Ojai City Council and Historic Preservation Commission Joint Special Meeting

Outreach and Education

• The Commission proposed community booths and educational presentations for historic district property owners.
• Council and staff noted the need for legal clarification regarding jurisdictional powers before implementation.
• Both bodies agreed to collaborate on a joint educational effort regarding the Historic District and Arcade.

Historic Resources Survey

• The Historic Resources Group was selected to conduct the survey with work expected to begin within weeks.
• Staff confirmed the 2011 survey remains valid for permit consideration until the new survey is adopted.
• Council acknowledged that survey inclusion does not automatically designate a property as a landmark.

Historic Resource Reports Budget

• The Commission requested reinstating funding for two annual Historic Resource Reports at an estimated cost of $20,000.
• Council indicated the request requires a formal proposal and cannot be decided during this special meeting.
• The item was agreed to be included in the next fiscal budget process for formal consideration.

Ad Hoc Committee Extension

• The Commission proposed extending the joint Ad Hoc committee through the end of the current calendar year.
• Staff recommended maintaining a defined timeline to prevent the committee from becoming permanent.
• Council and Staff agreed to the extension with scheduled check-ins at three and six months.

Ojai Railroad Heritage Trail

• The Commission presented a proposal for 20 to 25 interpretive signs along the Ojai Valley Trail.
• Council agreed to proceed with the project in principle to highlight railroad and Nordoff era history.
• Staff was directed to initiate the project starting with signs on city-owned property and handle permitting.

• Meeting: City Council and Historic Preservation Commission Joint Special Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 24 Location: Virtual/In-person Hybrid

Call to Order and Roll Call

• Mayor Gilman (SPEAKER_13) called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken by SPEAKER_01. Present were Mayor Gilman, Mayor Pro Tem Mang, Council Member Lang, and Council Member Whitman. Council Member Rule was absent. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Public Comment

• One public comment was received regarding the agenda. Larry Stangle (SPEAKER_10) spoke regarding the arcade disruption process, suggesting a review to ensure adherence to regulations and manuals to prevent future issues.

Agenda Item 1: Outreach and Education

• The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Chair (SPEAKER_02) proposed two outreach initiatives: 1. Community outreach booths at city events, similar to a previous pop-up at Ojai Day. 2. An educational presentation for property owners in the Arcade and State Historic District focusing on history, compliance guidelines, and founding principles to encourage civic pride and adherence to regulations.
• Discussion followed regarding the complexity of local regulations, including the Ojai Municipal Code, design guidelines, and historic overlay zones. Staff and Council members noted the need for clarity on jurisdictional powers and legal boundaries. The Council and Commission agreed to proceed with a joint educational effort. Staff noted the need for legal clarification regarding specific powers and laws before full implementation.

Agenda Item 2: Historic Resources Survey

• The HPC provided an update on the historic resources survey. The agency selected to conduct the survey is the Historic Resources Group (HRG). Contract signing was pending with work expected to begin within weeks. The HPC noted that the 2011 survey remains a valid document for consideration regarding permits and projects until the new survey is adopted. Discussion addressed public concerns regarding property designation, noting that inclusion on the survey does not automatically designate a property as a landmark.

Agenda Item 3: Historic Resource Reports (HRR) Budget

• The HPC requested the reinstatement of funding for two Historic Resource Reports annually. The HPC Chair noted this funding existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic but was removed from the budget. An estimated cost of $20,000 was discussed. The Council indicated that this request requires a formal proposal and cannot be decided during the special meeting. The Council agreed to include the item in the next fiscal budget process.

Agenda Item 4: Ad Hoc Committee Extension

• The HPC requested an extension of the joint Ad Hoc committee involving Council, Commission, and staff. The committee was originally established with a two-year term ending December 31, 2025. The HPC proposed extending the work through the end of the current calendar year, with check-ins at three and six months. Council and Staff agreed to the extension. Staff recommended maintaining a clearly defined timeline to avoid the ad hoc becoming a permanent committee.

Agenda Item 5: Ojai Railroad Heritage Trail

• Commissioner SPEAKER_09 presented a proposal for an Ojai Railroad Heritage Trail consisting of 20 to 25 interpretive signs along the Ojai Valley Trail. The project aims to highlight the history of the railroad and the Nordoff era. The HPC noted that seed funding had been previously approved but requested formal project approval to proceed with design and sponsorship.

Decisions and Vote Outcomes

• No formal motions were moved or seconded during the meeting; however, the following agreements and directions were established through consensus:
• Education: The Council and HPC agreed to collaborate on a joint education piece regarding the Historic District and Arcade. Legal clarification on powers was identified as a prerequisite.
• Survey: The Council acknowledged the update on the survey and the status of the 2011 survey.
• HRR Funding: The Council deferred the HRR budget request to the formal budget process.
• Ad Hoc Committee: The Council agreed to extend the ad hoc committee through the end of the year.
• Railroad Signs: The Council agreed to proceed with the project in principle. The Council directed staff to work with the HPC to initiate the project, starting with signs on city-owned property. Staff was instructed to handle permitting and final approval of sign locations and content prior to installation.

Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned following a final exchange of comments regarding the value of the Commission's work.