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Ojai City Council Regular Meeting

Ojai City Council Regular MeetingJune 23, 2026

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BodyCity Council
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 June 23, 2026

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Meeting Summary

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Present: Gilman, Mang, Lang

This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.

At a glance

Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council Quarterly Update

  • The Council reported 50% progress toward annual assessment targets and highlighted partnerships for a potential $30 million regional fire grant.
  • Plans include hiring contractors for assessments to allow staff focus on Firewise development and launching a risk mapping dashboard in September.
  • No formal motion or vote was taken on this informational update.

City Manager's Report

  • The Disaster Council convened its first required meeting and is considering recommendations for additional members pending Council approval.
  • A second meeting for the Disaster Council is scheduled for July.
  • No formal motion or vote was taken on this report.

Renewal of Animal Services Agreement (VCATS)

  • The Council approved the renewal of the animal services agreement with Ventura County Animal Services for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
  • Councilmember Rule requested a focused review of a Civil Grand Jury report regarding the commission's advisory role and public access.

Resolution on Biodiversity and Environmental Protections

  • The Council approved a resolution regarding biodiversity and environmental protections.
  • Councilmember Rule advocated for a stronger "rights approach" to enforce protections against damage to natural waterways and ecosystems.

Commission Appointments

  • The Council approved appointments for Dr. Raymond Sims and Brenda Furness to the Public Safety Commission.
  • Ms. Taylor was approved for reappointment as the Parks and Recreation Commission Chair.

City Council Appeal of Planning Commission Denial (242 East Ojai Avenue)

  • The Council approved the outdoor dining expansion and granted a six-month conditional approval for the freezer to remain in its current location.
  • Staff was directed to work with stakeholders to resolve the freezer issue and report back to the Council in August with a scope and cost estimate.
  • Discussion addressed concerns regarding the "piecemeal" permitting process, CEQA exemptions, and the temporary nature of the proposed structures.
Passed 4–1 · against: Mang

Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget

  • The Council accepted the revised budget, adopted the Gann appropriations limit, and approved a 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment to the salary schedule.
  • The budget includes $1 million for fire safety and mitigation and $7,000 for the Ojai de Mandala program, funded from the general fund unallocated balance.
  • Council members requested further clarification on reserve calculation methodologies and documentation for reimbursable funds related to the Cabin Village project.

Zone Change (1124 Maricopa Highway)

  • The Council approved a zone change from Business Professional to Commercial to bring an existing gas station and convenience store into conformance.
  • The change allows for the sale of alcohol and aligns the property with the General Plan's "General Commercial" classification.
Passed 3–0 · unanimous

Social Media Policy and Community Code of Conduct

  • The Council adopted an updated policy designating city accounts as a limited public forum with specific guidelines for moderating threats, discrimination, and spam.
  • An amendment was incorporated to ensure prohibited content guidelines apply to comments from the general public, not just authorized users.
  • The policy mandates logging all moderation actions to comply with the California Public Records Act.

Be With Community Calendar Policy

  • The Council adopted the Be With Community Calendar Policy to ensure transparency and equity in the approval process for community event postings.
  • This policy is intended to be implemented alongside the new social media policy to review all submissions against established guidelines.

Full summary

Agenda Item: Approval of Agenda

  • The meeting commenced with a roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmember Lang moved to approve the agenda, and the motion was seconded. With no objections raised, the agenda was approved.

Agenda Item: Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council Quarterly Update

  • Christopher Danch of the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council presented a quarterly update regarding their professional services agreement. The report detailed progress in community outreach, education, and wildfire risk mitigation, including the completion of a two-day NFPA certified home hardening assessment course and a scheduled course for August. The Council reported being 50% toward their annual assessment target with 62 pending assessments. Partnerships with the Forest Service, National Forest Foundation, and Ventura County Wildfire Collaborative were discussed, along with a potential $30 million regional fire grant. The presentation addressed a Community Resilience Centers grant application, noting reduced funding and a condensed timeline. The Council highlighted participation in the Wildfire Resilience Festival and Ojai Day. Plans to hire contractors for assessments to allow staff to focus on Firewise development and the Urban Core Initiative were mentioned. A data dashboard for risk and hazard mapping, hosted by Ventura County Fire, is scheduled for launch in September. Council members thanked the Council for their work. No formal motion or vote was taken on this informational item.

Agenda Item: City Manager's Report

  • City Manager Ben Harvey distributed the summer quarterly newsletter, the Ojai Outlook. He reported that the Disaster Council convened its first meeting as required by code and is considering recommendations for additional members, which would require City Council approval. A second meeting is scheduled for July. No formal motion or vote was taken.

Agenda Item: Public Communications

  • Several members of the public addressed the Council:
  • Brian Akins raised concerns regarding the maintenance yard construction project, stating that the City Manager appeared to have bypassed Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) involvement mandated in a previous Council motion. He suggested a special meeting to revisit the issue.
  • Brian Eakins expressed gratitude to emergency responders for their handling of a recent fire at the Arcade.
  • Dennis Colburn discussed the need for a comprehensive emergency evacuation plan for wind-driven fires, proposing the use of the Ojai Bike Trail as an additional emergency traffic lane and pedestrian escape route with minor modifications.
  • Abra Stewart invited the Council and community to a "Polluter Pays Central Coast Town Hall" event in Oxnard.
  • Bill Miley commented on the recent Arcade fire, emphasizing the need for improved fire prevention planning, smoke alarm reviews, and an assessment of building ownership and insurance coverage.

Agenda Item: Consent Calendar

  • The Council reviewed the consent calendar. Councilmember Rule requested to pull Items 5, 8, and 10 for separate discussion. The City Manager introduced Matt Hutchins, the new accountant. A motion was made to approve the remaining consent calendar items (Items 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9). The motion was seconded and passed via roll call vote.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous

Agenda Item: Renewal of Animal Services Agreement (VCATS)

  • Councilmember Rule moved to approve the renewal of the animal services agreement with Ventura County Animal Services (VCATS) for 2024-25. She noted support for the renewal but highlighted findings from a Ventura County Civil Grand Jury report regarding the weakened advisory role of the commission and lack of public access to meetings, requesting a focused review of these findings. The motion was seconded and passed via roll call vote.

Agenda Item: Resolution on Biodiversity and Environmental Protections

  • Councilmember Rule moved to approve a resolution regarding biodiversity and environmental protections. She expressed full support for the resolution but advocated for a stronger "rights approach" to enforce protections against damage to natural waterways and ecosystems. The motion was seconded and passed via roll call vote.

Agenda Item: Commission Appointments

  • The Council considered appointments to the Public Safety Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Applicants included Dr. Raymond Sims for the Public Safety Commission, Brenda Furness for the Public Safety Commission, and Ms. Taylor for reappointment as Parks and Recreation Chair. A motion was made to approve all three appointments. The motion was seconded and passed via roll call vote.

Agenda Item: City Council Appeal of Planning Commission Denial (242 East Ojai Avenue)

  • The Council heard an appeal regarding a Planning Commission denial of a design review permit and conditional use permit for the Ojai Mountain Farm Restaurant at 242 East Ojai Avenue. The applicant sought to expand the outdoor dining area and install a screen for an existing walk-in freezer. Council members disclosed ex parte communications and site visits. Staff presented the history of outdoor dining in the Arcade, details of the proposed expansion, and the reasons for the Planning Commission's denial, recommending approval with conditions citing zoning compliance and CEQA categorical exemptions. Staff noted the proposed structures are temporary and reversible. Council members questioned the definition of "temporary" and the application of CEQA exemptions. Staff and the City Attorney clarified that the Council must make the final determination on categorical exemptions and that "temporary" refers to the ability to remove structures if the restaurant use ceases.
  • The applicant, Tony Armeen, presented an appeal regarding the reorientation and modification of the restaurant's outdoor patio. He requested an additional 82 square feet of patio space, a reduction of the total dining area from 360 to 342 square feet, and the creation of a 100-square-foot outdoor corridor. Armeen stated the current patio permit does not comply with ADA standards or Arcade Plaza Guidelines, and the proposed reorientation would face a grassy area rather than restrooms and a service alley. He addressed the outdoor freezer, stating it was permitted over a year and a half ago and required to be placed within an existing screened area by city staff. He argued the Planning Commission's denial was influenced by the freezer issue rather than the patio proposal. Armeen detailed compliance efforts regarding furniture, planters, and an umbrella, emphasizing the economic impact on the business.
  • Council members asked clarifying questions regarding the feasibility of relocating the freezer, the history of umbrella design changes, and the "piecemeal" nature of the permitting process. Armeen expressed skepticism regarding off-site freezer solutions due to health, safety, and insurance concerns but remained open to discussion. He clarified that the freezer area was permitted separately under a building permit, while the patio reorientation is the subject of the appeal.
  • Public comment was received with speakers presenting a range of views. Supporters cited the applicant's compliance efforts, aesthetic improvements, and the negative impact of the current orientation. Opponents cited concerns over the "piecemeal" approval process, the placement of the freezer in a public right-of-way, potential CEQA violations, and obstruction of the historic character of the arcade. Procedural concerns were raised regarding whether the freezer was part of the current appeal and the need to address internal permitting errors.
  • Staff clarified that the project was initially evaluated as a ministerial zone clearance but re-evaluated as a discretionary action. Staff addressed noise concerns, stating the freezer itself does not generate audible noise, but roof-mounted equipment does, and conditions were added to require screening. Staff addressed "piecemealing" concerns, stating the freezer was not viewed as a separate project during initial review. The applicant clarified that audible noise is from a ventilation fan required for fire and mold prevention operating on a timer. He disputed claims of "gaslighting," noting the plan has been reduced in size and the brick facade has existed since at least 2009. He expressed concern regarding the financial risk of a six-month conditional approval.
  • Council discussion focused on a proposal to grant a six-month conditional approval for the outdoor dining area while staff works with the applicant and a neighboring business to find an alternative location for the freezer. Council members discussed the fairness of placing the risk on the applicant versus the city. Staff suggested a timeline to return to the council in August with a scope, timeline, and cost estimate for removing the freezer. A motion was made to approve the outdoor dining expansion as submitted and to grant a conditional approval for the freezer to remain in its current location for up to six months, with a directive for staff to work with stakeholders to resolve the freezer issue and report back in August. The motion was seconded and passed.
Passed 4–1 · against: Mang

Agenda Item: Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget

  • Staff presented the recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, including the Gann appropriations limit and an amendment to the salary schedule to apply a 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment. The presentation noted two changes from the previous meeting: an addition of $7,000 for the Ojai de Mandala program and $1 million for fire safety and mitigation, funded from the general fund unallocated balance. Staff clarified a calculation error in the packet regarding the general fund balance.
  • Public comment was received regarding the transparency of the budget document, the status of the 2024-25 audit, and the methodology used to calculate the general fund reserve ratio. A commenter alleged that the administration had unilaterally changed the reserve calculation by excluding one-time items. Another commenter noted the lack of page numbers in the online document and the absence of audited numbers.
  • Council discussion addressed the reserve calculation methodology. Staff stated that the policy has not changed and that one-time expenditures have historically been excluded from the calculation of operating expenditures. Council members expressed a need to verify if any procedural changes occurred within the finance department and requested further clarification on specific items excluded. Council members also discussed the $1 million allocation for fire mitigation, noting that specific projects have not yet been identified, and requested documentation regarding reimbursable funds for the Cabin Village project. A motion was made to accept the revised 2026-27 proposed budget, adopt the Gann appropriations limit, and amend the salary schedule. The motion was seconded and passed.

Agenda Item: Zone Change (1124 Maricopa Highway)

  • Staff introduced a request for a zone change from Business Professional to Commercial at 1124 Maricopa Highway. The request aims to allow the sale of alcohol and bring an existing gas station and convenience store into conformance with the land use designation. Staff noted that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. Maura Macaluso presented the application, noting that while gas stations are not permitted in the Business Professional zone, they are permitted in the Commercial zone subject to a conditional use permit. The property currently holds a conditional use permit from 1996. The request seeks to change the zone designation to correct existing non-conformities and allow alcohol sales. The presentation highlighted that two other gas stations within city limits operate in the Commercial zone with convenience stores and alcohol sales. The Planning Commission recommended approval, finding that the zone change would align the property with the General Plan's "General Commercial" classification.
  • Councilmember Leslie Rule moved to approve the zone change from Business Professional to Commercial to bring the property into conformance. Mayor Andy Gilman seconded the motion. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item: Social Media Policy and Community Code of Conduct

  • Kendall Lowry presented the updated Social Media Policy and Community Code of Conduct, developed by the City Manager's office, City Attorney, and an ad hoc committee. The presentation outlined the need for a legally sound framework to manage the city's digital platforms, citing a recent incident involving a pride flag raising post where staff lacked the authority to moderate safety violations. The proposed policy designates city accounts as a limited public forum, allowing for the regulation of speech manner (e.g., threats, discrimination, spam) without restricting First Amendment rights. Key provisions include a strict checklist for hiding comments, blocking users only as a last resort for repeated violations, and a mandate to log all moderation actions to comply with the California Public Records Act.
  • During the discussion, Councilmember Rachel Lang sought clarification on whether the policy would prevent collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce to profile businesses; it was confirmed that the policy targets commercial spam and would not prohibit such collaborations. Councilmember Leslie Rule inquired about the process for handling defamation or malicious falsehoods. Ben Harvey suggested utilizing the "My Ojai" app for the public to flag inconsistent content for review, a suggestion supported by the City Attorney. Councilmember Lang also asked about the use of keyword filtering, which was identified as a potential addition for future committee review. City Attorney Bethany Burgess noted a necessary amendment to Section 4 to ensure the prohibited content guidelines apply to comments from the general public, not just authorized users.
  • Mayor Andy Gilman moved to adopt the updated Social Media Policy, incorporating the amendment to Section 4 to expand the scope of prohibited content guidelines to include postings and comments made on city social media sites. City Attorney Bethany Burgess seconded the motion. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item: Be With Community Calendar Policy

  • The meeting addressed the "Be With" Community Calendar Policy, intended to ensure transparency and equity in the approval process for community event postings. It was noted that this policy should be adopted alongside the social media policy to ensure all submissions are reviewed against established guidelines. Mayor Andy Gilman moved to include the adoption of the Be With Community Calendar Policy. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item: Adjournment

  • Following the adoption of the policies, the meeting was adjourned.