Meeting Summary
Present: McCattin, Bissaccia, Walker, Aikens, Moore
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Call to Order and Agenda Approval
- The Historic Preservation Commission regular meeting was called to order. A motion was made to approve the agenda, subject to a reordering of items to move the pedestrian barriers item. The motion was seconded. The vote passed.
Historic Preservation Award Presentation
- Steve Adams was presented with the Historic Preservation Award. Commissioner Akins led the presentation, noting Adams' long-term documentation of city events and his donation of a photographic archive to the Ojai Valley Museum.
Commission Officer Election and Term Expiration
- Staff reported that the commission elects its Chair and Vice-Chair annually. Nominations were opened for the Chair position; the current Chair was nominated. No further nominations were made, and a vote was taken. The motion passed. Nominations were opened for the Vice-Chair position; the current Vice-Chair was nominated. No further nominations were made, and a vote was taken. The motion passed. Staff noted that terms for two members expire in May and applications for reappointment were distributed.
Minutes Approval
- The Commission reviewed the minutes from the March 12th meeting. A correction was noted regarding Commissioner comments on Item 7 (City Beautiful Ward discussion). A motion was made to approve the minutes, and it was seconded. The vote passed.
Public Communication
- A member of the public addressed the Commission regarding the Arcade, requesting that the Commission be copied on related administrative activities to ensure historical preservation principles are maintained.
Museum Report
- The Museum Representative reported on a recently closed exhibit and the upcoming "Ojai Mystique" landscape exhibition scheduled for April 17th.
Pedestrian Barriers (Informational Item)
- Staff presented an informational report regarding pedestrian barriers (concrete planter pots) proposed for intersections involving East Ohio Avenue and Signal Street. The project falls under Caltrans jurisdiction. The Public Works Director answered questions regarding the design standards, dimensions, and safety rationale. Public comment raised concerns regarding safety hazards, maintenance, aesthetics, and the desire for public input earlier in the process. Staff clarified that the project is necessary for safety compliance but the Commission is encouraged to provide comments. No vote was taken as this was an informational item.
Sign Permit: Ojai Music Festival Pennants
- Staff presented a request for a change in the color of pennants to be displayed in the Arcade and Libbey Park Pergola for the 80th anniversary of the Music Festival. The request for lanterns previously submitted was withdrawn. Staff recommended approval. A motion to approve was made and seconded. The vote passed.
Budget Request: Fiscal Year 2026-2027
- Staff provided an informational overview of the budget request process. The Commission discussed potential budget items, including Historic Resource Reports (HRR), education training, a National Register plaque for the theater, and potential funds for Mills Act assistance. No formal budget was adopted; the discussion was for the purpose of preparing a request to submit to the City Council.
Ojai Railroad Heritage Trail
- The ad hoc committee provided an update on the interpretive signage project. A proposal was made to rename the trail to the "Ventura and Ojai Valley Railroad Heritage Trail" to better reflect the historical railroad name and encourage collaboration with Ventura. The Commission voted to support the name change. The vote passed.
Historic Resource Survey Update
- Commissioners provided an update on the kickoff meeting with the contracting firm for the Historic Resource Survey. Protocols for communication and research contributions were discussed. This was an informational item.
Notification of Proposed Director Approval: 718 Foothill
- Staff presented notification of a minor work permit for reroofing at the Robertson House (Landmark #13). Commissioners discussed the designation of the roof as a character-defining feature and the timing of public review versus the approval window. Staff clarified the code regarding the 15-day appeal period and confirmed the project was routed to the HPC for comment prior to approval. No vote was taken on the permit; the item was informational.
Notification of Proposed Director Approval: 1000 Foothill
- Staff presented notification of a minor work permit for reroofing at the Libbey House (Landmark #4) using faux cedar shake shingles. Staff explained the material choice. Commissioners accepted the notification. No vote was taken on the permit; the item was informational.
Educational Update
- A Commissioner reported on attendance at a preservation training class. This was an informational item.
Future Agenda Items
- The Commission discussed items for the May agenda, including a review of Arcade paint colors and design guidelines. A discussion was held regarding a procedural change to streamline landmarking and Mills Act designation for properties already identified as contributing to the State Historic District. It was agreed to add these topics to the May agenda for further discussion.
Commissioner Comments: City Beautiful Award Proposal
- Commissioners McCattin and Akins presented a draft proposal for a new "City Beautiful Edward Drummond Libby Award of Excellence." The proposal aims to recognize contributions aligning with civic pride and community betterment principles. A motion was made to create a presentation based on the draft text to present to the City Council. The motion was seconded. The vote passed. The Commission agreed to refine the logistics of the award, including selection criteria and involvement of other commissions, at the May meeting before the Council presentation.
Adjournment
- A motion was made to adjourn the meeting, and it was seconded. The meeting was adjourned.