Meeting Summary
Present: McCutchen, more
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At a glance
Major Work Permit (1001 Foothill / Libby Gatehouse)
- Staff presented plans to rehabilitate the rose arbor and construct a new outdoor kitchen at the historic landmark.
- Revised proposals included the removal of a previously proposed fence during review.
- The resolution approving the major work permit passed following a written statement of support.
Sign and Minor Work Permit (338 East Ojai Avenue)
- The commission approved permits for a projecting sign, window sign, and flower baskets near the public right-of-way.
- Discussion addressed material selection and compliance with specific Arcade Plaza guidelines.
- Staff agreed to investigate existing floodlights above the building for a future agenda item.
Design Review Comments (242 East Ojai Avenue / Arcade Plaza)
- The commission provided comments on a design review for an outdoor dining area expansion and fencing.
- Written concerns were noted regarding CEQA compliance and the need for a comprehensive historic study.
- No motion was taken as comments were prepared to be forwarded to the Planning Commission.
Treasures of Ojai (Landmarking and Mills Act)
- Representatives discussed streamlining the landmarking process for businesses within the State Historic District.
- The commission explored the feasibility of fast-tracking the process to reduce costs for applicants.
- Staff agreed to research the legal and procedural requirements before taking further action.
Pop-up Events
- A motion was made to table the item regarding pop-up events and sandwich board regulations.
- The request stemmed from the need to clarify conflicting information with city administration and legal counsel.
Historic Resource Survey Update
- Staff reported progress on research themes including Native American history and architecture.
- Fieldwork for the Historic Resource Survey is expected to commence in July.
Ventura and Ojai Valley Railroad Heritage Trail
- An update was provided on the ongoing signage project design templates and text.
- Funding needs were discussed alongside plans for initial sign installation.
Administrative and Future Agenda
- Staff agreed to investigate paint color compliance procedures for the Arcade Plaza.
- Administrative discussions included budget questions and the schedule for commissioner reappointments.
Full summary
Call to Order and Agenda Approval
- The meeting was called to order with a roll call of the commissioners. A motion was made to approve the agenda, which was seconded. The motion passed.
Public Communications
- Time was set aside for members of the public to address the commission on city business not scheduled on the agenda. No public communications were received during this segment.
Consent Calendar (Minutes)
- The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed. A correction was noted regarding the naming of the Ventura and Ojai Valley Railroad Heritage Trail to ensure consistency with previous votes. A motion was made to approve the minutes, which was seconded. The motion passed via roll call.
Item 1: Major Work Permit (1001 Foothill / Libby Gatehouse)
- Staff presented a request for a major work permit for the rehabilitation of the Cecil Bruner Rose Arbor, brick patio leveling, and construction of a new outdoor kitchen at the historic landmark property. Revised plans were reviewed, including the removal of a previously proposed fence. The property owner spoke regarding the historical significance of the site. Written comments from an absent commissioner were read, expressing support for the permit consistent with standards and encouraging the addition of vines. A motion was made to adopt the resolution approving the major work permit, which was seconded. The motion passed.
Item 2: Sign and Minor Work Permit (338 East Ojai Avenue)
- Staff presented a request for a sign permit and minor work permit for a new business, including a projecting sign, window sign, and three window flower baskets within the East Ojai Avenue Design Guideline area. Discussion addressed the materials, placement relative to the public right-of-way, and compliance with Arcade Plaza guidelines. Written comments from an absent commissioner were read regarding the sign and baskets. A motion was made to approve the signage and planters, which was seconded. The motion passed.
- Following the vote, a discussion occurred regarding existing floodlights above the building. It was noted that these were not part of the permit request. Staff agreed to investigate the existing lighting for potential placement on a future agenda item.
Item 3: Design Review Comments (242 East Ojai Avenue / Arcade Plaza)
- The commission provided comments to staff regarding a design review and conditional use permit for an outdoor dining area expansion, freezer screening, and fencing. The proposal was discussed in the context of previous Planning Commission denials and Arcade Plaza Design Guidelines. The applicant addressed questions regarding site modifications and compliance. Written comments from an absent commissioner were read, raising concerns about CEQA compliance, historic resource impact analysis, and specific project features. The Commission discussed the need for a comprehensive historic study of the plaza area. No motion was taken; comments were prepared to be forwarded to the Planning Commission.
Item 4: Treasures of Ojai (Landmarking and Mills Act)
- The commission discussed a proposal to streamline the landmarking process for businesses that are contributing properties within the State Historic District to facilitate Mills Act contracts. Representatives from Treasures of Ojai presented their building’s history and desire for landmark status. Staff and the Commission discussed the feasibility of fast-tracking the process based on existing state district status to reduce costs for applicants. No motion was taken. Staff agreed to research the legal and procedural requirements for this approach.
Item 5: Pop-up Events
- A motion was made to table the item regarding pop-up events and sandwich board regulations. The request was based on the need to clarify conflicting information regarding city codes and legal interpretations with city administration and legal counsel before proceeding. The item was tabled to a future meeting.
Item 6: Historic Resource Survey Update
- Staff provided an update on the Historic Resource Survey and Historic Context Statement project. Progress was reported on research themes including Native American history, Spanish-Mexican exploration, and architecture. Fieldwork is expected to commence in July. No motion was taken.
Item 7: Ventura and Ojai Valley Railroad Heritage Trail
- An update was provided on the signage project for the Railroad Heritage Trail. Work on design templates and text is ongoing, with plans for initial sign installation. Funding needs were discussed. No motion was taken.
Administrative and Future Agenda
- The meeting concluded with discussions on administrative matters. Topics included education updates, budget questions, paint color compliance for the Arcade Plaza, the schedule for commissioner reappointments, and formatting of meeting minutes. Staff agreed to investigate paint color compliance procedures and verify reappointment schedules. No motions were taken on these items.