Meeting Summary
Present: Gilman, Mang, Rule, Whitman, 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
Communication Tower at Fire Station 21
- Staff confirmed the project is exempt from city zoning as a public agency initiative by the Ventura County Fire Department.
- The Fire Chief acknowledged communication gaps regarding the project's scope and visual impact while emphasizing its necessity for emergency reliability.
- The tower will host only government antennas to replace aging infrastructure, with no commercial telecommunications allowed.
- Council members acknowledged the public safety importance of the project without taking formal action.
City Council Goals and Tactics Progress Update
- Staff reported that 73% of current tactics are in progress across areas including wildfire safety, affordable housing, and economic diversification.
- Discussions highlighted ongoing fuel reduction partnerships and the need for an economic plan focused on non-tourism job creation.
- The community survey was recommended for delay until after the November election to allow the new Council to review goals.
- Future agenda items were identified, including the bike path project, dog parks, and undergrounding utilities.
Closed Session
- The City Attorney reported a directive to prepare a contract with JMSB Strategies LLC for a 360-degree performance review of the City Manager.
- No reportable action was taken regarding the closed session concerning Rule B. Ojai.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Full summary
Agenda Item 1: Approval of the Agenda
- The meeting began with a roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. A proposal was made to switch the order of agenda items one and two. No objections were raised. A motion was made to approve the agenda with the proposed change in order. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed.
Agenda Item 2: Public Comment
- Public comment was received regarding the City Manager's performance evaluation. The speaker cited concerns regarding a calculation of the general fund reserve ratio in the draft budget, alleging it was inconsistent with policy and that the City Manager claimed unawareness of the issue despite prior correspondence. The speaker also noted a lack of follow-up meetings promised by the City Manager. No other public comments were received prior to the closed session.
Agenda Item 3: Closed Session Report
- Following a closed session, the City Attorney reported that the City Council had directed the City Attorney to work with the HR Director to prepare a contract with JMSB Strategies LLC for a 360-degree performance review of the City Manager. Regarding the closed session concerning Rule B. Ojai, no reportable action was taken at that time.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Agenda Item 4: Communication Tower at Fire Station 21 (Originally Item 3)
- The Council moved to switch the order of agenda items three and four to address the communication tower item first. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed.
- Staff presented an informational report regarding a new communication tower under construction at Fire Station 21. The Community Development Director noted the City became aware of the project via a subcontractor's inspection request. The City Attorney explained that under California law, the project is exempt from City zoning and building code requirements because it is a public agency project (Ventura County Fire Department) located within City limits; the project complied with County permitting and zoning requirements.
- Ventura County Fire Division Chief Cleary acknowledged a failure in communication regarding the project's timing, scope, and visual impact, stating the Fire District took responsibility for the oversight. The Chief explained the tower is necessary to replace aging infrastructure to ensure reliable emergency communications during wildfires and other disasters. The project involves moving existing antennas to a new industry-standard tower to improve signal reliability and support data communications. No commercial or private telecommunications will be hosted on the tower; it is for government function only, with potential future use for Office of Emergency Services alert cameras.
- Council members thanked the Fire Department for the transparency and acknowledged the importance of the infrastructure for public safety. No formal action or vote was taken on this informational item.
Agenda Item 5: City Council Goals and Tactics Progress Update (Originally Item 3)
- Staff presented a progress report on the City Council's goals and tactics. The presentation indicated that 73% of tactics are currently in progress. Updates were provided on specific areas including affordable housing, wildfire safety, arts and culture, infrastructure, public safety, economic diversification, climate resiliency, financial stability, and communications.
- Discussion ensued regarding several specific tactics:
- Wildfire Safety: Council members inquired about fuel reduction partnerships. Staff noted discussions are ongoing with the Fire Chief regarding partnerships for fuel reduction in city limits and outer line areas.
- Process for Modifying Tactics: Council members asked about the process for tweaking or redirecting tactics. Staff indicated that Council members should discuss ideas with the City Manager, who would then determine if a formal concept review or council action is necessary.
- Bike Path: Council members discussed the complexity of the bike path project, including routing options (e.g., through the golf course or Ojai Avenue) and maintenance costs. Staff clarified that negotiations are in an exploratory phase and a concept review with options and cost estimates will be brought back to the Council.
- Economic Action Plan: Council members discussed the focus of the plan, emphasizing the need for job creation not tied to tourism to improve livability for residents. Staff confirmed the plan aims to diversify revenue and reduce reliance on tourism.
- Community Survey: Staff recommended delaying the community survey until after the November election to allow the newly seated Council to determine if they wish to continue, modify, or discard the current goals.
- Future Agenda Items: Council members identified several topics for future concept reviews or agenda items, including: fuel reduction within city limits, the OUSD downtown campus property, dog parks, evacuation communication plans, the bike path, and undergrounding of utilities.
- No formal motions were made or votes taken during this discussion. The meeting was adjourned.