Meeting Summary
Present: Gilman, Mang, Rule, Lang, Whitman
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
Agenda Changes
- The City Attorney recommended continuing Item 10 (El Roblar) to a future date in October.
- The City Manager recommended continuing Item 16 (Professional Service Agreement with Ivy Lee) due to agenda length.
- A motion to approve the remaining agenda items, excluding the continued items, was passed.
Commission Reports
- The Public Safety Commission reported it is fully staffed and is developing a comprehensive traffic calming policy.
- The commission approved five recommendations regarding fire mitigation funds and is revising the safety element of the general plan.
- Work has begun on the Ojai Community Disaster Plan and an e-bike policy for the October agenda.
City Manager’s Report
- The City Attorney announced a settlement agreement in the Rule v. Ojai litigation matter.
- The City Manager noted that the fall edition of the Ojai Outlook newsletter is being distributed.
Consent Calendar
- Item 8 (Town Hall for Election Integrity) was pulled from the consent calendar for further discussion and legal review.
- Item 6 (Chamber of Commerce Work Plan) was accepted after discussion regarding deliverables and signage input.
- Item 3 (Warrants) was accepted after a review of specific trolley repair expenses.
- Items 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 9 were approved via a single motion.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Concept Review – Vacancy/Second Home Tax
- The City Attorney advised against pursuing a residential-only vacancy tax due to recent court rulings.
- Council discussed alternatives such as a second home tax, documentary transfer tax, and commercial vacancy measures.
- Staff proposed bringing back a future agenda item with a broader range of alternatives and cost estimates for analysis.
City-Sponsored Event Policy and Sponsorship
- Council reviewed a policy regarding city-sponsored events and the "rotation" principle for Council Members.
- A motion was passed to proceed with the item pending the City Attorney’s analysis of a specific October sponsorship.
- The motion included the understanding that sponsorship would be adjusted if legal analysis warrants a change.
Fourth of July Celebration Concept Review
- Staff presented options for the city’s role in the Fourth of July celebration, noting drone shows are more expensive than fireworks.
- A motion was passed to direct staff to research drone show costs and consult with the Fourth of July Committee.
- Staff were also directed to investigate unauthorized fireworks enforcement and consult on environmental impacts.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Soule Park Potential Interest Concept Item
- Staff noted that the County of Ventura owns Soule Park but lacks a dedicated general fund source for maintenance.
- Council discussed the potential for the city to take over, lease, or purchase portions of the park.
- A motion was passed to task staff with a concept review focusing on opportunities for better utilization of the park.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Building and Safety and Code Compliance Contract Extensions
- Staff recommended a one-year extension for Building and Safety and Code Compliance Services to maintain continuity.
- A comparative analysis indicated that in-house staffing is generally more expensive and less flexible than contracted services.
- A motion was passed to approve the extensions and analyze the capacity for expanding active code enforcement.
Well Permit Ordinance Update
- The City Attorney noted that a 1991 agreement delegated well permit administration to the County of Ventura.
- Council discussed streamlining the process by adopting a policy similar to the Ojai Basin Groundwater Management Agency approach.
- A motion was passed for the City Attorney to work with the County to establish a threshold for streamlined well permits.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Announcements and Council Member Reports
- Public hearings for the water adjudication are scheduled for September 30 and October 19.
- Council members discussed the lack of an established fee schedule for Kent Hall rentals and expressed interest in a formal policy.
- The Mayor clarified that a civics class in Kent Hall is a private event for which full rent is being paid.
Ventura Casitas Litigation Update
- The Mayor provided an update on the status of the Ventura Casitas case, noting a rough draft of the presentation is being finalized.
- The trial is scheduled for October 26, though it may settle beforehand.
- It was indicated that disagreements on key points have led to the trial proceeding despite agreement on overall structure.
Full summary
Agenda Changes
- The City Attorney recommended continuing Item 10 (El Roblar) to a future date in October without a specific date certain. The City Manager recommended continuing Item 16 (Professional Service Agreement with Ivy Lee) due to the length of the agenda. A motion was made to approve the remaining items on the agenda, excluding the continued items. The motion was seconded and passed.
Commission Reports
- The Chair of the Public Safety Commission reported that the commission is fully staffed. Key activities included developing a comprehensive traffic calming policy currently in legal review; approving five recommendations regarding the use of fire mitigation funds; reviewing and revising the safety element of the general plan for final review by the Planning Commission; beginning work on the Ojai Community Disaster Plan; and initiating the development of an e-bike policy for the October agenda. Council members expressed appreciation for the commission’s work.
City Manager’s Report
- The City Attorney announced that the City and a Council Member have reached a settlement agreement in the pending litigation matter Rule v. Ojai, with a joint statement scheduled for release the following day. The City Manager noted that the fall edition of the Ojai Outlook newsletter is being distributed.
Public Communications
- Public comments addressed the mootness of Item 10 due to its continuation, a positive experience using the "My Ojai" app for hazard reporting, acknowledgment of Council actions regarding public safety, housing, and the grand jury report, and the formation of the Ventura County Open Space Collaborative.
Consent Calendar
- Item 8 (Town Hall for Election Integrity): A public commenter objected to the item, arguing it constituted a taxpayer-funded campaign event. The Council Member involved clarified the post was informational. The City Attorney stated that an informational town hall is not inherently a campaign activity but recommended legal review of the specific posting. The item was pulled from the consent calendar for further discussion and legal review.
- Item 6 (Chamber of Commerce Work Plan): Discussion focused on the lack of specific deliverables in the proposal and the need for Historic Preservation Commission input on signage. A motion was made to accept the item. The motion was seconded and passed.
- Item 3 (Warrants): A Council Member noted she was reviewing specific trolley repair expenses. A motion was made to accept the item. The motion was self-seconded and passed.
- Items 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 9: A motion was made to approve these items. The motion was seconded and passed.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Discussion Item 11: Concept Review – Vacancy/Second Home Tax
- The City Attorney presented a partial concept review regarding a vacancy tax or second home tax as a potential funding source for affordable housing. The Attorney noted that a recent California Court of Appeal decision (Bain v. City and County of San Francisco) found residential-only vacancy taxes may violate the Ellis Act, whereas taxes applied to both commercial and residential properties or second home taxes (regardless of vacancy) may be more legally defensible. The Attorney advised against pursuing a residential-only vacancy tax at this time but offered to provide further analysis on a second home tax.
- Public commenters expressed support for fees on second homes and vacant commercial properties, while others suggested voluntary donation programs to avoid negative community sentiment. Council discussion focused on the goal of raising revenue for housing affordability and workforce housing. Alternatives discussed included a documentary transfer tax and commercial property vacancy measures. Concerns were raised regarding enforcement complexity and the lack of hard data on vacant properties. The City Manager noted that the item was on the working agenda prior to the court decision and proposed bringing back a future agenda item with a broader range of alternatives, including commercial property considerations and documentary transfer taxes, along with a cost estimate for deeper legal and financial analysis. No formal motion was made or voted upon in this segment.
Agenda Item 8: City-Sponsored Event Policy and Sponsorship
- The Council reviewed a policy document regarding city-sponsored events, focusing on the "rotation" principle which offers each Council Member a quarterly slot. Concerns were raised regarding potential legal issues with a specific event sponsorship scheduled for October 14. A motion was proposed to proceed with Item 8 pending the City Attorney’s analysis, with the understanding that if the analysis warrants a change, the sponsorship would be adjusted (e.g., co-sponsored or staff-led). The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item 12: Fourth of July Celebration Concept Review
- Staff presented a concept review regarding the city’s role in the Fourth of July celebration. Currently, the city has a limited role, while the Ojai Independence Day Committee organizes the main events, including fireworks. Staff noted that alternatives such as drone shows are significantly more expensive and have long lead times. Public commenters spoke in favor of maintaining the traditional fireworks display, citing low cost and community support, and expressed concern that drone shows are more expensive and less popular.
- Council discussion debated the trade-offs between tradition, cost, environmental impact, and animal welfare. A motion was made to direct staff to: 1. Research costs for a drone show. 2. Consult with the Fourth of July Committee regarding potential hybrid models or demonstrations. 3. Have the Police Chief investigate enforcement measures for unauthorized fireworks and provide cost estimates. 4. Explore a financial contribution from the city to the committee. 5. Consult with the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy and the Raptor Center regarding the environmental impact of fireworks. The motion was seconded and passed.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Agenda Item 13: Soule Park Potential Interest Concept Item
- Staff provided background on Soule Park, noting that the County of Ventura owns the park but lacks a dedicated general fund source for its maintenance. Staff indicated the county has expressed interest in discussing the park’s future and that the city could initiate a formal conversation about taking over, leasing, or purchasing portions of the park. Public commenters emphasized the historical significance of the park and urged the city to pursue acquisition or lease to ensure long-term maintenance and public access.
- Council discussion centered on the potential for the city to take over or increase utilization of the park, including its equestrian facilities, bike path, and revenue status. Questions were raised regarding the need for additional fields and courts for recreation programming. The discussion included the concept of a Valleywide Recreation District as a potential funding and management model. A motion was made to task staff with a concept review regarding Soule Park and its potential as a community and recreational resource, modified to clarify that the review should focus on opportunities for better utilization rather than a full takeover of operations. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Building and Safety and Code Compliance Contract Extensions
- Staff presented two contract amendments for Building and Safety Services and Code Compliance Services, recommending a one-year extension to maintain service continuity while preparing to reissue Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the 2027-2028 budget. Staff provided a comparative analysis of in-house staffing versus contracted services, noting that in-house employment is generally more expensive and lacks flexibility. Discussion included the distinction between reactive code enforcement and proactive monitoring of conditions of approval. A motion was made to approve Recommendation Number 1 (extending both contracts) and to analyze the capacity for expanding active code enforcement and the possibility of in-house staffing, returning with a future agenda item based on that analysis. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Well Permit Ordinance Update
- The City Attorney provided an update on the proposal to repeal or suspend the city’s Well Permit Ordinance, noting that a 1991 agreement delegated administration and enforcement to the County of Ventura, while the city retained authority to issue permits and approve exemptions. Council members discussed streamlining the process by adopting a policy similar to the Ojai Basin Groundwater Management Agency approach, where small extractions are automatically granted or approved at the director level. A motion was made for the City Attorney to work with the County to establish a threshold that streamlines administrative processes for well permits. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Announcements and Council Member Reports
- Water Adjudication Hearings: Public hearings related to the water adjudication are scheduled. A joint presentation by the City of Ventura and Casitas will be held online on September 30 at 6:00 PM. An onsite public presentation is scheduled for October 19 at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM at the Oak View Community Resource Center.
- Vision Zero: The County Public Works Department is conducting a "Vision Zero" initiative to address high-fatality streets in the unincorporated area.
- Student Council: A meeting is scheduled for October 1 at 6:00 PM at the Rec Center.
- Kent Hall Rentals: Council members discussed the rental of Kent Hall, noting there is currently no established fee schedule. The City Manager indicated fees were determined by comparing rates to similar rooms at the Sarzotti Center. The council expressed interest in establishing a formal rental policy and fee structure.
- Civics Class: The Mayor clarified that a civics class being held in the Kent Hall conference room starting October 12 is a private event organized by a nonprofit for which full rent is being paid, and is not a city council event.
Ventura Casitas Litigation Update
- The Mayor provided an update on the status of the Ventura Casitas case, noting that a rough draft of the presentation is being finalized. The trial is scheduled for October 26, though it may settle beforehand. It was indicated that while there is agreement on the overall structure, disagreements on key points have led to the trial proceeding. No motions were made or decided.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.