some attendees opposed night markets due to concerns about traffic, noise, and altering Ojai’s character. Another resident requested input from Ojai Studio Artists before expanding events.
• Decision: The Council voted to direct the City Manager to continue upholding the Municipal Code while working with the Chamber of Commerce to explore potential non-profit opportunities, such as shifting some daytime events to evening hours. The vote passed with one "No" from Council Member Rule.

Reports and Announcements

• Float Committee: The Ad Hoc Float Committee plans to present renderings and a creative brief at the next meeting.
• Student Council: A Student Council meeting is scheduled for the following week at 6:00 PM in City Hall.
• Vandenberg Air Force Base: The Council discussed a meeting held with Vandenberg leadership regarding funding and facility development.
• Adjournment: The meeting concluded after brief administrative comments regarding budget renegotiation and contract details.