CITY OF FAIRFIELD
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
July 7, 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 Rick Vaccaro called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
On roll call were Councilmembers Doug Carr, Doriss Panduro, Manveer Sandhu, Scott Tonnesen, and K. Patrice Williams, Vice Mayor Pam Bertani, and Mayor Vaccaro.
C. INVOCATION - Pastor Jeff Hood of First Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Hood of First Baptist Church gave an invocation.
D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Sandhu led the Pledge of Allegiance.
E. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Williams reported that she attended the Solano County Ministerial Alliance Community Healing & Unity Town Hall led by Pastor William Harris on July 1.
Discussion topics included promoting accountability and trust, public safety and violence prevention, mental health and community healing, and more. Next, she reported that a Kids 707 Day is happening on July 11 at Laurel Creek Park. The free family event will have fun activities such as games, sports, food vendors, face painting, live music, a 360 photo booth, and prize raffles. Lastly, she reported that the grand opening of the new See's store in Green Valley Shopping Center is also on July 11 at 10 am.
CouncilmemberTonnesen shared that the Independence Day Parade and unveiling of the refurbished Fairfield arch sign was a great success with a lively crowd. He thanked staff, notably Jennifer Rice and team of Economic Development and Juan Segura and team of Parks & Recreation, the two "Mikes" who were in the bucket trucks, and lastly, Mark Sharp for his handcrafted creative design of the arch sign as a thank you for donors. He also thanked the volunteers who made the event so special. Next, he thanked the Marketing and Outreach Division (MOD Team) for keeping the public informed of the Lions Club arch sign fundraising campaign and the America 250 Celebration. Lastly, he 1 thanked Kelly Ballard and Liz Aptekar from the City Manager's Office for their hard work and dedication in planning the event.
Councilmember Carr reported that the next Homeless Roundtable will be held on July 22 at 10 am at Willow Hall in the Community Center. He shared that Abode Services is the new operator and administrator for Solano County's Coordinated Entry System through Resource Connect Solano. They can be reached at (707) 346-5870. Next, he encouraged the community to visit the new Dumpling House restaurant in downtown Fairfield. He shared that the grand opening of The Picklr is Saturday, July 11, 12-5 pm. They have seven premier indoor pickleball courts, professional training programs, and a dedicated club environment.
Councilmember Panduro shared that she loves a parade and especially enjoyed our July 4th Parade and seeing all of the happy families gathered and waving flags --it was a time of unity and joy. She stated that she also thanks all of the staff and volunteers who coordinated such a special event. She reported that the CAP Solano JPA (that oversees the funding for homeless programs in Solano County) has a new Executive Director - Stephanie Weaver. Lastly, she reported she attended the 1st Annual Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2026 Scholarship Luncheon on June 17 at the Suisun Valley Inn in Fairfield. Three college students and one business owner were recognized. She congratulated the recipients.
Vice Mayor Bertani noted that the Independence Day Parade and unveiling of the beautiful new arch sign were extraordinary! She invited the community to attend her last Public Table town hall meeting on July 11 at Lake Club at One Lake at 10 am. Everyone is welcome - you do not need to live in District 4 to attend. Next, she encouraged people to attend the Unity in the Community event on July 25, 5-7 pm, in the Fairfield City Hall Quad, hosted by the Band of Believers of Solano County, Fairfield Police Department, and the Fairfield Clergy Action Network (CAN).
Councilmember Sandhu reported on a new business that opened on July 4 in District 6 called "Enough Coffee and Bar," located at 586 Parker Road. By day it's a coffee bar, and in the evening they also serve selected boutique wines, sake, and unique cocktails.
Mayor Vaccaro noted that the July 4 Parade was widely regarded as the best attended and was a tremendous success, taking place without any issues. He gave kudos to staff and everyone who participated and volunteered. He thanked the community members that have reached out to welcome him. He said he is honored to serve as mayor on a limited basis. He said he was looking forward to working with his colleagues.
F. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager David Gassaway reported that the Independence Day Parade and, the unveiling of the new Fairfield arch sign were executed masterfully. He expressed his appreciation to the Fairfield Lions Club for its fundraising efforts that made the new Fairfield sign possible. He also shared that, based on estimates from the City's IT Department, approximately 4,500 people attended the parade and related festivities. 2 Finally, he announced that Items J.2 and J.7 would be pulled from the agenda to allow staff additional time to provide further information.
G. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
City Attorney David Lim had nothing to report.
H. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
City Clerk Karen Rees shared that she enjoyed serving as a judge for the Independence Day Parade and participating in the celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary. She thanked Fairfield Poet Laureate Michael Wyly for writing and delivering a fitting poem for the occasion.
She also announced that individuals interested in running for the City Council seats representing Districts 1, 3, or 5, or for the office of Mayor, should contact the City Clerk's Office to schedule an appointment to pull nomination papers beginning July 15. She noted that her appointment calendar was already full on July 13 and 14 with prospective candidates.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Greg Lyon, EJ Johnson, Michael Jefferson, Vince Webster, Rick Johnson, Dave Harrison, Dr. Sam Morris, Ryan Messano, Ami, Ana Petero (online), .Joseph Joyce (online), and Rochelle Cooks spoke during public comment.
J. CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Gassaway requested that Item J.2 be pulled to provide additional information. Rick Johnson asked that J.7 be pulled for clarification. After voting on those items separately, Vice Mayor Bertani made a motion to approve the remainder of the consent calendar, excluding Items J.2 and J.7. Councilmember Carr seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. 1,
Moved by: Vice Mayor Bertani
Seconded by: Councilmember Carr
To approve the consent calendar.
Motion Carried
J.1 CM Approval of Meeting Minutes for May 2026
Approve the meeting minutes.
J.2 Resolution 2026-148 CM Mayor's Revised Appointments and Recommendations 2026
City Manager Gassaway asked forJ2 to be pulled to clarify that Mayor Rick Vaccaro was added to the appointments and recommendations for calendar year 2026, as 3 the original schedule was set during the council's annual retreat in January of 2026. The appointments list attached has been corrected to reflect Councilmembers Tonnesen and Panduro, instead of Vice Mayor Bertani and Councilmember Panduro, for the Appointment Committee.
Councilmember Sandhu made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-148. Vice Mayor Bertani seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously 7-0.
Moved by: Councilmember Sandhu
Seconded by: Vice Mayor Bertani
Adopt resolution.
Motion Carried
J.3 Resolution 2026-149 CM Reasonable Accommodation Policy for Remote Participation at Meetings Subject to the Brown Act
Adopt resolution.
J.4 Resolution 2026-150 PW Water Treatment Mixing Equipment Replacement Approve resolution.
J.5 Resolution 2026-151 PW Approving the Conveyance of Easements to the Fairfield -Suisun Sewer District (FSSD)
Adopt resolution.
J.6 Resolution 2026-152 PW Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 with Caltrans
Adopt resolution.
J.7 Resolution 2026-153 PW Adopting the Second Update to the Landscape Oversight Committee Guidelines and Duties of the Committee Rick Johnson requested that Item J.7 be pulled for discussion. Following a lengthy discussion, Councilmember Tonnesen moved to approve Resolution 2026-153, and Vice Mayor Bertani seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 7-
0. The Council also provided direction to the committee regarding potential modifications to the residency requirements. Councilmembers Tonnesen, Panduro, Williams, and Sandhu expressed support for maintaining the current structure, with no at -large members and continued representation from each council district. Vice Mayor Bertani voiced support for including at -large members.
Councilmember Carr did not comment on the matter. Mayor Vaccaro concluded that, based on the majority consensus, the committee would remain unchanged, retaining the existing district -based representation.
4 Moved by: Councilmember Tonnesen
Seconded by: Vice Mayor Bertani
Adopt resolution.
Motion Carried
J.8 Resolution 2026-154 PW Sacramento and San Joaquin Drainage Property Abatement Program Agreement with Central Valley Flood Protection Board Adopt resolution.
J.9 Resolution 2026-155 CD NorthBay Purchase and Sale Agreement Adopt resolution.
K. NEW BUSINESS
K.1 CM Minute Action Approving the Mayor's Appointments Mayor Vaccaro made a motion to approve appointments to the Planning and Youth Commissions. Councilmember Tonnesen seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
City Clerk Rees administered the Oath of Office to the following Planning Commissioners: Hannah Cordero-Chen, Shashi Paul, and Aidan Ali -Sullivan and Youth Commissioner Fateh Takhar. City Manager Gassaway took photos of the commissioners with their families. Clerk Rees distributed Jelly Belly beans and City of Fairfield pins.
Moved by: Mayor Vaccaro
Seconded by: Councilmember Tonnesen
Approve appointments. Perform oath of office.
Motion Carried
K.2 Resolution 2026-156 PR Golf Volunteer Program
Director of Parks & Recreation Kristina Kaunzinger gave a presentation. Brice Bins, Ron Collins, Chris Pedersen, Sherman Harris, Mike Rees, and Raymond Courtemanche (online) spoke on Item K.2.
After a lengthy discussion, the majority of the City Council directed staff to return with a proposal and updated resolution based on the Golf Advisory Board's recommendations, incorporating a few modifications discussed by the Council.
Therefore, they did not vote on Resolution 2026-156. No action taken.
Adopt resolution.
9 K.3 Resolution 2026-157 FN CFD Bonds One Lake (Planning Area 5) Director of Finance John Furtado gave a brief presenation. There were no requests to speak. Vice Mayor Bertani made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-157.
Councilmember Carr seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
Mayor Vaccaro stated they would hear Item K.7 and K.6 next, out of order.
Moved by: Vice Mayor Bertani
Seconded by: Councilmember Carr
Adopt resolution.
Motion Carried
K.4 HD Presentation and Direction for Homeless Priorities Homeless Services Manager Samantha Burrows gave a presentation. Gene Ahu and Ami spoke on Item K.4.
Council gave direction to increase the funding from $125,000 to $200,000 per year to fund 10 beds for the next two years (amending the current contract). The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) change will return for official approval on consent at the August 4, 2026 meeting. They also gave direction to continue to apply for any funding for short term interventions. No action taken.
K.5 Resolution 2026-119 CM Internet Service and Telephonic Service Disruption Policy
City Attorney Lim reminded council that they had already approved this item previously, but it was on the consent calendar and should have been on new business. There were no requests to speak on this item. Councilmember Ton nesen made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-119. Councilmember Panduro seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously 7-0.
Moved by: Councilmember Tonnesen
Seconded by: Councilmember Panduro
Adopt resolution.
Motion Carried
K.6 Resolution 2026-158 and Ordinance 2026-05 CM Submitting to the Voters a Measure to Make the Office of City Clerk an Appointive Position Assistant City Manager and Human Resources Director Farbod Pirouzmand gave a brief presentation. Arletta Cortright
6 L.
Councilmember Carr made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-158. Vice Mayor Bertani second the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
Mayor Vaccaro stated Item K.4 would now be heard.
Moved by: Councilmember Carr
Seconded by: Vice Mayor Bertani
Adopt resolution.
Motion Carried
K.7 Resolution 2026-159 and Ordinance 2026-06 CM Proposed Ordinance and Resolution for Amending TUT Ordinance
Assistant City Manager and Human Resources Director Farbod Pirouzmand gave a brief presentation. Michael E. Smith, Ron Bremer, and Steve Vancil spoke on Item K.7.
Councilmember Tonnesen made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-159.
Councilmember Carr seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
Council then moved to Item K.6.
Moved by: Councilmember Tonnesen
Seconded by: Councilmember Carr
Adopt resolution.
Motion Carried
ADJOURN
Mayor Vaccaro adjourned the meeting at 9:52 p.m. to Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 6 pm, in the Harry T. Price Memorial Council Chamber.
E-SIGNED by Rick Vaccaro
on 2626-08-25 17:22:14 GMT
Mayor
7 E-SIGNED by Karen Rees
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on 2026-08-19 16:30:49 GMT
City Clerk