Ojai City Council Regular Meeting

Budget Review Committee Appointments

• Clay Creasy and Renee Roth were appointed to the new committee.
• Members will determine meeting frequency and establish review budget thresholds.
• The committee confirmed it holds no independent policy-making authority.

Historic Preservation Ad Hoc Committee

• Council Members Mang and Rule were appointed to fill Council seats on the committee.
• A joint meeting is scheduled for May 29th with a new location to be arranged.
• The Council received a report following the joint meeting with the Historic Preservation Commission.

Five-Year Capital Improvement Program

• Staff presented a draft $20 million budget prioritizing Cabin Village and infrastructure repairs.
• The Sound Wall project remains for research while the Soule Park Shade Structure was paused.
• Concerns were raised regarding aging stormwater pipes requiring CCTV assessment.
• Staff will adjust the document based on feedback prior to June budget adoption.

Closed Session

• The Council convened to discuss the City Manager's public employee performance evaluation.
• Protocols for transparency regarding closed session calls were discussed.

Meeting Summary: City Council Proceedings

Budget Review Committee Appointments & Structure

• Discussion: Council discussed the composition of the new Budget Review Committee. Staff noted that similar committees in other jurisdictions (e.g., Camarillo) include community members for oversight.
• Thresholds: There was debate regarding spending thresholds currently set at $250,000 for new programs versus staff spending authority (~$29,900).
• Decision: The Council moved to appoint Clay Creasy and Renee Roth to the committee.
• Amendments: It was agreed that the Committee's first tasks would be to determine a reasonable meeting frequency and establish useful budget thresholds for review, ensuring they understand they do not hold independent policy-making authority.
• Vote: Motion passed unanimously via roll call.

Historic Preservation Commission Ad Hoc Committee

• Appointments: Following a joint meeting with the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), the Council needed to select two members for the Ad Hoc Committee.
• Decision: Council Members Mang and Rule were nominated and appointed to fill the Council seats.
• Logistics: The next joint meeting is scheduled for May 29th at 4:00 PM. A new location will be arranged as the Mayor will be unavailable.
• Public Comment: Brian Aikens (HPC/Museum) expressed gratitude for the Council's engagement and support regarding museum and historic preservation efforts.
• Vote: Motion passed unanimously.

Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP)

• Overview: Staff (Ms. Palmer) presented the draft CIP for the next five years. The 2025-2026 budget is approximately $20 million, driven primarily by the Cabin Village ($9.5M), ATP Phase 2 ($3M), and Paving ($5M).
• Completed Projects: Included street paving, pickleball courts, and climate mitigation (electrifying city buildings and fleet, removing gas service from Public Works and Finance buildings).
• Stormwater: A major concern identified is the condition of 50–60-year-old corrugated metal pipes. Staff is conducting CCTV assessments to prioritize repairs and prevent sinkholes.
• Specific Project Feedback:
• Pickleball Sound Wall: Staff advised that a 30-foot wall alone will not fully mitigate sound without a "lid" or enclosure. Council agreed to keep the item for research before committing funds.
• Soule Park Shade Structure: Staff recommended pausing this project as existing umbrellas function well and play is low during peak heat hours. Council agreed to pause/remove the structure for now.
• Libby Bowl Improvements: Identified as a placeholder item due to bathroom capacity and plumbing lateral issues during concerts.
• Public Comment: Larry Stangle urged the Council to include Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council in infrastructure budgets for fire mitigation, citing their expertise and grant experience compared to city staff. The Mayor noted this aligns with the upcoming Goals session.
• Action: The Council received the report. Staff will adjust the document based on feedback before the June budget adoption.

Other Business & Reports

• Council Reports:
• Spk 07 (Whitman): Attended Local Heroes presentation at Turtle Conservancy regarding youth education on watershed protection.
• Spk 09 (Mayor): Reported on the Student Council's summer break and their suggestions for Parks & Rec (lowering age thresholds, marketing).
• Spk 04 (Rule): Attended a transportation roundtable with Rep. Carbajal regarding federal funding for roads, bike paths, and crosswalk lights.
• Spk 20 (Rule): Proposed future forums for Council-wide community outreach.
• Closed Session: The Council adjourned to a closed session for the City Manager's public employee performance evaluation. The Council discussed the protocol for transparency regarding who calls for closed sessions.