Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting

New Agenda Template 11.12.25

AGENDA

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026, 6:00 PM

OJAI CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 401 S VENTURA ST, OJAI, CA

VIEWING & ACCESS

Public participation is encouraged! 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. 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. 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 - August 13, 2026 - Regular Meeting

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS

Public Communications is the time set aside during the meeting for members of the public to address the legislative body on items of City business other than scheduled agenda items. Matters raised at this time may be briefly discussed by members of the legislative body 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.

MUSEUM REPRESENTATIVE REPORT

CONSENT CALENDAR

All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are to be considered routine by the legislative body and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. There will be no discussion of these items unless, before the legislative body votes on the motion to adopt, specific items are removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion and separate motions.

1.

Minutes HPC regular meeting of July 9, 2026

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve.

Minutes, HPC, July 9, 2026

DISCUSSION ITEM(S)

2.

Provide Comments to the Planning Commission Regarding the Historic Resources Report Prepared Architectural Resources Group - Design Review Permit (DRP 25-011) Regarding a Proposed Change in Use From an Office Use to a Health Spa & Wellness Center Use, Zone Change from Public, Quasi-Public (P-L) to Village Mixed Use (VMU), and General Plan Land Use Amendment from Public/Quasi-Public (P) to Village Mixed Use (VMU); located at 107 North Ventura Street (Formerly: World University) - Assessor's Parcel No. 021-0-106-040 and currently residential use at 107 W. Matilija Street Assessor's Parcel No. 021-0-106-030. The existing General Plan Land Use Designation of the subject site is Public/Quasi-Public (P) and existing Zoning Classification of the subject site is Public, Quasi-Public (P-L). Property Owner: 107 Ventura LLC. Applicant/Representative: Jeremy McBride

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Historic Preservation Commission review the Historic Resources Report and provide comments on the report and associated project which would then be forwarded to Planning Commission for review and consideration.

Administrative Report

Attachment A - Historic Resources Report

Attachment B - Project Description

Attachment C - Plans

3.

Annual 2026 Historic Preservation Award

RECOMMENDATION:

1. Review and discuss biographies of nominees for 2026 Annual Historic Preservation Awards;

2. Select nominees to receive awards; and

3. Request staff to draft a resolution for the Commission to adopt, making a

recommendation to the City Council to ratify the Commission's decision.

Administrative Report

Attachment A - Biographies

AGENDA HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026, 6:00 PM OJAI CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 401 S VENTURA ST, OJAI, CA VIEWING & ACCESS Public participation is encouraged! 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. 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. 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 - August 13, 2026 - Regular Meeting CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Public Communications is the time set aside during the meeting for members of the public to address the legislative body on items of City business other than scheduled agenda items. Matters raised at this time may be briefly discussed by members of the legislative body 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. MUSEUM REPRESENTATIVE REPORT CONSENT CALENDAR All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are to be considered routine by the legislative body and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. There will be no discussion of Thursday, August 13, 2026 Historic Preservation Commission Agenda 1

1. Minutes HPC regular meeting of July 9, 2026 2. Provide Comments to the Planning Commission Regarding the Historic Resources Report Prepared Architectural Resources Group – Design Review Permit (DRP 25-011) Regarding a Proposed Change in Use From an Office Use to a Health Spa & Wellness Center Use, Zone Change from Public, Quasi- Public (P-L) to Village Mixed Use (VMU), and General Plan Land Use Amendment from Public/Quasi-Public (P) to Village Mixed Use (VMU); located at 107 North Ventura Street (Formerly: World University) – Assessor’s Parcel No. 021-0-106-040 and currently residential use at 107 W. Matilija Street Assessor’s Parcel No. 021-0-106-030. The existing General Plan Land Use Designation of the subject site is Public/Quasi-Public (P) and existing Zoning Classification of the subject site is Public, Quasi-Public (P-L). Property Owner: 107 Ventura LLC. Applicant/Representative: Jeremy McBride 3. Annual 2026 Historic Preservation Award 4. Ventura & Ojai Valley Railroad Heritage Trail 5. Historic Resource Inventory Survey Update 6. City Beautiful Award Discussion these items unless, before the legislative body votes on the motion to adopt, specific items are removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion and separate motions. RECOMMENDATION: Approve. Minutes, HPC, July 9, 2026 DISCUSSION ITEM(S) RECOMMENDATION: That the Historic Preservation Commission review the Historic Resources Report and provide comments on the report and associated project which would then be forwarded to Planning Commission for review and consideration. Administrative Report Attachment A - Historic Resources Report Attachment B - Project Description Attachment C - Plans RECOMMENDATION: 1. Review and discuss biographies of nominees for 2026 Annual Historic Preservation Awards; 2. Select nominees to receive awards; and 3. Request staff to draft a resolution for the Commission to adopt, making a recommendation to the City Council to ratify the Commission’s decision. Administrative Report Attachment A - Biographies RECOMMENDATION: Receive Ad Hoc Committee’s report (Walker & Bisaccia). Administrative Report RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file report from Ad-hoc members. Administrative Report RECOMMENDATION: 1. Receive City Beautiful Award liaison’s report; and 2. Discuss and formulate next steps. Thursday, August 13, 2026 Historic Preservation Commission Agenda 2

7. Historic Preservation Commission Functions and Powers 8. Maintenance and Protections of City owned Landmarks 9. Education Update 10. Future Agenda Items Administrative Report Attachment A - Documents submitted by Commissioner Aikens RECOMMENDATION: 1. Receive Commission liaison’s report; and 2. Discuss and formulate next steps. Administrative Report Attachment A - Chair McHatton draft changes RECOMMENDATION: Each Commissioner may report monthly on the condition of the selected landmark. Administrative Report INFORMATIONAL ITEMS RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file. Note - Education RECOMMENDATION: Review. Future Agenda Items list ADJOURNMENT The next regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission is Thursday, September 10, 2026. Posted August 7, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Shari Herbruck, Principal Planning and Building Technician shari.herbruck@ojai.ca.gov 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 Thursday, August 13, 2026 Historic Preservation Commission Agenda 3

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 cityclerk@ojai.ca.gov. 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 Street, Ojai, California, 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 written public comments timely to the legislative body, 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 via mail, in person at City Hall, or via email to the email address listed above (under Adjournment). If your written comment is received by 3:00 p.m. on the day before the meeting date, your comments will be distributed to the legislative body and recorded on the City website. Written comments received after 3:00 p.m. may not be distributed or 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 this Commission/Committee 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 Commission/Committee at, or prior to, the public hearing (California Government Code Section 65009). Thursday, August 13, 2026 Historic Preservation Commission Agenda 4

Any legal action by an applicant seeking to obtain a judicial review of the Commission/Committee'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 this Commission/Committee are subject to the campaign disclosure provisions detailed in Government Code Section 84308. No City Commissioner/Committee 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 Commissioner/Committee 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 Commissioner/Committee 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 Commissioner/Committee 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 Commissioner/Committee 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 Commissioner/Committee member shall be permitted to participate in the proceeding. If you believe that these provisions apply to you or a Commissioner/Committee 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. Thursday, August 13, 2026 Historic Preservation Commission Agenda 5

CITY OF OJAI HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION **DRAFT** HPC MINUTES Regular Meeting July 9, 2026 Call to Order Chair McHatton called the regular meeting of the Ojai Historic Preservation Commission to order on Thursday, July 9, 2026, 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, Moore, Aikens, Walker, Bisaccia, and Niessen. Absent: None Staff present: The following were present in person: Maura Macaluso, Principal Planner and Cody Parker, Associate Attorney. Pledge of Allegiance Chair McHatton led the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Communication Chair McHatton opened public communication. There was none. Museum Report Commissioner Aikens presented the report. Consent Item(s) 1. Minutes of June 7, 2026, regular meeting. Motion: Commissioner Walker moved and Vice Chair Sims seconded the motion to approve June 7, 2026, regular meeting minutes with an edit to remove a misleading sentence regarding CEQA. AYES: Chair McHatton, Commissioner Niessen, Sims, and Moore NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Bisaccia The minutes were approved with the suggested edit. 6

Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 9, 2026 Regular Meeting 2 of 4 Discussion Items 2. Annual Historic Preservation Awards 2026 Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report. The Commission reviewed the criteria for the Historic Preservation Award. Potential candidates were identified to be discussed further. Commissioners were assigned the preparation of biographies for review at the next HPC meeting. The report was received and filed. 3. Maintenance and Protections of Historic Landmark No. 24 the Ojai Nordhoff Grammar School aka. Chaparral High School (former Ojai Unified School District Offices), located at 414 E. Ojai Avenue Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report. Commissioner Walker commented. Commissioner Aikens asked Attorney Parker a question. Attorney Parker answered. The Commission discussed the maintenance, preservation and protections the City can engage in for Landmark No. 24 “Nordhoff Grammar School” located at 414 E. Ojai Avenue with Attorney Parker and Principal Macaluso. The Commission discussed using MyOjai to make code compliance notifications with Principal Planner Macaluso. Chair McHatton opened the item for public comment. Former City Council Member Bill Weirick commented on the history of the landmarking of the building. Chair McHatton asked former City Council Member Weirick a question. Former City Council Member Weirick answered. School District Trustee Kathy Smith commented about which parts of the property qualify as historic. Member of the Public Allen Hoitmallo commented. The Commission discussed the potential for rehabilitation or repurposing. 7

Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 9, 2026 Regular Meeting 2 of 4 Chair McHatton invited School District Trustee Smith to the podium and asked a question. Trustee Smith answered. Vice Chair Sims commented. The Commission discussed further and emphasized improved communication moving forward. Commissioner Walker asked Attorney Parker a question. Principal Planner Macaluso answered. The Commission discussed and emphasized communication. The report was received and filed. 4. Maintenance and Protection of Historic Landmarks pursuant to Title 4 Chapter 8 (Historic Preservation Law) of the Ojai Municipal Code Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report. Chair McHatton brought up the idea of having Commissioners pick city owned “building buddies” that are landmarked to check up on once a month. Commissioner Aikens stated that he approves of the idea. Other Commissioners indicated agreement and approval. Vice Chair Sims stated that she does not approve of the idea. Chair McHatton asked Principal Macaluso a question. Principal Planner Macaluso answered. The Commission discussed. Commissioner Moore stated that this discussion should be on the agenda each month as a reoccurring item. The Commission chose “building buddies” to check up on monthly. Commissioners Bisaccia and Walker chose the Arcade and the Sespe Stone Wall, Commissioner Aikens chose the Ojai Museum and the Ojai Jail, Commissioner Niessen and Chair McHatton chose the Libbey Courts, and Commissioner Moore chose the Smith Hobson. The report was received and filed. 8

Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 9, 2026 Regular Meeting 2 of 4 5. City Beautiful Award Discussion – Edward Drummond Libbey Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report. City Beautiful Award Liaison Commissioner Aikens presented the report. Commissioners removed mentions of historic and history from the award description and recipient requirements to avoid confusion and competition with existing historic awards. The Commission discussed. Principal Planner Macaluso stated potential next steps to bring the award idea before the City Council. The Commissioners indicated support for the item and the report was received and filed. 6. Taormina Advisory Committee Discussion Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report. The Commission discussed and determined that a committee does not seem necessary at this time. The report was received and filed. 7. Ventura & Ojai Valley Railroad Heritage Trail Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report. Commissioner Walker presented a design for the Nordhoff and Ojai Train Depot sign. The Commission vocalized approval of the design. The Commission discussed funding the signs and sponsorships. The report was received and filed. 8. Historic Resource Inventory Survey Update Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report. 9

Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 9, 2026 Regular Meeting 2 of 4 Commissioner Walker updated the Commission that HRG did a research trip to Ojai to inform the historical context statement section of the report. They are on track to deliver a Preliminary draft of context statement by the end of July. The report was received and filed. 9. Arcade Plaza Adhoc to Research the History Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report. Commissioner Walker presented the idea of the Adhoc. Commissioner Walker, Niessen, and Aikens agreed to participate on the Adhoc. Member of the Public Allan Hoitmallo commented about a missing piano. The report was received and filed. 10. Fast Track Process for Historic Landmarking for individual property owners interested in Landmarking and Mill’s Act Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report. Chair McHatton asked Principal Planner Macaluso how to bring this to City Council. Principal Macaluso stated that it should be discussed during Commissioner Comments at the City Council Meeting. Principal Planner Macaluso also stated that it should be put in writing, run past an attorney, and then be brought before City Council. The Commission discussed the potential required changes to the existing code to help streamline contributing properties to a State Historic District to apply for the Mills Act and or Landmarking. The report was received and filed. 11. Pop-Ups for Historic Preservation Commission Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report. Chair McHatton requested to move this item to a future meeting agenda in the interest of time. The report was received and filed. 10

Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 9, 2026 Regular Meeting 2 of 4 Informational Items 12. Education Updates Chair McHatton presented the updates. 13. Future Agenda Items Commissioner Aikens requested that a fire fighter come to the next meeting to discuss potential issues with the Arcade, such as historic building fire safety. Chair McHatton asked attorney Parker if this presentation was permissible. Attorney Parker said that it was. Commissioner Aikens said he would reach out to the fire fighter and asked if he should reach out to the Ventura County Ghost Hunter. The Commission indicated support. Member of the Public Allan Hoitmallo stated that the spider infestation in the Ojai Valley should be on the future agenda. City Council Liaison None was present. Commissioner Comments There were none. Adjournment There being no further business at the meeting of the HPC, Chair McHatton adjourned the meeting at 9:24 p.m. Prepared and submitted by: __________Catalina Niessen___________________________ Catalina Niessen, HPC Secretary Approved by: _______________________________________ Gina McHatton, Historic Preservation Commission Chair 11

Page 1 of 4 Administrative Report DISCUSSION TO: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION FROM: Lucas Seibert, Community Development Director Maura Macaluso, Principal Planner MEETING DATE: August 13, 2026 SUBJECT: Provide Comments to the Planning Commission Regarding the Historic Resources Report Prepared Architectural Resources Group – Design Review Permit (DRP 25-011) Regarding a Proposed Change in Use From an Office Use to a Health Spa & Wellness Center Use, Zone Change from Public, Quasi-Public (P-L) to Village Mixed Use (VMU), and General Plan Land Use Amendment from Public/Quasi-Public (P) to Village Mixed Use (VMU); located at 107 North Ventura Street (Formerly: World University) – Assessor’s Parcel No. 021-0-106-040 and currently residential use at 107 W. Matilija Street Assessor’s Parcel No. 021-0-106-030. The existing General Plan Land Use Designation of the subject site is Public/Quasi- Public (P) and existing Zoning Classification of the subject site is Public, Quasi-Public (P-L). Property Owner: 107 Ventura LLC. Applicant/Representative: Jeremy McBride. Recommendation That the Historic Preservation Commission review the Historic Resources Report and provide comments on the report and associated project which would then be forwarded to Planning Commission for review and consideration. SUMMARY The Planning Commission voted at their August 5 meeting to send the historic resources report to the Historic Preservation Commission for comments, and for those comments to then be forwarded to the Planning Commission for further review and consideration at their August 19, 2026 regularly scheduled meeting. The Historic Preservation Commission is being asked to review the report prepared by Architectural Resources Group on the proposed project. The action for the matter being referred to the Historic Preservation Commission is consistent with Section 4-8.05 subsection (o) of the Ojai Municipal Code which reads, “Review proposed amendments, etc. At the request of the Council or Planning Commission, review proposed zoning amendments, applications for permits, or applications for zoning variances that affect proposed or 12

Page 2 of 4 designated landmarks and historic districts. Review and comment within 30-days of submission for the public record of any all historic resources reports prepared for any other development project requiring a design review permit, conditional use permit, development agreement, or other zoning code permit.” The proposed project is focused on the adaptive reuse and repurposing of the existing buildings located at 107 North Ventura Street. The intent is to give the building a new function while maintaining its historic character and significance. Initially, the project was brought before the Planning Commission in October 2024 for a concept review. No decisions were rendered during this meeting; instead, the Commission and the public provided feedback, which helped inform the direction of future planning. By April 2026, staff had confirmed that the zone change proposal for 107 North Ventura Street was proceeding in a manner consistent with the earlier concept review. Concurrent with review and under the direction of the Community Development Department, Architectural Resources Group was commissioned to prepare a Historic Resources report for this project with three purposes, (1) whether the site is eligible for listing in the California Register of Historic Resources as a local, state, and/or national landmark, (2) to evaluate the proposed projects impacts on the existing site and building, (3) fulfill the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act as it relates to historic resources. The conclusion is that Architectural Resources Group found the project would not cause physical impairment to the subject site and would not result in any impacts to historic resources on the subject site. Furthermore, the site appears eligible for listing in the California Register of Historic Resources (State landmark) and as a City of Ojai Landmark (Local Landmark); due to the historic period occurring within the last 50-years. DISCUSSION Architectural Resources Group (ARG) prepared the Historic Resources Report (HRR) in 2025 and finalized the report recently. The report was prepared for the City of Ojai Community Development Department in connection with the proposed project to rehabilitate the former World University building at 107 North Ventura Street for use as