Meeting Summary
Present: Gilman, Lang, Rule, Whitman, Mang
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Introduction of New Finance Director
- Brenda Cho was introduced as the new Finance Director with a background including CPA certification and prior city finance management experience.
- Ms. Cho addressed the council regarding her professional qualifications and commitment to the role.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on this introductory item.
Ojai Valley Green Coalition Update
- The Coalition reported on recent creek cleanup events and upcoming acorn collection and planting activities at City Hall and City Park.
- A concept plan for the park was presented featuring a meeting hall, fire-safe garden, orchard, and an amphitheater utilizing the historic Carriage House.
- The plan emphasizes ADA accessibility, stormwater catchment, and converting removed tree material into site furnishings.
- A public survey regarding park programming is currently open until November 30.
Help of Ojai Rental Assistance Program
- Staff presented an agreement to authorize a one-year, $100,000 funding arrangement with Help of Ojai for the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Rental Assistance Program.
- Representatives outlined criteria focusing on households impacted by specific life events rather than chronic inability to pay.
- Discussion covered program effectiveness, reporting mechanisms, and potential impacts from SNAP benefit changes.
- The council approved the agreement, which includes specific reporting requirements.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Adoption of the 2025 California Building Codes
- Staff presented the adoption of the 2025 codes effective January 1, 2026, highlighting updates on wildfire resiliency, heat pumps, and solar requirements.
- The presentation clarified the shift to a six-year adoption cycle and confirmed the continuation of local amendments like FlexPath and Class A roof coverings.
- Discussion addressed the impact on Accessory Dwelling Units regarding sprinkler requirements and the distinction between building codes and fire enforcement.
- The council adopted Ordinance Number 25 to implement the 2025 Building Codes with amendments to Chapter 1508 of the Municipal Code.
No decision 2–1
Adoption of Specific Fire Code Amendments
- This item addressed three specific provisions regarding automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire flow requirements, and combustible fencing.
- The Fire Chief recommended adoption to ensure safety and consistency with county standards, noting reliance on the county for certain enforcement aspects.
- Discussion centered on "Zone Zero" requirements, funding concerns, and implications for oak trees and canopy density.
- The council adopted the specific amendments after staff identified and corrected a typo in the draft ordinance.
Council Member Reports
- Members provided brief updates on activities with the Ventura Regional Sanitation District, Ojai Groundwater Basin Board, and Air Pollution Control District.
- Topics included landfill capacity, groundwater reporting requirements, and grants for equipment electrification.
- No formal motions or votes were taken on these reports.
Closed Session
- No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
Introduction of New Finance Director
- Brenda Cho was introduced as the new Finance Director. Her professional background, including CPA certification, degrees, and prior experience as a finance manager for the City of Agoura Hills, was presented. Ms. Cho addressed the council regarding her commitment to the role. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.
Ojai Valley Green Coalition Update
- The Ojai Valley Green Coalition provided an update on cleanup progress at the City Hall Campus and the City Park project. The report detailed recent creek cleanup events, upcoming acorn collection and planting activities, and a site tour held on October 25. A concept plan for the park was presented, featuring a meeting hall, fire-safe demonstration garden, orchard, community garden, children's nature play area, and an amphitheater utilizing the historic Carriage House. The plan emphasizes ADA accessibility, stormwater catchment, and the conversion of removed tree material into site furnishings. A public survey regarding park programming is open until November 30. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.
Consent Calendar
- The consent calendar was presented. A motion was made to approve the consent items and was seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.
Passed 4–0 · abstained: Rule
Help of Ojai Rental Assistance Program
- Staff presented an agreement to authorize the City Manager to enter into a one-year agreement with "Help of Ojai" to fund the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Rental Assistance Program with $100,000. Representatives from Help of Ojai outlined the program's criteria, emphasizing assistance for households impacted by a "life event" rather than chronic inability to pay. The organization described their process, which includes verifying landlord notices, reviewing bank statements, and conducting case management, with funds typically issued within one to two days. Discussion focused on the program's effectiveness, the distinction between short-term and chronic homelessness, and reporting mechanisms, including anecdotal data on demographics. Council members inquired about potential impacts from SNAP benefit changes. A motion was made to approve the agreement, including specific reporting requirements. The motion was seconded and passed.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Adoption of the 2025 California Building Codes
- Staff presented the adoption of the 2025 California Building Codes, effective January 1, 2026. The presentation highlighted updates focused on wildfire resiliency, sustainability, and safety, including mandatory heat pumps, expanded solar and battery storage requirements, electric-ready infrastructure, and enhanced seismic design. Staff noted the shift from a three-year to a six-year adoption cycle and clarified that the city must adopt state codes with limited ability to amend, except for life safety or specific local conditions. The city's local amendments (FlexPath) and the existing requirement for Class A roof coverings for modifications exceeding 10% of a structure's value were confirmed to be carried forward. Discussion addressed the impact on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) regarding sprinkler requirements and the distinction between building code requirements and fire department defensible space enforcement. A motion was made to adopt Ordinance Number 25 to adopt the 2025 Building Codes with amendments to Chapter 1508 of the Municipal Code. The motion was seconded and passed.
No decision 2–1
Adoption of Specific Fire Code Amendments
- This item addressed three specific, more stringent provisions: automatic fire sprinkler systems (Article 3, Section 903), fire flow requirements (Article 3, Appendix B), and combustible fencing (Article 4, Section 604.11). Staff clarified that while the state mandates the base codes, the city has discretion on adopting these specific local amendments. The Fire Chief recommended adoption to ensure safety and consistency with county standards, noting the city relies on the county for enforcement of certain aspects. Discussion centered on "Zone Zero" requirements, funding and staffing concerns raised by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, the impact on existing versus new construction, and implications for oak trees and canopy density. Staff identified a typo in the draft ordinance on page 27 regarding a section reference. A motion was made to adopt the specific amendments. The motion was seconded and passed.
Council Member Reports
- Council members provided brief reports on their activities with external boards, including the Ventura Regional Sanitation District, the Ojai Groundwater Basin Board, and the Air Pollution Control District. Topics included landfill capacity, groundwater reporting requirements, and grants for equipment electrification. No formal motions or votes were taken on these reports.
Public Comment
- Public comment was received on various items, including the rental assistance program and the building/fire code adoptions. Commenters expressed support for the rental program and raised concerns regarding the complexity and financial impact of the new fire codes, particularly regarding Zone Zero and tree management. Additional comments included a complaint regarding an interaction with Ventura County Sheriff's Department officers, requests for updates on the trolley project, advocacy for tree preservation, and suggestions for scholarships for lower-income seniors. A resident noted that the General Plan's safety element had not been updated in conjunction with the housing element as required by state law and urged prioritization of evacuation planning and emergency access. Staff and council members addressed questions regarding implementation timelines and the availability of community education resources.
Other Matters
- A statement was made regarding a proposal to include a tour of the Carriage House in future tours. No action was taken on this suggestion.