Ojai City Council Regular Meeting

Police Motorcycle Purchase

• The Council authorized purchasing a 2026 BMW police motorcycle for the bike patrol program.
• The acquisition provides operational flexibility and redundancy for current patrol operations.
• Staff noted the equipment will aid significantly in community outreach initiatives.

Janitorial Services Contract

• A three-year janitorial contract was awarded to Ventura-based Kelly's Cleaning.
• Staff analysis indicated contracting out cost significantly less than bringing staffing in-house.
• The agreement includes a termination clause allowing cancellation if a local vendor emerges.

State of the City Video

• The Council approved a contract with Tripepi Smith and Associates for video production.
• Members expressed concern regarding the lack of local bidders for the Request for Proposal.
• Discussion noted potential risks of the video being misinterpreted as political campaigning.

Communications and Social Media Services

• A service contract was awarded to Tripepi Smith for the fiscal year 26-27 period.
• Staff reported growth in social media impressions and followers under the current vendor.
• Council members observed a lack of creative strategy and consistency in messaging.

Ad Hoc Committee on Communications

• An Ad Hoc Committee on Communications was established to oversee strategy and messaging.
• Mayor Gilman and Councilmember Lange agreed to lead the committee efforts.
• The group will also oversee the execution of the new city video project.

Water Adjudication Update

• Staff reported progress on the water adjudication process involving multiple water entities.
• Recent joint meetings indicate increased alignment among participating parties.

Soul Park Management Proposal

• Discussion covered a proposal to transfer Soul Park from County to City management.
• Staff will review the financial implications associated with this management change.

Workshops and Policy Updates

• Plans were made for a workshop in late August or September to review city goals.
• Future agenda items include ordinances regarding parade chairs and pickleball courts.
• Staff identified a need for communication protocols regarding Council public statements.
• Findings from the triennial transportation audit were reported for staff action.

• The Ojai City Council meeting covered several key agenda items, including equipment purchases, service contracts, communication strategy, and future project proposals.

Key Decisions and Actions

• Police Motorcycle Purchase: The Council authorized the purchase of a 2026 BMW police motorcycle to support Patrolman Eric’s bike patrol program. This provides operational flexibility, redundancy, and aids in community outreach.
• Janitorial Services Contract: A three-year contract was awarded to Kelly's Cleaning for janitorial services at city facilities.
• Cost Analysis: Staff presented a cost comparison showing contracting out ($115,000/year) was significantly cheaper than bringing staffing in-house ($270,000/year including benefits and equipment).
• Local Business Concerns: Council members expressed concern that Kelly's is Ventura-based rather than Ojai-based, though the contract was approved with a termination clause to allow the city to cancel if a local vendor emerges.
• State of the City Video: The Council approved a one-year contract with Tripepi Smith and Associates ($35,802) for video production and event presentation.
• Concerns: Council members raised concerns that the Request for Proposal (RFP) yielded no local bidders and that the video could be misinterpreted as political campaigning.
• Communications and Social Media Services: A contract was awarded to Tripepi Smith for fiscal year 26-27. While staff highlighted growth in social media impressions and followers, Council members noted a lack of creative strategy and consistency in messaging.
• Ad Hoc Committee Formation: To address the communication concerns, the Council established an Ad Hoc Committee on Communications. Mayor Gilman and Councilmember Lange agreed to lead the committee to oversee strategy, messaging, and the execution of the video project.

Council Reports and Future Agenda Items

• Water Adjudication: Progress was reported on the water adjudication process, with a joint meeting between multiple parties (OVLC, Upper Ventura River Water District, Casitas, Ventura, State) showing increased alignment.
• Soul Park: A proposal was discussed to transfer Soul Park from County to City management. Staff will review the financial implications of this change.
• Workshops: Plans were made for an August workshop dedicated to reviewing city goals and challenges, with potential dates in late August or September.
• Upcoming Policy Issues: Several future agenda items were identified, including:
• Creating a policy regarding parade chairs obstructing sidewalks (prior to the July 4th parade).
• Developing a pickleball ordinance.
• Establishing communication protocols to guide what Council members can say publicly regarding city business.
• Transportation Audit: The Council was informed of findings from a triennial transportation audit, with staff working to address the identified recommendations.