Meeting Summary
Present: Gilman, Lang, Rule, Whitman, Mang
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Wildfire Safety and Risk Mitigation Services
- The Council approved a revised proposal from the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council focusing on outreach and structural hardening.
- A motion passed to authorize a professional services agreement and appropriate $386,025 from the Measure C fund balance.
- Discussion included public suggestions for homeowner loan programs and cultural burns alongside the approved deliverables.
Passed 3–2 · against: Mang, Whitman
Collaboration with Ojai Unified School District
- The Council established two six-month ad hoc committees for workforce housing and student involvement to gather information only.
- Action to expand the role of special counsel was paused pending clarification on her specific instructions and scope.
- The City Attorney clarified that these single-subject committees would not require Brown Act notice.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Ojai Tent Town Expenses
- Staff reported approximately $750,000 in expenses from 2023 through June 2024, with projected current fiscal year costs at $300,000.
- Major cost drivers identified included private security, debris removal, sanitation, and contracts with St. Francis Challenge.
- No formal motion was taken, though a budget amendment will be presented to incorporate un-budgeted expenses.
Rincon Consultants Contract Amendment
- The Council approved a contract amendment for Phase 3 Environmental Site Assessment work to monitor lead and arsenic removal.
- The amendment authorizes a not-to-exceed amount of $51,133 to prevent delays in the project timeline.
- Discussion focused on funding sources, specifically the Environmental Relief Fund grant and DTSC oversight costs.
Passed 3–2 · against: Mang, Whitman
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Compliance Program
- A resolution passed to reinstate the ADU Compliance Program and remove the previous application deadline.
- The program applies exclusively to non-compliant units existing prior to January 1, 2021.
- Owners may legalize units by meeting established safety and habitability standards.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Council Member Travel Reimbursement
- The Council approved a $1,990 reimbursement for a Council Member's travel to a conference on animal rights legislation.
- A motion also passed to develop a new formal Council travel policy to prevent future ambiguity.
Passed 3–0 · unanimous
Community Aquatic Center Programming and Facilities
- Staff directed to initiate discussions with the School District, a non-profit group, and the YMCA regarding the Nordoff Pool.
- The Council authorized a review of partnership models and staffing needs for lifeguards.
- Staff was also tasked with assessing the feasibility and location options for a splash pad on city-owned property.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Board of Appeals Discussion
- The item regarding the potential elimination or restructuring of the Board of Appeals was postponed.
- Council members agreed to consult the Planning Commission for feedback before returning to the topic.
- Further options analysis is required due to the complexity of the issue.
Closed Session
- The Council received a report on labor negotiations for trolley drivers and unrepresented employees.
- No reportable action was taken as final compensation decisions must occur in open session.
- The report indicated that trolley-related items would appear on the upcoming agenda.
Full summary
Closed Session Report
- The Council received a report regarding labor negotiations for trolley drivers and unrepresented employees. No reportable action was taken in the closed session, as final action on employee compensation must occur in open session. The report noted that trolley-related items would appear on the upcoming agenda.
Agenda Approval and Reordering
- The Mayor proposed moving Item 7 (Concept Review for the Alternatives to Building Appeals Board) to the end of the agenda. Council Member Rule suggested moving Item 9 to an earlier position to ensure it could be addressed that evening. The Council agreed to swap the positions of Items 7 and 9. A motion to reorder the agenda was moved, seconded, and passed.
Commission Reports
- The Arts Commission reported on the creative economy in Ojai, noting that applications for the annual Arts Grant Cycle would open on September 1st with a six-figure funding pool. The Commission highlighted maintenance work on the Sound Arch at Libby Bowl and announced a joint meeting with the City Council scheduled for September 9th to discuss a five-year strategic plan, public art stewardship, an economic impact study, and expanded arts education.
City Manager's Report
- The City Manager announced the restoration of Sunday trolley service beginning August 31st, utilizing contract drivers from Fillmore Area Transportation on an interim basis. A pilot proposal to provide a 20-hour minimum benefit for trolley drivers will be presented in open session, with a subsequent analysis for all part-time city employees to be discussed in closed session. The City Manager also announced the distribution of free trolley T-shirts to riders and reported on attendance at a Harvard conference regarding generative AI, noting plans to explore AI implementation for city efficiency. Additionally, the temporary reconfiguration of the council dais was acknowledged, with plans to purchase a permanent horseshoe-style setup.
Public Comments (General)
- Public comments included advocacy for converting City Council positions to fully paid roles; information regarding the prohibition of nitrous oxide canisters in Oxnard; and a request to approve a resolution allocating $25,000 each to the Help of Ojai Emergency Assistance Program and Rental Assistance Program. The Mayor noted the resolution request was scheduled for the September 9th agenda.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made and seconded to approve all consent calendar items (Items 1A through 1Z) except for Item 1B (Warrants). The motion passed. Regarding Item 1B, Council Member Mang raised questions regarding specific warrants, including fees for Data Ticket Inc., recruitment services, credit card charges, and engineering services. The City Manager provided explanations for each. Council Member Mang requested a future agenda item to analyze the cost-effectiveness of bringing code enforcement and building inspection services in-house versus contracting. A motion was made and seconded to approve Item 1B. The motion passed.
Passed 4–0 · abstained: Rule
Item 2: Wildfire Safety and Risk Mitigation Services
- The City Manager presented a revised proposal from the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council, incorporating Council direction to focus on outreach, education, and structural hardening. The proposal included detailed cost breakdowns and deliverables. Discussion included suggestions to table the item until a comprehensive wildfire preparedness policy was established, concerns regarding the emphasis on education versus direct fuel removal, and support for the revised proposal's measurable deliverables. Public comments generally supported the proposal, with suggestions to implement a homeowner loan program, incorporate cultural burns, and ensure assistance for low-income residents. A motion was made to approve the revised proposal, authorize the City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement, and appropriate $386,025 from the Measure C fund balance. The motion was seconded and passed.
Passed 3–2 · against: Mang, Whitman
Item 3: Collaboration with Ojai Unified School District (OUSD)
- The City Manager presented a proposal to establish a standing committee composed of two City Council members and two School Board members to address matters of mutual interest, including workforce housing. The City Attorney explained that such a committee would be subject to the Brown Act. An alternative option to designate two Council members solely as property negotiators for a specific real estate deal was also presented. Discussion focused on the structure of engagement, the transparency of informal meetings versus formal committees, and the scope of special counsel Sunny Soltani. The City Attorney clarified that single-subject ad hoc committees designated for information gathering with a time limit would not be subject to Brown Act notice requirements. Council Member Gilman moved to establish two ad hoc committees: one focused on workforce housing and a second focused on student involvement in City goals. The motion stipulated that both committees serve an initial six-month term, operate for information gathering only, and provide periodic reports to the full Council. Council Member Montgomery seconded the motion. Regarding the engagement of special counsel, the Council decided to pause further action on expanding her role until questions regarding her specific instructions and scope are clarified. The motion to create the two ad hoc committees was put to a vote and passed.
Item 4: Ojai Tent Town (OTT) Expenses
- Staff presented a report detailing expenses incurred for the Ojai Tent Town encampment from 2023 through June 2024, totaling approximately $750,000. Major cost drivers identified included private security services, debris removal, sanitation, and contracts with St. Francis Challenge. Staff noted that security hours have been reduced and projected expenses for the current fiscal year are approximately $300,000. Council members questioned specific line items and noted discrepancies between the staff report and warrant data. Council Member Miley requested a separate meeting with staff to review financial records in detail. Staff confirmed that a budget amendment will be presented to incorporate OTT expenses not included in the adopted budget. No formal motion was made on this item.
Item 5: Rincon Consultants Contract Amendment
- Staff presented a request for a contract amendment with Rincon Consultants for Phase 3 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) work to monitor the removal of lead and arsenic from a stockpile on site. The amendment seeks a not-to-exceed amount of $51,133. Discussion centered on funding sources, specifically whether the Environmental Relief Fund (ERF) grant would cover the costs, and oversight costs from the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). Staff advised that delaying authorization would impact the project timeline. A motion was made to amend the proposal for the additional amount not to exceed $51,133. The motion was seconded and passed.
Passed 3–2 · against: Mang, Whitman
Resolution Restating Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Compliance Program Guidelines
- Staff presented a resolution to reinstate the ADU Compliance Program, which had sunset in March, and to remove the application deadline. The program allows owners of existing non-compliant units to legalize them by meeting safety and habitability standards. Discussion clarified that the program applies only to units existing prior to January 1, 2021. A motion was made to reinstate the program and remove the deadline. The motion was seconded and passed.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Council Member Travel Reimbursement Request
- A request was presented for reimbursement of $1,990 for a Council Member's travel to a conference in Cambridge, England, regarding animal rights legislation. Discussion centered on the lack of a formal Council travel policy and the need to establish one to prevent future ambiguity. A motion was made to approve the reimbursement and to develop a new Council travel policy under new business. The motion was seconded and passed.
Passed 3–0 · unanimous
Community Aquatic Center Programming and Facilities
- Staff presented an agenda item regarding the new Nordoff Pool built by the Ojai Unified School District and the potential for a community aquatics program. The School District lacks funding to operate the pool for the community and is exploring partnerships. Staff also addressed the long-term feasibility of building a community pool at Soule Park. Public comment highlighted the formation of a non-profit working group interested in operating the Nordoff Pool and expressed skepticism regarding the Soule Park project. Discussion included the benefits of an incremental approach, potential non-profit partnerships, and the possibility of installing a splash pad on city-owned property. A motion was made to direct staff to initiate discussions with the School District, the identified non-profit group, and the YMCA; to review partnership models; to assess staffing needs for lifeguards; and to report back on the feasibility and location options for a splash pad. The motion was amended to include the splash pad report, seconded, and passed.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Postponement of Board of Appeals Discussion
- Staff and Council discussed an item regarding the potential elimination or restructuring of the Board of Appeals. It was noted that the item is complex and requires further discussion and options analysis. Council members agreed to postpone the item and suggested that the Planning Commission be consulted at their upcoming meeting to gather feedback before the item is brought back to the Council. The item was postponed.
Council Member Reports and Future Agenda Items
- A Council Member provided a report on recent community feedback regarding affordable housing and addressed a letter to the editor regarding a specific housing project. The Council identified several items for future agenda consideration: technology use policy at the dais, nitrous oxide regulations, a professional development and reimbursement policy, a Council travel policy, and a discussion on the Community Farmers Market interim assistance and possible relocation. Additionally, a request was made to review the city's contracting model, specifically regarding the Building and Safety contract with Wildan, with staff suggesting a broader policy discussion on contracted services versus in-house operations.
Discussion on Goals, Tactics, and Fire Policy
- Council members discussed the ongoing focus on goals and tactics, specifically noting that the fire policy remains a high priority. Concerns were raised regarding the extended time spent on goals and the tendency for new items to arise. No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon regarding this discussion.
Scheduling of Joint Meetings
- The scheduling of joint meetings with the Arts Commission and Parks and Recreation was discussed. Council members confirmed that a joint meeting with the Arts Commission is scheduled for September 9. Regarding a joint meeting with Parks and Recreation, it was clarified that this meeting is not yet scheduled but is planned for the fourth quarter of the year. The City Manager was tasked with working to place the Parks and Recreation meeting on the working agenda. No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon regarding this discussion.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned. No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon regarding the adjournment.