Meeting Summary
Present: Gilman, Mang, Rule, Lang, Whitman
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At a glance
Interface 2-1-1 Ventura County Presentation
- The organization reported receiving 282 calls from Ojai residents in 2025, with top needs being housing and income support.
- Staff noted a steady increase in call volume and clarified that long-term outcomes are not always tracked.
- Council members inquired about statistical timeframes, funding sources, and specialized programs like tax preparation.
City Manager's Report
- Accounting department interviews are underway, and the Accounting Manager has returned from maternity leave.
- An e-bike safety event hosted by the Sheriff's Department is scheduled for May 6 at Serzotti Park.
- The Ojai Disaster Council is being reconvened, and recruitment for lifeguard and recreation leader positions is active.
- The City Manager confirmed that training is provided and a pay rate increase for these positions will be brought to the council.
Public Comments
- Residents requested video recording of closed meetings, more dialogue, and transparency regarding real estate deals.
- A traffic accident on Cuyama Road prompted a request for speed bumps, with staff committing to high-visibility patrols.
- A speaker requested continued notice as an "Interested Party" for archaeological projects and the hiring of a consultant.
- The community was invited to a presentation on the "Rewild Ojai" initiative and the Cunarda Larga land purchase.
Public Hearing: Pickleball Permit Appeal
- The appellant argued the permit violates established noise policies and exceeds participant limits for non-legacy events.
- The applicant contended the event is a one-time special use that meets all statutory conditions under Municipal Code.
- Council discussion focused on whether the temporary event would unreasonably interfere with public enjoyment.
- The council approved a compromise allowing Libbey Park use only on the final day while seeking alternative venues for the first two days.
Voting System Demographic Study
- Staff explained that a demographic study is legally required to assess the feasibility of returning to at-large voting.
- The estimated cost for the consultant study is between $3,000 and $5,000 with a completion time of one to three weeks.
- Public comment was divided between supporters seeking data and opponents concerned about resource waste and voter dilution.
- The council voted to authorize the retention of a consultant to conduct the required demographic study.
Future Agenda Items and Meeting Structure
- The council discussed potential changes to meeting frequency, including alternating weekly meetings with workshop days.
- Staff expressed a preference to avoid adding new agenda items at this time due to resource implications.
- No formal motion was made or voted upon regarding these structural changes during the meeting.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The regular City Council meeting for Tuesday, April 28, was called to order. Roll call was conducted, confirming the presence of all council members. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of Agenda
- A motion was made to approve the agenda without changes. The motion was seconded. No objections were raised, and the agenda was approved.
Presentation: Interface 2-1-1 Ventura County
- Gerardo Gonzalez, Community Information Associate Director for Interface 2-1-1, presented on the organization's services as a countywide information and referral hub. He reported that in 2025, the service received over 18,000 calls and texts countywide, including 282 from Ojai residents. The top needs identified for Ojai callers were housing, individual/family/community support, and income support. Gonzalez noted that 65% of Ojai callers contacted the service more than once and described specialized programs including free tax preparation, public safety power shutoff case management, and hate incident reporting. Council members inquired about the time period for statistics, call volume trends, and outcome tracking methods. Gonzalez clarified that the 282 calls represented a one-year period (2025) and noted a steady increase in calls. He explained that while the organization follows up with vulnerable callers, long-term outcomes are not always tracked. Funding sources were identified as including service across 32 California counties, special projects, and support from various cities.
Commission Reports
- No commission reports were submitted.
City Manager's Report
- City Manager Ben Harvey provided updates on several items:
- Accounting Department: Interviews for an accountant position are underway, with second interviews scheduled. Accounting Manager Leah Palmer has returned from maternity leave.
- E-bike Safety Event: An event hosted by the Sheriff's Department is scheduled for May 6 at 6 p.m. at Serzotti Park.
- Ojai Disaster Council: The council is being reconvened as required by code; a date for the Brown Act meeting will be announced.
- Recruitment: The city is recruiting for lifeguard and recreation leader positions. Council Member Rule inquired about training availability, and the City Manager confirmed that the city provides training and intends to bring an item to the council to increase pay rates for these positions.
Public Comments
- Several members of the public addressed the council regarding various topics:
- Larry Stangle commented on the need for video/audio recording of closed meetings for Brown Act compliance, suggested weekly meetings, questioned the budget impact of lawsuits, and requested transparency regarding real estate deals and OUSD interactions.
- Clay Creasy advocated for more dialogue during meetings and emphasized the need for truthfulness in council discussions.
- Anita Cram invited the community to a presentation by Tanya Parker of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy regarding the "Rewild Ojai" initiative and the Cunarda Larga land purchase, scheduled for May 7 at Oak Grove School.
- Clay Creasy reported a recent traffic accident on Cuyama Road involving a 14-year-old driver and requested speed bumps due to safety concerns. City Manager Harvey and Captain Tyler Abbott responded that they had met with residents, are implementing high-visibility patrols, and will convene a follow-up meeting to address suggestions.
- Julie Tumamik discussed a resolution regarding the protection of archaeologically sensitive areas and Indian villages. She requested that she and her brother continue to receive notices regarding projects under Section 106 as "Interested Parties" and requested the city hire an archaeologist or consultant to assist with Preliminary Archaeological Assessments.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made to approve the consent calendar. The motion was seconded. The roll call vote resulted in the consent calendar being approved.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Public Hearing: Appeal of Decision Granting Permit for Facility Use to Ojai Valley Pickleball Incorporated
- City Attorney Bethany Burgess provided an overview of the quasi-judicial appeal process, outlining the procedure for ex parte disclosures, presentations, rebuttals, public comment, and council discussion. The council was instructed to make a decision based on Municipal Code review criteria.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Ex Parte Disclosures
- Council members disclosed communications received regarding the appeal:
- Council Member Rule disclosed receiving a document from Mr. Kraut.
- Council Member Lang disclosed conversations with Sage Enter and Karen Quimby, clarifying that Sage Enter supported the applicant.
- Mayor Gilman disclosed a pre-permit meeting with Mr. Kraut and Mr. Roth and texts from Karen Quimby regarding pickleball in general.
- Mayor Pro Tem Mang disclosed speaking with Karen Quimby, the Krauts, another woman, Sage Enter, and Carolyn Burke.
- Council Member Whitman disclosed receiving general emails and reviewing a resolution regarding tennis courts.
Staff Presentation
- Ms. Rivera presented on the facility use approval process for Libbey Park tennis courts. She explained that the Parks and Recreation Director has the authority to issue permits under Municipal Code Section 4-3.301. The process involves application submission, staff review against availability and priority commitments, insurance verification, and fee calculation. She noted that while the 10 p.m. curfew is standard, exceptions have occurred. Council members asked questions regarding code interpretation, policy scope, noise and enjoyment considerations, precedent, court usage history, and sound monitoring. The City Attorney confirmed that if criteria are met and no superseding policy exists, the permit must be issued. Staff indicated they considered resident impact but determined the temporary nature of the event did not constitute unreasonable interference. Staff confirmed that sound levels are monitored for concerts but not for special events like the tennis tournament or Ojai Day.
Appellant Presentation
- Alex Mooney, representing the Neighbors of Libbey Park, presented the appeal requesting the rescission of the permit issued to Ojai Valley Pickleball, Inc. for a tournament scheduled for June 5–7, 2026. Arguments included:
- Policy Consistency: The City has an established policy against pickleball at Libbey Park following a 13-month process and an acoustic study, reinforced by signage.
- Event Size: The proposed event exceeds the City's 150-person limit for new non-legacy events, with an estimated 320 participants and spectators.
- Noise Impact: Citing the City's acoustic study, the appellant argued that pickleball at Libbey Park exceeds acceptable noise levels and cannot be effectively mitigated.
- Precedent and Trust: Approving the permit undermines prior City investments in dedicated facilities at Soule Park and sets a precedent allowing established policies to be bypassed.
- Alternatives: The tournament could be held at Soule Park or distributed across multiple venues, with the Ojai Valley Athletic Club willing to assist.
Applicant Presentation
- Representatives for Ojai Valley Pickleball, Inc. presented arguments in support of the permit:
- Nature of Event: The event is a one-time special event, distinct from the permanent installation of courts studied in 2023.
- Legal Authority: The applicant cited Ojai Municipal Code Section 43.301, arguing that the six statutory conditions for permit issuance were met.
- Noise and Impact: The noise generated is comparable to other sanctioned special events and does not unreasonably interfere with public enjoyment.
- Financials: The organization spent approximately $8,854 in preparation, with organizers personally covering deficits.
- Grant Deed: The 1917 grant deed designates the land for general recreation and pleasure, not exclusively for tennis.
Rebuttal Presentations
- Appellant Rebuttal: The appellant reiterated that the permit contradicts City policy, exceeds participant limits, and ignores documented noise impacts. They emphasized that Soule Park was developed for pickleball and that the Athletic Club offered to host.
- Applicant Rebuttal: The applicant addressed misconceptions regarding court damage, challenged the finality of the 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission study as it was not formally adopted by the Council, and reiterated that the grant deed supports general public use.
Public Comment
- Numerous members of the public provided comments. Opposition focused on noise impact, citing the acoustic study and potential distress for residents with health issues, as well as the argument that tennis courts are a landmark reserved for tennis. Support focused on the park being for all residents, the legal soundness of the permit, and voter support for pickleball in public parks.
Council Discussion and Decision
- The Council discussed the legal standards under Section 4-3.403, focusing on whether the event would "unreasonably interfere" with public enjoyment. Debate centered on the applicability of the existing sound study to a temporary event versus permanent play. A compromise was proposed to hold the tournament at alternative locations for the first two days and limit the use of Libbey Park courts to the final day. Staff indicated they could work with the applicant to identify suitable alternative venues and address logistical issues.
- A motion was made to approve the appeal in part and deny it in part. The motion proposed allowing the use of Libbey Park courts only on Sunday (the final day) and directing staff to identify appropriate alternative locations for the first two days of the tournament. The motion also included a directive to work toward waiving or subsidizing entry and parking fees at alternative venues. The motion was seconded.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed.
Voting System Demographic Study
- The Council discussed a request to retain a consultant to conduct a demographic study regarding the city's voting system. Staff explained that while a previous measure allowed for ranked-choice voting, legal analysis suggests it is not feasible under current California law for a general law city. To consider a return to at-large voting, a demographic study is required to determine if such a change would violate the California Voting Rights Act regarding racial polarization or voter dilution. The estimated cost for the study is between $3,000 and $5,000, with a completion time of one to three weeks.
- Public comment was divided. Some speakers supported the study as a necessary step to gather data, noting the community is homogeneous. Others opposed the study, arguing it was a waste of resources if the Council did not intend to move to at-large voting, and expressed concerns that at-large voting could dilute minority representation. Additional comments highlighted the benefits of district representation and raised concerns about potential legal risks.
- A motion was made to authorize the retention of a consultant to conduct the demographic study. The motion was seconded.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed.
Future Agenda Items and Meeting Structure
- The group discussed potential changes to meeting frequency and structure, including the idea of alternating weekly meetings with workshop days. This topic was noted as a longer-term goal that had not been selected as a final priority. Implications regarding staff resources were acknowledged. Alternatives for improving communication and public engagement were mentioned. Staff expressed a preference to avoid adding new agenda items at this time. No formal motion was made or voted upon regarding these items.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.