Ojai City Council, Regular Meeting

Resolution on Claims Under Penalty of Perjury

• The City Attorney explained the resolution requires claimants to certify submitted information is true under penalty of perjury.
• Discussion covered potential implications regarding worker claims versus government liability.
• The Council accepted the resolution following a motion and a roll call vote.

Habitat for Humanity Property Conveyance

• Staff presented three options for the property including city ownership, conveyance to Habitat, or a Community Land Trust.
• Public speakers expressed contrasting views on perpetual affordability versus simplicity of direct conveyance.
• The Council directed staff to initiate the Surplus Land Act process for conveyance to Habitat for Humanity.
• The motion also passed to task staff with bringing forward a proposal for an ad hoc Community Land Trust committee.

• The Ojai City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 12th. Following roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, the Mayor noted several agenda adjustments. Item 11 was moved to another day. Requests were made to move Item 6 (Pristine Auto Detailing) and Item 9 (Landscaping and Lighting District One) to a future meeting. Item 7 was moved to the June 26th meeting, with scope limited to a specific discussion regarding contracting options for that item rather than a broader contracting policy. The City Manager confirmed a revised working agenda document would be distributed to council members.
• The Public Works Director presented a report on safety improvements. Updates included the installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at the arcade and Montgomery intersections, paving projects with crosswalk and curb ramp improvements, and the placement of concrete pots with native plants at intersections to warn pedestrians of curbs. A draft speed hump policy based on Ventura County standards was noted as coming forward for a June meeting.
• The consent calendar was addressed. Items 1, 2, and 3 were moved for acceptance and seconded without objection. Item 4 concerned the confirmation of a midterm vacancy appointment for the Planning Commission (Bruce Hansen). A motion to accept the appointment was made and seconded. The roll call vote resulted in five "Yes" votes. Item 5 concerned the appointment of Larry Steingold to the Public Safety Commission. A motion to accept the appointment was made and seconded. The roll call vote resulted in four "Yes" votes, one "Abstain" (Council Member Whitman), and one "Yes" (Mayor Gilman).
• Item 8 involved a resolution regarding claims submitted to public entities under penalty of perjury. The City Attorney explained the resolution would require claimants to certify information is true, adding a hurdle for claimants. Discussion included concerns regarding worker claims versus government liability. A motion to accept the item was made and seconded. The roll call vote resulted in four "Yes" votes (Rule, Gilman, Whitman, Mang) and one "No" vote (Lang).
• Item 10 involved the Habitat for Humanity project at 408 and 410 Montgomery Street. Staff presented three options: city ownership with a ground lease, conveyance of the property to Habitat for $1, or city ownership with conveyance to a Community Land Trust (CLT) if established. The Council requested direction on which option to pursue to initiate the Surplus Land Act process. Council Member Whitman presented information supporting the CLT model for perpetual affordability. Public comments varied, with some speakers advocating for the CLT to maintain long-term community control and others supporting the conveyance to Habitat for simplicity and speed, or suggesting the CLT be applied to a different property.
• Council discussion focused on the complexity of establishing a CLT versus the Habitat model, timelines, and maintenance responsibilities. Mayor Gilman moved to task staff with preparing documentation for the conveyance of the land to Habitat for Humanity, initiating the Surplus Land Act process, and bringing forward a proposal for an ad hoc committee to establish a Community Land Trust as a separate project. The motion was seconded by Council Member Lang. The Clerk announced the motion passed three to two.
• The meeting adjourned with a discussion regarding a future agenda item on a second home tax.