Meeting Summary
Present: Gilman, Mang, Rule, Lang, Whitman
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
World Parkinson's Day Proclamation
- The Council received a presentation recognizing World Parkinson's Day with a plan to illuminate city facilities.
- Speakers highlighted rising diagnosis rates and encouraged community participation in the initiative.
- The item was accepted as a formal recognition without a recorded motion or vote.
MyOjai Mobile Application Update
- The City Manager presented a video update on enhancements to the "MyOjai" mobile application.
- Local artists who created the animation and music were introduced and provided brief comments.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on this informational report.
Habitat for Humanity Affordable Housing Project
- Staff presented a five-unit affordable housing proposal at 408-410 North Montgomery Street for low-income families.
- Discussion focused on maintaining the five-unit count to secure density bonuses and county funding.
- The Council voted to continue the discussion to a special meeting on April 16 to address land use and residency criteria.
Ojai Permanent Supportive Housing Feasibility Review
- Staff reviewed the feasibility of a 31-unit project at 503 South Ventura Street, noting required zoning changes.
- Relocating the project could trigger a refund of $1.66 million in grant funds and add two years to the timeline.
- Public comment urged proceeding with the Lower Public Works Yard site to avoid delays and cost increases.
- The item was closed without a formal decision on the project location.
Dignity Moves Expenditure Summary
- A report detailed that 46% of soft costs have been spent, representing 8% of the total project budget.
- Staff acknowledged discrepancies in the figures and agreed to revise the financial documents.
- The Council voted to receive and file the expenditure summary report.
Soil Remediation Contract
- Staff proposed awarding a contract to Pacific Petroleum for soil excavation at 611 South Montgomery Street.
- The proposal includes a voluntary agreement with the DTSC for monitoring due to higher-than-expected lead levels.
- The Council voted to approve both the remediation contract and the monitoring agreement.
Town Hall on Law Enforcement and ICE
- The Council considered hosting a town hall to clarify policies on local law enforcement and ICE interactions.
- Discussion addressed potential risks and suggestions to partner with the school district and provide translation.
- The Council voted to proceed with the event and directed staff to handle logistics and planning.
Passed 3–0 · unanimous
Professional Services Agreement Amendment
- Staff requested an amendment to expand the scope of services for consultant Ida Bailey to assist with year-end closing.
- The amendment does not request additional funding and relies on the consultant's familiarity with city systems.
- The Council voted to approve the amendment to the professional services agreement.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Future Agenda Item: At-Large Voting
- A proposal was made to add a future agenda item regarding a potential shift to at-large voting.
- The motion to add this topic to a future agenda was seconded and accepted.
- No formal vote on the substance of the at-large voting proposal occurred during this meeting.
Closed Session
- No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
- The regular meeting of the Ojai City Council was called to order on Tuesday, March 24th. Roll call was conducted, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of Agenda
- A motion was made to approve the agenda and was seconded. No objections were raised, and the agenda was approved.
Proclamation: World Parkinson's Day
- The Council received a presentation regarding a proclamation recognizing World Parkinson's Day on April 11, 2026. Speakers discussed rising diagnosis rates and an initiative to illuminate city facilities with blue lights. The Mayor read excerpts of the proclamation encouraging resident and business participation. No formal motion or vote was recorded; the item was presented as a recognition.
City Manager's Report
- The City Manager's report included a video presentation on updates to the "MyOjai" mobile application. Local artists who created the animation and music were introduced and provided brief comments. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Public Communications
- Members of the public addressed the Council on several topics:
- Traffic and Speed Limits: A resident requested an additional 25 mph speed limit sign on Kenyatta Avenue and raised concerns regarding cyclists blocking traffic on West Aliso Avenue.
- Pickleball Tournament: Multiple speakers opposed hosting a pickleball tournament at Libby Courts, arguing it contradicted previous Council decisions and signage. Speakers requested the Council nullify the tournament approval.
- Historic Arcade Alterations: Speakers expressed concern over unpermitted alterations to the Historic Arcade building and plaza, requesting an appeal of the "non-conforming" designation and proper environmental review.
- Budget and Reserves: A speaker presented financial analysis suggesting general fund reserves may dip below the 100% policy target and urged a focus on five-year forecasting.
- Housing and Homelessness: A HUD-certified counselor discussed city progress on housing. An attorney recommended a new feasibility study for a supportive housing facility near Kent Hall to address accessibility barriers.
- Arts Commission Report: The Arts Commission Chair provided an update on a new mural approval, new commissioner appointments, and support for the evening's housing discussion.
Consent Calendar
- Items 2, 4, 5, and 6: A motion was made to approve these items and was seconded. During discussion, a public comment regarding interest earned on funds held by Dignity Move was addressed; the City Manager clarified the interest must be applied to the project. The motion was put to a vote and passed.
- Item 3: A motion was made to accept consent item number 3 and was seconded. A Council member inquired about survey work costs for the OPSH project, and the City Manager clarified the item should be noted as grant-reimbursable. The motion was put to a vote and passed.
Public Hearing: Habitat for Humanity Affordable Housing Project
- The Council opened a public hearing regarding a design review permit and tentative tract map for a proposed five-unit affordable housing project at 408-410 North Montgomery Street. Staff and representatives from Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County and RRM Design Group presented project details, including five single-story units (four tiny homes and one two-bedroom unit) for low-income families. Discussion focused on priority criteria for local residents, the status of the city's housing fund, and maintenance of communal areas. Staff clarified that Habitat utilizes Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) rather than a traditional Homeowners Association (HOA) to avoid high fees.
- Discussion also addressed the implications of reducing the project from five to four units. Staff explained that the Density Bonus Law requires a minimum of five units; reducing the count would disqualify the project from concessions, necessitate a variance, and result in the loss of approximately $500,000 in county funding. Alternative methods, such as utilizing SB 9 for lot splits, were discussed. Public comments expressed support for the project but raised concerns regarding traffic safety, specifically requesting a stop sign at the intersection of North Montgomery and Franklin. Other concerns included property tax obligations and ensuring deed restrictions prevent short-term rentals.
- Motion: A motion was made to continue the discussion of the Habitat project to a special meeting on April 16 to address land use, residency priority, draft CC&Rs, draft homeowner agreements, and the stop sign request. Second: The motion was seconded. Decision: The motion passed.
Reordering of Agenda Items
- Upon returning from a break, the Council discussed a request to move Agenda Items 8 and 9 to a later time to prioritize Items 10, 11, and 12. The Council agreed to postpone Items 8 and 9 to follow Item 13. The decision was made by unanimous agreement with no objections.
Feasibility Review for Proposed Ojai Permanent Supportive Housing Project at 503 South Ventura Street
- Staff presented a feasibility review for a potential permanent supportive housing project at 503 South Ventura Street, a 0.2-acre property adjacent to City Hall. The review addressed land use, the Development Management Agreement (DMA) with Dignity Moves, the Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) grant, location considerations, and project timeline.
- Land Use: The site is currently zoned R1. To accommodate the proposed 31-unit density, a General Plan Amendment and zoning change to R3 or an SPL overlay would be required.
- Grant Constraints: The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) requires that any location change provide more services or better access. HCD indicated a preference for a project size of 31 units or more. Staff warned that relocating the project could obligate the City to refund approximately $1.66 million in grant funds already expended on the previous site.
- Timeline: The City Manager noted that relocating the project could add two years to the timeline, potentially jeopardizing the ability to obligate remaining ERF grant money by the April deadline.
- Public comment urged the Council to proceed with the Lower Public Works Yard site, citing urgency and concerns that relocation would cause delays and increase costs. Council members discussed the feasibility of prefabricated housing units on smaller city-owned lots to reduce construction time and costs. No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon regarding the feasibility study or relocation during this segment. The item was closed without a decision on location.
Dignity Moves Expenditure Summary
- A report was presented summarizing expenditures drawn down by Dignity Moves. The report detailed that 46% of soft costs ($762,000) had been spent, including administrative fees and subcontractor design fees, representing 8% of the total project budget. The City Manager noted that detailed financial documents were posted on the city website for transparency. Council members questioned discrepancies in the report figures, which staff acknowledged and agreed to revise. Discussion also covered long-term service obligations, with the City Manager stating projected annual operating costs of approximately $500,000, covered by a $2 million operating set-aside in the ERF grant for four years.
- Motion: A motion was made to receive and file the expenditure summary report. Second: The motion was seconded. Decision: The motion passed.
Soil Remediation Contract (Item 13)
- Staff presented a proposal to award a contract to Pacific Petroleum of California, Inc. for soil excavation and remediation at 611 South Montgomery Street, with a not-to-exceed amount of $123,146. The proposal also included authorizing a voluntary agreement with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) for monitoring, with a not-to-exceed amount of $39,161. Staff explained that follow-up testing revealed higher lead concentrations than initially reported, necessitating remediation. Public comment addressed the timeline of the bid process and the principle of approving a subtask before the main development budget was finalized.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the contract and the voluntary agreement. Second: The motion was seconded. Decision: The motion passed.
Town Hall on Law Enforcement and ICE (Item 9)
- A proposal was presented to host a city-sponsored town hall focused on the interaction between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The goal was to provide a forum for community questions and clarify policies. Discussion addressed potential risks, including the event becoming confrontational, and suggestions to partner with the school district and provide Spanish translation. The Ojai Police Department expressed support for the event.
- Motion: A motion was made to proceed with the event and direct staff to work on logistics and planning. Second: The motion was seconded. Decision: The motion passed.
Passed 3–0 · unanimous
Amendment to Professional Services Agreement (Item 14)
- Staff presented a request to amend the Professional Services Agreement with Ida Bailey to expand the scope of services to include assistance with the current fiscal year (2025-26) year-end close efforts. Staff explained that the current consultant is needed to ensure books are closed on time before a new accountant is hired, and the amendment does not request additional funding. Public comment questioned the cost-effectiveness of the current consultant compared to other firms. Staff responded that the consultant's familiarity with the city's systems provides significant value.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the amendment to expand the scope of services. Second: The motion was seconded. Decision: The motion passed.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Future Agenda Item: At-Large Voting
- A proposal was made to add a future agenda item to consider moving to at-large voting for the upcoming November election. The motion was seconded. The transcript concludes with the motion being accepted as a future agenda item; no formal vote on the substance of the at-large voting proposal occurred during this segment.