Meeting Summary
Present: McCattin, Sims, Moore, Bassascia, Walker, Aikens
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Museum Report
- Staff presented details for the Women of the Ojai Valley exhibit opening January 16th.
- Content includes digitized oral history reports prepared by staff and consultants.
- Reception and town talk dates were outlined in the presentation.
Minor Work Permit Continuance (700 San Antonio)
- Consideration of revised plans was continued to the February 12th meeting.
- Staff noted the plans were not submitted in time for the current packet.
- No official action was taken other than acknowledging the continuance.
Major Work Permit Amendment (102 North Signal Street)
- The amendment requested repairing existing stucco to preserve structural framing.
- Historic-style oxidized metal light fixtures were included in the proposal.
- Public comment suggested using video updates to facilitate quicker construction reviews.
- The motion to approve the request passed following discussion.
Joint Council Meeting Preparation
- Potential topics included the Historic Survey contract and Railroad Heritage Trail signage.
- Consensus favored delaying the local historic district pursuit until after survey adoption.
- The Commission agreed to request inclusion in educational efforts regarding design guidelines.
Arcade Paint Color Guidelines
- Concerns were raised regarding discrepancies between digital paint representations and physical applications.
- Staff noted applicants should provide color and material boards for review.
- The Commission may require actual paint swatches for comparison against design guidelines.
Full summary
Meeting Summary: City of Ojai Historic Preservation Commission
- Date: January 8, 2026 Time: 6:00 p.m.
1. Call to Order and Public Comment
- The meeting was called to order. Roll call was taken, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. During public communication, a representative from the Ojai Valley News introduced themselves. New Commissioner Kate Neeson was introduced by Vice Chair Sims. Commissioner Neeson noted her background in archaeology and expressed interest in the commission's work.
2. Museum Report
- Staff provided a report on the upcoming museum exhibit, "Women of the Ojai Valley 100 Years of History," scheduled to open on January 16th. The report detailed reception and town talk dates, noting that some content is derived from oral history reports digitized by staff and staff consultants.
3. Approval of Minutes
- The minutes from the December 11th meeting were presented as a consent item. A motion was made to accept the minutes as written, and a second was provided. The motion passed.
4. Discussion Item: Continued Minor Work Permit (700 San Antonio)
- The consideration of revised plans for a minor work permit at 700 San Antonio was continued to the February 12th meeting. Staff noted that the plans were not submitted in time to be included in the packet. No official action was taken other than the acknowledgement of the continuance.
5. Major Work Permit: Amendment (102 North Signal Street)
- An amendment to Major Work Permit 25-008 regarding a renovation at 102 North Signal Street was discussed. The request sought to modify the approved transom installation above the entry. The applicant explained that removing existing stucco to install a new transom system would compromise the structural framing (specifically a gray beam). Consequently, the request proposed repairing the existing stucco rather than replacing it. The amendment also included the installation of historic-style oxidized metal light fixtures.
- Commissioners inquired about site visits and required disclosures regarding property ownership and prior discussions with the applicant. The applicant addressed questions regarding the lighting installation, explaining that the placement was adjusted due to the existing rock facade and electrical box constraints. Public comment was received suggesting the use of video updates to facilitate quicker review of changes during construction.
- Following discussion, a motion was made to approve the request. A second was provided. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed.
6. Joint Council Meeting Preparation
- The Commission discussed agenda items for the tentative Joint Council Meeting scheduled for February 24th. Potential topics identified included:
- Historic Survey: Ensuring contracts are signed and the survey process moves efficiently toward adoption.
- Railroad Heritage Trail: Requesting authorization to proceed with signage along the Ojai Trail.
- Ad Hoc Committee: Seeking permission to extend the ad hoc committee regarding commission functions and powers, which has been working with City Council members on procedural documentation.
- Education and Outreach: Discussing the implementation of workshops or forums to educate property owners and the public regarding design guidelines, specifically for the Arcade Plaza.
- Historic Resources Reports (HRR): Discussing the resumption of budgeting for HRRs for specific properties, a practice used prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Local Historic District: The Commission debated the timing of pursuing a local historic district versus prioritizing the current survey and education initiatives. Consensus suggested waiting to address the local district until after the survey is adopted and educational outreach is established to ensure public buy-in.
- Staff informed the Commission that a workshop or forum regarding signage and outdoor dining in the Arcade has already received a preliminary blessing from the City Council. The Commission agreed to request the City Council's inclusion of the HPC in educational efforts and to confirm the priority of the survey project.
7. Meeting Schedule
- The 2026 meeting schedule was reviewed. A correction was noted regarding the final meeting in December, which is scheduled for January 27th, not the 26th. Staff confirmed that Commissioner Aikens would present the City Beautiful Awards at the City Council meeting on January 13th.
8. Future Agenda Items and Commissioner Comments
- Staff outlined tentative future agenda items, including the Edward Drummond Libby City Beautiful Award (February 12th), budget discussions (March), and Chair/Vice Chair terms (April).
- The Commission discussed the use of paint colors for the Arcade. Concerns were raised regarding discrepancies between digital representations of paint colors and physical applications. Staff noted that applicants should provide color and material boards, and the Commission may require actual paint swatches for comparison against design guidelines. No formal motion was made to update the guidelines immediately.
- Staff confirmed that attorney training regarding the Brown Act and other updates would be provided at the next meeting. Commissioner comments included a tribute to Harry Hunt Jr. regarding the plaque installed at the jail, noting the family's appreciation. A City Council member addressed the Commission, expressing support for the Commission's work and the ongoing Ad Hoc committee efforts.