1 MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING – CITY COUNCIL
JULY 21, 2026
6:00 P.M.
City Council Chambers, City Hall, 250 East L Street, complete proceedings of which are recorded. These are action minutes; a full video is available online at www.ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas.
COURTESY ZOOM PARTICIPATION
1) CALL TO ORDER (6:00 P.M.)
Mayor Young called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2) CONVENE OPEN SESSION
3) ROLL CALL
All Council Members were present.
Vice Mayor Macenski arrived at 6:05 p.m. via remote location. 4) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
5) REFERENCE TO THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF THE PUBLIC
6) ANNOUNCEMENTS
6.A MAYOR'S OFFICE HOURS
7) PROCLAMATIONS
8) APPOINTMENTS
9) PRESENTATIONS
10) ADOPTION OF AGENDA
On motion of Council Member Birdseye, seconded by Council Member Scott, Council approved the Adoption of the Agenda, as presented, on a roll call by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Birdseye, Council Member Largaespada, Vice Mayor Macenski, Council Member Scott, Mayor Young
Noes: (None)
2 11) OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS
12) WRITTEN COMMENT
13) PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Christina Strawbridge - Ms. Strawbridge discussed the upcoming Waterfront Festival and how the 3rd and 4th of July events went.
2. Marilyn Bardet - Ms. Bardet discussed the need for a public process with respect to the large upcoming development proposals.
3. Myra Nissen - Ms. Nissen discussed concern regarding flooding in the Portside Village area.
4. Clay Merrill, PG&E - Mr. Merrill stated he would be meeting with each council member to see how PG&E could support the City of Benicia.
5. Sahei Takhar - Mr. Takhar discussed the need to revive the Benicia Youth Commission
6. Kathy Kerridge - Ms. Kerridge discussed the need for more public input in the Catalyst Grant process.
14) CONSENT CALENDAR
14.A MINUTES FROM THE JULY 7, 2026 SPECIAL AND REGULAR
MEETING
July 7, 2026 Special City Council Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
14.B AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, AND APPROVE A
NOTICE OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FOR THE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING EAST 4TH & L FRONTAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Staff Report - Award of Construction Contract East 4th and L Frontage Improvement Project
1. Resolution - East 4th and L Frontage Improvement Project
2. Agreement - N G Builder Company
3. Notice of Exemption - East 4th and L Frontage Improvement Project RESOLUTION NO. 26- 69 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF BENICIA ACCEPTING THE BIDS FOR THE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING EAST 4TH & L FRONTAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT,
AWARDING THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, TO N G BUILDER
COMPANY OF SANTA ROSA, CA, IN THE AMOUNT OF $332,996,
APPROVING BUDGET AMENDMENTS, NOTICE OF EXEMPTION UNDER
THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, AND AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY
3 14.C APPROVAL OF SECOND AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH
LARRY WALKER ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR REGULATORY
SUPPORT FOR STORMWATER PERMIT COMPLIANCE
Staff Report - Approval of Amendment to Agreement with Larry Walker Associates, Inc.
1. Resolution - Approval of Amendment to Agreement with Larry Walker Associates, Inc.
2. Second Amendment to Agreement Larry Walker Associates, Inc.
3. Original Agreement and First Amendment to Agreement Larry Walker Associates, Inc.
RESOLUTION NO. 26- 70 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF BENICIA APPROVING A SECOND AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH LARRY WALKER ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR REGULATORY SUPPORT
FOR STORMWATER PERMIT COMPLIANCE, AND AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AMENDMENT ON BEHALF OF THE
CITY
14.D ACCEPTANCE OF MILITARY WEST PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AS
COMPLETE, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE
NOTICE OF COMPLETION, AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK TO
FILE SAME WITH THE SOLANO COUNTY RECORDER'S OFFICE
Staff Report - Acceptance of Military West Pedestrian Bridge Project
1. Resolution - Acceptance of Military West Pedestrian Bridge Project
2. Notice of Completion
RESOLUTION NO. 26- 71 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF BENICIA ACCEPTING MILITARY WEST PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AS
COMPLETE, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE NOTICE
OF COMPLETION, AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK TO FILE SAME WITH THE SOLANO COUNTY RECORDER’S OFFICE
14.E ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2025 CITYWIDE PAVEMENT
REHABILITATION AND BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT AS COMPLETE, AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK TO FILE SAME WITH THE
SOLANO COUNTY RECORDER'S OFFICE
Staff Report - Acceptance of 2025 Citywide Pavement Rehabilitation and Bicycle Pedestrian Improvements Project
1. Resolution - Acceptance of 2025 Citywide Pavement Rehabilitation and Bicycle Pedestrian Improvements Project
2. Notice of Completion
4 RESOLUTION NO. 26- 72 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BENICIA ACCEPTING THE 2025 CITYWIDE PAVEMENT
REHABILITATION AND BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT AS COMPLETE, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN
THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION, AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK TO FILE SAME WITH THE SOLANO COUNTY RECORDER’S OFFICE
Council pulled Items 14.H and 14.I for discussion.
14.F ACCEPTANCE OF THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT
MISCELLANEOUS MECHANICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Staff Report - Acceptance of WTP Misc. Mech
1. Resolution - Acceptance of WTP Misc. Mech
2. Notice of Completion
RESOLUTION NO. 26- 73 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF BENICIA ACCEPTING THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT
MISCELLANEOUS MECHANICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AS
COMPLETE, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE NOTICE
OF COMPLETION, AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK TO FILE SAME WITH THE SOLANO COUNTY RECORDER’S OFFICE
14.G FY 2025/26 THIRD QUARTER INVESTMENT REPORT
1.FY2025-26 Third Quarter Investment Report.PDF
2.LAIF Statement Ending March 31, 2026.pdf
3.CAMP Statement Ending March 31, 2026.pdf
4.115 Trust Statement Ending March 31, 2026.pdf
Staff Report - FY2025-26 Third Quarter Investment Report.pdf
14.H AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE SOLANO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES FOR
THE CITY OF BENICIA
RESOLUTION NO. 26- 74 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF BENICIA AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH SOLANO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO CONTINUE
PROVIDING ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF BENICIA Council and Staff discussed the issue of dogs off-leash in public, whether an animal control officer could be assigned to the city a few days per week, and the issue of BPD issuing citations to off-leash dog owners.
Public Comment:
5 1. Lori Grundman - Ms. Grundman asked how many citations have been issued to off-leash dog owners.
Staff Report - Animal Control Services FY27-28
1. Resolution Animal Control Services FY27-28
2. Agreement with Solano County for Animal Control Services FY27-28 On motion of Mayor Young, seconded by Council Member Birdseye, Council approved the adoption of Resolution 26-74, as presented, on a roll call by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Birdseye, Council Member Largaespada, Vice Mayor Macenski, Council Member Scott, Mayor Young
Noes: (None)
14.I SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 12.54 TO TITLE 12 (STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND
PUBLIC PLACES) OF THE BENICIA MUNICIPAL CODE (BMC)
AND AMENDING BMC SECTION 5.28.040 TO TITLE 5 (BUSINESS,
TAXES, LICENSES AND REGULATIONS) TO REGULATE
SIDEWALK VENDORS
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BENICIA, CA, ADOPTING A NEW CHAPTER 12.54 TO TITLE 12 (STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC PLACES) OF THE BENICIA
MUNICIPAL CODE (BMC), AND AMENDING BMC SECTION 5.28.040 TO TITLE 5 (BUSINESS TAXES, LICENSES AND REGULATIONS) TO
REGULATE SIDEWALK VENDORS
Mayor Young pulled this item so he could affirm he did not support it.
Public Comment:
None
Staff Report - Sidewalk Vending Second Reading
1. Ordinance - Adding a New Chapter 12.54 to Title 12 (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places)
On motion of Council Member Birdseye, seconded by Council Member Scott, Council approved the adoption of Ordinance 26-1, as presented, on a roll call by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Birdseye, Council Member Largaespada, Vice Mayor Macenski, Council Member Scott
Noes: Mayor Young
14.J APPROVAL TO WAIVE THE READING OF ALL ORDINANCES
INTRODUCED OR ADOPTED PURSUANT TO THIS AGENDA
6 On motion of Council Member Birdseye, seconded by Council Member Scott, Council approved the adoption of the Consent Calendar, as amended, on a roll call by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Birdseye, Council Member Largaespada, Vice Mayor Macenski, Council Member Scott, Mayor Young
Noes: (None)
15) BUSINESS ITEMS
15.A APPROVAL TO PLACE LIMITED CITY CHARTER AND REAL
PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX BALLOT MEASURES ON THE
NOVEMBER 3, 2026 BALLOT
RESOLUTION NO. 26- 75 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BENICIA SUBMITTING A BALLOT MEASURE TO VOTERS To Approve AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BENICIA ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF BENICIA AS A CHARTER CITY AND ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 1A (CITY OF BENICIA CHARTER) TO THE
BENICIA MUNICIPAL CODE SOLELY WITH RESPECT TO THE
AUTHORITY NECESSARY FOR THE IMPOSITION, LEVY AND
COLLECTION OF A TAX ON THE CONVEYANCE OF REAL PROPERTY
BASED ON THE VALUE OF THE REAL PROPERTY SALES AND NO OTHER
CHARTER CITY AUTHORITIES
RESOLUTION NO. 26- 76 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BENICIA SUBMITTING A BALLOT MEASURE TO VOTERS To Approve AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BENICIA FOR THE IMPOSITION, LEVY AND COLLECTION OF A TAX ON
THE CONVEYANCE OF REAL PROPERTY BASED ON THE VALUE OF THE
REAL PROPERTY IN ADDITION TO THE AMOUNT AUTHORIZED BY
CALIFORNIA REVENUE AND TAXATION CODE SECTION 11911, TO BE
CONSIDERED BY THE VOTERS AT THE CONSOLIDATED GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026
Sarah Shawky, Deputy City Manager, reviewed the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation.
Council and Staff discussed amending the ballot question to read 'Shall the City of Benicia adopt a limited City Charter with one purpose only; to allow voters to enact a RPTT under Measure Z. Nothing else about the city government would change.' Public Comment:
1. Lori Grundman - Ms. Grundman spoke in support of Council Member Scott's proposed amendment.
2. Marilyn Bardet - Ms. Bardet spoke in support of Council Member Scott's proposed amendment.
7 Council and Staff discussed support for amending the language to reflect the following:
'Shall the City of Benicia adopted a limited charter that has a single purpose: allow the real property transfer tax in Measure Z to take effect if voters approve both measures Y and Z, while everything else about how the City is governed stays the same.' Staff Report - Proposed Limited Charter and RPTT Ballot Measures
1. Resolution - Place the City Charter on the November 3, 2026 Ballot
2. Resolution - Place the RPTT Measure on the November 3, 2026 Ballot On motion of Mayor Young, seconded by Council Member Birdseye, Council approved the adoption of Resolution 26-75, as amended, on a roll call by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Birdseye, Vice Mayor Macenski, Council Member Scott, Mayor Young
Noes: Council Member Largaespada
On motion of Mayor Young, seconded by Council Member Birdseye, Council approved the adoption of Resolution 26-76, as presented, on a roll call by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Birdseye, Vice Mayor Macenski, Council Member Scott, Mayor Young
Noes: Council Member Largaespada
15.B BUSINESS LICENSE TAX MODERNIZATION MEASURE -
APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED ORDINANCE, ADOPTION OF AN
ELECTION RESOLUTION, AND APPROVAL OF A BALLOT
QUESTION
RESOLUTION NO. 26- 77 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF BENICIA, CALIFORNIA, SUBMITTING ONE BALLOT MEASURE TO THE VOTERS TO CONSIDER AN UPDATE TO THE CITY’S BUSINESS LICENSE TAX BY AMENDING BENICIA MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5.04 (“BUSINESS LICENSES”) AND CHAPTER 5.06 (“BUSINESS LICENSES TAX”),
TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE VOTERS AT THE CONSOLIDATED GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026; AND DESIGNATING
INDIVIDUALS TO SUBMIT PRIMARY AND REBUTTAL BALLOT
ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF THE BALLOT MEASURE
Mario Giuliani, City Manager, reviewed the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation.
Council and Staff discussed the proposed ballot question and approved changing the approximate amount to $1,612,000 in the first year.
Public Comment:
None
8 Staff Report - Business License Tax Modernization
1. Resolution - Place the Business License Tax Measure on the November 3 2026 Ballot
2. Redline Version of the Proposed Amendments to Chapters 5.04 and 5.06 of the Benicia Municipal Code
On motion of Mayor Young, seconded by Council Member Birdseye, Council approved the adoption of Resolution 26-77, as amended, on a roll call by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Birdseye, Council Member Largaespada, Vice Mayor Macenski, Council Member Scott, Mayor Young
Noes: (None)
15.B BUSINESS LICENSE TAX MODERNIZATION MEASURE -
APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED ORDINANCE, ADOPTION OF AN
ELECTION RESOLUTION, AND APPROVAL OF A BALLOT
QUESTION
RESOLUTION 26-77 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BENICIA,
CALIFORNIA, SUBMITTING ONE BALLOT MEASURE TO THE VOTERS TO CONSIDER AN UPDATED TO THE CITY’S BUSINESS LICENSE TAX BY AMENDING BENICIA MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5.04 (“BUSINESS LICENSES”) AND CHAPTER 5.06 (“BUSINESS LICENSES TAX”), TO BE
CONSIDERED BY THE VOTERS AT THE CONSOLIDATED GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026; AND DESIGNATING
INDIVIDUALS TO SUBMIT PRIMARY AND REBUTTAL BALLOT
ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF THE BALLOT MEASURE
Mario Giuliani, City Manager, reviewed the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation.
Council and Staff discussed the proposed ballot question, and support for changing the approximate amount to $1,612,000 in the first year.
Public Comment:
None
On motion of Mayor Young, seconded by Council Member Birdseye, Council approved as amended, on a roll call by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Birdseye, Council Member Largaespada, Vice Mayor Macenski, Council Member Scott, Mayor Young
Noes: (None)
15.C RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR AND REQUESTING THE SOLANO
COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO PERMIT THE
REGISTRAR OF VOTERS TO PROVIDE SPECIFIED SERVICES IN
9 CONNECTION WITH THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO
BE HELD NOVEMBER 3, 2026
Staff Report - Consolidation of the 2026 General Municipal Election
1. Resolution - Consolidation of the 2026 Election
2. 2026 ROV Fee Schedule
RESOLUTION NO. 26- 78 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF BENICIA PROVIDING FOR AND REQUESTING THE SOLANO
COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO PERMIT THE GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 3, 2026
Lisa Wolfe, City Clerk, reviewed the staff report.
Public Comment:
None
On motion of Mayor Young, seconded by Council Member Birdseye, Council approved the adoption of Resolution 26-78, as presented, on a roll call by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Birdseye, Council Member Largaespada, Vice Mayor Macenski, Council Member Scott, Mayor Young
Noes: (None)
15.D RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026, AND FEES RELATED TO
THAT ELECTION
Staff Report - Calling for 2026 General Municipal Election
1. Resolution - Calling for the 2026 General Municipal Election RESOLUTION NO. 26- 79 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF BENICIA CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE HOLDING OF A
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY,
NOVEMBER 3, 2026, FOR THE ELECTION OF TWO (2) CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, MEASURE X ‘BENICIA BUSINESS LICENSE MODERNIZATION’, MEASURE Y ‘PROTECTING BENICIA’S FUTURE – PART 1 – LIMITED CHARTER’, AND MEASURE Z ‘PROTECTING BENICIA’S FUTURE – PART 2 – REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX’, AND AS REQUIRED BY THE
PROVISIONS OF THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RELATING
TO GENERAL LAW CITIES AND WAIVING THE FEES FOR CANDIDATES IF
CANDIDATE SIGNS THE VOLUNTARY CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN
PRACTICES
Public Comment:
None
10 On motion of Mayor Young, seconded by Council Member Birdseye, Council approved the adoption of Resolution 26-79, as presented, on a roll call by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Birdseye, Council Member Largaespada, Vice Mayor Macenski, Council Member Scott, Mayor Young
Noes: (None)
15.E ZONING AMENDMENTS - COMMERCIAL RECREATION AND
OUTDOOR FOOD SERVICE
Staff Report - Commercial Recreation and Mixed Use Infill Amendments ORDINANCE 26- - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 17.32
(INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS) AND 17.70 (GENERAL REGULATIONS) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE BENICIA MUNICIPAL CODE TO CLARIFY AND
UPDATE REGULATIONS REGARDING INDOOR COMMERCIAL
RECREATION IN INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS AND OUTDOOR FOOD SERVICE IN THE MIXED USE – INFILL ZONING DISTRICT
Dave Feinstein, Senior Planner, reviewed the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation.
Staff and Council discussed limitations, sports training facilities, pickle ball facilities, shooting gallery facilities, other sports facilities, conditional use permit issues.
Public Comment:
1. Lori Grundman - Ms. Grundman discussed concern regarding the issue of a shooting gallery.
2. Marilyn Bardet - Ms. Bardet discussed concern regarding the issue of a shooting gallery and discussed support for a climbing facility.
Council majority would like the City Attorney to look into the issue of banning live ammunition.
1. Draft Ordinance
2. PC Staff Report - June 11, 2026
3. PC Reso 26-2 with Attached Draft Ordinance
4. Draft Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - June 11, 2026
5. Zoning Map
On motion of Council Member Birdseye, seconded by Council Member Largaespada, Council did not approve the Introduction and First Reading of the above ordinance, on a roll call by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Birdseye, Council Member Largaespada Noes: Vice Mayor Macenski, Council Member Scott, Mayor Young
11 On motion of Mayor Young, seconded by Council Member Scott, Council approved referring this item back to Staff for further analysis regarding the definition of commercial recreation, on a roll call by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Birdseye, Council Member Largaespada, Vice Mayor Macenski, Council Member Scott, Mayor Young
Noes: (None)
16) CITY COUNCIL TASK FORCE GROUPS: ADVOCACY, COLLABORATION
AND TRANSITION (ACT)
16.A AD HOC "ACT" TASK FORCE GROUPS UPDATES
Ad Hoc "ACT" Task Force Groups Updates
17) COUNCIL MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS
17.A COUNCIL MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Member Committee Reports
18) ADJOURNMENT (9:30 P.M.)
Mayor Young adjourned the meeting at 8:34 p.m.
City Clerk