Ojai City Council adopts earth-friendly pesticide policy, directs staff to draft energy-efficiency ordinance; multiple appointments and consent changes approved

The Ojai City Council on Dec. 10 adopted a formal Earth Friendly Management Policy for city-owned and leased properties and directed staff to return with a draft energy-efficiency ordinance for public review. The meeting also included several consent-calendar adjustments and personnel actions, including the confirmation of two commission appointments and a vote to pause a third appointment over a procedural irregularity.

The council voted unanimously to adopt the pesticide policy, which codifies practices the city says it has been using and that emphasize nonchemical pest management. "We are committed to utilizing available safe and effective nonpesticide alternatives," Public Works Director Lindy Palmer told the council during the presentation, adding the policy would limit use of organic pesticides on city property to emergency situations and require notification and recordkeeping when pesticides are used.

Why it matters: the policy converts years of informal city practice into a written framework that applies to city-owned or leased facilities, requires contractors to follow the new rules, and adds public-notice and record-keeping obligations. Supporters told council the measures protect children, pets and local wildlife; a few residents urged careful attention to practical pest-control outcomes for rodents and termites.

Key council actions and outcomes

- Earth Friendly Management Policy (resolution): Approved. The resolution applies to city-owned or leased properties, directs staff to post an "approved pesticide list," requires…