Ojai City Council Regular Meeting

Police Motorcycle Program

• Staff highlighted the necessity of the role for traffic enforcement and downtown safety.
• Council authorized the purchase of a new 2026 BMW police motorcycle to replace the current asset.
• Council acknowledged the expense but agreed the program provides necessary community visibility.

Janitorial Services Contract

• Staff recommended a three-year contract due to the high cost of bringing services in-house.
• Concerns were raised regarding the lack of local vendors and the contractor's office location.
• The contract was approved with a confirmed clause allowing exit if local options emerge.

Communications and Video Contracts

• Council approved contracts for the State of the City video and ongoing social media services.
• Feedback indicated a need for a clearer communications plan and proactive strategy.
• An Ad Hoc Communications Committee was established to provide oversight and strategic direction.

Council Reports and Updates

• Significant progress was reported on water settlement negotiations involving multiple parties.
• The council acknowledged audit findings indicating needed improvements in transportation functions.
• Clarification was requested regarding a check issued for security equipment installation.

Future Agenda Items

• Staff was asked to develop a financial concept for City management of Soule Park.
• Several policy drafts were identified, including regulations for parade chairs and drone use.
• A future analysis was requested on the feasibility of bringing communications functions in-house.

• Here is a summary of the Ojai City Council meeting proceedings:

1. Police Motorcycle Officer Program

• Discussion: The council discussed retaining the motorcycle officer position and asset. Staff highlighted the necessity of the role for traffic enforcement, particularly regarding e-bikes in downtown and increased traffic from a new hotel. While some members questioned the expense, most agreed the program provides necessary peace of mind and visibility.
• Decision: A motion was passed (3-2) to authorize the purchase of a new 2026 BMW police motorcycle to replace the current asset, which will serve as a backup.

2. Janitorial Services Contract

• Discussion: Staff recommended a 3-year contract with Kelly's Cleaning at $115,000/year. Staff analysis indicated that bringing the service in-house would cost approximately $270,000 in the first year due to staffing, vehicle, and equipment costs. Council members expressed concern over the lack of local (Ojai-based) vendors and the location of the contractor's office (Ventura).
• Decision: A motion was passed (3-2) to approve the 3-year contract. A clause allowing for termination was confirmed to exist in the contract, allowing the city to exit if local options become available.

3. Communications and Video Contracts

• State of the City Video (Item 14): Staff recommended awarding the contract to Tripepi Smith & Associates for $35,802 to produce a "State of the City" video. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of local vendors and the potential perception of the video as a political campaign tool.
• Communications & Social Media (Item 15): Staff recommended renewing the contract with Tripepi Smith for social media and communications services ($106,000 base price). Statistics showed significant growth in social media engagement.
• Concerns: Several council members criticized the current communications as lacking creativity and a proactive strategy. There was a strong consensus that the city needs a clearer communications plan.
• Decision: Both contracts were approved.
• Ad Hoc Committee: A motion was passed unanimously (5-0) to form an Ad Hoc Communications Committee to provide oversight and strategic direction for city communications. Mayor Gilman and Councilmember Lange agreed to lead the effort.

4. Council Reports and Updates

• Water Adjudication: Significant progress was reported in the water settlement negotiations. A meeting involving 43 parties took place in Oak View, bringing the city closer to a proposal for the judge.
• Transportation Audit: The council acknowledged findings from a triennial audit by ECTC/GCTC indicating Ojai needs improvements in transportation functions.
• Check Inquiry: A council member requested clarification on a check issued to JMG Security Systems for security equipment installation.

5. Future Agenda Items

• Soule Park: A request was made for staff to develop a financial concept for the City of Ojai to potentially take over management of Soule Park.
• Workshops: An August or September workshop dedicated to city goals and challenges is proposed.
• Policy Drafting: Several items were identified for future special meetings or action, including:
• Policy regarding parade chairs on sidewalks (safety issues).
• Pickleball ordinance at the library courts.
• Fireworks and drone policies.
• Mayor’s communication protocols to ensure consistency across the council.
• In-House Analysis: The council requested a future analysis on the cost and feasibility of bringing communications functions in-house rather than contracting.