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Ojai council approves contract planner to monitor project compliance
Summary
The council approved an amendment to a Willdan contract to fund a project compliance coordinator (contract planner) to perform site and post-construction compliance checks, while directing staff to study whether the role should transition to a permanent city position.
The Ojai City Council on Dec. 2 authorized an amendment to the city's contract with Willdan to continue a contract project compliance coordinator who conducts site visits and monitors conditions of approval during construction and post-construction.
Community Development Director Lucas Seibert said the contract planner (referred to as Eduardo in the meeting) started in October and has been working three days a week; staff described the position as addressing a persistent gap in code and conditions-of-approval compliance.
Council members discussed whether the duties should become a full-time, in-house position. City Manager Harvey said staff can pursue both: continue the contract to keep services active and concurrently develop a position description and market study for a potential permanent role. He said a comprehensive contracting-versus-in-house cost comparison will be brought to council in 2026.
Council voted unanimously to accept the project compliance coordinator as a contracted planning technician through Willdan and to direct staff to prepare the recruitment/analysis for a permanent position if warranted.
Staff said the contract will remain in effect while the city evaluates long-term staffing needs and that the amendment is consistent with previously budgeted services for consultant contracts.
