[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6551368,"mediaKeyId","5339492-1c3b820a0beaa86f0ece2335fd621058","parentId",5339492,"title","Votes at a glance: Key Ojai City Council actions, July 8","audioSeconds",12496,"startMs",1696000,"endMs",14192000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339492-1c3b820a0beaa86f0ece2335fd621058&start=1696&end=14192","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339492-1c3b820a0beaa86f0ece2335fd621058/thumbnail_1696000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6551368/Ojai-City/Ventura-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-Key-Ojai-City-Council-actions-July-8","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551368-b0fb5c89d727ad0f7e1401af8e9ab5cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165139&Signature=V0roy34ms5uCgJ-vDPEybJTq2okeUDSCc8x9MFg5Dzbyx1uEc0ajcLPlkSi7pz50KLKwqYFbbpJRL95EzcfHeTazjObdENEbBf4fgVTwfxLX3hM8JwZC~NH~mPeAHuIkEpKLe-EFTX2xAOynL8ea-ukM5CkCkoD6EtRThAosmZW~UF4Atiq4HPhTu7Tz7TSirQRHBlFsAGUlUJZV6MIjDUZEwkg74v9UY343~rwGJ5L61mYWYViPFZnha8LVup7LX4fEYGerhRUju98HVpskMSqlSLEDbmr7mQZo5ZwSA3J8TrnbXfqzxB~JL9Ce8AW~3xiFmfg8JODF-zL9pOrU0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Ojal, CA","date","2025-07-09T09:47:54Z","article","The Ojai City Council took several formal actions during its July 8 meeting. Key outcomes:

• Consent calendar approved (roll call). The council approved the consent calendar by roll call vote.

• Ojai Care Policy (formerly submitted as the OHAI Values Act) — approved. Council adopted the locally tailored policy with amendments and directed the city manager to return with an implementation plan and cost estimates.

• Pause on Bryant Place feasibility study — approved, 3‑2. The council voted 3‑2 to pause targeted feasibility spending on the Bryant Place parcels and instructed staff to include site evaluations in a broader housing work plan before committing funds.

• Salary schedule amendment (COLA) — approved. Council amended the salary schedule to increase the cost‑of‑living adjustment for FY 2025‑26 to 2.5%; staff reported the net fiscal impact as $38,525 ($30,922 salaries and $5,603 benefits). Council also added two city classifications: assistant to the city manager and deputy city manager, effective July 7.

• Professional services agreement with Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce — approved. Council authorized the city manager to enter a three‑month agreement not to exceed $27,300 for chamber services tied to supporting local business and tourism initiatives; the chamber will report progress at the end of the pilot period.

Notes: Several items discussed at the meeting will return to council with additional information, including a staffing and budget plan for implementing the adopted Ojai Care Policy and a prioritized work plan for housing site feasibility studies.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 8, 2025 Ojai City Council Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal actions taken at the July 8 Ojai City Council meeting including consent calendar approval, adoption of the Ojai Care Policy, a 2.5% COLA for staff, a 3‑month chamber services agreement and the Bryant Place feasibility pause.","taxTitle","Ojai City, Ventura County, California","taxId",72373,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6551374,"Council pauses feasibility study into Bryant Place site for housing; motion passes 3-2",4386,9595000,13981000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339492-1c3b820a0beaa86f0ece2335fd621058&start=9595&end=13981","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339492-1c3b820a0beaa86f0ece2335fd621058/thumbnail_9595000.jpg","/articles/6551374/Ojai-City/Ventura-County/California/Council-pauses-feasibility-study-into-Bryant-Place-site-for-housing-motion-passes-3-2","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551374-aaa37652a3de20d67209e4938de42e93/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165139&Signature=Ur0X7yixa73fnTYcV3KMrNRNiPGWDRrl8eQIfTUeVDFOFwYuQKE0oI6bAK1c3lJMOWNVSPa2mx2LPftA2TgICDLpoQuRayoGv~Lv0srQTXQjPGD9yi5UF32FgZyt6lnkP6NCPwjCv1NNJIBjekiLsHr7h1C4bZoFx~8lfKqFnX5d0~rsCecUo~tz8XTwnIV7QLeKX61~eWCPAbT2zSePY8BP8aFavAyL7pK4CIf8um2mty6-2TF39SVjtdB7NalE~9OrHj5ixwDUfr-yPyM~OFNP1eu~jJpyNU52ljRCNDpbsOp6FmWha3V6D2upw3M9ZY~Qpdaqn0GoU4J~6GUbIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ojai City Council voted 3‑2 on July 8 to pause any feasibility study or expenditure aimed specifically at acquiring the Bryant Place parcels for a housing project.

Council members said that while the parcel — three contiguous lots behind business properties on Bryant Place — may be of interest for future housing or live‑work development, the city does not have the staff bandwidth or a clear, funded plan for another site study at this time. Several business owners that operate on and near the Bryant Place easement told the council they do not support a housing project there, citing narrow access, lack of sidewalks and lighting, heavy truck traffic and incomplete utility infrastructure.

Public commenters who oppose the Bryant Place option said the access way is a private easement, is not ADA compliant and would require significant investment in utilities and sidewalks; they also said daytime business operations and evening closures make the location unsuitable for a family‑centered housing project. Supporters of studying alternative sites argued the council should keep options open and that the city should evaluate multiple parcels when pursuing workforce or affordable housing goals.

After debate, the council voted to pause further feasibility spending on Bryant Place and instead folded future site‑feasibility efforts into a broader review of housing opportunities identified under the council’s goals. The roll call was: Mayor Pro Tem Rachel Lang — yes; Councilmember Leslie Ruhl — yes; Mayor Betsy Gilman — yes; Councilmember Megan Meng — no; Councilmember John Whitman — no. The motion passed 3‑2.

Ending

Councilmembers asked staff to include a larger feasibility and prioritization plan under the city’s housing goals and to return with a work plan and cost estimate for any site studies before the city spends unprogrammed funds.","After public comment from nearby businesses and residents, the council voted 3‑2 to pause staff work and not spend city funds on a feasibility study for the Bryant Place parcels until broader housing goal priorities are discussed.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6551379,"City manager says Dignity Moves reissued Cabin Village RFQ after compliance concerns; new due date July 25",0,3416000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339492-1c3b820a0beaa86f0ece2335fd621058&start=3416&end=3416","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339492-1c3b820a0beaa86f0ece2335fd621058/thumbnail_3416000.jpg","/articles/6551379/Ojai-City/Ventura-County/California/City-manager-says-Dignity-Moves-reissued-Cabin-Village-RFQ-after-compliance-concerns-new-due-date-July-25","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551379-2d4c80d2564dcf1612ce60b9c9f70b91/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165139&Signature=ftInt8Y40t1o~U3HNYw5LH1~SQA15cvaFtDsaMr6e7oK2UX7DYZVw6Ujjj5a3j-ALT3NbrD2W51NvG6c4HLBQIvBr~CGDyogJ5Q-tlpM7~Q6Nzuew70~Nl2WBN7sW5SH5BJjmcBIKXx2dVUz5gmmcph2v~SWCspAdRVzwKqZlXtkSLPfQMKcChrXg0t8c7uqoCxfjfg7icmh-gOY0atftP9A4T67LYZp6bSqip1QHZTXDmNtPwMvxexcgTxLpeho6nQ0FSRdsQPTD2eK5sD7eFER~-gqpZhLn6xfdtU~l7WXCR9OJjepSLEH8yxFC~0uKpK-lbp9mD6bRridbShc9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A resident's complaint about the solicitation timeline for the Cabin Village contractor selection prompted the city to seek clarification and an amended notice, City Manager Lucas Harvey told the Ojai City Council on July 8.

Resident Clay Creasey raised concerns that a June 27 news article and a July 1 RFQ deadline gave potential bidders insufficient public notice and might not comply with the California Public Contract Code. Creasey said he had contacted the city manager and a statewide compliance organization to raise the issue.

Harvey told the council that the notice had been reissued with an extended submission deadline and that responses already received would be retained until the amended closing date. He said the revised due date is July 25 and that the city had directed Dignity Moves to reissue the RFQ with the proper timeline.

Creasey told the council he was concerned that compressing notice narrows competition and raises costs. He argued that broad notice to qualified bidders helps control project costs for taxpayers. Harvey said the reissuance addressed the immediate compliance concern and that staff would continue to monitor the procurement process.

Ending

The council did not take a formal vote on procurement policy at the July 8 meeting; staff said they would continue to oversee the RFQ process to ensure compliance with law and the city’s development agreement.","Following public complaints that an RFQ notice for the Cabin Village was too short, the city manager said the notice was reissued with a later deadline and that initial responses will be held until the extended period closes.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6551382,"Ojai council adopts 'Ojai Care' policy to formalize protections for immigrants, LGBTQ and disability communities",680,8011000,8691000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339492-1c3b820a0beaa86f0ece2335fd621058&start=8011&end=8691","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339492-1c3b820a0beaa86f0ece2335fd621058/thumbnail_8011000.jpg","/articles/6551382/Ojai-City/Ventura-County/California/Ojai-council-adopts-Ojai-Care-policy-to-formalize-protections-for-immigrants-LGBTQ-and-disability-communities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551382-f2b583140abc55ab11fde9973307f3d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165139&Signature=Y3AGd5wPTHhucCjfaqjunfWCnofiY8txi5OPYWP74~gYjkSEfENkpb-4ES1kUMVJFOmYEM7egee4fTb-Y45mKzS6osjPzCJ9bz5EccrB4mDqQJiwPXavjkFyRVhp9coi8rVKcmLvZMK6vfEvcJvfLCskhAr8JUK3u-gjnzm3gY1T4rmrs6bWLcTc3rDEHKMMaFYn2j-BSGtx1O9tKEqeMIDd-Kzc-ifg26BshGksDkoRmoodeJJRMqT75-CCLeb8fhxYMbiEhJ0FGggowJ-1Z8oxBE35loXFEJl7dRieR6Vtrs56IVRU0gU3x3wYPS92D6z1YQkiVK4eA-gx3-M0BA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ojai City Council on July 8 adopted a locally tailored policy intended to protect immigrants, transgender residents and other groups from certain types of immigration enforcement and to clarify city staff expectations.

The measure — presented to council as the OHAI Values Act and adopted with edits under the new name “Ojai Care Policy” — declares the city’s intent to follow applicable California law and directs staff to prepare public information and training on residents’ rights and city procedures. The council voted in favor by roll call with all members voting yes.

Council members and dozens of residents said the change was intended to reduce fear in the community and make clear what residents and businesses should expect if immigration enforcement appears in Ojai. Supporters described the measure as a tool for staff training, a public statement of values and a place for the city to publish guidance on residents’ rights.

City leaders emphasized the policy is a local, non‑criminal statement of how staff should respond to requests from federal immigration officials. The adopted version cites state law and community protections that staff should follow, and council added language to explicitly cover “people perceived to be” members of protected groups and to reference disability and neurodiversity.

The final resolution keeps language that directs city staff to avoid complying with administrative immigration warrants that lack judicial oversight, and it clarifies the difference between judicial orders and administrative requests. Council members asked staff and the sheriff’s office to review the policy language and confirm operational details, including what types of warrants the city can lawfully honor.

Public comments at length urged adoption. Amber Thompson, a state Democratic Party delegate, told the council the policy would “plant a flag firmly, proudly, and say, not here, not our watch.” Several speakers described personal fear about enforcement and urged the city to act promptly. Other speakers raised questions about legal risks and asked for public town‑hall style discussion before finalizing specific procedures.

Council amendments and implementation steps adopted with the policy include: adding a preamble aligning the city’s policy with recent state protections, inserting language covering people “perceived to be” members of protected groups, clarifying definitions around lawful warrants, and removing or narrowing specific items council regarded as law‑enforcement operational that are the sheriff’s responsibility. The council also directed the city manager to return with a report on implementation options, associated costs and a timeline before commitments are funded.

Mayor Betsy Gilman and Mayor Pro Tem Rachel Lang led the discussion and acknowledged Ventura County cities have adopted similar measures; council members said alignment with other cities could strengthen legal and political support. Councilmember Meng and Councilmember Whitman both participated in the deliberations; after several amendments were proposed on the council floor, members voted to adopt the amended resolution.

The council request for a follow‑up report means the policy’s more resource‑intensive components — for example, staff training programs or city‑funded legal education for residents — will return for council approval with estimated costs. Supporters said they expect the policy will be accompanied by public outreach and resource links to local nonprofits that provide legal and social services.

The city clerk will publish the final adopted text and the city website will post guidance for residents on what the policy means in practice. Council members said they expect to continue community outreach and to coordinate with neighboring cities and county agencies on implementation.

Ending

Council members described the resolution as both a statement of values and a practical framework for staff. The policy establishes the city’s expectations for responding to immigration enforcement requests, clarifies definitions that staff and residents asked for, and requires a follow‑up report from the city manager with implementation details and cost estimates before further operational steps are taken.","The Ojai City Council adopted a local policy — retitled the Ojai Care Policy — spelling out when city staff will withhold non‑judicial immigration requests, define sensitive locations and direct staff training; council also asked the city manager to return with cost and implementation details.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Key Ojai City Council actions, July 8

Council pauses feasibility study into Bryant Place site for housing; motion passes 3-2

City manager says Dignity Moves reissued Cabin Village RFQ after compliance concerns; new due date July 25

Ojai council adopts 'Ojai Care' policy to formalize protections for immigrants, LGBTQ and disability communities