FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ojai Valley Municipal Advisory Council

SUMMARY OF MEETING

May 7, 2001 -- 

Peter Kaiser called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. All members were present.

Under public comments, Marge Emerson extended to the MAC an invitation from John Taft to tour the Center for Earth Concerns. Russ Baggerly said that the Ojai Valley Sanitary District would like to make an informational presentation to the MAC. Steve Offerman noted the resignation of Kay Martin, and read a letter from the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation requesting that an item be placed on the next agenda for discussion of the role of the Ojai Valley Youth Commission. Chair Peter Kaiser requested that both items be placed on the next meeting’s agenda.

The summary of the March meeting was approved unanimously with correction of a typographical error on a motion by Lanie Springer, seconded by Russ Baggerly.

Ms. Adams, Ojai City Planning Commission, provided an update on the Commission hearing regarding a commercial building. Peter Kaiser inquired about the status of the Ojai Greenbelt reported in the paper, and Ms. Adams stated that the Commission had not been apprised of this issue.

The next item of business was a review of a County Parks Department proposal to construct a 10-space Recreational Vehicle (RV) campground in lower Foster Park. Supervisor Steve Bennett discussed how he had found upon taking office that the Parks department had no procedure for obtaining local community input on regional park projects, and that he had secured a new County procedure whereby all significant projects in regional parks would be reviewed by both the Countywide Parks Commission, and the local MAC. If there is a disagreement, the Chief Administrative Officer will review the project and bring it before the Board of Supervisors for resolution as necessary.

Theresa Lubin of the Parks Department presented an overview of the project, and noted that storm damage resulted in the loss of 3-acres of parkland, and that this loss had reduced the size of the previous ball field to such an extent that it was no longer safe to play softball. In considering replacement uses, she had found that a campground had existed on this site in the past, and that federal storm damage repair funds would pay for construction of a campground. She contacted the County Planning Department, and was informed that no discretionary permit would be required for development of a campground. Supervisor Steve Bennett noted that a wall to prevent loss of land to river erosion is also proposed, but that the issue before the MAC is whether an RV park is appropriate for this location. Peter Kaiser and Russ Baggerly questioned the environmental review of the proposal, and Ms. Lubin said that the project was Categorically Exempt from CEQA, and that FEMA had also found the project has no environmental impacts. Russ Baggerly questioned with an archaeological review had occurred, and Ms. Lubin said that FEMA had had one performed and found no impacts. Russ Baggerly questioned whether the site was in a designated Flood Way, and Ms. Lubin said she did not know, but that the project was being reviewed by the County Flood Control Department, and that the County regularly evacuates campgrounds in advance of major storms. Lisa Meeker noted that Camp Comfort has frequent campground vacancies, and questioned what other options there would be for use of this area. Ms. Lubin said a group use picnic area would be feasible, but that RV camping would cover its costs. Alan Saltzman asked if a soccer field could be placed there- insufficient room replied Lubin. Barbara Kennedy, Honorary Mayor of Oak View, said that there is a shortage of ball fields in the area, and that field had been used a lot and losing it is a loss to the community. Deborah Rickets said that going from a public use to a campground is a loss to the public, that this portion of the park was filled with day users over Easter, and that there is already insufficient grass and play area, and any prior camping there had been 50 years ago and would have been less intensive than proposed. Garret Lear agreed, and said that the revenue from 10 spaces wouldn’t be significant, and that the improvements would eventually be destroyed by flooding and therefore would be a waste of money. Eddie Ramseyer said he supports bank protection and replacement of lost parkland, and that the area needs more grass play area, that over Easter the play and picnic areas were overcrowded and people were playing in the dirt where the camping is proposed. Ginnette Waterman asked if Caltrans was aware of this proposal- Yes, and if the area would be closed at night- Yes. Ray King said he prefers a less developed use of this area. John Buse of the EDC said he was concerned with camping in a flood plain, and that he didn’t believe it was appropriate to use an emergency exemption from CEQA, and that he believed that the Planning Department should have required a Conditional Use Permit for the project. Pat Baggerly asked where public comment comes into the NEPA process- Lubin replied that as an emergency project, public comment wasn’t required. Pat Baggerly said she thought the visual impact from the highway should be addressed; Lubin said landscape screening would be provided. David Kaplan said he believes the economic benefit of the project is low, and agreed with the other speakers who said camping is inappropriate. Alan Saltzman said he believes the MAC should request more county funding for parks. Supervisor Bennett said he agrees that county funding of parks needs to be increased, but that the Board of Supervisors directed the parks staff to pursue revenue from parks. Jim Perkins asked if the group use area would be open to the public- Yes. The MAC voiced concern with the flood hazards of the area and the need for more recreation space in the park. Russ Baggerly made the following motion: A) that an independent complete environmental review take place to address the sensitive area and sensitive species, B) that any replacement recreational use should not place people in harms way and therefore passive recreation should be replaced with passive recreation, 3) that the County provide additional direct funding for parks, and that the CAO’s office provide grant writers to assist the parks department. The motion was seconded by Alan Saltzman, and approved 4-2 with council members Springer and Perkins dissenting.

The next item of business was a review of a Conditional Use Permit application for a feed store and retail business in Oak View. Danny Miles, business owner, said that two trucks per day would supply the business. Lanie Springer questioned the traffic impacts of the project and Miles stated that the business replaces four previous businesses and therefore would reduce traffic. Russ Baggerly questioned whether a rodent problem would be created, and Miles said the hay would remain on trucks and not be stored for long periods of time. Nicky Shelton, owner of a home on Short Street said she was concerned about rodents. Mark Burgess said he was concerned about rodents, noise, dust, allergies, and fire hazards and recommended a block wall be constructed along the property line. Danny Miles said he supports building a block wall. Mary Kay Lambert said she was concerned about these issues as well as night lighting. Lanie Springer made a motion to recommend approval of the permit with the following conditions: A) that a 6-7’ tall masonry wall be constructed along the perimeter of the property adjoining residential lots (southerly property line), B) that all night lighting be shielded and directed downward, and C) that painting and signs conform to the sign program and paint samples provided. The motion was approved by Russ Baggerly and approved unanimously.

The next item of business was interview of candidates for the vacant Division 1 MAC seat. Peter Kaiser motioned for continuance of this item until the next meeting to allow greater publicity; the motion was seconded by Russ Baggerly and approved unanimously.

The next item was a request for reconsideration of the MAC’s action on Second Dwelling Units brought by Russ Baggerly. After MAC discussion, Russ made a motion to revise the previous MAC action to state that the change in Public Works policy should occur after the Planning Division’s study of Second Dwelling units is completed. The motion was seconded by Alan Saltzman and approved unanimously.

The next item of business was a status report on bus stop shelters- they are still on track for construction in August.

The next item was approval of several letters of commendation. They were approved by acclamation.

The next item was discussion of a request by the County Planning Division to have the MAC support broader enforcement of zoning regulations. After MAC discussion regarding current poor enforcement of zoning regulations, the MAC approved a motion to entertain this request in one year, after review of the effectiveness of sign code enforcement. Lisa Meeker abstained from voting.

Next, items for the next agenda was discussed. In addition to the presentation from the Ojai Valley Sanitary District and Ojai Valley Youth Commission, the MAC requested a presentation from County code enforcement/condition compliance, and an item for discussion of Casitas Springs traffic safety and speeding on Highway 33. Steve Offerman discussed the pending application for revocation of the permit for the Center for Earth Concerns, and his recommendation that if they MAC wishes to hear this item that they schedule the MAC meeting so as to have the Planning Commission staff report available, and that if they wished to tour the facility, that the MAC join the Planning Commission tour. The MAC indicated their interest in hearing the matter on June 11^th. Lanie Springer indicated she would be unavailable.

The meeting adjourned at 10:20 PM.