Ojai public meetings in 2025

Arts Commission Special Meeting

The Arts Commission will discuss correcting and reissuing the Downtown Art Walk brochure with updated QR codes, contact info, and removal of docent-led tour references. They will also discuss, plan, and approve initiation of an updated 5-Year Strategic Plan to guide priorities and align with city goals.

• Correct and reissue the Downtown Art Walk brochure online and in print
• Discuss, plan, and approve initiation of a 5-Year Strategic Plan update

Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting

The Historic Preservation Commission will discuss the selection of a consultant for updating the Historic Resource Inventory Survey. They will also provide comments on a minor work permit for two propane generators at the Westways historic landmark (700 San Antonio Street) and offer input on an outdoor dining expansion at 242 E. Ojai Avenue. The consent item includes approval of the November 13, 2025, meeting minutes.

• Consultant selection for Historic Resource Inventory Survey update
• Minor Work Permit (WP 25-009) for two generators with propane tanks at 700 San Antonio Street (Historic Landmark No. 25, Westways)
• Design Review Permit (DRP 25-010) and Conditional Use Permit (CUP 25-007) for outdoor dining expansion at 242 E. Ojai Avenue
• Ojai Railroad Heritage Trail Interpretive Signage discussion
• Education Update

Ojai City Council Special Meeting - 4:00 PM

The Ojai City Council will hold a closed‑session discussion on negotiations for 503 S. Ventura Street and 601 Pearl Street, reviewing price and payment terms with the involved parties. Afterward, external firms will present findings from a forensic review, an operational policy assessment, and an investment policy certification. The meeting also includes standard public comment and procedural items.

• Closed‑session negotiation of price and terms for 503 S. Ventura Street
• Closed‑session negotiation of price and terms for 601 Pearl Street
• Presentation by Kroll, LLC on targeted forensic review results
• Presentation by Eide Bailly LLC on operational and policy assessment status
• Presentation by California Municipal Treasurer Association on investment policy certification

Ojai City Council Regular Meeting - 6:00 PM

The Ojai City Council will adopt Ordinance No. 969, which adopts the 2025 California Building Codes by reference. The Council will also amend the city's 457 Deferred Compensation Plan to add Roth contribution options and SECURE 2.0 provisions. Additional actions include approving an MOU with HELP of Ojai for the Care Pod and reappointing the Area Housing Authority Commissioner.

• Adopt Ordinance No. 969 adopting the 2025 California Building Codes
• Amend the MissionSquare 457 Deferred Compensation Plan to include Roth contributions and SECURE 2.0 options
• Approve MOU with HELP of Ojai for operation of the Care Pod
• Reappoint Steve Mason as Area Housing Authority Commissioner for a four‑year term
• Ratify appointment of Catalina Niessen to fill a vacancy on the Historic Preservation Commission

Parks and Recreation Regular Meeting

The Commission will discuss current and proposed Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for Sarzotti Park. The goal of the discussion is to identify and prioritize projects to guide future planning.

• Discussion of Sarzotti Park Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)
• Review of FY 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program
• Approval of November 6, 2025, meeting minutes

Planning Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a design review and conditional use permit for remodeling the outdoor patio at Ojai Mountain Farm restaurant at 242 E. Ojai Avenue, and to revise an existing conditional use permit for outdoor dining. The commission will also select a new Vice Chairperson and consider approving meeting minutes from October and November 2025.

• Public hearing on Design Review Permit (DRP 25-010) and Conditional Use Permit (CUP 25-007) to remodel the outdoor patio at Ojai Mountain Farm restaurant, 242 E. Ojai Avenue
• Consideration to adopt a resolution approving the permits based on findings and conditions in Attachment A
• Selection of a new Planning Commission Vice Chairperson
• Approval of minutes from the October 1, 2025 Regular Meeting
• Approval of minutes from the November 5, 2025 Regular Meeting

Ojai City Council Special Meeting

The Ojai City Council will vote to appoint Bethany A. Burgess as the new City Attorney and authorize a legal services agreement with Aleshire & Wynder, LLP. It will also consider a Fifth Amendment to the existing agreement with Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC. Additional items include a tiny‑home development MOU amendment for 408‑410 N Montgomery Street, a contracted Project Compliance Coordinator position, and a historic resources survey contract up to $88,050.

• Appointment of Bethany A. Burgess as City Attorney and legal services agreement with Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
• Fifth Amendment to legal services agreement with Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC
• Amendment No. 1 to MOU for tiny homes at 408‑410 N Montgomery Street with Habitat for Humanity
• Contracted Project Compliance Coordinator position (Willdan proposal)
• Historic Resources Group contract to update historic resource inventory, not to exceed $88,050

Arts Commission Regular Meeting

The Arts Commission will hear a recommendation from the Arts Grant Ad Hoc committee and decide on a recommendation to send to the City Council. The meeting also includes approval of the October 16, 2025 minutes and reports from commissioners on public art, arts education, grants, communication, and strategic planning.

• Discussion and review of Arts Grant Ad Hoc committee's recommendation for grant awards

Ojai City Council Special Meeting

The Ojai City Council will discuss and potentially approve several items, including a $250,000 pledge to support the Ojai Unified School District's grant match for Matilija Auditorium modernization, a $52,000 appropriation for a citywide speed survey, and a $52,200 purchase for a new council dais. The council will also consider extending security services at Ojai Tent Town through June 2026 and ratifying a $73,257 change order for a parking lot project.

• Consider $250,000 pledge to OUSD for Career Technical Education grant match (Item 9)
• Authorize $52,000 appropriation for citywide speed survey (Item 10)
• Authorize $52,200 for new custom-built dais for council chambers (Item 12)
• Ratify $73,257 change order for Downtown and Arcade Parking Lot project (Item 6)
• Authorize $56,185.74 purchase of one Chevrolet Silverado EV (Item 5)

Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting

The Historic Preservation Commission will discuss a concept review for a landscaping project at the City Hall Campus Master Plan. The body will also receive updates on a historic resource survey consultant and a report on the Downtown Ojai Historic District plaque unveiling.

• Concept review (CR 25-002) for landscaping at Historic Landmark No. 23 Smith-Hobson House (401 S. Ventura Street)
• Consultant selection update for the Historic Resource Inventory Survey
• Ad Hoc Committee report on the Downtown Ojai Historic District Plaque Unveiling and Ojai Day 2025
• Approval of August 14 and September 11, 2025 meeting minutes

Parks and Recreation Regular Meeting

The Commission will receive a review from the Public Works Director regarding the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The body is asked to provide feedback on project priorities for public recreation spaces and facilities.

• FY 2026-2030 Parks CIP total estimated cost: $1,850,000
• Libbey Park restroom remodel: $600,000
• Sarzotti Park new playgrounds: $550,000
• City Hall pickleball sound wall: $250,000
• Sarzotti Park half basketball court: $200,000

Planning Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a Conditional Use Permit for Joplin's Restaurant at 715 East Ojai Avenue. The permit would allow string lights, a sunshade, and outdoor live music on select evenings until 10 p.m. The commission will also select a new chairperson and vice chairperson, and approve the October 1, 2025, meeting minutes.

• Conditional Use Permit (CUP 25-006) for outdoor string lights, sunshade, and live music at Joplin’s, 715 East Ojai Avenue
• Selection of new Planning Commission Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
• Approval of minutes from October 1, 2025, regular meeting
• Discussion of future agenda items

Ojai City Council Special Meeting

This special meeting consists of a single closed session item: the City Council is reviewing candidates for City Attorney and may decide to appoint a firm, with contract approval to follow in a future open session. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Closed session to discuss public employment/appointment of City Attorney

Ojai City Council Regular Meeting

The Ojai City Council will introduce a first reading of an ordinance adopting the 2025 California Building Codes with local amendments. They will also consider a $100,000 agreement with Help of Ojai for rental assistance programs, and a resolution ratifying Ventura County Fire Protection District enforcement standards. Consent items include approval of warrants and meeting minutes.

• First reading of Ordinance No. 25-__ adopting 2025 California Building Codes with amendments to Chapter 15.08
• Authorize $100,000 one-year agreement with Help of Ojai for Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Rental Assistance
• Resolution ratifying Ventura County Fire Protection District Ordinance No. 34 for fire code enforcement within the city
• Receive and file warrants for October 13 and October 19, 2025
• Approve minutes from September 9, 2025 City Council and Arts Commission meetings

Ojai City Council Special Meeting

The Ojai City Council will discuss and adopt City Council goals and corresponding tactics along with estimated resource needs. They will also consider a concept for establishing a Public Safety Commission, approve a pilot benefit program for trolley drivers, and authorize a sonic boom monitoring agreement with Vandenberg Space Force Base.

• Reappointment of Steve Mason to the Area Housing Authority Board of Commissioners for a four-year term
• Discussion and adoption of City Council goals and tactics with staff cost estimates
• Concept review of a proposed Public Safety Commission; potential first reading of an ordinance at a future meeting
• Trolley Driver Pilot Benefit Program to provide employment benefits to attract and retain drivers
• Memorandum of Agreement with Space Launch Delta 30 to monitor sonic booms from Vandenberg Space Force Base

Arts Commission Regular Meeting

The Ojai Arts Commission will hear 4-minute presentations from 2026 Arts Grant applicants, offering public insight into proposed projects. The commission will also consider approving the minutes from the September 18, 2025 meeting and receive reports from commissioners and liaisons. No final action on grant awards is scheduled at this meeting.

• 2026 Arts Grant applicants give 4-minute presentations on proposed projects
• Consent item: approval of minutes from September 18, 2025 regular meeting
• Commissioner reports on public art, arts education, mentor program, grants, communication, city collection, technology, and strategic planning
• Discussion of future agenda items
• Staff liaison report and City Council liaison report from Mayor Gilman

Ojai City Council Special Meeting for Closed Session

The City Council will meet in a special closed session to discuss legal claims, personnel matters, and real estate negotiations. These items are handled privately under government code provisions.

• Liability claims and anticipated litigation involving Leslie Rule
• Public employment discussion regarding the City Attorney
• Real property negotiations for 503 South Ventura Street with Ronald McCrea TR

Ojai City Council Regular Meeting

The Ojai City Council will discuss directing staff to negotiate a broadband franchise agreement with Aspire Broadband, LLC and draft a microtrenching ordinance. The council will also consider implementing a proactive code compliance approach targeting inoperable vehicles, unpermitted construction, and downtown signage rules. Consent items include a $47,800 purchase of a new council dais, cybersecurity assessment for $37,940, trolley driver contract for $60,000, and ratification of a planning commission appointment.

• Discussion on broadband franchise agreement with Aspire Broadband and microtrenching ordinance
• Proactive code compliance approach for inoperable vehicles, unpermitted construction, and Arcade Plaza design guidelines
• Purchase of custom-built council dais from ErgonomicHome.com not to exceed $47,800
• Cybersecurity assessment contract with Infosight Inc. for $37,940
• Driver labor agreement with Fillmore Area Transit for trolley drivers up to $60,000

Ojai City Council Special Meeting for Closed Session

This is a special meeting held entirely in closed session. The City Council will discuss and potentially select a firm to serve as Ojai City Attorney under both public employment and public appointment provisions. Any final contract approval would occur at a future public meeting.

• Closed session discussion on appointing a City Attorney (Gov. Code § 54957, public employment)
• Closed session discussion on appointing a City Attorney (Gov. Code § 54957, public appointment)

Planning Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to decide on a design review permit for renovations to properties in the Downtown Ojai Historic District. The body will also receive an update on parking lot conditions for a site on W. Matilija Avenue.

• Design Review Permit (DRP 25-005) for renovation and restoration of 202 & 206 E. Ojai Avenue and 102 N. Signal Street
• Update on Conditional Use Permit (CUP 24-001) parking lot conditions at 111 W. Matilija Avenue
• Approval of Planning Commission meeting minutes from August 20, 2025, and September 3, 2025

Ojai City Council Special Meeting

The Ojai City Council will consider a resolution to appoint a voting delegate and alternate to represent the city at the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference. Council members will also hold a workshop to review documents for a permanent supportive housing project located at 611 South Montgomery Street and provide feedback before design bidding.

• Adopt resolution appointing a voting delegate and alternate to the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference.
• Workshop to review permanent supportive housing project documents for 611 South Montgomery Street and give feedback prior to design bidding.

Arts Commission Regular Meeting

The Ojai Arts Commission will discuss the composition and timeline for the 2026 Arts Grant Ad Hoc Committee. They will also view a presentation on the Sound Arch Maintenance Crew video, approve the August meeting minutes, and hear commissioner reports on public art, arts education, grants, communication, city collection, technology, and strategic planning. Public comment is accepted for non-agenda items.

• Discussion of 2026 Arts Grant Ad Hoc Committee composition and timeline
• Presentation of Sound Arch Maintenance Crew video
• Approval of August 21, 2025 regular meeting minutes
• Commissioner reports on public art, arts education, grants, communication, city collection, technology, strategic planning

Ojai City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will hold two appeal hearings to decide whether to uphold or overturn the Tax Collector's determinations enforcing Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and penalties against Cameron Larner, owner of Casa Ojai Inn and Su Nido Inn, for audit periods totaling $11,423.37 and $1,630.67 respectively. The council may also vote to extend a pilot program with the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce through June 2026 at a cost of $81,900, and consider a resolution opposing the USDA's rescission of the Roadless Rule while supporting pending federal legislation.

• Appeal hearing for Casa Ojai Inn TOT audit – $11,423.37
• Appeal hearing for Su Nido Inn TOT audit – $1,630.67
• Extension of Chamber of Commerce pilot program through June 2026 with $81,900 appropriation
• Resolution opposing USDA Roadless Rule rescission and supporting H.R. 3930 and S. 2042
• Closed session on anticipated litigation regarding code enforcement at 1117 Sunset Place

Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting

The Historic Preservation Commission will discuss annual awards, the Ojai Day 2025 celebration, and historical plaques for the Ojai Valley Trail. The body will also review a Request for Proposals to update the Historic Resource Inventory Survey.

• 2025 Historic Preservation and Lifetime Achievement Awards for Stephen Adams, Ojai Playhouse Theater team, and The Gables of Ojai owners
• Ojai Day 2025 California State Downtown Ojai Historic District Celebration report
• Ojai Valley Trail Point of Historical Interest Plaque(s)
• Request for Proposals (RFP) to Update Historic Resource Inventory Survey

Ojai City Council Regular Meeting

The Ojai City Council will discuss the DignityMoves development budget and schedule for the Ojai Permanent Supportive Housing Project, consider allocating $100,000 to HELP of Ojai for rental assistance, and receive an update on the General Plan including the Climate Action Plan and Economic Diversification. Consent items include approving meeting minutes, warrants, a contract amendment for accounting services, a storm drain cleaning agreement, and a pavement project completion.

• Authorize 1st amendment with MV Cheng & Associates for accounting support, increasing not-to-exceed to $75,000
• Award storm drain cleaning and video inspection contract to Ventura Regional Sanitary District for $57,848
• Discuss DignityMoves development budget and schedule for Ojai Permanent Supportive Housing Project
• Concept review to allocate $100,000 in General Funds to HELP of Ojai for rental assistance
• Receive General Plan Update progress report focusing on Climate Action Plan and Economic Diversification

Ojai City Council and Arts Commission Joint Meeting

The Ojai City Council and Arts Commission will hold a joint special meeting to discuss and potentially approve the Arts Commission's 5-Year Plan. The council will also consider recommendations including integrating the plan into the General Plan, conducting an economic study of the creative economy, improving stewardship of public art, and creating a mural in Kent Hall.

• Approval of the Arts Commission's 5-Year Plan
• Discussion of integrating the 5-Year Plan into the City's General Plan
• Request for an economic study of Ojai's creative economy
• Stewardship of public art and city collections
• Mural in Kent Hall

The Ojai City Council approved the agenda for the September 9, 2025 special meeting with a vote of four in favor, zero against, and one member absent. No other substantive actions were taken during the joint meeting with the Arts Commission. The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.

• Approved meeting agenda (4‑0, 1 absent)

Parks and Recreation Regular Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission will receive an oral report on the Fall 2025 Activity Guide, including new adult fitness, wellness offerings, and enhanced senior activities. They will also get an update on the Nordhoff High School Aquatic Center following City Council direction on community use opportunities.

• Oral report on Fall 2025 Activity Guide covering September–December programs and events
• Update on Nordhoff High School Aquatic Center community use after August 26 Council meeting
• No public hearings or votes—both items are discussion only

Planning Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to review progress on the approved phasing plan for the Cottages Among the Flowers project at 312 West Aliso Street and consider a requested adjustment to the order of actions. They will also discuss alternatives to the existing Building Appeals Board at the request of the City Council. The meeting includes procedural items such as public communications and commissioner reports.

• Public hearing: Review phasing plan progress and consider adjustment for Cottages Among the Flowers (DRP 05-01) at 312 West Aliso Street
• Discussion: Concept review of alternatives to the Building Appeals Board
• Applicant: Ojai Bungalows, LP/The Becker Group, represented by Jeffrey R. Becker

Ojai City Council Special Meeting

This is a special meeting with no open-session business. The council will convene in closed session to discuss labor negotiations with trolley drivers and all unrepresented city employees. No public action items are scheduled.

• Conference with labor negotiators regarding Trolley Drivers
• Conference with labor negotiators regarding All Unrepresented Employees

Ojai City Council Regular Meeting

The Ojai City Council will consider several items, including adopting a FlexPath ordinance that sets efficiency standards for single‑family renovations. Council members will vote on a professional services agreement with the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council for wildfire safety services up to $386,025, funded from the Measure C Fund Balance. Additional actions include forming a 2:2 committee with the Ojai Unified School District and hiring a special housing counsel, amending a contract with Rincon Consultants for up to $51,133, and reinstating the ADU compliance program guidelines.

• Adopt FlexPath Ordinance (Second Reading) establishing efficiency requirements for major single‑family renovations (Section 9‑1.1001 and 9‑1.701(g)).
• Approve professional services agreement with Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council for wildfire safety services, not to exceed $386,025, funded from Measure C.
• Appoint two council members to a 2:2 committee with Ojai Unified School District and retain Sunny Soltani as Special Housing Counsel.
• Amend Rincon Consultants PSA for additional work up to $51,133 at 611 South Montgomery Street for remedial excavation under DTSC guidance.
• Adopt resolution reinstating ADU/Second Unit Compliance Program guidelines and removing the application deadline.

Planning Commission Regular Meeting

The Ojai Planning Commission will hold two public hearings: an appeal of a director's determination requiring removal of an orange metal bench from the public right-of-way at 210 E. Ojai Avenue, and a design review permit to demolish a 1,296 sq ft wood barn and construct a 2,346 sq ft replacement metal barn at 1008 Daly Road. The commission will also approve consent minutes and discuss future agenda items.

• Appeal of Director Determination regarding orange metal bench removal at 210 E. Ojai Avenue (Ojai Ice Cream) for non-compliance with Arcade Design Guidelines
• Design Review Permit (DRP 25-008) for demolition of 1,296 sq ft single-story wood barn and construction of 2,346 sq ft two-story replacement metal barn at 1008 Daly Road

Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting

The Commission will hold public hearings on a sign permit for 'Ojai Mountain Farm' at 242 E. Ojai Avenue within Historic Landmark No. 5 (The Ojai Arcade) and on a major work permit for renovations to storefronts at 202 & 206 E. Ojai Avenue and 102 N. Signal Street, which are contributors to the Downtown Ojai Historic District. The Commission will also discuss and select nominees for the 2025 Annual Historic Preservation Awards, review proposed pamphlet updates, and receive reports on Ojai Day 2025 and Ojai Valley Trail plaques.

• Public hearing on Sign Permit (S 25-007) for a new sign for 'Ojai Mountain Farm' at 242 E. Ojai Avenue within Historic Landmark No. 5, 'The Ojai Arcade'.
• Public hearing on Major Work Permit (WP 25-008) for renovation and restoration of storefronts at 202 & 206 E. Ojai Avenue and 102 N. Signal Street (contributors to Downtown Ojai Historic District).
• Discussion and selection of nominees for the 2025 Annual Historic Preservation Awards.
• Review and discussion of proposed updates to historic preservation city pamphlets.
• Report on plans for Ojai Day 2025 celebration of the California State Downtown Ojai Historic District.

Ojai City Council Special Meeting for Closed Session

The Ojai City Council will meet in closed session to hold a conference with labor negotiators representing public employees. City Negotiator Kathy Holman, Human Resources/Risk Manager, will lead the discussion with all unrepresented employees. No formal decision is listed on the agenda.

• Conference with labor negotiators (Government Code Section 54957.6) – led by City Negotiator Kathy Holman

Ojai City Council Special and Regular Meeting

The Ojai City Council is holding a special meeting for two presentations, followed by a regular meeting with routine business. Presentations include the introduction of Deputy Eric Burnett as the new motor officer and a progress report on the City Hall Campus Master Plan. No votes on substantive policy items are scheduled; the regular meeting's consent calendar items are not detailed in the agenda text.

• Ojai Police Chief Steve Jenkins introducing Deputy Eric Burnett as Ojai's motor officer
• Ojai Valley Green Coalition and Kathy Nolan presenting a progress report on the City Hall Campus Master Plan
• Regular meeting consent calendar items (1.a–1.i) not specified in provided agenda text

Parks and Recreation Regular Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission will review a staff recommendation to assess the 2017 Sarzotti Park Master Plan and consider launching a new community survey to update priorities based on recent shifts in usage and demographics. The agenda also includes approval of the July 3, 2025 meeting minutes as a consent item.

• Discussion of staff recommendation to review the 2017 Sarzotti Park Master Plan and initiate a new community survey to reassess park priorities
• Consent approval of the July 3, 2025 regular meeting minutes

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee will review three proposed financial policies: a new umbrella Financial Policy, a Balanced Budget Policy, and a Budget and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report Management Policy. These policies are intended to meet best practices and qualify the city for the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The committee will also review staff responses to budget-related inquiries from the June 24 City Council meeting.

• Review of proposed Financial Policy (Attachment A) to set framework for all other financial policies
• Review of proposed Balanced Budget Policy
• Review of proposed Budget and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report Management Policy
• Review of staff responses to City Council budget-related inquiries from June 24, 2025
• Approval of minutes from the June 5, 2025 Finance and Budget Committee meeting

Ojai City Council Special Meeting

The Ojai City Council will hold a community workshop on proposed Single-Family Flexpath Energy Efficiency Measures and receive public input. They will also continue discussing prioritized tactics for City Council Goals 6 through 9, covering economy, climate resiliency, financial stability, and communication.

• Community workshop on proposed Single-Family Flexpath Energy Efficiency Measures
• Discussion and prioritization of tactics for City Council Goals 6-9 (Diversifying Economy/Tourism Management, Climate Resiliency, Financial Stability, Communication and Relationships)