Ojai commission approves $99 lighting consultation and discusses council chambers upgrades

The Ojai Historic Preservation Commission authorized up to $99 from its education fund for a local lighting consultant to inspect the council chambers and provide recommendations to inform a larger upgrade proposal.

An ad hoc (Commissioners Moore and Basacha) briefed the commission on preliminary ideas — remove or replace curtains, investigate the presence of underlying hardwood, consider new lighting and replace worn carpet with area rugs or finished flooring — and suggested obtaining bids and a design vision board before approaching the City Council with a costed package.

"Personally, I would like to not have any carpet," one commissioner said during the discussion, noting the aesthetic and durability benefits of exposed hardwood. Commissioners and staff also cautioned that the chambers are in a historic building, and some physical changes may trigger the need for a historic resources review before final approval.

The commission voted to spend $99 for a consultant visit; the $99 fee would be credited toward the project if the company is hired. The ad hoc will return with measurements, sample costs and a recommended scope to present to the council for potential funding.