Arts commission votes to engage facilitator for five‑year plan check‑in, sets NTE $2,500

The Ojai City Arts Commission voted 5‑0 on April 16 to engage facilitator Nusa Maul to lead a year‑two review and accountability check‑in of the commission’s five‑year plan, approving a contract to be negotiated at a rate not to exceed $2,500.

Commissioners framed the work as a focused inventory and reassessment of objectives set in the 2024 plan. Chair West said the update would review “objectives met, not met” from the original plan and assess the plan’s viability for the next five years before adopting any revisions. "We update in year two of our five‑year plan with a check‑in and accountability of objectives met/not met from our 2024 plan," the chair said while reading the motion that commissioners later approved.

Why it matters: the check‑in will determine whether priorities such as public‑art maintenance, education and the proposed art center remain feasible and will shape budget requests the commission submits to the city. Commissioners debated whether to hire a new outside facilitator or keep someone with prior institutional knowledge. Some members favored continuity and speed; others urged fresh eyes and transparent selection.

Commission debate and context Commissioners asked whether the update should be a light ‘brush‑up’ versus a full new planning process. Commissioner Pam expressed caution about cost and questioned whether a facilitator was necessary for a limited update; she suggested commissioners might complete a check‑in through focused sessions. Vice Chair Steiner, Pamela and other commissioners countered that a facilitator could draw out missing perspectives and connect dots that participants might overlook.

Several speakers referenced the prior process and the commission’s earlier work. Chair West noted that the commission had 108 mapped steps on its Gantt chart and proposed that the facilitator help inventory completed and uncompleted items and then recommend next steps. Commissioner Bradley urged considering a new facilitator when the commission undertakes a full five‑year rewrite in 2028, but supported retaining an experienced facilitator for this specific interim review.

The motion and vote The final motion directed staff to engage Nusa Maul for continuity as facilitator, to negotiate a contract not to exceed $2,500, and to draw the funds from the commission’s current budget for council approval if required. The roll call recorded "yes" votes from Commissioners Grow, Tayback Bank, Chair West, Commissioner Wright and Vice Chair Steiner; the motion passed 5‑0.

What happens next Staff will negotiate a contract and reach out to the selected facilitator to schedule interviews and sessions with commissioners. The motion specifies a check‑in of objectives, a viability assessment of remaining plan elements for the next five years, and preparation of any recommended adjustments. If Nusa Maul declines, staff indicated the commission will reconvene and may hold a special meeting to select an alternative.

Action recorded The commission recorded a formal action to engage a facilitator (not to exceed $2,500) to facilitate the year‑two planning check‑in; staff will handle negotiation and forward contractual paperwork to the city manager/council as needed.

Ending Commissioners said they expect the work to be efficient and focused, and they instructed staff to return with a schedule and contract language. The motion passed without amendment and the commission moved on to commissioner reports.