Ojai City Council Special and Regular Meeting

Financial Management Policy Adoption

• Staff confirmed the policy formalizes practices and strengthens the city's position for credit ratings.
• Council members expressed support for the transparency and accountability provided by the new policy.
• The Council adopted the policy after receiving public requests for enhanced budget reporting.

OUSD Workforce Housing Committee

• Staff proposed hiring legal counsel and forming a joint committee with the School District regarding housing.
• Council members debated the timing of counsel and concerns over school debt transparency.
• The Council voted to engage counsel and expand the committee mandate.

Single-Family Efficiency Ordinance

• The Council held a first reading of an ordinance requiring energy efficiency points for renovations.
• Members agreed to waive the appeal fee for hardship exemptions to avoid discouraging claims.
• The motion to introduce the ordinance passed following public criticism regarding costs.

Ojai City Council Meeting Summary

Financial Management Policy Adoption

• The Council began with the adoption of a new financial management policy.
• Staff Presentation: Staff confirmed the policy formalizes existing practices, improves audit timing, and strengthens the city's position for credit ratings (S&P, Moody's) and grant applications.
• Council Discussion: Members expressed that the move provides transparency, accountability, and a clear reference guide for staff and the City Manager during turnover.
• Public Comments: Community members requested enhanced budget transparency, including a dedicated website landing page for budget changes and monthly revenue/expenditure reports. One speaker suggested defining "fixed assets" and establishing a policy to transfer excess general fund revenue to capital improvements (roads) rather than general spending.
• Outcome: The Council moved to adopt the policy, with a second. The motion passed.

Ojai Unified School District (OUSD) Workforce Housing Committee

• The Council discussed forming a "2+2" committee (two City Council members and two School Board members) to discuss workforce housing on school district property.
• Staff Recommendation: Staff proposed hiring legal counsel, Sunny Soltani, to advise the city on the school district's land use authority and potential collaboration agreements.
• Council Debate:
• Support: The Mayor, Council Members Whitman, and Lang argued for immediate engagement. They noted that under state laws (AB 2295/Prop 98), the School District has significant autonomy over their land, and the City risks having no input if they do not collaborate now. They view the committee as a partnership to ensure the project benefits the broader community (city employees, teachers, workforce).
• Opposition/Concerns: Council Member Rule questioned hiring counsel before formally establishing the committee ("cart before the horse"). Council Member Mang expressed concern over school debt and voter approval, noting that school debt is being proposed without a public vote. Mang also raised transparency issues regarding previous meetings between staff and the School Board that were not reported to the Council.
• Public Comments: Speakers urged the Council to define the goal (acquiring units for employees vs. permitting). Concerns were raised that "affordable" rents ($3,700/month for moderate income) may not actually help the workforce. Some speakers urged the Council to ensure the School District goes to voters for bond measures.
• Outcome: Council Member Lang moved to engage Sunny Soltani and expand the 2+2 committee mandate to cover broader topics beyond just the current housing project. Council Member Mang voted against the motion.
• Vote: Motion passed 4-1.

Single-Family Efficiency Ordinance (First Reading)

• The Council held the first reading of an ordinance establishing energy efficiency requirements ("FlexPath") for single-family home renovations and additions (300+ sq ft).
• Details: Homeowners must earn points via upgrades (insulation, duct sealing, electrification) based on project size. There are exemptions for ADUs, historic properties, and cost burdens (hardship).
• Council Debate: A significant discussion focused on the "hardship exemption." While the standard appeal fee is $300, the Council discussed waiving it for hardship determinations to avoid discouraging legitimate claims.
• Outcome: The Council agreed to waive the appeal fee for hardship exemptions. Council Member Rule moved to introduce the ordinance.
• Public Comments:
• Larry Stengel: Criticized the measure as "performative" and not true "energy justice," arguing it excludes renters and landlords. He called for broader mandates on apartment complexes.
• Star Child: Opposed the ordinance, arguing it adds 3-5% to renovation costs for working families, has negligible impact on global emissions, and punishes the "under-housed."
• Outcome: The motion to introduce the ordinance passed.

Adjournment

• The meeting concluded at 10:00 PM. Council members noted the need for future agenda items regarding fire-hardening but agreed to address them in writing due to the time.