Meeting Summary
Present: Gilman, Mang, Rule, Lang
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
Agenda Changes
- Staff requested the removal of Item 10 from the discussion section.
- No objections were raised, and the item was successfully removed from the agenda.
Staff Reports
- The City Manager announced the start of employment for a new accountant and scheduled a Finance and Budget Committee meeting.
- Staff noted the Planning Commission denied the Ojai Mountain Farm application, requiring a formal call-up for Council consideration.
- Clarification was provided regarding unprogrammed general fund monies and the designation of ERF grants for specific capital improvement items.
Historic Preservation Month Proclamation
- The Council received a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Historic Preservation Month in the City of Ojai.
- The proclamation encourages residents and businesses to celebrate the city's history and support preservation efforts.
- Members of the Historic Preservation Commission were invited to the dais to receive recognition.
Commission and Committee Appointments
- The Council approved reappointments to the Historic Preservation and Arts Commissions to fill term-ending vacancies.
- An inaugural appointment of Jim McEachin to the Public Safety Commission was approved.
- The Council accepted the appointment of Chair McCattin to serve another term.
Consideration of Shifting to At-Large Voting
- Staff and legal counsel presented analysis suggesting a shift to ranked-choice at-large voting may not be permissible under current state law.
- A demographic analysis indicated no single district constitutes a majority-minority district and showed no polarized voting patterns.
- Public comment was extensive, with proponents citing representation concerns and opponents arguing the proposal dilutes minority voting power.
- The discussion concluded without a formal motion to draft an ordinance or referendum due to legal uncertainties and potential litigation costs.
Aspire Broadband Agreement
- Staff presented a proposal for Aspire Broadband to install a fiber network using micro-trenching technology in the city's right-of-way.
- The proposed non-exclusive agreement aims to increase competition and provide dark fiber for city facilities without preventing future city-owned networks.
- Public comment raised concerns about pricing, connection costs, and potential monopolies, prompting staff to plan a future micro-trenching ordinance.
- No agreement was signed during this meeting, with negotiations scheduled for consideration in July or August.
Annual Levy of Assessments
- The Council considered the initiation of proceedings for the annual levy of assessments for three maintenance districts.
- Staff recommended a future Proposition 218 process for Districts 1 and 3 due to insufficient revenue and a lack of an inflation escalator.
- A reduction in assessments was recommended for Plaza Maintenance District 2 due to a surplus fund balance.
- The Council preliminarily approved the engineer's report and set a public hearing date for June 9th.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Capital Improvement Program and Budget Discussion
- Staff presented a draft five-year CIP totaling approximately $14 million, funded primarily by Measure C and external grants.
- Key projects discussed included street rehabilitation, the All-Town Path, park improvements, and the Dignity Moves supportive housing project.
- Council members inquired about project scopes, potential roadblocks, and the distinction between CIP items and other budget categories.
- A motion was made to defer action on the CIP to allow the process to continue without immediate intervention.
Fire Prevention and Ember Screens
- A speaker requested a feasibility study regarding the installation of fire ember screens for the entire city.
- Councilmember Rule acknowledged the suggestion and noted the presence of committee members who could assist in identifying funding sources.
- No formal motion was moved or voted upon regarding fire ember screens during this segment.
Cannabis Regulation and Lounge Licensing
- A representative requested a review of the 3% gross receipts tax exemption for medical cannabis and the removal of state registration requirements.
- The speaker expressed interest in revisiting the possibility of establishing a cannabis lounge and requested a regulatory worksheet.
- No formal motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon regarding cannabis regulation or lounge licensing during this segment.
Budget and Fiscal Reserves
- A speaker addressed the Council regarding the delayed fiscal year audit and the need to review the General Fund reserve policy immediately.
- The speaker urged the Council to inform Capital Improvement Program spending decisions rather than waiting until late summer.
- No formal motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon regarding the budget or reserve policy during this segment.
Cycling Without Age
- A volunteer provided a brief description of the organization's mission to provide joy and vitality to elderly individuals through bicycle rides.
- No formal motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon regarding Cycling Without Age during this segment.
Council Member Reports and Remarks
- Council members provided updates on various topics, including a citywide device program in Santa Cruz and a suggestion to add the Ojai Mountain Farm Plaza to a future agenda.
- A new youth member of the Parks and Recreation Commission was acknowledged, and student project competition finalists were congratulated.
- No formal motion or vote was recorded regarding these remarks.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Agenda Changes
- Staff requested the removal of Item 10 from the discussion section. No objections were raised, and the item was removed from the agenda.
Agenda Item: Staff Reports
- The City Manager provided updates on administrative matters, including the start of employment for a new accountant, Matt Hutchins, and the scheduling of a Finance and Budget Committee meeting for June 2nd at 2:00 p.m. regarding budget preparations. Staff noted that the Planning Commission had denied the Ojai Mountain Farm application and indicated that Council consideration would require a formal call-up. Clarification was provided regarding unprogrammed general fund monies for one-time capital improvements and the designation of ERF grants for specific CIP items, primarily covering consultant, architecture, and design costs.
Agenda Item: Public Comment (General)
- Public comment was received on various topics, including Chamber of Commerce events ("Boots in Bluegrass" and "Ojai's Got Talent") and nominations for city employees Vicki Hollinsworth and Stacey Pergston for the "Living Treasure of Ojai" award. Additional comments included an announcement regarding a town hall on the US Forest Service's potential rescinding of the roadless rule, and requests to consider video recording of closed meetings and establishing regular resident-council forums.
Agenda Item: Proclamation – Historic Preservation Month
- The Council received a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Historic Preservation Month in the City of Ojai. The proclamation encourages residents, businesses, and organizations to celebrate the city's history and support preservation efforts. Members of the Historic Preservation Commission were invited to the dais to receive recognition.
Agenda Item: Consent Calendar
- The Council considered the consent calendar, which included items regarding vacancies and reappointments. A motion was made to approve items 1, 2, 3, and 6. The motion was seconded. The Council voted to approve the consent calendar items.
Agenda Item: Reappointments to City Commissions
- The Council considered the reappointment of Gina McCattin and Craig Walker to the Historic Preservation Commission and Carolyn Wagner to the Arts Commission to fill term-ending vacancies. A motion was made to approve the reappointments. The motion was seconded. The Council voted to approve the reappointments.
Agenda Item: Appointment to Public Safety Commission
- The Council considered the inaugural appointment of Jim McEachin to the Public Safety Commission. A motion was made to approve the appointment. The motion was seconded. The Council voted to approve the appointment.
Agenda Item: Appointment of Committee Chair
- Councilmember Lang moved to accept the appointment of Chair McCattin to serve another term. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Consideration of Shifting to At-Large Voting
- The Council discussed the city's ability to shift from district-based voting to at-large voting. Staff and legal counsel presented information regarding the Voting Rights Act, the legal status of at-large voting, and the potential for legal challenges. The City Attorney explained that while voters approved Measure M in 2022 to authorize a shift to a ranked-choice at-large system, legal analysis suggests this may not be permissible for general law cities under current state law, which requires plurality voting. Consequently, staff evaluated a return to a traditional at-large voting system as an alternative. Two potential legal pathways were outlined: adoption of an ordinance by the City Council or a ballot measure submitted to voters. The City Attorney warned of a high probability of legal challenges from voting rights activists and noted the uncertain impact of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Calais on the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA).
- Doug Johnson of the National Demographics Corporation presented a demographic analysis commissioned by the city. The analysis indicated that while there are pockets of Latino and Asian-American populations, no single district constitutes a majority-minority district, and the data did not show polarized voting patterns or that the district system has successfully enabled the election of Latino-preferred candidates. Johnson highlighted legal uncertainty surrounding the CVRA and pending state legislation.
- Public comment was extensive, with speakers expressing strong opinions on both sides. Proponents of at-large voting argued it would restore representation for all residents to vote for all council members, citing concerns about the current district system, unequal voter registration numbers, and an uncontested race in the previous election. Opponents argued that at-large voting dilutes minority voting power, citing California court rulings and the Voting Rights Act, and characterized the proposal as a potential power grab. A resolution from the United Democrats of the Ojai Valley was read, opposing the removal of district voting areas.
- The Mayor provided a statement regarding the principle of "one person, one vote" and the disparity in representation between the Mayor and district council members. Councilmember Lang stated that while she sees benefits to at-large voting, the potential costs of litigation and the unsettled legal environment make the move inadvisable at this time, suggesting a future referendum could provide a stronger mandate. The discussion concluded without a formal motion to draft an ordinance or referendum being made during this segment.
Agenda Item: Aspire Broadband Agreement
- Staff presented an update on the pursuit of an agreement with Aspire Broadband to provide internet services within the city. The presentation detailed Aspire's proposal to use micro-trenching technology to install a fiber network in the city's right-of-way. Staff explained that the agreement would be non-exclusive, allowing other providers to enter the market, and would not prevent the city from building its own network in the future. Benefits cited included increased competition, lower costs for residents, and the provision of dark fiber for city facilities and parks. Staff addressed questions regarding the construction process, potential impacts on tree roots, and the ability for future providers to access the infrastructure.
- Public comment was received, with some speakers urging the Council to pause the proposal until specific conditions regarding residential pricing, connection costs, and impact assessments were met. Others expressed support for the project. Concerns were raised regarding the potential for a monopoly and the lack of price control once the company is established. Staff indicated that a micro-trenching ordinance would be brought forward in a future meeting to provide more control over installation. It was clarified that no proposal would be signed during this meeting, and the agreement would be negotiated and brought forward for consideration in July or August. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken on this item.
Agenda Item: Annual Levy of Assessments / Maintenance District Assessments
- The Council considered the initiation of proceedings for the annual levy of assessments for three maintenance districts: Lighting and Landscape Maintenance Districts 1 and 3, and Plaza Maintenance District 2. Staff presented the engineer's annual levy report, noting adjustments to assessment rates. For Districts 1 and 3, staff noted that current assessment revenue is insufficient to cover expenditures and lacks an inflation escalator, recommending a future Proposition 218 process to adjust assessments. For Plaza Maintenance District 2, staff recommended a reduction in assessments due to a surplus fund balance and the absence of planned capital projects.
- A motion was made to preliminarily approve the engineer's report, declare the council's intent to levy and collect assessments, and set a public hearing date for June 9th. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Agenda Item: Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Budget Discussion
- The Council discussed the Capital Improvement Program and budget items. Staff presented a draft five-year CIP, with a focus on the first year (fiscal year 2026-27). The proposed CIP totals approximately $14 million, funded primarily by Measure C and external grants, with no general fund allocations. The plan includes projects in six categories: streets and parking, parks, climate, facilities, stormwater, and transit.
- Key projects discussed included street rehabilitation, which was noted to be underfunded relative to the five-year Pavement Management Plan (PMP); the All-Town Path (ATP) project, with construction tentatively scheduled for fiscal year 2027-28 due to ongoing design work; restroom remodels at Libbey Park; a new playground at Sarasota Park; improvements at Cluff Vista; and the Dignity Moves permanent supportive housing project. The Council also discussed the feasibility study for the Arbolada pedestrian safety improvements, specifically a dirt/gravel path along Quiama Road, and the allocation of Measure C and ERF funds. Council members inquired about the scope of projects, potential roadblocks from residents claiming rights-of-way, and the distinction between CIP items and other budget categories. The discussion also touched upon the possibility of modifying phases of the recreation trail project and the need for clarity on fund allocations.
- Regarding the timing of action, Councilmember Lang discussed the preference to allow current processes to unfold without immediate intervention to gather more information, noting that significant data would likely be available within one year. A motion was made and seconded by Rachel Lang to defer action, allowing the process to continue without immediate intervention. The transcript records the motion and second but does not contain the final vote count or the official outcome for this specific motion.
- No formal motion was made to adopt the CIP during this meeting. The item was informational, and staff indicated the document would be revised based on feedback before final adoption.
Agenda Item: Fire Prevention and Ember Screens
- A speaker requested that the Council consider a future agenda item or feasibility study regarding the installation of fire ember screens for the entire city, emphasizing fire as an existential threat and suggesting exploring grant funding options. Councilmember Rule acknowledged the suggestion and noted the presence of lobbyists and committee members who could assist in identifying funding sources. No formal motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon regarding fire ember screens during this segment.
Agenda Item: Cannabis Regulation and Lounge Licensing
- Chelsea Sotula of Sespe Creek Collective provided an update on federal cannabis rescheduling and requested a review of the 3% gross receipts tax exemption for medical cannabis. She argued that the current requirement for state registration (MMID) is an unnecessary bureaucratic step and requested that the exemption be extended to all medical patients. She also expressed interest in revisiting the possibility of establishing a cannabis lounge and requested that the City Manager prepare a regulatory worksheet to facilitate a separate lounge license. No formal motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon regarding cannabis regulation or lounge licensing during this segment.
Agenda Item: Budget and Fiscal Reserves
- A speaker addressed the City Council regarding the status of the fiscal year audit and the General Fund reserve policy. The speaker noted that the audit for the previous fiscal year was delayed and that the current fiscal year had several budget additions that created a deficit mode, though a favorable close was possible. The speaker urged the Council to review the General Fund reserve policy immediately rather than waiting until late summer to inform the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget and spending decisions. No formal motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon regarding the budget or reserve policy during this segment.
Agenda Item: Cycling Without Age
- Annette Reed, a volunteer with Cycling Without Age Ventura, provided a brief description of the organization's mission to provide joy and vitality to elderly and mobility-challenged individuals through bicycle rides. No formal motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon regarding Cycling Without Age during this segment.
Agenda Item: Council Member Reports and Remarks
- Council members provided updates on various topics, including a note that the City of Santa Cruz has a citywide program providing free devices with training, and a suggestion that the Ojai Mountain Farm Plaza area be added as a future agenda item. A public comment was received from a resident expressing interest in serving on a commission. Councilmember Lang acknowledged Marcus as a new youth member of the Parks and Recreation Commission and offered congratulations to the finalists of a student project competition. No formal motion or vote was recorded regarding these remarks.