Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting

Volunteer Graffiti Removal

• Volunteer tasks were assigned for cleaning multiple city locations.
• Members discussed jurisdiction between public property and private buildings.

City Beautiful Award Proposal

• A proposal for a new award focusing on civic beauty was presented.
• The commission will refine criteria to request City Council support.

Taormina District Advisory

• The commission declined a formal advisory committee due to Brown Act concerns.
• Informal communication with specific community members will be maintained instead.

Ventura & Ojai Valley Railroad Heritage Trail

• A committee is designing heritage trail signage for four specific locations.
• The project includes historical maps and has an estimated cost of $3,764.

Historic Resource Inventory & Arcade Research

• An ad hoc committee is researching WPA buildings and multi-family development themes.
• A separate committee formed to research Arcade Plaza history for an informal report.
• A preliminary inventory draft is expected by the end of July.

Fast-Tracking Landmarking & Mills Act

• Members discussed streamlining processes for properties within the State Historic District.
• The Chair will draft a code modification proposal for legal review.
• The goal is to allow State Historic District properties to qualify for Mills Act benefits.

Fire Safety & Future Agenda

• The commission agreed to invite a Fire Department liaison regarding safety in historic areas.
• A ghost hunter speaker was scheduled for the upcoming Ojai Day event.

• Here is a summary of the Historic Preservation Commission meeting:

Volunteer Graffiti Removal

• The commission assigned volunteer tasks for graffiti removal at various locations including the Arcade, Sespe Wall, Libby Courts, Jail, and Museum. Discussion arose regarding jurisdiction, distinguishing between public property and private buildings.

City Beautiful Award Proposal

• Commissioner Walker presented a proposal for a new "City Beautiful Award," distinct from existing historic awards. The focus is on civic beauty, public spaces, architecture, and community benefit rather than just historic preservation.
• Themes: Historic archives, Chumash peoples and lands, Rancheros, and architecture.
• Format: Small plaques or certificates.
• Next Steps: The commission will refine the criteria and presentation to request support from the City Council.

Taormina District Advisory

• Discussion took place regarding the creation of an advisory committee for the Taormina Historic District. The commission decided against a formal committee due to potential Brown Act complications and bureaucracy. Instead, they will maintain informal contact with specific community members (John Lambert and Robin Gerber) to facilitate communication and project updates.

Ventura & Ojai Valley Railroad Heritage Trail

• The committee updated the commission on heritage trail signage for four locations (Ojai Depot, Libbey Park trail, Matilija station, etc.). A committee involving museum staff and artist Colleen McDougall is designing the signs, which will feature historical maps, descriptions, and a "Kids Corner." The estimated cost is $3,764.

Historic Resource Inventory & Arcade Research

• Inventory: An ad hoc committee continues research on the Historic Resource Inventory, focusing on themes like WPA buildings and multi-family development. A preliminary draft is expected by the end of July.
• Arcade Plaza: An ad hoc committee (Commissioners Walker, Bisaccia, and Neeson) was formed to research the history of the Arcade Plaza to create an informal report similar to the Matilija Junior High project.

Fast-Tracking Landmarking & Mills Act

• A significant portion of the meeting discussed streamlining the process for properties within the State Historic District.
• Issue: Current City Code requires properties to be "individually listed" to qualify for Mills Act benefits, whereas State law only requires them to be "listed."
• Proposal: The commission discussed modifying the code to allow State Historic District properties to qualify for Mills Act or streamlined landmarking without a full Historic Resources Report (HRR).
• Action: The Chair will draft a proposal for legal review to determine feasibility before presenting to the City Council.

Fire Safety & Future Agenda

• Fire Dept Presentation: Following a recent fire in the Arcade, the commission agreed to invite a Fire Department liaison to speak at the next meeting regarding fire safety, tunnels, and building conditions in historic areas.
• Public Comment: A resident mentioned an infestation of bugs/spiders (noted for future reference) and another inquired about a piano found in the Arcade (directed to City Council).
• Ojai Day: The ghost hunter speaker will be invited again for the upcoming Ojai Day event.