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Ojai Council approves new Public Safety Commission to review traffic, fire and safety concerns
Summary
The Ojai City Council directed staff to create a five‑member, Brown Act advisory Public Safety Commission to review traffic, wildfire hardening and other safety issues and to meet initially on a monthly basis, with staff liaisons available for technical input.
The Ojai City Council voted to create a five‑member Public Safety Commission to serve as a Brown Act advisory body for local traffic, fire‑hardening and other public safety issues, directing staff to return with formation details and an appointment process.
Council members said the new body will provide a forum where residents can bring localized safety concerns — such as requests for traffic calming or fire‑hardening guidance — that staff and subject‑matter experts can address before some issues escalate to the council.
City Manager Ben Harvey and Assistant City Attorney (staff member) said the proposed commission would meet quarterly as a default but could set its own meeting cadence and would include public‑works, fire and police staff as subject‑matter liaisons to answer technical questions. Harvey described the commission as “a starting point” that could vet community proposals and return recommendations to the council.
Public commenters told the council they supported an advisory body focused on safety. Bill Miley, a Valley resident, said the commission could help “recognize hazardous situations early” and connect agencies involved in fire prevention and traffic safety. Another resident said the commission would give community members a place to be heard outside a full council session.
Council discussion touched on membership qualifications and meeting frequency. Several members favored leaving applicant qualifications broad while encouraging some applicants with public‑safety or transportation experience so the panel could be productive. Staff recommended treating the commission like other advisory bodies: council appointments ratified at a public meeting, a staff liaison, and standard Brown Act notice and agenda requirements.
The council motion directed staff to develop the commission’s appointment process and other implementing documents, begin with monthly meetings where operationally useful and allow the commission to set its meeting frequency later. The motion passed unanimously.
The commission is intended as an advisory forum: it will not replace council decision‑making but will funnel community concerns, technical review, and recommended actions to the council when appropriate. Staff said they will return with ordinance or handbook language to formalize the board’s membership rules and responsibilities.
