Ojai City Council Regular Meeting

Permanent Supportive Housing Remediation

• Staff indicated moving the housing site was not feasible due to project commitments and contamination issues.
• The Council approved amending a professional services agreement to fund remediation work.
• Staff will report back on specific grant reimbursements and uncovered costs.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Compliance Program

• Staff presented a resolution to reinstate the program for illegal units built before 2021.
• The Council voted to remove the sunset date to help meet housing goals.

Council Member Travel Reimbursement

• A travel reimbursement request was approved following a dispute over existing policy.
• The Council simultaneously moved to create a formal travel policy for members.
• Staff will draft a comprehensive policy to clarify future approval requirements.

Community Aquatic Center Programming

• Staff was directed to explore partnerships for the School District’s new Nordoff Pool.
• Discussions regarding a splash pad or pool at Soule Park were noted as complex.
• Staff will research staffing models and splash pad feasibility on City-owned properties.

Future Agenda Priorities

• The elimination of the Board of Appeals was postponed for further discussion with the Planning Commission.
• Councilmembers requested future agenda items covering technology use and nitrous oxide policy.
• Additional requests included reviews of service contracts and community farmers market assistance.

• Here is a summary of the Ojai City Council meeting proceedings:

1. Permanent Supportive Housing Site Remediation (Dignity Moves)

• The Council discussed contamination issues at a site designated for a permanent supportive housing project. Staff and the City Manager indicated that moving the site was not feasible due to project commitments and lack of alternatives. While there were concerns regarding the cost of remediation and whether the Environmental Relief Fund (ERF) would cover it, the majority felt the project must proceed to avoid leaving 30 people without housing.
• Decision: A motion to amend the professional services agreement for additional remediation funding (up to $51,133 to Recon Consultants) was approved.
• Vote: Passed 3-2 (Yes: Mayor Gilman, Councilmember Rule, Mayor Pro Tem Lang; No: Councilmembers Mang and Whitman).
• Follow-up: Staff will report back on specific grant reimbursements and uncovered costs.

2. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Compliance Program

• Staff presented a resolution to reinstate the ADU Compliance Program, which allows existing illegal units (built before Jan 1, 2021) to be legalized without full penalty, and to remove the sunset date for the program. The program helps meet housing goals (RHNA) and brings structures into safety code.
• Decision: The Council voted to reinstate the program and remove the expiration date.
• Vote: Passed 5-0 (Unanimous).

3. Council Member Travel Reimbursement

• Councilmember Rule requested reimbursement ($1,990) for a non-refundable ticket to an animal rights conference in Cambridge, England. A procedural dispute arose regarding the lack of a specific City Council travel policy; Rule relied on the City Manager’s initial advice that no approval was needed, though a clause in the employee reimbursement policy technically requires Council approval for international travel.
• Decision: The Council voted to approve the reimbursement, citing good faith effort and procedural confusion, and simultaneously moved to create a new, formal Council travel policy.
• Vote: Passed. (Abstentions included Councilmember Whitman).
• Future Action: Staff will draft a comprehensive travel policy for Council members.

4. Community Aquatic Center Programming

• Staff presented an agenda regarding two potential aquatic projects:
• Nordoff Pool (School District): The Ojai Unified School District has a new pool but lacks funding to open it to the community. Staff was directed to explore partnerships, including with the Channel Islands YMCA (temporary) and a community non-profit group (Ojai Valley Aquatic Center Working Group).
• Soule Park: There was interest in a splash pad or pool on this County-owned property, though it was noted as a high-cost, complex project.
• Decision: Staff was directed to initiate discussions with the School District, the non-profit, and the YMCA, and to research staffing models and splash pad feasibility on City-owned properties.
• Vote: Passed 5-0 (Unanimous).

5. Future Agenda Items & Council Reports

• Board of Appeals: An item regarding the elimination of the Board of Appeals was postponed to discuss with the Planning Commission at their next meeting.
• Council Reports: Councilmember Whitman discussed public perceptions of affordable housing projects and the history of the Mallory Way project.
• Upcoming Agenda Requests: Councilmembers requested future items covering:
• Technology use policy at the dais.
• Nitrous Oxide policy.
• City Council Travel/Reimbursement policy.
• Community Farmers Market assistance/relocation.
• Review of City service contracts (e.g., Sheriff, Building & Safety).

Meeting Adjournment

• The meeting concluded after addressing these items, with the Council agreeing to prioritize the "goals and tactics" agenda items in upcoming sessions.