March 18, 2026 — Planning Commission Regular Meeting

Meeting Summary

Present: Murphy, Rice-Schmidt, Stewart

This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.

Staff presented a resolution to formally document the denial of proposed outdoor dining modifications.
Public comment was received regarding the plaza condition and freezer relocation.
The commission voted to adopt the resolution confirming the previous denial.

Applicants presented a conceptual plan for landscaping, structures, and ADA improvements on the campus.
Commissioners questioned the relationship to the 1993 Libbey Park Master Plan and historic designation scope.
Staff was directed to investigate the applicability of the Libbey Park Master Plan to the property.
The item remained informational with no formal vote taken on the concept plan.

Staff reported no items were prepared for the upcoming April 1st regular meeting.
Commissioners voted to cancel the April 1st meeting due to the lack of agenda items.

The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. A roll call was conducted, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. It was confirmed that there were no changes to the agenda.

Public communications were opened for matters of city business not on the regularly scheduled agenda. No members of the public appeared in person or online. The period was closed.

The minutes from the regular meeting of March 4th were reviewed. A motion was made to approve the minutes as written, and a second was received. The motion was put to a vote and passed.

Commissioners reported their attendance at site visits relevant to the agenda items. Commissioners also reported having no ex parte contacts regarding the items on the agenda.

Item: Outdoor dining area modifications at 242 East Ojai Avenue. Discussion: Staff presented a resolution to formally document a denial regarding the proposed modifications that was previously discussed. A member of the public addressed the commission regarding the condition of the plaza and the relocation of a freezer. Staff clarified that the motion was to confirm the previous action. Action: A motion was made to adopt the resolution confirming the denial. A second was received. Vote Outcome: Passed.

Item: Landscaping project on Historic Landmark #23 (Smith-Hobson House). Discussion: Staff and the applicant presented a conceptual plan for the eight-acre campus, including proposed landscaping, new structures, restoration areas, and ADA improvements. A member of the public addressed the commission regarding the historic nature of the property and the need for review of specific historic elements. Commissioners inquired about the relationship between this project and the 1993 Libbey Park Master Plan, the scope of the historic landmark designation, funding, and operational models. The City Attorney provided legal clarification regarding the designation of the main building versus outbuildings and the requirements for work permits. Action: This item was for comments and feedback only; no formal vote was taken on the concept plan. Staff was instructed to investigate the status and applicability of the Libbey Park Master Plan regarding the property. Vote Outcome: No action taken (Feedback only).

Discussion: Staff reported that no items were ready for the April 1st meeting. Action: A motion was made to cancel the April 1st regular meeting. A second was received. Vote Outcome: Passed.

Staff provided updates on the General Plan Update, noting the Safety Element is ready for review. Staff also reported on the data collection for the Economic Diversification Element survey.