Parks commission creates ad hoc committee to study community pool needs amid Nordoff access debate

The Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously on Nov. 6 to form an ad hoc committee to study community pool needs and to explore options for shared use of the new Nordoff pool or for a separate city facility.

Chair Taylor moved to create "an ad hoc committee, to evaluate the community pool needs," and appointed Commissioners Bradley Tannenbach and Robert Munich to the committee; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. The commission recorded a unanimous vote in favor.

Why it matters: Residents described strong community demand for increased public aquatic access and raised questions about how the Nordoff pool (built by the school district with bond funds) will be scheduled and operated for public use. Commissioners said they want the ad hoc committee to gather information—on operating costs, access agreements, and possible funding or governance models—and to report back with options.

Public comment and research cited

- Resident Bob Ward, who said he's part of a working group pursuing nonprofit status, offered the group's research and urged collaboration. Ward said the group has spoken with consultants and local officials and noted that consultants told them operating an aquatic center can be costly: "it's a million dollars a year kind of an operation," he said, describing typical annual operating budgets discussed with consultants.

- Resident Renee Roth urged the commission to combine a community questionnaire with any master-plan update and recommended that projects consider climate measures like rainwater capture for landscape irrigation.

What commissioners discussed

Commissioners debated options that include negotiating access terms with Ojai Unified School District for the Nordoff pool, exploring whether a city-run facility is feasible, and assessing governance models such as a nonprofit operator or a parks district. Several commissioners urged the ad hoc committee to collect community input, program-level needs (lap lanes, family pool or splash pad), and realistic operating-cost estimates before reconvening with recommendations.

Action taken

- Motion: create ad hoc committee to evaluate community pool needs and appoint Commissioners Bradley Tannenbach and Robert Munich to the committee. (Motion moved by Chair Taylor; second: not specified in the record.) - Vote: unanimous roll call in favor (Commissioners Munich, Tannenbach, Chair Taylor, Vice Chair Inner, Commissioner Lear all voted yes).

Next steps and context

The ad hoc committee was formed to gather facts and advise the full commission on options and next steps, including possible coordination with the council's separate ad hoc that includes two council members and two school board members. Commissioners and members of the public suggested the committee review prior surveys (public respondents >500 were referenced by a speaker), compile consultant cost estimates, and consider interim programming (for example, expanded summer programming) while longer-term governance or construction decisions are explored.

Evidence: Bob Ward and other public commenters described the working group's research; commissioners recorded the formal motion and roll-call vote. Commissioners and the city's liaison discussed opportunities to incorporate results into upcoming citywide surveys and joint meetings.

What to watch: the ad hoc committee's outreach, any proposed access agreement with Ojai Unified School District for Nordoff, and whether fundraising, a nonprofit operator or pursuit of a separate city pool surface as preferred pathways.