1 MINUTES OF THE
SPECIAL MEETING – CITY COUNCIL
MAY 13, 2022
9:00 A.M.
City Council Chambers, City Hall, 250 East L Street, complete proceedings of which are recorded. These are action minutes; a full audio recording is available online at www.ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas.
ACCESSING THE MEETING
1) CALL TO ORDER (9:00 A.M.)
Mayor Young called the special meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. 2) CONVENE OPEN SESSION
3) ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Largaespada, Council Member Macenski, Council Member Strawbridge, Mayor Young
Absent: Vice Mayor Campbell
4) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
5) REFERENCE TO THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF THE PUBLIC
6) ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
On motion of Council Member Macenski, seconded by Council Member Largaespada, Council approved the Adoption of the Agenda, as presented, on a roll call by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Largaespada, Council Member Macenski, Council Member Strawbridge, Mayor Young
Noes: (None)
7) OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS
8) WRITTEN COMMENT
9) PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Will Tarbox - Mr. Tarbox discussed the need to discuss the creation of a traffic division for the Benicia Police Department with a separate line-item budget at Council's goal setting workshop.
10) BUSINESS ITEMS
2 10.A - PROCLAMATION OF EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY - WATER TREATMENT PLANT INCIDENT - MAY 2022 (City
Attorney)
RESOLUTION NO. 22- 57 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BENICIA RATIFYING THE CITY MANAGER’S PROCLAMATION
OF THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO A FAILURE AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT WHICH THREATENED THE CITY’S
TREATED WATER SUPPLY
Erik Upson, City Manager, introduced the item.
Kyle Ochenduszko, Public Works Director, reviewed the staff report.
Mayor Young and Staff discussed how much water was saved by citizens during the mandatory water reduction period, why the plant was built over the water line, and the possibility of an inter-tie with the City of Vallejo's water system.
Council Member Strawbridge thanked Staff and the community for stepping up, questions she received from the community regarding water and wastewater funding, and the need to reiterate to the community about the water system challenges the City is facing.
Mayor Young and Staff discussed the maintenance charges that are listed on the water bills, and possibly changing the term to something else to make it clear what those fees cover. They also discussed the charges for the emergency repair and the possibility of getting funds from the government if they become available.
Public Comment:
1. Will Tarbox - Mr. Tarbox spoke in support of the proposed resolution, the excellence of the Public Works staff, the need to address staffing and compensation, and support for an inter-tie with the City of Vallejo.
On motion of Council Member Macenski, seconded by Council Member Strawbridge, Council approved the adoption of Resolution 22-57, as presented, on a roll call by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Largaespada, Council Member Macenski, Council Member Strawbridge, Mayor Young
Noes: (None)
11) ADJOURNMENT (9:15 A.M.)
Mayor Young adjourned the special meeting at 9:26 a.m.
3 City Clerk