CITY OF FAIRFIELD
CITY COUNCIL
MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Harry T. Price Memorial Council Chamber
1000 Webster Street, Fairfield, CA 94533 or Via Zoom
Notice to Public
The City of Fairfield is committed to providing meeting facilities that are accessible to persons with disabilities and/or have language barriers. To request meeting materials in alternative formats, or to request a sign language interpreter, realtime captioning, or other accommodation, please contact the City Clerk's Office, at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting at (707) 428-7400.
For individuals with hearing or speaking limitations, dial 711 or (800) 735-2922 (English). For Spanish, Tagalog or other language, please dial (800) 855-3000 and provide the communication assistant with the following City telephone number: (707) 399-4010.
DISCLOSURE OF CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS:
Pursuant to Government Code 84308, City Council Members are disqualified and not able to participate in any agenda item involving contracts (other than competitively bid, labor, or personal employment contracts), franchises, discretionary land use permits and other entitlements if the City Council Member received more than $250 in campaign contributions from the applicant or contractor, an agent of the applicant or contractor, or any financially interested participant who actively supports or opposes the City's decision on the agenda item in the 12 months prior to the date the item is on the agenda. Members of the City Council who have received, and applicants, contractors or their agents who have made, campaign contributions totaling more than $250 to a City Council Member in the 12 months prior to the date the item is on the agenda are required to disclose that fact for the official record of the subject proceedings. Disclosures must include the amount of the campaign contribution and identify the recipient City Council Member and may be made either in writing to the City Clerk before the agenda item or by verbal disclosure during consideration.
Members of the public can observe the meeting on Roku City of Fairfield, Xfinity Channel 26, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and web streamed live at www.youtube.com/FFCATV. The public may join the meeting via Zoom at: https://fairfield.ca.gov/zoomcitycouncil or via phone (408) 638-0968, Webinar ID: 814 7538 5275, Passcode: 7074287400
Pages
A. CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM
B. ROLL CALL
Councilmember Doug Carr
Councilmember Doriss Panduro
Councilmember Manveer Sandhu
Councilmember Scott Tonnesen
Councilmember K. Patrice Williams
Vice Mayor Pam Bertani
Mayor Catherine "Cat" Moy
C. INVOCATION - Pastor Christian Bravo of Liberty Church D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
E. COUNCIL REPORTS
F. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
G. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
H. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
I. PRESENTATIONS
I.1 Proclamation Declaring National Poetry Month Presented by Mayor Catherine "Cat" Moy and Poet Laureate Michael Wyly
I.2 Proclamation Declaring National Volunteer Appreciation Month Presented by Vice Mayor Pam Bertani
I.3 City Key Presentation to Jesse Branch for His Service Presented by Mayor Catherine "Cat" Moy
I.4 Youth Air Protectors Presented by Willa Gruver from Sustainable Solano I.5 Vista Ridge Appraisal Presented by Housing Services Director LaTanna Jones J. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Persons wishing to address the City Council on subjects not on the agenda but within the jurisdiction of the council may do so at this time. The council cannot discuss or take action on matters, not on the agenda for this meeting, but councilmembers may briefly respond to statements made or questions raised by the public, ask for clarification from staff, refer the matter to staff, request staff to report back to the council at a subsequent meeting, or place the matter on a future agenda. To speak on an agenda item, please use the “raise your hand” feature or press *9 on your phone. Speakers are limited to three minutes per item, as determined by the mayor.
K. CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are to be approved with one motion unless a member of the City Council or the public requests that separate action be taken on a specific item.
Recommended Action:
To approve the consent calendar.
K.1 CM Approval of Meeting Minutes for March 2026 6
Approval of Meeting Minutes for March 2026
Funding Source: N/A
Contact: Karen Rees, (707) 428-7767
Recommended Action:
Approve the meeting minutes.
K.2 CM Minute Action Approving City Facility Naming to Honor Chris Bell 31 Funding Source: N/A
Contact: Esther Beavers, (707) 428-7402
Recommended Action:
Approve city facility naming honoring Chris Bell.
K.3 Resolutions 2026-58 and 2026-59 PW Micro-Trenching Specifications and Standards and Broadband Specifications and Standards
43 2026-58 Authorizing the City Council to Adopt the Micro-Trenching Specifications and Standards into the Public Works Standards Specifications; and
2026-59 Authorizing the City Council to Adopt the Broadband Specifications and Standards into the Public Works Standards Specifications Funding Source: N/A
Contact: Ryan Panganiban, (707) 428-7017
Recommended Action:
Adopt resolutions.
K.4 Resolution 2026-60 PW Adaptive Traffic Control System Support Services 67 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional Service Agreement with Rhythm Engineering to Provide Maintenance Services for the Fairfield Adaptive System Traffic Signal Project
Funding Source: $160,000; AB1600 Streets Fund
Contact: Ryan Panganiban, (707) 428-7017
Recommended Action:
Adopt resolution.
K.5 Resolution 2026-61 PW Awarding Site Improvements Lee Bell Park 82 Approving the Plans and Specifications and Awarding a Contract to Terocons
Inc. for Site Improvements for the Lee Bell Restroom Project Funding Source: $251,300; Community Development Block Grant Contact: Marisa Cumpian, (707) 428-7494
Recommended Action:
Adopt resolution.
K.6 Resolution 2026-62 PW Suspend Competitive Bidding and Authorize a Contract for the First-In Alerting Systems for Fire Stations 36 and 39 Project 87 Suspending Competitive Bidding and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract Between the City of Fairfield and Westnet, Inc. for Installation of First- In Alerting Platform Systems for Fire Stations 36 and 39 and Authorizing an Update to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget
Funding Source: $459,776; Intergovernmental Loan Fund
Contact: Ryan Panganiban, (707) 428-7017
Recommended Action:
Adopt resolution.
K.7 Resolution 2026-63 PD Authorization to Purchase and Use Military Equipment 130 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute and Approve the Purchase and Use of Military Equipment in Accordance with Ordinance 2022-06 Funding Source: $192,375; General Fund
Contact: Jausiah Jacobsen, (707) 428-7314
Recommended Action:
Adopt resolution.
K.8 Resolution 2026-64 CD Model Airplane Club License Agreement 215 Approving and Authorizing the Execution of the Model Airplane Club License Agreement Between the City of Fairfield and the Vaca Valley Radio Controllers Club, Inc.
Funding Source: N/A
Contact: Dave Zellers, (707) 428-7436
Recommended Action:
Adopt resolution.
L. PUBLIC HEARINGS
L.1 Resolutions 2026-65 and 2026-66 CD North Texas Street Business Improvement District
225
Resolution 2026-65 Levying an Assessment for Calendar Year 2026 for the
North Texas Street Business Improvement District; and
Resolution 2026-66 Approving an Agreement with the North Texas Street Business Association for the Calendar Year 2026 Operation and Administration of the North Texas Street Business Improvement District Funding Source: N/A
Contact: Dave Zellers, (707) 428-7436
Recommended Action:
Hold public hearing and adopt resolutions.
M. NEW BUSINESS
M.1 Discussion and Direction Regarding the Future State of Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Districts and Assessment Refunds
245
Funding Source: N/A
Contact: David Lim, (415) 421-8484
Recommended Action:
Receive report, open discussion, and provide direction to staff.
N. ADJOURN
ADJOURN TO TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026, 6:00 P.M., HARRY T. PRICE MEMORIAL COUNCIL CHAMBER.
Any disclosable public records related to an open session item on a regular meeting agenda and distributed by the City of Fairfield to all or a majority of the Fairfield City Council less than 72 hours prior to that meeting are available for public inspection at City Hall, in the 4th floor lobby, 1000 Webster Street, Fairfield, California during normal business hours.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
I, Esther Beavers, Deputy City Clerk, do hereby certify that I have caused a true copy of the above notice and agenda to be delivered to each of the members of the Fairfield City Council, at the time and in the manner prescribed by law and that this agenda was posted at City Hall, 1000 Webster Street, Fairfield, California on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Agenda Item No: K.1
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: April 21, 2026
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: David Gassaway, City Manager
SUBJECT: CM Approval of Meeting Minutes for March 2026
Funding Source: N/A
Contact: Karen Rees, (707) 428-7767
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve the meeting minutes.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
Minutes need approval by the City Council.
DISCUSSION
The City Council Minutes for March 2026 have been approved by the city attorney and need council approval.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
N/A
PUBLIC CONTACT/ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATION
N/A
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
The council may choose to modify the minutes , which will result in bringing this item back at a future date.
COORDINATED WITH
City Attorney’s Office
STAFF CONTACT
Esther Beavers, Deputy City Clerk
(707) 428-7402
[email protected]
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 2: 03-03-2026 Closed Session Minutes
Attachment 3: 03-03-2026 City Council Minutes
Attachment 4: 03-10-2026 Closed Session Minutes
Attachment 5: 03-17-2026 Closed Session Minutes
Attachment 6: 03-17-2026 City Council Minutes
1 CITY OF FAIRFIELD
CITY COUNCIL
CLOSED SESSION MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026; 5:00 PM
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM
1000 WEBSTER STREET, 4TH FLOOR, FAIRFIELD, CA 94533
OR VIA ZOOM
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Catherine “Cat” Moy called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. City Attorney David Lim called roll.
Councilmember Doug Carr - Present
Councilmember Doriss Panduro - Absent
Councilmember Manveer Sandhu - Present (5:06 PM)
Councilmember Scott Tonnesen - Present
Councilmember K. Patrice Williams - Present
Vice Mayor Pam Bertani - Present
Mayor Catherine “Cat” Moy - Present
PUBLIC COMMENTS
A member of the public with phone number ending in “121” asked to speak but via zoom but then disconnected and did not return. No other members of the public wished to speak at public comment.
The City Council went into closed session on the following item with the listed people present:
F.1. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
(Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9)
Name of C ase: Jessica Fleshman v. City of Fairfield, Solano County Superior Court case no.
CU23-01799
Present were City Attorney David Lim, C ity Manager David Gassaway, Assistant City Manager Farbod Pirouzmand, Fire Chief John Sturdee, Risk Managers Chris Carmona and Erika Milton, and attorney Arecelia Hurtado.
The City Council came out of closed session.
Mayor Moy adjourned the meeting at 5:27 p.m.
2 ______________________________
City Attorney
________________________________
Mayor
1 CITY OF FAIRFIELD
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
March 3, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Harry T. Price Memorial Council Chamber
1000 Webster Street, Fairfield, CA 94533 or Via Zoom
_____________________________________________________________________
A. CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM
Mayor Catherine "Cat" Moy called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
B. ROLL CALL
On roll call were Councilmembers Doug Carr, Manveer Sandhu, Scott Tonnesen, and K.
Patrice Williams , Vice Mayor Pam Bertani, and Mayor Moy. Councilmember Doriss Panduro was absent.
C. INVOCATION - Michelle King, M.D of Freedom from Religion Foundation and the Satanic Temple
Dr. Michelle King of Freedom from Religion Foundation and the Satanic Temple gave an invocation.
D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
City Manager David Gassaway led the Pledge of Allegiance.
E. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Sandhu reported he attended the Soroptimist International of Central Solano County Hollywood Gala fundraiser at Green Valley Country Club on February 28.
The funds raised benefit the Soroptimist's commitment to improving the lives of women and girls through prog rams such as Live Your Dream Awards, PAL Teen Center, Assist -A- Grad Scholarships, literacy programs, and more. He also reported that due to the Iran War conflict, if you need to get on Travis Air Force Base for medical appointments, expect delays. The base is at a slightly heightened security threat currently. Mayor Moy stated that those with passes for TAFB cannot bring visitors during this time.
Vice Mayor thanked everyone for attending the council meeting. She reported that the Fairfield Clergy Action Network (CAN) met on February 24, and the guest speaker was City Manager Gassaway, who gave an informational presentation about the Measure P tax measure that will be placed on the November ballot for voters to decide. Next, she reported that the National D ay of Prayer is planned for Thursday, May 7, in Council
2 Chamber or outside if weather permits. Lastly, she requested the community to save the date for June 19 for a Juneteenth celebration that is returning to Fairfield this year.
Councilmember Carr had nothing to report.
Councilmember Tonnesen announced that a new coffee shop is coming to downtown Fairfield next month called "Hustle and Grind Coffee Company," located in the 700 block of Texas Street. He reported the State of the City event held on February 19 was very well attended, as was the Fire Department Employee Annual Awards held at the Downtown Theatre, which recognized employees for extraordinary service, including posthumously to Chris Bell, retired fire engineer, who died of job related cancer on November 4, 2025.
His widow accepted the award in his honor.
Councilmember Williams wished everyone a Happy Women's History Month and International Day of the Woman (which is March 8 -- also her birthday!), which is a reflection point for her each year about what goals she has accomplished, both personally and professionally. She said that she has grown immensely in her role as a councilmember.
She stated that the work is not always easy, but expressed that she is here to serve every resident, even those who disagree with her.
Mayor Moy reported that she and the Vice Mayor will start holding public town hall meetings for each district but open for all residents. Vice Mayor Bertani added that the first meeting will be held on Saturday, March 28, for District 1. Location to be determined.
F. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager David Gassaway had no report. He stated there were no changes to the agenda.
G. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
City Attorney David Lim reported on a settlement that was approved by the council during closed session on February 17, 2026, in the matter of Workers Compensation Appeals Board matter by Benjamin Losoya, Claim No. FFL2000045 (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9). A settlement was reached by the Workers Compensation Appeal s Board on February 23, 2026 (ADJ16010666). The full settlement amount can be found on the Workers Compensation Appeals Board website.
H. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
City Clerk Karen Rees had nothing to report.
I. PRESENTATIONS
I.1 Proclamation Declaring Red Cross Month Presented by Councilmember Scott Tonnesen
Councilmember Tonnesen presented a proclamation recognizing American Red Cross Month to Nanette McKnight Shamieh, local Red Cross volunteer and photographer.
3 March is American Red Cross Month in the North B ay and across the Northern California Coastal Region, honoring volunteers, donors, and community heroes.
J. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jared Preston, Jim Carr, Cynthia Apaka, Julie Baptista, Cordwainer Bird, and Vince Guisande spoke about the need for a park ranger i n Rockville Hills Regional Park and several maintenance issues in the park. Mayor Moy said she would speak to City Manager Gassaway as to when they can agendize the park situation at a future council meeting to address the issues and the lack of a ranger for the past three years.
Lavada Hall spoke about the unhoused and a NorthBay navigation center.
Marianne Butler spoke about the Solano Resource Conservation District - "2025 A Year in Review."
Patrick Williams spoke about California Forever and other matters.
Dr. Sam Morris spoke about NorthBay Church and a potential navigation center at 310 Beck Avenue.
EJ Johnson spoke about upcoming events at the Downtown Theatre.
K. CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no requests to speak on consent calendar. Vice Mayor Bertani made a motion to approve the consent calendar. Councilmember Carr seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously (6-0).
Moved by: Vice Mayor Bertani
Seconded by: Councilmember Carr
To approve the consent calendar.
Motion Carried
K.1 Resolution 2026-26 PW Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District Right-of-Entry Agreement for Lopes Road Lift Station Improvement Project Adopt resolution.
K.2 Resolution 2026-27 PW Nomination of City Staff as Region Board Member Adopt resolution.
K.3 Resolutions 2026-28 and 2026-29 PW Awarding Construction Contract for the Solano Irrigation District (SID) Dally Canal Unit South Improvement Project and Approving an Agreement with SID for Dally Canal Project Adopt resolutions.
4 K.4 Resolution 2026-30 PW Construction Contract for the HSIP Cycle 11 Unsignalized Intersection Visibility and Safety Improvements Project Adopt resolution.
K.5 Resolution 2026-31 HD Tenant Supportive Services Funding Contract Adopt resolution.
K.6 Resolution 2026-32 IT Microsoft Renewal with SHI International Corporation Adopt resolution.
L. NEW BUSINESS
L.1 Resolution 2026-33 CM 2026 Legislative Platform
Assistant to the City Manager Liz Aptekar gave a presentation, followed by Lobbyist Jason Gonsalves of Gonsalves & Son. There were no requests to speak on this item.
Vice Mayor Bertani made a motion to approve Resolution 2026 -33.
Councilmember Sandhu seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously (6-0).
Moved by: Vice Mayor Bertani
Seconded by: Councilmember Sandhu
Adopt resolution.
Motion Carried
L.2 Resolution 2026-34 HR Update Salary Schedule for CalPERS Reporting Purposes Human Resources Director and Assistant City Manager Farbod Pirouzmand gave a brief presentation. There were no requests to speak on this item.
Councilmember Tonnesen made a motion to approve Resolution 2026 -34.
Councilmember Sandhu seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously (6-0).
Moved by: Councilmember Tonnesen
Seconded by: Councilmember Sandhu
Adopt resolution.
Motion Carried
M. ADJOURN
Mayor Moy adjourned the meeting at 7:12 pm to Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 6 pm, Harry T. Price Memorial Council Chamber.
5 Mayor City Clerk
1 CITY OF FAIRFIELD
CLOSED SESSION MEETING
MINUTES
March 10, 2026, 4:30 p.m.
Harry T. Price Memorial Council Chamber
1000 Webster Street, Fairfield, CA 94533 or Via Zoom
_____________________________________________________________________
A. CALL TO ORDER 4:30 PM
Mayor Catherine " Cat" Moy called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
B. OPEN SESSION
C. 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.
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Joseph Joyce and Michael Jefferson spoke about the quo warranto process.
The public left the Council Chamber at 4:38 p.m.
E. CLOSED SESSION
F. PRESENTATIONS
F.1 Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2-4))
Present were Attorney Gary Winuk and City Manager David Gassaway. City Council directed outside legal counsel to conduct further investigation of mayor’s residency – the vote was 4-3 for that direction. The council directed the release of outside legal cou nsel’s initial report regarding the mayor’s residency (attached), the vote was 6-1 for that direction. The council placed a $25,000 cap on any further expenditures for outside legal counsel for further investigation of the mayor’s residency – the vote was 7-0 for that direction.
G. ADJOURN
Adjourned meeting at 7:10 p.m. to date/time Harry T. Price Memorial Council Chamber.
2 Mayor City Attorney
KAUFMAN LEGAL GROUP
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
777 S. Figueroa Street, Suite 4050 Los Angeles, CA 90017 ma in 213.452.6565 fax 213.452.6575 www.kaufmanlegalgroup.com
MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor and City Councilmembers
City of Fairfield
From: Gary S. Winuk, Outside Counsel
Kaufman Legal Group, APC
Re:
File No.:
Date:
Residency Status of Mayor Catherine Moy
COF6509.001
March 9, 2026
You have requested
advice regarding whether the evidence submitted to outside counsel about whether City of Fairfield (“City”) Mayor Catherine Moy meets the residency requirements articulated under State law to remain eligible to continue her term as Mayor and, if not, what remedies are available to the City Council.
Procedural Background
Outside counsel
was retained by the City of Fairfield in November 2025 to provide advice to the City Council and Mayor regarding the quo warranto process found in State law to potentially challenge the eligibility of Mayor Catherine Moy to continue to serve as Mayor of the City due to questions about her residency within the City limits. A closed session meeting of the City Council was scheduled and conducted on January 20, 2026, for outside counsel to provide a presentation on the residency requirements for elected officials contained in State law, and the quo warranto process for potential removal of a public official who no longer qualifies for their elected office.
At the conclusion of the closed session meeting, outside counsel was directed to gather relevant and verified information related to the residency of Mayor Moy. This information was to come from two sources. First, any member of the public, or any member of the Council, would be permitted to submit relevant and verified information to outside counsel via e-mail. To facilitate this process, a Proton e-mail account was set up by outside counsel to receive such information.
The date by which the public could send such information was February 4, 2026. To further solicit such information, an email was drafted for distribution by Councilmembers to anyone in the public with information, which included the Proton e-mail address and the February 4, 2026, deadline. No information was submitted to outside counsel’s Proton e-mail address either before or after (as of the date of this memorandum) the February 4 deadline.
Mayor Moy was also required to provide any relevant and verified information regarding her residency to outside counsel by February 4, 2026. Mayor Moy provided a packet of information, detailed below, by the February 4 deadline. Mayor Moy’s information was forwarded to outside counsel via overnight mail by the City staff.
Memorandum to City of Fairfield March 9, 2026 Page 2 Outside counsel was required to provide a draft of this memorandum to Mayor Moy by February 16, 2026. Outside counsel provided the draft memorandum on that date. Mayor Moy was then required to provide any comments or responses to the draft memorandum by February 27, 2026. Mayor Moy provided her comments on the draft memorandum by that date, On March 1, 2026, Council Member Williams sent an e-mail to City Attorney David Lim requesting that outside counsel review the candidate papers filed by Mayor Moy to run for County Supervisor in the 2026 election cycle. Mr. Lim sent this message to outside counsel the same day. This request for additional information was outside the February 4, 2026, deadline established by the City Council for the receipt of information. However, outside counsel requested Mayor Moy’s permission to access these records, in order to provide a more complete factual record. Mayor Moy granted her permission to the Registrar to provide the requested information, which greatly sped up the ability for outside counsel to obtain it. Outside counsel then spoke with the Registrar, who provided the relevant information via telephone. All relevant, verified information was included in the preparation of this memorandum. Relevant Legal Standard to Determine Residency The City of Fairfield is a General Law City. General Law Cities, as opposed to Charter Cities, are required to follow State statues, and may not adopt ordinances that are in conflict with the provisions of State law. Therefore, State law regarding the residency requirements of City elected officials, including the Mayor and City Councilmembers, must be followed, along with any Municipal ordinances that are not in conflict with State law. The City’s Municipal Code provides that Members of the City Council shall be elected “by District” as defined in California Government Code Section 34871. It also states that the Mayor shall be elected by a city-wide election of eligible voters residing in the City of Fairfield. Further, it states that “(a) person shall not be eligible to be elected to be a Member of the City Council unless he or she is otherwise qualified as required by law, resides in the geographical area making up the district from which he or she is nominated to be elected and is a registered voter of the City of Fairfield at the time nomination papers are issued to the candidate.” (Municipal Code Section 2A.03.) Government Code Section 34871 provides that “(t)he term “by districts” shall mean election of members of the legislative body by voters of the district alone. “Geographical area making up the district” is defined to mean the district, and in the case of elections from districts shall mean the entire city except with respect to the residence requirements imposed by Government Code Section 34882. Section 34882 states that “(a) person is not eligible to hold office as a member of a municipal legislative body unless he or she is otherwise qualified, resides in the district and both resided in the geographical area making up the district from which he or she is elected and was a registered voter of the city at the time nomination papers are issued to the candidate.”
Memorandum to City of Fairfield March 9, 2026 Page 3 Residency is also referred to in Government Code Section 36502. This Section, which identifies when a vacancy occurs in a local elected City office, provides that a person is not eligible to hold office as councilmember unless she is at the time of assuming the office an elector of the city, and was a registered voter of the city at the time nomination papers were issued to the candidate. It also states that “(i)f, during his or her term of office, he or she moves his or her place of residence outside of the city limits or ceases to be an elector of the city, his or her office shall immediately become vacant.” The Government Code provides certain “rules” for residency, as follows: (a) It is the place where one remains when not called elsewhere for labor or other special or temporary purpose, and to which he or she returns in seasons of repose. (b) There can only be one residence. (c) A residence cannot be lost until another is gained. (d) The residence of the parent with whom an unmarried minor child maintains his or her place of abode is the residence of such unmarried minor child. (e) The residence of an unmarried minor who has a parent living cannot be changed by his or her own act. (f) The residence can be changed only by the union of act and intent. (g) A married person shall have the right to retain his or her legal residence in the State of California notwithstanding the legal residence or domicile of his or her spouse. (Government Code Section 244.) Residency is further defined for voter registration purposes under Elections Code Section 349, which states that: “a) “Residence” for voting purposes means a person's domicile. (b) The domicile of a person is that place in which his or her habitation is fixed, wherein the person has the intention of remaining, and to which, whenever he or she is absent, the person has the intention of returning. At a given time, a person may have only one domicile.” (c) The residence of a person is that place in which the person's habitation is fixed for some period of time, but wherein he or she does not have the intention of remaining. At a given time, a person may have more than one residence. (Elections Code Section 349.) Both sections require the union of act and intent to determine residence. California courts and the Attorney General’s office have applied this basic principle when considering the residence of public officials. For example, courts have held that “[d]espite the fact that the terms residence and domicile are often used synonymously, residence is not a synonym for domicile, and its meaning in particular statutes is subject to differing construction, depending on the context and
Memorandum to City of Fairfield March 9, 2026 Page 4 purpose of the statute in which it is used. (Kirk v. Board of Regents (1969) 273 Cal. App. 2d 430, 434-435.) In Brown v. Happy Valley Fruit Growers, Inc., 206 Cal. 515, 520, the Court ruled that “The question of residence is largely dependent upon the intent of the person whose residence is the subject of inquiry.” Similarly, in Chambers v. Hathaway, (1921) 187 Cal. 104, 105, the Court found that “Where a person has two dwellings in different places and resides a part of his time in one place and a part of the time in another alternatively, the question which of the two places is his legal residence is almost altogether a question of his intent. If a party has two residences, that will be esteemed his domicile which he himself selects or deems to be his home, or which appears to be the center of his affairs, or where he votes or exercises the rights and duties of a citizen." In interpreting the term “residency” found in Government Code Section 244, the California State Supreme Court has ruled that the term "residence" as used in section 244 means "legal residence" or "domicile." (Walters v. Weed (1988) 45 Cal.3d 1, 7; Smith v. Smith (1955) 45 Cal.2d 235, 239; see also Fenton v. Board of Directors (1984) 156 Cal.App.3d 1107, 1113.) The test for determining a person's domicile is physical presence coupled with an intention to make that place his or her permanent home. (Fenton v. Board of Directors, supra, 156 Cal.App.3d at 116.) A domicile, once acquired, continues until it is shown that a new domicile has been acquired. (DiMiglio v. Machore (1992) 4 Cal.App.4th 1260, 1268.) The Attorney General’s office has opined on this issue as well. In 72 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 8, (1989), the Attorney General’s office stated that: ". . . While the question of domicile is a mixed question of law and fact, many factors enter into the equation, including where an individual is registered to vote and his or her address for mail, where tax returns are filed, where an automobile is registered, and where a homeowner's exemption or renter's credit is taken. However, the critical element is that of intent. While declarations of intent are significant, they are not determinative. The acts must be examined as well." (Id., at p. 14.) In short, the determination of residency is a very fact specific question. It must be undertaken with an eye towards determining the public official’s intent, when matched with the factual scenario presented. Relevant factors in other cases that have either been pursued criminally or civilly, have included: voter registration; address for mail; where tax returns are filed; where an automobile is registered; where children go to school; where the public official spends their time; and where a homeowner's exemption or renter's credit is taken. Again, however, this is not an exhaustive list, and other facts may help to determine intent.
Memorandum to City of Fairfield March 9, 2026 Page 5 Residency Facts As mentioned previously, the only facts that were provided to outside counsel were those provided by Mayor Moy, and those provided by the County Registrar. Thus, these are the only facts that were considered in making the outside counsel’s finding. No outside research was conducted by the outside counsel, with two exceptions. First, the residency addresses provided by the Mayor was searched online to: (1) confirm that they were within the boundaries of the City of Fairfield and (2) view an online picture of the Mayor’s stated current residence on Google to confirm that it was an apartment building and appeared to be currently occupied and not an abandoned property. Second, in response to Councilmember Williams’ request for outside counsel to review the relevant information contained in Mayor Moy’s County Supervisor candidate paperwork, outside counsel obtained the residence disclosed by Mayor Moy in those documents. The Mayor provided outside counsel several documents and a cover letter that were related to three properties. All properties are located within the City boundaries of the City of Fairfield. In the Mayor’s response to outside counsel’s draft report, the only comment provided by the Mayor requested outside counsel to protect the confidentiality of her property addresses to the greatest extent possible. Therefore, the properties are referred to in this memorandum as “Property One,” “Property Two,” and “Property Three.” Further discussion regarding the specific location of these properties can be had, at the Council’s discretion, during the closed session meeting on March 10, 2026. However, the Council should exercise caution with this information, given the Brown Act’s restrictions on the release of information obtained during a Council’s closed session meeting. For Property One, the Mayor states that this she and her husband owned this property and it was her residence at the time she became a candidate for Mayor. She states that this property was vacated by her and her husband in 2025. In support of this contention, the Mayor provided three utility bills (two with her name and one with Ken Moy’s name) from November and December 2022 that reflect the address she provided for Property One. Property One is located within the City of Fairfield. Property Two has been owned by the Mayor since 2001 and is described by her as an investment property. She states that she rents this property to tenants and does not and has not resided there during the relevant period of 2022 through present. However, the property has a walnut farm which she and her family maintain. She has also spent some nights there in an office space she and her husband built for her husband’s business and have held family functions and parties there through the present day. The Mayor states that she does much of her business there, but it is not her residence. In support of this the Mayor provided tax documents from 2023 and 2024, including Supplemental Income and Loss statements reflecting the status of the property as not being her residence. The Mayor states that she pays insurance rates and loan rates consistent with the property being used as a commercial space. Further, the Mayor provided a copy of her 2024 Statement of Economic Interests (“SEI”), which discloses the property on Schedule B, along with the required tenant and rental income disclosures. Primary residences are not disclosable on
Memorandum to City of Fairfield March 9, 2026 Page 6 SEIs, only other properties such as investment properties located within the City’s boundaries, or two miles outside the City’s boundaries. No other properties were disclosed on her 2024 SEI. Property Three is where the Mayor states that she resides and is her domicile. It is located within the City of Fairfield. Mayor Moy states that, when vacating Property One, her family had intended to purchase a condominium within the City of Fairfield. However, economic conditions were not favorable to a purchase, so she and her family moved in with a family member at Property Three. She states that many of the family’s possessions are in a storage container that they rent that is currently located on Property Two. A receipt for the cost of this rental was provided by the Mayor in support of this contention. The Mayor states that she intends to purchase another property in Fairfield as her next residence and intends to remain a resident of Fairfield. She further states that she purposely chose to stay with the family member on Property Three because that family member resides in Fairfield, which reflect her intent to remain in the City and continue to be eligible for the office of Mayor. She also provided confirmation of her voter registration at Property Three, and a document from the City of Fairfield that indicates she receives correspondence from the City at that address and has notified the City that this is her residence. The County Registrar also confirmed that this was the address that Mayor Moy declared as her residence in her candidate paperwork for County Supervisor. Last, the Mayor states her unequivocal intent to remain a resident of the City of Fairfield. Outside Counsel’s Determination of Residency Outside counsel makes this determination based solely on the facts presented. While there may or may not be other relevant facts that exist, counsel can only consider the relevant and verified information presented, per the instructions of the City Council at the January 20, 2026, closed session meeting. Note that Counsel is not aware of any other relevant facts related to the topic. Consideration of the potential removal from office of a public official is a serious topic that should be handled with care. The California Supreme Court has recognized this. In Carter v. Com. on Qualifications etc., (1939) 14 Cal.2d 179, 182, the court held that: “[T]he right to hold public office, either by election or appointment, is one of the valuable rights of citizenship . . . The exercise of this right should not be declared prohibited or curtailed except by plain provisions of law. Ambiguities are to be resolved in favor of eligibility to office. . . ." Here the facts presented weigh clearly in favor of determining that Mayor Moy is a resident of the City of Fairfield and has been so continuously since her election in 2022. She has provided unrefuted evidence to support that her residence was at Property One in Fairfield from 2022 through 2025. She further provided unrefuted evidence that her current residence is at Property Three, and that she has resided there from the time she left Property One through the present.
Memorandum to City of Fairfield March 9, 2026 Page 7 As noted previously, the confluence of fact and intent must be used to determine residency. Here, the Mayor has stated her unequivocal intent to remain a resident of the City of Fairfield. This intent is matched with all the available facts to make the determination. The Mayor is registered to vote at Property Three, has provided the City that address as her residence, and receives her City correspondence there. Further, there is no evidence in the record to support the contention that she lives anywhere else. Absent any evidence whatsoever that she maintains her residence outside the City of Fairfield, the only conclusion that can be drawn from the record presented is that the Mayor resides in Fairfield, has done so for many years, and permanently intends to remain as a resident of the City, where she is domiciled. Options for City Council Outside counsel does not believe there currently is evidence to support a finding that the Mayor is not a resident of the City of Fairfield. However, the ultimate decision of how to proceed lies with the City Council. Therefore, the City has the following options available to it: 1. Close the matter. The Council may deem the outside counsel’s report and findings sufficient to resolve the issue and take no further action. 2. Direct further investigation of the issue by outside counsel or another party to gather additional relevant information. The City has the authority to investigate the residency of one of its members and take action consistent with the factual findings. 3. Seek a quo warranto action from the Attorney General. As described at the January 20, 2026, closed session meeting, the Council has the authority to vote to request the Attorney General to give the City the ability to file a civil lawsuit to challenge Mayor Moy’s residency status and eligibility for office. It is outside counsel’s recommendation that further investigation be undertaken before such a submission, as it is likely to be rejected by the Attorney General’s office based on the current factual record. 4. Declare a vacancy in the Mayor’s elected office. Government Code Section 36502 states that, if, during her term of office, a public official moves her place of residence outside of the city limits or ceases to be an elector of the city, her office shall immediately become vacant. The City Council could vote to declare a vacancy and could then fill the vacant seat with a special election or appointment. There is some legal question as to whether this can be used to remove a public official where the residency issue occurs during the public official’s term (rather than at the time of nomination) (See 79 Ops. Cal. Atty. Gen. 21.). It is outside counsel’s recommendation that further investigation be undertaken before such an action is taken, as the current factual record does not support declaring a vacancy based on the residency issue.
1 CITY OF FAIRFIELD CITY COUNCIL
CLOSED SESSION MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026; 5:00 PM
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM
1000 WEBSTER STREET, 4TH FLOOR, FAIRFIELD, CA 94533
OR VIA ZOOM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Catherine “Cat” Moy called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. City Attorney David Lim called roll.
Councilmember Doug Carr - Present
Councilmember Doriss Panduro - Present via Zoom per Government Code 54953.8.3(c)(1), caregiving need of parent (5:05 PM); Councilmember Panduro made all necessary disclosures per Government Code 54953.8.3
Councilmember Manveer Sandhu - Present
Councilmember Scott Tonnesen - Present
Councilmember K. Patrice Williams - Present
Vice Mayor Pam Bertani - Present
Mayor Cat Moy - Present
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Nora Dizon spoke regarding item F.4. and urged the City Council to give clearer information to City residents.
The City Council went into closed session on the following items with the listed people present:
F.1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Government Code 54956.8) Property: 5055 Peabody Road (APN 0166-110-390)
Agency negotiator(s): Sanjay Mishra, Ryan Panganiban, John Almazan Negotiating parties: 5055 Peabody LLC
Under negotiation: Price and Terms of Acquisition by City
Present were City Attorney David Lim, C ity Manager David Gassaway, Assistant City Manager Farbod Pirouzmand, Public Works Director Sanjay Mishra, Assistant Public Works Director Ryan Panganiban, and attorney Mane Khachatryan.
F.2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Government Code 54956.8) Property: 5051 Peabody Road (APN 0166-110-410)
Agency negotiator(s): Sanjay Mishra, Ryan Panganiban, John Almazan Negotiating parties: James A. Ewing, Trustee of the Velma J. Ewing Trust dated November 10, 2010
Under negotiation: Price and Terms of Acquisition by City
2 Present were City Attorney David Lim, City Manager David Gassaway, Assistant City Manager /Human Resources Director Farbod Pirouzmand, Public Works Director Sanjay Mishra, Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Ryan Panganiban, and attorney Mane Khachatryan.
F.3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(1)
Name of case: DAVID THACKER v. CITY OF FAIRFIELD, COUNTY OF SOLANO, and DOES 1-10.
Solano County Superior Court case number CU23-03108
Present were City Attorney David Lim, City Manager David Gassaway , and Assistant City Manager/Human Resources Director Farbod Pirouzmand.
F.4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2)-(4))
One Potential Case: Review and Legal Analysis of Citizen Requests for Refunds Regarding Landscape, Lighting and Maintenance Districts
Present were City Attorney David Lim, City Manager David Gassaway, Assistant City Manager/Human Resources Director Farbod Pirouzmand, Public Works Director Sanjay Mishra , and Senior Manager Analyst Chris Lewis.
The City Council came out of closed session.
City Attorney David Lim announced continuance of Item F.4. at an open general meeting of the City Council for April 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.
Mayor Moy adjourned the meeting at 6:15 p.m.
______________________________
City Attorney
________________________________
Mayor
1 CITY OF FAIRFIELD
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
March 17, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Harry T. Price Memorial Council Chamber
1000 Webster Street, Fairfield, CA 94533 or Via Zoom
_____________________________________________________________________
A. CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM
Mayor Catherine "Cat" Moy called the meeting to order at 6:29 pm. The late start was due to closed session prior to council meeting.
B. ROLL CALL
On roll call were Councilmembers Doug Carr, Manveer Sandhu, Scott Tonnesen, K. Patrice Williams, Vice Mayor Pam Bertani, and Mayor Moy. Councilmember Doriss Panduro was absent.
C. INVOCATION - Pastor Vernon Burroughs of Community United Methodist Church Pastor Vernon Burroughs of Community United Methodist Church gave an invocation.
D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
City Clerk Karen Rees led the Pledge of Allegiance.
E. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Sandhu reported he celebrated the installation of the 2026‐2027 Officers of The Filipino‐American Community of Fairfield, Suisun & Vacaville! It was great witnessing the installation officiated by Chief Dan Marshall and he congratulated President Robert Basa. Next, he shared that he attended the 2026 CivicWell Policymakers Conference in Yosemite March 12 ‐15, 2026. He reported he will attend the State of the Base at Travis Air Force Base and former Councilmember Jack Batson's memorial service on March 20.
Vice Mayor Bertani reported that the Fairfield Clergy Action Network (CAN) will hold it's monthly meeting on March 24 at 3 pm in the Vista Conference Room at the Community Center. They will discuss the National Prayer Day event on May 7 in the Council Chamber and coordination of the Juneteenth event on June 19, 4 ‐7 pm on the County Green. She reported that she will hold a "Public Table" event to talk to residents on March 28 at the Cordelia Library from 10 am to noon. Lastly, she thanked everyone involved in the delicious crab feed she attended in Rancho Solano over the weekend.
2 Councilmember Carr spoke about several upcoming events. He encouraged people to attend the next Homeless Roundtable hosted by the Homeless Services Division on April 22 at 10 am in Willow Hall (Community Center). HSD will also host the next Homeless Outreach Partnership Event (HOPE) on May 6 at Liberty Church. Em ail [email protected] for more information. The monthly JPA CAP Solano meeting is happening on Thursday, March 26, 6:30 pm at the County Event Center. They are accepting applications for the Lived Experience Advisory Board.
Councilmember Tonnesen had nothing to report.
Councilmember Williams attended Holi 2026: Festival of Colors in Cordelia Park on March 15, organized by Bharatiya Heritage Foundation and Fairfield Hindu Temple. She also attended the ribbon cutting for Indian Mart on March 4 at 955 Olive r Road and the Women's HOPE at NorthBay Health on colorectal cancer awareness, now the second leading cause of cancer deaths in people under age 50. Lastly, she invited the community to attend her Meet & Greet event on March 30, 12 ‐2 pm, at the Cordelia Library at 5050 Business Center Drive.
Mayor Moy shared that Jack Batson's memorial service on March 20 will be held at Rockville Presbyterian Church at 2 pm, 4177 Suisun Valley Road for those wishing to pay their respects. She attended a Craft and Resource Fair fundraiser for Sacramento Valley National Cemetery’s Avenue of Flags on March 7 in Vacaville. She was invited by a new company in Fairfield, B. Marin Candle Company.
Lastly, she spoke about Fairfield ‐Suisun Sewer District, who are proposing sewer rate increases to address infrastructure needs, with a public hearing scheduled for April 27, 2026. A proposed residential rate of $54.91 per month is slated for July 1, 2026, with continued rate increases over the next five years. Property owners can submit w ritten protests before the April 27, 2026 hearing to oppose the rate increases. Visit www.fairfieldsuisunsewer.ca.gov.
F. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager David Gassaway had nothing to report. No changes to the agenda.
G. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
City Att orney David Lim reported on closed session of March 17, 2026 on Item F.4 Conference with Legal Counsel ‐ Anticipated Litigation (Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)‐(4) ‐ Review and Legal Analysis of Citizen Requests for Refunds regarding Landscape, Lighting, and Maintenance Districts. Council voted 7 ‐0 to place this item on the April 21, 2026, regular council meeting agenda.
H. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
City Clerk Rees shared that she does not plan to run again in November of 2028 when her term is up. She sugg ested that the elected clerk become an appointed position, which means it must be put on the November 2026 ballot for the voters to decide. It cannot be
3 put on the ballot the same year the seat is open. Elections only happen in even ‐years so it must appear in 2026. She has been the clerk for 12 years; appointed initially, then elected in 2016, 2020, and 2024. She has run unopposed every time so feels that it must become an appointed position. She asked that it be agendized in the future and the mayor agreed.
I. PRESENTATIONS
I.1 Proclamation and Poem Declaring Women's History Month Presented Councilmember Doriss Panduro and Poet Laureate Michael Wyly Vice Mayor Bertani presented a proclamation in recognition of Women's History Month to the Daughters of the A merican Revolution Chief Solano Chapter, who attended in period costumes from the 1900s and the 1800s. Fairfield Poet Laureate Michael Wyly then read his original poem, entitled "Camille's Signature." I.2 Proclamation Declaring Education and Sharing Day Presented by Mayor Catherine "Cat" Moy
Mayor Cat Moy presented a proclamation to Rabbi Chaim Zaklos of Chabad of Solano County to celebrate Education and Sharing Day, which happens on March 29, 2026 this year. Education and Sharing Day is a day established b y the United States Congress in honor of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. It calls for increased focus on education, and recognizes the lifelong efforts of the Rebbe for education.
J. PUBLIC COMMENTS
EJ Johnson spoke about upcoming events at the Downtown Theatre and thanked Council for supporting the arts.
Monica Brown spoke about the quo warranto process regarding Mayor Moy.
K. CONVENE JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND HOUSING AUTHORITY Joint meeting of the City Council and Housing Authorit y was called to order at 7:19 pm.
There were no requests to speak. Councilmember Tonnesen made a motion to approve the HA consent calendar. Councilmember Carr seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimouosly 6‐0.
L. HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR
Joint meeting of the City Council and Housing Authority was called to order at 7:19 pm.
L.1 Resolution HA2026-01 HD Ohio Street Lease Renewal Agreement Between the Fairfield Housing Authority and Change and New Beginnings There were no requests to speak. Councilmember Tonnesen made a motion to approve Resolution HA2026 ‐01. Councilmember Carr seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously (6‐0).
4 Moved by: Councilmember Tonnesen
Seconded by: Councilmember Carr
Adopt resolution.
Motion Carried
M. RECONVENE MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
The meeting of the City Council reconvened at 7:21 p.m.
N. CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no requests to speak. Vice Mayor Bertani made a motion to approve the consent calendar. Mayor Moy seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously (6‐ 0).
Moved by: Vice Mayor Bertani
Seconded by: Mayor Moy
To approve the consent calendar.
Motion Carried
N.1 CM Approval of Meeting Minutes for February 2026
Approve the meeting minutes.
N.2 Resolution 2026-35 CM Conflict of Interest Code Update 2026 Adopt resolution.
N.3 Resolution 2026-36 CD 2025 Annual Progress Reports
Adopt resolution.
N.4 Resolution 2026-37 PW Canon Station Planning Area 5 – Neighborhood A & B Improvements Acceptance
Adopt resolution.
N.5 Resolution 2026-38 PW Canon Station Planning Area 5 – Neighborhood C Improvements Acceptance
Adopt resolution.
N.6 Resolution 2026-39 PW Purchase and Install Shop Doors for Fleet Adopt resolution.
N.7 Resolution 2026-40 PW Consenting to the Termination of an Existing Private Access and Utility Easement
5 Adopt resolution.
N.8 Resolution 2026-41 PW Budget Adjustment for Robbieburr Berger Park - 2030 N. Texas Street Recreation Center Project
Adopt resolution.
N.9 Resolution 2026-42 HD Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP) Application Adopt resolution.
O. NEW BUSINESS
O.1 CD Presentation of Draft 2026 Build Fee Study Update Chief Building Official Jeff Thomas gave a presentation. There were no requests to speak. Council gave direction to bring the proposed fees back to Council on April 7, 2026 for discussion.
P. ADJOURN
Mayor Moy adjourned the meeting at 7:41 p.m. to Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 6 pm, Harry T.
Price Memorial Council Chamber.
Mayor City Clerk
Agenda Item No: K.2
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: April 21, 2026
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: David Gassaway, City Manager
SUBJECT: CM Minute Action Approving City Facility Naming to Honor Chris Bell
Funding Source: N/A
Contact: Esther Beavers, (707) 428-7402
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve City facility naming to honor Chris Bell.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
The City Council is being asked to approve the Honors Committee's recommendation to name the new Fire Station 36, “The Chris Bell Memorial Fire Station 36,” a former Fairfield Fire Department Fire Engineer who passed away due to occupational cancer.
DISCUSSION
The applicant listed above is recommended for naming Fire Station 36 by the Honors Committee, which consists of two councilmembers (Councilmembers Doug Carr and Manveer Sandhu) that the mayor appoints annually. T he recommendations were submitted to Mayor Catherine "Cat" Moy for consideration.
Mayor Moy agreed with the recommendations provided.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
N/A
PUBLIC CONTACT/ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATION
N/A
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
The council may choose not to approve the application for naming City facilities.
COORDINATED WITH
Fire Department
STAFF CONTACT
Esther Beavers, Deputy City Clerk
(707) 428-7402
[email protected]
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 2: Policy for Naming City Facilities, Donations, Sponsorships, and Capital Campaigns Attachment 3: Application – Bell
Attachment 4: Chris Bell Newspaper Article
Adopted on July 15, 2025
City of Fairfield
POLICY FOR NAMING CITY FACILITIES, DONATIONS, SPONSORSHIPS, AND CAPITAL
CAMPAIGNS
POLICY PURPOSE
This Policy establishes the process and criteria for the consideration of requests for naming of City facilities, the process and criteria for the consideration and acceptance of donations, the process and criteria associated with sponsorships, and the establishment of capital campaigns.
POLICY STATEMENT – NAMING OF CITY FACILITIES
It is the policy of the City to provide a process for consideration of the naming of City facilities. As used in this policy and for the purposes of naming, “facility” or “facilities” shall include all City -owned infrastructure such as streets, parks, buildings, or portions of those facilities.
New facilities, additions to existing facilities, or facilities that have been or are to be restored/repaired substantially are eligible for naming.
The City shall review naming rights on all its facilities every ten (10) years.
The type, design, size, font, wording, placement, and other similar components of plaques, monuments, signs, etc. installed or placed at City facilities shall be approved by the City Manager (or designee) and align with the City’s style guide.
Pursuant to Government Code §34092, whenever the name of any street, park, or place is adopted or established by City authority, the City Clerk shall promptly forward a copy of the resolution, order, or other instrument providing for such new name or change of name or house number to the Solano County Board of Supervisors.
Naming Process
The process for naming a public facility will be as follows:
A. Timing of Naming. Facilities may be named at any time that the City Council declares by resolution an application period is open; these periods may be aligned to a capital campaign, the receipt of a donation, the City receiving correspondence of a pending donation, or at any other time at the discretion of the City Council. For specific projects, the Council may approve a prescribed donation amount required for a naming to be approved.
B. Application Submittal. A naming application shall be submitted to the City Manager’s Office. The City Manager’s Office may prescribe the form and necessary components of the application, which may change over time or to best match each particular request.
C. Application Review. The City Manager’s Office shall review the application and determine if it is complete and consistent with this Policy. Applications determined by the City Manager’s Office to be incomplete, without sufficient support, without sufficient justification, or that are otherwise inconsistent with this Policy will be returned to the applicant together with a written explanation for the return. An applicant may submit a new application with each naming application period.
D. Review by City Council. If an application is determined to be complete and consistent with the City Council’s stated goals for a facility naming, the application materials will be given to the City Council Honors Committee for its review . Should the Honors Committee decide the application has its recommendation for City Council approval, staff will prepare a report and City Council will give final approval for City facility naming. All naming decisions shall be at the sole discretion of City Council.
Naming Criteria
Priorities in order of importance to be considered in naming City Facilities shall be as follows:
Adopted on July 15, 2025
A. Historic Names. Names of historic events, groups, organizations, or persons at the local, regional, national, or global level of major significance with special consideration given to Fairfield’s own history.
B. Places and Feature Names.
1. Recognizable area of neighborhood, e.g. “Rolling Hills.” Names that aid in locating a facility are acceptable. If the facility is located on a park or school site the facility need not share the name of the park or school site.
2. Assumed Names. Assumed names should be used only if the area has been known by that assumed name for an extended period of time, e.g. the “Cordelia” area.
3. Theme Names. If a facility is located in an area with a specific theme, due consideration should be given to that theme.
4. Natural Phenomena. Natural phenomena, such as rivers, creeks, and terrain.
5. Horticultural Features. Horticultural features characteristics of a particular area.
6. Combination of the above.
C. Individuals, Groups, or Organizations . The following criteria will be used in evaluating the use of names of persons (whether living or deceased), groups, and organizations.
1. General Criteria. Names of groups, organizations, or persons, having a longstanding affiliation with the City of not less than ten (10) or more years of significant community service, involvement, investment, or contributions beyond the ordinary interest level where efforts have:
a. Enhanced the quality of life and well-being of City residents; b. Contributed to the preservation of the City’s history or culture; c. Made exemplary or meritorious contributions to the City or its residents; and/or d. Contributed to the acquisition, development, or conveyance of land, buildings, structures, or other amenities to the City or community.
2. Groups or Organizations. Facilities may be named after groups or organizations pursuant to the General Criteria.
3. Deceased Persons. To be considered for a naming opportunity, the individual must have been deceased for at least twenty-four (24) months. Such individuals may include:
a. Historic persons.
b. National and/or local heroes. Those who have given outstanding service to humankind or who have worked over and above any ordinary interest level. A resident of Fairfield who has attained local, state, national, or global recognition for work in parks and recreation, public safety, public health, or other public service endeavor, as appropriate to the facility, would be highly acceptable.
c. City facilities may be named for former employees, former City Council members, or former City Council appointees to City Boards or Commissions. d. Only one facility may be named in honor of an individual. City Council has the discretion to grant an exception to this clause.
4. Living Persons. Facilities will not be named after living persons unless associated with a capital campaign or allowed by City Council when accepting naming rights applications. City Council has the discretion to grant an exception to this clause.
5. Private Enterprise. Facilities will not be named after a private enterprise unless associated with a capital campaign or allowed by City Council when accepting naming rights applications.
In addition, the following names should be avoided:
- Cumbersome, corrupted or modified names, profane, discriminatory or derogatory names relating to age, race, religion, creed, national origin, sex, color, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or similar categories.
- Names that cause confusion due to duplication or that sound too similar to existing named locations within the City or surrounding areas.
- Names of businesses whose business is substantially derived from the sale of tobacco, firearms, pornography, products or services illegal in the state of California, or other products and services considered unsuitable or inappropriate.
Adopted on July 15, 2025
- The re-use of former facility names other than for a reconstruction of the same facility in the same location.
- Names that would result in the over t commercialization of City facilities unless in conjunction with a substantial subsidy of construction and/or improvement costs. - Names that are overly recognized, either within the City or region.
Naming Costs
All costs of plaques, monuments, signs and the like resulting from naming will be borne by the individual, group, or organization requesting the name. The City may require a deposit of funds if the object being named will need sustained and/or significant maintenance during its useful lifespan.
POLICY STATEMENT – DONATIONS
It is the policy of the City to provide a process of consideration of donations. As used in this policy, “donations” refer to certain tangible objects such as benches, trees, cars, or artwork and/or the financial means for the city to acquire, maintain, restore, and/or renovate such objects as well as the maintenance, restoration, and/or renovation of City facilities. There is no expectation of an equal exchange of recognition or benefits commensurate with the value of the donation and there are no naming opportunities associated with the donation, although the City as its sole discretion may wish to recognize the donor or donor’s honoree at a City Council meeting and/or with a commemorative plaque at the location of the donation.
Donation Process
A. Application. A donation application shall be submitted to the City Manager’s Office. The City Manager’s Office may prescribe the form and necessary components of the application, which may change over time or to best match each particular request.
B. Review of Application. The City Manager’s Office shall review the application and determine if it is complete and consistent with this Policy . The City Manager’s Office will coordinate such review with or through another city department or departments ben efitting from the donation. The City Manager’s Office will return applications determined to be incomplete or inconsistent with this Policy together with written explanation. The applicant may resubmit the application at any time up to a total of two times with new or additional information or correct the insufficiencies.
C. Acceptance of Donations. The City Manager’s Office may accept the donation if it is determined to be in compliance with this Policy and as long as the donation also complies with other applicable city or state laws governing gifts and donations. At the City Manager’s discretion, staff may present a recommendation about a particular donation to the City Council to make the final determination to accept or reject a donation. The City reserves the right to reject any offer of donation, if, upon review, acceptance of the donation is determined not to be in the best interest of the City.
Donation Acceptance Criteria
Appropriate City staff will review the acceptability of any donation and determine if the benefits to be derived warrant acceptance of the donation. Criteria for evaluation may include but are no limited to:
- The desirability or need for the donation.
- An analysis of any visual, functional, or land use impact of the donation. - An analysis of the make, model, or proposed use and/or location of the donation. - Consideration of any immediate or initial expenditure required of the City in order to accept the donation.
- The potential and extent of the City’s obligation to maintain the property or item donated, and the City’s available resources to do so now and in the future. - Whether the donation includes sufficient funding for installation and/or maintenance. - The community benefit derived from the donation.
Donations will not be accepted from:
- Companies that substantially derived from the sale of tobacco, firearms, pornography, products or services illegal in the state of California, or other products and services considered unsuitable or inappropriate.
Adopted on July 15, 2025
- Companies that substantially derive their income from the sale of alcohol and/or legal cannabis products when the donation is primarily for programs, events, or similar settings or occasions where the target audience is youth.
- Any entity that will create a conflict of interest with the City. - Any entity that is involved in a lawsuit/litigation with the City or an instrumentality thereof. - Any entity that is engaged in any state of negotiation with the City which might otherwise conflict with the donation process.
Following the Acceptance of Donations
Upon acceptance of donations, the City will assume ownership, control , and maintenance of any donation unless otherwise specified in a written agreement between the City and the donor. The City shall not be obligated to retain, repair, or replace any donated object that is damaged or destroyed for any reason, such as by vandalism, theft, the effects of weather or time, or, in the case of live plants, if they die. The City reserves the right to remove and/or relocate any donated object at any time. However, if a donated object(s) needs to be removed and is in acceptable condition, the City will mak e a reasonable attempt to relocate the object(s), if a need for such object(s) exists at another City facility or, if no City facility is appropriate, the City will make a reasonable attempt to return it. When acknowledging donations, the acknowledgement language and signage shall conform to the relevant portions of the Naming of City Facilities section of this Policy. Additionally, plaques, benches, trees, and other donated objects are not intended to be a place of worship or an official gathering place.
POLICY STATEMENT – SPONSORSHIPS
It is the policy of the City to provide a process for sponsorships . As used in this Policy, “sponsorships” are the financial, service, or in- kind contributions that will increase the City’s ability to deliver services, programs, scholarships, special events, other similar non- tangible elements, equipment, and/or infrastructure that further enhance, promote, and/or support the goals of the City.
The City may offer sponsorship opportunities from time- to-time and may offer a mutually agreeable exchange of benefits with exception that no Naming Rights of Facilities or tangible items covered by capital campaigns may result from sponsorships. With the approval of City Council, sponsorships may result in a named scholarship or program that is designed to last five or more years. For named scholarships or programs lasting fewer than five years, the process below may be followed without City Council approval.
Sponsorship Process
With the approval of the City Manager, City staff may enter into customized, written sponsorship agreements with willing sponsors and provide sponsors with a level of benefit that is commensurate with their contribution. Types of sponsor benefits may include but are not limited to:
- Publicity including the display of a sponsor’s logo through City publications, the website, newsletters, flyers, brochures, and/or media releases.
- Marketing opportunities at the special events or program sites. - Tangible benefits such as event admission or commemorative items such as plaques, a framed picture, or program or event shirts.
- Acknowledgement on printed materials such as event programs or recreation catalogues. - Signage including the possibility of the inclusion of an individual’s name of company name and logo on a fixed site for the period of time detailed in the sponsorship agreement. The following limitations apply to signage.
o Allowed signage and recognition displays details, including type, location, size, design, content and duration of display is at the sole discretion of the City and will be a component of the sponsorship agreement.
o Words or characters likely to interfere with or mislead pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic, i.e. “stop,” “drive,” and “danger” are prohibited.
o Reference or depiction of any obscene act, gesture, or word is prohibited. o Depictions of the use of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and/or firearms are prohibited. o Decision for signage placement will be performed with input from the relevant program/facility manager.
Sponsorship Criteria
Adopted on July 15, 2025
- The City reserves the right to reject or terminat e sponsorship agreements if, upon review, acceptance or continuance of the sp onsorship is determined not to be in the best interest of the City or if the sponsor violates any terms of the agreement. - Sponsorship agreements will be for a defined period of time. - The City shall not be obligated to continue a program, event, or scholarship beyond the parameters of any written agreement.
- Recognition of a sponsor shall not suggest in any way the endorsement of the sponsor’s goods or services.
- Sponsorships shall not be made conditional based on the City’s performance or actions or the performance of an event, program, etc.
- Individual sponsors will not limit the City’s ability to seek other sponsors unless mutually agreed upon by the City and the sponsor.
- Sponsors are prohibited from unauthorized use of the City’s name or brand. - Sponsorships will not be accepted from:
o Companies that substantially derived from the sale of tobacco, firearms, pornography, products or services illegal in the state of California, or other products and services considered unsuitable or inappropriate.
o Companies that substantially derive their income from the sale of alcohol and/or legal cannabis products when the sponsorship is primarily for programs, events, or similar settings or occasions where the target audience is youth. o Any entity that will create a conflict of interest with the City. o Any entity that is involved in a lawsuit/litigation with the City or an instrumentality thereof. o Any entity that is engaged in any state of negotiation with the City which might otherwise conflict with the donation process.
o Any religious and/or political organization.
POLICY STATEMENT – CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS
It is the policy of the City to provide a process for capital campaigns.
The City may conduct capital campaigns from time-to-time to raise funds for City facilities as defined in the Naming portion of this Policy or for tangible objects with City facilities such as furniture, fixtures, appliances, scoreboards, playground equipment, and the like.
Capital campaigns or portions of capital campaigns that will result in the naming of new ly constructed , renovated, or to be renovated/repaired facilities as defined in the Naming portion of this Policy, portions of facilities newly constructed, renovated, or to be renovated such as definable spaces, rooms, and/or wings of a structure shall follow the Naming portion of this Policy at the conclusion of the capital campaign.
Capital campaigns or portions of capital campaigns that will result in the acquisition of tangible objects for City facilities will be designed and managed at staff level in accordance with all other State laws and City policies. Contributions may be accepted in accordance with all other components of this Policy including, but not limited to, limitations of allowed contributors and recognition of contributors.
The City reserves the right to reject or return funds offered during capital campaigns if, upon review, acceptance of the contribution is determined not to be in the best interest of the City.
Commemorative Dedication and Name
Application for City Facilities
Refer to the City of Fairfield’s “Policy for Naming City Facilities, Donations, Sponsorships, and Capital Campaigns”
Applicant Information
Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________________________ Proposed Name of Street / Facility: ________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Location / Property Description of Street / Facility: ___________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Classification of Proposed Name (check all that apply):