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Council hears arts and recreation priorities; signals interest in pilot partnership with chamber
Summary
Councilmembers prioritized increased arts-grant funding and a revived Ojai cultural-contribution fund; members asked staff to return a three‑month pilot proposal from the Chamber of Commerce for council review.
At the June 17 goals workshop, councilmembers identified arts and recreation funding among their priorities and discussed mechanisms to support nonprofits and cultural programming.
Multiple speakers — including council members and public commenters — asked the council to consider restoring a dedicated cultural contribution and to increase Arts Commission grant funding. The March 11 notes referenced a possible allocation equal to one-fifteenth of transient‑occupancy‑tax (TOT) revenues to support arts, culture and recreation grants; council discussed resurrecting a similar model and ensuring any change is reflected in future budget work.
Council members also discussed the community pool. Several members noted ongoing discussions with the school district about shared use of a smaller pool and cautioned against committing to a separate community pool until school negotiations are resolved. Others said a capital campaign or fundraising strategy could be part of a long‑term plan.
Mayor Gilman suggested staff invite the Chamber of Commerce to propose a short pilot (three months) to support cultural‑program coordination; several council members supported asking staff to return a concept or professional‑services proposal for the pilot so council can consider a targeted, time‑limited engagement before larger budget commitments.
