Ojai City Council, Regular Meeting

Permanent Supportive Housing Project

• Site selection prioritized the Public Works Yard to avoid significant construction delays.
• A motion passed to authorize a Development Management Agreement with Dignity Moves capped at $9.5 million.
• Staff will explore flexibility on grant unit restrictions and study feasibility for the 503 Ventura site.
• Project budget includes contractor and developer contingencies to cover unforeseen conditions.

Council Protocols and Quasi-Judicial Procedures

• Council approved a resolution revising protocols to establish formal quasi-judicial hearing procedures.
• New rules set testimony time limits of 20 minutes for initial statements and 5 minutes for rebuttal.
• The resolution corrects a reference in the rules from Robert's Rules of Order to Rosenberg Rules of Order.

Pest Control Services

• Council approved a maintenance agreement with Ventura Pest Control valued at approximately $45,000.
• The contract covers the remainder of the current fiscal year plus one year with three optional extensions.
• Vendor compliance with the City's Earth-Friendly Management Policy regarding poison usage is required.

Libby Bowl Ticket Booth Improvement

• A $21,000 appropriation from the Libby Bowl Maintenance Fund was approved for ticket booth improvements.
• The project involves installing a split-system air conditioning unit to address summer working conditions.
• Green Globe HVAC will execute the contract for the installation.

Traffic Calming

• Council Member Whitman raised concerns regarding speed bumps on Quiama Street during other business.
• Public Works Director Montgomery explained that a citywide policy is currently being developed.
• No ad-hoc measures will be implemented pending the completion of the Public Safety Commission review.

City Council Meeting Summary

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Project

• The majority of the meeting focused on the PSH project. Council members debated site selection and timelines.
• Site Selection: The Public Works Yard is the current chosen site. While lead contamination was found, it was manageable compared to the petroleum concerns originally projected. Moving to an alternative site (such as the McRae property or 503 Ventura Street) would delay breaking ground by 10 to 12 months, whereas the Public Works Yard could break ground in approximately six weeks.
• Budget & Contingency: The project involves a Development Management Agreement (DMA) with Dignity Moves for $9.5 million, with the City paying no more than that amount unless additional funding or scope changes occur. The budget includes contractor and developer contingencies ($100k contractor, 4-10% developer) to cover unforeseen conditions.
• Grant Conditions: Discussion arose regarding the HCD grant requirements, specifically the restriction on the five Transitional Age Youth (TAY) units. Staff clarified that HCD would need to approve any changes to unit configurations or locations.
• Motions & Vote: Several motions were proposed: proceeding with Option 1 (accepting grant terms), Option 2 (proceeding with Dignity Moves while exploring flexibility on TAY units and 503 Ventura feasibility), or delaying to consult HCD. Ultimately, a motion was passed to accept Option 2, authorizing staff and Dignity Moves to proceed with questions regarding the five-unit restriction and to engage in a feasibility study for units at 503 Ventura. Council Member Rule expressed feeling pressured ("gun to my head") by the foundation's conditions but voted yes to ensure housing is delivered to the community.

Council Protocols & Quasi-Judicial Procedures

• The Council approved a resolution to revise City Council Protocols. The updates establish formal procedures for quasi-judicial hearings (such as tax audit appeals) to ensure due process. Changes include setting time limits for testimony (20 minutes initial, 5 minutes rebuttal) and correcting a reference in the rules from Robert's Rules of Order to Rosenberg Rules of Order.

Pest Control Services

• Public Works recommended awarding a maintenance agreement for citywide pest control to Ventura Pest Control (VPC) for the remainder of the current fiscal year, one year thereafter, with three optional one-year extensions. The contract is valued at approximately $45,000 and requires compliance with the City's Earth-Friendly Management Policy (no harmful poisons). The motion was approved.

Libby Bowl Ticket Booth Improvement

• The Council approved a $21,000 appropriation from the Libby Bowl Maintenance Fund to install a split-system air conditioning unit in the ticket booth. This addresses uncomfortable working conditions for event coordinators and staff during summer programming. The contract will be executed with Green Globe HVAC.

Other Business

• Performance Review: The City Manager's performance review was added to the calendar.
• Traffic Calming: Council Member Whitman raised concerns regarding speed bumps on Quiama Street. Public Works Director Montgomery explained that a citywide policy is being developed through the upcoming Public Safety Commission rather than implementing ad-hoc measures.