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Ojai City Council, Regular Meeting

Ojai City Council, Regular MeetingJanuary 27, 2026

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BodyCity Council
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 January 27, 2026

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Meeting Summary

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Present: Gilman, Lang, Rule, Mang · Absent: Whitman

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

Ojai Bungalows Surplus Property Timeline Extension

  • Staff requested a 120-day extension to complete due diligence on deeds and surveys before applying to HCD.
  • Public commenters expressed concerns regarding traffic, parking, and the loss of rural character.
  • No final decision on land conveyance was made, and the transcript ended during public comment.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous

Mallory Way Bungalows Project Timeline Extension

  • Developers requested additional time to resolve property boundary and public right-of-way issues.
  • Council members discussed the need for the extension to allow for legal review and potential open space preservation.
  • The Council approved a resolution extending the project timeline as recommended by the Planning Commission.

2026 City Council Meeting Schedule

  • Staff presented a proposed schedule accounting for summer recess and major holidays while avoiding conflicts with Jewish holidays.
  • The Council approved the schedule without receiving any public comment.

Mayor Pro Tem Appointment

  • The Council initially nominated Council Member Kim Mang but considered a substitute motion for Council Member Rachel Lang.
  • Council Member Lang declined the nomination to uphold the rotation tradition, leading to the withdrawal of the substitute motion.
  • The Council voted to confirm the original nomination of Council Member Kim Mang as Mayor Pro Tem.
Passed 3–0 · abstained: You

Local and Regional Board Appointments

  • Staff presented a list of representatives and alternates for numerous local and regional boards and commissions.
  • Public comment suggested specific assignments for the Ventura County Council of Governments regarding homeless issues.
  • The Council approved the appointments with a caveat to verify contact information.

Federal Advocacy Agreement with Kiley & Associates

  • Staff proposed a $36,000 contract to engage Kiley & Associates for federal lobbying and grant identification.
  • Discussion focused on the distinction between earmarks and grants, as well as the costs and uncertainty of federal funding.
  • The Council approved the proposal for the maximum contract amount of $36,000.
Passed 3–2 · against: May, Whitman

Economic Development Action Plan Contract

  • Staff proposed contracting HDL Econ Solutions to develop a three-year plan balancing tourism with resident quality of life.
  • Council members discussed harmonizing economic growth with community character and open space preservation.
  • The Council approved the contract with a request to add the word "management" to the project title.

MRG Professional Services Agreement Amendment

  • Staff presented an amendment to extend the MRG contract term to utilize allocated funds before June 30, 2025.
  • The scope of work includes revising the employee handbook, personnel policies, and conducting a salary survey.
  • The Council approved the amendment to the existing professional services agreement.
Passed 4–1 · against: Mang

Closed Session

  • The Council provided direction to negotiators regarding properties at 414 and 450 East Ojai Avenue.
  • Staff was directed to return for a further closed session to finalize negotiating terms.
  • No action was taken on the second closed session item.

Full summary

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

  • The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gilman. Roll call was conducted, noting the absence of Council Member Whitman. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Approval of the Agenda

  • Mayor Gilman noted the intention to adjourn to a closed session at 8:30 PM to avoid delaying attendees, with a special session scheduled for the following week to address any missed items. Council Member Lang moved to approve the agenda, and Mayor Gilman seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Commission Reports

  • No commission reports were received.

City Manager's Report

  • City Manager Ben Harvey apologized for not providing a report, citing being "flat-footed," and agreed to provide a bonus report at the next meeting. The Council accepted this arrangement.

Public Communications

  • Public comment was opened for items not on the agenda.
  • Larry Steingold discussed electric bikes, suggesting recalibrated enforcement and education, potentially requiring liability insurance or registration. He also requested that all PDF forms on the city website be made fillable.
  • Eric Reiter called for immediate action regarding City Manager Harvey's tenure and associated lawsuits, proposing granting Harvey leave without severance to mitigate legal costs.
  • Peter Laramendi raised concerns about a traffic signal at Fox and Ojai Avenue where pedestrian signals activate after the light turns red. He requested a network analysis for traffic on Ojai and Montgomery avenues and supported comments regarding electric bike safety. Mayor Gilman noted that a safety committee has been initiated to address these issues.
  • Michael Hutchinson questioned the lack of progress on the Route B trolley project despite funding and urged proactive measures regarding electric bike safety.

Consent Calendar

  • The Council reviewed the consent calendar. Council Member Lang requested to pull Item 4 (Posted Speed Limits) for discussion. Mayor Gilman noted a positive observation regarding the categorization of disbursements in Item 1.
  • Items 2, 3, and 5: Council Member Lang moved to accept consent items 2, 3, and 5. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
  • Item 1: Warrants and Disbursements: Council Member Mang inquired about portable restrooms at Libby Bowl, clarifying that the city contracts for them due to capacity issues, with a permanent solution to be presented in the upcoming Capital Improvement Program. She also asked about a payment to CarSoft for a centralized community calendar, which City Manager Harvey confirmed is a one-time acquisition. Mang questioned a line item for an encampment resolution grant manager, which Harvey explained covered legal expenses related to an ERF grant application. Council Member Rule clarified that a listed travel expense reimbursement was for a full conference. A motion was made to accept consent item 1. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
  • Item 4: Posted Speed Limits: Council Member Lang asked why Gridley Avenue was not included in the speed study. Staff confirmed they can conduct a survey if directed. Council Member Whitman requested that future agenda items include a summary of previous public comments and Council discussions. City Manager Harvey noted that while general themes can be included, specific quotes are avoided. Staff confirmed new speed limit signs are ready for installation within 30 days. Mayor Gilman moved to approve consent item 4. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
  • Item 6: Arts Commission Appointment: Council Member Whitman questioned the transparency of the appointment process regarding the MADIAC list and rotation of appointing council members. Staff confirmed the list has been updated. Whitman noted a discrepancy regarding the number of seats on the Arts Commission, expressing concern that an even number could lead to tie votes. Council Member Rule stated her understanding that the Commission intended to move to seven members. City Attorney Burgess clarified that the Municipal Code allows flexibility but recommended a future agenda item to formally codify the process. The term length for the appointment was corrected to end in May 2029. Council Member Rule moved to confirm the nomination of Brad Tabak to fill the vacancy on the Arts Commission. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous

Public Hearing: Extension of Timeline for Surplus Property Disposal (Ojai Bungalows)

  • City Attorney Burgess and Staff presented a resolution to extend the timeline for completing the surplus property disposal process related to the Ojai Bungalows settlement agreement. The extension is required to complete real property due diligence, including locating deeds and conducting surveys, before submitting an application to the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The agreement provides an initial 120-day extension, with an additional 120 days available if needed. No decision on the actual conveyance of the land was made at this time. Public comment was received regarding the proposed development, with speakers suggesting alternatives to declaring city land surplus, expressing concerns about the loss of rural nature, traffic, parking, and safety, and opposing the transfer of land to developers. The transcript concluded during the public comment portion; no motion or vote was recorded in this segment.

Agenda Item 7: Extension of Timeline for Mallory Way Bungalows Project

  • Public comment was received regarding the proposed extension of the timeline for the Mallory Way bungalows project. Speakers expressed concerns about the potential loss of open space, wildlife corridors, and groundwater recharge areas if the land west of the bungalows were transferred to developers. One speaker questioned the city's ownership history and suggested a public vote on its disposition. Another advocated for maintaining the land as a bicycle path and emergency access route. An attorney representing the project developers stated that due diligence regarding property boundaries and potential public right-of-way issues had not been completed, necessitating more time for collaboration with city staff. The attorney requested adherence to the Planning Commission's recommendation to extend the timeline. Council members discussed the necessity of the extension to allow for further public input, legal review, and potential renegotiation of the development agreement to preserve the open space strip. A motion was made to approve a resolution extending the timeline as recommended. The motion was seconded. The resolution passed.

Agenda Item 8: City Council Meeting Schedule for 2026

  • Staff presented the proposed meeting schedule for 2026, which included routine cancellations for summer recess, Thanksgiving, and winter holidays, while ensuring no conflicts with Jewish holidays. No public comment was received. A motion was made to approve the schedule. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.

Agenda Item 9: Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem

  • The Council discussed the nomination for the position of Mayor Pro Tem. A motion was made to nominate Council Member Kim Mang. The motion was seconded. During discussion, concerns were raised regarding the rotation tradition versus the need for a candidate equipped to assume the Mayor's duties in an emergency, specifically citing a pending lawsuit involving Council Member Leslie Rule. A substitute motion was made to nominate Council Member Rachel Lang. The substitute motion was seconded. Council Member Lang declined the nomination, stating a preference to maintain the rotation tradition. The substitute motion was withdrawn. The Council proceeded to vote on the original motion to nominate Council Member Kim Mang. The motion passed.
Passed 3–0 · abstained: You

Agenda Item 10: Appointment of Representatives to Local and Regional Boards

  • Staff presented a list of appointments to various local and regional boards and commissions. Council members discussed and assigned representatives and alternates for the Ojai Valley Municipal Advisory Council, Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board, Clean Power Alliance, City Selection Committee, County Animal Services Commission Board, Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County, OBGMA, Gold Coast Transit District Board, BCOG, Ventura County Transportation Commission Board, Ojai Valley Sanitation District, Green Coalition, OUSD, Finance and Budget Committee, and Chamber of Commerce. Public comment was received regarding the Ventura County Council of Governments, with a speaker suggesting Council Member Mang be the primary representative to address issues regarding homeless individuals in vehicles. Council members clarified that VCOG has its own priority list. Additional discussion occurred regarding potential future appointments to the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Committee, the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance, and the Whispering Oaks board. A motion was made to approve the appointments as outlined, with a caveat to verify contact information. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Passed 4–0 · abstained: Rule

Item 11: Agreement with Kiley & Associates for Federal Advocacy

  • Staff presented a proposal to engage Kiley & Associates as federal lobbyists for the City of Ojai under a not-to-exceed contract of $36,000. The City Manager explained that the firm had already begun pro bono work on stormwater funding and identified potential earmark opportunities. A representative from the firm discussed the federal funding cycle and potential project areas. Discussion focused on the distinction between federal earmarks and grants, the firm's role, and the competitive nature of federal funding. Council members expressed varying levels of support, with some viewing the engagement as a necessary pilot program and others raising concerns regarding costs and uncertainty. Public commenters generally supported the initiative, though one questioned the retainer fee structure. A motion was made to accept the proposal for the maximum amount of $36,000. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Passed 3–2 · against: May, Whitman

Item 12: Proposal for Economic Development Action Plan

  • Staff presented a proposal to contract HDL Econ Solutions to develop a three-year Comprehensive Economic Development Action Plan. The consultant explained that the plan would focus on balancing tourism revenue with resident quality of life, retaining small businesses, and diversifying the local economy. Council members discussed the need to harmonize economic growth with the preservation of the community's character and open space. Concerns were raised regarding the cost of the contract and the applicability of the consultant's previous work to Ojai. Public comments included support for strategic planning and concerns about increased traffic and construction. A motion was made to execute the contract, with a request to add the word "management" to the title. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.

Item 13: Amendment to Professional Services Agreement (MRG)

  • Staff presented an amendment to an existing Professional Services Agreement with MRG to extend the contract term to utilize allocated funds before the termination date of June 30, 2025. The scope of work includes completing a revised employee handbook, revising personnel policies, and conducting a salary survey. A motion was made to approve the amendment. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.

Item 14: Closed Session

  • The Council adjourned to a closed session to discuss real property negotiations. Upon reconvening, the City Clerk reported that the Council provided direction to negotiators regarding properties located at 414 East Ojai Avenue and 450 East Ojai Avenue. The Council also directed staff to return for a further closed session to finalize negotiating terms. No action was taken on the second closed session item.

Council Member Reports and Future Agenda Items

  • Council Member Lang reported on her attendance at the Community Services Policy Committee and the California League of Cities Academy. Mayor Gilman reported on the success of the recent MLK Day event and plans for a future citywide student panel. Regarding future agenda items, Mayor Gilman raised the issue of the Vasquez-Perdomo case involving due process concerns related to immigration enforcement. He requested that the City Attorney investigate the feasibility of the City of Ojai joining the lawsuit, potentially through an amicus brief. Staff confirmed that a law firm is representing 22 cities pro bono and agreed to provide further information for a future council item if the Council supports the initiative. The Council expressed support for exploring this option.

Community Forum and Police Documentation Recommendations

  • Councilmember Rule discussed plans to organize a community forum hosted by the city, which will not be a formal city council meeting. Chief Jenkins was identified as the city's representative for the forum, with invitations extended to Fryhoff and Salud. Rule noted that further details regarding the forum's structure would be shared as they develop. Additionally, Rule described a recommendation made to the police department to document all sightings of ICE agents. The proposed protocol involves contacting ICE to inquire about these sightings, recording the date of contact and any response, and forwarding this documentation to the Attorney General. Rule stated that Chief Jenkins had previously expressed support for this recommendation.

Adjournment

  • Councilmember Gilman moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded and adopted. The meeting was adjourned.