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. Community Aquatics Program Implementation and Adoption of Resolution Amending the Salary Schedule to Update the Salary for the Lifeguard AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026, 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.
AGENDA PACKET - This link is to the complete Agenda Packet in PDF.
ZOOM LINK - June 2, 2026 - Special Meeting
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
DISCUSSION
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Ojai City Council Agenda
1 Classification, Effective June 3, 2026
2. Request for Proposal for Sarzotti Park Playground Reconstruction
3. Conference with Labor Negotiators - Government Code Section 54957.6 City/Agency Designated Representatives: Ben Harvey, City Manager; Kathy Holman, Human Resources/Risk Manager
Unrepresented Employee(s): All Unrepresented Employees
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt a resolution amending the Salary Schedule to update the salary for the Lifeguard classification, effective May 20, 2026; and
2. Approve a $5.00 per person entry fee for open and lap swim Program Hours and authorize a $5,000 allocation to fund reduced-fee waivers for income qualified participants; and
3. Approve program hours as presented for daily open swim operations; and
4. Receive and file the completed Agreement with Ojai Unified School District.
Administrative Report - Community Aquatics Program
Attachment A - Lifeguard Survey
Attachment B - Resolution Amending the Salary Schedule
Attachment C - Facilities Use Agreement with OUSD
PowerPoint Presentation
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Review and provide input for a draft request for proposals for the planning and design of the Sarzotti Park playground reconstruction project.
2. Direct staff to proceed with issuing a request for proposals for the planning and design of the playground reconstruction project.
Administrative Report - Request for Proposal for Sarzotti Park Playground Attachment A - Sarzotti Park Playground Reconstruction Survey Questions and Results
CLOSED SESSION
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Posted May 29, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS
Written public comments will be published here for public access. Please see PUBLIC COMMENT OPTIONS below for detailed instructions on how to submit.
Written Comments
Written Public Comments 06 02 26
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 Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Ojai City Council Agenda
2 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 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 Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Ojai City Council Agenda
3 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).
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, June 2, 2026 Ojai City Council Agenda
4
Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Kristy Rivera, Recreation Manager
MEETING DATE: June 2, 2026
SUBJECT: Community Aquatics Program Implementation and Adoption of Resolution Amending the Salary Schedule to update the salary for the Lifeguard classification, effective June 3, 2026
RECOMMENDATION
1.Adopt a resolution amending the Salary Schedule to update the salary for the Lifeguard classification, effective June 3, 2026; and
2.Approve a $5.00 per-person- entry fee for open and lap swim Program Hours and authorize a $5,000 allocation to fund reduced-fee waivers for income-q-ualified participants; and
3.Approve program hours as presented for daily open swim operations; and
4.Receive and file the completed Agreement with Ojai Unified School District (OUSD).
DISCUSSION
At the February 24, 2026 meeting, the City Council directed staff to return with updated lifeguard salary information, pool entry fees, scholarship recommendations, community aquatics program hours and the finalized OUSD agreement for the Community Aquatics Program at the Nordhoff High School Pool. This agenda report fulfills that direction.
Additionally, feedback from the May 7, 2026, Parks & Recreation Commission meeting has been included related to both the immediate launch and long‑term development of the Community Aquatics Program. This agenda report incorporates items that are feasible at this time, while other options like programming, swim passes and full days may be feasible in the future as staffing, funding and pool attendance evolves.
Staff also received feedback from the Ojai Unified School District Board at their May 13, 2026 meeting, including a request for later program hours to better support community use and scheduling needs.
1. Salary Schedule Modification for Lifeguard Pay
The City is actively recruiting lifeguards to staff the open swim program. To strengthen recruitment, improve staffing levels, and enhance retention, staff conducted a targeted salary survey to evaluate the City’s position within the local labor market. The results indicate that the City’s current hourly lifeguard rate is below the market median of $22.40 per hour.
5
To remain competitive and attract qualified applicants, staff recommends establishing a single hourly pay rate of $25.00 for all lifeguard positions. While this rate exceeds the market median, a unified pay structure reflects the consistent physical demands, high level of mental vigilance, and shared safety responsibilities required of every lifeguard on duty.
A single rate also supports internal equity by eliminating pay variations among employees performing the same work under the same level of risk, thereby reducing potential morale concerns.
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a Resolution amending the Salary Schedule to update the salary for the Lifeguard classification to flat hourly rate of $25.00, effective June 3, 2026.
2. Entry Fees
Staff recommends the implementation of a $5.00 per-person entrance fee for participation in the open and lap swim program. In determining the appropriate fee, staff conducted a survey of entry fees in four nearby cities and based the proposed amount on those findings.
The proposed $5.00 per person fee would allow for in and out privileges during the day paid.
To support accessibility, staff proposes City Council authorize a $5,000 allocation specifically reserved for income-qualified lowered fee waivers. Under the current process through the Ojai Parks and Recreation Department, recipients of these waivers will be eligible for a reduced entrance fee of $2.00 per person.
3. Program Hours
The daily open and lap swim program would operate weekdays during school breaks Monday through Friday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM and Sundays 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
An option of 5pm to 7pm on Saturdays could also work around YMCA swimming lessons.
Please note that OUSD has water polo programming scheduled for the duration of the summer. This will have an impact on the City’s lap swim program, as installation of lane lines is staff intensive.
4. Agreement with Ojai Unified School District
City staff and OUSD worked to develop a mutually beneficial agreement, which has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney, and is attached to this agenda report for reference.
OPTIONS
1. Take no action;
2. Provide alternative direction
FISCAL IMPACT
Estimated cost for the first year of the open and lap swim program is $62,200. This estimate includes operational and staff costs, as well as the proposed $5,000 allocation, which is intended to support income-qualified fee waivers.
6
The revenue generated through the admission fees is unknown, but will help to offset City costs. We will monitor and provide an update once the program is live and enough information is available for projection.
Prepared by: Kristy Rivera, Recreation Manager
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Lifeguard Market Survey
B. Resolution Amending the Salary Schedule to update the salary for the Lifeguard classification effective June 3, 2026
C. Facilities Use Agreement with OUSD for the Nordhoff Pool 7 Ojai
Labor Market Survey
PEPRA Employees February 2026
Agency Classification
Minimum
Base Salary
Maximum
Base Salary Comments
Ojai Lifeguard $16.96 $20.62
Camarillo No Comparable Class
Carpinteria Pool Lifeguard I/II/III $21.11 $25.66
Pool Lifeguard I $21.1065
Pool Lifeguard II $23.2699
Pool Lifeguard III $25.6551
Fillmore Pool Lifeguard I/II $16.50 $18.50
Pool Lifeguard I $16.50
Pool Lifeguard II $18.50
Moorpark No Comparable Class
Oxnard Lifeguard I/II $17.00 $24.05
Lifeguard I $17.00 - $20.97
Lifeguard II $19.50 - $24.05
Port Hueneme Pool Lifeguard $17.50 $22.83
Santa Paula No Comparable Class
Ventura Lifeguard I $16.90 $19.40 Lifeguard I $16.90 - $19.40 Ventura County No Comparable Class
POSITIONS ARE FOR BEACH LIFEGUARDS
Lifeguard I $26.22
Lifeguard II $28.76
Senior Lifeguard $33.11
Casitas Municipal Water
Casitas Water Adventure
Lifeguard $18.35 $23.42
Santa Barbara Pool Lifeguard I/II/III $24.59 $27.11
Pool Lifeguard I $24.59
Pool Lifeguard II $25.82
Pool Lifeguard III $27.11
Pleasant Valley Recreation
& Park District Lifeguard $16.90 $21.97
Conejo Recreation & Park
District Lifeguard I/II $17.00 $19.83
Lifeguard I $17.00 - $19.13
Lifeguard II $17.62 - $19.83
Rancho Simi Recreation &
Park District Lifeguard $17.90 $19.10
$22.40
-8.63%
$22.19
-7.60%
10 Data effective as of 2.2026
# Of Comparable Matches
Labor Market Median
% Ojai is Above or Below Median
Labor Market Mean
% Ojai is Above or Below Mean
Attachment A
8 CITY OF OJAI
RESOLUTION NO. 26-___
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OJAI,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE SALARY SCHEDULE TO UPDATE THE
SALARY FOR THE LIFEGUARD CLASSIFICATION, EFFECTIVE JUNE 3, 2026
WHEREAS, on February 10, 2026, the City Council of the City of Ojai adopted Resolution No. 26-04 approving a salary schedule for citywide classifications for the 2025- 26 Fiscal Year; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has authorized the City Manager to hire employees as needed; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager desires to update the assigned salary for the Lifeguard classification; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City Council to replace Resolution No. 26-04 with this Resolution once adopted.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OJAI,
CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AND ORDER, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The recitals are true and correct and incorporated by this reference.
SECTION 2. The following hourly rate of pay for the classification of Lifeguard is established:
Classification Rate of Pay
Lifeguard $25.00 (Hourly)
SECTION 3. The City Council approves the attached amended and restated Salary Schedule (“Exhibit A”), effective June 3, 2026.
SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original Resolutions.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 2nd day of June 2026 by the following vote:
9 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 – Salary Schedule, Effective June 3, 2026
10 Classification
Salary
Range Step A Step B Step C Step D Step E
* City Manager Contract 129.81 129.81 129.81 129.81 129.81
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT
* Assistant City Manager ACM 96.57 101.40 106.47 111.80 117.38
DIRECTORS
* Community Development Director DIR 87.79 92.18 96.79 101.63 106.70 * Deputy City Manager DIR 87.79 92.18 96.79 101.63 106.70 * Finance Director DIR 87.79 92.18 96.79 101.63 106.70
* Public Works Director DIR 87.79 92.18 96.79 101.63 106.70
MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES
* Accounting Manager MGMT 56.53 59.36 62.33 65.44 68.71 * Assistant to the City Manager MGMT 56.53 59.36 62.33 65.44 68.71 * Chief Deputy City Clerk MGMT 56.53 59.36 62.33 65.44 68.71 * Human Resources/Risk Manager MGMT 56.53 59.36 62.33 65.44 68.71 * IT Manager MGMT 56.53 59.36 62.33 65.44 68.71
* Principal Planner MGMT 56.53 59.36 62.33 65.44 68.71
* Recreation Manager MGMT 56.53 59.36 62.33 65.44 68.71
GENERAL EMPLOYEES
Account Clerk 27F 24.57 25.81 27.10 28.46 29.88
Accountant I 47F 40.29 42.30 44.41 46.64 48.97
Accountant II 51F 44.46 46.68 49.02 51.48 54.05
Accounting Specialist I 31F 27.12 28.48 29.91 31.41 32.98 Accounting Specialist II 35F 29.96 31.46 33.02 34.67 36.40 Administrative Analyst I 45F 38.34 40.25 42.27 44.38 46.60 Administrative Analyst II 49F 42.31 44.44 46.66 48.99 51.44 Administrative Assistant I 35F 29.96 31.46 33.02 34.67 36.40 Administrative Assistant II 39F 33.06 34.71 36.45 38.27 40.18 Assistant Planner 45F 38.34 40.25 42.27 44.38 46.60
Associate Planner 49F 42.31 44.44 46.66 48.99 51.44
* Deputy City Clerk 48F 41.30 43.36 45.53 47.80 50.19
* Events & Public Information Officer 53F 46.71 49.04 51.50 54.07 56.78 Homeless Services Coordinator 45F 38.34 40.25 42.27 44.38 46.60 IT Specialist 52F 45.57 47.85 50.24 52.75 55.39
Maintenance Worker I 31F 27.12 28.48 29.91 31.41 32.98
Maintenance Worker II 35F 29.96 31.46 33.02 34.67 36.40 * Management Analyst 53F 46.71 49.04 51.50 54.07 56.78
Office Specialist I 24F 22.82 23.96 25.16 26.42 27.74
Office Specialist II 27F 24.57 25.81 27.10 28.46 29.88
Planning & Building Technician 39F 33.06 34.71 36.45 38.27 40.18 Planning Aide 35F 29.96 31.46 33.02 34.67 36.40
Principal Planning & Building Technician 49F 42.31 44.44 46.66 48.99 51.44 Public Works Inspector/Project Manager 53F 46.71 49.04 51.50 54.07 56.78 Public Works Supervisor 53F 46.71 49.04 51.50 54.07 56.78 Records Technician 27F 24.57 25.81 27.10 28.46 29.88
Recreation Coordinator 40F 33.89 35.58 37.36 39.23 41.18 Recreation Specialist II 27F 24.57 25.81 27.10 28.46 29.88 Recreation Supervisor 49F 42.31 44.44 46.66 48.99 51.44 HOURLY
CITY OF OJAI
Salary Schedule
Effective June 3, 2026
ELECTED OFFICIALS Monthly
Mayor & Council Members 988.00
City Clerk 455.00
Treasurer 455.00
* Denotes Classification Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Reso 26-
Adopted 6/2/2026
11 Classification
Salary
Range Step A Step B Step C Step D Step E
HOURLY
Senior Accounting Specialist 39F 33.06 34.71 36.45 38.27 40.18 Senior Maintenance Worker 39F 33.06 34.71 36.45 38.27 40.18 * Senior Planner 53F 46.71 49.04 51.50 54.07 56.78
Senior Planning & Building Technician 43F 36.49 38.31 40.23 42.25 44.35 Transit Operations Supervisor 43F 36.49 38.31 40.23 42.25 44.35 Trolley Coordinator 40F 33.89 35.58 37.36 39.23 41.18
HOURLY RATED POSITIONS
Associate Planner 49F 42.31 44.44 46.66 48.99 51.44
CalPERS Extra-Help Retired Annuitant OPEN 16.96 123.19
CalPERS Interim Retired Annuitant OPEN 16.96 123.19
Homeless Services Coordinator 45F 38.34 40.25 42.27 44.38 46.60 Records Technician 26F 23.99 25.19 26.44 27.77 29.15
Transit Operations Supervisor (Benefited Part-Time) 43F 36.49 38.31 40.23 42.25 44.35 Trolley Driver 26F 23.99 25.19 26.44 27.77 29.15
Trolley Driver (Benefited Part-Time) 28F 25.20 26.45 27.78 29.16 30.63
HOURLY RATED POSITIONS - RECREATION
Class/Camp Instructor I 19R 20.17 21.19 22.24 23.35 24.52 Class/Camp Instructor II 36R 33.06 34.71 36.45 38.27 40.18 Lifeguard NR 25.00
Recreation Administrative Assistant 35R 29.96 31.46 33.03 34.68 36.40 Recreation Leader 12R 16.96 17.81 18.71 19.64 20.62
Recreation Specialist I 16R 18.74 19.67 20.65 21.69 22.77 Recreation Specialist II/Aquatics Specialist 19R 20.17 21.19 22.24 23.35 24.52 Sports Official I 13R 17.39 18.26 19.17 20.13 21.14
Sports Official II 36R 33.06 34.71 36.45 38.27 40.18
Classification
Trolley Driver
Maintenance Worker I
Maintenance Worker II
Senior Maintenance Worker
Public Works Inspector
Public Works Supervisor
Classification
Trolley Driver
Trolley Driver
CERTIFICATION
USAG-SAFETY [Safety & Risk Management (U101) / Safe Sport Trained (U110)] Minimum Hour Threshold Annual Incentive
250 Hours or More (July 1 - May 31) $400 One Time Payment 500 Hours or More (July 1 - May 31) $800 One Time Payment $2.50 Per Hour
Standby Pay (3 Hour Minimum) $2.50 Per Hour
Standby Pay (3 Hour Minimum) $2.50 Per Hour
USAG-COACHING [Fund. of Gym. Instr. (U100) / Tough Coaching or Emotional Abuse (U112)]
SPECIALTY PAY - STAND BY PAY
SPECIALTY PAY - TROLLEY DRIVER RETENTION PROGRAM
SPECIALTY PAY - CERTIFICATIONS
Effective 04/14/2025
Rate of Pay
$50 Per Month
$100 Per Month
Standby Shift Minimum Rate of Pay
Standby Pay (3 Hour Minimum) $2.50 Per Hour
Standby Pay (3 Hour Minimum) $2.50 Per Hour
Standby Pay (3 Hour Minimum) $2.50 Per Hour
Standby Pay (3 Hour Minimum)
* Denotes Classification Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Reso 26-
Adopted 6/2/2026
12 13
14 15
16 17
18 19
20 21
22 23
Community Aquatics Program Implementation
Kristy Rivera, Recreation Manager
Ojai, CA | June 02, 2026
24 Summary
The City of Ojai is implementing a Community Aquatics Program at Nordhoff High School Pool in response to City Council direction from February 24, 2026. This presentation addresses four key items: adopting a lifeguard salary amendment to $25.00/hour effective June 3, 2026; approving a $5.00 per-person entry fee with $5,000 allocated for income-qualified waivers; establishing program operating hours including weekday and weekend sessions; and receiving the completed Facilities Use Agreement with OUSD. The estimated first-year cost is $62,200, with revenue from admission fees helping to offset expenses. The program satisfies longstanding community demand for public aquatics access in the Ojai Valley.
Ojai, CA | June 02, 2026 | 2 / 10
25 Background & Council Direction
February 24, 2026: City Council directed staff to return with updated aquatics program information Council requested lifeguard salary data, pool entry fees, scholarship recommendations, program hours and finalized OUSD agreement May 7, 2026: Parks & Recreation Commission provided feedback incorporated into this report May 13, 2026: Ojai Unified School District (OUSD) Board requested later program hours to better support community use This presentation fulfills all elements of Council's February 24 direction and incorporates feedback from the Parks and Recreation Commission and OUSD
Ojai, CA | June 02, 2026 | 3 / 10
26 Four Action Items Before Council
# Action Item
1 Adopt Resolution amending Salary Schedule for Lifeguard classification, effective June 3, 2026
2 Approve $5.00 per-person entry fee for open and lap swim; authorize $5,000 for income-qualified fee waivers
3 Approve program hours as presented for daily open swim operations 4 Receive and file the completed Agreement with Ojai Unified School District (OUSD) Ojai, CA | June 02, 2026 | 4 / 10
27 Item 1: Lifeguard Salary Amendment
Market Analysis
Targeted salary survey shows current market
median at $22.40/hour. City's current rate falls
below market median, creating recruitment
challenges.
Recommended Rate: $25.00/hour
Staff recommends a flat rate of $25.00/hour for
all lifeguard positions, effective June 3, 2026.
This positions the City competitively in the local
labor market.
Why a Flat Rate?
Reflects consistent physical demands, mental
vigilance and shared safety responsibilities
across all lifeguard positions. Supports internal
equity and reduces potential morale concerns.
Ojai, CA | June 02, 2026 | 5 / 10
28 Item 2: Entry Fees & Accessibility
Fee Type Amount
Standard entry (open swim) $5.00 per person (2 years and under free) Income-qualified reduced fee $2.00 per person
Allocation for fee waivers $5,000
Ojai, CA | June 02, 2026 | 6 / 10
29 Item 3: Proposed Operating Schedule
Day(s) Hours
Monday–Friday (school breaks) 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sundays 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturdays (optional) 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (may vary with YMCA swim sessions) Ojai, CA | June 02, 2026 | 7 / 10
30 Item 4: OUSD Facilities Use Agreement
City staff and OUSD collaborated to develop mutually beneficial agreement Agreement reviewed by City Attorney
Completed agreement attached to agenda report for Council reference OUSD covers core operational costs: utilities, maintenance and required permits City responsible for facility daily operational duties and staffing: hiring and compensating lifeguards Ojai, CA | June 02, 2026 | 8 / 10
31 Council Options
Approve all four recommendations as presented
Take no action
Provide alternative direction to staff
Ojai, CA | June 02, 2026 | 9 / 10
32 Next Steps if Approved
Resolution amending Salary Schedule takes effect June 3, 2026 $5.00 entry fee (2 years and under free) and $5,000 waiver fund authorized Program hours approved for daily open swim operations with option to adjust due to community demand OUSD Facilities Use Agreement received and filed
Staff launches program (once lifeguard recruitment is fulfilled), monitors attendance and entry fee revenue Progress update provided to Council after initial summer break operating period Ojai, CA | June 02, 2026 | 10 / 10
33 1
Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Kristy Rivera, Recreation Manager
Ben Harvey, City Manager
MEETING DATE: June 2, 2026
SUBJECT: Request for Proposal for Sarzotti Park Playground Reconstruction
RECOMMENDATION
1. Review and provide input for a draft request for proposals for the planning and design of the Sarzotti Park playground reconstruction project.
2. Direct staff to proceed with issuing a request for proposals for the planning and design of the playground reconstruction project.
DISCUSSION
Earlier this year, the City launched an online community survey and mail in option through the Ojai Outlook Newsletter to gather public input regarding the Sarzotti Park playground reconstruction project. The community survey was taken to the Parks and Recreation Commission for review prior to launch, and was returned to the Commission at the conclusion of the survey input period for results review. The survey results are attached to this agenda report.
Listed below are the primary survey results:
Addition of shade structure covering greater playground area Addition of recreation climbing wall/structure
Addition of slides
Addition of play opportunities for wider age range
Removal of sand ground covering
Removal of direct sunlight/hot surfaces
The survey results also expressed support for inclusion or addition of a water element, however, City staff is not recommending that a water element be included as part of the current project. Instead, City staff requests additional time to explore options and funding opportunities to add a water element in the future. Initial research suggests that the cost of a water element may exceed or require a significant portion of the current available project budget, due to the excavation and plumbing required to support addition of a water element.
34 2
To advance the project, staff recommends that the City conduct a request for proposals (RFP) solicitation process to select the most qualified firm to develop a plan and design for the playground reconstruction project. Once the design documents are complete, the City will solicit bids to select the lowest, responsive bidder for construction/installation of the project. The project would be overseen by the Public Works Department, and is included within the proposed Fiscal Year 26-27 budget capital improvement program.
Notice for the RFP will be advertised within The Ojai Valley News, and posted on the City of Ojai and PlanetBid websites.
Project funding will be borne from $750,000 in grant funds received from a California State Parks Grant in 2023. In light of the amount of time that has lapsed since the receipt of grant funds, there is a need to expedite the project. To that end, City staff is working closely with the California State Parks Department with the goal that grant funds remain available for project construction. To enable this possibility, the California Parks Department has advised that a grant fund extension request from the City will be required in the Fall of 2026 (City staff plans to fulfill this request). City staff will continue to keep the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council apprised of the grant fund status.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS ALIGNMENT
Goal No. 3 - Arts, Culture and Recreation Funding
OPTIONS
1. Take no action;
2. Provide alternative direction to staff.
FISCAL IMPACT
It is anticipated that project funding will be available through the $750,000 California Parks Department grant. Should grant funding no longer be available, staff would return to the City Council for a proposed budget amendment to pull funding from the City’s unprogrammed General Fund balance outside of the City’s 100% Reserve Policy amount.
Prepared by: Ben Harvey, City Manager and Kristy Rivera, Recreation Manager.
ATTACHMENT:
A. Sarzotti Park Playground Reconstruction Survey Questions and Results 35 Not Important Important Very Important
Water Element
Opportunities for climbing
Something innovative and different
A sound element
Inclusivity elements (ADA)
Playground theme
Shade over play area
Lighting
Seating
0 100
200
300
400
500
Yes
78.2%
No
21.8%
Question 1
When you think of the new playground, how important are the following items to you and/or your child(ren)? (Not Important, Important, Very Important) Question 2
Would you like to see a water element added to Sarzotti Park? Sarzotti Playground Survey Results 2026
Total Surveys Completed: 436
36 Question 3
What type of equipment does your child(ren) prefer? (Please select all that apply.) Slides Raised Platforms Ladders Bridges
Monkey Bars Tunnels
Rockers/Seesaws
Swings
Spinning
Climbing Structures
Inclusive element (ADA)
Water Element
Roundabout
Other
0 100
200
300
400
Question 4
When visiting the current playground at Sarzotti Park, what are your and/or your child(ren)'s favorite aspects/activities?
SwingsSlides
Tire Swing Fire Truck Clubhouse
Visibility/Open Space/Closed Area
Fields/Grass
Monkey Bars
Shade
Playground As Is
Sand
Nature Aspects
Picnic Areas
Climbing
Imaginative Play Opportunities
Soccer
Location
Seating
Quietness
Running
0 20
40 60
80 100
120
140
37 Question 5
When visiting the current playground at Sarzotti Park, what are your and/or your child(ren)'s least favorite aspects/activities?
Question 6
Please share any features that you would like to see at the new Sarzotti Playground.
Sand
Direct Sunlight/Hot SurfacesSlide
Variety of Play Options Age Range
Nothing
Too Small of Space Fire Truck
Seating
Dog Issues
Swings
Monkey Bars
Wood Structures/Splinters
Outdated
Bathroom
Safety
Clubhouse
Lighting
Tire Swing
No Water Element
0 20
40 60
80 Water Element
Shade/Trees Climbing Swings Seating
Variety of Play OptionsSlide
Seperate Areas for Toddlers and Older Kids
Accessibility
Enclosed Area/Gate
Playground Capacity Improvement
Zipline
Turf Hill (Like Libbey)
Monkey Bars
Upgrades
Tunnels
Natural Material Structures
Multi‐Age Playground Expansion
Bridges
Creative Structures
0 20
40 60
80 100
120
38 Question 7
How often do you visit the playground at Sarzotti Park? Every day
A few times a week About once a week
A few times a month
Once a month
Less than once a month
None of the above
0 50
100
150
200
Question 8
How old are you?
35-44
47.3%
25-34
19.4%
45-54
16.9%
65+
7.9% 55-64
4.6%
Under 18
2.5%
39 Question 9
Do you have children?
Yes
93%
No
7%
Question 10
If yes, how old are they?
Under 5 6-8 9-12 13-17
0 50
100
150
200
40 City of Ojai
80.5%
Ventura County
18.6%
Question 11
Where do you reside?
Question 12
If you would like to be updated regarding the playground progress, please provide your email.
Total: 209
41 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 oicials and sta 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.
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
MEETING DATE: June 2, 2026
SUBJECT: Written Public Comments
The attached public comments were submitted to the City Clerk prior to 3:00 p.m. the date before the meeting (referenced above) and are being posted to the City’s website for public access.
Posted: June 2, 2026
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Written/emailed public comments must be submitted no later than 3:00 p.m. on the day before the meeting.
The City encourages public participation. Members of the public who wish to make public comments may do so in person at the meeting, comment live via telewebinar software, or submit written public comments in advance of the meeting. Written public comment emails should be sent to [email protected].
Communications to the City Council are public records and will become part of the City’s electronic records, which are accessible through the City’s website. Please note: e-mail addresses, names, addresses, and other contact information are not required, but if included in any communication to the City Council, will become part of the public record. If you do not want your e-mail address or any other contact information to be made public, you may deliver communications to the City Clerk’s Office at 401 S Ventura St, Ojai Ca, 93023, or you may email the comment as an attached PDF to the email and request in the email to only include the attachment. If you do not want your contact information included in the public record, please do not include that information in your communication.
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