Ojai City Council, Regular Meeting

Permanent Supportive Housing

• Councilmembers questioned long-term service obligations and annual operating costs.
• Public commenters highlighted budget overruns and alleged irregularities in billing practices.
• Staff acknowledged administrative cost discrepancies and promised clarified documentation.
• The Council debated the necessity of the project against potential cost increases from delays.

Soil Remediation

• The Council approved a contract for lead remediation excavation at 611 South Montgomery Street.
• Staff noted initial lead levels were higher than first reported, requiring residential-level cleanup.
• Public commenters raised concerns regarding process delays and lack of cost caps.
• The motion to approve the contract passed following discussion on maximum cost limits.

Community Town Hall

• Councilmember Rule proposed hosting a town hall regarding local law enforcement interactions.
• Members discussed safety risks and the potential for the event to attract hostile attendees.
• Safeguards were agreed upon, including vetting questions and providing Spanish translation.
• The Council approved moving forward with staff on planning and logistics.

Financial Consultant Extension

• The Council approved an extension of services with financial consultant Ida Bailey.
• Staffing vacancies necessitated immediate expertise on specific accounting systems.
• Public comment suggested a lower-cost provider, though staff argued familiarity provided better value.
• No new budget was requested as remaining funds from a previous approval will be utilized.

Other Business

• The Mayor noted the Council intends to bring an at-large voting measure to the agenda.
• The measure is scheduled for consideration during the November meeting cycle.

• The Ojai City Council concluded a late-night meeting following extensive discussion on housing projects, environmental remediation, community town halls, and financial staffing.

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) & Dignity Moves

• Cost Concerns: Councilmember Whitman questioned the long-term service obligations and annual operating costs associated with the proposed PSH project. Staff projected an annual operational cost of approximately $500,000, funded by a $2 million set-aside in the ERF grant for four years post-construction.
• Budget Discrepancies: Staff acknowledged discrepancies in administrative cost subtotals ($265,625) and promised to provide clarified documentation on service obligations to the state.
• Public Comment: Attendees Mike Donahue and Clay Creasy were highly critical of the project. Donahue claimed the project is a "disaster" and the Council was misled regarding budget and schedule parameters. Creasy highlighted missing invoices, budget overruns ($9.8 million vs. the $9.5 million cap), and alleged irregularities in billing (e.g., legal fees charged before the agreement was signed).
• Council Response: Council members debated the necessity of the project versus the costs, with some noting that delays in decision-making contribute to price increases.

Soil Remediation (Agenda Item 13)

• Proposal: The Council approved a contract with Pacific Petroleum of California for lead remediation excavation at 611 South Montgomery Street. The contract includes a maximum cost of $123,146 for excavation and $39,161 for DTSC monitoring.
• Discussion: Staff noted that initial lead levels were higher than first reported (106–170 ppm vs. 83 ppm) and required residential-level cleanup. Public commenters raised concerns about the eight-month delay in the process and the lack of cost caps if additional lead is discovered.
• Vote: The motion to approve the contract passed. Councilmember Whitman abstained; all other members voted yes.

Community Town Hall on Law Enforcement & ICE (Agenda Item 9)

• Proposal: Councilmember Rule proposed hosting a town hall regarding interactions between local law enforcement, ICE, and the community.
• Concerns: Council members discussed safety risks and the potential for the event to attract hostile attendees, citing a recent incident involving Congressman Carbajal.
• Plan: The group agreed to proceed with the goal of fostering transparency. Safeguards include vetting questions to maintain order and providing Spanish translation.
• Vote: The Council approved moving forward with staff on planning and logistics. All members voted yes.

Financial Consultant Extension (Agenda Item 14)

• Proposal: The Council approved Amendment No. 2 to a contract with Ida Bailey to expand services for the current fiscal year-end close (2025-26).
• Reasoning: Due to staffing vacancies, the city requires immediate expertise on its specific accounting systems rather than hiring a new firm which would require a learning curve. No new budget was requested, utilizing remaining funds from a previous approval.
• Public Comment: Clay Creasy suggested using MV Chang, a lower-cost provider. Staff argued Ida Bailey's familiarity with the city's complex entries provided better value and speed.
• Vote: The motion passed unanimously.

Other Business

• The Mayor noted the Council intends to bring an at-large voting measure to the agenda for consideration in November.
• The meeting adjourned shortly after midnight.