Ojai City Council Special Meeting

Cabin Village Architectural and Construction

• Architect proposed DuraPanel straw-based material for interior walls pending exterior structural testing.
• Cost control measures reduced the DuraPanel ceiling scope to save approximately $150,000.
• Mechanical plans feature central ducted systems for gathering spaces and mini-splits for residential units.
• Plumbing drains positioned outside footings to allow for easier future maintenance.

Cabin Village Landscape and Sustainability

• Landscape design modified to meet new county fire codes regarding plant heights and defensible space.
• Sustainable features include bioswales for stormwater capture and low-carbon local pavers.
• Amenities include ADA-accessible paths and edible raised beds within a Mediterranean-inspired courtyard.

Cabin Village Operations and Budget

• Council requested a detailed report of non-constructed items to facilitate targeted community donations.
• Staff noted a $500,000 ERF grant allocation for the first four years of operations.
• Design team to investigate the feasibility and cost of a contained dog play area along the west fence.
• Further discussions will finalize property management requirements including a resident manager unit.

• This City Council meeting provided a detailed design review of the proposed Dignity Moves "Cabin Village" housing project in Ojai, focusing on architectural specifications, landscape sustainability, and operational planning.

Architectural and Construction Updates (Speaker 02)

• DuraPanel Usage: The architect discussed using DuraPanel (a straw-based product) to replace conventional plywood and sheetrock. While the product has fire-resistant ratings in Australia, it lacks ASTM testing for North American codes. The project plans to use it on interior wall faces and partition walls, relying on stucco for exterior fire protection. Full exterior shear wall usage depends on pending structural testing.
• Interior & Mechanicals: Plans include commercial-grade laundry facilities, exposed ductwork in common areas, mini-splits for residential units, and a central ducted system for the gathering space. Plumbing drains are positioned outside the footing for easier maintenance.
• Cost Control: The scope of DuraPanel in ceilings was reduced to save approximately $150,000.

Landscape and Sustainability (Speaker 08)

• Fire Safety: New fire codes in Ventura County significantly impacted the landscape plan, requiring reduced plant heights, specific fire zoning, and defensible space around oak trees.
• Sustainability: Features include bioswales for stormwater capture, native California plants, low-carbon local pavers, and a communal courtyard inspired by a Mediterranean cloister.
• Amenities: The design includes ADA-accessible paths, edible raised beds, and movable furniture intended for donation.

Council and Staff Discussion

• Pet Area: Council members requested a contained dog play area rather than just a relief area. The team identified a feasible location along the existing chain-link fence on the west side of the property using the building and street as boundaries.
• Donor Recognition: A donor wall is planned for the entry breezeway.
• Budget Transparency: Council requested a detailed report listing items not included in the construction bid (furniture, appliances, solar upgrades) to facilitate targeted community donations.
• Operations: Staff noted a $500,000 allocation from the ERF grant for the first four years of operations. Discussions highlighted the need for a resident manager unit and confirmed talks with property management firms like Many Mansions.

Public Comments

• Support: The majority of speakers (Ruth Miller, Rachel Hunt, Jessica McCray, Marci Tosher) expressed strong support, emphasizing the urgency of providing safe housing for vulnerable residents and the humanitarian nature of the project.
• Concerns: Several residents (Carol Avalon, Larry Stangel, Doug Labar) raised questions regarding cost transparency, the steepness of the ADA ramp, solar energy sufficiency to manage utility costs, and the lack of included furniture/kitchenware in the bid.
• Social Commentary: One speaker connected the project to broader issues of military spending and homelessness, urging the Council to prioritize community care.

Action Items

• Staff to prepare a formalized list of non-constructed items for potential community fundraising.
• The design team to investigate the feasibility and cost of the proposed dog run.
• Further discussions to finalize property management requirements, potentially including a resident manager unit.