Ojai City Council Special Meeting

4th of July Right-of-Way Chair Placement

• Council reviewed the need for a formal policy to manage chair placement in public right-of-ways during the parade.
• Discussion focused on balancing tradition with ADA compliance, Caltrans regulations, and maintaining minimum sidewalk widths.
• Staff was directed to develop draft policy options, including permit processes and furniture restrictions, for a special meeting on June 16.
• No formal policy was adopted at this session, which served only as a concept review and direction-setting forum.

Closed Session

• Councilmember Millhouse reported that the Council previously authorized city intervention in the Burns v. Rule litigation during a closed session.
• No further discussion or voting on this litigation matter took place during the open session.

Agenda Item: Concept Review Regarding Placement of Chairs and Personal Property in Public Right-of-Way (4th of July)

Discussion

• The Council convened a special meeting to discuss the placement of chairs and other items in the public right-of-way surrounding the 4th of July parade. City Manager Ben Harvey provided context, noting that while he has the authority to remove items from the right-of-way, he recommended that the Council establish a formal policy or ordinance to guide enforcement, citing a similar situation in Pacific Grove where immediate removal caused public backlash.
• Council members and the public discussed the duration of the placement period. Opinions varied between allowing chairs one week in advance (starting June 27) or two weeks in advance. Concerns were raised regarding accessibility compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Caltrans regulations, specifically the need to maintain minimum sidewalk widths. Several members emphasized that if a policy is adopted, the responsibility for keeping chairs out of the right-of-way must fall on the owners, with the city retaining the authority to remove items that obstruct access.
• Additional suggestions included a no-fee permit process to reserve specific spots along the parade route, limiting the types of furniture allowed (e.g., folding chairs only, excluding couches), and issuing a public communication notice stating that obstructive items are subject to removal. Public commenters expressed support for the tradition while acknowledging the need for safety and accessibility, with some suggesting a start date of June 15.

Procedural Matters

• The Council discussed the logistics of finalizing a policy. It was noted that the current meeting was a concept review and that a formal decision required further development of policy options by the City Manager and City Attorney. The Council considered scheduling a special meeting on June 16 to review draft policy options.

Decisions and Vote Outcome

• The Council decided to proceed with a special meeting on June 16 at 6:00 PM to review draft policy options regarding the placement of chairs. No formal motion to adopt a policy was made or voted upon during this session, as the meeting was designated for concept review and direction setting. Consequently, no vote outcome (passed or failed) was recorded for a specific ordinance or policy at this time. The Council directed staff to prepare draft options for the upcoming June 16 meeting.

Agenda Item: Closed Session Report

Discussion

• Following the open session discussion, the Council addressed a report from a prior closed session.

Decisions and Vote Outcome

• Councilmember Keith Millhouse reported that during the closed session, the Council had authorized the city's intervention in the Burns v. Rule litigation. No further discussion or vote occurred on this item during the open session.