City of Fairfield, CA
Rockville Hills Regional Park
2023 User Survey Summary
The City of Fairfield received a total of 1,395 user responses to its 2023 user survey at Rockville Hills Regional Park. The answers to those questions have been summarized below.
How do you currently use Rockville Hills Regional Park? Mountain Biking (66%); Hiking (53%); Nature Observation (27%); Dog Walking (19%); Trail Running (11%); Picnicking (10%); Other (4%); Fishing (1%) How often do you visit Rockville Hills Regional Park?
Less than once a month (39%); 2-5 times a month (36%); 5-10 times a month (12%); more than 10 times a month (8%); never visited (3%); first time visitor (2%) When you visit, how many people come with you?
1-3 people (62%); none (23%); 4-5 people (12%); 8 or more people (2%); 6-7 people (1%) Do you have safety concerns when visiting Rockville Hills Regional Park? NO (83%); YES (17%)
If you have safety concerns, what are they?
A. Bicycles and E-bikes: Many respondents express concerns about the behavior of cyclists and e-bike riders. Complaints include speeding, not yielding to pedestrians, not observing safety precautions, and being a hazard to other park visitors.
B. Wildlife: Safety concerns related to wildlife include rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and aggressive cows.
C. Homeless: Several respondents mention encounters or concerns about homeless individuals in the park, some of whom exhibit erratic or aggressive behavior.
D. Vehicle Safety and Break-ins: Parking area safety is a recurring concern, with reports of car break-ins and vandalism.
2 | City of Fairfield, CA
Rockville Hills Regional Park
2023 User Survey Summary
GEOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGIES GROUP
E. Trail Maintenance: Some respondents mention issues with trail maintenance, overgrown paths, fallen trees, and branches obstructing the trails, posing safety risks.
F. Loose and Unleashed Dogs: There are complaints about dogs running off-leash and sometimes being aggressive or causing conflicts.
G. General Park Security: Some respondents mention concerns about safety in isolated or less-trafficked areas of the park.
H. Safety While Alone: Many respondents express concerns about safety while visiting the park alone, particularly for female visitors.
I. Lack of Trail Etiquette: Some respondents mention a lack of trail etiquette, with bikers not yielding to pedestrians or hikers not sharing the trail responsibly.
J. Fire Hazards: Safety concerns related to fire hazards include the risk of fire in dry conditions and the potential for dangerous behavior related to fires.
K. Terrain and Trail Conditions: Safety concerns related to uneven or steep terrain, slippery paths, and potential hazards on the trails.
L. Suspicious or Aggressive Individuals: Concerns about encounters with aggressive or unsettling individuals within the park.
M. Speeding Cyclists: Specific concerns about cyclists traveling at high speeds, especially on narrow paths, creating potential hazards.
N. Other Safety Concerns: Miscellaneous concerns, such as encountering unruly park visitors, irresponsible drone use, underage drinkers, and underage smokers.
Would you support the use of e-bikes in Rockville Hills Regional Park? YES (66%); NO (34%)
Please provide any additional comments as they relate to the park.
The overwhelming majority of responses were related to e-bike usage given the previous two survey questions were specific to e-bikes. Therefore, the summary below is mostly specific to the allowance of e-bikes in the park.
It's important to note that the opinions expressed in the responses are varied and reflect the diverse perspectives of the park users. Some are supportive of E-Bikes, emphasizing accessibility and benefits for certain groups, while others have concerns abo ut safety, trail impact, and potential conflicts between different trail users.
Reasons Given in Favor of E-bikes:
A. Promote & enable outdoor activity and accessibility/inclusivity. o Allows certain demographics the ability to enjoy biking outdoors, such as the elderly or those with disabilities, who typically would be unable to. o Enhanced park experience and exploration for all, but especially those above.
B. Comparison to mountain bikes, which are already allowed in the park. o Many people indicate that e-bikes will not result in much difference.
C. E-bikes are supportive of youth and mountain biking team activities.
D. Suggestions to set rules for safe e-bike use and specify the allowed e-bike types.
E. Would be great for Solano Search & Rescue training – suggested by the Captain of SSR.
F. Perceived risks and misunderstandings given by non-bikers is frequently mentioned by people in favor of e-bikes; that those ‘against’ do not have a proper understanding.
o Some ‘against’ survey responses showcase this, as it seems that some people think e-bikes are like motorcycles or motorized dirt bikes.
Reasons Given Against E-bikes:
A. Safety of pedestrians and environmental impact concerns of more bikes. o Negative impact on the experience of non-bikers & general preference for a non-biking environment.
o Fear of negative impact on wildlife and damage to the trail and natural environment/habitats in the area.
• Although, some people acknowledge that with mountain bikes allowed already, this will not result in additional impacts. It seems that those giving these responses would prefer bikes not to be allowed at all.
B. Impact on trail overload – people fear this will increase traffic on the trails.
C. Concerns about enforcement/regulation and education of the masses even if e- bike rules and regulations are put in place.
D. Concerns about unfamiliar riders, trail etiquette, and unauthorized motor vehicles.
Reasons both For and Against E-bikes
A. Other parks already allow e-bikes.
o Some people want Rockville Hills Park to stay e-bike free for this very reason. o Others question why this park does not allow e-bikes when other parks do.
Agenda Item No: L.3
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: February 4, 2025
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: David Gassaway, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution 2025-25 HD Joint Application with Danco for Homekey+ Funding
Authorizing the City of Fairfield to Submit a Joint Application with the Danco Group to Apply for Homekey+ Funding to Build Permanent Supportive Housing
Funding Source: N/A
Contact: LaTanya Terrones, (707) 428-7454
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt resolution.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
Adopt a resolution to submit an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for the Homekey + program in collaboration with Danco (developer) to develop approximately 93 units of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH).
DISCUSSION
HCD announced the availability of $2.145 billion in Homekey+ funding through a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) pro cess. The Homekey+ program is a statewide initiative aimed at developing PSH for veterans and individuals with mental health or substance use disorders who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness.
Homekey+ provides local public agencies wit h funding to acquire motels and various other housing types to enhance their community’s capacity to address homelessness. Funds can be utilized for property acquisition, rehabilitation, conversion of non -residential buildings to residential use, master le asing, and purchasing affordability covenants and restrictions for housing units.
PSH is affordable housing that offers housing and support services to individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It is designed to help residents develop independent living skills and connect with community services.
In partnership with Danco, the City of Fairfield is applying for Homekey+ funding to acquire and rehabilitate the SureStay Hotel located at 3331 N. Texas St., Fairfield, CA 94533. This project will serve as PSH for up to 93 households who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and who face behavioral health challenges. At least 10 units will be designated for homeless veterans. All PSH projects are required to follow the Housing First model, which eliminates preconditions and barriers to obtaining or maintaining housing and ensures rapid access to permanent housing solutions.
The proposed project includes renovating and converting the existing three -story, 100 -room hotel into single -room occupancy PSH units. Each unit will feature a kitchenette to support independent living. Additional elements of the project include:
Accessibility: A minimum of 15% of units will include mobility -accessible features, and 10% will feature accessibility components for persons with hearing or vision impairments.
On-site amenities: The project includes offices, community spaces, and outdoor amenities such as a pool, dog run, smoking area, and a community garden.
The total estimated cost for the project is $26,892,954. The City and Danco plan to obtain up to $22,500,000 through the Homekey+ program. The City will contribute $1,000,000 from the Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) and $535,541 from the Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP) funds received from the State.
This project represents a significant step forward in addressing homelessness within our community by providing sustainable, supportive housing for individuals and families in need.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
N/A
PUBLIC CONTACT/ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATION
N/A
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
The council may decide not to approve the resolution; however, doing so will prohibit the City and its partners from applying for the Homekey+ Program to develop Permanent Supportive Housing for the homeless community.
COORDINATED WITH
N/A
STAFF CONTACT
LaTanya Terrones
(707) 428-7454
[email protected]
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 2: Proposed Resolution
CITY OF FAIRFIELD
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-25
AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF FAIRFIELD TO SUBMIT A JOINT APPLICATION TO APPLY FOR HOMEKEY+ FUNDING TO BUILD PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
WHEREAS, the Department of Housing and Community Development (Department) has issued a Notice of Funding Availability, dated November 26, 2024 (NOFA), for the Homekey+ Program (“Homekey” or “Program”). The Department has issued the NOFA for Homekey+ grant funds pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 50675.1.3 (Assem. Bill No. 140 (2021 -2022 Reg.
Sess.), § 20.); and
WHEREAS, the City of Fairfield desires to jointly apply for Homekey grant funds with the Danco Group of Companies (Danco). Therefore, The City of Fairfield is joining Danco in the submittal of an application for Homekey+ funds (Application) to the Department for review and consideration; and
WHEREAS, the Department is authorized to administer Homekey+ pursuant to the Multifamily Housing Program (Chapter 6.7 (commencing with Section 50675) of Part 2 of Division 31 of the Health and Safety Code). Homekey+ funding allocations are subject to the terms and conditions of the NOFA, the Application, the Department-approved STD 213, Standard Agreement (Standard Agreement), and all other legal requirements of the Homekey+ Program.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRFIELD HEREBY RESOLVES:
Section 1. The City of Fairfield is hereby authorized and directed to submit a joint application to the Department in response to the NOFA, and to jointly apply for Homekey+ grant funds in a total amount not to exceed $22,500,000.
Section 2. If the application is approved, the city manager and/or the designee is hereby authorized and direc ted to enter into, execute, and deliver a Standard Agreement in a total amount not to exceed $22,500,000, any and all other documents required or deemed necessary or appropriate to secure the Homekey+ funds from the Department and to participate in the Homekey+ Program, and all amendments thereto (collectively, the “Homekey+ Documents”).
Section 3. The City of Fairfield acknowledges and agrees that it shall be subject to the terms and conditions specified in the Standard Agreement, and that the NOFA and Ap plication will be incorporated in the Standard Agreement by reference and made a part thereof. Any and all activities, expenditures, information, and timelines represented in the application are enforceable through the Standard Agreement. Funds are to be used for the allowable expenditures and activities identified in the Standard Agreement.
RES. NO. 2025-25
Section 4. The city manager or the designee is authorized to execute the application and the Homekey+ Documents on behalf of the City of Fairfield for participation i n the Homekey + Program.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 4th day of February 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: MEMBERS: MOY/BERTANI/CARR/PANDURO/SANDHU/TONNESEN/WILLIAMS NOES: MEMBERS: _________________________________________________ ABSENT: MEMBERS: _________________________________________________ ABSTAIN: MEMBERS: _________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
___________________________
CITY CLERK