CITY OF FAIRFIELD
SPECIAL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
MINUTES
Friday, January 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Police Training Facility
1717 Clift Lane Fairfield, CA 94533
A. CALL TO ORDER 5:00 PM
Mayor Catherine "Cat" Moy called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
On roll call were Councilmembers Doug Carr, Doriss Panduro, Manveer Sandhu, Scott Tonnesen, K. Patrice Williams; Vice Mayor Pam Bertani, and Mayor Moy.
Councilmember Sandhu led the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
D.1 Resolution 2026-18 CM Mayor's Appointments and Recommendations 2026 Approving Mayor's Appointments and Recommendations for the Calendar Year 2026 Councilmember Tonnesen made a motion to approve the Mayor's appointments, with one amendment to Exhibit A - that he remains on the Appointments Committee. After a discussion, it was agreed that he, Councilmember Panduro, and Vice Mayor Bertani would all be on the committee. Councilmember Carr seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously (7-0).
E. PRESENTATIONS
E.1 Group Exercise I with Consultant Janette Williams
E.2 City Council Goals Update Presented by City Manager David Gassaway Mayor Moy stated she would like the right to change the goals in the future. After a discussion, Council agreed to add "Safety" to their list of Mission, Vision, & Values. Regarding the goals, Councilmember Williams asked that "Downtown Development" be changed to "Economic Development."
There was also a discussion about translation headsets to have at, -council meetings for non- English speakers. City Manager Gassaway stated he would have staff research it.
E.3 Financial Overview Presented by Finance Director John Furtado City Manager Gassaway stated that education and outreach to the community will be key to passing an increase in taxes (Measure P) on the ballot for the November 2026 election. He shared that he is already meeting with stakeholders and plans to have more meetings. The goal is to educate!
E.4 Youth Services and User Group Policy Considerations Presented by Parks & Recreation Director Kristina Kaunzinger
Parks & Recreation Director spoke about Youth Commission and a potential new program called "Youth Empowerment." She also said staff are working on a resolution for council that would allow Youth Commissioners to work part-time for the City of Fairfield. Currently, they are unable to do so. Mayor Moy stated she would agendize a new resolution that would ease restrictions and allow members to work for the City.
Councilmember Sandhu requested that Youth Commissioners report out on a quarterly basis at a City Council meeting. He also asked if Gary Falati Park could be doubled in size? Director Kaunzinger stated there are no funds to address that request.
Councilmember Carr said he would like to see a plan to start improvements at Willow Hall, as it needs updating, remodeling, new flooring and new ceiling.
Administrative Division Manager Stacy Phillips spoke about that there is $30,000 available for Parks & Rec scholarships for families in need — this scholarship helps pay for classes. They will continue to inform the public that these funds are available.
E.5 Infrastructure Update & Priorities Presented by Public Works Director Sanjay Mishra Public Work Director made a presentation on the status of the Public Works Department and outstanding items. Due to the time, City Council did not give any direction, but the Mayor continued this matter to Saturday, June 24, 2026.
E.6 Economic Priorities Community & Economic Development Director Dave Zellers This item was continued to Saturday, January 24, 9 am. (Day 2 of Council Retreat).
Mayor Moy adjourned the meeting at 7:54 pm.
City Clerk
Mayor