Affordable housing limits
get tighter
by Jesse Phelps

The Ojai City Council convened Tuesday night and worked through its pre-Thanksgiving docket.
The main items on the agenda were a commendation of the Libbey Park Bridge Committee and a discussion and passing of two new motions involving the Sycamore Homes development on Fulton Street, including the naming of a new street.
The meeting began when Mayor Pro Tem Joe DeVito read a proclamation dedicating the remaining months of this year and all of 2003 as the Buckle Up For Life Challenge, pledging to "make every effort to encourage the citizens of Ojai" to buckle their safety belts.
Next, Councilman Steve Olsen read a resolution of appreciation commending the Libbey Park Bridge Committee, "whose purpose was to raise funds and guide construction" of the new 40-foot pedestrian bridge linking Libbey Park and the South Montgomery art district.
Committee members Neva Williams and Tom Bostrom accepted the award and graciously thanked all the many people involved in its construction, including the "Civic Association for the lion's share of the funds," the Art Center and Mendez Concrete, who, Bostrom said, "went beyond the call of duty in their contract."
Starrett Kreissman, representing Ventura County libraries, followed with the annual state-of-the-library report. She mentioned many programs the library hosts for the community, including three weekly story times for kids, including the "Amigos" bilingual story time, which she said is filled with 10 to 30 participants every session.
Kreissman gave the citizens of Ojai kudos for their care and support for the library. "I do want to offer special thanks to the Ojai Valley Friends and Foundation members and board members for their ongoing support of the library. They've done a great deal not only for the Ojai Library but for the other two libraries in the valley."
During open council time, local political activist Ivor Benci-Woodward spoke about a legal issue and a Mr. Dressler from Australia made a heartfelt appeal for the city to name a street after his recently departed brother, longtime Ojai resident and businessman, Bernd Dressler.
This was directly followed by the aforementioned street-naming ceremony. City Manager Dan Singer went on at some length regarding the propriety of adding the suffix "way," as opposed to "circle" or "street," finally officially dubbing the avenue in question "Olive Mill Lane" as Dressler looked on.
It seems Ojai has quite a history with olives, including many trees now gone and what used to be a working mill, in a basement on what is now Bald Street.
Singer then brought a motion for a one-year extension of the city's current franchise agreement with waste management specialists E.J. Harrison and Sons. Discussion included whether or not new recycling methods could be implemented and larger containers provided.
E.J. Harrison contract manager Tom Sherwood talked about the concept of "unicycling" or combining all non-disposables into one container for once-a-week pickup, and assured the concerned parties that larger recycling containers could be provided at minimal extra cost.
The next big issue once again concerned the Sycamore Homes on Fulton Street, this time discussion of the establishment of the final documents surrounding the development. These included extra provisions limiting the opportunities for the homes to go to non-low-income residents.
Monte L. Widders, city attorney, excused himself due to a conflict and his chair was taken by Carpinteria's city attorney, Peter Brown, who discussed the specifics. The council listened to his presentation and unilaterally voted to accept the terms laid out in the new documents.
The last issue of the night regarded providing funding support outside the current budget for an Entrepreneur's Academy for small business owners in Ojai. Brought forth by Councilwoman Sue Horgan, the motion was warmly accepted by her fellows. Olsen said, "I support every form of education, and this is education for our local businesspeople."
The night ended on an up note. Just before newly elected Councilwoman Carol Smith was welcomed by her new colleagues and "Happy Thanksgivings" were disbursed all around, Councilman David Bury presented a special thank-you to Ventura County Volunteer of the Year, Joan Kemper, for all her hard work for various causes. "Joan Kemper is most deserving of this award," he said. "Her contributions to the valley are so great and numerous. We are fortunate to have her here in the valley."

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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