October 28, 2025 — Ojai City Council, Regular Meeting

Meeting Summary

Present: Gilman, Lang, Rule, Whitman, Mang

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Staff requested authorization for a one-year, $100,000 agreement to support homeless prevention and rapid rehousing.
Representatives outlined eligibility requirements and the program’s rapid response timeline of one to two days.
The Council discussed the agreement term relative to the eight-year housing element cycle.
The motion to authorize the agreement including reporting requirements passed.

Staff presented the first reading of an ordinance adopting codes with updates on wildfire resiliency and heat pumps.
Discussion clarified that state standards are mandatory while specific local amendments remain discretionary.
Council members noted the shifted code cycle from three years to six years.
The motion to introduce the ordinance with specified amendments and typo corrections passed.

Staff presented three articles regarding automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire flow requirements, and combustible fencing.
The Fire Chief explained that local adoption is required to enforce specific amendments beyond state standards.
Discussion addressed water supply adequacy, ADU exemptions, and distinctions from Zone Zero requirements.
The motion to adopt the three specified articles passed with all voting members in favor.

Meeting Date: Tuesday, October 28 Body: Ojai City Council Location: Ojai City Council Chambers/Hybrid Model

The meeting was called to order by the Mayor. Roll call was conducted with all members present. A motion was made to approve the agenda, seconded, and adopted without objection.

Ojai Valley Green Coalition: Kathy Nolan presented an update on the City Hall Campus cleanup. She reported on October cleanup days involving 14 and 10 participants, respectively. Upcoming activities include oak acorn collection and planting in November, as well as site tours. Nolan presented a concept plan detailing ADA-accessible paths, rain gardens, a potential workshop hall, and restoration of the Carriage House. An online survey regarding park programming is open until November 30. Council members acknowledged the volunteer work presented.

Finance Director: Brenda Cho was introduced as the new Finance Director. Her professional background and credentials were outlined.
Acting City Manager: Lucas Seibert, Community Development Director, served as Acting City Manager for the meeting.

Several members of the public spoke during the designated comment period.
Brian Akins (Historic Preservation Commission): Endorsed the Green Coalition’s work and Public Works cleanup efforts. Noted an Arundo eradication grant and suggested future tours include the Carriage House.
Larry Steingold: Raised questions regarding the cost of free internet services, city franchise fees, and the recording of closed meetings. Also inquired about abstentions in voting.
Anita Hendricks (via Zoom): Inquired about a park near Mallory Way (noted as not on the current agenda), requested a trolley update, expressed concern regarding tree removal and wildlife, and discussed Boyd Center programs for seniors.
Adam Smith: Reported an interaction with Ventura County Sheriff's Department deputies regarding sidewalk cycling and filming on October 25. He requested the Council assess the acceptability of the conduct.
Renee Roth: Requested an update to the Safety Element of the General Plan to align with housing and fire safety. She advocated for educational materials regarding fire codes, fencing options, and fire maps.

A motion was made to approve the consent calendar items, seconded, and put to a vote.
Vote Outcome: Council Member Rule abstained; Council Members Whitman, Mang, Mayor Gilman, and Mayor Pro Tem Lang voted in favor. The motion passed.

Staff presented a request to authorize the City Manager to enter a one-year, $100,000 agreement with Help of Ojai for the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Rental Assistance Program. A representative from Help of Ojai discussed eligibility requirements, including "pay or quit" notices and sustainability assessments. The program aims to provide rapid response within one to two days. Council members discussed the one-year term relative to the eight-year housing element cycle.
Motion: To authorize the agreement including reporting requirements.
Vote Outcome: All voting members (Whitman, Rule, Gilman, Mang, Lang) voted in favor. The motion passed.

Staff presented the first reading of an ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Building Codes. Updates include wildfire resiliency, mandatory heat pumps, ventilation standards, and solar/battery storage requirements. Staff clarified that state standards are mandatory, while local amendments (such as Class A roof covering thresholds) are discretionary for the Council. The Building Official noted the code cycle has shifted from three years to six years. Discussion included the need for public education and informational resources.
Motion: To introduce the ordinance adopting the 2025 Building Codes with specified amendments and typo corrections.
Vote Outcome: Council Member Rule abstained; Council Members Whitman, Mang, Mayor Gilman, and Mayor Pro Tem Lang voted in favor. The motion passed.

Staff presented three specific articles for adoption regarding automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire flow requirements, and combustible fencing. Fire Chief Cleary clarified that while state adoption of broader fire standards is automatic, local adoption is required to enforce specific amendments. The County of Ventura and the City of Santa Paula had adopted similar measures. Discussion addressed water supply adequacy (Casitas Municipal Water), ADU exemptions, and the distinction between this item and Zone Zero requirements.
Motion: To adopt the three specified articles (Article 3 Section 903, Article 3 Appendix B, Article 4 Section 604.11).
Vote Outcome: Council Members Mang, Mayor Gilman, Rule, Mayor Pro Tem Lang, and Whitman voted in favor. The motion passed.

Mayor Pro Tem Lang: Scheduled to attend a transportation conference.
Mayor Gilman: Reported on an upcoming Student Council meeting (November 12), a Martin Luther King event at the Bowl (January 19), and recent community events including the Storytelling Festival and Taste of Ojai.
Council Member Whitman: Reported on the Ventura Regional Sanitation District landfill lifespan and potential annexation; the OIA Groundwater Basin Board reporting requirements and well compliance; and the Air Pollution Control District grants for electric machinery transitions.
Council Members Mang and Burgess: Noted that the Historic Preservation Commission budget report is expected at the next meeting.