Ojai City Council, Regular Meeting

Board and Commission Appointments

• Council members assigned themselves and alternates to various external boards and committees.
• Public comment regarding RV parking issues was noted but not discussed during appointment votes.
• The motion to approve all listed board and commission appointments passed.

Federal Advocacy Contract

• Council approved a $36,000 contract with Kiley & Associates for federal lobbying and funding acquisition.
• The firm aims to secure earmarks for water and emergency projects estimated between $500,000 and $1.25 million.
• Members discussed the effectiveness of lobbying compared to direct grant applications.

Economic Development Action Plan

• The City authorized a contract with HDL Econ Solutions to develop a three-year Economic Development Action Plan.
• The plan aims to diversify the local economy and reduce dependency on tourism revenue.
• Public comments raised concerns regarding over-development and traffic impacts.

Professional Services Amendment

• Council approved an amendment to the MRG agreement for personnel policies and salary surveys.
• Funds for this work were previously allocated in the existing budget.
• The motion to finalize the agreement before the termination date passed unanimously.

Council Reports and Future Agenda

• Council directed the City Attorney to review participating in the Vasquez-Perdomo immigration litigation.
• Members agreed to establish quarterly reporting requirements for external board assignments.
• A community forum on immigration was planned with invitations extended to officials.

Closed Session

• Council received a report regarding negotiations for properties at 414 and 450 East Ojai Avenue.
• Direction was given to negotiators to return for further closed session discussions to finalize terms.
• No final action was taken on the properties during this meeting.

• Here is a summary of the Ojai City Council meeting proceedings:
• ### 1. Board and Commission Appointments (Item 10) Council members assigned themselves and alternates to various external boards and committees. Key assignments included:
• Clean Power Alliance: Council Member Whitman (Primary), Michelle Ellison (Alternate).
• Economic Development Collaborative: Council Member Lang (Primary), Council Member Rule (Alternate).
• OBGMA (Water): Council Member Rule (Primary), Council Member Whitman (Alternate).
• BCOG (Council of Governments): Council Member Mang (Primary), Council Member Rule (Alternate).
• Public Comment: Mr. Miley lobbied to switch roles so Mang could be the primary to address RV/overnight parking issues pushed out of unincorporated areas. Council noted they cannot discuss agency duties during appointment votes.
• Ojai Valley Sanitation District: Council Member Mang (Primary), Council Member Whitman (Alternate).
• Other Assignments: Ventura County Transportation Commission, Gold Coast Transit, OUSD, Chamber of Commerce, and the Audit/Budget Committee (now Finance & Budget Committee).
• Action: Motion passed to approve the appointments.
• ### 2. Federal Advocacy Contract (Item 11) The City proposed a contract with Kiley & Associates to handle federal lobbying and funding acquisition.
• Cost: $36,000 (not-to-exceed, $3,000/month retainer).
• Goal: Secure federal earmarks for projects (water, emergency sirens, signage) estimated between $500,000 and $1.25 million.
• Discussion: Council members debated the necessity and effectiveness of lobbying versus applying for grants directly. The firm noted Ojai has not previously received earmark funding in the district.
• Public Comments: Supporters cited the need for professional help accessing federal funds. Mr. Miley questioned the retainer model but ultimately expressed support.
• Vote: Passed (Mayor, Lang, Rule, Whitman Yes; Mang No).
• ### 3. Economic Development Action Plan (Item 12) The City proposed a contract with HDL Econ Solutions to create a comprehensive 3-year Economic Development Action Plan.
• Goal: Diversify the economy, support local residents and small businesses, and reduce dependency on tourism.
• Discussion: Emphasis was placed on balancing tourism revenue with "quality of life" preservation for residents. Council members committed to providing input on their specific visions for the community.
• Public Comments: Mr. Stangold warned against over-development and increased traffic. Ms. Bronte (Chamber of Commerce) supported the strategic planning.
• Vote: Passed (Mayor, Lang, Rule, Whitman Yes; Mang No due to budget concerns).
• ### 4. Professional Services Amendment (Item 13)
• Topic: Amendment to the agreement with MRG regarding the employee handbook, personnel policies, and salary survey.
• Context: Funds were already approved in the previous budget; this was an administrative remedy to finalize the work before the termination date.
• Vote: Passed unanimously.
• ### 5. Closed Session & Report Out (Item 14)
• Topic: Negotiations regarding properties at 414 and 450 East Ojai Avenue (Chaparral).
• Action: The Council provided direction to negotiators to return for further closed session discussions to finalize terms. No final action taken on the properties yet.
• ### 6. Council Reports & Future Agenda Items
• Council Member Reports:
• Lang: Recent trip to Sacramento for legislative advocacy.
• Gilman: Successful MLK Day event; planning a student panel.
• Rule: Organizing a community forum on immigration (Chief Jenkins and Salud Carbajal invited).
• Future Agenda:
• Immigration Litigation: The Council agreed to have the City Attorney review joining the Vasquez-Perdomo case (regarding 14th Amendment due process violations) as an amicus or similar participant.
• Board Reporting: Council agreed to implement quarterly/bi-annual reports from council members regarding their board assignments.
• Meeting Status: Adjourned.