Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting

CITY OF OJAI HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting February 13, 2025 Call to Order Chair McHatton called the regular meeting of the Ojai Historic Preservation Commission to order on Thursday, February 13, 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, Leavitt, Moore, and Walker. Absent: None Staff present: The following were present in person: Maura Macaluso, Principal Planner and Shari Herbruck, HPC Secretary. Pledge of Allegiance Chair McHatton Public Communication None Museum Representative Report Commissioner Aikens reported. Consent Item(s) 1. Minutes of December 12, 2024, regular meeting. 2. Minutes of January 9, 2025, regular meeting. Motion: Vice Chair Sims moved and Commissioner Bisaccia seconded the motion to approve the December 12, 2024, regular meetings as presented. The motion passed as follows: AYES: Aikens, Bisaccia, Leavitt, Moore, McHatton, Sims, Walker NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None Motion: Commissioner Aikens moved and Commissioner Walker seconded the motion to approve January 9, 2025, regular meetings minutes as presented.

Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 2 of 7 The motion passed as follows: AYES: Aikens, Bisaccia, Leavitt, Moore, McHatton, Sims, Walker NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None Discussion Item(s) 3. Revisit Ad Hoc Assignments Staff – Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report. Chair opened the discussion Chair McHatton read to the Commission the definitions received by the Assistant City Attorney, Taylor Anderson, of the following: Ad Hoc * A temporary group to work on a specific topic (limited purpose and limited time) * Not staffed * Caution having 3 vs 2 members due to potential of a commissioner(s) being absent at meeting then item may not be able to be discussed because the ad hoc could be a majority in meeting. Subcommittee * Continuing purpose * Staffed * Noticed meetings * Council's interest Liaison * Commission approved issues Chair McHatton asked for motions to decide status for each individual as hocs. Motion: Commissioner Aikens moved and Chair McHatton seconded the motion to DISSOLVE the “Window Survey of State Historic District” ad hoc (Commissioners McHatton & Sims). The motion passed as follows: AYES: Aikens, Bisaccia, Leavitt, Moore, McHatton, Sims, Walker NOES: None

Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 3 of 7 Motion: Commissioner Aikens moved and Commissioner Leavitt seconded the motion to KEEP moving forward with the “Update to City Historic Resources Inventory Survey” ad hoc (Commissioners Aikens & Walker). The motion passed as follows: AYES: Aikens, Bisaccia, Leavitt, Moore, McHatton, Sims, Walker NOES: None Motion: Commissioner Bisaccia moved and Commissioner Moore seconded the motion to KEEP moving forward with the “Council Chamber renovations” ad hoc (Commissioners Moore & Bisaccia). The motion passed as follows: AYES: Aikens, Bisaccia, Leavitt, Moore, McHatton, Sims, Walker NOES: None Motion: Chair McHatton moved and Commissioner Aikens seconded the motion to put ON HOLD the “Mills Act and Landmark Incentives” ad hoc (Commissioner Aikens & Leavitt). The motion passed as follows: AYES: Aikens, Bisaccia, Leavitt, Moore, McHatton, Sims, Walker NOES: None Motion: Chair McHatton moved and Commissioner Aikens seconded the motion to DISSOLVE the “Disaster Preparedness/Fire Resilient” ad hoc (Commissioners McHatton & Moore). The motion passed as follows: AYES: Aikens, Bisaccia, Leavitt, Moore, McHatton, Sims, Walker NOES: None Motion: Chair McHatton made a motion to DISSOLVE the “Local Ojai Civic Center Historic District (OCCHD).\” Ad hoc. Planner Macaluso noted this item is not on the agenda, so no vote should be taken at this meeting. Commissioner Walker requested the ad-hoc committee for “how to encourage homeowners with historic residences who want to landmark and have financial incentives” be added to a future agenda, as it was voted to become an ad-hoc at the January 9, 2025, HPC meeting. Planner Macaluso and Chair McHatton agreed to add to a future agenda. Chair McHatton closed the item. 4. Renovation of City Hall Council Chambers Staff – Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report.

Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 4 of 7 Chair McHatton explained her understanding of the process would be that the ad hoc committee creates a presentation with suggested changes/renovations to the council chamber, which in turn is presented to the HPC for discussion and agreement. At that point the ad hoc will take the presentation to the Arts Commission and Parks & Recreation Commission for their input and potential agreement. Commissioner Bisaccia reported and pointed out a couple of updates that need to be made to the staff report. Planner Macaluso noted and agreed to make the corrections. Commissioner Moore reported. Chair McHatton feels this item should be tabled at this time and not discussed at the joint meeting. She suggested adding it to the April 2025 HPC meeting agenda. Chair McHatton closed the item. 5. California State Downtown Ojai Historic District (City of Ojai - Ojai Ave/Maricopa Highway Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Improvements Project) Staff – Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report. Chair McHatton reported she would like the title of this item to be shortened by removing (City of Ojai - Ojai Ave/Maricopa Highway Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Improvements Project) on future agendas. She suggested continued outreach and educating owners that are within the State Historic District. She asked to have the previous information from the OCCHD removed and start with a fresh staff report for the State District. Commissioner Walker reported on the potential of the properties applying for Mills Act. He also opened a conversation related to the possibility of having a plaque installed for the California State Downtown Ojai Historic District. Commissioner Aikens reported on his correspondence with owners in regards to the Ojai Civic Center Historic District. Motion: Chair McHatton moved and Commissioner Leavitt seconded the motion to create an ad hoc committee consisting of Commissioners Aikens, Walker, and McHatton to work on the California State Downtown Ojai Historic District. The motion passed as follows: AYES: Aikens, Bisaccia, Leavitt, Moore, McHatton, Sims, Walker NOES: None 6. Fire Resilient Downtown Note: This ad hoc committee was dissolved above.

Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 5 of 7 Staff – Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report and explained the City Attorney’s reference to Title 4-8.05 (a-q) (Historic Preservation Commission-Functions and powers) of the Ojai Municipal Code (OMC) and recommended the commission identify how this ad hoc for Fire Resiliency qualifies as an HPC functions and power. Chair McHatton responded and referenced Section 4-8.05(f) (Historic Preservation Commission-Functions and powers) of the OMC, where it states, “Advise and assist property owners. To advise and assist owners of landmarks and property or structures within historic districts on physical and financial aspects of preservation, renovation, rehabilitation, and reuse, and on procedures for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.” She also referenced (i) it states, “Inform citizens. To inform and educate the citizens of Ojai concerning the historic and architectural heritage of the City by publishing appropriate maps, newsletters, brochures, pamphlets, websites, and social media information, and by holding programs and seminars according to a workplan and budget authority approved by Council.” Planner Macaluso said she will discuss Chair’s response with the City Attorney and report at the next meeting. Commissioner Aikens reported Mayor Andy Gilman holds meetings in the park and fire resiliency was a topic at one of the meetings. Commissioner Walker supported the idea of the Commission discussing Fire. Commissioner Leavitt spoke about the glass on historic structures. Chair McHatton concluded the Commission would work on self-educating on this topic and closed the item. 7. Ojai Valley Trail – An Educational Opportunity Staff – Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report. Commissioner Walker reported his thoughts and ideas. The Commission discussed further resulting in the ad hoc to conduct more research and bring back to the commission with an update at next month’s meeting. Chair McHatton closed the item. 8. HPC & CC – Joint Meeting

Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 6 of 7 Staff – Principal Planner Macaluso presented the staff report and reported the joint meeting with City Council will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 6:00p.m. After Commission discussion and input the item resulted in the following suggestions for the joint meeting agenda: • Update to the “Historic Resources Inventory Survey.” • Plaque for the “State Historic District.” • Consider lowering or waiving fees for Historic Landmark Designation. It was determined Chair McHatton will discuss with the Mayor to finalize the agenda. Chair McHatton closed the item. 9. Education Update Chair McHatton reported. Motion: Commissioner Aikens moved and Commissioner Walker seconded the motion to increase the amount allocated for education to $1,000. The motion passed as follows: AYES: Aikens, Bisaccia, Leavitt, Moore, McHatton, Sims, Walker NOES: None Chair McHatton closed the item. Informational Item(s) 10. Future Agenda Items The Commission identified what items they want on the next March 13th agenda. • State Historic District goals. Chair McHatton noted she would like to separate this ad hoc committee into two; one to focus on the celebration and the other to focus on the benefits. • Trail plaques The Commission identified what items they want on the April 10th agenda. • Council Chambers Commissioner Aikens requested the Mills Act item be added to the March 13th agenda. However, as voted on above in Item 3 Chair McHatton made a motion and Commissioner Aikens seconded the motion to table this item and a unanimous vote was taken to put it on hold.

Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 7 of 7 Planning Report None Commissioner Comments Commissioner Walker noted the house at 310 E. Matilija Street is up for sale. Commissioner McHatton reported City Council Liaison City Council Member Kim Mang Adjournment There being no further business brought before the Commission, Chair McHatton adjourned the meeting 9:16 pm. Prepared and submitted by: _____________________________________________________ Shari Herbruck, Secretary Approved by: Gina McHatton, Historic Preservation Commission Chair

Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting

AGENDA

Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting

Thursday, February 13, 2025

6:00 p.m.

COUNCIL CHAMBERS, OJAI CITY HALL

401 SOUTH VENTURA STREET - OJAI, CA

Si considera que un interprete de idiomas es necesario para participar en esta reunión, la notificación de 48 horas antes de la reunion, permitirá a la Ciudad hacer arreglos razonables para que un interprete asegure su participación / comprensión de esta reunión del Concejo Municipal.

Members of the public wishing to address the City Council on items appearing on the agenda are requested to complete a "Speaker's card" and file it with the City Clerk prior to the start of the meeting. Cards are available in the Lobby outside of the Council Chambers. All comments should be limited to three minutes, unless additional time is granted by the Mayor. Speakers should state their name and address for the record and must direct their comments to the Council, not the audience or press. While the meeting is in session, members of the Council, City staff, and members of the audience are expected to maintain order and decorum and to obey the orders of the Mayor. Any meeting participant or member of the audience who engages in disorderly conduct, such as hand-clapping, stamping of feet, whistling, using profane language and so on, which disturbs the peace and good order of the meeting, or refuses to comply with the lawful orders of the Mayor may be ordered removed from the meeting, and may be guilty of a misdemeanor. (Cal. Penal Code Sec. 403.)

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 $250 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 $250 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 contribution of more than $250 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 earlies possible opportunity. Failure to do so may affect the City’s ability to process your application

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

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. Persons wishing to address the Council are requested to fill out a speaker card prior to the Council reaching this point on the agenda. Comments must be limited to three minutes or less.

MUSEUM REPRESENTATIVE REPORT CONSENT ITEM(S)

1.

Minutes of December 12, 2024, regular meeting. Recommendation: Approve as submitted.

Minutes

2.

Minutes of January 9, 2025, regular meeting. Recommendation: Approve as submitted.

Minutes

DISCUSSION ITEM(S)

3.

Revisit Ad Hoc Assignments

Staff Report

4.

Renovation of City Hall Council Chambers

Staff Report

5.

California State Downtown Ojai Historic District (City of Ojai - Ojai Ave/Maricopa Highway Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Improvements Project)

Staff Report

6.

Fire Resilient Downtown

Staff Report

7.

Ojai Valley Trail - An Educational Opportunity

Staff Report

8.