Meeting Summary
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
GAN Limit and Fiscal Year 25 Compliance
- Staff confirmed the General Fund limit for fiscal year 25 complies with the statutory cap based on tax revenue.
- The presentation clarified that Measure C is not associated with this specific revenue cap.
- No motion was made as this was an informational item.
Ojai Film Society Presentation
- The Ojai Film Society presented its summer series program at Libby Bowl, highlighting over 12,000 attendees in the past three years.
- The organization acknowledged support from various sponsors including the Ojai Arts Commission and local clubs.
- No action was required from the Council regarding this informational presentation.
Movable Tiny Houses Ordinance (Second Reading)
- Staff presented a revised ordinance allowing on-site construction, land leases, and an annual cap of 20 units for the first year.
- Discussion focused on requiring a Health and Safety in Waste Disposal Plan and prohibiting on-site waste disposal.
- Council members requested staff gather data on usage and homeowner experiences before finalizing the ordinance.
- No formal motion was made, and the item was set aside for future consideration.
City Manager Salary Adjustment and Employment Agreement Amendment
- The Council approved an 8% salary increase retroactive to January 29, 2025, bringing the annual salary to $270,000.
- The adjustment was based on a compensation survey of 13 comparator agencies despite some concerns about the methodology.
- A resolution was also passed to amend the publicly available salary schedule to reflect this change.
Council Protocols and Brown Act Compliance
- The Council adopted new language clarifying that only three members or the presiding officer can call a special meeting.
- A new protocol was approved requiring a preliminary vote at the start of closed sessions to confirm the session's basis.
- Broader discussions regarding closed session philosophy and recording were deferred to future workshops.
Budget Review and Financial Data
- Staff presented a flexible draft budget for fiscal year 2026 noting the City has exceeded its 100% reserve policy by $1.5 million.
- Council members questioned specific line items and suggested adjustments for the Museum, Arts Commission, and Historic Preservation Commission.
- The Council agreed to receive the document and continue the discussion at a future meeting without making formal motions.
Climatec Energy Efficiency Project
- The Council approved a recommendation to proceed with Climatec for a utility analysis and energy efficiency implementation plan.
- The project aims to reduce emissions through measures including microgrids, HVAC upgrades, and solar installations.
- Staff noted a $250,000 grant from the Clean Power Alliance is available for the Sarasota campus portion of the project.
REAP Grant Funding
- The Council voted to approve the acceptance of REAP grant funding.
Landscape and Lighting District Assessments
- Following a public hearing with no comments received, the Council approved the levy and collection of assessments.
Staff Vacancies and Recruitment Report
- Staff reported on vacant positions including the Assistant City Manager and Finance Director, noting active recruitment efforts.
- The Council voted to receive and file the report on recruitment and retention compliance.
July Parade Float Selection
- The Council reviewed three proposed themes and reached a consensus to select "Rooted in Nature, Growing Together."
- A motion was passed to approve the concept and theme for the July Fourth parade float.
Closed Session
- No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
GAN Limit and Fiscal Year 25 Compliance
- Staff presented information confirming the General Fund (GAN) limit for fiscal year 25 is in compliance with the cap. The limit is calculated based on city tax revenue (property and sales tax) rather than fees or expenditures. It was noted that Measure C is not associated with this cap. No motion was made on this informational item.
Ojai Film Society Presentation
- Nicholas Wiseman, Chair of the Ojai Film Society, presented the organization's summer series program at Libby Bowl. The presentation highlighted the society's history, mission, and the success of the outdoor screening series over the past three years, which has attracted over 12,000 attendees. Upcoming screenings for the summer and fall were listed, including documentaries and classic films. The presentation acknowledged support from the Ojai Arts Commission, the Lions Club, Rotary, and other sponsors. No action was required from the Council.
Movable Tiny Houses Ordinance (Second Reading)
- Staff presented the second reading of the proposed ordinance for movable tiny houses, reviewing the history of the 2021 pilot program and the decision to create a standalone ordinance. The proposed ordinance includes modifications directed by the Council during the first reading, such as deleting third-party ANSI inspection requirements, allowing on-site construction, permitting land leases, establishing an annual cap of 20 tiny houses for the first year, and providing options for utility connections including sewer, septic, or composting toilets.
- Discussion focused on the composting toilet provision, with staff expressing concerns regarding on-site waste disposal and the need for third-party waste removal services. Council members discussed the need for a Health and Safety in Waste Disposal Plan, prohibiting on-site disposal, and requiring applicants to submit a waste management plan. There was also discussion regarding owner-occupancy requirements to ensure accountability, though the ordinance as presented did not include this. Council members requested that staff gather data on usage and homeowner experiences over the coming year. Public comment was received regarding waste management protocols and potential short-term rentals. No formal motion was made or voted upon during this segment; the item was discussed for future consideration.
City Manager Salary Adjustment and Employment Agreement Amendment
- The Council considered a proposed second amendment to the City Manager's employment agreement, including an 8% salary increase (approximately $20,000) retroactive to January 29, 2025, bringing the annual salary to $270,000. The increase was based on a compensation survey of 13 comparator agencies. Public comment included allegations of Brown Act violations regarding prior closed session discussions and concerns that the increase was excessive compared to other staff raises. Staff and legal counsel responded that the closed sessions were lawful performance evaluations and the open session item was properly agendized. Council members discussed the methodology, with some suggesting the increase should be based on the size of operations rather than county medians, and a proposal was made to reduce the increase to 4%.
- A motion was made to approve the salary adjustment and employment agreement amendment as recommended. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed. A resolution to amend the publicly available salary schedule to reflect this change was also approved.
Council Protocols and Brown Act Compliance
- The Council discussed updates to Council Protocols regarding the calling of special meetings and procedures for entering closed sessions. Proposed edits included language clarifying that only three council members or the presiding officer could call a special meeting, and a new protocol requiring a preliminary discussion and vote at the start of a closed session to confirm the basis for the session. Discussion centered on the tension between the Brown Act's prohibition on serial meetings and the need for scheduling flexibility, as well as concerns regarding recording closed sessions.
- A motion was made to adopt the specific language regarding the preliminary closed session vote and the Brown Act language regarding special meetings, while retaining existing protocols for other items. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed. Council members noted that broader discussions regarding closed session philosophy and recording would be revisited in future workshops.
Budget Review and Financial Data
- Staff presented the fiscal year budget ending June 30, 2026, described as a flexible draft incorporating the Capital Improvement Plan. The presentation highlighted that the City has exceeded its 100% reserve policy by a projected $1.5 million. Revenue projections were described as conservative, with the Transient Occupacy Tax (TOT) projected to be the largest revenue source. Staff noted discrepancies in previous year's salary projections for certain divisions, resulting in cost savings.
- Council members questioned specific line items, including streetlight expenses, curbs and gutters, Information Technology expenses, and the Sheriff's Department budget request. Discussion included suggestions for minor budget adjustments, such as increasing the Museum operating budget, raising the Arts Commission grant, adjusting the Historic Preservation Commission budget, and establishing a pilot program for the Chamber of Commerce. Staff also presented updates regarding the 2024-25 budget, noting adjustments to franchise and AB 939 fees and confirming a restricted reserve fund of approximately $450,000. The Council agreed to receive the budget document and continue the discussion at a future meeting. No formal motions were made or voted upon regarding specific budget adjustments during these segments.
Climatec Energy Efficiency Project
- Staff presented a recommendation to proceed with Climatec for an energy efficiency project involving a utility analysis, scope and funding plan, and implementation within 12 months. The project aims to reduce energy use and emissions through measures such as microgrids, HVAC upgrades, lighting, solar, and irrigation efficiency. Staff noted a $250,000 grant from the Clean Power Alliance is available for the Sarasota campus.
- A motion was made to approve the recommendation to proceed with Climatec. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed.
REAP Grant Funding
- The Council considered the acceptance of REAP grant funding. A motion was made to approve the acceptance of the funding. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed.
Levy and Collection of Assessments for Landscape and Lighting District
- The Council held a public hearing on the levy and collection of assessments for the Landscape and Lighting District. No public comments were received. A motion was made to approve the item. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed.
Consent Calendar
- The Council reviewed the consent calendar. No items were pulled for separate discussion. A motion was made to approve the consent calendar items. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed.
Staff Vacancies and Recruitment Report
- Staff presented a report on City and Ojai staff vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts in compliance with Assembly Bill requirements. Vacant positions identified included Assistant City Manager, Accounting Specialist, Administrative Assistant, Recreation Manager, and Finance Director, among others. Active recruitment is underway for most positions. A motion was made to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Other Matters
- Fire Safety: A representative from the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council presented on wildfire safety and risk management, offering a document detailing the council's capabilities and plans.
- Vandenberg Air Force Base: Council members discussed the opportunity to issue a city statement regarding the impact of Vandenberg operations on the community.
- State Legislation (SB 79): Council members discussed a state bill regarding local control over building sizes in transit corridors and the potential need to take a formal position on the legislation.
- Parade and Fireworks: Council members acknowledged the committee responsible for the annual parade and fireworks display.
- July Parade Float Selection: The Council reviewed three proposed themes for the July Fourth parade float. A consensus was reached to select "Rooted in Nature, Growing Together." A motion was made to approve the concept and theme. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
- Library Summer Reading Program: The Regional Librarian presented the Ojai Valley Library's summer reading program. No action was required from the Council.
- Historic Preservation Commission Funding Request: A representative from the Historic Preservation Commission requested budget adjustments totaling $63,000 for a comprehensive survey, trail marker project, and continuing education. The request was noted for future consideration; no motion was made.
- Ojai Valley Museum Roof Repair: Public comment was received regarding two options for repairing the museum roof. No motion was made on this item.
- Chamber of Commerce Contract: The Council discussed a proposal from the Chamber of Commerce to enter into a contract. It was determined that the contract discussion would be addressed after the goals and tactics conversation, with the contract to be brought back for action at a subsequent meeting. No motion was made.
- Traffic Safety and Calming Measures: Council members discussed traffic safety measures, including temporary speed humps and signage. No motion was made.
- City Manager Report: The City Manager announced the implementation of a new process beginning at the next meeting, where a brief City Manager Report will be delivered prior to public comment. No motion was made.