June 30, 2026 — Ojai City Council Special Meeting

Meeting Summary

Present: Gilman, Mang, Rule, Lang, Whitman

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Staff requested renewing the case manager agreement funded by the General Fund and an ERF grant.
Council discussed financial contributions regarding administrative overhead and vehicle maintenance costs.
The Council approved a 90-day extension to allow time for further contract discussions with the County.

Staff presented a concept review regarding installation criteria and available Capital Improvement Program funding.
Public commenters questioned reliance on resident voting thresholds versus engineering data for speed humps.
The Council approved referring the item to the Public Safety Commission to develop an official policy.

Staff presented policy revisions clarifying the division of authority between the Council and City Manager.
Discussion focused on the need for Council authorization for specific city-sponsored community events.
The Council approved the policy with clarifications regarding event direction and authorization.

Passed 5–0 · unanimous

Staff presented a request to renew the agreement with Ventura County Behavioral Health for a dedicated case manager serving the Ojai Transportation Team (OTT) and the City of Ojai. The funding is split between the General Fund/OTT account and the ERF grant, totaling approximately $178,000. The City Manager and Chief of Police discussed the role of the case manager in connecting vulnerable populations with mental health services and reducing the burden on law enforcement during non-emergency situations.
Council members discussed the contract terms, specifically regarding the City's financial contribution versus the County's mandate to provide these services. Concerns were raised regarding the allocation of funds and the necessity of the City covering costs associated with administrative overhead and vehicle maintenance. It was noted that the current contract expires immediately.
A Council Member made a motion to authorize a 90-day extension of the agreement at a prorated amount to allow time for discussions with the County regarding the contract terms and obligations. The motion was seconded. The decision was to proceed with the short-term extension. The item was approved.

Staff presented a concept review for a speed hump policy, referencing policies from Ventura County and other local agencies. Discussion focused on installation criteria, including a 67% resident support threshold, funding availability within the Capital Improvement Program ($100,000 allocated), and installation costs. Council members discussed the methodology for gathering resident support and the Council's authority to override the policy based on safety needs.
Public commenters expressed support for traffic calming measures and questioned the reliance on resident voting thresholds versus engineering data regarding speed and volume. Council members considered the role of the newly formed Public Safety Commission in developing the final policy.
A Council Member made a motion to refer the item to the Public Safety Commission to bring back recommendations for an official speed hump policy. The motion was seconded with the condition that it be a priority issue for the Commission's inaugural meeting. The item was approved.

Staff presented the Councilmember Town Hall and Panel Policy, noting minor revisions to clarify the division of authority between the Council and the City Manager regarding event authorization. Discussion centered on the distinction between informational meetings, workshops, and community discussions. Council members clarified the need for Council direction or authorization for city-sponsored events.
A Council Member made a motion to approve the policy with the clarifications discussed regarding Council direction and City Manager authorization. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The item was approved unanimously.

Passed 5–0 · unanimous

The Mayor adjourned the meeting, noting that all three items on the agenda resulted in unanimous votes.