Council OKs roads bid
By Jesse Phelps

Tim Connell, scoutmaster of local Boy Scout Troop 505, brought his boys into Council Chambers on Tuesday night to observe the actions of the town's governing body as part of their communications merit badge work.

Mayor Joe DeVito, a retired educator himself, obliged by describing the processes council went through as the night progressed.

Perhaps in preparation for the short attention spans of the youngsters or perhaps because they hoped to get home in time to watch highlights of the Lakers' heartbreaking loss to the San Antonio Spurs, councilmembers moved quickly through a light agenda that featured 14 consent calendar items and only three discussion items.

The meeting got off to a winning start as representatives from the Ojai Valley Sanitary District let council know about its latest achievement, a second Plant of the Year award for its wastewater treatment plant. The award, given by the California Water Environment Association, names Ojai's plant as the best small plant in the state.

Councilwoman Carol Smith continued the proceedings with a proclamation about May as National Arthritis Month and she was followed by Councilwoman Rae Hanstad, who read a proclamation about Ojai's Children First initiative.

Perry Johnson, Skyler Chapin, Katie Parziale and Maggie McCray, the four members of Ojai's Youth Commission, a group of students actively practicing hands-on policy making at the youth level, accepted the proclamation from Hanstad - affirming Ojai's vision of an active, youth-friendly community.

Outgoing City Parks and Recreation Commissioner Barbara DeNoon was honored with a city tile by DeVito, who got up and presented from the podium so he could give DeNoon a hug before she left. DeNoon was integral in launching Ojai's downtown skate park, having helped to identify the need through several interviews with frustrated school kids.

She also was active in Ojai's youth employment efforts and she served as a sheriff's liaison for the city. Her many years of service with the Parks and Recreation Department were augmented by her willingness to volunteer for community activities like Ojai Day and horse shows.
After DeVito taught the Scouts about the consent calendar, it was time for unscheduled items from the public.

Local resident Wayne Bruce thanked the citizens, merchants and Public Works Department of Ojai for helping to make this year's The Ojai Tennis Tournament "one of the best" in its history. The newly refurbished surfaces inspired legendary Stanford tennis coach Dick Gould to say that the "courts looked perfect." Bruce relayed some great news: Pacific 10 coaches voted unanimously to keep the conference finals in Ojai after seeing the renovations and the high quality of play they inspired.

The discussion items went fairly quickly. A final bid was accepted for the El Paseo Road sidewalk and street improvements, which will make the street area below Matilija Jr. High far more pedestrian friendly, improving the safety of the kids.

Mendez Concrete Inc. had the winning bid in the amount of $79,334.73. New public works director Doug Breeze said the state has provided additional funds and that 100 percent of the costs for the project will now be covered by outside agencies. He also assured Hanstad that the timeframe for summer competion is realistic.
Hanstad was overjoyed, saying, "I really look forward to this project. I think it's essential to the safety of the students."

In other developments, Ojai will now be represented on the Ventura County Transportation Commission, as the council accepted a new realignment plan, and an Ojai Valley Trail Citizen Advisory Committee will be set up.

Breeze relayed a suggestion of local resident and activist Bill Miley to include at least one senior representative on the committee and council agreed that this might be prudent. City manager Dan Singer said a youth representative has already been selected.

Boy Scout Eric Banks voiced his support for the trail extension, which will go from Fox Street to Soule Park, because it would increase accessibility for young people to the park, which he said is "good for frisbee" and other activities.

Police Chief Gary Pentis gave kudos to Scott Baugher, who has been named Deputy of the Year by the Kiwanis, during his report. Baugher, a crew chief, serves on Search and Rescue and assists the city detective.

Before DeVito concluded the public portion of the meeting, Smith relayed news about the upcoming Ojai Library 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee to be held at the Pratt House. More information is available at the library and space is limited to 300 guests.

DeVito wrapped things up with a special dedication, adjourning the meeting in memory of Thacher staffer Bob Chesley and historian and author David Lavender, both of whom passed away in recent days.

© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

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