Ojai City Council, Regular Meeting

Pool Programming & Summer Operations

• Council authorized a one-year pilot program for summer pool operations without utilizing the existing Commission format.
• Staff must return with details on salary schedules, fee updates, and scholarship program modifications for residents.
• Proposals regarding school district use fees and learn-to-swim classes were accepted as temporary measures.

Opposition to Federal Oil & Gas Leasing

• The Council reviewed letters of opposition regarding leasing on Los Padres National Forest and BLM lands.
• Public comment highlighted health risks, water protection, and alignment with state climate goals.
• Motion passed to send the opposition letters to the USDA Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.

IT Infrastructure

• Staff proposed upgrading Microsoft 365 licenses from G3 to G5 for network users.
• The upgrade aims to improve security measures and phone services across the city network.
• Motion passed without requesting additional funds as costs fall within the approved budget.

City Logo Redesign

• The Council debated design elements including color palettes, icons, and fonts with vendor Trapepi Smith.
• Members discussed hiring local artists but opted for the professional vendor to ensure corporate consistency.
• Motion passed to adopt a teal color palette using the Kaluna font without sun or moon icons.

Public Safety Commission

• First reading of Ordinance No. 972 to establish an advisory body with five members.
• The commission structure includes three members from Ojai and two from the Valley.
• Motion passed to advance the ordinance, with membership appointments following the second reading.

Closed Session

• The Council adjourned the meeting to hold a closed session.
• A member noted an upcoming Chamber of Commerce event on the Creative Economy scheduled for March 4th.

• Based on the transcript provided, here is the answer to your specific question, followed by a summary of the Ojai City Council meeting proceedings.
• ### Did it go to the Parks and Recreation Commission?

No, not in the current format.

• Speaker 04 confirmed that while the issue has "been to the Parks and Rec," it was not in this format.
• Speaker 20 expressed frustration, noting the Council is proceeding with an ad hoc proposal without utilizing the existing Commission. They argued that if the Commission exists, the Council should use it; otherwise, the Council should take over the responsibility entirely.
• Outcome: The Council moved forward with a one-year pilot program (temporary fix) presented directly to the Council, while agreeing to work on a long-term solution and sustainable funding (potentially via a Valley-wide Parks and Recreation District).
• ***
• ### Meeting Summary

1. Pool Programming & Summer Operations (Implied Item 11)

• Proposals: Discussed OUSD (School District) proposals for summer pool hours, waiving use fees, and learn-to-swim classes. Also considered a YMCA proposal for swim lessons.
• Decision: The Council authorized staff to proceed with the program as a one-year pilot/temporary measure for the upcoming summer.
• Next Steps: Staff must return with specific details, including salary schedule modifications, fee updates, a scholarship program update (including Ojai Valley residents), and an agreement with OUSD.
• Video: The Council decided to put the "State of the City" video production out for RFP (Request for Proposal) to local artists/videographers rather than assigning it to the current contract firm (Trapepi Smith), though Trapepi Smith will handle the logo work.

2. Opposition to Federal Oil & Gas Leasing (Item 12)

• Action: Council considered letters of opposition to federal oil and gas leasing in Los Padres National Forest and BLM lands.
• Public Comment: Representatives from Los Padres Forest Watch and Climate First Replacing Oil and Gas (CFROG) spoke in support, citing health risks, water protection, and state climate goals.
• Decision: Motion Passed. The Council unanimously approved the letters of opposition to be sent to the USDA Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.

3. IT Infrastructure (Item 13)

• Action: Upgrade Microsoft 365 licenses from G3 to G5 for network users to improve security and phone services.
• Decision: Motion Passed. No additional funds were requested as it was within the approved budget.

4. City Logo Redesign (Item 8)

• Vendor: Trapepi Smith.
• Discussion: Council debated color palettes (Teal vs. Brown), inclusion of sun/moon icons, and fonts. There was discussion about hiring local artists, but the Council decided to proceed with the professional vendor to ensure corporate consistency and speed.
• Decision: Motion Passed.
• Color: Teal (without sun/moon icons).
• Font: Kaluna.

5. Public Safety Commission (Item 10)

• Action: First reading of Ordinance No. 972 to establish a Public Safety Commission.
• Structure: Advisory body with 5 members (3 from Ojai, 2 from the Valley), staffed by Police, Fire, and Public Works chiefs.
• Decision: Motion Passed (First Reading). The Ordinance will go out for publication and effective 30 days after approval. Membership appointments will be finalized after the ordinance passes a second reading.

6. Adjournment

• The meeting concluded with a Council member comment regarding a Chamber of Commerce event on the "Creative Economy" on March 4th. The Council then adjourned to a closed session.