DISTRICT 1 - LESLIE RULE
DISTRICT 2 - RACHEL LANG
DISTRICT 3 - ANDREW WHITMAN
DISTRICT 4 - KIM MANG
BEN HARVEY
CITY MANAGER
BETHANY BURGESS
CITY ATTORNEY
WESTON MONTGOMERY
CHIEF DEPUTY CITY CLERK
1. Service Recognition Award to City Attorney Matthew Summers for 10 Years of Service
2. Introduction of Incoming Ojai Police Chief Tyler Abbott AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2025, 6:00 PM
KENT HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL CAMPUS - 111 W SANTA ANA ST, OJAI, CA
OJAI CITY COUNCIL
ANDY GILMAN, MAYOR
VIEWING & ACCESS
Public participation is encouraged! The Ojai City Council meets regularly on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 6:00 p.m. The meetings are conducted in a hybrid model, providing both in-person attendance and virtual public comment via the Zoom link below.
Virtual attendance via Zoom is the only way to remotely provide public comment. Preregistration is not required for public comment via Zoom. Instead, Zoom participants will utilize the “hand-raise” function to indicate their desire to speak on an item. The meeting is also livestreamed on the City's website at ojai.ca.gov/525/2968/Public-Meetings, on YouTube at youtube.com/@ojaicity, and on Spectrum Channel 10. See “Public Comment Options” below for further instruction.
ZOOM LINK - December 9 Regular Meeting - 6:00 PM
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
PRESENTATIONS
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 Ojai City Council Agenda
1 3. City of Ojai Warrants for November 3, 2025 - November 16, 2025
4. Treasurer's Monthly Report of Cash and Investments for the City of Ojai as of October 31, 2025
5. Minutes of the City Council
6. Minutes of the Planning Commission
7. Minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission
8. Minutes of the Arts Commission
9. Reappointment of Area Housing Authority Commissioner
COMMISSION REPORTS
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Public Communications is the time set aside during the meeting for members of the public to address the City Council on items of City business other than scheduled agenda items.
Matters raised at this time may be briefly discussed by the Council, and will generally be referred to staff and/or placed on a subsequent agenda. Under State law, other than for emergency items, no action can be taken.
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are to be considered routine and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed. There will be no discussion of these items unless, before the vote on the motion to adopt, specific items are removed from the Consent Calendar for separate motions.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
Administrative Report - Warrant Report
Attachment A - Warrant Report Register
Warrant Cover Letter
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
Administrative Report - Treasurers Report Oct 2025
Attachment A - Treasurer's Monthly Report Oct 2025
Exhibit A - Cash & Investment Summary Oct 2025
RECOMMENDATION: Approve.
Minutes - Special Meeting December 2, 2025
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
Minutes - PC August 20, 2025
Minutes - PC September 3, 2025
Minutes - PC October 1, 2025
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
Minutes - HPC August 14, 2025
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
Minutes - Arts Commission - October 16, 2025
RECOMMENDATION: Reappoint Mr. Steve Mason to serve a four-year term as the City of Ojai’s representative on the Ventura County Area Housing Authority Board.
Administrative Report - Area Housing Authority Reappointment Tuesday, December 9, 2025 Ojai City Council Agenda
2 10. Ratify Appointment to Fill Mid-Term Vacancy on the Historic Preservation Commission
11. Adoption of a Resolution to Amend the City's 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
12. Approval of MOU with HELP of Ojai for Care Pod
13. SECOND READING | Adoption of Ordinance No 969 Adopting the 2025 California Building Codes
Attachment A - Application and Information
RECOMMENDATION: Review and ratify nomination of applicant Catalina Niessen as Historic Preservation Commissioner to fill a mid-term vacancy on the Historic Preservation Commission.
Administrative Report - Historic Preservation Commissioner Ratification Attachment A - Commissioner Application Form - C. Niessen RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt a resolution to amend the City's MissionSquare 457 Deferred Compensation Plan to include Roth Contribution provisions, options under the SECURE 2.0 Act, loan provisions, and deferral of leave cash-outs.
Administrative Report - Amend 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Attachment A - Resolution Amending the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Attachment B - 457 Governmental Plan and Trust Optional Provisions Election Form Attachment C - Request for SECURE 2.0 and Other Plan Changes Checklist Attachment D - MissionSquare Retirement Gov 457 Deferred Compensation Model Plan RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and HELP of Ojai regarding the operation of Care Pod.
Administrative Report - Help of Ojai MOU
Attachment A - MOU Carepod and Help of Ojai
RECOMMENDATION: Conduct second reading, waiving the reading of the full text, and adopt Ordinance No. 969 adopting the 2025 California Building Codes, by reading of the title as stated below.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OJAI ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 50022.2, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS – TITLE 24, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, INCLUDING (1) CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, VOLUMES 1 & 2, 2025 EDITION; WITH APPENDICES I AND J; (2) CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, 2025 EDITION; (3) CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, 2025 EDITION, WITH APPENDICES H AND L; (4) CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, 2025 EDITION; (5) CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, 2025 EDITION; (6) CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, 2025 EDITION; (7) CALIFORNIA REFERENCE STANDARDS, 2025 EDITION; (8) CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, 2022 EDITION; (9) CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2022 EDITION, WITH APPENDIX AH; (10) CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, 2025 EDITION; (11) CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2025 EDITION;(12) CALIFORNIA WILD LAND INTERFACE CODE 2025 AND ADOPTING LOCAL AMENDMENTS
THERETO IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTIONS 17922, 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, AND 18941.5 AND FINDING THAT
THE ADOPTION OF THIS AMENDMENT IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA Tuesday, December 9, 2025 Ojai City Council Agenda
3 14. Furnished by Owner and Installed by Owner (FOIO) Items | Ojai Permanent Supportive Housing Project (OPSHP) 611 South Montgomery Street and Policy for Commemorative Naming and Donations
15. Ratification of Arts Commission Recommendations – 2026 Arts Grants
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Administrative Report - Building Code Update
Attachment A - Ordinance No. 969
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Receive DignityMoves’ Furnished by Owner and Installed by Owner (FOIO) items list; and
2. Review and adopt the Policy for Commemorative Naming and Donations.
Administrative Report - FOIO Donation Policy
Attachment A - FOIO List
Attachment B - Naming and Donations Policy
RECOMMENDATION: Ratify the Arts Commission’s recommendations for the 2026 Arts Grants Program.
Administrative Report - Arts Grants Awards Ratification Attachment A - 2026 Arts Grants AD HOC Recommendations
Attachment B - 2026 Grants Scoring
COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORTS
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
Posted December 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS
All Written Public Comments will be published here for public access. Please see "Public Comment Options" below for detailed instructions on how to submit.
ACCOMMODATIONS
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please call (805) 646-5581. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
If you feel that a language interpreter is necessary for you to participate in this meeting, notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements for an interpreter to assure your participation/understanding of this meeting.
Si considera que un intérprete de idiomas es necesario para participar en esta reunión, la Tuesday, December 9, 2025 Ojai City Council Agenda
4 notificación 48 horas antes de la reunión le permitirá a la Ciudad hacer arreglos razonables para que un intérprete asegure su participación/comprensión de esta reunión del Concejo Municipal.
Para Español por favor llame al (805) 646-5581 ext. 100 o por correo electronico a [email protected].
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Agenda reports and other disclosable public records related to agenda items are available on the City's website at ojai.ca.gov/525/2968/Public-Meetings and at City Hall located at 401 S.
Ventura St., Ojai, Ca., during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT OPTIONS
Written Comments: In order for staff to provide the City Council with written public comments timely, written/emailed public comments must be submitted no later than 3:00 p.m. on the day before the meeting.
You may always submit written comments to the City Clerk via mail, in person at City Hall, or via email to [email protected]. If your written comment is received by 3:00 p.m. on the day before the meeting date, the City Clerk will distribute copies of your comments to all Council Members and recorded on the City website. Written comments received after 3:00 p.m. may not be distributed to the Council Members and recorded on the City website until after the meeting.
Verbal Comments: Verbal Comments will be received on any item on the agenda at the time the agenda item is heard. Comments may be made in person at the meeting or through Zoom, via the link at the top of the Agenda. Pre-registration is not required for public comment via Zoom. Instead, Zoom participants will utilize the hand-raise function to indicate their desire to speak on an item.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
All materials related to an item on this agenda, including written public comments, will be available for public inspection in the City Clerk's Office at City Hall, and following the meeting, will be accessible on the City of Ojai's website at ojai.ca.gov.
As a government agency, the City of Ojai is subject to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250 et seq.). Please be advised that all communications submitted to City officials and staff are subject to public disclosure under the California Public Records Act.
There are limited exceptions that allow the City to redact personal information under the California Public Records Act. If you have concerns regarding privacy, please do not include your personal identifying information, such as your name, e-mail, phone number, and home address in your correspondence to the City, including, but not limited to, public comment.
If you challenge the actions of the City Council in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in the public notices, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing (California Government Code Section 65009).
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 Ojai City Council Agenda
5 Any legal action by an applicant seeking to obtain a judicial review of the City Council's decision on a Hearing listed on this Agenda may be subject to the 90-day filing period of and governed by Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6.
LEVINE ACT WARNING
Applicants and their agents before the City Council are subject to the campaign disclosure provisions detailed in Government Code Section 84308. No City Council Member may accept, solicit, or direct a contribution of more than $500 from any party or agent for 12 months subsequent to the date a final decision is rendered by the City. This prohibition commences when your application has been filed, or the proceeding is otherwise initiated.
A party to a City proceeding - which includes both applicants and agents - shall disclose on the record of the proceeding any contribution of more than $500 made to any Council Member by the applicant or agent, during the preceding 12 months. No party to a City proceeding, or agent, shall make a contribution to a Council Member during the proceeding and for 12 months following the date a final decision is rendered by the City.
Prior to rendering a decision on a City proceeding, any Council Member who received a contribution of more than $500 within the preceding 12 months from any party, or agent, to a proceeding shall disclose that fact on the record of the proceeding and shall be disqualified from participating in the proceeding. However, if any Council Member receives a contribution that otherwise would require disqualification and returns the contribution within 30 days of knowing about the contribution and the relevant proceeding, the Council Member shall be permitted to participate in the proceeding.
If you believe that these provisions apply to you or a Council Member, please inform the City Clerk at the earliest possible opportunity. Failure to do so may affect the City's ability to process your application.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 Ojai City Council Agenda
6
Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Ben Harvey, City Manager
Brenda Cho, Finance Director
MEETING DATE: December 09, 2025
SUBJECT: City of Ojai Warrants for November 03, 2025 – November 16, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file.
DISCUSSION
Disbursement Warrant Check Numbers: 79780-79854
Payroll Warrant Check Numbers: 38355-38357
Number of Direct Deposits: 58
City of Ojai Disbursement Warrants for General Fund
and Special Revenue Funds $ 685,627.81
Payroll – November 13, 2025 123,871.59
Total $ 809,499.40
CITY COUNCIL GOALS ALIGNMENT
Goal No. 8 - Financial Stability
OPTIONS
1. Take no action.
2. Provide alternate direction to staff.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. The list of warrants is presented for informational purposes only and reflects payments previously authorized and budgeted.
Prepared by: Scott Avila
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Check Register
7 Check Register
Check No Vendor Name Check Date Check Amount
79780 7 Day Tire LLC 11/06/2025 2,248.00
October 2025 Trolley Maintenance
79781 Airgas West 11/06/2025 196.63
Transit & Public Works Gas Cylinder Rentals
79782 Aleshire & Wynder LLP 11/06/2025 7,563.60
September 2025 Housing Issues
79783 AllConnected, Inc. 11/06/2025 8,541.40
Microsoft 365 Annual Licensing Fee
79784 Alotl Aparicio 11/06/2025 250.00
Ojai Day 2025 Performance
79785 ApplicantPro 11/06/2025 2,706.00
Annual Applicant Tracking System
79786 AT&T 11/06/2025 31.41
September 2025 Telephone
79787 CA Dept of Justice 11/06/2025 603.00
August & September 2025 Fingerprint Fees
79788 Canon Financial Services, Inc. 11/06/2025 828.14
October 2025 Copy Machine Lease
79789 Falcon Roofing Company Charles Michael Parrent 11/06/2025 3,643.00 Police Station Parking Structure Project
79790 Christy Billings 11/06/2025 88.03
Employee Reimbursement
79791 Concentra 11/06/2025 460.00
September & October 2025 Pre-Employment Physicals
79792 County Fire Protection 11/06/2025 259.11
October 2025 Fire Extinguisher Service
79793 County of Ventura Public Works Agency 11/06/2025 1,624.67 August 2025 Hazardous Waste Program
79794 Court-Ordered Debt Collections 11/06/2025 296.14
November 2025 Payroll Expense
Check Summary By Check Number
Attachment A
Check Register
Check No Vendor Name Check Date Check Amount
Check Summary By Check Number
79795 Data Ticket, Inc. 11/06/2025 458.00
July & August 2025 Parking Citation Fees
79796 Deborah Delamore 11/06/2025 150.00
Ojai Day 2025 Performance
79797 Dell Marketing LP 11/06/2025 1,966.37
Computer Purchase (2 Qty)
79798 EideBailly LLP 11/06/2025 14,905.30
September 2025 Finance Process Improvement
79799 Emmanuel A Mendez 11/06/2025 5,860.00
October & November 2025 City Transit Wash
79800 Fence Factory Rentals 11/06/2025 170.10
October 2025 Temporary Fence Rental for OTT
79801 Firestick Pottery 11/06/2025 896.00
Recreation Class- Pottery
79802 Darrell Gooden 11/06/2025 832.00
Recreation Class- Kung Fu
79803 GovConnection 11/06/2025 6,006.00
Microsoft Teams Audio Equipment (40 Qty)
79804 Lucy Walker Grace 11/06/2025 1,554.58
Recreation Class- Dog Training
79805 HdL Coren & Cone 11/06/2025 2,587.50
October - December 2025 Property Tax Contract Services
79806 Help of Ojai Inc. 11/06/2025 4,250.00
June 2025 ADA Program
79807 Hinderliter, de Llamas & Associates 11/06/2025 4,139.20 Sales Tax & Audit Contract Services
79808 INNER-I Security in focus, Corp. 11/06/2025 1,800.00 City Hall Security Camera Installation
79809 Johannes M Pouw 11/06/2025 503.10
Recreation Class- Baseball
Attachment A
Check Register
Check No Vendor Name Check Date Check Amount
Check Summary By Check Number
79810 Kristy Rivera 11/06/2025 356.80
Employee Reimbursement
79811 Kroll Associates, Inc. 11/06/2025 24,286.42
Forensic Financial Investigation
79812 Terry Kvasnik 11/06/2025 655.20
Recreation Class- Parkour
79813 Liebert Cassidy Whitmore 11/06/2025 10,064.75
September 2025 Internal Investigation
79814 Lynn Simonson 11/06/2025 1,121.90
Recreation Class- Yoga
79815 Mark Cranes Tree Inc 11/06/2025 16,200.00
September 2025 Citywide Tree Prunings
79816 Meyers Nave, A Professional Corporation 11/06/2025 4,785.00 September 2025 Special Counsel
79817 Michael R. Tregler 11/06/2025 2,025.00
Ojai Day 2025 Sound & Technician
79818 Motorola Solutions, Inc. 11/06/2025 68.77
Mobile Radio Desktop Charger
79819 National Graphics, LLC 11/06/2025 830.11
Ojai Day Posters (300 Qty)
79820 Norma Cervantes 11/06/2025 1,673.70
Employee Reimbursement
79821 Ojai Auto Supply 11/06/2025 21.00
Supplies for Vehicle Maintenance
79822 Ojai Valley Directory 11/06/2025 275.00
Ojai Trolley Advertisement
79823 Ojai Valley News 11/06/2025 1,664.00
Ojai Day 2025 Ad
79824 Ojai Valley Sanitary District 11/06/2025 1,635.62 November 2025 Sewer Services
Attachment A
Check Register
Check No Vendor Name Check Date Check Amount
Check Summary By Check Number
79825 Owl Towing & Storage, Inc. 11/06/2025 1,140.00
September 2025 Trolley Repair Towing Service
79826 Pax Environmental Inc 11/06/2025 137.50
On-Call Arborist Services
79827 Pitney Bowes Global Financial Services LLC 11/06/2025 184.30 Quarterly Postage Machine Lease
79828 Prudential Overall Supply 11/06/2025 122.70
Public Works Cleaning Supplies & Clothing Allowance
79829 Vicke Quinlyn 11/06/2025 357.50
Recreation Class- Earth Arts
79830 Raimi & Associates Inc 11/06/2025 3,292.14
September 2025 General Plan Update Services
79831 Ready Refresh by Nestle 11/06/2025 537.20
September & October 2025 Drinking Water for City Departments 79832 Christopher Reno 11/06/2025 1,425.00
Repairs to Trolley
79833 Gary Ryan 11/06/2025 1,656.00
Recreation Class- Weightroom
79834 Jan C. Scow 11/06/2025 859.25
September & October 2025 Tree Site Evaluations
79835 Secural Security Corporation 11/06/2025 6,673.20
September 2025 City Unhoused Security
79836 Richard Senate 11/06/2025 130.00
Recreation Class- Ghost Tours
79837 Sinclair Sanitary Supply, Inc. 11/06/2025 510.13
Supplies for Citywide Maintenance
79838 So Cal Gas 11/06/2025 327.14
October 2025 Gas
79839 Southern CA Edison 11/06/2025 4,574.21
October 2025 City Street Lights
Attachment A
Check Register
Check No Vendor Name Check Date Check Amount
Check Summary By Check Number
79840 Springbrook Holding Company, LLC 11/06/2025 660.00 September 2025 Purchase Order Implementation
79841 SSD Systems 11/06/2025 236.42
November 2025 Libbey Bowl Security Alarm Services
79842 Starlight Dance Academy 11/06/2025 924.00
Recreation Class- Ballet & Jazz
79843 Gavin O Takase-Sanchez 11/06/2025 728.00
Recreation Class- O'Daiko Japanese Drum
79844 Toro Enterprises, Inc. 11/06/2025 220,558.61
August 2025 Pavement Rehabilitation Final Retention Payment 79845 Traffic Technologies, Inc. 11/06/2025 322.83
Supplies for Citywide Street Maintenance
79846 Trails By Potter, LLC 11/06/2025 321.75
Recreation Class- Pickleball
79847 Transtech Engineers, Inc 11/06/2025 2,288.00
Supplies for Citywide Street Maintenance
79848 Ventura County Library Servc 11/06/2025 26,500.00 FY25-26 Q2 Library Services Agreement
79849 Ventura County Sheriff's Dept 11/06/2025 135.00
Reimbursement for Paid County Citation
79850 Ventura Overhead Door 11/06/2025 450.00
Public Works Gate Repair
79851 Ventura Signs & Screen Printing 11/06/2025 2,155.00 City Logo Apparel
79852 Ventura Urgent Care Center 11/06/2025 198.00
September 2025 Pre-Employment Physical
79853 Verizon Wireless 11/06/2025 1,049.70
September 2025 Cell Phone
79854 Westridge Market Inc 11/06/2025 40.76
October 2025 Supplies for City Department Meetings
Attachment A
Check Register
Check No Vendor Name Check Date Check Amount
Check Summary By Check Number
ACH Phoenix Civil Engineering, Inc. 11/06/2025 34,381.95 September 2025 Citywide Projects
(Storm Drain Repair, Parking Lot Paving, & Speed Limit Survey) ACH Ameriflex: Claims ACH 11/03/2025 192.31
November 2025 Payroll Expense
ACH InfoSight Inc 11/07/2025 15,973.25
October 2025 IT Security Assessments
ACH Mission Square 457 ACH 11/13/2025 8,461.27
November 2025 Payroll Expense
ACH IRS ACH 11/14/2025 46,140.76
November 2025 Payroll Expense
ACH EDD ACH 11/14/2025 8,369.08
November 2025 Payroll Expense
ACH Amazon.com/Sales, Inc 11/06/2025 5,776.89
October 2025 Miscellaneous Supplies
ACH Health and Human Resource Center Inc 11/06/2025 143.64 November 2025 Payroll Expense
ACH CalPERS Retirement ACH 11/14/2025 22,639.01
November 2025 Payroll Expense
ACH Willdan Engineering 11/06/2025 52,456.64
August & September 2025 Code Enforcement, Building & Safety, and Plan Checking Services ACH Charter Communications Holdings, LLC 11/06/2025 95.10 October 2025 Spectrum TV for City Council Meetings
ACH Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC 11/06/2025 70,433.37 September 2025 General Services
General Services 17,500.00
Special Projects 12,828.97
Labor & Employment 3,596.00
Criminal Code Enforcement 2,720.65
Encampment Resolution Grant 15,539.00
Tax & Assessments Advice 6,759.00
General Litigation 9,728.00
Active Litigation & Settlement Management 1,761.75
Attachment A
Check Register
Check No Vendor Name Check Date Check Amount
Check Summary By Check Number
ACH Ameriflex: Admin Fee ACH 11/13/2025 88.00
November 2025 Payroll Expense
ACH Altigen Communications, Inc. 11/06/2025 901.65
October 2025 Telephone
Total 685,627.81
ACH Payroll
Pay Period 10/27/2025 - 11/9/2025 11/13/2025 123,871.59 Wire & Paper Check Total 123,871.59
Grand Total 809,499.40 $
Attachment A
15
Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Ben Harvey, City Manager
Steve Olsen, City Treasurer
Brenda Cho, Finance Director
MEETING DATE: December 9, 2025
SUBJECT: Treasurer’s Monthly Report of Cash and Investments for the City of Ojai as of October 31, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file.
DISCUSSION
The City Treasurer has evaluated the City’s investments and has formalized an investment plan working with the investments authorized by the Statement of Investment Policy, which was adopted by City Council in June 2025. The investment plan was developed with the intent of lengthening the duration and yield of the portfolio, while providing comparative benchmarks and protecting the City’s funds. The focus of our investment strategy is Safety, Liquidity, and Yield.
The following is a summary of key information on the City’s cash and investments. Please see Exhibit A for more detailed information and discussion.
Cash & Investments Amounts Yield % Interest-to-Date
10/31/2025
Cash in Bank
Banc of California $ 189,817 0.00%
MBS Cash $ 530,818 0.00%
Wells Fargo Sweep $ 1,719,664 4.00% $ 28,111
Wells Fargo Section 125 $ 11,297 0.00%
Investment Accounts
LAIF $ 20,500,183 4.15% $ 207,235
MBS Certificate of Deposits $ 13,350,469 3.16% $ 155,776 Total Cash & Investments $ 36,302,248 3.70% $ 391,122
16
Change in Portfolio:
10/2025 $ 207,235 Deposits - LAIF-State of Calif 2
nd quarter 2026 4.15%
The attached Treasurer’s report for the month of October 2025 provides details of the investment plan and the City’s cash and investment portfolio.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS ALIGNMENT
Goal No. 8 - Financial Stability
OPTIONS
1. Take no action.
2. Provide alternate direction to staff.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Prepared by: Brenda Cho
ATTACHMENT(S)
Attachment A - Treasurer’s Report
Exhibit A – Cash & Investment Summary
17 Attachment A
City of Ojai
Treasurer’s Report for the Month of October 2025
The City Treasurer has evaluated the City’s investments and has formalized an investment plan, which includes investments authorized by the Statement of Investment Policy, which was adopted by City Council in June 2025. The investment plan was developed within the framework of the three basic requirements for our investments:
1. Safety- Secure the City’s principal that is invested,
2. Liquidity- provide sufficient cash flow for ongoing operations, and
3. Yield – obtain a reasonable rate of return on the City’s investments.
Benchmarks
Benchmarks are used to measure how the City’s portfolio is performing compared to other measures.
Staff have chosen to compare the portfolio to two benchmarks: The County of Ventura Investment Pool and the US Government 2-yr Treasuries. Benchmarks may be changed if it is determined that a different benchmark would be more appropriate for the City’s use. Historical information for the City’s portfolio and the chosen benchmarks for the past five years is illustrated in the chart to the right. Historical information for the City’s portfolio and the chosen benchmarks for the past five years is illustrated in the chart below.
The weighted average yield to maturity and the weighted average DTM for the City’s investments portfolio on October 31, 2025, were 3.70% and 358 days. By comparison, the weighted average yield to maturity and the weighted average DTM for the County of Ventura portfolio were 4.18% and 288 days, and 2-yr Treasury were 3.60% and 720 days.
Impact of Market Changes on Investment Earnings and Values Investments are purchased at par value and market interest rates may vary from the investment’s actual current yield. Changes in the market value of investments result in “unrealized gains or losses” on the investment. Increasing market interest rate environments generally result in an
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Ojai Compared to Benchmarks
Ojai Ventura County 2-Yr Treasury
18 Attachment A
unrealized loss while decreasing market interest rates generally result in an unrealized gain.
Unrealized gains and losses are temporary adjustments to the carrying value of the investment and do not become permanent unless the investment is sold prior to maturity. Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 31 (GASB 31) requires the City to adjust the value of investments to the market value in the annual financial statements. Because CDs are purchased with a fixed rate of interest until maturity and the temporary adjustments cumulatively net to zero by the time that the CDs mature, the GASB 31 adjustment can create significant distortions in revenues throughout the life of the CD.
Planned Investment Instruments
Certificates of deposit (CDs) are purchased at par value and earn a constant rate of return throughout the life of the investment, regardless of the current market value of the investment. The CDs are fully insured by the federal government. The CDs may be sold prior to maturity at the current market value, which could result in a realized gain or loss on the sale; however, as the CDs move closer to maturity, the fixed interest rate will generally be higher than comparable investments with the same remaining term. Additionally, the interest earned over the life of the CD will generally offset any potential loss on the sale, thus protecting the City’s principal. CDs are primarily subject to interest rate and reinvestment risk (see below).
The Local Agency Investment Pool (LAIF) is a Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP) containing investments allowed by the California Government Code and administered by the California State Treasurer for local agencies to invest idle cash. LAIF funds may be accessed on the day that a withdrawal is requested and earn interest based upon the monthly yield of the pool. Interest is accrued monthly but is paid quarterly. These assets are primarily subject to credit risk (see below).
Credit, Interest Rate, and Reinvestment Risk
Credit risk is the possibility that the deterioration in the underlying creditworthiness of an issuer will adversely affect the value of its outstanding bonds or that a bond issuer will fail to make timely payments of interest or principal on its outstanding bonds (default). A decline in a bond issuer’s credit rating, or creditworthiness, may cause prices for its outstanding bonds to decline. Typically, the higher the credit risk, the higher the interest rate on the investment.
Interest rate risk is the possibility that a fixed-rate investment will decline in value because of a rise in interest rates. Whenever investors buy securities that offer a fixed rate of return (such as CDs), they are exposing themselves to interest rate risk. In general, investment prices vary inversely with market interest rates. The change in the price of an investment depends on several factors, including its maturity date. In general, investments with longer maturities are more sensitive to changes in interest rates than investments with shorter maturities.
Reinvestment Risk is the risk that falling interest rates will lead to a decline in cash flow from an investment when its principal and interest payments are reinvested at lower rates. In a declining interest rate environment, investors who have investments maturing face the difficult task of 19 Attachment A
investing the proceeds in instruments with equal or greater interest rates than the matured investment. As a result, they are often forced to purchase securities that do not provide the same level of income, unless they take on more credit or market risk and buy investments with lower credit ratings.
Changes to the Pooled Cash and Investment Portfolio
Action:
Transaction date, Amount, Description, Maturity Date, Percent Yield 10/2025 $207,235 Deposits LAIF-State of Calif 2
nd quarter 2026 4.15%
Cash and Investment Balances
See Exhibit A for details on the cash and investment balances.
This report is presented pursuant to the City of Ojai’s Investment Policy Resolution 25-25 adopted by the City Council on June 24, 2025. Staff estimate that there are sufficient funds available to meet the next 6 months’ obligations.
20 BOOK/ PERCENT AVERAGE YIELD
POOLED DESIGNATED AND OPERATING PAR MARKET OF CITY DAYS TO 365 DAYS CASH & INVESTMENTS: VALUE VALUE CASH MATURITY MATURITY EQUIVALENT Operating Cash
Checking Accounts
Banc of California Accounts Payable 189,817 189,817 0.52% 1 0.00% Wells Fargo Section 125 11,297 11,297 0.03% 1 0.00%
Total 201,114 201,114 0.55%
Money Market
Wells Fargo (Sweep) Sweep 1,719,664 1,719,664 4.74% 397 4.00% MBS (Cash) Cash 530,818 530,818 1.46%
Total Operating Cash 2,250,482 2,250,482 6.20%
Invested Cash
Local Government Pools and Certificates of Deposit
Local Agency Investment Funds Investment Pool 20,500,183 20,500,183 56.47% 220 4.15% Certificates of Deposit:
05580AR97 BMW BANK OF NORTH AMERICA Certificate of Deposit 244,000.00 243,893 0.67% 11/4/2025 2025 4 4.70% 307811DK2 Farmers & Merchants Bk Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 247,516 0.68% 1/14/2026 2026 75 1.05% 066519QC6 Bank United Nat'l Assn Certificate of Deposit 245,000.00 243,126 0.67% 1/22/2026 2026 83 0.58% 88241TJX9 Texas Exchange Certificate of Deposit 245,000.00 242,996 0.67% 2/2/2026 2026 94 0.69% 749622BT2 RIA FED CR UN SH CTF Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 249,234 0.69% 2/9/2026 2026 101 4.20% 12547CAP3 Cibc Bk Usa Certificate of Deposit 243,000.00 244,069 0.67% 3/24/2026 2026 144 4.92% 86804DCW6 Sunwest Bk Irvine Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 245,265 0.68% 4/30/2026 2026 181 0.74% 20786ADK8 Connectone Bk Englewood Cliffs Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 244,702 0.67% 5/28/2026 2026 209 0.75% 02007GSH7 Ally Bk Sandy Utah Ctf Dep Certificate of Deposit 246,000.00 245,053 0.68% 6/2/2026 2026 214 3.18% 301074ER7 Exchange Bank Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 244,095 0.67% 6/17/2026 2026 229 0.59% 90348JP20 UBS Bank Usa Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 244,394 0.67% 6/30/2026 2026 242 0.96% 58404DKV2 Medallion Bank Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 244,232 0.67% 6/30/2026 2026 242 0.85% 89235MLD1 Toyota Financial Savings Bank Certificate of Deposit 248,000.00 243,097 0.67% 7/22/2026 2026 264 1.01% 33715LFU9 FIRST TECHNOLOGY FED Certificate of Deposit 245,000.00 245,801 0.68% 9/25/2026 2026 329 4.05% 74909LAD2 QUORUM Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 250,056 0.69% 9/30/2026 2026 334 4.15% 67054NAY9 NUMERICA CR UN Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 250,501 0.69% 9/30/2026 2026 334 4.35% 098079BZ8 B1BANK BATON ROUGE Certificate of Deposit 245,000.00 244,939 0.68% 9/30/2026 2026 334 3.65% 32116QBS4 FIRST NATL BK MIDDLE Certificate of Deposit 245,000.00 245,044 0.68% 9/30/2026 2026 334 3.70% 97412MAL3 WINGS FINL CR UN Certificate of Deposit 245,000.00 245,747 0.68% 10/21/2026 2026 355 4.00% 03065AAY9 AMERICAS CR UN Certificate of Deposit 248,000.00 248,459 0.68% 10/23/2026 2026 357 3.85% 87165GJ86 Synchrony Bk Certificate of Deposit 248,000.00 241,731 0.67% 11/5/2026 2026 370 1.18% 59013KQF6 Merrick Bk Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 242,384 0.67% 11/30/2026 2026 395 1.24% 70962LAY8 Pentagon Federal Cr Un Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 242,277 0.67% 12/23/2026 2026 418 1.34% 856285E31 State Bk India New York N Y Certificate of Deposit 247,000.00 241,055 0.66% 1/21/2027 2027 447 1.76% 25660BAL7 Dogwood St Bk Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 241,896 0.67% 1/28/2027 2027 454 1.40% 31944MBP9 First Carolina Bk Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 241,896 0.67% 1/28/2027 2027 454 1.40% 02357QAQ0 Amerant Bk Natl Assn Coral Gables Fl Ctf Dep Certificate of Deposit 248,000.00 241,574 0.67% 2/16/2027 2027 473 1.71% 15721UEW5 Cfbank Fairlawn Ohio Ctf Dep Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 241,879 0.67% 2/17/2027 2027 474 1.51% 14042TFE2 Capital One Bk Certificate of Deposit 246,000.00 242,512 0.67% 4/6/2027 2027 522 2.77% 14042RQU8 Capital One Natl Assn Certificate of Deposit 246,000.00 243,257 0.67% 4/27/2027 2027 543 3.01% 50625LBJ1 Lafayette Federal Credit Union Certificate of Deposit 245,000.00 243,432 0.67% 5/25/2027 2027 571 3.35% 254673F76 Discover Bk Greenwood Del Ctf Dep Certificate of Deposit 246,000.00 244,185 0.67% 6/1/2027 2027 578 3.30% 32110YC86 First National BK of America Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 252,872 0.70% 7/26/2027 2027 633 4.57% 61690UQ29 MORGAN STANLEY BANK Certificate of Deposit 245,000.00 244,400 0.67% 8/4/2027 2027 642 3.63% 19075JAB4 Cobalt Credit Union Certificate of Deposit 245,000.00 244,682 0.67% 9/15/2027 2027 684 3.68% 243594AR9 DECORAH BANK & TRUST CO. Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 246,729 0.68% 9/23/2027 2027 692 3.83% 32026UYA8 FIRST FOUNDATION BANK Certificate of Deposit 244,000.00 248,677 0.69% 11/4/2027 2027 734 4.65% 89786MAP9 TRUE SKY FED CR UN OKLA CITY OK SH CTF Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 251,054 0.69% 11/8/2027 2027 738 4.10% 710275AK4 Peoples Bk Co Coldwater Ohio Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 250,128 0.69% 1/12/2028 2028 803 3.95% 79772FAG1 SAN FRANCISCO FED CR UN Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 252,571 0.70% 2/3/2028 2028 825 4.34% 530520AE5 LIBERTY FIRST CR UN LINCOLN Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 252,598 0.70% 2/3/2028 2028 825 4.35% 011852AK6 Alaska Usa Fed Cr Union Certificate of Deposit 248,000.00 254,579 0.70% 3/22/2028 2028 873 4.76% 64017ABA1 Neighbors FCU Certificate of Deposit 248,000.00 256,395 0.71% 7/26/2028 2028 999 4.87% 89854LAD5 TTCU Fed Credit Union Certificate of Deposit 248,000.00 256,395 0.71% 7/26/2028 2028 999 4.87% 23204HQB7 CUSTOMERS BK Certificate of Deposit 245,000.00 246,208 0.68% 8/15/2028 2028 1,019 3.90% 52171MAL9 Leaders Credit Union Certificate of Deposit 248,000.00 256,710 0.71% 8/30/2028 2028 1,034 4.86% 291916AB0 EMPOWER FED CR UNION SYRACUSE Certificate of Deposit 248,000.00 257,555 0.71% 9/29/2028 2028 1,064 4.94% 654062MK1 NICOLET NATL BK GREENBAY WIS CTF DEP Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 249,680 0.69% 11/1/2028 2028 1,097 3.80% 07181JBM5 BAXTER CR UN VERNON HILLS ILL SH CTF Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 251,826 0.69% 11/22/2028 2028 1,118 4.10% 17783PAJ0 City Fed Cr Un Amarillo Texas Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 250,773 0.69% 1/12/2029 2029 1,169 4.00% 577234DA2 Mauch Chunk Trust Company Certificate of Deposit 248,000.00 252,881 0.70% 2/28/2029 2029 1,216 4.33% 07371DT23 BEAL BK USA LAS VEGAS NEV Certificate of Deposit 244,000.00 251,854 0.69% 6/6/2029 2029 1,314 4.61% 05765LBX4 BALBOA THRIFT & LN Certificate of Deposit 249,000.00 252,984 0.70% 7/23/2029 2029 1,361 4.21% 795451DM2 SALLIE MAE BK SALT Certificate of Deposit 244,000.00 248,624 0.69% 7/24/2029 2029 1,362 4.29% Total Certificates of Deposit 13,356,000 13,350,469 36.78% Total 36,307,779 36,302,248 93.25% (B) 358 (A) 0.0370197 Total Pooled Operating Cash & Investments 36,307,779 36,302,248 100.00% Total Pooled Cash & Investments $ 36,302,248 36,307,779 $ 100.00% (A) Rate includes 0.12% interest rate + 0.35% earnings credit (B) Weighted Average days to maturity and yield for the invested cash
CITY OF OJAI
TREASURER'S REPORT - CASH & INVESTMENT SUMMARY
October 31, 2025
Exhibit A
21 AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025, 5:00 PM
KENT HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL CAMPUS - 111 W SANTA ANA ST, OJAI, CA
OJAI CITY COUNCIL
ANDY GILMAN, MAYOR
DISTRICT 1 - LESLIE RULE DISTRICT 3 - ANDREW WHITMAN
DISTRICT 2 - RACHEL LANG DISTRICT 4 - KIM MANG
BEN HARVEY MATTHEW SUMMERS WESTON MONTGOMERY
CITY MANAGER CITY ATTORNEY CHIEF DEPUTY CITY
CLERK
Mayor Gilman called the Special Meeting of the Ojai City Council to order on December 2, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
On the call of the roll, the following were present in the Kent Hall Chambers:
Mayor Gilman, Mayor Pro Tem Lang, and Council Members Rule, Whitman, and Mang.
Also present in the Kent Hall Chambers: City Manager Harvey, Assistant City Attorney Anderson, Assistant to the City Manager Cervantes, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery led the Pledge.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lang, with a second by Mayor Gilman, to approve the Agenda of the December 2, 2025, Special Meeting.
Council Action:
Unanimous consent reached through the Mayor, with five (5) in favor and zero (0) against.
Ayes: Gilman, Lang, Rule, Whitman, Mang
22 Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
MOTION PASSES
COMMISSION REPORTS
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Harvey and Staff provided an oral report.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are to be considered routine and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed. There will be no discussion of these items unless, before the vote on the motion to adopt, specific items are removed from the Consent Calendar for separate motions.
1. Minutes of the City Council
RECOMMENDATION: Approve.
Minutes - 11-18-25 Special Meeting
Minutes - 10-07-25 Special Meeting
Minutes - 09-30-25 Special Meeting
Minutes - 09-16-25 Special Meeting
Minutes - 08-12-25 Regular Meeting
Minutes - 06 17 25 Special Meeting
Motion:
It was moved by Council Member Whitman, with a second by Mayor Gilman, to approve Item 1 of the Consent Calendar.
Council Action:
Unanimous consent reached through the Mayor, with five (5) in favor and zero (0) against.
Ayes: Gilman, Lang, Rule, Whitman, Mang
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
MOTION PASSES
2. DISCUSSION
2.A. Appointment of New City Attorney and Approval of Legal Services Agreement with Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Aleshire & Wynder, LLP for legal services and appoint Bethany A.
Burgess, Esq. as the City Attorney.
Administrative Report - Legal Services Agreement Aleshire & Wynder Attachment A - Legal Services Agreement
23 Motion:
It was moved by Council Member Rule, with a second by Mayor Gilman, to approve Item 2.A, as recommended.
Roll Call:
On the call of the roll, the vote was five (5) in favor and zero (0) against.
Ayes: Whitman, Lang, Mang, Gilman, Rule
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
MOTION PASSES
2.B. Approval of Fifth Amendment to Legal Services Agreement with Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the Fifth Amendment to Legal Services Agreement with Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC, transitioning the firm’s role from City Attorney to Outside Counsel.
Administrative Report - Legal Services Agreement
Colantuono Attachment A - Fifth Amendment Legal
Services Agreement
Motion:
It was moved by Council Member Rule, with a second by Mayor Gilman, to approve Item 2.A, as recommended, and direct staff to return with a list of proposed items to be continued with the contract amendment.
Roll Call:
On the call of the roll, the vote was four (4) in favor, zero (0) against, and one (1) abstain.
Ayes: Lang, Mang, Whitman, Gilman
Noes: None
Abstain: Rule
Absent: None
MOTION PASSES
DISCUSSION
3. Approval of Amendment No. 1 to Memorandum of Understanding RE:
Development and Management of Tiny Homes at 408-410 N Montgomery Street RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Ojai and Habitat for Humanity regarding the development and management of tiny homes at 408–410 N. Montgomery Street.
Administrative Report - Amendment No 1 to MOU - Habitat for Humanity Attachment A - Prior Administrative Report Amendment No 1 to MOU with Habitat for Humanity Attachment B - Habitat for Humanity Ventura County Inc. - MOU Motion:
24 It was moved by Council Member Whitman, with a second by Mayor Gilman, to amend the recommended MOU to: (1) extend the agreement an additional 180 days; (2) authorize legal counsel to work with Habitat for Humanity; (3) direct staff to return with a future agenda item in 150 days for discussion on facilitating and/or accelerating the project; and (4) request legal analysis on a future vacancy/alternative housing tax and building fund.
Roll Call:
On the call of the roll, the vote was five (5) in favor and zero (0) against.
Ayes: Rule, Mang, Gilman, Whitman, Lang
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
MOTION PASSES
4. Community Development Department Contracted Position | Project Compliance Coordinator
RECOMMENDATION: Review the information presented, ask clarifying questions, and consider accepting the project compliance coordinator position as a contract planning technician position ensuring future, current, and recently approved projects are in compliance with their conditions of approval and authorize the City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement to address this contracted position
(Attachment B).
Administrative Report - Compliance Coordinator
Attachment A - Willdan Proposal
Attachment B - Willdan Agreement
Motion:
It was moved by Mayor Gilman, with a second by Mayor Pro Tem Lang, to approve Item 4, as recommended, and direct staff to develop position materials, and salary schedule update for a future City recruitment.
Roll Call:
On the call of the roll, the vote was five (5) in favor and zero (0) against.
Ayes: Mang, Rule, Gilman, Lang, Whitman
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
MOTION PASSES
5. Concept Review: Proposed Climate Resilience and Fire Preparedness Education Partnership with Nordhoff High School
RECOMMENDATION: Review and consider a potential education partnership between the City of Ojai and the Nordhoff High School Agriculture Science Program for climate reliance and fire preparedness. Should City Council consensus exist:
1. Appoint two City Council Members to serve on an Ad Hoc Committee for partnership governance;
25 2. Provide direction on the desired City funding level to guide negotiations; and
3. Direct staff to negotiate a draft Professional Services Agreement with Ojai Unified School District and return to City Council for final review and approval prior to execution.
Administrative Report - Concept Review Nordhoff Proposal and Ad-Hoc Creation Attachment A - Fire Preparedness and Climate Resilience Education Partnership Motion:
It was moved by Mayor Gilman, with a second by Council Member Rule, to direct staff to develop a professional services agreement for Council review, directing staff to work with Ojai Unified School District to develop a scope of work, in an amount not to exceed $50,000.
Roll Call:
On the call of the roll, the vote was four (4) in favor, zero (0) against, and one (1) abstain.
Ayes: Rule, Mang, Gilman, Lang
Noes: None
Abstain: Whitman
Absent: None
MOTION PASSES
6. Accept Proposal from Consultant Historic Resources Group (HRG) to conduct the Historic Resource Inventory Survey Update
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Historic Resources Group, LLC to update the Historic Resources
Inventory in an amount not to exceed $88,050.
Administrative Report - Selection of Historian for HPC Survey Update Attachment A-Historic Resources Group (HRG) Proposal - dated Aug. 8, 2025
Motion:
It was moved by Mayor Gilman, with a second by Council Member Whitman, to approve Item 6, as recommended.
Roll Call:
On the call of the roll, the vote was five (5) in favor and zero (0) against.
Ayes: Lang, Rule, Gilman, Mang, Whitman
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
MOTION PASSES
7. Ratification of 2025 City of Ojai Annual Historic Preservation Award Nominees and Lifetime Achievement Nominees
26 RECOMMENDATION: That City Council ratify the Historic Preservation Commission’s recommendation (Attachment A) to recognize recipients of:
1. The City of Ojai Annual Historic Preservation Awards for 2025 to:
a. Stephen Adams, Photographer;
b. Ojai Playhouse Theater owner, David Berger and team, Robert Kupiec, Architect, and Kerry Miller, Contractor; and
2. The 2025 Historic Preservation Lifetime Achievement Award to The Gables of Ojai owners, The Parsons Family, Robert, Alyce, and Janelle Parsons, and copartner David Brown.
Administrative Report - HPC Preservation Awards
Attachment A - Adopted HPC Resolution No. 25-08
Attachment B - Recipient List
Motion:
It was moved by Mayor Gilman, with a second by Council Member Whitman, to approve Item 7, as recommended.
Roll Call:
On the call of the roll, the vote was five (5) in favor and zero (0) against.
Ayes: Whitman, Mang, Rule, Lang, Gilman
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
MOTION PASSES
COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORTS
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gilman adjourned the December 2, 2025, Special Meeting at 8:15 p.m., until the December 9, 2025, Special Meeting.
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS
Written Public Comments - December 2 Special Meeting
Prepared by: Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk 27 MINUTES
OJAI PLANNING COMMISSION
August 20, 2025
Call to Order
Chair Trent called the regular meeting of the Ojai Planning Commission to order on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. (In-person and via teleconference).
Roll Call
On a call of the roll, the following Planning Commissioners were present in person: Chair Trent, Vice Chair Murphy, and Commissioner Graham. Virtually: Commissioner Chesley.
Absent: None
Vacancy: One
City staff present and attended in person: Lucas Seibert, Community Development Director, Maura Macaluso, Principal Planner, Bryan Schurmer, Planning Aide, Taylor Anderson, Assistant City Attorney, and Shari Herbruck, Principal Planning & Building Technician.
Pledge of Allegiance Commissioner Graham
Approval of the Agenda The Commission approved the agenda as submitted.
Public Communication Larry Steingold
Consent Item(s)
1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Planning Commission July 16, 2025 Motion: Vice Chair Murphy moved and Commissioner Graham seconded the motion to approve July 16, 2025, regular PC meeting minutes as submitted.
The motion passed as follows:
AYES: Graham, Murphy, Trent
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Chesley
ABSENT: None
VACANCY: One
Disclaimer of Site Visits and Ex-parte Contacts
Chair Trent, Vice Chair Murphy, and Commissioner Graham and visited the sites and had no exparte contacts. Commissioner Chesley did not visit the sites and no exparte contacts. 28 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes August 20, 2025
Public Hearing Item(s)
2. Appeal of Director Determination | Regarding Director determination upholding Section 10-
2.2005 (Reference to design guidelines/policies) of the Ojai Municipal Code, in which the Director shall refer to any design guidelines/policies that have been adopted by the Council/Commission which include the Arcade Design Guidelines, by requiring business owner removal of the orange metal bench from the public right of way within The Arcade.
Specifically located at Ojai Ice Cream, 210 E. Ojai Avenue. Assessor’s Parcel Number 021- 0-140-340; General Plan Land Use Designation is Downtown Commercial (DC) and Zoning Classification is General Commercial (C-1) and Thoroughfare Corridor Overlay (T-C-O) District. Property Owner: Holzapfel Properties LLC. Applicant/Appellant/Business Owner:
Jonathan Berg.
Chair Trent opened the Public Hearing and turned the time over to staff Staff –Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report and PowerPoint.
Questions for staff
The Commission asked questions about the appeal and staff responded.
Chair Trent invited the appellants to the podium.
Jonathan Berg and Codi Berg addressed the Commission.
Chair Trent opened for comments
Speakers: In person: Jodine Hammerhand, Bill Miley, Larry Steingold, Brian Aikens, Dulanie LaBarre, Carol Smith. Virtually None.
Chair Trent closed the comment period
The Commission offered comments:
Motion: Vice Chair Murphy moved and Commissioner Graham seconded the motion to approve PC Resolution 25-12 approving the denial of the appeal and upholding the decision of the Director of the Community Development Department as submitted.
Amendment: Chair Trent proposed an amendment the motion to include, that staff work with the appellants to guide them regarding an acceptable bench and the potential of relocating the existing orange bench.
Motion: Vice Chair Murphy accepted the amendment and Commissioner Graham seconded the amended motion to approve PC Resolution 25-12 approving the denial of the appeal and upholding the decision of the Director of the Community Development Department and that staff work with the appellants to guide them regarding an acceptable bench and the potential of relocating the existing orange bench as amended. The motion passed as follows:
AYES: Chesley, Graham, Murphy, Trent
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
29 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes August 20, 2025
3. Design Review Permit (DRP 25-008) | for the demolition of an existing 1,296 square foot single-story wood barn and construction of a 2,346 square foot two-story replacement metal barn located at 1008 Daly Road. Assessor’s Parcel Number: 022-0-030-380. The Zone classification is Single-Family Residential, Medium Low Density (R-O) and General Plan Land Use Designation is Residential Medium Density (MR).
Chair Trent opened the Public Hearing and turned the time over to staff Staff –Planning Aide Schurmer presented the staff report and PowerPoint.
Questions for staff
The Commission asked questions about the proposal for the new two-story metal barn and staff responded.
Chair Trent invited the applicants to speak.
Jim Downer spoke virtually.
Chair Trent opened for comments
Speakers: In person: Chris Fabian, Larry Steingold, Bill Miley. Virtually None.
Chair Trent closed the comment period
The Commission offered comments:
Motion: Commissioner Graham moved and Vice Chair Murphy seconded the motion to approve PC Resolution 25-13 approving Design Review Permit (DRP 25-008) for construction of a two-story barn to replace a single-story barn located at 1008 Daly Road, subject to the findings and conditions of approval as submitted.
The motion passed as follows:
AYES: Chesley, Graham, Murphy, Trent
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
VACANCY: One
Informational Item(s)
4. Future Agenda Items
The Commission received a report from Community Development Director Seibert.
Director’s Report - None
Commission Member Report - None
30 31
MINUTES
OJAI PLANNING COMMISSION
September 3, 2025
Call to Order
Chair Trent called the regular meeting of the Ojai Planning Commission to order on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. (In-person and via teleconference).
Roll Call
On a call of the roll, the following Planning Commissioners were present in person: Chair Trent, Vice Chair Murphy, and Commissioners Chesley and Graham.
Absent: None
Vacancy: One
City staff present and attended in person: Lucas Seibert, Community Development Director, Maura Macaluso, Principial Planner, Bryan Schurmer, Planning Aide, Taylor Anderson, Assistant City Attorney, and Aida Lawrence, Planning and Building Technician.
Pledge of Allegiance Commissioner Chesley
Approval of the Agenda The Commission approved the agenda as submitted.
Public Communication None
Disclaimer of Site Visits and Ex-parte Contacts
All Commissioners present at the meeting had no site visit site or any ex-parte contacts for Item 2.
Public Hearing Item(s)
1. Planning Commission Review and Consideration (DRP 05-01) | Review the Approved Phasing Plan Progress and Consider an Adjustment to the Cottages Among the Flowers Approved Phasing Plan Located at 312 West Aliso Street. Zoning Classification is MultiFamily Residential (R-2). General Plan Land Use Designation is Medium High-Density Residential (MHR). Property Owner/Applicant: Ojai Bungalows, LP/The Becker Group.
Inc. Representative: Jeffrey R. Becker, President.
Chair Trent opened the Public Hearing and turned the time over to staff Staff –Director Seibert presented the staff report and PowerPoint.
Questions for staff
32 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 3, 2025
The Commission conducted questions and answers.
Chair Trent invited the applicant to speak and engage in questions and answers.
Jeff Becker, property owner, corresponded with the Commission.
Chair Trent opened for comments
Speakers: In person: Anita Cramm, Fran Gealer, Larry Steingold, Bill Miley.
Virtually: Teal Rowe.
Chair Trent closed the comment period
The Commission had further discussion and questions with Director Seibert and Mr. Becker.
The Commission deliberated.
Motion: Commissioner Chesley moved and Vice Chair Murphy seconded the motion to approve the Phasing Plan to move forward with Phase 4 along with the utility portion of Phase 2 and provide the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to the Commission for the Cottages Among the Flowers project located at 312 West Aliso Street.
The motion passed as follows:
AYES: Chesley, Graham, Murphy, Trent
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Discussion Item
2. Concept Review | Alternatives to Building Appeals Board Chair Trent opened the Public Hearing and turned the time over to staff Staff –Director Seibert presented the staff report.
Questions for staff
Discussion between the Commission and Director Seibert.
Chair Trent opened for comments
Speakers: In person: Larry Steingold, Bill Miley.
Virtually: Steve Quilici.
Chair Trent closed the comment period
Attorney Anderson reported on new state laws to the Commission.
The Commission deliberated.
33 34
MINUTES
OJAI PLANNING COMMISSION
October 1, 2025
Call to Order
Chair Trent called the regular meeting of the Ojai Planning Commission to order on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. (In-person and via teleconference).
Roll Call
On a call of the roll, the following Planning Commissioners were present in person: Chair Trent, Vice Chair Murphy, and Commissioners Chesley and Graham.
Absent: None.
Vacancy: One
City staff present and attended in person: Lucas Seibert, Community Development Director, Maura Macaluso, Principial Planner, Bryan Schurmer, Planning Aide, Taylor Anderson, Assistant City Attorney, Technician, and Aida Lawrence, Planning Aide.
Pledge of Allegiance Commissioner Chesley
Approval of the Agenda The Commission approved the agenda as submitted.
Public Communication None
Consent Item(s)
1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Planning Commission August 20, 2025
2. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Planning Commission September 3, 2025 Motion: Chair Murphy moved and Commissioner Graham seconded the motion to approve both August 20, 2025, and September 3, 2025, regular PC meeting minutes as submitted.
The motion passed as follows:
AYES: Chesley, Graham, Murphy, Trent
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
VACANCY: One
35 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 1, 2025
Disclaimer of Site Visits and Ex-parte Contacts
All Commissioners present at the meeting had no site visit site or any ex-parte contacts for Item 2.
Commissioner Chesley recused himself from the dais.
Public Hearing Item(s)
3. Design Review Permit (DRP 25-005) | Regarding renovation and restoration to the front elevations of 202 & 206 E. Ojai Avenue, as well as the street side west elevation with an address of 102 N. Signal Street. Renovation and restoration proposed to 202 E. Ojai Avenue includes a new entrance flush with the existing exterior wall, removal of paint to expose existing transom, and patching and painting existing stucco and door surround.
Renovation and restoration to 206 E. Ojai Ave. includes a new wood door and window in existing location and painting trim. Modifications proposed to the west facing side entrance, 102 N. Signal St. include a new wood storefront and entry door, exposure and restoration of existing clearstory windows and stone and stucco infill and repair. The building is a contributor to a California Register of Historical Resources (California Register) listed Downtown Ojai Historic District, Assessor’s Parcel Number: 021-0-140- 330. Property Owner(s): Richard and Evan Badt. Representative/Applicant: Jeff Becker, The Becker Group, Inc.
Chair Trent opened the Public Hearing and turned the time over to staff Staff –Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report.
Questions for staff
The Commission asked questions related to colors, the vents, the doors, verifying the plant vine will remain, and corrections to the resolution.
Chair Trent invited the applicants to speak.
Jason Heber, Architect responded to the Commissions questions.
Chair Trent opened for public comments
Speakers: None
Chair Trent closed the comment period
The Commission deliberated:
Motion: Vice Chair Murphy moved and Commissioner Graham seconded the motion to adopt PC Resolution 25-14 approving Design Review Permit (DRP 25-005) Regarding renovation and restoration to the front elevations of 202 & 206 E. Ojai Avenue, as well as the street side west elevation with an address of 102 N. Signal Street. The building is a contributor to a California Register of Historical Resources (California Register) listed Downtown Ojai Historic District as amended. 36 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 1, 2025
The motion passed as follows:
AYES: Graham, Murphy, Trent
NOES: None
RECUSED: Chesley
ABSENT: None
Commissioner Chesley returned to the dais.
Informational Item(s)
4. UPDATE REGARDING Conditional Use Permit (CUP 24-001) | Parking lot Conditions Of Approval located at 111 W. Matilija Avenue (APN 021-0-106-010). Property Owner:
Pacific Bell Telephone Company, dba AT&T Inc. Representative/Applicant: Blue Croix Ltd, Steve Slater.
Chair Trent opened the Public Hearing and turned the time over to staff Staff –Director Seibert presented the staff report.
Chair Trent opened for comments
Speakers (In person): Brian Aikens
Chair Trent closed the comment period
5. Future Agenda Items
The Commission received a report from Community Development Director Seibert.
Director’s Report - Director’s Exemption process reminder Staff –Director Seibert reported.
Commission Member Report – Chair Trent reported he is retiring from the commission and this is his last meeting.
City Council Liaison – Council Member Rachel Lang
37 38
CITY OF OJAI
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
August 14, 2025
Call to Order
Chair McHatton called the regular meeting of the Ojai Historic Preservation Commission to order on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in person and via teleconference.
Roll Call
On a call of the roll, the following Historic Preservation Commissioners were present in person: Chair McHatton, Vice Chair Sims, and Commissioners Aikens, Bisaccia, and Walker.
Absent: Moore
Vacancy: One
Staff present: The following were present in person: Maura Macaluso, Principal Planner, and Aida Lawrence, Planning & Building Technician.
Pledge of Allegiance Chair McHatton led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Communication None
Museum Representative Report Commissioner Aikens reported.
Consent Item(s)
1. Minutes of the July 10, 2025, regular meeting.
Motion: Vice Chair Sims moved and Commissioner Walker seconded the motion to approve the July 10, 2025, regular meeting as amended.
The motion passed as follows:
AYES: Aikens, Bisaccia, McHatton, Sims, Walker
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Moore
VACANCY: One
39 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes August 14, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 2 of 7
Disclosure of Site Visits and Ex-Parte Contacts
All commissioners present reported and all had site visits for the items on the agenda, with some exparte contacts with the owner’s representative.
Public Hearing Item(s)
2. Sign Permit (S 25-007) | for a new sign for “Ojai Mountain Farm” restaurant and outdoor dining at the rear of the business located at 242 E. Ojai Avenue within the City of Ojai Historic Landmark No. 5, “The Ojai Arcade”. Assessor’s Parcel Number 021-0-140-370.
Sign Permit submitted by: Peter Godinez, Vogue Signs. Property Owner: Verna Joy Adams. Business Owner/Tenant: Tony Yanow
Chair McHatton opened the item
Staff – Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report.
Chair McHatton invited the applicant to speak
Peter Godinez addressed the commission and was available for questions.
The Commission asked staff questions.
Public comment None
The Commission deliberated.
Commissioner Sims had concerns with the brightness of the proposed colors.
Commissioner Walker discussed precedence setting and a streamlined review of colors.
Commissioner Bisaccia sign colors were naturally occurring in the Ojai Valley.
Motion: Commissioner Walker moved and Vice Chair Sims seconded the motion to continue the item and to request the applicant to bring back a revised color palette. For consideration. The motion failed as follows:
AYES: Sims, Walker
NOES: Aikens, Bisaccia, McHatton
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Moore
VACANCY: One
Motion: Commissioner Aikens moved and Chair McHatton seconded the motion to adopt HPC Resolution 25-05 approving Sign Permit (S 25-007) for “Ojai Mountain Farms” based on the findings and conditions and the sign is consistent with the Arcade Design Guidelines and the Ojai Municipal Code. The motion passed as follows:
AYES: Aikens, Bisaccia, McHatton
NOES: Sims, Walker
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Moore
VACANCY: One
40 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes August 14, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 3 of 7
3. Major Work Permit (WP 25-008) | Regarding renovation and restoration to the front elevations of 202 & 206 E. Ojai Avenue, as well as the street side west elevation with an address of 102 N. Signal Street. Renovation and restoration is proposed to existing storefront and transom systems, as well as stucco work and painting. Modifications are proposed to that west facing side entrance including the addition of a window, while eliminating one of the existing fixed wood vents. The building is a contributor to a California Register of Historical Resources (California Register) listed Downtown Ojai Historic District, Assessor’s Parcel Number: 021-0-140-330. Property Owner(s): Richard and Evan Badt. Representative/Applicant: Jeff Becker, The Becker Group, Inc.
Chair McHatton opened the item
Staff – Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report.
Chair McHatton invited the applicant to speak
Property owner’s representative, Jeff Becker addressed the commission and answered the commission’s questions.
Property owner, Evan Badt, owner addressed the commission.
Public comment In person: Stephen Schaffer and Mary Nelson.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioners Walker, Aikens, Bisaccia, McHatton, and Sims commented.
First Motion: Commissioner Walker moved and Vice Chair Sims seconded the motion to adopt HPC Resolution 25-06 approving Minor Work Permit (WP 25-008) for renovation and restoration to the front elevations of 202 & 206 E. Ojai Avenue, as well as the street side west elevation with an address of 102 N. Signal Street, and the renovation and restoration to the existing storefront and transom systems, as well as stucco work and painting, and the modifications proposed to the west facing side entrance and exclude the addition of a window from the approval.
No vote taken, because a substitute motion was made.
Substitute Motion: Commissioner Aikens made a substitute motion and Chair McHatton seconded the substitute motion to consider alternate window choices in stone wall at 102 N. Signal Street. The motion failed as follows:
AYES: Aikens, McHatton
NOES: Bisaccia, Sims, Walker
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Moore
VACANCY: One
First Motion again: Commissioner Walker moved and Vice Chair Sims seconded the motion to adopt HPC Resolution 25-06 approving Minor Work Permit (WP 25-008) for renovation and restoration to the front elevations of 202 & 206 E. Ojai Avenue, as well as the street side west elevation with an address of 102 N. Signal Street, and the renovation and restoration to the existing storefront and transom systems, as well as 41 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes August 14, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 4 of 7
stucco work and painting, and the modifications proposed to the west facing side entrance and exclude the addition of a window from the approval.
The motion passed as follows:
AYES: Bisaccia, McHatton, Sims, Walker
NOES: Aikens
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Moore
VACANCY: One
Discussion Item(s)
4. Annual 2025 Historic Preservation Award
Chair McHatton opened the item
Staff – Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report.
The commission reviewed and discussed biographies of nominees for 2025 Annual Historic Preservation Awards and Lifetime Achievement Award, with selection of nominees and provided corrections.
Each candidate was voted on individually by the commission as follows:
Motion: Commissioner Aikens made a motion and Commissioner Walker seconded to recommend the City Council select ‘The Gables of Ojai’ owners, ‘The Parsons Family’, Robert, Alyce and Janelle Parsons, and co-partner David Brown as recipients of the 2025 City of Ojai Lifetime Achievement Award because of his extensive contributions to maintaining the historic character of the city.
The motion passed as follows:
AYES: Aikens, Bisaccia, McHatton, Sims, Walker
NOES: None
ABSENT: Moore
VACANCY: One
Motion: Vice Chair Sims made a motion and Commissioner Bisaccia seconded to recommend the City Council select ‘Ojai Playhouse Theatre’ owner David Berger and team, Robert Kupiec, Architect and Kerry Miller, General Contractor Annual Award for their contributions to maintaining the historic character of the city.
The motion passed as follows:
AYES: Aikens, Bisaccia, McHatton, Sims, Walker
NOES: None
ABSENT: Moore
VACANCY: One
Public comment In person: Stephen Schafer
42 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes August 14, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 5 of 7
Motion: Commissioner Aikens made a motion, and Chair McHatton seconded a motion to recommend the City Council award an Annual Award to the four individual developers of the Hotel El Roblar owners, Ramin Shamshiri, Jeremy McBride, Warner Ebbink, and Eric Goode.
The motion failed as follows:
AYES: Aikens, McHatton,
NOES: Bisaccia, Sims, Walker
ABSENT: Moore
VACANCY: One
Motion: Commissioner Aikens made a motion, and Commissioner Walker seconded to recommend the City Council award an Annual an Annual Award to photographer Stephen Adams.
The motion passed as follows:
AYES: Aikens, Bisaccia, McHatton, Sims, Walker
NOES: None
ABSENT: Moore
VACANCY: One
5. Historic Preservation Related City Pamphlet Update(s) Chair McHatton opened the item
Staff – Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report.
The Commission reviewed and all were in support of the proposed pamphlet updates and no changes were made.
Motion: Commissioner Walker made a motion and Commissioner Bisaccia seconded to accept the revisions to the Landmark Pamphlet and the Walking Tour Pamphlet, and post to the City of Ojai website.
The motion passed as follows:
AYES: Aikens, Bisaccia, McHatton, Sims, Walker
NOES: None
ABSENT: Moore
VACANCY: One
6. Ojai Day 2025 | California State Downtown Ojai Historic District Celebration Ad hoc committee report given with discussion of booth possibilities, open house at jail, and presentation of historic district plaque.
Chair McHatton opened the item
Staff – Principal Planner Macaluso showed the plaque.
The Commission all commented and liked the plaque.
43 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes August 14, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 6 of 7
Chair McHatton reported on a meeting with Ojai Museum to review photos and work on the creation of the banners the pennants the Ojai Museum are creating and ordering for Ojai Day. She indicated she will reach out to the City’s Ojai Day contact, Kristy Riveria.
Planner Macaluso said she will work with Public Works Department staff regarding the installation of the plaque on October 17, 2025, the Friday night before Ojai Day scheduled on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Chair opened the item for public comment.
Public comment In person: Stephen Schafer
Chair closed the item for comment.
There was further discussion and deliberation on other assignments for Ojai Day.
Planner Macaluso said the Ojai Jail schedule will be added to next month’s agenda.
Commissioner Bisaccia reported he will be absent from the September 11, 2025, regularly scheduled Historic Preservation Commission meeting.
Chair McHatton closed the item.
7. Ojai Valley Trail Point of Historical Interest Plaques. (When reviewing these minutes at the September 11, 2025, Commissioner Walker, requested the new title for this item for future meetings read as follows: “Ojai Railroad Heritage Trail Interpretive Signage”)
Commissioner Walker of the ad hoc committee gave an update detailing local support, who would be writing the text, and comments about placement, and he would like to add the Ojai Museum as contributors.
Planner Macaluso and Commissioner Walker discussed details of the plaques, such as sizes, location, etc.
Chair McHatton closed the item.
8. Education Update.
Receive current educational opportunities from Chair McHatton. Commissioner Walker mentions possible tie-ins to local California History school’s education with local Ojai history.
44 45
Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Ben Harvey, City Manager
MEETING DATE: December 9, 2025
SUBJECT: Reappointment of Area Housing Authority (AHA)
Commissioner
RECOMMENDATION
Reappoint Mr. Steve Mason to serve a new four-year term as the City of Ojai’s representative on the Area Housing Authority (AHA) Board of Commissioners.
DISCUSSION
The County’s AHA provides housing assistance and affordable housing programs across the region. Each participating jurisdiction appoints two commissioners to the Board of Commissioners, with each serving a four-year term.
Mr. Steve Mason has been serving as one of Ojai’s appointed Commissioners, with his current term expiring in October 2025. According to the AHA, Commissioner Mason has been an excellent representative for the City of Ojai throughout his term, actively participating in Board matters and serving as a reliable liaison between the Authority and the City. The AHA has expressed its support for Mr. Mason’s reappointment (as seen in Attachment A), noting his strong performance and commitment as a Commissioner.
Reappointing Mr. Mason will maintain Ojai’s effective representation on the AHA Board.
Staff recommends approval to support this community member’s desire to continue their volunteer service. Mr. Mason resides in Meiners Oaks representing the Ojai Valley and City.
Following Council direction on October 21, 2025, City staff noticed the AHA vacancies on the City Website and in the Ojai Valley News for two consecutive weeks (Friday, 10/31/25, and Friday, 11/7/25). Applicant Steve Mason re-submitted an application and remains the only applicant.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS ALIGNMENT
Goal No. 1 - Affordable Housing
OPTIONS
1. Take no action;
2. Provide alternative direction to staff.
46
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact as a result of this action.
Prepared by: Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. AHA Commissioner Information and Mason Support
47 Application
City of Ojai
City Clerk’s Office
401 South Ventura Street
Ojai, CA 93023
Telephone: 805-646-5581, Ext. 120
www.ojai.ca.gov
FACT SHEET FOR COMMISSION AND BOARD APPLICANTS
Name: _____________________________________ Date: _______________ Residence ______________________
______________________
Employer: _____________________________ Business Phone: ___________________ Business ______________________________ Type of _________________________ Address: ______________________________ Business _________________________ Education: _________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Number of years as a resident Are you a registered voter of the Ojai Valley: ________ of the City of Ojai? _________ List Civic Activities, Clubs, Associations, Etc.:_____________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Additional information, qualifications and/or references:
___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ (You may attach additional pages if you wish)
Steve Mason 11/12/25 BS Business Administration- Real Estate and Land Use Management 37 No Ojai Unified School District Classified Personnel Commission 2004-2024, Commissioner Area Housing Authority 2021-2025, Ojai Road Runners Track Club 2000-2011, Ventura Disc Golf Club I worked in local government for over 30 years specializing in planning and building with Santa Barbara County. My experience includes land use policy development and implementation. That work provided me a familiarity with state housing laws and local housing issues. I have significant experience working with elected and appointed Councils, Boards and Commissions in development of land use policy. Housing has been an area of personal and professional interest and would very much like to be reappointed to the AHA Board. 48 Application
Advisory Boards and Commissions
Please check your preference(s)
City of Ojai Commissions/Committee: County of Ventura
Citizens Advisory Committees:
Arts Commission Area Agency on Aging
Historic Preservation Commission Area Housing Authority Parks & Recreation Commission Ventura County Air Pollution Control District Advisory Commission
Planning Commission Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC)
Fiscal Policy Budget Committee Building Appeals Board PLEASE NOTE: The State of California Fair Political Practices Commission requires Conflict of Interest filings for City of Ojai commissioners and board members. See attached information. ______________________________________
Signature
Please return this completed application to: City Clerk City of Ojai
Street: 401 S. Ventura Street, Ojai, CA 93023
X
49 1
Weston Montgomery
From: S. M.
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2025 3:27 PM
To: Andy Gilman
Cc: Weston Montgomery; Mike Nigh; Carrie Sabatini
Subject: Appointment to Affordable Housing
Attachments: Steve Mason fact sheet signed Attachment A.pdf; S Mason appointment 2021 Ojai consent item.pdf; Steve Mason appointment 2021 Ojai consent item.pdf
Mayor GilmanMy name is Steve Mason and I am currently serving as one of the City of Ojai’s appointees to the Area Housing Authority (AHA) Ventura County Board of Commissioners. I was appointed by the Ojai City Council in October of 2021. That four year term is due to expire this November. I would be happy to serve another term as one of the City’s appointees to the Board. I have attached the Fact Sheet for Commission Applicants that I submitted to the City back in 2021. I am happy to provide an update to the Fact Sheet and or meet with you to discuss this appointment. The City Council consent letter, authored by then City Manager Vega, for the appointment and a transmittal of the decision to the AHA are also attached.
The AHA one of the best run agencies I have worked with in my 35 years of local government service. The AHA website is: https://www.ahacv.org . Mr. Michael Nigh, Executive Director is copied on this email and can provide you with additional information about the AHA I can be reached at or via email.
Regards
Steve Mason
C: Chief Deputy City Clerk, Mr. Montgomery
AHA, Deputy Executive Director C. Sabatini
Attachments:
50 51
From: Linda Fisher-Helton <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 4:16 PM
To: Weston Montgomery <[email protected]>; Ben Harvey <[email protected]> Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Area Housing Authority Generic Commissioner Information Hi Weston and Ben,
I apologize for the delay. I have been out of the office and am just returning.
Each jurisdiction appoints two Commissioners to represent the city on the Board of Commissioners. It is a four-year term. In addition, one Resident Commissioner who lives in an eligible AHA housing complex is jointly ratified by all the jurisdictions. Commissioner Angela Bradley was re-appointed as the Resident Commissioner in June. Commissioner Bradley just happens to live in the unincorporated Ojai area but serves as the Resident Commissioner, not an Ojai Commissioner.
Currently, Steve Mason serves as a Commissioner for Ojai. His term ends in October 2025. For Commissioner Mason to continue his position on the Board, he needs to be re-appointed. Commissioner Mason has been an excellent representative during his term. The Board and AHA would welcome his reappointment. The discussion of re-appointment is between Commissioner Mason and the City.
I am happy to share with you AHA's generic information regarding Commissioner responsibilities. I do not have access to any of Ojai's recruitment information or process.
Please let me know what additional information you need.
Thank you,
Linda
Linda Fisher-Helton
Community Relations Manager
House One and You Change the World
Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura
www.ahacv.org
805-480-9991, ext. 235
52 Generic Commission Position Description
This document is intended to guide municipalities through the recruitment process and should be changed to meet the agency’s specific needs, goals, process, and requirements for selecting a new commissioner or reappointing a current commissioner.
The Commissioner is appointed and may be sworn in by the City Council to serve a 4-year term on the Area Housing Authority (AHA) Board of Commissioners. The Board presently meets monthly on the 4th Wednesday, or as otherwise scheduled, at 3:00pm in Newbury Park.
The duties of the Commissioner are to:
• Attend and actively participate in monthly Board meetings • Maintain an open line of communication with the City regarding issues brought forth at AHA meetings
• Continue to acquire additional training/education on housing issues through AHA resources, HUD and, if approved, local and regional conferences
• Maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions with city council, AHA staff, other commissioners, and the public
• Provide support and direction to the AHA executive director In order to effectively participate as a Commissioner, the ideal candidate must live within the City limits and have:
• The ability to clearly communicate thoughts and ideas both verbally and in writing • Transportation to meetings
• The ability to understand financial, managerial, and planning/development reports • Time to attend monthly Board and Committee meetings
• Basic understanding of proper meeting etiquette as set forth in Robert’s Rules of Order • Basic understanding of the Brown Act
• Basic understanding of public agency ethical practices • Access to e-mail and the internet is required
• The ability to fill out a Statement of Economic Interest- Form 700 • Ability to complete all required training (Ethics, Workplace Harassment Prevention, etc.) This is a volunteer position which receives a monthly stipend of $50 and mileage reimbursement from the Area Housing Authority.
53
Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Ben Harvey, City Manager
MEETING DATE: December 9, 2025
SUBJECT: Ratify Appointment to Fill Mid-Term Vacancy on the Historic Preservation Commission
RECOMMENDATION
Review and ratify nomination of applicant Catalina Niessen as Historic Preservation Commissioner to fill a mid-term vacancy on the Historic Preservation Commission.
DISCUSSION
The Historic Preservation Commission experienced a Mid-Term Vacancy in 2025. After the Nominating Committee (Mayor Gilman, Commission Chair McHatton, and Council Member Rule) agreed to fill the vacancy, the City performed public outreach included updating the Maddy Act Local Appointments List, updating the City website for Commission Vacancies, posting public notice of the vacancies, advertising in The Ojai Valley News, and providing communications to the full Council, Commissioners, and staff.
Ojai Municipal Code’s Historic Preservation Commission section 4-8.03 and 4-8.03(b)(6) outlines the process for a mid-term vacancy specifically, on top of the nomination process.
Following the code, the original rotating Council Member for this Nominating Committee, District 1 Council Member Leslie Rule, served again to fill this mid-term vacancy This process has been followed for each candidate under consideration. As required by Ojai Municipal Code, the Nominating Committee unanimously recommends:
1. Catalina Niessen (Appointment to fill mid-term vacancy, September 2024-May 2028)
If the City Council rejects this nominee, the nominating committee will reconvene to select another candidate. This process continues until a nominee is confirmed.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS ALIGNMENT
Goal No. 9 - Communication and Relationships
OPTIONS
1. Take no action;
2. Provide alternative direction to staff.
54
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact as a result of this action.
Prepared by: Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Commissioner Application Form – C. Niessen
55 Application
City of Ojai
City Clerk’s Office
401 South Ventura Street
Ojai, CA 93023
Telephone: 805-646-5581, Ext. 120
www.ojai.ca.gov
FACT SHEET FOR COMMISSION AND BOARD APPLICANTS
Name: _____________________________________ Date: _______________ Residence Address: _______
____________________________________
Home Phone: _ _____________ E-Mail:
Employer: _____________________________ Business Phone: ___________________ Business Type of _________________________
Address: ______________________________ Business _________________________ Education: _________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Number of years as a resident Are you a registered voter of the Ojai Valley: ________ of the City of Ojai? _________ List Civic Activities, Clubs, Associations, Etc.:_____________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Additional information, qualifications and/or references:
___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ (You may attach additional pages if you wish)
Catalina Niessen 11/7/2025
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Cultural Resource Management/Archaeology
UCSB: BA Cultural Anthropology. CSUCI: MBA (Business Administration) 2026 27 Yes None to date
I am deeply invested in historic preservation and very interested in local history. I have been working as an archaeologist and cultural resource specialist for three years and have experience with CEQA, NHPA, and NAGPRA. This sounds like an amazing opportunity to be involved with my community while connecting with my interests. Thank you for your consideration.
56 Application
Advisory Boards and Commissions
Please check your preference(s)
City of Ojai Commissions/Committee: County of Ventura
Citizens Advisory Committees:
Arts Commission Area Agency on Aging
Historic Preservation Commission Area Housing Authority Parks & Recreation Commission Ventura County Air Pollution Control District Advisory Commission
Planning Commission Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC)
Fiscal Policy Budget Committee Building Appeals Board PLEASE NOTE: The State of California Fair Political Practices Commission requires Conflict of Interest filings for City of Ojai commissioners and board members. See attached information. ______________________________________
Signature
Please return this completed application to: City Clerk City of Ojai
Street: 401 S. Ventura Street, Ojai, CA 93023
X
Catalina Niessen
57
Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Ben Harvey, City Manager
Kathy Holman, Human Resources/Risk Manager
MEETING DATE: December 9, 2025
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution to Amend the City’s 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council adopt a resolution to amend the City’s MissionSquare 457 Deferred Compensation Plan to include Roth Contribution provisions, options under the SECURE
2.0 Act, loan provisions, and deferral of leave cash-outs.
DISCUSSION
The city currently offers a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan to its employees through MissionSquare, allowing employees to defer compensation on a pre-tax basis into a personalized retirement plan. Each calendar year, the 457 Plan allows employees over age 50 the option to make catch-up contributions to the plan (currently $7,500) in addition to their regular deferrals (current contribution limit is $23,500).
The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 introduced over 90 new provisions for retirement plans, including mandatory Roth (after-tax) catch-up contributions for employees earning over $145,000 in Social Security wages starting in 2026. To comply with these new regulations and to provide our employees with enhanced retirement savings options, it is proposed that the MissionSquare 457 Plan be amended to include the following provisions:
Roth Catch-Up Contributions:
Employees earning over $145,000 in 2025 will be required to designate any age 50 or age 60-63 catch-up contributions as Roth contributions starting in 2026. This amendment will ensure that employees can continue to make catch-up contributions without interruption.
Failure to adopt Roth Contributions will render employees earning over $145,000 ineligible for participating in the age 50 or age 60-63 catch-up contributions.
Optional Provisions under SECURE 2.0:
The SECURE 2.0 Act included various optional provisions that can enhance the retirement plan. These provisions include increased flexibility for in-service distributions, expanded eligibility for part-time employees, timing of employee elections, and higher catch-up contribution limits for employees aged 60-63. Adopting these optional provisions will provide our employees with greater flexibility and opportunities to maximize their retirement savings.
58
Allowing Loans:
The amendment will permit participants to take loans from their 457 Plan accounts, providing them with access to funds in times of need without incurring penalties.
Deferral of Leave Accruals:
The amendment will include provisions for the deferral of leave cash-outs, allowing participants to defer their contributions and earnings to a later date, offering additional flexibility in managing their retirement savings.
As IRS regulations evolve, amendments are necessary to ensure continued compliance.
Therefore, it is recommended that the City Council approve the amendment to the MissionSquare 457 Deferred Compensation Plan to include optional provisions under the SECURE 2.0 Act, Roth Contribution provisions, the allowance of loans, and the deferral of leave accruals.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS ALIGNMENT
Goal No. 8 - Financial Stability
OPTIONS
1. Take no action;
2. Provide alternative direction to staff.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact because of this action.
Prepared by: Kathy Holman, Human Resources/Risk Manager
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution to Amend the City’s 457 Deferred Compensation Plan B. 457 Governmental Plan and Trust Optional Provisions Election Form C. Request for SECURE 2.0 and Other Plan Changes Checklist D. MissionSquare Retirement Governmental 457 Deferred Compensation Model Plan Document 59 CITY OF OJAI
RESOLUTION NO. 25-___
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OJAI,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE CITY’S 457 DEFERRED
COMPENSATION PLAN DOCUMENT
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Ojai has previously established a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for City employees; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend the Plan in accordance with the attached election form (Exhibit “A”) regarding the adoption of certain optional provisions under the SECURE 2.0 Act; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds and determines that this amendment shall supersede any provisions of the existing Plan document that are inconsistent with the provisions of this amendment.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OJAI,
CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AND ORDER, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City of Ojai’s 457 Deferred Compensation Plan is amended as indicated in Exhibit “A”.
SECTION 2. The effective date of these amendments to the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan shall be January 1, 2026.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original Resolutions. 60 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 9th day of December 2025 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
CITY OF OJAI, CALIFORNIA
Andy Gilman, Mayor
ATTEST:
Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Bethany A. Burgess, City Attorney
Exhibit A – 457 Governmental Plan and Trust Optional Provisions Election Form 61 DRAFT
457 Governmental Plan and Trust
Optional Provisions Election Form (October 2023)
Employers should execute this form to make elections, or change prior elections, related to optional provisions contained in the MissionSquare Retirement 457 Governmental Deferred Compensation Plan and Trust document. This form may also be used by plan sponsors utilizing an individually designed plan document.
Plan Number: 30__________________ Employer Plan Name: _______________________________ I. PLAN DOCUMENT (If you are establishing a new plan, please skip this section.) Our plan currently uses:
o MissionSquare’s model plan document
o An individually designed plan document
II. PLAN YEAR
The plan year will be (select one):
o January 1 – December 31 (Default); or
o The 12-month period beginning _______________ _____
Month Day
III. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The following group or groups of Employees are eligible to participate in the plan:
o All Employees (Default)
o Full-time Employees
o Salaried Employees
o Non-union Employees
o Management
o Public Safety Employees
o General Employees
o Other Employees (specify the group(s) of eligible employees):
The group specified must correspond to a group of the same designation that is defined in the statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, personnel manuals or other material in effect in the state or locality of the Employer.
IV. LOANS
Loans are allowed under the plan.
o Yes o No (Default)
If you select “Yes” above, you must also complete and return the Loan Guidelines Agreement in the Loan Implementation Package for 457/401 Plan Sponsors. 1091 City of Ojai 457(b) Plan
EXHIBIT A
62 DRAFT
2 63022-1023-W1851
V. DISTRIBUTIONS
a. In-service distributions while employed with the Employer are permitted after a participant attains (select one of the options):
o Age 70½ (Default)
o Not permitted at any age
To adopt an in-service withdrawal age of 59 1/2, please complete the SECURE Act Election form.
b. In-service distributions of rollovers are allowed at any time:
o Yes o No (Default)
c. Tax-free distributions for the payment of qualifying insurance premiums for eligible retired public safety officers are available under the plan. o Yes o No (Default)
d. Unforeseeable emergency withdrawals are permitted.
o Yes (Default) o No
In applying the rules for unforeseeable emergency withdrawals, the determination of any unforeseen emergency shall include circumstances applying to a Primary Beneficiary.
o Yes (Default) o No
VI. ROTH PROVISIONS
a. The plan will offer Designated Roth Accounts as described in Article IX. o Yes o No (Default)
[If No is selected, skip the remainder of this Section VI.] b. The plan will allow In-Plan Roth Conversions as provided in Section 9.05. o Yes (Default) o No
c. Designated Roth Accounts will be available as a source for loans under the plan. o Yes o No or N/A (Default)
VII. AUTOMATIC ENROLLMENT
The plan will offer automatic enrollment.
o Yes o No (Default)
If you select “Yes” above, further steps are required to implement this feature, including completing implementation forms. We will contact you.
VIII. DEFERRAL OF SICK PAY, VACATION AND BACK PAY (CHOOSE ANY/ALL THAT APPLY) Participants may elect to defer:
o Accumulated Sick Pay
o Accumulated Vacation Pay
o Back Pay
Note: If no election is made, a Participant will not be able to defer any of these.
EXHIBIT A
63 DRAFT
3 63022-1023-W1851
The Participant’s election to defer accumulated sick pay, accumulated vacation pay, or back pay must be made before the beginning of the month in which these amounts would otherwise be paid or made available to the employee.
IX. EMPLOYER MATCH
Employer will match Elective Deferrals and Default Elective Deferrals (“Deferrals”). o Yes o No (Default)
[If No is selected, skip the remainder of Section IX. IF YES, COMPLETE ALL THAT APPLY]. o Employer Percentage Match of Deferrals
The Employer shall contribute on behalf of each Participant an amount determined as follows (subject to the limitations of Article V of the plan):
_________% of the Deferrals made on behalf of the Participant for the Plan Year (not including Deferrals exceeding _______% of Earnings or $ ________________);
Plus __________% of the Deferrals made on behalf of the Participant for the Plan Year in excess of those included in the above paragraph (but not including Deferrals exceeding in the aggregate __________% of Earnings or $ _________________).
Employer matching contributions on behalf of a Participant for a Plan Year shall not exceed $ _________________ or _________% of Earnings, whichever is (CHOOSE ONE) o more o less.
o Employer Dollar Match of Deferrals
The Employer shall contribute on behalf of each Participant an amount determined as follows (subject to the limitations of Article V of the plan):
$ _________________for each ________ % of Earnings or $ _____________ that the Employer contributes on behalf of the Participant as Deferrals for the Plan Year (not including Deferrals exceeding % of Earnings or $__________________);
Plus $ _______ for each % of Earnings or $ that
the Employer contributes on behalf of the Participant as Deferrals for the Plan Year in excess of those included in the above paragraph (but not including Deferrals exceeding in the aggregate % of Earnings or $________________).
Employer matching contributions on behalf of a Participant for a Plan Year shall not exceed $ ___________________or __________ % of Earnings, whichever is
(CHOOSE ONE) o more o less.
EXHIBIT A
64 DRAFT
4 63022-1023-W1851
X. MILITARY SERVICE ELECTIONS
a. Plan contributions shall be made under the plan for differential wage payments (i.e., payments made by the employer to an individual performing military service that represents all or a portion of the wages he/she would have received). o Yes (Default) o No
If yes is selected, this is effective beginning January 1, 2009 (or if later, the effective date of the Plan), unless another effective date is filled in here:
________________________
b. A participant shall be deemed to have a severance from employment for purposes of eligibility for a distribution during any period of military service for more than 30 days.
o Yes o No (Default)
c. A participant who dies or becomes Disabled (as defined in the plan) while performing qualified military service shall receive plan contributions as if the individual had resumed employment on the day preceding death or disability and then terminated employment on the actual date of death or disability.
o Yes o No (Default)
If yes is selected, this is effective for participants who died or became disabled while performing military service on or after January 1, 2007 (or if later, the effective date of the plan), unless another effective date is filled in here:
___________________ (date cannot be prior to January 1, 2007) XI. SPOUSAL CONSENT (APPLIES ONLY TO COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATES) If your state is not a community property state, skip the remainder of Section XI.
Where spousal consent is required, it will apply to:
o Only to persons who are married (Default)
o A person who is married, who is a domestic partner under state law, or who is a person in a civil union or other formally recognized personal partnership
o A person who is married or who is a domestic partner under state law o A person who is married or is a person in a civil union or other formally recognized personal partnership
Note: This election applies only for plans in community property states requiring the consent of a spouse to name someone other than the spouse as a beneficiary, and only for determining who is treated as a “spouse” for this purpose and not for any other plan purposes.
EXHIBIT A
65 DRAFT
5 63022-1023-W1851
XII. SUMMARY OF CHANGES
If you are making changes to an existing plan, please summarize the changes along with the effective dates of the changes below and identify the applicable Optional Provisions Election Form section number. If you are establishing a new plan, please skip this section. a. ______________________________________ Effective Date: ____/____/________ b. ______________________________________ Effective Date: ____/____/________ c. ______________________________________ Effective Date: ____/____/________ d. ______________________________________ Effective Date: ____/____/________ XIII. EMPLOYER SIGNATURE
By signing, Employer confirms he or she is authorized to make the elections specified on this form.
Employer hereby appoints MissionSquare Retirement as the non-discretionary Plan Administrator in accordance with the terms and conditions of the MissionSquare Retirement Corporation 457 Governmental Deferred Compensation Plan and Trust.
Employer hereby attests that it is a unit of state or local government or an agency or instrumentality of one or more units of state or local government.
Employer acknowledges that applicable state law may or may not allow for the addition of an Automatic Enrollment Feature in their 457(b) plan administered by MissionSquare Retirement, and Employer assumes full responsibility for the decision to add such a feature to their plan.
Employer Signature: __________________________________________ Date (mm/dd/yyyy): ____/____/________
Name (Please Print): __________________________________________ Title: ______________________________________________________ Preferred Phone Number: (_____) _________________
Email Address: _________________________________
Plan Number: ___________________________________
This form can be returned by email, fax, or mail using the information below.
Online: Submit through secure messaging to:
www.employers.msqplanservices.org
Fax to: MissionSquare Plan Services
(844) 677-3297
Mail to: MissionSquare Plan Services
P.O. Box 219320
Kansas City, MO 64121-9320
301091
IX. Employer Match
EXHIBIT A
66 Request for SECURE 2.0 and Other Plan Changes Checklist To begin the process of making changes to your plan, please check the boxes next to the provisions you wish to add, and submit the completed checklist to MissionSquare Plan Services via Secure Messaging.
We request to add the following checked optional provisions to:
PLAN NAME: PLAN NUMBER: EFFECTIVE: MM/DD/YYYY
"
" "
"
"
"
"
Roth Contributions (457(b), 403(b), 401(k) plans only)
The plan will allow in-plan Roth conversions:
" Yes (default) " No
Designated Roth accounts will be available as a source
for loans under the plan:
Yes No (default)
Note: If your plan does not permit Roth contributions,
employees earning above $145,000 (Social Security
wages) in 2025 may be ineligible to make age 50 or
age 60-63 catch-up contributions starting in 2026.
Age 60-63 Catch-Up
Qualified Federally Declared Disaster Relief Distribution Emergency Expense Withdrawals for (up to $1,000)*
Self-Certification for Unforeseeable Emergency
Withdrawals (Available for 457(b) Plans)
"
Is plan sponsor approval required:
Yes " No (default)
"
" "
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
Self-Certification for Hardship Withdrawals
(Available in 403(b) and 401(k) Plans)
Is plan sponsor approval required:
Yes No (default)
Penalty-free Withdrawals for Individuals In Case of
Domestic Abuse*
Eliminate the “first day of the month” requirement for
57(b) plans (changes and enrollments will be effective
mmediately or as soon as administratively feasible)
4 i
Treatment of Student Loan Payments as Elective
Deferrals for Purposes of Matching Contribution
In-Service Distribution at Age 59.5
Qualified Birth and Adoption Distribution
MissionSquare Retirement IncomeAdvantage
In-Service Portability
Other:
(Discuss with your MissionSquare contact before
completing this item).
*Estimated availability after 3/31/2025.
Requestor: Provide your information in the !elds below and submit the completed checklist using Secure Messaging.
Please review the Secure Messaging User Guide for more information.
We will contact you within 3-5 business days if more information is needed; otherwise MissionSquare Plan Services will prepare and send any necessary documents to the plan sponsor contact who is authorized to execute those documents.
To update your plan’s contacts, please use the Plan Contact & Access Form available on the Plan Sponsor website. Documents are typically sent within 7 business days of the request unless there are unanswered questions. This timing might be greater if the volume is high. An email noti!cation will be sent when the recordkeeping changes are complete.
FULL NAME: LAST, FIRST, MI (REQUESTOR’S INFORMATION) TITLE:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
Questions? Contact MissionSquare Plan Services for employer support at (800) 326-7272 or log in to your account to use Secure Messaging.
MissionSquare Retirement 777 N. Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4240 (800) 326-7272 www.missionsq.org 168026-0325-W3380
City of Ojai 301091 01/01/2026
Holman, Kathy Human Resources Manager
[email protected]
EXHIBIT A
67 DRAFT
457 Governmental Plan and Trust
Optional Provisions Election Form (October 2023)
Employers should execute this form to make elections, or change prior elections, related to optional provisions contained in the MissionSquare Retirement 457 Governmental Deferred Compensation Plan and Trust document. This form may also be used by plan sponsors utilizing an individually designed plan document.
Plan Number: 30__________________ Employer Plan Name: _______________________________ I. PLAN DOCUMENT (If you are establishing a new plan, please skip this section.) Our plan currently uses:
o MissionSquare’s model plan document
o An individually designed plan document
II. PLAN YEAR
The plan year will be (select one):
o January 1 – December 31 (Default); or
o The 12-month period beginning _______________ _____
Month Day
III. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The following group or groups of Employees are eligible to participate in the plan:
o All Employees (Default)
o Full-time Employees
o Salaried Employees
o Non-union Employees
o Management
o Public Safety Employees
o General Employees
o Other Employees (specify the group(s) of eligible employees):
The group specified must correspond to a group of the same designation that is defined in the statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, personnel manuals or other material in effect in the state or locality of the Employer.
IV. LOANS
Loans are allowed under the plan.
o Yes o No (Default)
If you select “Yes” above, you must also complete and return the Loan Guidelines Agreement in the Loan Implementation Package for 457/401 Plan Sponsors. 1091 City of Ojai 457(b) Plan
EXHIBIT B
68 DRAFT
2 63022-1023-W1851
V. DISTRIBUTIONS
a. In-service distributions while employed with the Employer are permitted after a participant attains (select one of the options):
o Age 70½ (Default)
o Not permitted at any age
To adopt an in-service withdrawal age of 59 1/2, please complete the SECURE Act Election form.
b. In-service distributions of rollovers are allowed at any time:
o Yes o No (Default)
c. Tax-free distributions for the payment of qualifying insurance premiums for eligible retired public safety officers are available under the plan. o Yes o No (Default)
d. Unforeseeable emergency withdrawals are permitted.
o Yes (Default) o No
In applying the rules for unforeseeable emergency withdrawals, the determination of any unforeseen emergency shall include circumstances applying to a Primary Beneficiary.
o Yes (Default) o No
VI. ROTH PROVISIONS
a. The plan will offer Designated Roth Accounts as described in Article IX. o Yes o No (Default)
[If No is selected, skip the remainder of this Section VI.] b. The plan will allow In-Plan Roth Conversions as provided in Section 9.05. o Yes (Default) o No
c. Designated Roth Accounts will be available as a source for loans under the plan. o Yes o No or N/A (Default)
VII. AUTOMATIC ENROLLMENT
The plan will offer automatic enrollment.
o Yes o No (Default)
If you select “Yes” above, further steps are required to implement this feature, including completing implementation forms. We will contact you.
VIII. DEFERRAL OF SICK PAY, VACATION AND BACK PAY (CHOOSE ANY/ALL THAT APPLY) Participants may elect to defer:
o Accumulated Sick Pay
o Accumulated Vacation Pay
o Back Pay
Note: If no election is made, a Participant will not be able to defer any of these.
EXHIBIT B
69 DRAFT
3 63022-1023-W1851
The Participant’s election to defer accumulated sick pay, accumulated vacation pay, or back pay must be made before the beginning of the month in which these amounts would otherwise be paid or made available to the employee.
IX. EMPLOYER MATCH
Employer will match Elective Deferrals and Default Elective Deferrals (“Deferrals”). o Yes o No (Default)
[If No is selected, skip the remainder of Section IX. IF YES, COMPLETE ALL THAT APPLY]. o Employer Percentage Match of Deferrals
The Employer shall contribute on behalf of each Participant an amount determined as follows (subject to the limitations of Article V of the plan):
_________% of the Deferrals made on behalf of the Participant for the Plan Year (not including Deferrals exceeding _______% of Earnings or $ ________________);
Plus __________% of the Deferrals made on behalf of the Participant for the Plan Year in excess of those included in the above paragraph (but not including Deferrals exceeding in the aggregate __________% of Earnings or $ _________________).
Employer matching contributions on behalf of a Participant for a Plan Year shall not exceed $ _________________ or _________% of Earnings, whichever is (CHOOSE ONE) o more o less.
o Employer Dollar Match of Deferrals
The Employer shall contribute on behalf of each Participant an amount determined as follows (subject to the limitations of Article V of the plan):
$ _________________for each ________ % of Earnings or $ _____________ that the Employer contributes on behalf of the Participant as Deferrals for the Plan Year (not including Deferrals exceeding % of Earnings or $__________________);
Plus $ _______ for each % of Earnings or $ that
the Employer contributes on behalf of the Participant as Deferrals for the Plan Year in excess of those included in the above paragraph (but not including Deferrals exceeding in the aggregate % of Earnings or $________________).
Employer matching contributions on behalf of a Participant for a Plan Year shall not exceed $ ___________________or __________ % of Earnings, whichever is
(CHOOSE ONE) o more o less.
EXHIBIT B
70 DRAFT
4 63022-1023-W1851
X. MILITARY SERVICE ELECTIONS
a. Plan contributions shall be made under the plan for differential wage payments (i.e., payments made by the employer to an individual performing military service that represents all or a portion of the wages he/she would have received). o Yes (Default) o No
If yes is selected, this is effective beginning January 1, 2009 (or if later, the effective date of the Plan), unless another effective date is filled in here:
________________________
b. A participant shall be deemed to have a severance from employment for purposes of eligibility for a distribution during any period of military service for more than 30 days.
o Yes o No (Default)
c. A participant who dies or becomes Disabled (as defined in the plan) while performing qualified military service shall receive plan contributions as if the individual had resumed employment on the day preceding death or disability and then terminated employment on the actual date of death or disability.
o Yes o No (Default)
If yes is selected, this is effective for participants who died or became disabled while performing military service on or after January 1, 2007 (or if later, the effective date of the plan), unless another effective date is filled in here:
___________________ (date cannot be prior to January 1, 2007) XI. SPOUSAL CONSENT (APPLIES ONLY TO COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATES) If your state is not a community property state, skip the remainder of Section XI.
Where spousal consent is required, it will apply to:
o Only to persons who are married (Default)
o A person who is married, who is a domestic partner under state law, or who is a person in a civil union or other formally recognized personal partnership
o A person who is married or who is a domestic partner under state law o A person who is married or is a person in a civil union or other formally recognized personal partnership
Note: This election applies only for plans in community property states requiring the consent of a spouse to name someone other than the spouse as a beneficiary, and only for determining who is treated as a “spouse” for this purpose and not for any other plan purposes.
EXHIBIT B
71 DRAFT
5 63022-1023-W1851
XII. SUMMARY OF CHANGES
If you are making changes to an existing plan, please summarize the changes along with the effective dates of the changes below and identify the applicable Optional Provisions Election Form section number. If you are establishing a new plan, please skip this section. a. ______________________________________ Effective Date: ____/____/________ b. ______________________________________ Effective Date: ____/____/________ c. ______________________________________ Effective Date: ____/____/________ d. ______________________________________ Effective Date: ____/____/________ XIII. EMPLOYER SIGNATURE
By signing, Employer confirms he or she is authorized to make the elections specified on this form.
Employer hereby appoints MissionSquare Retirement as the non-discretionary Plan Administrator in accordance with the terms and conditions of the MissionSquare Retirement Corporation 457 Governmental Deferred Compensation Plan and Trust.
Employer hereby attests that it is a unit of state or local government or an agency or instrumentality of one or more units of state or local government.
Employer acknowledges that applicable state law may or may not allow for the addition of an Automatic Enrollment Feature in their 457(b) plan administered by MissionSquare Retirement, and Employer assumes full responsibility for the decision to add such a feature to their plan.
Employer Signature: __________________________________________ Date (mm/dd/yyyy): ____/____/________
Name (Please Print): __________________________________________ Title: ______________________________________________________ Preferred Phone Number: (_____) _________________
Email Address: _________________________________
Plan Number: ___________________________________
This form can be returned by email, fax, or mail using the information below.
Online: Submit through secure messaging to:
www.employers.msqplanservices.org
Fax to: MissionSquare Plan Services
(844) 677-3297
Mail to: MissionSquare Plan Services
P.O. Box 219320
Kansas City, MO 64121-9320
301091
EXHIBIT B
72 Request for SECURE 2.0 and Other Plan Changes Checklist To begin the process of making changes to your plan, please check the boxes next to the provisions you wish to add, and submit the completed checklist to MissionSquare Plan Services via Secure Messaging.
We request to add the following checked optional provisions to:
PLAN NAME: PLAN NUMBER: EFFECTIVE: MM/DD/YYYY
"
" "
"
"
"
"
Roth Contributions (457(b), 403(b), 401(k) plans only)
The plan will allow in-plan Roth conversions:
" Yes (default) " No
Designated Roth accounts will be available as a source
for loans under the plan:
Yes No (default)
Note: If your plan does not permit Roth contributions,
employees earning above $145,000 (Social Security
wages) in 2025 may be ineligible to make age 50 or
age 60-63 catch-up contributions starting in 2026.
Age 60-63 Catch-Up
Qualified Federally Declared Disaster Relief Distribution Emergency Expense Withdrawals for (up to $1,000)*
Self-Certification for Unforeseeable Emergency
Withdrawals (Available for 457(b) Plans)
"
Is plan sponsor approval required:
Yes " No (default)
"
" "
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
Self-Certification for Hardship Withdrawals
(Available in 403(b) and 401(k) Plans)
Is plan sponsor approval required:
Yes No (default)
Penalty-free Withdrawals for Individuals In Case of
Domestic Abuse*
Eliminate the “first day of the month” requirement for
57(b) plans (changes and enrollments will be effective
mmediately or as soon as administratively feasible)
4 i
Treatment of Student Loan Payments as Elective
Deferrals for Purposes of Matching Contribution
In-Service Distribution at Age 59.5
Qualified Birth and Adoption Distribution
MissionSquare Retirement IncomeAdvantage
In-Service Portability
Other:
(Discuss with your MissionSquare contact before
completing this item).
*Estimated availability after 3/31/2025.
Requestor: Provide your information in the !elds below and submit the completed checklist using Secure Messaging.
Please review the Secure Messaging User Guide for more information.
We will contact you within 3-5 business days if more information is needed; otherwise MissionSquare Plan Services will prepare and send any necessary documents to the plan sponsor contact who is authorized to execute those documents.
To update your plan’s contacts, please use the Plan Contact & Access Form available on the Plan Sponsor website. Documents are typically sent within 7 business days of the request unless there are unanswered questions. This timing might be greater if the volume is high. An email noti!cation will be sent when the recordkeeping changes are complete.
FULL NAME: LAST, FIRST, MI (REQUESTOR’S INFORMATION) TITLE:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
Questions? Contact MissionSquare Plan Services for employer support at (800) 326-7272 or log in to your account to use Secure Messaging.
MissionSquare Retirement 777 N. Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4240 (800) 326-7272 www.missionsq.org 168026-0325-W3380
City of Ojai 301091 01/01/2026
Holman, Kathy Human Resources Manager
[email protected]
EXHIBIT C
73 EXHIBIT D
74 EXHIBIT D
75 EXHIBIT D
76 EXHIBIT D
77 EXHIBIT D
78 EXHIBIT D
79 EXHIBIT D
80 EXHIBIT D
81 EXHIBIT D
82 EXHIBIT D
83 EXHIBIT D
84 EXHIBIT D
85 EXHIBIT D
86 EXHIBIT D
87 EXHIBIT D
88 EXHIBIT D
89 EXHIBIT D
90 EXHIBIT D
91 EXHIBIT D
92 EXHIBIT D
93 EXHIBIT D
94 EXHIBIT D
95 EXHIBIT D
96 EXHIBIT D
97 EXHIBIT D
98 EXHIBIT D
99 EXHIBIT D
100
EXHIBIT D
101
EXHIBIT D
102
EXHIBIT D
103
EXHIBIT D
104
EXHIBIT D
105
EXHIBIT D
106
EXHIBIT D
107
EXHIBIT D
108
419926.2 Page 1 of 2
Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Ben Harvey, City Manager
MEETING DATE: December 09, 2025
SUBJECT: Approval of MOU with HELP of Ojai for Care Pod
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and HELP of Ojai regarding the operation of Care Pod and authorize the City Manager to sign the MOU (Attachment A).
DISCUSSION
At the City’s request, HELP of Ojai has agreed to host “Care Pods” or individual shower pods at 108 S. Montgomery Street for residents experiencing homelessness, including the participants of the Ojai Tent Town program.
The County of Ventura holds a separate MOU with the Help of Ojai to transport and set up the Care Pod at the designated location at no cost to HELP of Ojai or the City of Ojai.
In support of the program, staff proposes that the City waive permit fees, provide necessary permits, and pay for the water specifically used to support the Care Pods. The proposed MOU memorializes the City’s assistance and HELP of Ojai’s services into a binding agreement that would be in place while HELP of Ojai continues to offer the services pursuant to their agreement with the County.
Ojai Tent Town can serve up to (30) thirty participants with only one outdoor makeshift shower that is connected to a travel trailer which helps to provide heated water to the outdoor shower, creating a significant shortage of adequate hygiene facilities. This insufficient infrastructure presents serious challenges to the health, dignity, and well-being of these community members.
Most residents will be able to transport themselves either by foot, vehicle or bicycle to the Care Pod located at the HELP of Ojai. When needed residents who cannot transport themselves will be transported by HELP of Ojai through an existing agreement with the City for ADA transportation.
FISCAL IMPACT
Permit fees totaling $174.00 would be waived by the City for this project if the MOU is 109
419926.2 Page 2 of 2
approved. The financial impact of water usage associated with the care pod cannot be determined at this time. Staff will monitor water usage and billing after at least one full billing cycle of active use to establish a baseline and evaluate cost implications. The current average monthly water cost at Help of Ojai is $57.98, which will serve as the baseline for assessing any changes in usage and billing resulting from the Care Pod program.
Prepared by: Ben Harvey, City Manager and Bridget Mara, Admin Analyst I
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Memorandum of Understanding between City and HELP of Ojai 110
THIS PAGE
IS
INTENTIONALLY
BLANK
111
THIS PAGE
IS
INTENTIONALLY
BLANK
112
COUNTY OF VENTURA CONTRACT NUMBER #
CONTRACT
This Contract entered into this 6th day of March 2025, by, and between, the COUNTY OF VENTURA, a political subdivision of the State of California, hereinafter called "COUNTY" and HELP OF OJAI, a Nonprofit Corporation in the State of California, hereinafter called "CONTRACTOR."
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 3 item f of the County of Ventura Ordinance #4084, the Purchasing Agent of the County has the authority to engage independent contractors to perform services for the COUNTY, with or without the furnishing of material; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary and desirable that CONTRACTOR be engaged by COUNTY for the purpose of providing services as described in the attached Exhibit “A” (SCOPE OF WORK).
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED by the Parties as follows:
1. SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED BY CONTRACTOR
In consideration of the payments hereinafter set forth, CONTRACTOR will perform services for COUNTY in accordance with the terms, conditions and specifications set forth below and in the attached Exhibit “A” (SCOPE OF WORK), which is incorporated in this Contract.
2. PAYMENTS
There is no fiscal impact with this Contract.
3. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
No relationship of employer and employee is created by this Contract, it being understood that CONTRACTOR is an independent contractor, and neither CONTRACTOR nor any of the persons performing services for CONTRACTOR pursuant to this Contract, whether said person be member, partner, employee, subcontractor, or otherwise, will have any claim under this Contract or otherwise against COUNTY for sick leave, vacation pay, retirement benefits, social security, workers' compensation, disability, unemployment insurance benefits, or employee benefits of any kind.
It is further understood and agreed by the Parties hereto that, except as provided in this Contract, CONTRACTOR in the performance of its obligation hereunder is subject to the control or direction of COUNTY merely as to the result to be accomplished by the services hereunder agreed to be rendered and performed and not as to the means and methods for accomplishing the results.
If, in the performance of this Contract, any third persons are employed by CONTRACTOR, such persons will be entirely and exclusively under direction, supervision and control of CONTRACTOR. All terms of employment, including hours, wages, working conditions, discipline, hiring and discharging or any other terms of employment or requirements of law, will be determined by CONTRACTOR, and COUNTY will have no right or authority over such persons or the terms of such employment, except as provided in this Contract.
The CONTRACTOR will comply with all of the provisions of the Worker's Compensation Insurance and Safety Acts of the State of California, the applicable provisions of Division 4 and 5 of the California Labor Code and all amendments, thereto; and all similar State and Federal acts or laws applicable; and will indemnify and hold harmless the COUNTY from and against all claims, demands, payments, suits, actions, proceedings and judgments of every nature and description, including attorney's fees and costs, presented, brought or recovered against the COUNTY, for or on account of any liability under any of said Acts which may be incurred by reasons of any work to be performed under this Contract.
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4. NON-ASSIGNABILITY
CONTRACTOR will not assign this Contract or any portion thereof, to a third party without the prior written consent of COUNTY, and any attempted assignment without such prior written consent will be null and void and will be cause, at COUNTY's sole and absolute discretion, for immediate termination of this Contract.
5. TERM
This Contract will be in effect from March 6, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
This contract may, upon mutual agreement and the execution of an amendment by both parties, be extended for up to two (2) additional one-year terms, to run with each fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).
6. TERMINATION
The County Purchasing Agent may terminate this Contract at any time for any reason by providing 30 days' written notice to CONTRACTOR. On completion or termination of this Contract, COUNTY will be entitled to immediate possession of and CONTRACTOR will furnish on request, all computations, plans, correspondence and other pertinent data gathered or computed by CONTRACTOR for this particular Contract prior to any termination. CONTRACTOR may retain copies of said original documents for CONTRACTOR's files. CONTRACTOR hereby expressly waives any and all claims for damages or compensation arising under this Contract except as set forth in this paragraph in the event of such termination.
This right of termination belonging to the COUNTY may be exercised without prejudice to any other remedy to which COUNTY may be entitled at law or under this Contract.
7. DEFAULT
If CONTRACTOR defaults in the performance of any term or condition of this Contract, CONTRACTOR must cure that default by a satisfactory performance within 10 days after service upon CONTRACTOR of written notice of the default. If CONTRACTOR fails to cure the default within that time, then COUNTY may terminate this Contract without further notice.
The foregoing requirement for written notice and opportunity to cure does not apply with respect to paragraph 4 above.
8. INDEMNIFICATION, HOLD HARMLESS AND WAIVER OF SUBROGATION Each Party shall defend the other Party and their respective officers, directors, and employees (the “Indemnified Parties”) for, from, and against any third-party claims, actions, suits, or proceedings, to the extent resulting from or based upon a claim: alleging that the negligence of a Party caused bodily injury or damage to property of the third party. Nothing contained herein will be construed as prohibiting any indemnified Parties from retaining their own legal counsel and defending any action or suits brought against them. In such event, the Indemnified Parties will be liable for their respective costs and fees incurred in defense of any such claim, action, or suit.
9. INSURANCE PROVISIONS
A) CONTRACTOR, at its sole cost and expense, will obtain and maintain in full force during the term of this Contract the following types of insurance:
1) General Liability "occurrence" coverage in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 combined single limit (CSL) bodily injury & property damage each occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, including personal injury, broad form property damage, products/completed operations, broad form blanket contractual and $50,000 fire legal liability.
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2) Commercial Automobile Liability coverage in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 CSL bodily injury & property damage, including owned, non-owned, and hired automobiles. Also to include Uninsured /Underinsured Motorists coverage in the minimum amount of $100,000 when there are owned vehicles. 3) Workers Compensation coverage, in full compliance with California statutory requirements, for all employees of CONTRACTOR and Employer's Liability in the minimum amount of $1,000,000.
B) All insurance required will be primary coverage as respects COUNTY and any insurance or self-insurance maintained by COUNTY will be excess of CONTRACTOR's insurance coverage and will not contribute to it.
C) COUNTY is to be notified immediately if any aggregate insurance limit is exceeded. Additional coverage must be purchased to meet requirements.
D) The COUNTY, and any applicable Special Districts are to be named as Additional Insured as respects to work done by CONTRACTOR under the terms of this Contract for General Liability Insurance.
E) CONTRACTOR agrees to waive all rights of subrogation against the COUNTY, Its Boards, Agencies, Departments, Officers, Employees, Agents and Volunteers for losses arising from work performed by CONTRACTOR under the terms of this Contract.
F) Policies will not be canceled, non-renewed or reduced in scope of coverage until after sixty (60) days written notice has been given to COUNTY. CONTRACTOR will provide prompt written notice of non-renewal, termination or diminution below required limits to COUNTY’s Risk Management Division, located at 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009.
G) CONTRACTOR agrees to provide COUNTY with the following insurance documents on or before the effective date of this Contract:
1. Certificates of Insurance for all required coverage.
2. Additional Insured endorsement for General Liability Insurance.
3. Waiver of Subrogation endorsement (a.k.a.: Waiver of Transfer Rights of Recovery Against Others, Waiver of Our Right to Recover from Others) for Workers' Compensation.
H) If self-insured, Help of Ojai may provide COUNTY with certificates of self-insurance.
Failure to provide these documents will be grounds for immediate termination or suspension of this contract.
10. NON-DISCRIMINATION
A) General.
No person will on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religious affiliation or non-affiliation, sex, age, handicap, disability, or political affiliation, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits, or be subjected to discrimination under this Contract.
B) Employment.
CONTRACTOR will ensure equal employment opportunity based on objective standards of recruitment, selection, promotion, classification, compensation, performance evaluations, and management relations, for all employees under this Contract.
CONTRACTOR’s personnel policies will be made available to COUNTY upon request.
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11. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
CONTRACTOR covenants that CONTRACTOR presently has no interest, including, but not limited to, other projects or independent contracts, and will not acquire any such interest, direct or indirect, which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of services required to be performed under this Contract. CONTRACTOR further covenants that in the performance of this Contract no person having such interest will be employed or retained by CONTRACTOR under this Contract.
12. CONFIDENTIALITY
Any reports, information, data, statistics, forms, procedures, systems, studies and any other communication or form of knowledge given to or prepared or assembled by CONTRACTOR under this Contract which COUNTY requests in writing to be kept confidential, will not be made available to any individual or organization by CONTRACTOR without the prior written approval of the COUNTY except as authorized by law.
CONTRACTOR and COUNTY shall maintain in strict confidence all confidential information they receive or have access to unless disclosure is required by law or legal process. This paragraph shall survive the termination of this agreement for any reason. “Confidential Information” means all information relating to COUNTY, CONTRACTOR and their affiliates, written or oral, including but not limited to trade secrets, financial data, and analysis, information about operations, business models and plans, and other proprietary information. The parties acknowledge that this Contract is not “confidential” and may be made available to those requesting it under the California Public Records Act.
13. NOTICES
All notices required under this Contract will be made in writing and addressed or delivered as follows:
County Contractor
County of Ventura Help of Ojai
GSA Procurement Services 108 S. Montgomery St.
800 South Victoria Avenue, L#1080 Ojai, CA 93023
Ventura, CA 93009
Either Party may, by giving written notice in accordance with this paragraph, change the names or addresses of the persons of departments designated for receipt of future notices. When addressed in accordance with this paragraph and deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, notices will be deemed given on the third day following such deposit in the United States mail. In all other instances, notices will be deemed given at the time of actual delivery.
14. MERGER
This Contract supersedes any and all other contracts, either oral or written, between CONTRACTOR and the COUNTY, with respect to the subject of this Contract. This Contract contains all of the covenants and contracts between the Parties with respect to the services required hereunder. CONTRACTOR acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises or contracts have been made by or on behalf of COUNTY except those covenants and contracts embodied in this Contract. No contract, statement, or promise not contained in this Contract will be valid or binding.
15. GOVERNING LAW
The validity of this Contract and any of its terms or provisions, as well as the rights and duties of the parties under this Contract, will be construed pursuant to and in accordance with the laws of the State of California.
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16. SEVERABILITY OF CONTRACT
If any term of this Contract is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be void or unenforceable, the remainder of the Contract terms will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected.
17. CUMULATIVE REMEDIES
The exercise or failure to exercise of legal rights and remedies by the COUNTY in the event of any default or breach hereunder will not constitute a waiver or forfeiture of any other rights and remedies and will be without prejudice to the enforcement of any other right or remedy available by law or authorized by this Contract.
18. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS
Each Party to this Contract will comply with all applicable laws.
19. CONSTRUCTION OF COVENANTS AND CONDITIONS
Each term and each provision of this Contract will be construed to be both a covenant and a condition. [SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this Contract as of the date identified above.
COUNTY OF VENTURA HELP OF OJAI
Authorized Signature:
Printed Name:
Title:
Date:
Authorized Signature:
Printed Name: Jayn Walter
Title: Executive Director
Date: 7/10/25
Tax Identification Number: 95-2872549
HELP OF OJAI
Authorized Signature:
Printed Name:
Title:
Date:
* If a corporation, this Contract must be signed by two specific corporate officers.
The first signature must be either the (1) Chief Executive Officer, (2) Chairman of the Board, (3) President, or any (4) Vice President.
The second signature must be the (a) Secretary, an (b) Assistant Secretary, the (c) Chief Financial Officer or Treasurer, or any (d) Assistant Treasurer.
In the alternative, a single corporate signature is acceptable when accompanied by a corporate resolution demonstrating the legal authority of the signatory to bind the company for this Agreement.
Peter Berry
Interim Buyer
July 14, 2025
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EXHIBIT “A”
SCOPE OF WORK
Project Title:
Mobile Outreach Care Pod Placement and Operation
Program Purpose:
Provide mobile hygiene services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Ventura County through the placement and operation of a Care Pod at 108 S. Montgomery Street, Ojai, California.
Eligibility (Population Subset)
Serve Help of Ojai clients who need access to the Care Pod.
Services and Responsibilities:
The Outreach Care Pod program will provide mobile bathing units for the homeless population. The County and the Help of Ojai agree to the following responsibilities.
Help of Ojai Agrees to:
1) Operate the Care Pod strictly for the purpose of providing bathing units to the homeless population. 2) Maintain and clean the Care Pod after each use and ensure that all “above grate” surfaces, equipment, and areas are properly sanitized.
3) Be financially and logistically responsible for conducting weekly deep cleaning and sanitation of the unit’s “below grate” areas
4) Prepare and maintain the designated site, ensure the area remains clean and operational. 5) Be responsible for managing the use of the Care Pod limiting any negative impacts on the environment and a “good neighbor” approach.
6) Procure and maintain necessary insurance coverage, including:
a) Risk insurance covering the Care Pod at full replacement value, naming the County as a loss payee. b) Public liability and property damage insurance, naming the County as an additional insured entity. 7) Maintain the Care Pod in the same condition as when the Parties entered into this agreement. 8) Keep the Care Pod at the designated property and shall not move, transfer the Care Pod without prior written consent/approval from the County management.
9) Refrain from altering, painting, or modifying the unit in any way. 10) Promptly submit incident reports to County management with any damage, safety concerns, or operational issues related to the Care Pod.
11) Provide any additional documentation requested by the County staff 12) Notify the County promptly if conditions arise that affect Help of Ojai’s ability to operate the Care Pod. 13) Provide access to restrooms for clients of the Care Pod during its hours of operation.
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14) Provide all necessary hygiene supplies for the Care Pod’s operation. 15) Ensure necessary utilities and staff oversight for the Care Pod’s operation. Including but not limited to:
a.) Water and power supply when operating the Care Pod. b.) Managing drainage and waste disposal.
c.) Supplying volunteers and staff to supervise operations. d.) Securing and locking of the Care Pod when not in use. 16) Obtain required permits from the municipality in which the Care Pod will operate. 17) Be responsible for the cost of minor damage and normal wear and tear to the Care Pod valued under $50,000.
County Agrees to:
1) County is the sole transporter of the Care Pod.
2) County will transport and set up the Care Pod at the designated location. 3) County will be responsible for any damage to the Care Pod resulting from the placement, removal, or operation of the Care Pod only in cases of significant damage greater than $50,000. Minor damage or normal wear and tear will not be covered.
4) The County may temporarily remove the Care Pod from property at any time.
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Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Lucas Seibert, Community Development Director
Stephanie Spieler, Building Official
MEETING DATE: December 9, 2025
SUBJECT: SECOND READING | Adoption of Ordinance Adopting the 2025 California Building Codes
RECOMMENDATION
Conduct second reading, waiving the reading of the full text, and adopt Ordinance No. 969 adopting the 2025 California Building Codes, by reading of the title as stated in the agenda.
DISCUSSION
The State’s Health and Safety Code, Section 17950, mandates the California Building Standards Commission adopt and publish the California Codes, Title 24, known as the California Code of Regulations.
Every three years, the codes are published to incorporate all code changes accepted by a majority vote of members at the annual code development meetings. As a result, the new codes will become effective statewide on January 1, 2026. (See attached Bulletin 25-01 from the Building Standards Commission), (Exhibit “A”). Each jurisdiction in the State is mandated to adopt the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, and make amendments to the codes that are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.
ANALYSIS
The following codes are mandated by the State of California Building Standards, Commission Information Bulleting 25-01, for local adoption by January 1, 2026. The codes include:
2025 California Building Code, Volumes 1 and 2
2025 California Fire Code
2025 California Existing Building Code
2025 California Historical Code
2025 California Energy Code, including the amendments for Single Family Residential Flex-Path provisions
2025 Administrative Code
2025 California Referenced Standards Code
2025 California Residential Code
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2025 California Green Building Standards Code
2025 California Mechanical Code
2025 California Electrical Code
2025 California Plumbing Code
2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
2024 International Property Maintenance Code
1997 Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings The 2025 California Fire Code and 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code listed above will be introduced by the Fire Department in a separate staff report.
The State has established the 2024 Editions of the International Codes as the basis for the 2025 California Codes. Likewise, the 2024 Editions of the Uniform Mechanical and Plumbing Codes developed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials as the basis for the 2025 California Plumbing and Mechanical Codes. The 2023 Edition of the National Electrical Code developed by the National Fire Protection Association are the basis of the corresponding 2025 Edition of the California Electrical Code.
The California Residential Code (CRC) will address the structural and life safety aspects of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical conditions will still be addressed by the appropriate California Code Books.
The California Green Building Standards Code addresses such conditions as site development, water savings, recycling, and material selection. In addition, issues such as moisture control, interior and exterior air quality and compliance with California Title 24 requirements as addressed. Environmental quality issues of concern involve the use of materials that produce volatile organic compounds such as composite wood products, paints, adhesives, and carpets.
The proposed amendments are added to the existing chapters of the Ojai Municipal Code Title 9, by adding the 2025, California Code of Regulations.
The California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is required to be adopted by all jurisdictions within the State of California and will only be enforced for areas that are in fire hazard severity zones as identified by the state fire marshal severity hazard zone maps. The intent of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is to be able to construct new buildings and additions that are located in fire zones with fire resistant materials such as noncombustible siding and overhangs, tempered or 20-minute rated glazing (windows), ember resistive attic and crawl space vents as well as provide defensible spaces around the structure. Majority of the code requirements that are set forth in the California WildlandUrban Interface Code are carried over from Chapter 7A of the California Building Code and Section R337 of the California Residential Code, which had previously been adopted.
Single-Family Residential “FlexPath” Program
The City of Ojai’s Single-Family Residential “FlexPath” program is a local energy-efficiency ordinance that applies to remodels and additions of existing single-family homes. Instead 122
of mandating one rigid set of upgrades, it provides a flexible compliance path allowing homeowners to choose from various energy-saving and electrification measures—such as improved insulation, efficient HVAC systems, and electric appliances—to meet performance goals. The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve home energy performance, and support the city’s sustainability objectives while accommodating different project types and budgets. Certain projects, such as small additions or affordable housing units, may qualify for exemptions.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS ALIGNMENT
Goal No. 2 - Wildfire Safety and Risk Mitigation
Goal No. 5 - Public Safety
OPTIONS
1. Take no action;
2. Provide alternative direction to staff.
FISCAL IMPACT
Willdan Engineering could purchase a new set of the 2025 code books for the City of Ojai’s Building & Safety Division at a cost of approximately $1,600. Alternatively, these codes are transposed online at no charge via https://www.dgs.ca.gov/bsc/codes. The cost for these updated code books is covered under the existing Willdan contract services; therefore there is no additional fiscal impact on the City of Ojai either way.
Prepared by: Lucas Seibert, Community Development Director
ATTACHMENT
A. Ordinance No. 969
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CITY OF OJAI
ORDINANCE NO. _____
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OJAI
ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 50022.2, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS – TITLE 24, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, INCLUDING
(1) CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, VOLUMES 1 & 2, 2025 EDITION; WITH APPENDICES I AND J; (2) CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, 2025 EDITION; (3) CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, 2025 EDITION, WITH APPENDICES H AND L; (4) CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, 2025 EDITION; (5) CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, 2025
EDITION; (6) CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, 2025 EDITION;
(7) CALIFORNIA REFERENCE STANDARDS, 2025 EDITION; (8)
CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, 2022 EDITION; (9)
CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2022 EDITION, WITH APPENDIX AH; (10) CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, 2025 EDITION; (11) CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2025 EDITION;(12)
CALIFORNIA WILD LAND INTERFACE CODE 2025 AND ADOPTING
LOCAL AMENDMENTS THERETO IN ACCORDANCE WITH
CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTIONS 17922, 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, AND 18941.5 AND FINDING THAT THE ADOPTION OF
THIS AMENDMENT IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Ojai does hereby find that there is a need to enforce the 2025 edition of the California Building Standards Code (“CBSC”), (1) California Building Code, Volumes 1 & 2, 2025 Edition; with Appendices I and J; (2) California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition; (3) California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, with Appendices H and L; (4) California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition; (5) California Administrative Code, 2025 Edition; (6) California Energy Code, 2025 Edition; (7) California Reference Standards, 2025 Edition; (8) California Existing Building Code, 2025 Edition; (9) California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, with Appendix AH; (10) California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition; (11) California Fire Code, 2025 Edition; Wild Land Urban Interface Code, 2025 Edition; with local amendments thereof, as recited herein for regulating and controlling the design, erection, construction, conversion, height and area, location and maintenance, and quality of materials of all buildings and structures and plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire suppression systems and certain equipment within the City; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to sections 17922, 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7 and 18941.5 of the California Health & Safety Code, the City may adopt the provisions of the California Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes, with certain amendments to the provisions to the 124
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codes, which are reasonably necessary to protect the health and welfare of the citizens of Ojai because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code section 17958 requires that cities adopt building regulations that are substantially the same as those adopted by the California Building Standards Commission and contained in the 2025 California Building Standards Code; and WHEREAS, the 2025 California Energy Code is Part 6 of the 2025 California Building Standards Code which implements minimum energy efficiency standards in buildings through mandatory requirements, prescriptive standards, and performance standards; and WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5, 17958.7 and 18941.5 provide that the City of Ojai may make changes or modifications to the building standards contained in the 2025 California Building Standards Code based upon express findings that such changes or modifications are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions and such changes support the City of Ojai's General Plan; and WHEREAS, local governments may adopt energy conservation or energy insulation standards that differ from the California Energy Code with California Energy Commission approval, provided that local governments demonstrate, pursuant to Public Resources Code section 25402.1 (h)(2) that the requirements of their proposed standards are cost effective and do not result in buildings that consume more energy than is permitted by Title 24; and WHEREAS, the proposed local amendments to the 2025 California Energy Code are necessary to implement a local code amendment that is adopted to align with the City of Ojai's General Plan, permit mixed-fuel residential construction consistent with federal law, and incentivize all-electric construction as part of an adopted greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy; and
WHEREAS, greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere as the result of human activity is the primary cause of the global climate crisis; and WHEREAS, in California alone, the initial impacts of climate change have resulted in unprecedented disasters with tremendous human, economic, and environmental costs; and WHEREAS, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates that global emissions need to be reduced by 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030, and 100 percent by 2050 to prevent global catastrophe; and
WHEREAS, the State of California enacted Assembly Bill (AB) 1279 to require statewide carbon neutrality "as soon as possible," but no later than 2045; and WHEREAS, residents and businesses have repeatedly identified climate action as a top community priority; and
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WHEREAS, the City of Ojai strives to be a leader in combatting climate change, and committed to support the principles the Paris Climate agreement and supports a transition to 100% clean energy; and
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 19-30 directed the City to initiate a just global emergency mobilization effort to reverse global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safely draw down carbon from the atmosphere as quickly as possible; and WHEREAS, the City formed a Climate Emergency Mobilization Committee which identified energy efficiency measures and electrification as key ways to reduce fossil fuel emissions in Ojai; and
WHEREAS, the inventoried greenhouse gas emissions in the City come primarily from energy use in buildings and transportation; and
WHEREAS, in order to achieve carbon neutrality, existing sources of greenhouse gas emissions need to be substantially reduced or eliminated; and WHEREAS, the energy efficiency requirements established in this ordinanceincluding air sealing, duct sealing, window upgrades, R-15 wall insulation, R-19 floor insulation, and R-30 wall/ceiling insulation-provide direct fire hardening benefits by creating thermal barriers that slow fire spread, preventing ember intrusion through building envelope penetrations, reducing pathways for fire and smoke propagation through HVAC and structural systems, enhance window resistance to thermal shock and radiant heat exposure, and improve overall building compartmentalization that extends egress time and reduces structural fire damage; and WHEREAS, these improvements create multiple layers of fire protection, improve community wildfire resilience, and support broader public safety goals while providing costeffective dual benefits for both energy performance and fire resistance; and WHEREAS, Public Resources Code Section 25402.1 (h)(2) and Section 10-106 of the 2025 California Administration Code establish a process which allows local agencies to adopt local amendments that are cost-effective and that require greater energy reduction/conservation than the California Energy Code provided that a determination that the standards are cost effective is adopted at a public meeting and subsequently filed with the California Energy Commission, and
WHEREAS, the California Energy Codes and Standards Statewide Utility Program, has determined specific modifications to the 2025 State Energy Code for each climate zone that are cost-effective; and that such modifications will result in designs that consume less energy than they would under the 2025 State Energy Code; and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the "2022 Existing Building Cost-Effectiveness Study" and associated data, and “Application of 2022 Studies to 2025 Energy Code: Existing Single 126
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Family Building Upgrades” memo and find them sufficient to illustrate compliance with the requirements set forth under California Administrative Code Chapter 10-106; and WHEREAS, based on these studies, the City finds the proposed local amendments to the 2025 California Energy Code to be cost-effective and buildings will be designed to consume less energy than permitted by Title 24, Part 6; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 California Energy Code offers compliance options that were established through the public rulemaking process of the code update; and WHEREAS, the Council expressly declares that the proposed amendments to the Energy Code are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, topological, and geological conditions; and
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 36937 requires an ordinance to take effect 30 days after its passage; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Sections 17958.5 and 17958.7 of the Health and Safety Code, the proposed amendments meet the following conditions to demonstrate local amendments are necessary: the changes are substantially equivalent to 2022 code amendment changes, and the changes are necessary to implement the standards contained in this ordinance; and WHEREAS, on August 26, 2025, the Ojai City Council found and determined that amendments to the 2022 Energy Code were cost effective, would result in buildings designed to consume less energy than permitted by previous editions of the Energy Code, and were necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions, and Ojai’s City Council finds and determines the conditions persist and it is necessary to adopt substantially equivalent amendments to the 2025 Energy Code with no material change in regulatory effect to the existing standards; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Sections 17958.5 and 17958.7 of the Health and Safety Code, the proposed amendments meet the following conditions to demonstrate local amendments are necessary: the changes are necessary to align local building codes with General Plan and greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy goals while permitting mixed-fuel residential construction and incentivizing electric construction, and the changes are necessary to implement the standards contained in this ordinance; and
WHEREAS, in 1997, the Ojai City Council adopted the City of Ojai’s General Plan which includes Air Quality Goals set to reduce energy consumption and promote energy efficiency programs, educational strategies set to provide citizen awareness and participation in efforts to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and encourage the incorporation of energy conservation features in the design of new construction and the installation of conservation devices in existing development that aligns with the emissions reduction goals in the proposed amendments; and
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WHEREAS, in 1997, the Ojai City Council adopted the General Plan which includes Air Quality goals intended to reduce pollutant emissions through trip reductions goals, traffic flow improvements, particulate and building emissions, energy conservation, and community education that aligns with the emissions reduction goals in the proposed amendments; and WHEREAS, in alignment with the General Plan’s Air Quality Element’s goals and objectives, policies and implementing programs, the local amendments to the 2025 California Energy Code establish requirements which will reduce demands for local energy resources, reduce regional pollution, and promote a lower contribution to greenhouse gas emissions; and WHEREAS, the requirements specified in this Ordinance were reviewed via public comment and through a publicly noticed public hearing process; and WHEREAS, the California Air Resource Board has determined Ventura County to be a non-attainment area for air quality, and the City of Ojai is located within Ventura County; and, the Green Building Standards can potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and VOC emissions from new construction projects as well as redevelopment and renovation projects in the City; and WHEREAS, given the City borders the Los Padres National Forest and most of its territory has been designed a very high fire hazard severity zone; and, given fire retardant construction can help limit the negative impact of forest fires on commercial and residential structures in the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OJAI DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The above set forth recitals and findings are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference, as if set forth herein in full.
SECTION 2. Findings.
1. The City Council finds that each of the changes or modifications to measures referred to therein are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions in the area encompassed by the boundaries of the City, and the City Council adopts the following findings in support of local necessity for the changes or modifications:
a. Ojai is situated along a wildland-urban interface, which is an area where urban development meets undeveloped lands at risk of wildfires and where residences and other structures are adjacent to or intermixed with open space and wildland vegetation.
Ojai has been identified as a Community at Risk from wildfire and is extremely vulnerable to wildfires and firestorms. Human activities releasing greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere cause increases in worldwide average temperature, drought conditions, vegetative fuel, and length of fire seasons that contribute to the likelihood and consequences of fire.
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b. Seasonal climatic conditions during the late summer and fall create numerous serious difficulties in the control and protection against fire situations in the City. The hot, dry weather in combination with the Santa Ana winds frequently results in wildfires in the vegetation-covered slopes surrounding the Ojai Valley. When a fire occurs in said areas, like the 2017 Thomas Fire that surrounded the Ojai Valley, resulted in all Ojai Valley residents being under mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders, and entered the City and damaged property, most, if not all, local fire department personnel are required to control, monitor, fight, and protect against such fire situations in an effort to protect life and preserve property and watershed land. The same conditions may result in the concurrent occurrence of one or more fires in the more populated areas of the City without adequate fire department personnel to protect against and control such a situation. Accordingly, the above-described findings support the imposition of measures to increase the efficiency of existing buildings in the City to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
c. The city of Ojai is at risk of/experiencing the effects of higher intensity storms, which put at risk the jurisdiction's homes, businesses, public facilities, roads, and highways.
d. Failure to address and substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions creates an increased risk to the health, safety, and welfare of City residents. e. The standards imposed by this Ordinance are necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions evidenced above and are cost-effective, as supported by the 2022 Single Family Cost Effectiveness Report prepared by the California Energy Codes and Standards Statewide Utility Program, including the study and associated cost-effectiveness data and memo applying 2022 measures to the 2025 Energy Code.
2. The City Council finds that each of the changes or modifications to measures referred to therein:
a. Are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously passed by the Ojai City Council on August 26, 2025 and previously filed on August 26, 2025 and were in effect as of September 30, 2025 and will have no material change in regulatory effect.
b. Are necessary to implement a local code amendment that is adopted to align with the City of Ojai' s General Plan, including, without limitation, the following aspects of the City of Ojai's General Plan:
i. The Housing Element, which provides that the City of Ojai strives to promote energy conservation through the use of building codes. ii. The Air Quality Element, which sets forth the City of Ojai's adopted greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy including, without limitation, the City of Ojai's goals to limit greenhouse gas emissions through the reduction of energy consumption, promotion of energy efficiency programs, and implementation of planning and building regulations that take advantage of solar heating and natural cooling and require weatherization. 129
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c. Permit mixed-fuel residential construction consistent with federal law, including, without limitation, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act ("EPCA"). d. Incentivize all-electric construction as part of an adopted greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy.
SECTION 3. 2025 California Building Standards Code Administrative Provisions Adopted. The Administrative Provisions of the 2025 CBSC contained in Division II of Chapter I of Part 2, Title 24 California Code of Regulations are hereby adopted by reference pursuant to Government Code 50022.2 through 50022.10. All of the regulations, provisions, conditions, and terms of said division, together with their appendices, one copy of which will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at the city clerk’s office, are hereby referred to, adopted and made part of this chapter as if fully set forth in this chapter. To provide adequate protection under the local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions set forth above, the City of Ojai makes the following findings and determinations relative to the adoption of administrative amendments, and where appropriate, the adoption of more restrictive CBSC provisions:
1. Ventura County has been determined by the California Air Resources Board to be a non-attainment area for air quality, and the City of Ojai is located within Ventura County;
2. Green Building Standards can potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and VOC emissions from new construction projects as well as redevelopment and renovation projects in the City;
3. The City of Ojai borders the Los Padres National Forest and most of its territory has been designated very high fire hazard severity zone; and
4. Fire retardant construction can help limit the negative impact of forest fires on commercial and residential structures in the City.
SECTION 4. Amendment. Ojai Municipal Code Section 9-1.101 (“Adoption by reference”) Article 3 (“State Building Standards Code”) of Chapter 1 (“Uniform Codes”) of Title 9 (“Building Regulations”) is hereby added to read as follows, with the additions marked by underlined text and deletions marked by struck through text:
Sec. 9-1.101. Adoption by reference.
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17958 and Government Code Section 50022.2, the State Building Standards Code (the “State Code”) and other regulations adopted pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17922, including, but not limited to, the 2025 editions of the following:
(a) The California Building Code (CBC), Volumes 1 & 2, and Appendices I and J; (b) The California Residential Code (CRC) and Appendix H; (c) The California Mechanical Code (CMC);
(d) The California Existing Building Code (CEBC);
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(e) The California Administrative Code;
(f) The California Electrical Code (CEC);
(g) The California Plumbing Code (CPC) and Appendices H and L; (h) The California Fire Code:
(i) The California Energy Code;
(j) The California Green Buildings Standard Code (CGBSC); (k) The California Reference Standards.
(l) The California Wild Land Interface Code
SECTION 5. Amendment. Ojai Municipal Code Section 9-1.301 (“Amendments”) Article 3 (“California Building Code and the California Residential Code”) of Chapter 1 (“Uniform Codes”) of Title 9 (“Building Regulations”) is hereby added to read as follows, with the additions marked by underlined text and deletions marked by struck through text:
Sec. 9-1.301. Amendments.
The 2022 2025 California Building Code is hereby amended as follows:
(a) CBC 105.3.2 Time Limitation of Application - An application for a permit for any proposed work will be deemed abandoned one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of filing, corrections issued or plan approval unless a permit has been issued; except that the Building Official is authorized to grant up to two extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days each. The extension must be requested in writing.
In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant must resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee.
(b) CBC 105.5 Expiration - Every permit issued will become invalid, unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within three hundred sixty five (365) after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days after the time of work is commenced. Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit must first be obtained to do so, and the applicable fee will be one half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been made, nor will be made, in the original plans and specifications for such work; and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year. If the suspension or abandonment has exceeded one year, the permit will be considered expired. In order to renew a permit after expiration, the permittee must pay a new full permit fee. The Building Official is authorized to grant, in writing, two extensions of time, for periods not more than one hundred eighty (180) days each. The extension must be requested in writing. (c) CBC 109.4 Work commencing before permit issuance - Any person who commences any work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee equal to the permit fee, that shall be in addition to any required permit fees.
(d) CBC 109.7 Reinspection Fees - A reinspection fee may be imposed for each inspection or reinspection, when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete, access 131
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is denied, access is not available or when required corrections are not made. This section is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of the technical codes, but as a method of controlling the practice of calling inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or reinspection.
Reinspection fees may be imposed when the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector; for failure to provide access on the date for which the inspection is requested; or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Official. In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, the permit will not be finaled nor occupancy granted until the required fees have been paid. Reinspection fees are established by City Ordinance. (e) CBC 109.9 Refunds - The Building Official may authorize a refund of any fee that was erroneously paid or collected. The Building Official may authorize a refund of not more than eighty (80) percent of the applicable permit fee paid when no work has been done under the permit. The Building Official may authorize a refund of not more than eighty (80) percent of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit is withdrawn or canceled before any examination time has been expended. The Building Official may not authorize a refund of any fee paid except upon written request, filed by the original permittee no later than one hundred eighty (180) days after date of fee payment.
(f) CBC 117 All Electric Buildings – All new constructed buildings and structures shall not be supplied with natural gas for the purpose of water heating (including pools and spas), spaceheating, space-cooling, cooking and clothes drying. (g) CBC 202 Definition. Barrier. A barrier is a fence, wall, building wall or any combination of these that completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool.
(h) CBC 202 Definition. Swimming Pools. Any body of water created by artificial means which is designed, intended for use, or used for swimming or immersion purposes, which has a water depth exceeding 18 inches. The term, “pool,” includes swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, aboveand below-ground, and vinyl-lined pools; pool does not include plumbing fixtures such as bathtubs nor does it apply to man-made lakes, reservoirs, farm ponds, or ponds used primarily for public park purposes, water conservation purposes, irrigation purposes or for the watering of livestock.
(i) CBC 701A.1 Scope - This chapter applies to building materials, systems and or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings and building alterations located within a Wild-land -Urban Interface Fire Area as defined in Section R337.2A. (j) CBC 701A.3 Application - New buildings and building alterations located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or any Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area Designated by the enforcing agency constructed after the application date shall comply with the provisions of this chapter. (k) CBC 701A.3.1 Application date and where required - New buildings for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after July 1, 2008 located in any Fire Hazard Severity 132
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Zone or Wildland Interface Fire Area shall comply with all sections of this chapter, including all of the following areas:
(1) All unincorporated lands designated by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection as State Responsibility Area (SRA) including:
1.1. Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zones
1.2. High Fire Hazard Severity Zones
1.3. Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zones
(2) Land designated as Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone by cities and other local agencies. (3) Land designated as Wildland Interface Fire Area by cities and other local agencies. (l) CBC 703A.5.2 Weathering – Fire retardant-treated-wood shall meet the fire test performance requirements of this chapter after being subjected to the weathering conditions contained in the following standards, as applicable to the materials and conditions of use. (m) CBC 703A.5.2.2 Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes – This section is deleted in its entirety.
CBC 704A.4 Alternative methods for determining ignition-resistant materials. – This section is deleted in its entirety.
(n) CBC Table 1505.1 Minimum Roof Covering Classification for Types of Construction – Change Table so Minimum Class A would be required for all construction types. Exception may be granted by the Building Official for City or County registered historic landmarks. The applicant shall submit evidence of historical registry and proposed materials. (o) CBC 1511.3 Roof replacement - Roof replacement shall include the removal of all existing layers of roof covering down to the roof deck. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than ten (10) percent of the total roof area is repaired or replaced within any one-year period, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A. When a roof is being replaced the following must also be upgraded:
(1) Spark arrestors must be installed on any fireplace chimney. Manufactured fireplace must have a spark arrestor installed approved by the manufacturer. (p) CBC 1511.3.1.2 Roof recover upgrade entire roof – The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than ten (10) percent of the total roof area is repaired or replaced within any one-year period, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A. (q) CBC 1803.1 General - Geotechnical investigations shall be conducted in accordance with sections 1803.2 and reported in accordance with 1803.6. Where required by the building official or where geotechnical investigations involve in-situ testing, laboratory testing or 133
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engineering calculations, such determination must be made by a California licensed engineer experienced in soil engineering. The Soil Expansion Index must be listed in all soils investigation reports.
(r) CBC 3109.1 General. The design and construction of swimming pools, spas and hot tubs shall comply with this code.
(s) CBC 3109.3 Residential swimming pools. Residential swimming pools shall be completely enclosed by a barrier complying with the requirements of SB 442. (t) CBC 3109.3.1 Barrier Height and Clearances. The top of the barrier must be at least 60 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier must be two inches measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. Where the top of the pool structure is above grade, the barrier is authorized to be at ground level or mounted on top of the pool structure, and the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier must be four inches. (u) CBC 3109.3.1.1 Openings. Openings in the barrier must not allow passage of a 4-inchdiameter sphere. (v) CBC 3109.3.1.2 Solid Barrier Surfaces. Solid barrier surfaces which do not have openings shall not contain indentations or protrusions except for normal construction tolerances and tooled masonry joints.
(w) CBC 3109.3.1.3 Closely spaced horizontal members. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches, the horizontal members shall be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members shall not be greater than 1 ¾ inches in width.
Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing with the cutouts shall not be greater than 1 ¾ inches in width.
(x) CBC 3109.3.1.4 Widely spaced horizontal members. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches or more, spacing between vertical members must not be greater than 4 inches. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing must not be greater than 1 ¾ inches in width.
(y) CBC 3109.3.1.5 Chain Link Dimensions. Mesh size for chain link fences must not be greater than 1 ¾ inches in width, unless the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top or bottom that reduce the openings to not more than 1 ¾ in width. (z) CBC 3109.3.1.6 Diagonal members. Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members shall not be greater than 1 ¾ inches.
(aa) CBC 3109.3.1.7 Gates. Access gates must comply with the requirements of Sections 3109.3.1 through 3109.3.1.6 and must be equipped to accommodate a locking device. Pedestrian access 134
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gates must open outward away from the pool and must be self-closing and have a self-latching device. Doors or gates other than pedestrian access gates must have a self-latching device and must be equipped with lockable hardware or padlocks and must remain locked at all times when not in use. Release mechanisms must comply with Sections 1010.1.9 and 1109.13.
Where release mechanisms of the self-latching device are located less than 60 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool, the release mechanism must be located on the pool side of the gate at least three inches below the top of the gate and the gate barrier may have no opening greater than one-half inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism.
(bb) CBC 3109.3.1.8 Dwelling wall as a barrier. Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, two safety devices must be provided in accordance with Section 115922 of the California Health and Safety Code.
(cc) CBC 3109.3.1.9 Pool structure as barrier. Where an above-ground pool structure, and the means of access is a ladder or steps, then the ladder or steps either shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access, or the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier that meets the requirements of Sections 3109.3.1.1 through 3109.3.1.8. Where the ladder or steps are secured, locked or removed, any opening shall not allow the passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere.
(dd) CBC 3109.3.2 Indoor swimming pools. Wall surrounding indoor swimming pools shall not be required to comply with Section 3109.3.1.8. through 3109.3.3. (ee) CBC 3109.3.3 Prohibited Locations. Barriers shall be located as to prohibit permanent structures, equipment or similar objects from being used to climb the barriers. There shall be a clear zone of not less than 36” between the exterior of the enclosure and any permanent structures or equipment such as pumps, filters and heaters that can be used to climb the enclosure.
The 2025 California Residential Code is hereby amended as follows:
(a) CRC R105.3.2 Time Limitation of Application - An application for a permit for any proposed work will be deemed abandoned one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of filing, corrections issued or plan approval unless a permit has been issued; except that the Building Official is authorized to grant up to two extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days each. The extension must be requested in writing.
In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant must resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee.
(b) CRC R105.5 Expiration - Every permit issued will become invalid, unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within three hundred sixty five (365) days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time of work is commenced. Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit must first be obtained to do so, and the applicable fee will be one half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been 135
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made, nor will be made, in the original plans and specifications for such work; and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year. If the suspension or abandonment has exceeded one year, the permit will be considered expired. In order to renew a permit after expiration, the permitee must pay a new full permit fee. The Building Official is authorized to grant, in writing, two extensions of time, for periods not more than one hundred eighty (180) days each. The extension must be requested in writing. (c) CRC R108.5 Refunds - The Building Official may authorize a refund of any fee that was erroneously paid or collected. The Building Official may authorize a refund of not more than eighty (80) percent of the applicable permit fee paid when no work has been done under the permit. The Building Official may authorize a refund of not more than eighty (80) percent of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit is withdrawn or canceled before any examination time has been expended. The Building Official may not authorize a refund of any fee paid except upon written request, filed by the original permitee no later than one hundred eighty (180) days after date of fee payment.
(d) CRC R108.6 Work commencing before permit issuance - Any person who commences any work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee equal to the permit fee, that shall be in addition to any required permit fees.
(e) CRC R108.7 Reinspection Fees - A reinspection fee may be imposed for each inspection or reinspection, when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete, access is denied, access is not available or when required corrections are not made. This section is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of the technical codes, but as a method of controlling the practice of calling inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or reinspection.
Reinspection fees may be imposed when the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector; for failure to provide access on the date for which the inspection is requested; or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Official. In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, the permit will not be finaled nor occupancy granted until the required fees have been paid. Reinspection fees are established by City Ordinance. (f) CRC R115 All Electric Buildings - All new constructed buildings and structures shall not be supplied with natural gas for the purpose of water heating (including pools and spas), spaceheating, space-cooling, cooking and clothes drying. (g) CRC R314.9 Heat sensor detector.
(h) CRC R314.9.1 General – Heat sensor shall comply with section 314.9. (i) CRC R314.9.1.1 Listings – Heat sensor detectors shall be listed by a listing agency approved by the Building Official.
(j) CRC R314.9.2 Where required – Heat sensor detectors shall be installed within attached and unattached garages when any permit is issued with a valuation greater than $500. 136
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(k) CRC 314.9.3 Power source – Heat sensor detectors shall be either hard wired or plugged in to an outlet receiving power from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Heat sensor detector shall emit a signal when the batteries are low. (l) CRC R337.1.1 Scope - This chapter applies to building materials, systems and or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings and building alterations located within a Wild-land -Urban Interface Fire Area as defined in Section R337.2A. (m) CRC R337.1.3 Application - New buildings and building alterations located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or any Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area Designated by the enforcing agency constructed after the application date shall comply with the provisions of this chapter. (n) CRC R337.1.3.1 Application date and where required - New buildings for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after July 1, 2008 located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland Interface Fire Area shall comply with all sections of this chapter, including all of the following areas:
(1) All unincorporated lands designated by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection as State Responsibility Area (SRA) including:
1.1. Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zones
1.2. High Fire Hazard Severity Zones
1.3. Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zones
(2) Land designated as Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone by cities and other local agencies. (3) Land designated as Wildland Interface Fire Area by cities and other local agencies. (o) CRC R337.3.5.2 Weathering – Fire retardant-treated-wood shall meet the fire test performance requirements of this chapter after being subjected to the weathering conditions contained in the following standards, as applicable to the materials and conditions of use. (p) CRC R337.3.5.2.2 Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes – This section is deleted in its entirety.
(q) CRC R337.4.3 Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes – This section is deleted in its entirety.
(r) CRC R337.3.5.2.2 Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes – This section is deleted in its entirety.
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(s) CRC R337.8.2.1 Exterior windows and exterior glazed doors assembly requirements – Exterior windows and exterior glazed doors assemblies shall comply with one of the following requirements:
(1) Be constructed of multiplane glazing with a minimum of one tempered pane meeting the requirements of section R308 Safety Glazing, or
(2) Be constructed of block glass units, or
(3) Have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 20 minutes when tested according to NFPA 257, or
(4) Be tested to meet the performance requirements of SFM Standard 12-7A-2. (t) CRC R401.1 Application – The provisions of this chapter control the design and construction of the foundation and foundation spaces for all buildings. In addition to the provisions of this chapter, the design and construction of foundations in areas prone to flooding as established by Table R301.2(1) must meet the provisions of Section R322. Wood foundations must be designed and installed in accordance with AF&PA PWF (American Forest & Paper Association permanent wood foundation).
Exception: The provisions of this chapter are permitted to be used for wood foundations only in the following situations:
1. In buildings that have no more than two floors and a roof.
2. When interior basement and foundation walls are constructed at intervals not exceeding 50 feet.
3. Wood foundations in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, D2, or E are not permitted. (u) CRC R403.1.2 Continuous footing in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, D2 and E. Exterior walls of buildings located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, D2, and E, shall be supported by continuous solid or fully grouted masonry or concrete footings. Other footing materials or systems shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice. The braced wall panels at exterior walls of buildings located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, D2 and E must be supported by continuous footings. All required interior braced wall panels in buildings must be supported by continuous footings. The exception is deleted in its entirety. (v) CRC R902.1 Roofing covering materials – Roofs shall be covered with materials as set forth in Sections R904 and R905. A minimum Class A roof shall be installed in all areas or where the edge of the roof is less than 3 feet from a lot line. Class A roofing shall be tested in accordance with UL 790 or ASTM E108.
(w) CRC R902.1.1 Roof coverings within very-high fire hazard severity zones – The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than ten (10) percent of the total roof area is repaired or replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in alteration, repair or replacement of the roof or every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A. 138
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(x) CRC R902.1.2 Roof coverings within state responsibility zones - The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than ten (10) percent of the total roof area is repaired or replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A. (y) CRC R902.1.2 Exception - The exception is deleted in its entirety. (z) CRC R903.1.3 Roof coverings in all other areas - The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than ten (10) percent of the total roof area is repaired or replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A.
SECTION 6. Amendment. Ojai Municipal Code Section 9-1.302 (“CBC Appendix and CRC Appendix”) of Chapter 1 (“Uniform Codes”) of Title 9 (“Building Regulations”) is hereby added to read as follows, with the additions marked by underlined and deletions marked by struck through text:
Sec. 9-1.302. Amendments.
The 2022 2025 California Building Code Appendices I and J are adopted as parts of this code.
The 2022 2025 California Residential Code Appendix AH adopted as parts of this code.
SECTION 7. Amendment. Ojai Municipal Code Article 4 (“California Mechanical Code”) of Chapter 1 (“Building Codes”) of Title 9 (“Building Regulations”) is hereby added to read as follows, with the additions marked by underlined and deletions marked by struck through text:
Sec. 9-1.401. Amendments.
The 2022 2025 California Mechanical Code is hereby amended as follows:
(a) CMC 104.5.3 Fee Refunds – The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to authorize the refunding of a fee as follows:
(1) The amount paid hereunder that was erroneously paid or collected. (2) The Building Official may authorize a refund of not more than eight (80) percent of the applicable permit fee paid when no work has been done under the permit. The Building Official may authorize a refund of not more than eighty (80) percent of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit is withdrawn or canceled before any examination time has been expended.
(b) CMC 105.2.6 Reinspection Fees – A reinspection fee may be imposed for each inspection or reinspection, when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete, access is denied, access is not available or when required corrections are not made. This section is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of the technical codes, but as a method of controlling the 139
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practice of calling inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or reinspection.
Reinspection fees may be imposed when the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector; for failure to provide access on the date for which the inspection is requested; or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Official. In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, the permit will not be finaled nor occupancy granted until the required fees have been paid. Reinspection fees are established by City Ordinance.
SECTION 8. Amendment. Ojai Municipal Code Article 5 (“California Existing Building Code”) of Chapter 1 (“Building Codes”) of Title 9 (“Building Regulations”) is hereby added to read as follows, with the additions marked by underlined and deletions marked by struck through text:
Sec. 9-1.501. Amendments.
That certain Code known as the “2022 The California Existing Building Code,” promulgated and published by the California Building Standards Commission, is hereby adopted and enacted as the primary Code governing the administration of this Code and is made a part of this Code by reference with the same force and effect as if fully set forth herein. Such Code will be referred to herein as the California Existing Building Code (“CEBC”).
SECTION 9. Amendment. Ojai Municipal Code Article 6 (“California Administrative Code”) of Chapter 1 (“Building Codes”) of Title 9 (“Building Regulations”) is hereby added to read as follows, with the additions marked by underlined and deletions marked by struck through text:
Sec. 9-1.601. Amendments.
That certain Code known as the “2022 The California Administrative Code,” promulgated and published by the California Building Standards Commission, is hereby adopted and enacted as the primary Code governing the administration of this Code and is made a part of this Code by reference with the same force as if fully set forth herein. Such Code will be referred to herein as The California Administrative Code (CAC).
SECTION 10. Amendment. Ojai Municipal Code Article 7 (“California Electrical Code”) of Chapter 1 (“Building Codes”) of Title 9 (“Building Regulations”) is hereby added to read as follows, with the additions marked by underlined text:
Sec. 9-1.701. Amendments.
The 2022 2025 California Electrical Code is hereby amended as follows:
(a) CEC Sec. 89.108.48. Permit Application. To obtain an electrical permit, an application shall be filed therefor and appropriate fees paid as set forth by resolution of the Council. (b) CEC Sec. 89.108.9.3. Authority to Disconnect. The Building Official is hereby authorized to order the discontinuance and/or disconnection of any electrical wiring, device, appliance, apparatus or equipment which is found to be hazardous to life, health or property. 140
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(1) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or serving utility to make connections with a source of electrical energy or to supply electrical service to any electrical wiring, device, appliance, apparatus or equipment which has been disconnected or ordered disconnected by the Building Official until approval has been granted for reconnection of such equipment.
(c) CEC Sec. 89.108.9.4. Connection to Electrical Installations. Except where work is done under an annual electrical maintenance permit, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to make connection from a source of electrical wiring, device, appliance or equipment which requires a permit for installation unless such person, firm or corporation shall have obtained evidence from the Building Inspector that such equipment is authorized to be energized.
(d) CEC Sec. 89.108.9.5. Authority to Abate. Any portion of an electrical system found by the Building Official to be unsafe as defined in this Code or which the Building Official finds is manifestly unsafe is hereby declared to be a nuisance.
(1) Where a nuisance exists or an electrical system is maintained in violation of this Code or any notice issued pursuant to this Section, the Building Official shall require the nuisance or violation to be abated and, where necessary, shall seek such abatement in the manner provided by law.
(e) CEC Sec. 110.5. Conductors. Conductors normally used to carry current shall be of copper unless otherwise provided in this Code. Where the conductor material is not specified, the sizes given in this Code shall apply to copper conductors. Where other materials are used, the size shall be changed accordingly.
(1) For aluminum and copper-clad aluminum conductors, see Tables 310-16 through 310- 19 of the NEC. Aluminum wire used under the provisions of this Code shall be a minimum of #6 A.W.G. stranded conductor.
(f) CEC Sec. 110.8. Wiring Methods. Only wiring methods recognized as suitable are included in this Code. The recognized methods of wiring shall be permitted to be installed in any type of building or occupancy, except as otherwise provided in this Code. (1) Wiring installations and equipment in existence at the time of passage of this Code may have their existing use continued if such use was legal at the time of passage and provided such continued use is not unsafe.
SECTION 11. Amendment. Ojai Municipal Code Article 8 (“California Plumbing Code”) of Chapter 1 (“Building Codes”) of Title 9 (“Building Regulations”) is hereby added to read as follows, with deletions with strike through, the additions marked by underlined text:
Sec. 9-1.801. Amendments.
The 2022 2025 California Plumbing Code is hereby amended as follows:
(a) CPC 104.5.3 Fee Refunds – The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to authorize the refunding of a fee as follows:
1. The amount paid hereunder that was erroneously paid or collected. 141
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2. The Building Official may authorize a refund of not more than eighty (80) percent of the applicable permit fee paid when no work has been done under the permit. The Building Official may authorize a refund of not more than eighty (80) percent of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit is withdrawn or canceled before any examination time has been expended.
(b) CPC 105.2.6 Reinspection Fees – A reinspection fee may be imposed for each inspection or reinspection, when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete, access is denied, access is not available or when required corrections are not made. This section is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of the technical codes, but as a method of controlling the practice of calling inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or reinspection.
Reinspection fees may be imposed when the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector; for failure to provide access on the date for which the inspection is requested; or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Official. In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, the permit will not be finaled nor occupancy granted until the required fees have been paid. Reinspection fees are established by City Ordinance.
SECTION 12. Amendment. Ojai Municipal Code Article 9 (“California Fire Code”) of Chapter 1 (“Building Codes”) of Title 9 (“Building Regulations”) is hereby added to read as follows, with deletions in strike through, and the additions marked by underlined text:
Sec. 9-1.901. Adoption.
That certain Code known as the “2022” 2025 California Fire Code, most recent edition, promulgated and published by the California Building Standards Commission, is hereby adopted and enacted as the primary Fire Code of the City and made a part of this chapter by reference with the same force and effect as if fully set forth in this chapter, subject to the amendments set forth in this article. Said Code shall be referred to in this article as the California Fire Code (CFC).
SECTION 13. Amendment. Ojai Municipal Code Article 10 (“California Energy Code”) of Chapter 1 (“Building Codes”) of Title 9 (“Building Regulations”) is hereby added to read as follows, with the additions marked by underlined and deletions marked by struck through text:
Section 9-1.1001 -Adoption.
The City hereby adopts the “2022 2025 California Energy Code” except as otherwise provided herein, or as later amended in Section 9-1.701 shall be as published in the California Energy Code, 2022 2025 Edition, and as copyrighted by the California Building Standards Commission, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6, including all of its tables, indices, appendices, addenda and footnotes. Said California Energy Code is hereby referred to and by such reference is incorporated herein as if fully set forth.
Section 9-1.701(g) of the Ojai Municipal Code is hereby added to read as follows:
(g) Energy Efficiency Code.
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It is the purpose and intent of this section to establish standards for residential retrofits including major additions and alterations that exceed minimum 2022 2025 California Code of Regulations Title 24 Part 6 requirements. In furtherance of this purpose, these changes shall be made to the 2022 2025 California Energy Code and shall apply to building permit applications submitted to the City of Ojai on or after January 31, 2026:
(1) Add the following definitions to Subchapter 1, Section 100.1(b):
MAJOR ADDITION is any change to an existing building that increases conditioned floor area by 300 or more square feet in a one-year period.
MAJOR ALTERATION is any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than a repair whose altered components cover 300 or more square feet in a one-year period. A project that consists only of roof and/or window replacement is not considered a major alteration.
(2) Amend Section 150.0 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS – MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES to read as follows:
Single-family residential buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 150.0(a) through 150.0(w).
(3) Add new Section 150(w) to read as follows:
(w) Mandatory Requirements for Existing Building Additions and Alterations. Existing Building Additions and Alterations shall meet the requirements of Items 1 through 3 below, as applicable:
1. Major addition. Any Major Addition shall install a set of measures from the Measure Menu Table, Table 150.0-I to achieve a total score that is equal to or greater than 8. Any Major Addition 1,000 square feet or greater must achieve a total score that is equal to or greater than 19. In addition, all mandatory measures listed in Table 150.0-I shall be installed. Measure verification shall be explicitly included as an addendum to the Title 24 Part 6 Certificate of Compliance to be filed pursuant to 2022 2025 Title 24 Section 10-103.
Installed measures shall meet the specifications in Table 150.0-J.
2. Major alteration. Any Major Alteration shall install a set of measures from the Measure Menu Table, Table 150.0-I to achieve a total score that is equal to or greater than 8. Any Major Alteration 1,000 square feet or greater must achieve a total score that is equal to or greater than 19. In addition, all mandatory measures listed in Table 150.0-I shall be installed. Measure verification shall be explicitly included as an addendum to the Certificate of Compliance to be filed pursuant to 2022 2025 Title 24 Section 10-103.
Installed measures shall meet the specifications in Table 150.0-J.
3. Combination alterations and additions. Any project that includes an addition and alteration whose altered components cover equal to or greater than 300 143
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square feet shall install a set of measures from the Measure Menu Table, Table 150.0-I to achieve a total score that is equal to or greater than 8. Any project that includes an addition and alteration whose altered components cover equal to or greater than 1,000 square feet shall achieve a total score that is equal to or greater than 19. In addition, all mandatory measures listed in Table 150.0-I shall be installed. Measure verification shall be explicitly included as an addendum to the Certificate of Compliance to be filed pursuant to 2022 2025 Title 24 Section 10-103. Installed measures shall meet the specifications in Table 150.0-J.
Exception 1 to Section 150.0(w): The project is the result of a repair as defined by Title 24 Part 2 Section 202.
Exception 2 to Section 150.0(w): If compliance costs exceed 20% of total project valuation or due to conditions specific to the project, it is technically infeasible to achieve compliance through any available set of measures, the applicant may request an exemption as set forth below. In applying for an exemption, the burden is on the applicant to allow hardship or infeasibility.
(1) Application. Based on the following, the applicant shall identify in writing the specific requirements of the standards for compliance that the project is unable to achieve and the circumstances that make it a hardship or infeasible for the project to comply with this chapter. The applicant may not petition for relief from any requirement of the 2022 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) and referenced standards, or the 2022 2025 California Green Building Standards (Title 24, Part 11) of the California Building Standards Code.
Circumstances that constitute hardship or infeasibility shall include one of the following:
i. That the cost of achieving compliance is disproportionate to the overall cost of the project;
ii. That it is technically infeasible to achieve compliance through all packages due to conditions specific to the project; That strict compliance with these standards would create or maintain a hazardous condition(s) and present a life safety risk to the occupants. (2) Granting of exemption. If the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, determines that it is a hardship or infeasible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of this chapter and that granting the requested exemption will not cause the building to fail to comply with the 2022 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) and referenced standards, or the 2022 2025 California Green Building Standards (Title 24, Part 11) of the California Building Standards Code, the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, shall determine the minimum feasible threshold of compliance reasonably achievable for the project. If an exemption is 144
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granted, the applicant shall be required to comply with this chapter in all other respects and shall be required to achieve the threshold of compliance determined to be achievable by the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development.
(3) Denial of exemption. If the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, determines that it is reasonably possible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of this chapter, the request shall be denied, and the applicant shall be notified of the decision in writing. The project and compliance documentation shall be modified to comply with the standards for compliance.
(4) Appeal. Any aggrieved applicant or person may appeal, at no fee, the determination of the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, regarding the granting or denial of an exemption or compliance with any other provision of this chapter. An appeal of a determination of the chief building official shall be filed in writing with the Building Appeals Board.
Exception 3 to Section 150.0(w): If the dwelling unit has previously installed measures from the Measure Menu, Table 150.0-I, and compliance can be demonstrated to the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, then these measures shall not be required to be newly installed, and appropriate credit shall be included in the applicable compliance calculations.
Exception 4 to Section 150.0(w): The applicant for alterations or additions to a City landmark or contributing structure to a City-designated historic district may request an exemption to any requirements of this chapter which would impair the any City landmark or contributing structure to a City-designated historic district shall be exempt from the requirements of this section/chapter if the energy efficiency improvements would impair any character-defining element of the landmark or historic district, as determined by the Director of Community Development and as regulated by the California Historic Building Code (Title 24, Part 8). In making a determination of exemption, the Director of Community Development, or their designee, may require the submittal of an evaluation by an architectural historian or similar expert.
Exception 5 to Section 150.0(w): An alteration that consists solely of seismic and fire hardening improvements.
Exception 6 to Section 150.0(w): Buildings which are temporary (such as construction trailers).
Exception 7 to Section 150.0(w): An alteration that consists solely of roof and/or window projects.
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Exception 8 to Section 150.0(w): Mobile Homes, Manufactured Housing, or Factory-built Housing as defined in Division 13 of the California Health and Safety 12 Code (commencing with Section 17000 of the Health and Safety Code).
Exception 9 to Section 150.0(w): Properties located outside of climate zone 9.
Exception 10 to Section 150.0(w): Any accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit allowed per state law, and/or tiny house permitted per Section 10-2.1712 of this Code.
Exception 11 to Section 150.0(w): Where the project includes an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit that is attached to the primary dwelling unit, either as a new addition or converted from within the space of the primary dwelling unit, and there is not an additional combination alteration/addition to the primary dwelling unit of at least 300 square feet, then the primary dwelling unit is exempt from the requirements.
Exception 12 to Section 150.0(w): Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed so as to prohibit any one appliance covered by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) (42 U.S.C. § 6292). Should an applicant establish that this ordinance, as applied, prohibits a covered appliance in applicant’s project, the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, shall waive that portion of the ordinance causing such prohibition.
Exception 13 to Section 150.0(w): If the applicant demonstrates, using Commissioncertified compliance software as specified by Section 10-109(c) and Section 10-116, that the Energy Budget of the Proposed Building Design would be less than or equal to the Energy Budget of the building under the project if it included any set of measures that would achieve compliance under this Section 150.0(w).
Exception 14 to Section 150.0(w): Single-family homes built after December 31, 1991. (4) Add new Section 150(x) to read as follows:
150.0(x) Electric vehicle (EV) Charging for additions and alterations. Parking additions or electrical panel upgrades must have reserved breaker spaces and electrical capacity to accommodate one Level 2 EV Charging Receptacle in one parking space as defined in the California Green Building Standards Code Section 202. If a second parking space is provided, it shall be provided with a Level 1 EV Charging Receptacle as defined in the California Green Building Standards Code Section 202.
Exception to 150.0(x): Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) without additional parking facilities and without electrical panel upgrade or new panel installation. Detached ADUs, attached ADUs, and JADUs without additional parking but with electrical panel upgrades or new panels must have reserved breakers and electrical capacity according to the requirements of Section 4.106.4.1 in the California Green Building Standards Code.
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(5) Add new Table 150.0-I to read as follows:
Table 150.0-I: Measure Menu
Climate Zone 9
Measures Table 150.0-J
ID Points
Water Heating Package E1 2
Induction Cooktop E2 1
Heat Pump Clothes Dryer E3 1
Air Sealing E4 1
Duct Sealing E5 3
R-49 Attic Insulation E6 5
Windows E7 5
R-15 Wall Insulation E8 3
New Ducts + Duct Sealing E9 7
R-19 Floor Insulation E10 1
R-30 Floor Insulation E11 2
Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) replacing
gas
E12 12
Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) replacing
electric E13 5
Solar PV + Electric Ready Pre-Wire E14 17
Heat Pump Space Heater E15 7
Utility Room, Kitchen & Laundry-Related
Electric Ready Pre-Wire M1 Mandatory
Panel-Related Electric Ready Pre-Wire M2 Mandatory
Lighting Measures M3 Mandatory
Note 1: the measures in the Measure Menu table shall conform to the specifications in Table 150.0-J
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Note 2: in addition to energy efficiency, these strategies provide direct fire hardening benefits
(1) Add new Table 150.0-J to read as follows:
Table 150.0-J: Measure Specifications
ID Measure Specification
General Measures
E1 Water Heating Package: Insulate all accessible hot water pipes with pipe insulation a minimum of ¾ inch thick. This includes insulating the supply pipe leaving the water heater, piping to faucets underneath sinks, and accessible pipes in attic spaces or crawlspaces. Upgrade fittings in sinks and showers to meet current California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11) Section
4.303 water efficiency requirements. Exception: Upgraded fixtures are not required if existing fixtures have rated or measured flow rates of no more than ten percent greater than 2025 California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11) Section 4.303 water efficiency requirements.
E2 Induction Cooktop: Replace existing gas and electric resistance stove top with inductive stove top and cap the gas line.
E3 Heat Pump Clothes Dryer: Replace all existing gas and electric clothes dryers with heat pump clothes dryers.
E4 Air Sealing: Seal all accessible cracks, holes, and gaps in the building envelope at walls, floors, and ceilings. Pay special attention to penetrations including plumbing, electrical, and mechanical vents, recessed can light luminaires, and windows. Weather-strip doors if not already present. Verification shall be conducted by a certified ECC Rater that either: a) shows at least a 30 percent reduction from pre-retrofit conditions; or b) shows that the number of air changes per hour at 50 Pascals pressure difference (ACH50) does not exceed ten for Pre1978 vintage buildings, seven for 1978 to 1991 vintage buildings and five for 1992-2010 vintage buildings. Compliance can also be demonstrated with blower door testing conducted by a certified ECC Rater no more than three years prior to the permit application date showing compliance with condition (a) or (b).
If combustion appliances are located within the pressure boundary of the building, conduct a combustion safety test by a professional certified by the Building Performance Institute in accordance with the ANSI/BPI-1200-S-2017 Standard Practice for Basic Analysis of Buildings, the Whole House Combustion Appliance Safety Test Procedure for the Comfortable Home Rebates Program 2020 or the California Community Services and Development Combustion Appliance Safety Testing Protocol.
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Reducing the air leakage of a building can reduce the building’s drying potential.
When improving the air sealing of a building, consider if there is a need to add continuous ventilation to the building (if not already present).
E5 Duct Sealing: Air seal all space conditioning ductwork to meet the requirements of the 2022 2025 Title 24 Section 150.2(b)1E. The duct system must be tested by a ECC Rater no more than three years prior to the alteration or addition permit application date to verify the duct sealing and confirm that the requirements have been met. This measure may not be combined with the New Ducts and Duct Sealing measure in this Table. Buildings without ductwork or where the ducts are in conditioned space may not take credit for this measure.
E6 R-49 Attic Insulation: Attic insulation shall be installed to achieve a weighted assembly U-factor of 0.020 or insulation installed at the ceiling level shall have a thermal resistance of R-49 or greater for the insulation alone. Recessed downlight luminaires in the ceiling shall be covered with insulation to the same depth as the rest of the ceiling. Luminaires not rated for insulation contact must be replaced or fitted with a fire-proof cover that allows for insulation to be installed directly over the cover.
Exception: In buildings where existing R-30 is present and existing recessed downlight luminaires are not rated for insulation contact, insulation is not required to be installed over the luminaires.
E7 Windows: Replace at least 50% of existing windows with high performance windows with an area-weighted average U-factor no greater than 0.27.
E8 R-15 Wall Insulation: Install wall insulation in all exterior walls to achieve a weighted U-factor of 0.095 or install wall insulation in all exterior wall cavities that shall result in an installed thermal resistance of R-15 or greater for the insulation alone.
E9 New Ducts + Duct Sealing: Replace existing space conditioning ductwork with new R-8 ducts that meet the requirements of 2022 2025 Title 24 Section 150.0(m)11. This measure may not be combined with the Duct Sealing measure in this Table. To qualify, a preexisting measure must have been installed no more than three years before the alteration or addition permit application date.
E10 R-19 Floor Insulation: Raised-floors shall be insulated such that the floor assembly has an assembly U-factor equal to or less than U-0.037, or shall be insulated between wood framing with insulation having an R-value equal to or greater than R-19. This measure cannot be combined with measure R-30 Floor insulation.
E11 R-30 Floor Insulation: Raised-floors shall be insulated such that the floor assembly has an assembly U-factor equal to or less than U-0.028, or shall be insulated between wood framing with insulation having an R-value equal to or 149
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greater than R-30. This measure cannot be combined with measure R-19 Floor insulation.
E12 Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) replacing gas: Replace existing natural gas storage water heater with a heat pump water heater that meets the requirements of Sections 110.3 and 150.2(b)1.H.iii.b.
E13 Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) replacing electric: Replace existing electric resistance storage water heater with a heat pump water heater that meets the requirements of Sections 110.3 and 150.2(b)1.H.iii.b.
E14 PV and Electric Ready Pre-Wire: Install a solar PV system that meets the requirements of 2022 2025 Title 24 Section 150.1(c)14.
In addition to the solar PV system, comply with the electric readiness components per Section 150.0(n)1 and 150.0(t) and one of:
A. Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Ready, as specified in Section 150.0(s), or B. EV Charger Ready as specified in the California Green Building Code, Title 24, Part 11, Section A4.106.8.1, which otherwise applies to new construction.
Exception 1: In buildings where the designated space requirement specified in Section 150.0(n)1 can be demonstrated to the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, as infeasible, the electric readiness components per Section 150.0(n)1 are not required.
E15 Heat Pump Space Heater: Replace all existing gas and electric resistance primary space heating systems with a heat pump system that meets the requirements of Sections 110.3, 150.2(b)1.C, 150.2 (b)1.E, 150.2(b)1.F, 150.2(b)1.G.
Mandatory Measures
M1 Utility Room, Kitchen & Laundry-Related Electric Ready Pre-Wire: If the project includes a kitchen remodel, comply with the Electric Cooktop Ready requirement, as specified in Section 150.0(u). If the project includes a laundry room remodel, comply with the Electric Clothes Dryer Ready requirement, as specified in Section 150.0(v). If the project includes a utility room remodel, comply with the electric readiness components per Section 150.0(n)1 and 150.0(t):
Exception 1: If an electrical permit is not otherwise required for the project other than compliance with this measure.
Exception 2: If a utility service upgrade is not otherwise required for the project other than compliance with this measure.
Exception 3: In buildings where the designated space requirement specified in Section 150.0(n)1 can be demonstrated to the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, as infeasible, the electric readiness components per Section 150.0(n)1 are not required.
M2 Panel-Related Electric Ready Pre-Wire: If the project includes a new electrical panel and electrical service upgrade to 200A or more, comply with the Water Heating Ready requirements, as specified in Section 150.0(n)1 and the Space Heating Ready Requirement 150.0(t).
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Exception 1: In buildings where the designated space requirement specified in Section 150.0(n)1 can be demonstrated to the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, as infeasible, the electric readiness components per Section 150.0(n)1 are not required.
M3 Lighting Measures – Install lighting with an efficiency of 45 lumens per watt or greater in all interior and exterior screw-in fixtures. Install photocell, occupancy sensor or energy management system controls that meet the requirements of 150.0(k)3 in all outdoor lighting permanently mounted to a residential building or to other buildings on the same lot.
(6) Modify Section 150.2(a) ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS
AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS to read as follows:
Additions. Additions to existing single-family residential buildings shall meet the requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.9, Sections 150.0(a) through (n), (p), (q), (w) and either Section 150.2(a)1 or 2.
(7) Modify Section 150.2(b) ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONS
AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS to read as follows:
Alterations. Alterations to existing single-family residential buildings or alterations in conjunction with a change in building occupancy to a single-family residential occupancy shall meet either Item 1 or 2 below.
1. Prescriptive approach. The altered component and any newly installed equipment serving the alteration shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.9 and all applicable requirements of Sections 150.0(a) through (l), 150.0(m)1 through 150.0 (m)10, 150.0(p) through (q), and 150.0 (w); and i. Performance approach. The altered component(s) and any newly installed equipment serving the alteration shall meet the applicable requirements of Subsections A, B, and C below.
A. The altered components shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.9, Sections 150.0(a) through (l), Sections 150.0(m)1 through 150.0 (m)10, Sections 150.0(p) through (q), and Section 150.0(w). Entirely new or complete replacement mechanical ventilation systems as these terms are used in Section 150.2(b)1L, shall comply with the requirements in Section 150.2(b)1L. Altered mechanical ventilation systems shall comply with the requirements of Section 150.2(b)1M. Entirely new or complete replacement spaceconditioning systems, and entirely new or complete replacement duct systems, as these terms are used in Sections 150.2(b)1C and 150.2(b)1Diia, shall comply with the requirements of Sections 150.0(m)12 and 150.0(m)13.
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SECTION 14. Amendment. Ojai Municipal Code Article 11 (“California Green Building Code”) of Chapter 1 (“Building Codes”) of Title 9 (“Building Regulations”) is hereby added to read as follows, with the additions marked by underlined text and deletions marked by struck through text:
Sec. 9-1.1101. Adoption.
That certain Code known as the “2022 2025 California Green Building Code,” most recent edition, promulgated and published by the California Building Standards Commission, is hereby adopted and enacted as the primary Code of the City and made a part of this chapter by reference with the same force and effect as if fully set forth in this chapter, subject to the amendments set forth in this article. Said Code shall be referred to in this article as the California Green Building Code (CGBC).
SECTION 15. Amendment. Ojai Municipal Code Article 12 (“California Reference Standard”) of Chapter 1 (“Building Codes”) of Title 9 (“Building Regulations”) is hereby added to read as follows, with the additions marked by underlined text and deletions marked by struck through text.
Sec. 9-1.1201. Adoption.
That certain Code known as the “2022 2025 California Reference Standard,” most recent edition, promulgated and published by the California Building Standards Commission, is hereby adopted and enacted as the primary Code of the City and made a part of this chapter by reference with the same force and effect as if fully set forth in this chapter, subject to the amendments set forth in this article. Said Code shall be referred to in this article as the California Reference Standard (CRS).
SECTION 16. Building Standards Commission. The City Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission, under Health and Safety Code section 17958.7.
SECTION 17. California Energy Commission. The City Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Ordinance with the California Energy Commission, in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5, Public Resources Code Section 25402.1(h)(2), and California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 1, §10-106.
SECTION 18. Environmental Determination. The City Council determines that the following findings and conclusions reflect the independent judgement of the City Council. This ordinance is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is an action taken by a regulatory agency for the purpose of protecting the environment, CEQA Guidelines Section 15308. The City Council finds that in accordance with section 15061(b)(3) of the California Code of Regulations, the adoption of these local amendments to the Ojai Municipal Code are exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act because such actions are largely administrative in nature, are designed to improve and not degrade environmental quality, and the impacts of these local amendments to the building standards code 152
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will not adversely affect the environment in any manner that could be significant. The following findings are made in support of these determinations:
1. The purpose of the implementation of a Reach Code is to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the City that are produced from buildings.
2. The Reach Code approval process requires that the City determines that the local standards will require buildings to use no more energy than current statewide requirements. Furthermore, the California Energy Commission approval process requires that the City make the findings as part of its approval process.
Therefore, the Reach Code standards can only go into effect if they protect the environment by making buildings more efficient.
3. The City recognizes that this ordinance shall not be enforced unless and until approved by the California Energy Commission.
SECTION 19. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the final decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, clause, phrase or portions might be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 20. Certification. The City Clerk shall cause this Ordinance to be published once, within fifteen (15) calendar days after passage, in the Ojai Valley News, a newspaper of general circulation, printed, published, and circulated in the City, and shall cause a copy of this Ordinance and its certification, together with proof of publication, to be entered in the Book of Ordinances of the City.
SECTION 21. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after adoption pursuant to California Government Code Section 36937, shall supersede any conflicting provision of any City of Ojai ordinance, and shall continue to be in effect until terminated by further action of the City Council in accord with the applicable law.
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this ___ day of ______, 2025.
CITY OF OJAI, CALIFORNIA
By___________________________________
Andy Gilman, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________________
Bethany A. Burgess, City Attorney
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF VENTURA )
CITY OF OJAI )
I, Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk of the City of Ojai do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Ojai held on ______ and adopted at a regular meeting held on ______ by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
________________________________
Weston Montgomery
Chief Deputy City Clerk for the City of Ojai
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Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Ben Harvey, City Manager
Lucas Seibert, Community Development Director
MEETING DATE: December 9, 2025
SUBJECT: Furnished by Owner and Installed by Owner (FOIO) Items | Ojai Permanent Supportive Housing Project (OPSHP) 611
South Montgomery Street and Policy for Commemorative
Naming and Donations
RECOMMENDATION
1. Receive DignityMoves’ Furnished by Owner and Installed by Owner (FOIO) items list; and
2. Review and adopt the Policy for Commemorative Naming and Donations.
DISCUSSION
At the September 30, 2025 Special City Council Meeting, DignityMoves provided an informational presentation regarding the Ojai Permanent Supportive Housing project (the project) documents, with the City Council asking clarifying questions and offering feedback on the project documents prior to DignityMoves’ finalizing the design for bidding. During this informational presentation, discussion took place regarding items for the project that are to be furnished and installed by the owner (the City of Ojai). The City Council requested that a so-called “FOIO List” (Furnished by Owner and Installed by Owner List) be returned to the City Council at a future meeting. This agenda report fulfills that request.
The acronym FOIO includes items and materials, equipment, furnishings, or systems the project owner purchases both directly and installs independently of the contractor’s scope.
These items are excluded from the construction contract price and builder warranties and are delivered and installed by the owner or the owner’s vendors after the contractor completes required infrastructure. FOIO items are commonly used in public, nonprofit, or supportive housing projects for furniture, appliances, security systems, technology, and program-specific equipment, allowing owners to control procurement standards, reduce markup costs, or use specialized vendors.
The FOIO classification primarily impacts project coordination. Contractors must plan for rough-ins, schedule access, and avoid delays, while owners must deliver items on time and ensure their installers comply with site safety. FOIO decisions can affect project sequencing, warranty coverage, risk allocation, and closeout timing. When properly defined in early documents FOIO classifications support clearer roles, reduce change 155
orders, and help ensure both contractor and owner obligations are fully understood.
To support the procurement of FOIO items and to foster community involvement, the City is developing a platform to celebrate efforts of individuals, groups, and organizations interested in contributing to the project. To properly enable this effort, a proposed Policy for Commemorative Naming and Donations (policy) has been drafted to establish clear standards for recognizing individuals, organizations, or foundations that contribute funds, services, or materials specific to the project.
The policy ensures that donor celebration and recognition are consistent with community values, avoid commercial advertising, and protect the visual integrity of public spaces. All donations must be reviewed and approved by the City Manager or designee prior to installation. Donor plaques must follow standardized guidelines for size, materials, placement, and wording to maintain aesthetic uniformity. Corporate logos or promotional language are generally prohibited.
Donors are responsible for the cost of fabrication and installation of any recognition elements. The City retains ownership of all plaques and may relocate or remove them when remodeling, safety, or operational needs arise. The policy also clarifies that donor recognition does not grant naming rights unless separately approved by City Council under formal naming policy.
Overall, the policy promotes transparency and ensures donor recognition is tasteful, equitable, and compatible with the long-term stewardship of the project.
The FOIO List and proposed Policy for Commemorative Naming and Donations are attached as items A and B respectively.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS ALIGNMENT
Goal No. 1 - Affordable Housing
OPTIONS
1. Take no action;
2. Provide alternative direction to staff.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action at this time. While FOIO items are necessary for the completion of the project, the intent is to secure funding through donations from individuals, foundations, and community organizations. Any items not received through donations will be funded through the City’s General Fund. Those items and impacts to the general fund will be reviewed and identified after donations have been received. Establishing a clear donation policy will help facilitate these contributions and may reduce the City’s financial burden over time.
Prepared by: Lucas Seibert, Community Development Director Bryan Schurmer, Planning Aide
Norma Cervantes, Assistant to the City Administrator
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Brenda Cho, Finance Director
Ben Harvey, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. FOIO List
B. Draft Policy for Commemorative Naming and Donations
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DignityMoves 870 Market Street, Suite 1151 San Francisco CA 94105
October 6, 2025
Updated November 21, 2025
Updated December 4, 2025
1.0 List of FOIO (furnished by owner and/or installed by owner) possible donor items:
a) Solar Panels (one variation to consider, it was suggested to maximize area of panels)
b) EV Chargers
c) Desk/closet, chair, bed, nightstand in the units
d) Gathering space tables and chairs
e) Office desks, chairs, shelving, casework, soft seating f) In-unit appliances (mini-fridge, microwave)
g) Washing Machines (rough-in by GC)
h) Dryers (rough-in by GC, provision for dryer vent)
i) Open Shelving throughout the project (if budget allows, DJAA suggests bringing this under the GC scope)
j) Countertop appliances in Gathering Space, coffee maker, microwave other? k) Dishes, cutlery, dish rack and other supplies for Gathering Space l) Window Coverings (curtains and rods)
m) Site furnishings- chairs, benches and tables
n) Floor coverings (rugs, bath mats, etc)
o) Welcome mats at each unit entry
p) Linens and pillows- soft furnishings
q) Room decor, art, etc.
r) Desk and nightstand lamps
s) Security system
t) Barbeque
u) Umbrellas with base
v) Mailboxes
w) Donor wall large plaque(s)
x) Project Identity sign
y) All networking, low voltage cabling, panels and associated equipment.
2.0 Items that could potentially be added to the FOIO/donor list that are currently specified to be provided by the GC:
a) Pantry Freezer
b) Pantry Refrigerator
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DignityMoves 870 Market Street, Suite 1151 San Francisco CA 94105 c) Gathering Space dishwashers
d) Some landscape scope (certain garden areas?)
e) Decorative light fixtures (gathering space?)
f) Bike racks
g) Bathroom mirrors, accessories
3.0 Other possible donor support for:
a) Ojai Valley Sanitary Sewer Capacity and Connection fees b) Casitas Water Connection fees
c) SCE Connection fees
d) Other permit fees ie City of Ojai or Ventura County Fire 159
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CITY OF OJAI
POLICY FOR COMMEMORATIVE NAMING
AND DONATIONS
I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish the process and requirements for consideration of requests to name city facilities and programs. This policy also establishes a process for evaluating when it is appropriate for the City to accept donations of money, tangible personal property, and other donations from community members and other donors.
II. Naming of Facilities and Programs
A. Policy Statement
1. The City of Ojai is a unique place with strong community engagement and civic participation by the City’s municipal government, other public agencies within the City and the Ojai Valley, community organizations and businesses, and community residents. The City desires to establish a formal policy to allow the City to better recognize the contributions from the community, including the naming of City facilities and programs and other ways of recognizing and commemorating such contributions. Contributions subject to recognition under this policy may include donations of money, donations of tangible personal property, in-kind contributions, volunteer service, or other significant contributions to the City or the Ojai community.
2. The City Council will have the exclusive authority to determine which City facilities, spaces, features, or programs are eligible for naming or other commemorative recognition under this policy. The City will retain ownership of all named property and the approval of naming rights under this policy is not intended to imply any endorsement of the persons or organizations recognized under this policy.
3. Naming rights for special purpose facilities and programs may be reserved for individuals or organizations who have had a significant impact or contribution to that facility or program. For example, naming rights for a facility or program dedicated to the arts may be based on an individual or organization’s contribution to the arts or artistic programming at that facility.
B. Facilities
1. For purposes of this Policy, “facility” or “facilities” shall mean and include all City-owned capital improvements, including, but not limited to City buildings, parks, trails, playgrounds, sports fields, streets, or portions of any of such buildings, parks, and streets.
2. Facility naming rights will generally be reserved for individuals who provide a significant financial contribution to the cost of constructing a new facility or the cost of renovating an existing facility. At the discretion of the City Council, facilities may also be named after individuals who have consistently provided other significant contributions to the community over time such as community and civic leaders and volunteers.
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3. Except in very unusual circumstances, no facility will be named after any current City employee or official or for a period of at least five (5) years after the retirement or other departure of an employee or at least five (5) years after an official leaves office.
4. The City shall comply with the requirements of Government Code § 34092 with respect to the naming of any street, boulevard, park, or place and will forward the Resolution providing any renaming of such facilities to the Board of Supervisors of the County of Ventura.
5. Facilities naming rights will typically be granted for the useful life of the facility unless otherwise provided in a Naming Rights Agreement. In the event the City determines it is necessary to perform a major capital project on a facility that is subject to a Naming Rights Agreement, the City will provide the named individual, or their successors in interest, the first opportunity to contribute to the cost of such capital project and retain the naming rights for that facility. In the event the named individual is not able or willing to contribute to the cost of such capital project, the City shall reserve the right to terminate the Naming Rights Agreement and grant future naming rights to financial supporters for the project.
C. Programs
1. For purposes of this Policy, “program” means any City-operated program, including youth sports programs, athletics programs, community gardens, community events, and arts programs.
2. Naming for City programs may be allowed for individuals who provide significant financial contributions or other in-kind contributions to such programs.
3. Naming rights for temporary or seasonal programs will generally be for the duration of the temporary program or then-current season, unless the named individual is willing to commit to providing future support or contributions to the program that warrant a longer naming right or unless otherwise determined by the City Council based on the significant nature of a particular contribution, whether financial or in-kind.
D. Commemorative Plaques, Monuments, and Signs; Design
1. In addition to establishing naming rights for all or a portion of a facility or program as described in this policy, the City may provide opportunities for public recognition of contributions to City facilities and programs through installation of commemorative plaques, monuments, and signage, along with other means of recognizing such contributions. Such commemorative plaques, monuments, and signage will be authorized in the sole discretion of the City.
2. Where the City establishes a formal campaign for donations or community contributions to a City project or facility, the City will endeavor to identify the manner and type of recognition based on different funding or contribution levels before it begins solicitation of donations or contributions.
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3. The City reserves the right to approve the type, design, size, font, wording, location, and other similar elements of any commemorative signs, plaques, or monuments authorized under this Policy.
E. Naming Rights Agreement
All approved naming rights for facilities and ongoing programs approved by the City shall be documented in a formal agreement, which includes:
1. The name to be displayed.
2. The duration of recognition.
3. Financial terms and contribution details.
4. The location, size, and design of signage, if applicable.
5. Conditions for renewal or revocation.
6. Information regarding the proposed public communication plan.
7. The ability of the City to cover or remove signage for a limited period of time where the City has a legal obligation or operational need to do so.
A Naming Rights Agreement will not be required for commemorative plaques, monuments, and signs that are approved for tangible personal property or for temporary or seasonal naming rights for City programs.
F. Approval and Duration of Naming Rights
1. Naming of facilities and programs will be approved by City Council by Resolution. The City Manager may prepare a list of opportunities for commemorative recognition and naming.
2. Naming rights for parks and other City recreational facilities and programs will first be considered by the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission.
3. The duration of naming rights under this policy will generally be based on the life of the asset or program, the value of the contribution, and the duration of the contribution.
4. Where a program or facility is named based on something other than a financial contribution, the City reserves the right to change the naming of the facility based on any reasonable factor.
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G. Right to Deny or Withdraw Naming Rights
1. The City will not grant naming rights to and may withdraw naming rights or other recognition from individuals or entities where the City Council determines that the naming rights are inconsistent with City or community values.
2. The City will not grant naming rights to political organizations of any political party, due to the appearance of impropriety that such naming rights may have and the chilling effect it may have on members of the community.
3. Naming rights and other recognition may be withdrawn if the named party’s reputation is significantly compromised, the promised contribution is not fulfilled or any other term of a Naming Rights Agreement is breached by the named party, or the facility or program is decommissioned, repurposed, or otherwise terminated.
4 The City may avoid names that are cumbersome, profane, discriminatory, or derogatory; names that would result in the overt commercialization of City facilities unless in conjunction with a substantial financial contribution for construction or project costs; names that cause confusion due to duplication or that sound too similar to existing named locations within the City or surrounding areas; or names of businesses whose business is substantially derived from the sale of tobacco, firearms, pornography, products or services illegal in the state of California, or other products and services considered unsuitable or inappropriate.
III. Donations
A. Definitions
For purposes of this policy, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
1. A “donation” is a voluntary gift of money, property, goods, or services made to the City without the expectation of receiving compensation or any consideration in return, including an inkind donation. 2 An “in-kind donation” is a non-cash contribution of goods, services, or volunteer labor.
B. Evaluation Criteria
Each proposed donation shall be evaluated based on: alignment with City priorities and the benefit to the City and community from the donation; financial and operational impacts to the City; aesthetic and safety considerations; legal title or authority to provide the donation; maintenance and long-term obligations associated with the donation; ethical implications, including evaluation of conflicts of interest, of accepting a donation; compliance with applicable regulations and community standards; potential liability to the City of accepting the donation. 163
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C. Procedures
1. Prior to making a donation, the donor shall complete a donation application and submit the application to the City Manager.
2. The City Manager and relevant City department(s) will review the application to determine if it is consistent with this policy. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.
3. The City Manager may accept donations of unrestricted cash or tangible personal property if the donation is in compliance with this policy and also complies with appliable state and local laws pertaining to gifts and donations. At the City Manager’s discretion, significant gifts may be submitted to the City Council for approval.
4. Donations or gifts of real property and donations of restricted funds or other items shall be submitted to the City Council for approval.
5. The City will not provide a valuation of a donation for tax purposes, but may acknowledge receipt of a donation and all valuation will be by the donor. The City Manager will work with the donor to complete any necessary tax paperwork.
D. Right to Reject
1. The City reserves the right to reject or refuse any donation. Additionally, the City shall reject donations that conflict with City values or policies; imply endorsement of a product, service, or viewpoint; place an undue burden on City resources; create an actual or perceived conflict of interest; or create an unacceptable risk of liability to the City.
E. Recognition of Donations
1. The City may recognize donors through issuance of thank you letters, certificates of appreciation, public acknowledgement at City events or meetings, printed recognition at City events, website or social media mentions, or other appropriate methods of recognition.
2. All recognition must be tasteful and consistent with City branding, avoid language implying endorsement, and be approved by the City Manager or his or her designee.
3. Recognition involving naming rights or other similar commemorative recognition shall be in accordance with Section II of this Policy.
4. Tiered recognition levels (e.g., Bronze, Silver, Gold) may be offered for donations in the form of a sponsorship of City events or programs.
IV. Review and Policy Maintenance
This policy shall be reviewed biennially by the City Manager’s Office and may be amended by the City Council as necessary to remain current and appropriate. 164
Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Bridget Mara, Admin Analyst I/Staff Liaison
to Arts Commission
MEETING DATE: December 9, 2025
SUBJECT: Ratification of Arts Commission Recommendations – 2026 Arts Grants
RECOMMENDATION
Ratify the Arts Commission’s recommendations for the 2026 Arts Grants Program as outlined in Attachment A.
DISCUSSION
The Arts Grant Ad Hoc Committee convened on November 1, 2025, to evaluate applications for the 2026 grant cycle using a standardized rubric scoring method (Attachment B). This rubric was designed to ensure transparency, consistency, and alignment with the City’s cultural and community goals.
Following the Ad Hoc Committee’s work, the Full Arts Commission (5 members) reviewed the scoring outcomes, made adjustments, and finalized its recommendations for grant awards at the November 20, 2025 Arts Commission Meeting. The Commission’s updated recommendations reflect consensus on funding priorities and equitable distribution of available resources.
Applications were evaluated across multiple criteria, including artistic merit, community impact, feasibility, alignment with cultural priorities, and budget accuracy. • Applications were evaluated across multiple criteria, including artistic merit, community impact, feasibility, alignment with cultural priorities, and budget accuracy.
• Scores were compiled and reviewed collectively, ensuring equitable consideration across applicants.
• The Arts Commission’s recommendations balance support for established organizations with opportunities for emerging projects, broadening access to cultural programming across Ojai.
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• Ratification by City Council will affirm the Commission’s role in guiding arts funding and ensure timely distribution of awards.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS ALIGNMENT
Goal No. 3 - Arts, Culture and Recreation Funding
OPTIONS
1. Take no action.
2. Provide alternate direction to staff.
FISCAL IMPACT
Grant awards will be distributed within the approved budget allocation of $100,000 for the Arts Grants Program. No additional fiscal impact is anticipated.
Prepared by:
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Updated Arts Grants Recommendations (Arts Commission, November 2025) B. Scoring Rubric
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