Preservation commissioners seek council direction after city manager halts chambers contractor outreach

The Ojai Historic Preservation Commission told City Manager Ben Harvey it needs clearer lines of authority after a dispute over contractor outreach tied to proposed renovations of City Hall council chambers.

Commissioners said ad hoc members had solicited cost estimates and professional input to produce a “discovery” package — ballpark pricing and options — before asking the city manager or council to fund work. Commission members said the effort was intended only to develop options, not to hire contractors.

Commissioner Moore said a contractor who visited the council chambers to provide information was loudly told by city staff to leave the room; commissioners described that exchange as an escalation that left the ad hoc’s work incomplete. Commissioners said the city manager’s subsequent direction — that any professional quotes must be requested and processed through the city manager’s office or public works rather than by the commission — left them uncertain how to proceed.

The commission’s ad hoc on council-chambers renovations (Commissioners Moore and Basasha) reported it had obtained a lighting specialist’s recommendations and a local electrician’s pricing and that a flooring specialist had proposed refinishing subflooring if hardwood under the carpet could be salvaged. Commissioners said the information was only intended to provide rough cost ranges (they mentioned figures ranging roughly from low five- to five-figure ballparks) to make a more informed presentation to council.

The commission agreed there should be no immediate hiring or formal contracting by commissioners; members stressed they are volunteers charged with research and recommendation, not project execution. The body decided no formal action would be taken at the February meeting and asked staff to place the topic on the April agenda so commissioners can prepare for a joint meeting with City Council scheduled for March 25.

Why it matters: City Hall’s council chamber is a frequently used, historic public room. Commissioners said modest stabilization and aesthetic improvements could preserve architectural features and reduce wear, but they said they need a clear, repeatable process so the commission’s research does not run afoul of city procurement or staffing rules.

Commissioners and staff agreed to bring the issue back after clarifying which office is responsible for collecting bids and executing work. The commission also asked that any future professional input be coordinated through the city manager’s office or public works to avoid another public misunderstanding.