Ojai City Council Special Meeting

Community Aquatics Program Resolution

• Council adopted a resolution setting lifeguard wages at $25 per hour and establishing entry fees.
• The program will launch in late June with the city managing staffing and the school district covering utilities.
• Discussion included concerns regarding sustainability and access for non-residents.
• Staff was directed to investigate family membership options to improve future funding stability.

Zarzodi Park Playground Reconstruction RFP

• Staff presented a draft RFP for planning and design funded by a $750,000 state grant.
• A water element was deferred to a future phase due to budget constraints for excavation and plumbing.
• Council authorized the RFP process subject to review by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
• Members emphasized the need for a timeline to address potential changes in state budget funding.

Closed Session

• Staff received direction to include a 3.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment in the 2026-2027 budget.
• This adjustment applies to all positions with the exception of the City Manager.
• Additional updates to the City employee handbook were also discussed.

Meeting Summary

Opening Proceedings

• The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gilman. Roll call was conducted, confirming the presence of Mayor Gilman, Mayor Pro Tem Mang, and Council Members Rule, Lang, and Whitman. A motion was made to approve the agenda without changes. The motion was seconded, and the agenda was adopted.

Item 1: Community Aquatics Program Implementation and Salary Schedule Resolution

• Staff presented a report regarding the implementation of a community aquatics program at Nordoff High School, fulfilling City Council direction from February 24. The presentation outlined four action items: 1. Adopting a resolution amending the salary schedule for lifeguards to $25 per hour, effective June 3. 2. Approving a $5 per person entry fee (children under two enter free), with a reduced rate of $2 for income-qualified individuals, and allocating $5,000 for waivers. 3. Establishing program operating hours, including weekday sessions during school breaks and weekend sessions adjusted based on facility availability. 4. Receiving the Facilities Use Agreement with the Ojai Unified School District (OUSD).
• Estimated first-year costs were cited as $62,200, with admission revenue intended to offset expenses. OUSD was responsible for utilities, maintenance, and permits, while the City would manage staffing and operations. Staff indicated a need for nine total lifeguards to ensure coverage, with three required on deck at full capacity (120 swimmers). Two certified lifeguards had been hired, with additional recruitment pending. The program was anticipated to launch in the third week of June.
• During discussion, Council members inquired about staffing logistics, pool capacity, insurance liability, and age restrictions. It was noted that lifeguards would perform opening and closing safety checks. Concerns were raised regarding the sustainability of the program if non-city residents utilized city-funded services. Several members suggested investigating family membership options and pursuing county contributions for future sustainability. One Council member proposed the creation of an aquatics ad hoc committee to advise on future programming and facility relationships.
• Public comment was received. One speaker supported the program and the proposed wages. Another speaker raised concerns regarding the use of city dollars for non-residents and suggested the county should contribute. Another speaker requested clarification on lap swim lane availability.
• Mayor Gilman moved to adopt the salary schedule, entry fees, waiver fund allocation, and operating hours as proposed, and to receive the OUSD agreement. The motion included a directive to investigate family and monthly plan options in the near future. Council Member Rule seconded the motion.
• A roll call vote was taken:
• Council Member Whitman: Yes
• Mayor Pro Tem Mang: Yes
• Council Member Rule: Yes
• Mayor Gilman: Yes
• Council Member Lang: Yes
• The motion passed unanimously.

Item 2: Zarzodi Park Playground Reconstruction Request for Proposal

• Staff presented a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for the planning and design of the Zarzodi Park Playground Reconstruction Project. The project is funded by a $750,000 state grant with a deadline of June 30, 2027. Survey results indicated community interest in shade structures, climbing walls, slides, and play opportunities for various age ranges. While the community supported a water element, staff recommended deferring this addition to a future phase due to excavation and plumbing costs exceeding the current budget.
• Discussions focused on the RFP process, including the inclusion of consultant oversight during construction and limitations regarding design-build contracts for projects under $1 million. Council members emphasized the need for a timeline to mitigate potential changes to state budget funding. It was agreed that staff would draft the RFP, which would then be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
• A motion was made to authorize staff to proceed with the RFP process, incorporating review by the Parks and Recreation Commission. The motion was seconded.
• A roll call vote was taken:
• Mayor Gilman: Yes
• Council Member Rule: Yes
• Mayor Gilman: Yes (Recorded in transcript as Mayor)
• Mayor Pro Tem Mang: Yes
• Council Member Lang: Yes
• Council Member Whitman: Yes
• The motion passed unanimously.

Closed Session Report

• The City Council reported from closed session that staff was directed to include a 3.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for all positions except the City Manager for the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget. Direction was also provided regarding updates to the City's employee handbook.

Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned.