Meeting Summary
Present: Gilman, Lang, Whitman, Mang · Absent: Rule
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Free Mulch and Compost Program
- Staff presented a new partnership with Agriman to provide free bulk mulch and compost funded by a CalRecycle grant.
- The program utilizes a coupon system with pickup locations in Ojai and Oxnard, plus a flat-fee delivery option.
- Council members discussed promoting the initiative in the Ojai Outlook and its connection to the Harrison Food Waste Processing Facility.
- No formal motion or vote was taken during this discussion.
City Manager's Report
- Staff introduced Leah Palmer as the new Accounting Manager and noted vacancies on several city commissions.
- The City Clerk reported no new applications for the Area Housing Authority and proposed reappointing Mr. Steve Mason.
- Thanks were extended to emergency services for their response to recent heavy rains.
- The bid package for the Ojai Permanent Supportive Housing Project was confirmed as posted on the city website.
Commissioner Reports
- The Arts Commission reported an increase in grant applications for the 2026 cycle following a budget increase.
- The Commission is updating its five-year plan to focus on creative economy studies, public art maintenance, and education.
- No formal motion or vote was taken regarding these updates.
Consent Calendar Items
- Council approved most consent items after clarifying the Fleet Vehicle Contract's extension clause through November 2026.
- Concerns regarding the Tent Town Security Contract's cost-effectiveness and accounting variances were addressed by staff.
- The motion to approve the remaining items passed following a commitment to hold a follow-up meeting on the accounting numbers.
Passed 3–0 · unanimous
Community Aquatics Program Concept Review
- Staff presented five options for expanding aquatics access, including a city-run program, a seed grant, and a splash pad.
- Public comment and Superintendent Knox's testimony highlighted interest in partnering with the new Nordhoff Aquatic Center.
- Council agreed to immediately pursue Options 1, 2, and 4 while viewing a special district and new pool as long-term initiatives.
- A motion passed to direct staff to pursue the selected options and establish an ad hoc committee with the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Passed 4–1 · against: Rule
OUSD Career Technical Education Facility Grant Match
- OUSD requested a $250,000 city pledge to match a state grant for modernizing the Matilija Auditorium.
- Council discussion focused on financial implications and the need for a detailed work plan ensuring community access.
- A motion passed to pledge $125,000 subject to conditions including an executed agreement, a detailed work plan, and grant award confirmation.
Passed 3–2 · against: Whitman, Mang
Speed Survey Report and Appropriation
- Staff presented a speed survey report recommending 5 mph reductions on Country Club, Foothill, and Fairview streets.
- Public comment raised safety concerns on Cuyama Street and other residential areas, advocating for lower limits and speed humps.
- Council discussed the engineering justification for reducing the Cuyama Street limit to 20 mph despite the 85th percentile speed being 25 mph.
- A motion passed to file the report, allocate $52,000 for the study, and recommend the 20 mph limit on Cuyama Street.
Climate-Related Expenditure Report and Electrification Program
- Staff reported approximately $700,000 in climate-related expenditures over the last 18 months.
- Climatech presented a preliminary scope for a strategic plan covering equipment electrification, LED standardization, and solar installations.
- The program aims to leverage federal and state grants, including incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act.
- A motion passed to move forward with the work plan expeditiously to secure expiring funding.
Purchase of New City Council Dais
- Staff presented a revised design for a custom horseshoe-shaped dais that improves ADA compliance and public seating.
- The new design includes structural support on casters and provisions for a paperless agenda system.
- A motion passed to approve the new dais design.
Valley-Wide Traffic Committee
- Council discussed a proposal to establish a valley-wide traffic committee including MAC representatives and community members.
- Members agreed to schedule the selection of two representatives as a short agenda item in December.
- No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon during this session.
Student Council Updates
- Council Member Montgomery reported that students from various high schools have expressed a desire for a shared social space.
- Potential developments regarding this request may involve collaboration with the Ojai Unified School District.
- No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon.
Water Adjudication
- Council Member Montgomery briefly noted developments regarding the water adjudication.
- Further discussion on this topic is expected to occur at the next meeting.
- No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon.
Council Member Reports
- Council Member Lang reported attending the California Transit Association Conference.
- Ongoing efforts with Gold Coast to donate a used shuttle bus to OUSD are expected to finalize in approximately eight months.
- No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon.
Closed Session
- No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gilman. A roll call was conducted, noting remote participation by Council Member Rule and the pending arrival of Council Member Whitman. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. A motion to approve the agenda was made, seconded, and passed without objection.
Free Mulch and Compost Program
- Staff presented a new partnership with Agriman to provide free bulk mulch, compost, and bagged compost to residents and businesses, funded by a CalRecycle grant to meet SB 1383 mandates. The program utilizes a coupon system with pickup locations in Ojai and Oxnard, and offers city delivery for a flat fee. Council members discussed the program's connection to the Harrison Food Waste Processing Facility and potential promotion in the Ojai Outlook. No formal motion or vote was taken.
City Manager's Report
- Staff introduced Leah Palmer as the new Accounting Manager. The City Clerk reported vacancies on the Planning, Historic Preservation, and Arts Commissions, noting varying application numbers. No new applications were received for the Area Housing Authority; staff intends to propose the reappointment of Mr. Steve Mason for the December 9th agenda. Thanks were extended to Public Works, the Sheriff's Department, and the Ventura County Fire Department for their response to recent heavy rains. The bid package for the Ojai Permanent Supportive Housing Project was noted as posted on the city website.
Commissioner Reports
- The Arts Commission reported on the upcoming review of 28 grant applications for the 2026 cycle, noting an increase in applications following a budget increase. The Commission is updating its five-year plan to focus on creative economy impact studies, public art maintenance, and education programs. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made to approve Consent Calendar Items 2, 3, 4, and 6. The motion was seconded and passed. Regarding Item 5 (Fleet Vehicle Contract), Council Member Mang requested clarification on vendor location and an apparent expired contract date. Staff explained the contract utilizes a SourceWell agreement with a one-year extension clause extending the term to November 2026. Regarding Item 7 (Tent Town Security Contract), Council Member Lang questioned the cost-effectiveness of contracting versus hiring in-house. Staff reported satisfaction with the current contractor, Secure All, citing specialized experience and liability insurance benefits. Council Member Mang raised concerns regarding accounting discrepancies between the contract amount and warrant payments. Staff explained the variance was due to the contract covering two fiscal years and timing differences in invoice processing. Council Member Mang requested a follow-up meeting to review the numbers. A motion was made to approve Items 5 and 7. The motion was seconded. Following clarification that the motion could proceed with a commitment to meet regarding the accounting numbers, the motion passed.
Passed 3–0 · unanimous
Community Aquatics Program Concept Review
- Staff presented five options for expanding community aquatics access: a city-run program at Nordhoff High School; a $10,000 seed grant to a local group for a community-run program; a special recreation district funded by a parcel tax; a community splash pad; and a capital campaign for a new pool at Soule Park. Staff noted a potential YMCA proposal for a limited Saturday program at Nordhoff. Council members discussed coordinating with the Parks and Recreation Commission. Public comment was received from Cheryl Knox, Bill Miley, and Larry Stengel. Dr. Cheryl Knox, Superintendent of OUSD, addressed the council regarding the new Nordoff Aquatic Center, expressing eagerness to partner with the city for community use during evenings, weekends, and summers, while noting school-day access requires negotiation regarding student safety. Public speakers advocated for a feasibility study, authorizing the Parks and Recreation Commission to manage programming, and exploring a splash pad. Concerns were raised regarding financial sustainability and the complexity of creating a special district. Council members discussed the options, agreeing to pursue Options 1, 2, and 4 immediately, while viewing Options 3 and 5 as longer-term initiatives. A motion was made to direct staff to pursue Options 1, 2, and 4, and to establish an ad hoc committee to engage with the Parks and Recreation Commission. The motion was seconded and passed.
Passed 4–1 · against: Rule
OUSD Request for Pledge for Career Technical Education Facility Grant Match
- Dr. Cheryl Knox and Kim Hoy from OUSD presented a request for the city to pledge $250,000 toward a state grant for the modernization of the Matilija Auditorium. The project aims to upgrade lighting, sound, safety systems, and flooring to meet industry standards for Career Technical Education programs. The district has identified $750,000 in internal funds and secured approximately $921,000 in community pledges. The state grant requires a dollar-for-dollar match, with a total project budget estimated between $3 million and $4 million. The deadline for the grant application is December 1. Public comment was received in support of the project, highlighting the facility's role in arts education and community events. One speaker suggested a conditional pledge in exchange for a long-term ground lease or other community benefits. Council discussion focused on financial implications, budget priorities, and the lack of a detailed work plan or negotiated agreement ensuring community access. Some members expressed support for a lower pledge amount contingent upon specific conditions. A motion was made to pledge $125,000 to the project, subject to three conditions: (1) execution of an agreement with OUSD ensuring community use and a return on investment; (2) receipt of a detailed work plan outlining the expenditure of funds; and (3) stipulation that the pledge would be void if the state grant is not awarded. The motion was seconded and passed.
Passed 3–2 · against: Whitman, Mang
Speed Survey Report and Appropriation
- Staff presented a draft speed survey report conducted by Phoenix Civil Engineering and sub-consultant Andrew Yee. The survey collected data from 20 street segments. The traffic engineer recommended reducing speed limits by 5 mph on Country Club, Foothill, and Fairview streets (from 35 mph to 30 mph). For other segments, the recommendation was to maintain existing limits or install signage. On Grand Avenue, no immediate reduction was recommended. Council members inquired about survey methodology regarding weekend tourist traffic. Staff and consultants explained that driving behavior regarding speed does not necessarily change based on the day of the week. Discussion covered the distinction between speed bumps and speed humps. Next steps include filing the report, adopting a resolution, posting signage, and developing a speed hump policy. Public comment addressed concerns on Cuyama Street, Creek Road, and other residential areas, citing narrow streets, blind corners, and safety risks. Speakers advocated for reduced speed limits, speed humps, and dedicated pedestrian paths. Council members and staff discussed technical aspects of speed limit adjustments under AB 43 and the Vehicle Code. It was noted that while the 85th percentile speed on Cuyama was 25 mph, the engineering study supported reducing the limit to 20 mph due to street characteristics. The possibility of a citywide 25 mph limit was discussed, with staff noting that arbitrary limits without engineering justification could hinder enforcement. A proposal was raised to conduct a feasibility study for a dedicated pedestrian path along Cuyama Street. A motion was made to receive and file the speed study report and to allocate $52,000 for the study. The motion was amended to include a recommendation to reduce the speed limit on Cuyama Street to 20 mph. The motion was seconded and passed.
Climate-Related Expenditure Report and Citywide Facilities Electrification Program
- Staff presented a report on climate-related expenditures, noting approximately $700,000 spent over the last 18 months. Climatech presented a preliminary scope of work for a long-term strategic plan covering electrification of heating and cooling equipment, standardization of LED lighting, building envelope improvements, and renewable energy installations. The proposal included solar installations at the Sarazate Campus, Libbey Bowl, and Ojai Skate Park. The program aims to leverage federal and state grants, including incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Clean Power Alliance. Public comment was received regarding the urgency of the project to secure expiring federal funding. Staff clarified that earlier funding allocations were deemed insufficient for a comprehensive approach. A motion was made to move forward with the work plan expeditiously. The motion was seconded and passed.
Passed 3–0 · unanimous
Purchase of New City Council Dais
- Staff presented a revised design and cost estimate for a new custom-built City Council dais. The proposed design features a horseshoe shape, is structurally supported on casters, and includes provisions for a paperless agenda. The design aims to improve ADA compliance, enhance safety, and increase public seating capacity. A motion was made to approve the new dais design. The motion was seconded and passed.
Scheduling of Upcoming Meetings
- Discussion occurred regarding the scheduling of the first two meetings of the upcoming year. The Mayor indicated an absence from the country until the 16th. It was determined that the meeting on the 13th would proceed, with the agenda managed to accommodate the Mayor's absence. No formal motion was required.
Valley-Wide Traffic Committee
- Council Member Weston Montgomery reported on a proposal from the MAC meeting to establish a valley-wide traffic committee. The proposed committee would include MAC representatives, community members, and members from the current body. Council Member Andrew Whitman agreed with the concept and noted the need for formal action to appoint representatives. Council Member Ben Harvey suggested scheduling the selection of two representatives as a short agenda item in December. No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon; the discussion concluded with an agreement to address the appointment at a future meeting.
Student Council Updates
- Council Member Weston Montgomery provided an update on student council meetings, noting that students from various high schools have expressed a desire for a shared space to socialize. Potential developments regarding this request may involve the Ojai Unified School District. No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon.
Water Adjudication
- Council Member Weston Montgomery briefly noted developments regarding the water adjudication, stating that further discussion may occur at the next meeting. No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon.
Council Member Reports
- Council Member Rachel Lang reported attending the California Transit Association Conference and discussed ongoing efforts with Gold Coast to potentially donate a used shuttle bus to OUSD. The donation would not be finalized for approximately eight months. No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon.
Adjournment
- With no additional future agenda items proposed, the meeting was adjourned.