Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Sarasota Park Playground Reconstruction Update (CIP Project PK3013)
- Staff corrected the financial breakdown to reflect $200,000 in Year 1 and $550,000 in Year 2, clarifying that no Measure C funds are allocated.
- The procurement strategy shifted to a cooperative agreement process to utilize competitively bid pricing from other agencies.
- The Commission requested Public Works to prepare a draft RFP or template for installation specifications to maintain project momentum.
- The project targets completion by December 2028, with a grant liquidation deadline of June 30, 2029.
Summer Day Camp 2026 Report
- Attendance trends show an upward trajectory over the past three years, though significant participant turnover occurs weekly.
- The report covers only city-run summer camps, excluding contract programs such as gymnastics and ceramics.
- Staff confirmed the addition of a fall camp and discussed potential expansions to other school breaks like Presidents Week and Thanksgiving.
Community Aquatics Program Update
- The program served 1,958 participants across 50 operating days, with peak single-day attendance reaching 109 participants.
- Staff is working with the school district to revise the schedule based on athletic team needs.
- Staff agreed to include staffing costs, operation costs, and generated revenue in the next month’s report.
- Discussion included streamlining the entry process and exploring the feasibility of adding water aerobics classes.
Ojai Day Update
- Street closures for the October 17 festival will extend from Ventura Street to Fox Street.
- The mandala painting event will be held around the fountain area on Saturday and Sunday.
- Approximately 175 vendors and six food trucks are confirmed for the event.
- The Ojai Day poster has been selected and is currently in the printing process.
Full summary
Roll Call and Pledge
- The Chair called the roll, noting the presence of Chair Taylor, Vice-Chair Intner, and Commissioner Lear. Commissioners Bailey and Munich were absent. The Vice-Chair led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed.
Public Comment
- Three members of the public provided comments regarding the opening of the "Snack Shack" in the neighborhood. The speakers expressed appreciation for the addition to the community and its partnership with local businesses. No other public comments were received.
Consent Calendar: Approval of Minutes
- The minutes from the regular meeting on September 3rd were presented. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed.
Sarasota Park Playground Reconstruction Update (CIP Project PK3013)
- Staff presented a status update on the playground reconstruction project. Key points included:
- Project Background: The project involves constructing two age-appropriate, ADA-accessible playgrounds at Sarasota Park. Funding is primarily derived from a $750,000 California State Parks Grant.
- Financial Clarification: Discussion arose regarding inconsistencies in the reported budget figures. Staff clarified that the total project funding is $750,000 from the grant, with no Measure C funds currently allocated to the playground. Staff noted that the report’s financial breakdown required correction to reflect $200,000 in Year 1 and $550,000 in Year 2, rather than the previously stated $650,000 in Year 2. Staff agreed to update the financials in the next report.
- Procurement Strategy: Staff shifted from a traditional Request for Proposal (RFP) to a cooperative agreement process to utilize competitively bid pricing from other agencies. The selected vendor, Dave Bang Associates, has completed a site visit and is currently developing equipment pricing and layout options.
- Next Steps: The Commission requested that Public Works prepare a draft RFP or template for installation specifications to maintain project momentum, particularly in anticipation of potential staff turnover. This item was added to the future agenda for a Public Works update.
- Timeline: The project completion target is December 2028, with a grant liquidation deadline of June 30, 2029.
Summer Day Camp 2026 Report
- Staff presented participation statistics and program highlights for the 2026 Summer Day Camp.
- Participation: Attendance trends upward over the past three years. Staff noted that while weekly numbers fluctuate, there is significant turnover in participants, with many children attending only one or two weeks.
- Program Scope: The report covers the city-run summer camp only, excluding contract camps (e.g., gymnastics, ceramics) which are listed separately in the youth programming guide.
- Future Programming: Staff confirmed the addition of a fall camp this year and discussed the potential for adding camps during other school breaks, such as Presidents Week and Thanksgiving, to serve working families. Registration for the fall camp is currently open.
Community Aquatics Program Update
- Staff provided an update on the public aquatics program at the Nordoff Aquatic Center, which launched in June 2026 in coordination with the Ojai Unified School District.
- Attendance: The program served 1,958 participants across 50 operating days from June 28 to September 20. Peak single-day attendance was 109 participants on August 2.
- Hours and Scheduling: Current hours are Monday and Wednesday evenings (6:45–8:45 PM) and Sundays (2–6 PM). Staff is working with the school district to revise the schedule based on athletic team needs.
- Financials: A public comment noted the absence of revenue and cost data in the report. Staff agreed to include staffing costs, operation costs, and generated revenue in the next month’s report to provide a financial comparison.
- Program Enhancements: Discussion included streamlining the entry process (potentially using ActiveNet registration) and the feasibility of adding water aerobics classes. Staff indicated they would explore these options, including potential partnerships with local instructors or organizations.
- Public Comment: A member of the public requested information on revenue generation and suggested promoting the pool through school district communication channels (e.g., ParentSquare) and considering organized group visits for seniors or nonprofit groups.
Ojai Day Update
- Staff provided an update on the upcoming Ojai Day festival, scheduled for October 17.
- Logistics: The street closure will extend from Ventura Street to Fox Street. The mandala painting event will be held around the fountain area on Saturday and Sunday, rather than in the street.
- Vendors: Approximately 175 vendors and six food trucks are confirmed.
- Marketing: The Ojai Day poster has been selected and is in the printing process.
Liaison Report
- The Councilmember liaison thanked the Commission for the detailed reports and noted the improvement in agenda clarity. They mentioned that the Ojai Day poster selection was a positive outcome.
Adjournment
- The Chair reviewed the upcoming agenda items, including the carryover of the playground and aquatics updates, a Public Works RFP draft, and the meeting calendar. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM.