Ojai City Council Special Meeting

Transient Occupancy Tax Appeal

• The Council heard an appeal regarding an audit of unpaid transient occupancy taxes.
• Members expressed concern over late document submissions from the appellant.
• The hearing was postponed to allow adequate time for reviewing all materials.
• A 10-day deadline for future document submissions was agreed upon.

Chamber of Commerce Pilot Program

• Staff presented a report on extending the three-month pilot program contract.
• The Council voted to extend the agreement through the end of the fiscal year.
• An ad hoc committee comprising Council and Chamber members was established.
• Two Council members volunteered to serve on the committee.

Roadless Rule Resolution

• Staff presented a resolution supporting H.R. 3930 to codify the Roadless Rule.
• An amendment was passed to add clauses detailing City reliance on the forest.
• The Council voted to adopt the resolution opposing the rescinding of the rule.

Closed Session

• The Council entered closed session immediately following the opening procedures.
• Staff reported upon return that direction had been given to staff.

Meeting Summary

• Date: Tuesday, September 16th Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:07 p.m. Type: Special Council Meeting

Attendance

• Mayor: Gilman
• Mayor Pro Tem: Lang
• Council Members: Whitman, Mang
• Absent: Council Member Rule
• Staff: Ms. Anderson, Mr. Harvey, Mr. Montgomery (City Clerk)
• Others: Cameron Larner (Appellant), Carla Ferranti-DiRofano (Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce)

Agenda and Proceedings

1. Approval of Agenda and Pledge

• The Mayor called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. The agenda was moved and seconded for approval and approved. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, there were no public comments provided in-house or via Zoom. The Council then entered a closed session. Upon return from the closed session, staff reported that direction had been given to staff.

2. Appeal Hearing (Item 2)

• The Council convened a hearing regarding an appeal by Cameron Larner, business owner of Casa Ojai Inn, managed by B&W Inns, LLC. The matter concerned an assessment of unpaid transient occupancy taxes and related penalties based on an audit covering June 30, 2020, through March 31, 2023. Mr. Larner appealed the Assistant City Manager's determination to the Council under Ojai Municipal Code Section 8-1.429.
• The Mayor read the hearing procedures, noting the City would present its case first, followed by Mr. Larner, with time allocated for rebuttals and closing arguments. Mr. Larner addressed the Council regarding the volume of documents submitted shortly before the hearing.
• Council members raised concerns regarding the timing of document submissions from the appellant. Mayor Gilman and Council Member Lang noted that materials received on the day of the hearing could not be adequately reviewed prior to deliberation. Council Member Whitman suggested a review of hearing procedures to establish clearer guidelines for future cases. Staff indicated the Council had discretion to consider, exclude, or postpone the matter.
• The Council discussed postponing the hearing to allow time for review of all materials and to require organized submissions. A 10-day deadline for submissions prior to the hearing date was proposed. Mr. Larner agreed to the criteria. The Council decided to postpone the hearing to a later date to be scheduled via special meeting.

3. Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce (Item 4)

• Staff presented a report regarding the extension of a three-month pilot program with the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce and the establishment of a 2-in-2 Committee. The Chamber Executive Director provided an overview of the pilot program's scope and activities.
• Motion to Extend Contract: A motion was made to extend the contract through the end of the fiscal year. The motion was seconded.
• Vote: Mayor Gilman (Yes), Mayor Pro Tem Lang (Yes), Council Member Whitman (Yes), Council Member Mang (Yes). Council Member Rule was absent. The motion passed.
• 2-in-2 Committee: The Council discussed establishing a committee comprising two Council members and two Chamber board members. It was determined to be an ad hoc committee time-bound to the contract term. Mayor Gilman and Mayor Pro Tem Lang volunteered to serve. A motion was made to establish the committee with these members. The motion was seconded.
• Vote: Council Member Mang (Yes), Mayor Pro Tem Lang (Yes), Mayor Gilman (Yes), Council Member Whitman (Yes). The motion passed.

4. Resolution Supporting Roadless Rule (Item 5)

• Staff presented a resolution to oppose the rescinding of the Roadless Rule and support H.R. 3930 to codify the rule. The staff report outlined potential impacts on the Los Padres National Forest, including effects on fire risk, water supply, biodiversity, and tourism.
• Motion: A motion was made to support the resolution. The motion was seconded.
• Amendment: Council Member Whitman moved to add specific "Whereas" clauses detailing the City's reliance on the forest for recreation, water stability, and fire prevention. The motion to add these clauses was seconded and agreed to.
• Vote: Council Member Whitman (Yes), Mayor Pro Tem Lang (Yes), Council Member Mang (Yes), Mayor Gilman (Yes). The resolution passed.

Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned at 7:07 p.m.