Ojai City Council Special Meeting

Placement of Chairs and Personal Property in Right-of-Way

• Staff sought Council direction on policy regarding personal property placement in public rights-of-way for the Fourth of July.
• Discussion covered safety hazards, ADA compliance, and potential permitting processes for designated parade route spots.
• The Council directed staff to draft policy alternatives and scheduled a follow-up special meeting for June 16th.
• An immediate public notice was authorized to warn that obstructing items may be removed from the right-of-way.

Closed Session

• The Council received a report regarding authorization for city intervention in specific litigation discussed during the closed session.
• Confidential discussions focused on the legal matter involving the Burnt v. Rule case.
• The Council confirmed the authorization of the city’s intervention in the litigation.

Ojai City Council Special Meeting Summary – June 11

Agenda Item 1: Concept Review – Placement of Chairs and Personal Property in Right-of-Way

Discussion

• The City Manager requested Council direction on establishing a policy or ordinance regarding the placement of chairs and other personal property in the public right-of-way in anticipation of the Fourth of July celebration. Public comment was solicited regarding the tradition and impact of chair placement. Residents provided feedback on the timing of placement, with suggestions ranging from early June to July, and expressed concerns regarding sidewalk obstructions and the perception of early placement.
• Councilmembers discussed various regulatory approaches, including limiting the allowable placement window to one or two weeks prior to the event, restricting the types of furniture permitted, and clarifying owner responsibility for maintaining clear pathways. Concerns were raised regarding safety hazards, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, and potential limitations on issuing formal permits involving Caltrans. Staff noted that while the City Manager has authority to remove items from the right-of-way, establishing clear policy would provide necessary guidance. A proposal was made to consider a permit process for designated spots along the parade route.

Decision

• The Council agreed to convene a follow-up special meeting on June 16th at 6:00 PM to review policy options. The City Manager was directed to consult with the City Attorney to draft policy alternatives and to issue an immediate public notice via social media stating that items obstructing the right-of-way may be removed.
• Vote Outcome: No formal vote was taken on the policy at this meeting; action deferred to the June 16th special meeting. Meeting scheduling approved.

Agenda Item 2: Report from Closed Session

Discussion

• The Council received a report from the closed session regarding a legal matter. Staff reported that the Council had discussed authorizing city intervention in specific litigation during the closed portion of the meeting.

Decision

• The Council confirmed the authorization of the city’s intervention in the Burnt v. Rule litigation.
• Vote Outcome: Passed (Authorization confirmed).

Adjournment

• Following the report from the closed session, the meeting was adjourned.