July 8, 2025 — Ojai City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Summary

Present: Gilman, Lang, Rule, Whitman, Mang

This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.

Council debated a feasibility study for affordable housing on three vacant parcels as an alternative to the Cabin Village site.
Public speakers raised concerns regarding infrastructure deficiencies and safety hazards near existing businesses.
Council voted to pause the specific study and revisit the topic during broader housing discussions in August.

Staff proposed amending the 2025-26 salary schedule to include a 2.5% cost of living adjustment.
The proposal added classifications for an Assistant to the City Manager and a Deputy City Manager.
Council approved the recommendation to implement the adjusted salary schedule.

Council considered a three-month pilot agreement not exceeding $27,300 to foster commerce and support local businesses.
Staff noted the contract serves as a living document allowing adjustments to deliverables.
Council authorized the professional services agreement with the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Council received positive reports on the 4th of July parade and discussed the Request for Qualifications for a new City Attorney.
A special meeting was requested to discuss Fire Safe Council proposals and emergency readiness.
A special session is scheduled for July 29th to review submittals and discuss the Fire Safe agreement.

The following is a summary of the City Council meeting based on the provided transcript. The primary agenda items involved housing feasibility, personnel budget adjustments, a new agreement with the Chamber of Commerce, and future meeting scheduling.

The Council debated a proposal to conduct a feasibility study on three vacant parcels on Bryant Place for potential affordable or workforce housing, as an alternative or addition to the approved Cabin Village site at the Public Works yard.
Public Comment: There was significant opposition from local business owners (e.g., Messermeister, Chisholm's) and residents. Concerns included safety hazards (lack of sidewalks, lighting, narrow access), infrastructure deficiencies (sewer, water, electricity), and the impact on existing businesses. Some public speakers argued for the study to ensure transparency, while others supported keeping the Cabin Village project at the current approved site.
Discussion: Council members discussed the timing, cost (estimated at $100k–$150k for studies plus property acquisition), and resource bandwidth. City Manager Harvey noted the scope was undefined (affordable vs. workforce vs. transitional).
Decision: Council Member Lange moved to pause the specific feasibility study on the Bryant Place properties. Instead, the topic would be revisited in August during the broader discussion of "Goal 1E" regarding housing opportunities.
Vote: The motion to pause passed 3-2. (Council Members Lang, Rule, and Mayor Gilman voted Yes; Council Members Mang and Whitman voted No).

Staff presented a proposal to amend the salary schedule for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Proposal: Increase the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) from 1.8% to 2.5%. Additionally, add classifications for an "Assistant to the City Manager" and "Deputy City Manager."
Public Comment: A speaker supported the 2.5% increase but requested the effective date be backdated to January 1st, which the Council noted was not applicable to staff due to the specific timing of the City Manager's hire.
Decision: The Council moved to approve the recommendation.
Vote: The motion passed unanimously.

The Council considered a three-month professional services agreement with the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Proposal: A pilot agreement (trial basis) not exceeding $27,300, aimed at fostering commerce, diversifying the economy, and supporting local businesses. Chamber Executive Director Carla Ferrante attended to explain the scope.
Discussion: Concerns were raised about spending funds before finalizing goals, but staff and Council members noted this was a "rent-to-own" style pilot based on previous Council direction to move quickly. The contract allows for adjustments to deliverables as a "living document."
Decision: The Council moved to authorize the agreement.
Vote: The motion passed unanimously.

4th of July Parade: Council members gave positive reports on the parade's success, noting community engagement and attendance.
Fire Preparedness Special Meeting: Council Member Whitman requested a special meeting to discuss Fire Safe Council proposals and emergency readiness.
City Attorney RFQ: The Council discussed the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a new City Attorney.
Next Meeting: A special meeting was scheduled for July 29th at 5:00 PM (5:00 PM Closed Session, 6:00 PM Open Session) to discuss the Fire Safe agreement and review City Attorney submittals.