Ojai City Council, Regular Meeting

Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council Contract

• The Council voted to accept the contract proposal for wildfire safety and risk mitigation services.
• A friendly amendment requires a 90-day review to ensure no duplication of existing funded services.
• Representatives clarified the proposal addresses a backlog of home hardening assessments.
• City funding is intended to leverage millions in additional grants for community safety.

Code Enforcement and Building Appeal Board

• Council members discussed transitioning to proactive code enforcement for noise and vegetation.
• Staff noted proactive enforcement measures would require additional funding or fines.
• The Council will request a staff report on the inactive Building Appeal Board.

Meeting Summary: Ojai City Council

1. Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council Contract Proposal

• The primary agenda item was a proposal to contract with the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council for wildfire safety and risk mitigation services.
• Public Support: Multiple residents and council members strongly supported the proposal. Supporters cited the Council's 25-year track record, ability to leverage grants, and integrated approach that includes home hardening assessments, education, and community organizing. Concerns were raised regarding the expiration of the home insurance moratorium in 2026 and the need to protect the town's housing stock before the next fire season.
• Community Network Proposal: Public commenter Charlene Spretnik presented a separate "TerraMina" style plan for a community emergency communication network involving block captains and pod leaders. This was acknowledged as a valuable complement to the Fire Safe Council’s physical hardening efforts.
• Council Debate: A significant portion of the meeting focused on the financial scope ($500,000) and potential duplication of services. Council Member Whitman questioned whether the City should pay for services (assessments, fuel reduction) already funded by Cal Fire grants through other organizations like the Crew or Land Conservancy.
• Fire Safe Council Response: Representatives Callie O'Connor, Randy Coggin, and Executive Director Chris Dantzsch clarified that while other groups exist, they do not fully cover the necessary scope. They emphasized that the proposal is synergistic and designed to address a massive backlog of home hardening assessments caused by new fire hazard maps. They noted the City's funding would be leveraged to secure millions in additional grants.
• Decision: The Council voted to accept the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council proposal as submitted. However, a friendly amendment was passed requiring a 90-day assessment/review of the contract to ensure no duplication of existing funded services and to explore further funding opportunities.

2. Council Reports and Announcements

• Humane Society: Council members noted the high attendance and success of the recent Humane Society fundraiser.
• Upcoming Events: Members invited the community to the 4th of July float (theme: "United") and the upcoming Pride Walk.
• Personal Announcements: Council Member Mang announced an invitation to speak at the European Animal Rights Law Conference in Cambridge regarding animal rights legislation.

3. Future Agenda Items

• Clean Power Alliance: Discussion on a pending energy efficiency ordinance. Council staff noted state legislation is still pending, which may impact the City's ability to adopt local measures before a specific deadline.
• Code Enforcement: Council Member Mang proposed moving toward proactive code enforcement (e.g., noise, vegetation) rather than relying solely on complaints. Staff noted this would require additional funding or fines to offset costs.
• Building Appeal Board: Council Member Patterson noted the Board has not met since November 2022. The Council will request a staff report on whether to continue the Board or absorb its functions into the City Council.