Ojai City Council, Regular Meeting

Broadband Franchise Agreement

• Aspire Networks proposed a no-cost citywide fiber build with revenue sharing and performance bonds.
• Construction utilizes micro-trenching methods under a non-exclusive franchise agreement allowing future competition.
• Council authorized the City Manager to negotiate the agreement and prepare a micro-trenching ordinance.

Fiscal Year-End Report

• Finance reported a projected $2 million surplus for FY 24-25 with expenses currently under budget.
• Staff requested authority to carry over $460,000 in unspent funds for capital projects and system upgrades.
• Council approved the carryover recommendations and deferred full surplus analysis to the upcoming Budget Committee.

City Color Palette and Logo Selection

• Design firm Drew Pepe Smith presented logo concepts featuring the Post Office tower and mountain elements.
• Council members requested color refinements to prioritize green tones over gold and sought additional font options.
• No final decision was made, and staff directed to return to designers with feedback before selection.

Council Reports and Updates

• Updates included Student Council re-establishment, Farmers Market relocation feasibility, and an upcoming YMCA pool proposal.
• Members attended the California League of Cities conference to gain insights on legal voting and small city management.
• Future agenda topics were identified, including a potential drone fireworks ban and a fundraising Pickle Bowl tournament.

• Here is a summary of the City Council meeting, focusing on the key agenda items discussed:

1. Broadband Franchise Agreement (Aspire Networks)

• The meeting began with a presentation by Aspire Networks regarding a proposal to build a citywide fiber network in Ojai.
• Precedent: Aspire highlighted their successful project in Moorpark as a model for the proposed Ojai build.
• Benefits: The proposal emphasizes that once fiber is installed, it opens opportunities to secure grants for the underserved and makes digital literacy a priority.
• Proposal Details:
• Citywide Build: Aspire will build out the network to every lot line without "cherry-picking" neighborhoods.
• Cost: No cost to the city; revenue sharing based on success.
• Protection: Protected by a performance bond and insurance.
• Construction: Uses micro-trenching (12-16 inches deep) near curbs. Estimated timeline is 6–8 months with restoration completed within a week of trenching.
• Exclusivity: Non-exclusive franchise, allowing future competition, though Aspire seeks to be first to market.
• Pricing: Tiered plans starting at $60/month for 500 Mbps, with discounts for deed-restricted affordable housing.
• Security: Network redundancy ensures service continues if lines are cut; fiber is less vulnerable to copper theft.
• Action: The Council voted to authorize the City Manager to negotiate a broadband franchise agreement with Aspire and to prepare an ordinance allowing micro-trenching as an exception to current road paving rules.

2. Fiscal Year-End Report & Carryover Requests

• Finance presented a preliminary report on Fiscal Year 24-25.
• Financial Status: Expenses are under budget, with a projected surplus of approximately $2 million (though the final audit is not complete).
• Carryover: Staff requested authority to carry over approximately $460,000 of unspent funds into FY 25-26. This includes capital improvement projects (e.g., road overlays), personnel handbook development, and purchasing system upgrades.
• Clarification: It was noted that the $2 million surplus is not immediately available "new money" but rather a result of spending timelines and conservative budgeting; the actual carryover amount is what is being approved for immediate use.
• Action: The Council approved the carryover recommendations but agreed to review the full fiscal year-end analysis and surplus details at the Budget Committee meeting in December/January.

3. City of Ojai Color Palette and Logo Selection

• The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem presented updated branding concepts from design firm Drew Pepe Smith.
• Design: Options included circular logos featuring the iconic Ojai Post Office tower, trees, and mountain elements. Two color palettes were proposed: "Earth Tones" and the city's "Current Colors."
• Debate: Council members discussed the distinction between this commercial graphic design and fine art. While one member suggested seeking input from the Art Commission, others argued this is operational branding and should remain a Council decision.
• Feedback: Several Council members expressed a desire to see the tree depicted in green rather than gold, and requested options for different fonts. There was a general consensus that the current printouts were too dull (specifically regarding the yellow tones).
• Action: No final decision was made. The Council directed staff to return to the designers with feedback to refine colors (more earthy/green) and font options before a final selection.

4. Council Reports & Updates

• California League of Cities: Several members attended the conference, gaining insights on legal voting issues, affordable housing, and small city management strategies.
• Student Council: Re-established with monthly meetings; a joint meeting between the City and Student Council is planned for 2026.
• Farmers Market: Feasibility is being explored to move the Thursday market from OUSD to Libbey Park due to upcoming housing construction at the school.
• Pool Proposal: A proposal from the YMCA regarding the public pool is expected to come before the Council soon.
• Future Agenda: Topics for future discussion include a ban on drone fireworks (safety concerns) and the first annual "Pickle Bowl" tournament for fundraising.