06/03/2025 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 7
MINUTES OF THE DAVIS CITY COUNCIL
Meeting of June 3, 2025
The City Council of the City of Davis met in regular meeting session beginning at 6:32 p.m. in the Community Chambers, 23 Russell Boulevard, Davis, California. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Bapu Vaitla.
Roll Call: Councilmembers Present: Josh Chapman, Linda Deos, Donna Neville, Glo- ria Partida, Bapu Vaitla
Councilmembers Absent: None
Other Officers Present: Interim City Manager Kelly Stachowicz, City Attor- ney Inder Khalsa, City Clerk Zoe Mirabile
Approval of
Agenda
L. Deos moved, seconded by D. Neville, to approve the agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
Ceremonial
Presentations
A. Proclamation Recognizing June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day, presented by B. Vaitla
B. Proclamation Recognizing June as National Gun Violence Aware- ness Month, presented by J. Chapman
C. Proclamation Recognizing June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month, presented by L. Deos
City Council recessed at 6:45 p.m. and reconvened at 6:52 p.m.
City Manager
Announce-
ments
Interim City Manager Kelly Stachowicz: June 7—Pride Fest at Civic Cen- ter Park, additional activities celebrating Pride Month throughout the month. June 13 -17—Caltrans scheduled to close eastbound I -80 from Jefferson Blvd to I-50 connector ; s ame weekend as UC Davis com- mencement, first weekend of summer for DJUSD families, Father’s Day, Oakland A’s game in West Sacramento, additional county road closures for construction work.
City Council
Announce-
ments and Li-
aison Reports
None
Public Com-
ments
• Michael Shearer: Oppose proposed developments on farmland. Bike paths have cracks, need slurry seal treatment. Concern that staff is weed whipping tree trunks; London Plane trees in Central Park have been damaged.
• Maurice Septesky, Congregation Bet Haveri m; Harriet Gadisman; Alan Brownstein; Alan Miller; David Siegel; Nancy Lazarus; Ruan Gregor; Margaret Rose; Mian; Deb Ramire; Miri; Amir Kol; Dan Vadia; 06/03/2025 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 7
Greg Brucker; Shirley and Michael Levy; Eva Siegel; Liz; Sharen List- man; Ira Benia; Sethia Meyer; Matta; Tamara Krest; and unnamed individuals: Jewish community concerned about increased antisemi- tism since Council passed a Resolution on Gaza Cease Fire. Resi- dents don’t feel safe. Oppose Human Relations Commission (HRC) report on Arabs, Palestinians, Muslims and Their Supporters/Allies (MAPA). Report is inherently biased ; includes inflammatory lan- guage; reframes constitutional rights as harassment; contains lies, stereotypes, and slander that vilify Jews and Zionists; highlights weaponization of antisemitism; foments further division; truth and ac- curacy of events were not researched, no evidence, methodology, or data provided. HRC did not allow commissioner to write a minority opinion report. Request HRC revise or repeal report and acknowledge harm it has caused. Request Council reject report and remove it from city website. Council should remove report authors from HRC membership; dissolve HRC; reconstitute HRC with mem- bers that are impartial and care about wellbeing of all Davis residents. • Ken Valasquez: Propose creation of an Entertainment Commission to promote live events with music infrastructure and spaces where people can gather and celebrate. Central body could streamline pro- cess—safety, planning, permitting and policy advising.
• Mel Ha Kim, Sister City Sangju, Korea: Participated in sister city pro- gram for one year, thanked staff and Davis community for welcome and support. Extend invitation to September festival in Sangju. • Robert Holland: Thank city for recognizing Gun Violence Awareness Month. Antisemitic graffiti at 4th and G Streets, close proximity to Jew- ish bakery. Concern with HRC MAPA report.
• Greg Crawford: Support Proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month. LGBTQ community members are still facing discrimination, legislative protections are being eroded.
• Natasha Shupinov: Table at Farmers Market is welcoming and re- spectful, no yelling, aggression or violence.
• Jordan Nelson, Third Space Arts Collection: Thank city for supporting arts community. In 2023, City art grant fund ed facility upgrades; in 2025, City grant funded art supplies and enabled Third Space to host events.
• Juliette Beck: Representing Yolo Soul Collective , c ultivates play space through nature based story-telling. Mission is to support heal- ing and transition to sustainable society. Thank city for providing seed funding.
• Ream Alla -Rashmawi: MAPA report collected feelings and experi- ences. People should stop attacking a community for sharing what they are feeling.
• Dorte Jensen: Should recognize the country’s 250th birthday in July 2026 and recognize July as American Independence Month and host events.
06/03/2025 City Council Minutes Page 3 of 7
• Les Portello: Rotary Club Board requests city develop a plan to stop the deterioration of the Boy Scout Cabin, important to preserve for the future . Consider earmarking estimate for roof repair at a mini- mum.
• Norbie Kumagai: Support recognition of Pride events.
• Richard Bruce: Support freedom of speech and political tolerance. • Beth Bourne: Experienced hate and physical assault while express- ing free speech on UC Davis campus. Council and University are not protecting all voices.
• Anoosh Joran: Support Pride Month activities. Support people that fight for rights. Rights are threatened by wave of hate in this country. • Liam: Many groups of people are afraid, sad, angry, hurt, confused.
Hope for Davis community that everyone can accept each other. • Connor Gorman: Davis should provide cooling centers and spaces with power during power outages and high heat days . Davis should have better criteria for opening centers, threshold is too high.
Consent Cal-
endar
Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Sedimentation Basin No. 3, Dis- tribution Channel and Grit Basin Concrete Resurfacing, CIP No. ET0018 Approve Resolution No. 25-097 - Awarding Contract to Euro Style Man- agement for the WWTP Sedimentation Basin No. 3, Distribution Channel and Grit Basin Concrete Resurfacing, Authorizing City Manager to Exe- cute Contract, and Finding the Project Exempt From Review Pursuant to CEQA Regulation Guidelines Section §15301 Existing Facilities and §15302 Replacement or Reconstruction
Agreement for Old Davis Landfill Environmental Services Approve Resolution No. 25-098 - Authorizing the City Manager to Exe- cute an Agreement Between Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. and City of Davis for Old Davis Landfill Environmental Services
Purchase and Sale Agreement for 44449 South El Macero Drive for a Sewer Infrastructure Improvement Project
Approve Resolution No. 25-099 - Finding That the City’s Purchase of the Property at 44449 South El Macero Drive in Yolo County for a Sewer Infrastructure Improvement Project is Exempt From Environmental Re- view Because This Action Does Not Have the Po tential for Causing a Significant Effect on the Environment Pursuant to California Environmen- tal Quality Act Guidelines Sections 15301(B), 15301(D), and 15303; and Authorizing the Cit y Manager to Execute a Purchase and Sale Agree- ment With Broward Construction Inc., and Any Related Implementing Documents, Related to the Purchase of the Property for a Sewer Infra- structure Improvement Project
Commission Minutes:
06/03/2025 City Council Minutes Page 4 of 7
1. Human Relations Commission Meetings of January 25 and February 27, 2025
2. Social Services Commission Meetings of January 27, February 24, March 17, and April 28, 2025
Informational
D. Neville moved, seconded by J. Chapman, to approve the consent cal- endar as listed above. Motion passed unanimously.
Removed
from Consent
Calendar:
Playfields
Batting Cages
Update
Item removed by J. Chapman
J. Chapman: Last month, Council approved a $5,000 maintenance cap for the year and increased rates. Would like to discuss other options be- sides closure such as sponsorships and more robust advertising.
Parks & Community Services Director Deanne Machado : Operating fa- cility at a continued deficit. Concern about fiscal resilience, operating out- side of pricing and fee policy. Only capturing 28% cost recovery, goal is 70%. Survey provided data that batting cages are not well utilized.
J. Chapman moved, seconded by G. Partida, to direct staff to replace netting on the Playfields Batting Cages. Topic to return to Recreation and Park Commission to discuss how to better utilize cages, seek sponsor- ships, and perform outreach for additional users. Motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Chapman, Neville, Partida
NOES: Deos, Vaitla
City Council recessed at 8:36 p.m. and reconvened at 8:44 p.m.
Public Hear-
ing: City of
Davis Local
Public Em-
ployees Va-
cant Positions
Human Resources Director Christopher Bensch: In 2024, AB 2561 was adopted to address job vacancies in local government, requires a public hearing prior to adoption of the budget.
2024 average vacancy rate was 9.6%. 2025 to date, 9.2% average. Po- sitions vacant for over a year without recruitment: Community Develop- ment Department Assistant Planner and Associate Planner, Social Ser- vices and Housing Management Analyst, and Parks and Community Ser- vices 75% Custodian.
2024: 30 new hires into regular, full time positions (excluding public safety), average 4 month timeframe . Looking at opportunities for im- provement in recruitment process: assess advertising efforts, pre -em- ployment medical process, department training. Improving retention:
maintain competitive total compensation, employee engagement, pro- fessional development, “stay” interviews in addition to “exit” interviews. 06/03/2025 City Council Minutes Page 5 of 7
Marcus Sala, D avis City Employees Association (DCEA) : Welcome chance to collaborate on meaningful solutions. Nearly 40% of members have 5 years or less of service. Senior employees and supervisors spend inordinate amount of time training new employees instead of on core du- ties. Vacancy rates translate to higher workloads and pressure, delay in service deliveries, burnout, and increased turnover. Average 127 day time to hire is a barrier to achieving a fully staffed workforce. Support retention strategies that benefit everyone.
Mayor Vaitla opened the public hearing.
Connor Gorman: When possible, city should hire employees and not use outside consultants. Support pay and benefits that allow people to live a comfortable life taking into account cost of living.
Mayor Vaitla closed the public hearing.
Fiscal Year
2025/26 and
2026/27 Pro-
posed Budget
Continued
Discussion
Finance Director Elena Adair : Provided changes since last budget dis- cussion: Increase sales tax and decrease cannabis tax projections, de- crease police fleet replacement contribution, adjust fund balance reserve in FY24 instead of FY27 for a capital project contribution. General Fund FY26 reserve 11.2%, FY27 10%. To achieve 15%, would have to cut or receive new revenues of $4.9M.
Additional budget options to consider:
• Reallocate all or part of Crisis Now funding and/or Vet erans Theater Rehabilitation funding
• Freeze or remov e staff vacancies (1 Management Analyst -Social Services and Housing , 1 Associate Planner & 1 Assistant Planner - Community Development , 2 Limited-Term Accountants -Finance,
0.75 Custodian-Parks & Community Services)
• Not Approve New Positions (1 Police Officer, 1 Aquatics Maintenance Technician)
• De-obligate previously restricted funds
Summarized Capital Improvements Projects ( CIPs) not funded in this budget and potential impact—14th Street Improvements, Anderson Road Improvements, Amtrak ADA Improvements and Olive Drive Access, Richards I-80 Interchange Improvements.
Public comments:
• Elaine Roberts-Musser: Revenues from Measure Q should be allo- cated to roads and bike paths and not city employee contract in- creases. City can’t afford new city employees, additional funds for Paul’s Place, or homelessness services.
06/03/2025 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 7
• Dan Carson: Fiscal forecast shows that within 5 years the city will have revenues lower than expenditures. Consider all options pre- sented by staff. Should initiate reduction in General Fund workforce, with exceptions for staff funded by grants.
• Alan Miller: Need to address fiscal issue.
• Brett Lee: City should continue to prov ide amenities like parks and roads. Visitors to downtown spend money which provide s sales tax revenue. Goal is to keep downtown interesting, unique, and pleasant.
B. Vaitla moved, seconded by D. Neville, to d e-obligate previously re- stricted funds ($1.4 million) and reallocate to Fourteenth Street Improve- ments, CIP ET8282. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Vaitla moved, seconded by L. Deos, to authorize and approve new staff positions of 1 Police Officer and 1 Aquatics Maintenance Techni- cian.
D. Neville proposed a Friendly Amendment: Direct staff to consult with Natalie Corona Committee to determine if there is a possibility for the Committee to pay for a portion of the aquatics maintenance position. Ac- cepted by mover and second.
Motion passed unanimously.
B. Vaitla moved, seconded by D. Neville, as follows:
1. Remove the following staff vacancies:
• 1 Management Analyst (Social Services & Housing)
• 0.75 Custodian (Parks & Community Services)
2. Retain the following staff vacancies:
• 1 Associate Planner (Community Development)
• 1 Assistant Planner (Community Development)
• 2 Limited-Term Accountants (Finance)
Motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Chapman, Deos, Neville, Partida
NOES: Vaitla
B. Vaitla moved, seconded by J. Chapman, as follows:
1. Allocate $125,000 for Crisis Now for one -year pilot, with the remain- ing funds ($780,000) to be reallocated to the General Fund reserve.
2. Reallocate $350,000 for Veterans Memorial Theater Renovations to the General Fund reserve.
3. The above allocations are pending future policy discussions relating to homelessness and urban forestry.
Motion passed unanimously.
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AB 1234 Re-
porting
None
Long Range
Calendar
K. Stachowicz: Two meetings left before July summer recess. Respite Center Update moved from June 17 to July 1 to balance out agendas.
B. Vaitla: Three requests: 1) Lighting Update—Areas of town that are insecure, report from Chief or others. 2) Electricity for unhoused—Multi- ple locations, provide outlets that are safe. 3) Update on encampment ordinance, return soon after recess.
D. Neville: Request E ncampment Update —how many individuals are cited under ordinance and if we know ultimate outcome.
L. Deos: Request Update on Safe Parking Program
B. Vaitla: Request Update on G Street—Options for events, additional seating, etc. Show how space can work. Staff present options to increase pedestrians.
B. Vaitla: Request Voluntary Electrification check-in. Leaf blowers up- date—Transition plan to phase out.
Public comments:
• Alan Miller: Dissolve the Human Relations Commission and remove the MAPA report.
Adjournment Meeting was adjourned at 11:14 p.m.
Zoe Mirabile
City Clerk