Agenda packet — Vallejo City Council, February 8, 2022 (part 3 of 3)

AB 215 (Chiu): Housing Element. Regional Housing Need. Relative Progress Determination Position: Oppose (As Amended April 5, 2021)
Bill Status: 9/28/2021 - Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 342, Statutes of 2021.

Description: The bill would create a new, mid-cycle regional housing needs progress determination process and mandate cities and counties with "low progress" in meeting those housing targets to consult with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and adopt prohousing policies. The bill as amended would transition an incentive-based approach to a mandatory HCD program.

AB/SB 156: Broadband Trailer Bill to expand the state's broadband fiber infrastructure and increase internet connectivity for families and businesses
Position: Support
Bill Status: 9/10/2021 - Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(15). (Last location was BUDGET & F.R. on 8/16/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)
Description: The bill will connect millions of families and businesses by providing $2 billion for last-mile network construction in California's rural and urban centers, along with $3.25 billion to construct a statewide open-access middle mile network.

SB 4 (Gonzalez) Communications: California Advanced Services Fund: Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program: Surcharges.

Position: Support (As Amended May 20, 2021)
Bill Status: 10/8/2021 - Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 671, Statutes of 2021.

Description: would prioritize the deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved communities throughout California through the ongoing collection of the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) surcharge. This measure authorizes the ongoing collection of the existing CASF surcharge and makes it easier for local governments to access these grants. These funding opportunities would allow local governments to continue to play a vital role in deploying broadband infrastructure in their communities.

SB 9 (Atkins) Increased Density in Single-Family Zones
Position: Oppose (As Amended August 16, 2021)
Bill Status: 9/16/2021 - Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 162, Statutes of 2021.

Description: SB 9 would require cities and counties to ministerially approve, without condition or discretion, a housing development containing two residential units on an individual parcel in single-family zones.

Additionally, this measure would require local governments to ministerially approve an urban lot split, thus creating two independent lots that may be sold separately. State-driven ministerial or by-right housing approval processes fail to recognize the extensive public engagement associated with developing and adopting zoning ordinances and housing elements that are certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

SB 556 (Dodd) Street Light Poles, Traffic Signal Poles, Utility Poles, and Support Structures: Attachments.

Position: Oppose (As Amended March 16, 2021)
Bill Status: 10/4/2021 - Vetoed by the Governor. In Senate. Consideration of Governor's veto pending.

Description: This measure requires local governments to make space available to telecommunications providers without recognizing local authority to manage the public right-of-way preserved in federal law.

In addition to the advocacy done on behalf of pieces of legislation, the City was also active in the State's Redistricting efforts and expressing support for renaming the I-80 and I-780 interchanges to honor veterans.

Date: February 8, 2022
Subject: CONSIDER AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION CONCERNING LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

AND ADVOCACY PROCEDURES

Page 3 ends

2022 Legislative Priorities and Advocacy Procedures Document The adopted Legislative Priorities fall into the following categories, consistent with the City Council's goals and priorities:

• General Government
• Human Rights
• Local Control
• Budget and Fiscal Sustainability
• Employee Relations and Worker's Compensation
• Housing and Neighborhoods
• Transportation
• Economic Development and Business Attraction
• Land-Use and Planning
• Healthy Community
• Environmental and Water Resources
• Public Safety and Emergency Response

Greater detail for each category with policy positions is provided in the attached document (Attachment 1).

2022 Priority Changes

Staff has worked with our lobbying firm to review the 2021 document and propose changes. The proposed modifications made between the 2021 and 2022 policies are outlined below. Additions are noted by underlined and removals by strikethroughs.

Housing and Neighborhoods
• Monitor implementation of the 2016 AB 1618 related to Mental Health Services "No Place Like Home" initiative.

Transportation and Infrastructure
• Support action by the U.S. Department of Transportation to implement the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) in a manner that provides opportunities for the City to secure funding for road and public transportation infrastructure.

Economic Development and Business Attraction
• Support legislation that seeks authorizes funding for the movement of goods via maritime-related transportation, including the dredging of channels, port locations and freight shipment.

Environmental and Water Resources
• Support action by federal departments and agencies to implement the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) in a manner that provides opportunities for the City to secure funding for water infrastructure.

The new 2021 legislative Priorities document works to better position the City to advocate on issues anticipated to materialize in the coming legislative years.

Advocacy procedures within the 2021 document have remained largely the same. The procedures continue to call for three advocacy positions:
• Support - legislation in this area advances the City's goals and priorities. • Oppose - legislation in this area could potentially harm, negatively impact or undo positive momentum for the Date: February 8, 2022
Subject: CONSIDER AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION CONCERNING LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

AND ADVOCACY PROCEDURES

Page 4 ends

City, or does not advance the City's goals and priorities. • Monitor – federal, and sometimes state, legislation the City should track, but may choose not to identify a position at this time.

Next Steps
Adopting this Resolution would amend the existing 2021 Legislative Priorities document to add timely and pertinent priorities that would be provided to legislators and professional advocates and be used as a tool for staff to continue communications on important City priorities for the year ahead.

Staff will continue to return annually to ensure that the Legislative Priorities are consistent with the City Council's identified goals and priorities. Any changes or legislative items not included within these principles will be directed to the City Council for consideration.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. The Legislative Priorities and Advocacy Procedures for State and Federal Legislation are simply a framework for standardizing the City's response to pending or in progress legislative action.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a project which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, pursuant to CEQA Guideline section 15378.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Attachment A - 2022 Legislative Priorities

2. AB 14 (Aguiar-Curry) - Support Letter

3. AB 215 (Chiu) - Opposition Letter - Final (1)

4. AB-SB 156 - Support for Broadband Funding for Local Governments

5. SB 9 (Atkins) - Opposition Letter

6. SB 556 (Dodd) City Letter Sen E. U. C_4.7.21

7. SB4 (Gonzalez)

8. 091421_I80-780 renaming

9. 2022 Legislative Policy Reso CAO Stamp

CONTACT
Felicia Escover, Assistant to the City Manager (707) 648-4577 [email protected]
2022

LEGISLATIVE

PRIORITIES
For State + Federal Legislation

CITY OF VALLEJO
Photo credit: Cyndi Combs

ATTACHMENT A

OBJECTIVE
The objective for identifying advocacy procedures for
State and Federal Legislation is to provide clear direction to staff with regard to monitoring bills during State and Federal legislative sessions. Approval of advocacy proce- dures will ensure that legislative inquiries and responses will be administered consistently with "one voice" as to the identified Legislative Priorities adopted by the City Council annually. The Legislative Priorities and Advocacy Procedures will provide the City Manager, or designee,
discretion to advocate in the City's best interests in a manner consistent with the goals and priorities adopted by the City Council.

Typical advocacy positions will include:

SUPPORT | legislation in this area advances the City's goals and priorities.

OPPOSE | legislation in this area could potentially harm, negatively impact or undo positive momentum for the
City, or does not advance the City's goals and priorities.

MONITOR | federal, and sometimes state, legislation the City should track, but may choose not to identify a posi- tion at this time.

PROCEDURES
PAGE 0 2 | LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES Photo credit: Anthony Lewis

PROCEDURES
The legislative advocacy procedures are the process by
which City staff will track and respond to legislative issues in a timely and consistent manner. The City Manager will track and review legislation utilizing the following proce- dures:

1. The City Manager shall review requests that the City take a position on legislative issues to determine if
the legislation aligns with the City ’s current approved Legislative Priorities.

2. The City Manager will conduct a review of positions
and analysis completed by the League of California
Cities, City lobbyist, and local government/
professional associations when formulating positions.

3. If the matter aligns with the approved priorities, City response shall be supplied in the form of a letter to
the legislative body reviewing the bill/measure. Advo- cacy utilized on behalf of the City, including but not
limited to letters, phone calls, emails and prepared
forms, will be communicated through the City Manag-
er. The City Manager shall advise staff to administer
the form of advocacy, typically via letters signed by
the Mayor, City Manager, or designee, on behalf of
the City Council.

4. All draft legislative letters initiated by the City Manager shall state whether the City is requesting "support",
"oppose", or "oppose unless amended" action on the
issue, and shall include adequate justification for the recommended action. If possible, the letter should
include examples of how a bill would specifically affect the City, e.g. "the funding the City will lose due to this bill could pay for X acres of parkland".

5. One legislative letter will be prepared to address one bill or measure. A legislative letter will not address
multiple bills unless bills are grouped together and
reviewed as one package by a legislative body.

6. The City Manager may also provide a letter of concern or interest without taking a formal position on a piece of legislation. Letters of concern or interest are to be administered through the Office of the City Manager.

7. When a letter is sent to a state or federal legislative body, City Councilmembers, the City Clerk, and state
legislators representing the City of Vallejo shall be
included as a copy "cc" on the letter. The appropriate
contacts at the League of California Cities, the City's lobbyists, and legislative consultants, if applicable,
shall be included as a cc on legislative letters.

The City Manager will provide updates on important legis- lative issues and those matters on which the City has a stated position through the City's website. When appro- priate, the City Manager will also submit to the City Coun- cil a report summarizing activity on priority measures.

No advocacy efforts will be taken with respect to legisla- tion and issues that are not addressed by the Guiding
Principles. In the event that action is requested by the League of California Cities or other entity on such legisla- tion or the City Manager believes the legislation could be beneficial/detrimental to the City's interests, the matter shall be brought before the City Council at a Council
meeting for formal direction from the Council.

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES | PAGE 0 3 | LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES

PRIORITIES

GENERAL GOVERNMENT

1. Support legislation that provides financial assistance for local public services without the imposition of new taxes.

2. Support state and federal funding opportunities for
City infrastructure projects and programs.

3. Support legislation that preserves and enhances the
City's ability to generate revenues from all types of
sales.

4. Support legislation that provides funding opportuni- ties for energy -efficiency projects and programs for
public buildings, facilities, and infrastructure.

5. Support legislation making funding available to refur- bish and improve City recreation services or facilities.

6. Support legislation that recognizes, strengthens, and protects local control over the public rights-of-way.

7. Support legislation that helps to realign government services with necessary funding to improve the deliv-
ery of services and make government more accounta-
ble, transparent and efficient.

8. Support legislation that allows for the expansion, con- tinuation, and/or increased flexibility in the bidding/ procurement, delivery, and management of construc-
tion projects.

9. Support policies that enhance digital inclusion and
seek to overcome the digital divide.

10. Support legislation that enhances legal immunities for public entities and employees.

11. Support legislation that fosters a robust market for risk pools for public entities.

HUMAN RIGHTS

1. Support legislation to protect all individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual or gender orientation and identity, or med- ical condition from discrimination.

2. Support non -discrimination policies at city/county/ state/federal levels.

3. Support anti-bullying policies.

LOCAL CONTROL

1. Oppose legislation that limits or interferes with City Council authority over local municipal affairs.

2. Oppose legislation that mandates changes interrupt-
ing the City's operations, services to the community, or impairs or weakens its infrastructure.

3. Monitor potential legislation that makes mandatory
changes to election policies and procedures.

BUDGET/FISCAL

1. Support legislation that protects the ability of cities to recover the costs of mandated programs through fees
that are exempt from Proposition 218.

2. Support legislation mandating that the state and fed- eral governments provide full cost reimbursement to
cities for all required programs and for all programs
resulting in revenue loss to cities.

PAGE 0 4 | LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES | PAGE 0

3. Support legislation that further protects local govern- ment revenue from being taken, confiscated, diverted,
or otherwise used to fund state government opera-
tions and responsibilities.

4. Support legislation to stabilize local government fi- nancing, to increase funding to local agencies, and to
permit the most cost -effective management of state -
mandated programs.

5. Support legislation to protect and preserve local con- trol over locally imposed taxes (such as transient occu- pancy tax and franchise fees).

6. Support fair implementation and distribution of state infrastructure bond funds to ensure the City has ac-
cess to an adequate share of funding for local im-
provements and programs.

7. Support legislation that promotes a reasonable bal-
ance of pro -growth policies and tools including state
and local tax (SALT) deduction and exemptions of pri-
vate activity bonds (PABs).

8. Oppose legislation, policies, and budgets that have
negative impacts on services, revenues, and costs.

9. Oppose any measure that mandates procedures that
would make local government more dependent on the
state for financial stability or reduces local discretion or flexibility in the use of local government revenues.

10. Oppose legislation that negatively impacts the City's fiscal viability by adding further financial burdens
through unfunded mandates.

11. Oppose legislation that attempts to restrict, reduce, or eliminate the City's revenue base.

12. Oppose legislation that cuts state or federal grant funding for existing programs and services (e.g., Com-
munity Development Block Grant).

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES | PAGE 0 5 Photo credit: James L

13. Oppose efforts to eliminate or cap the tax -exempt
status of municipal bonds.

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS/W ORKER'S COMPENSATION +

PUBLIC PENSIONS AND PENSION REFORM

1. Monitor legislation or reform that could impact local public agencies and existing labor agreements.

2. Monitor legislation and regulation affecting labor rela- tions, employee rights, benefits, and working condi-
tions.

WORKER'S COMPENSATIO N

1. Support legislation to reform worker's compensation
formulas to rely on more evidence of work -related
causation to determine compensability.

2. Oppose legislation providing presumptive eligibility for award of benefits for worker's compensation or
other health benefits.

3. Oppose legislation to increase employee benefits
without system reforms to offset increased employer
costs.

UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENS ATION

1. Oppose legislation that would increase employer lia- bility for unemployment compensation or which
would reduce local discretion to manage this risk.

PAGE 0 6 | LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES

LABOR RELATIONS

1. Oppose legislation that reduces local control over
public employee disputes and/or imposes regulations
from an outside agency.

2. Oppose any measure that seeks to impose federal or
state mandates on the collective bargaining process.

3. Oppose legislation that would increase the cost of
administering benefits or mandate special group
health and welfare benefits provided to all employ-
ees.

PERSONNEL

1. Support legislation that would lessen the impact of
CaIPERS investment losses on employer rates.

2. Oppose legislation that imposes local government
mandated employee benefits that are more properly
negotiated at the bargaining table.

HOUSING AND NEIGHBOR HOODS

1. Support legislation that provides financial support
and incentives for programs that provide or increase
access to affordable housing for disabled and low -
income residents, families, and senior adults.

2. Support legislation that protects and maintains exist- ing affordable housing opportunities for disabled and
low-income residents, families, and senior adults.

3. Support funding resources allocated for mental
health, supportive housing, and shelters to assist in
homelessness reduction.

4. Support efforts to significantly increase housing pro- duction, especially compact, mixed -use development
in priority development areas (PDAs), housing ele-
ment sites and job centers with access to high -quality transit service.

5. Support funding for the rehabilitation of existing
affordable housing stock.

6. Oppose legislation that would impose state -
mandated development standards or procedures
that are contrary to the City's General Plan or local
land use policy.

7. Monitor state mandates that affect neighborhood
rehabilitation, revitalization, and first time homebuyer programs. Oppose any additional redundant or cum-
bersome mandates/restrictions.

8. Support funding to provide supportive services to
those affected by homelessness and mental health
issues.

9. Support funding to remove and clean homeless en-
campments and to store homeless belongings in ac-
cordance with the law.

10. Monitor implementation of the 2016 AB 1618 related
to Mental Health Services "No Place Like Home" initia-
tive.

11. Support legislation and programs to increase funding for transitional housing units and permanent sup-
portive housing units to house homeless households.

12. Support legislation that would amend federal and
state Low -Income Housing Tax Credit Programs to
support and deem competitive a mix of units in an
affordable housing project, to promote sustainable
and integrated communities.

| LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES | PAGE 0 7

TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

1. Support action by the U.S. Department of Transporta- tion to implement the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act (Public Law 117 -58) in a manner that pro-
vides opportunities for the City to secure funding for
road and public transportation infrastructure.

2. Support state and federal funding for street, road,
and alleyway repair within the City.

3. Support legislation that preserves local responsibility for transportation decision making.

4. Support local, regional, state, and federal partner- ships to secure funds for local street and road im-
provements.

5. Support legislation authorizing increased funding to enhance existing transportation projects including
but not limited to: road resurfacing projects, the pub- lic transportation systems, adding bicycle lanes, side- walks, and trails throughout the City, and safety en-
hancement for all forms of transportation.

6. Support legislation that provides equitable amounts
of state and federal funding for roads and highways,
and facilitates timely construction of local transporta- tion projects.

7. Support legislation that promotes the development of a robust, active regional transportation strategy, with attention to transportation and health equity issues.

8. Support programs that fill commuter first/last mile
gaps.

9. Support public benefit for private use of Public Right - of-Way and City assets.

10. Support efforts to protect and ensure efficient, effec- tive implementation of the 2017 SB 1 legislation on
transportation funding programs.

11. Support legislation that encourages public private
partnerships to provide low cost financing for trans-
portation projects.

12. Support tax benefits and/or incentives for programs to promote use of public transit.

13. Support legislative proposals that would increase
funding for transportation infrastructure, operations
and maintenance in the City of Vallejo.

14. Support laws and policies that expedite project deliv- ery.

15. Support partnerships between affected agencies and
local governments to seek additional strategies and
funding for programs that benefit seniors, people
with disabilities, and the economically disadvantaged
such as mobility management programs, intercity par-
atransit operations, and other community based pro-
grams.

16. Support efforts to increase and expand public trans- portation levels of service between Vallejo and San
Francisco.

17. Oppose state and federal reductions to existing
transportation grants and programs, including fund-
ing to meet Americans with Disabilities Act require-
ments.

18. Oppose efforts to reduce or divert funding from
transportation projects.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESS ATTRACTION

1. Support federal and state tax incentives for develop- ment of Mare Island and underserved areas of Valle-
jo.

PAGE 0 8 | LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES | PAGE 0

2. Support lowering the threshold for approving a sales tax measure from a 2/3 majority of voters to 55 per-
cent.

3. Support modification to the current state guidelines on disposition of City surplus property, including the
properties of former redevelopment agencies, allow-
ing more City oversight on how the disposed property
would then be developed.

4. Support additional funding sources, including grants, for affordable housing.

5. Support legislation to reinstate and protect redevel- opment as a tool to build needed infrastructure, de-
velop and retain affordable housing, and provide fi-
nancing for local redevelopment and economic devel-
opment programs.

6. Support funding for brownfield redevelopment.

7. Support legislation that provides match -free grants for Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) sites for the
purpose of economic development, housing, business
attraction programs, rehabilitation and revitalization.

8. Support legislation that provides funding for work-
force development programs and workforce invest-
ment opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and
families.

9. Support federal and state funding for work-study pro- grams.

10. Support legislation that helps to increase employ-
ment opportunities and links training programs to
local available employment.

11. Support legislation that provides dedicated funding for the development of affordable housing and hous-
ing in Transit Oriented Development (TOD) locations
such as PDAs.

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES | PAGE 0 9 Photo credit: Michael Sparks

12. Support legislation that seeks funding opportunities for passenger and freight water transport operations
and infrastructure.

13. Support legislation that seeks authorizes funding for the movement of goods via maritime -related trans-
portation, including the dredging of channels, port
locations and freight shipment.

14. Support legislation and policies that promote invest- ing in the maintenance and rehabilitation of aging
infrastructure and building new system capacity to
support smart growth principles.

15. Support efforts to incentivize employers to locate in Vallejo and Solano County.

16. Support funding for small business assistance, loan programs for business improvements and tax credits
for businesses.

17. Oppose legislation that limits local control over public rights-of-way, including limiting fair market value ne- gotiations for use of City assets, enable equipment
installation on a ministerial basis with no ability to set reasonable aesthetic size and design standards, or
allow detached structures and equipment that incom-
modes the right-of-way.

18. Monitor federal mandates that affect rehabilitation and revitalization of businesses communities and
economic development stimulus packages, and op-
pose any additional redundant or cumbersome man-
dates/restrictions.

LAND-USE AND PLANNING

1. Support funding sources to aid in the reuse of the
former Mare Island Naval Shipyard.

PAGE 10 | LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES Photo credit: Mare Island Brewery

2. Support efforts that are consistent with the doctrine of "home rule" and the local exercise of police pow-
ers, through planning and zoning processes, over lo-
cal land use.

3. Support efforts to strengthen the legal and fiscal ca- pability of local agencies to prepare, adopt, and im-
plement plans for orderly growth, development, and
conservation of local planning areas.

4. Support streamlined, administrative process for small cell and telecommunications deployment.

5. Support standards based on FCC rules to assure tele- communications equipment does not in -commode
the Right of Way and to retain community aesthetics.

6. Support telecommunications entities to plan and
forecast for investment and deployment on existing
infrastructure.

7. Support the expansion of broadband to all parts of
Vallejo to drive economic development and job op-
portunities, support county service delivery, and im-
prove health, education, and public safety out -comes
for residents.

8. Oppose legislation that imposes regional, state, or
federal growth, development, or land use planning
standards within the City.

9. Oppose legislation that would remove or limit local
government land use authority.

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

1. Support legislation and funding to increase access to subsidized meal programs for older adults and youth.

2. Support funding and incentives for grocery stores,
farmers markets and other vendors to locate in areas
of Vallejo with limited access to affordable and nutri- tious food.

3. Support state and federal funding for opportunities
to increase access to childcare in Vallejo.

4. Support funding for early childhood education pro-
grams.

5. Support legislation that creates options and opportu- nities for access to affordable healthcare.

6. Support funding for youth enrichment programs.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND WATER RESOURCES

1. Support action by federal departments and agencies
to implement the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs
Act (Public Law 117 -58) in a manner that provides
opportunities for the City to secure funding for water
infrastructure.

2. Support efforts for funding and resources, such as
solar and habitat restoration, that foster environmen-
tal stewardship and sustain the future of Vallejo's nat- ural habitat.

3. Support legislation and funding to develop recycled
water as an alternative water source, including treat-
ment, storage, and distribution.

4. Support legislation that protects the City's water
rights outside the areas-of-origin.

5. Support legislation and funding that encourages inno- vative and cooperative water resources projects that
will be of regional benefit.

6. Support legislation and policies that assist local gov- | LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES | PAGE 11 ernment in meeting or exceeding goals to reduce
global warming pollution levels.

7. Support legislative efforts to maintain a reliable supply and access to high quality water for drinking, agricul- ture, and recreation in Vallejo and regionally.

8. Support legislation that provides funding for disaster preparedness.

9. Support legislation that provides funding to mitigate or adapt to sea -level rise impacts, including shoreline restoration and retreat, flood mitigation, and recrea-
tion projects.

10. Support legislation offering sensible California Envi- ronmental Quality Act (CEQA) reform that streamlines
processes for a broader range of infill development
while maintaining strong requirements for large pro-
jects.

11. Support the state's goals for increased use of zero emission vehicles and support funding that goes to-
wards the refueling infrastructure necessary for al-
ternative fueled vehicles, with emphasis on Plug -in
Electric Vehicles. Allow flexible standards for certain emergency and fleet vehicles that require traditional
fuel due to technology, range, and terrain issues.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

1. Support reasonable criminal justice reform measures
that are inclusive of concerns from prosecutors, vic-
tims' rights groups, and law enforcement agencies and
do not hinder law enforcement's ability to protect the
community.

2. Support legislation that assists in preventing and re- ducing crime, such as drug prevention programs,
mental health initiatives, enhanced protective equip-
ment, and solutions for homelessness.

3. Support legislation that would provide the City with a greater share of fines and forfeitures.

4. Support measures that encourage community safety
and well-being.

5. Support legislation that allows use of state and federal public safety grants for intervention and prevention
efforts to curb gang crime and youth violence.

6. Support legislation that improves safety at schools
and ensures an environment that eliminates discrimi-
nation and harassment of students.

7. Support legislation to eliminate gun violence within the City.

8. Support legislation that provides funding for or helps to develop community partnerships and multi -
jurisdictional efforts to reduce crime and enhance
safety.

9. Support legislation that assists with or provides fund- ing for disaster response and preparedness and
homeland-security-related needs, particularly efforts
to strengthen emergency communications interopera-
bility, link local emergency operations centers, and
provide training.

10. Support legislation that preserves funding levels for existing public safety programs, such as the Edward
Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG).

11. Support legislation that would improve the availability, affordability, and coverage for earthquake, fire and
flood insurance.

12. Oppose legislation that would remove or limit local government public safety authority.

PAGE 12 | LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES | PAGE

13. Support Office of Traffic Safety grant funding related to all aspects of traffic safety.

14. Seek funding to deal with the impacts of the Public Safety Realignment Act, Proposition 47 (Reduced Pen-
alties for Some Crimes Initiative), and Proposition 57
(Public Safety and Rehabilitation). Support legislation that addresses wrap -around services such as sub-
stance abuse counseling, mental health services, and
employment, medical, and housing assistance.

15. Support programs that help ensure public safety
through the assistance
and rehabilitation of individuals challenged with mental and/or substance abuse illnesses and increase aware-
ness and training opportunities.

16. Advocate for legislation and funding that would take advantage of the latest technology to prevent and re-
solve crimes, such as the ability to use surveillance
cameras, automatic license plate recognition, and DNA
testing.

17. Support funding for non -traditional crime prevention activities, homeless assistance, and mental health initi- atives at the county, state, and federal level.

18. Advocate for federal and state funding for new public safety facilities for Vallejo.

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES + ADVOCACY PROCEDURES | PAGE 13

LEGISLATIVE

CONTACTS

MIKE MALONE
City of Vallejo
555 Santa Clara Street
Vallejo, CA 94950
(707) 648 -4576
[email protected]
SUSAN H. LENT
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer + Feld, LLP
2001 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 887 -4558
[email protected]
Photo credit: Memories by McKinley

Office of the City Manager ∙ 555 Santa Clara Street ∙ Vallejo ∙ CA ∙ 94590 ∙ 707.648.4576

August 6, 2021

The Honorable Anthony Portantino
Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee
State Capitol, Room 2206
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: AB 14 (Aguiar-Curry) Broadband Services: California Advanced Services Fund.

Notice of SUPPORT (As Amended 6/17/21)

Dear Senator Portantino,

The City of Vallejo is pleased to support AB 14 (Aguiar -Curry), which would prioritize the deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved communities throughout California through the ongoing collect ion of the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) surcharge.

As local governments mobilized to address the spread of COVID -19, it became apparent that many communities lack of access to reliable and affordable broadband service and struggle to stay connected to school, work, and healthcare in this new digital environment. While Californians are increasingly using the internet to connect with others, local governments have taken to online platforms to ensure civic engagement during these unprecedented times.

AB 14 is a step in the right direction and ensures the continued collection of an essential source of broadband funding. This measure not only authorizes the ongoing collection of the existing CASF surcharge but also makes it easier for local governments to access these grants.

Additionally, AB 14 would create a Broadband Bond Financing and Securitization Account to fund broadband infrastructure deployment by local governments. These funding opportunities would allow local governments to continue to play a vital role in deploying broadband infrastructure in their communities.

In addition to these essential funding opportunities, AB 14 also would expand the definition of "unserved." Expanding this definition increases eligibility for CASF grants , which are currently reserved for areas with dial-up speeds or lower, leaving out many communities where Californians struggle to stay connected with slightly faster but still obsolete speeds. This measure would also take important steps to address local education agencies' connectivity needs, increase service plan transparency by internet service providers, and ensure anchor institutions are eligible for CASF funding.

Office of the City Manager ∙ 555 Santa Clara Street ∙ Vallejo ∙ CA ∙ 94590 ∙ 707.648.4576

additional resources to tackle broadband access issues and could help to improve the quality of life of Vallejoens which is a top priority of the City Council.

The priorization of broadband infrastructure development, expanded definition of “unserved”, and greater access to grant funding will support our youth and underserved communities and promote equity and vitality within the City.

The City of Vallejo is a diverse community that could greatly benefit from expanded broadband.

Broadband access is critical to economic development, student success, and quality of life for our community – all necessary components for the City's long-term prosperity. This is particularly vital for our struggling families and individuals at or below the national poverty level who are disproportionately impacted by lack of access to high-speed broadband connections. It is Vallejo's position to support this bill which enables the continued collection of an essential source of broadband funding so local governments can continue to play a vital role in deploying broadband infrastructure in their communities.

For these reasons, the City of Vallejo supports AB 14.

Sincerely,

Anne Cardwell
Interim City Manager
City of Vallejo

cc: Senator, Bill Dodd, [email protected]

Assembly Member, Timothy S. Grayson, [email protected] Nancy Hall Bennett, [email protected]
League of California Cities, [email protected]
City Councilmembers
City Clerk

Office of the City Manager ∙ 555 Santa Clara Street ∙ Vallejo ∙ CA ∙ 94590 ∙ 707.648.4576

June 30, 2021

The Honorable Scott Wiener
Chair, Senate Housing Committee
State Capitol, Room 2209
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: AB 215 (Chiu): Housing Element. Regional Housing Need. Relative Progress Determination.

As amended on April 5, 2021 – Notice of Opposition

Dear Senator Wiener,

The City of Vallejo must respectfully oppose AB 215, which would create a new, mid-cycle regional housing needs progress determination process and mandate cities and counties with “low progress” in meeting those housing targets to consult with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and adopt prohousing policies. Our chief concern is regarding the mandate to achieve HCD’s designation as a “prohousing jurisdiction”.

As you know, the 2019 Budget Act included language declaring it was the State’s intent to incentivize jurisdictions to create prohousing environments at the local level through the form of additional points when applying for competitive housing and infrastructure grant programs.

Specifically, the language directed HCD to promulgate emergency regulations no later than July 1, 2021, to establish a prohousing designation program that determines whether a city or county has enacted local policies and strategies to accelerate housing development. AB 215 turns what was intended only two years ago to be an incentive program into a mandatory requirement for cities and counties to adopt state-supported policies and strategies regardless of whether those policies and strategies would result in increased housing development in a given community, whether those policies and strategies are appropriate for the type of community (e.g. urban, suburban, rural), and whether those policies and strategies are supported by the community.

Earlier this month, HCD released the proposed emergency regulations for the prohousing designation program and began the process to adopt them. While the emergency regulations appear to be flexible enough to allow many types of local jurisdictions to achieve the designation, we are concerned that the regulations appear to require direct financial subsidies of affordable housing projects in order to achieve the designation. While many jurisdictions help subsidize affordable housing with limited local funds, it may be difficult for jurisdictions with limited budgets or lower tax bases to meet this requirement.

Office of the City Manager ∙ 555 Santa Clara Street ∙ Vallejo ∙ CA ∙ 94590 ∙ 707.648.4576

Addressing housing and homeless is a top priority of the City Council; however, the additional state mandates and financial requirements proposed in this bill will be challenging for the City to meet. While the City of Vallejo supports prohousing policies and affordable housing, staff and financial resources are limited, hindering our ability to achieve a prohousing designation. The City of Vallejo opposes AB 215 because its mandates may negatively impact the City’s fiscal viability and reduces local flexibility.

In addition, we are concerned about the new mid-cycle housing element review process and question whether the “relative progress” metric it relies upon is well-calibrated to produce the intended outcome. California’s regions are incredibly diverse, with significant variation in local economies. In most cases, a lower rate of “relative progress” toward RHNA goals will simply be a reflection of economic realities.

In cases where lack of housing construction is related to a jurisdiction failing to meet its housing element obligations, several recent changes in the law have given the State new enforcement tools. HCD can review any action or failure to act by a jurisdiction that is inconsistent with the jurisdiction’s adopted housing element, including a failure to implement its housing element programs; revoke its prior findings that a jurisdiction’s housing element is compliant; and refer a non-compliant jurisdiction to the Attorney General. The Attorney General, in turn, can bring the local agency to court to compel compliance with non-compliant jurisdictions becoming subject to significant fines. Rather than create a new mid-cycle housing element review process that is unlikely to be exclusively targeted at jurisdictions that are failing to meet their obligations, the State should remain focused on using the tools in existing law to promote housing element adoption and implementation.

The City of Vallejo is committed to helping the State meet its housing goals, however, we cannot support the transition of an incentive-based approach to a mandatory HCD program.

For these reasons, the City of Vallejo opposes AB 215.

Sincerely,

Anne Cardwell
Acting City Manager
City of Vallejo

Office of the City Manager ∙ 555 Santa Clara Street ∙ Vallejo ∙ CA ∙ 94590 ∙ 707.648.4576

cc: The Honorable David Chiu
Assembly Member Timothy S. Grayson
Nancy Hall Bennett, [email protected]
League of California Cities, [email protected]
City Councilmembers
City Clerk

Office of the City Manager ∙ 555 Santa Clara Street ∙ Vallejo ∙ CA ∙ 94590 ∙ 707.648.4576

July 15, 2021

To: Assembly Member, Timothy S. Grayson, [email protected] Senator, Bill Dodd, [email protected]

Re: Support for AB/SB 156: Broadband Trailer Bill to expand the state's broadband fiber infrastructure and increase internet connectivity for families and businesses

Dear Assembly Member Grayson and Senator Dodd:

The City of Vallejo strongly supports AB/SB 156, which will benefit residents across the state and will transform the way schools, small businesses, healthcare organizations, and more can provide services statewide. The bill will connect millions of families and businesses by providing $2 billion for last-mile network construction in California's rural and urban centers, along with $3.25 billion to construct a statewide open-access middle mile network. This will increase connectivity and affordability for households across the State and greatly benefit the City of Vallejo residents.

Improving residents' quality of life is a top priority of the Council, and tackling broadband access will make significant strides towards this goal. The City of Vallejo has the starting infrastructure to address this quality of life and equity issue but needs additional resources to increase access.

In 2017, the City entered into a private-public partnership with Inyo Networks to create a fiber network and bring broadband to the City using the City's underground conduits. In the past 5 years this public/private partnership has only produced about 50 businesses benefiting from the broadband offering. Through this public/private partnership, the City could connect to its municipal buildings and bring capacity to Mare Island for future anticipated growth. However, additional broadband funding will allow us to expand broadband access and further benefit the Vallejo community in the following ways:

• Provide residents with additional broadband offerings – having a robust City broadband infrastructure will allow us to bring in multiple carriers and create competition for large providers which may drive costs down and make broadband more affordable • Promote housing and downtown revitalization – the City will be able to subsidize new housing developments, downtown businesses, and provide WIFI in public places encouraging community, housing, and economic development • Support youth and underserved communities – the City will be able to extend fiber to the school districts and neighborhoods around the school, so the students can have access

Office of the City Manager ∙ 555 Santa Clara Street ∙ Vallejo ∙ CA ∙ 94590 ∙ 707.648.4576

to broadband. Additionally, broadband can be expanded to underserved communities in Vallejo, especially North and South Vallejo.

The City of Vallejo is a diverse community that could greatly benefit from expanded broadband.

Broadband access is critical to economic development, student success, and quality of life for our community – all necessary components for the City's long-term prosperity. This is particularly vital for our struggling families and individuals at or below the national poverty level who are disproportionately impacted by lack of access to high-speed broadband connections. It is Vallejo's position to support the expansion of broadband to all parts of Vallejo to drive economic development and job opportunities, support county service delivery, and improve health, education, and public safety outcomes for residents.

For these reasons, we strongly support AB/SB 156. We respectfully urge you to vote yes on this transformative $6 billion investment that will bridge the digital divide, assist households, and spur economic vitality in communities such as Vallejo.

Sincerely,

Anne Cardwell
Acting City Manager
City of Vallejo

cc: Nancy Hall Bennett, [email protected]

League of California Cities, [email protected]
City Councilmembers
City Clerk

Office of the City Manager ∙ 555 Santa Clara Street ∙ Vallejo ∙ CA ∙ 94590 ∙ 707.648.4576

August 25, 2021

The Honorable Anthony Rendon
Speaker, State Assembly
State Capitol Building, Room 219
Sacramento, CA 95814
[email protected]
The Honorable Marie Waldron
Republican Leader, State Assembly
State Capitol, Room 3104
Sacramento, CA 95814
[email protected]

RE: SB 9 (Atkins) Increased Density in Single-Family Zones Oppose (As Amended 08/16/2021)

Dear Speaker Rendon and Republican Leader Waldron,

The City of Vallejo writes to express our opposition to SB 9 (Atkins). SB 9 would require cities and counties to ministerially approve, without condition or discretion, a housing development containing two residential units on an individual parcel in single-family zones. Additionally, this measure would require local governments to ministerially approve an urban lot split, thus creating two independent lots that may be sold separately.

Housing affordability and homelessness are among the most critical issues facing California cities. Affordably priced homes are out of reach for many people and housing is not being built fast enough to meet the current or projected needs of people living in the state. Cities lay the groundwork for housing production by planning and zoning new projects in their communities based on extensive public input and engagement, state housing laws, and the needs of the building industry.

While the City of Vallejo appreciates President pro Tempore Atkins’ desire to pursue a housing production proposal, as currently drafted, SB 9 will not spur much-needed housing construction in a manner that supports local flexibility, decision making, and community input. State-driven ministerial or by-right housing approval processes fail to recognize the extensive public engagement associated with developing and adopting zoning ordinances and housing elements that are certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. The City of Vallejo has recently adopted a new Zoning Code in July 2021 that removes barriers and entitlements for all types of housing projects.

Housing is an issue top of mind for City officials and community members. Housing has been identified as a top community health need and is a priority for the City Council. While the City supports efforts to significantly increase housing production, we oppose legislation that limits or interferes with authority over local affairs. The passage of this bill would require us to approve a housing development containing two residential units on an individual parcel in single-family neighborhoods without public input or conditions of affordable housing units. This legislation

Office of the City Manager ∙ 555 Santa Clara Street ∙ Vallejo ∙ CA ∙ 94590 ∙ 707.648.4576

disregards the City’s current plans and processes and does not assist us with meeting the needs of our community. Additionally, the City wishes to retain and honor our historic districts needs while balancing the need for additional housing production. SB 9 makes no attempt to balance these interests, and for that reason, the City must voice it’s opposition.

California cities are committed to being part of the solution to the housing shortfall across all income levels and will continue to work collaboratively with you, the author, and other stakeholders on legislative proposals that will actually spur much-needed housing construction.

For these reasons, the City of Vallejo opposes SB 9 (Atkins).

Sincerely,

Anne Cardwell
Interim City Manager
City of Vallejo

cc: The Honorable Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins Assembly Member, Timothy S. Grayson, [email protected] Senator, Bill Dodd, [email protected]
Nancy Hall Bennett, [email protected]
League of California Cities, [email protected]
City Councilmembers
City Clerk

Office of the City Manager ∙ 555 Santa Clara Street ∙ Vallejo ∙ CA ∙ 94590 ∙ 707.648.4576

April 12, 2021

The Honorable Ben Hueso
Chair, Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee State Capitol Building, Room 4035
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: SB 556 (Dodd) Street Light Poles, Traffic Signal Poles, Utility Poles, and Support Structures: Attachments.

Notice of OPPOSITION (As Amended 03/16/21)

Dear Senator Hueso,

The City of Vallejo must respectfully oppose SB 556 (Dodd), related to wireless broadband infrastructure deployment.

SB 556 directly conflicts with the Federal Co mmunications Commission's (FCC) adopted regulations on wireless services deployment, which cities and counties across the nation are actively implementing. This measure requires local governments to make space available to telecommunications providers without recognizing local authority to manage the public right -of- way preserved in federal law. FCC regulations explicitly enable local governments to ensure that such installations meet appearance and design standards, maintain traffic safety, protect historical resources' integrity, and safeguard citizens' quality of life. To protect the public's investment, the control of the public rights-of-way must remain local.

Additionally, SB 556 creates ambiguity in the fees local governments can charge for access t o their infrastructure. Federal law explicitly outlines conditions for valid fees, limiting fees to a "reasonable approximation of the local government's actual and direct costs," including costs to maintain a structure within the right-of-way, process an application or permit, and review a siting application. SB 556, on the other hand, chooses not to incorporate these federal standards, further restricting fees to "actual cost" and "reasonable actual cost." If the goal of SB 556 is to implement the existing FCC orders into state law, there should be no added ambiguity created by changes from what was already decided at the federal level.

The City of Vallejo supports streamlined telecommunications deployment and the expansion of broadband to all parts of t he community. However, we oppose legislation that reduces local authority, limits local control over public rights -of-way, enables equipment installation on a ministerial basis with no ability to set reasonable design standards, and negatively impacts locally imposed taxes such as franchise fees.

The proposed legislation will result in additional maintenance and replacement costs as existing pole infrastructure was not designed with this legislation in mind. There are no provisions that will handle the an ticipated demand. City budget expenditures will increase as a result of this

Office of the City Manager ∙ 555 Santa Clara Street ∙ Vallejo ∙ CA ∙ 94590 ∙ 707.648.4576

legislation while revenue will be adversely impacted with the limiting of franchise fees, further increasing the financial burden on the City. The proposed legislation is not bene ficial to our community, nor does it improve access to those that need it most. Indeed the legislation strengthens the attitude for an applicant to view a project as one a city must adopt as is.

SB 556 is an attempt by the telecommunications industry to undermine local authority while making no meaningful progress towards closing the digital divide in California's unserved and underserved communities. As previously mentioned, cities and counties across the nation are implementing the FCC's orders. If California is to close the digital divide, legislative efforts should focus on encouraging and incentivizing telecommunications companies to service areas that for too long have not had access to reliable and affordable internet.

While the City of Vallejo stands ready to work with the Legislature to further the state's broadband goals, these efforts do not inherently conflict with the appropriate local authority to manage the right-of-way and comply with existing FCC decisions. For these reasons, t he City of Vallejo opposes SB 556 (Dodd).

Sincerely,

Greg Nyhoff
City Manager
City of Vallejo

cc: The Honorable Bill Dodd
Assembly Member Timothy S. Grayson
Nancy Hall Bennett, [email protected]

League of California Cities, [email protected]

Office of the City Manager ∙ 555 Santa Clara Street ∙ Vallejo ∙ CA ∙ 94590 ∙ 707.648.4576

August 6, 2021

The Honorable Lorena Gonzalez
Chair, Assembly Appropriations Committee
State Capitol, Room 2114
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: SB 4 (Gonzalez) Communications: California Advanced Services Fund: Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program: Surcharges.

Notice of SUPPORT (As Amended 05/20/21)

Dear Assembly Member Gonzalez,

The City of Vallejo is pleased to support SB 4 (Gonzalez), which would prioritize the deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved communities throug hout California through the ongoing collection of the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) surcharge.

SB 4 is a step in the right direction and ensures the continued collection of an essential source of broadband funding. This measure not only authorizes the ongoing collection of the existing CASF surcharge but also makes it easier for local governments to access these grants. These funding opportunities would allow local governments to continue to play a vital role in deploying broadband infrastructure in their communities.

In addition to these essential funding opportunities, SB 4 also would expand the definition of "unserved." Expanding this definition increases eligibility for CASF grants, which are currently reserved for areas with dial-up speeds or lower, leaving out many communities where Californians struggle to stay connected with slightly faster but still obsolete speeds.

The City of Vallejo supports the expansion of broadband to all part of Vallejo to drive economic development and job opportunities, support county service delivery, and improve health, education, and public safety outcomes for residents. The passage of SB 4 would provide additional resources to tackle broadband access issues and could help to improve the quality of life of Vallejoens which is a top priority of the City Council.

Office of the City Manager ∙ 555 Santa Clara Street ∙ Vallejo ∙ CA ∙ 94590 ∙ 707.648.4576

The City of Vallejo is a diverse community that could greatly benefit from expanded broadband.

For these reasons, the City of Vallejo supports SB 4 (Gonzalez).

Sincerely,

Anne Cardwell
Interim City Manager
City of Vallejo

cc: Assembly Member, Timothy S. Grayson, [email protected]

Senator, Bill Dodd, [email protected]
Nancy Hall Bennett, [email protected]
League of California Cities, [email protected]
City Councilmembers
City Clerk

RESOLUTION NO. ______ N.C.

ESTABLISHING LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR THE CITY OF VALLEJO WITH

RESPECT TO STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATION
WHEREAS, several years of state and federal crises, economic uncertainty, state takeaways, and increasing unfunded mandates have led to the city of Vallejo needing to take an active role in state and federal government decisions; and
WHEREAS, now more than ever, it is necessary to advocate for those issues having a significant impact on local control, budget and fiscal sustainability, employee relations and worker’s compensation, housing and neighborhoods, transportation, economic development and business attraction, land-use and planning, environmental and water resources, and public safety; and WHEREAS, it is vital to the fiscal health and the self-determination of the city of Vallejo to effectively communicate with state legislators and federal representatives in order to favorably influence state and federal legislation, regulations and grant requests; and WHEREAS, the city of Vallejo’s legislative priorities are a focused, comprehensive agenda which strengthens local government, promotes city goals and priorities, and defends the city against legislative actions by state and federal governments that would weaken local government and/or take away traditional revenue sources; and
WHEREAS, the League of California Cities and the National League of Cities conducts a legislative analysis and advocacy program on behalf of cities for state issues and major federal issues, and professional lobbying firms provide a voice in government affairs on behalf of their clients; and WHEREAS, on April 11, 2017, the Vallejo City Council adopted, via Resolution No. 17-034 N.C. the first “Legislative Priorities and Advocacy Procedures for State and Federal Legislation” and continues to adopt updated versions annually; and
WHEREAS, the city of Vallejo desires to remain proactive and timely in the governmental decision making processes directly affecting the city by amending the “Legislative Priorities and Advocacy Procedures for State and Federal Legislation” identified in Exhibit “A”; and WHEREAS, a key component of the city’s legislative policy is advocacy through various methods, including but not limited to face-to-face meetings between city of Vallejo representatives and elected officials at the federal, state, and county levels, and coordination with similar efforts made by other local government entities.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the city council of the city of Vallejo does hereby approve the amended “Legislative Priorities and Advocacy Procedures for State and Federal Legislation”, as set forth in Exhibit “A”, and authorizes the Mayor, City Manager, or designee, to take positions on legislation generally consistent with the Guiding Principles and in a manner conforming to the procedures set forth in Exhibit “A”.

ACTION ITEM 9.D.

DATE: February 8, 2022
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Erik Rzomp. Executive Assistant to the Mayor
SUBJECT: ELEVATION OF ENSENADA FROM FRIENDSHIP CITY STATUS TO SISTER CITY STATUS

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution approving the elevation of Ensenada , Baja California Mexico from a Friendship City to a Sister City, authorize the Mayor to sign agreement relating to same and forward to Ensenada Mayor for signature.

REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION
The Sister City Commission on October 18, 2021, voted unanimously to elevate the city of Ensenada Mexico from a Friendship City to a Sister City. Commissioner Emma del Rosario, the chair of the Ensenada subcommittee, prepared draft documents relating to the desired action. The Sister City Commission reviewed the materials and evaluated the desire, intent, individual and municipal commitment, and similarities between the City of Vallejo and Ensenada. The Commission determined that a Sister City relationship was appropriate and is therefore recommending same.

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The mission of Sister Cities is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation— one individual, one community at a time. In 1956, President Eisenhower envisioned a network that would be a champion for peace and prosperity by fostering bonds between people from different communities around the world. He reasoned that people from different cultures could understand, appreciate, and celebrate their differences while building partnerships that would lessen the chance of new conflicts. https://sistercities.org/about-us/

Participants in the Sister City program “…develop lifelong friendships that provide prosperity and peace through person to person ‘citizen diplomacy.’ …embers boast exchanges in arts and culture, business and trade, youth and education, and community development that not only bring them friendship, but help them to tackle the world’s most pressing issues at the local level.” https://sistercities.org/about-us/our-mission/ The pairing of Vallejo and Ensenada as Sister Cities is an effort to continue the mission of Sister Cities International.

The Ensenada Subcommittee of the Vallejo Sister City Commission prepared the Elevate Ensanada Packet 2017-2019. This staff report has attempted to highlight the decision points for the process of elevation to facilitate the Vallejo City Council decision.

Section 2.38.030 of the Vallejo Municipal Code sets forth the duties of the Sister City Commission, including:
Conducting research on Vallejo's sister city or cities and their respective country or countries, existing and proposed.

Date: February 8, 2022
Subject: ELEVATION OF ENSENADA FROM FRIENDSHIP CITY STATUS TO SISTER CITY STATUS

Page 2 ends

Promoting relationships and events between cities; visitor exchange and tour groups and exchange of information, gifts, and articles of cultural and informative value. Maintaining a roster of participants interested in correspondence and maintain a translation committee. Evaluating relationships with current sister cities and make recommendations to city council. Recording deliberations and decisions adequately to reveal considerations significant to such decisions

The Sister City Association of Vallejo maintains the following relationships:

Sister Cities

Friendship Cities

1. Trondheim, Norway 1.Ensenada, Mexico

2. Baguio City, Philippines 2. Muju, South Korea

3. Bagamoyo, Tanzania 3. Ennery, Haiti

4. Jincheon, South Korea 4. Rota, Northern Mariana Islands (U.S.

Commonwealth)

5. La Spezia, Italy 5. Zanzibar, Tanzania

6. Akashi, Japan 6. Seven Generations Intertribal Council

7. Parun, Afghanistan

The last City to be approved as a Sister City was Jincheon, South Korea in 2003.

The City of Vallejo is a Member in Good Standing and has paid its annual dues to Sister Cities International, in Washington D.C. for the membership year July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022.

According to the most recent Sister Cities International 2019 Directory, the City of Ensenada is in good standing and has Sister City Relationships with Redondo Beach, California and Riverside, California. (2019 Sister Cities International Membership Directory P. 68 https://sistercities.org/membership-directory/)

GUIDANCE:

The Sister City Commission utilizes the terminology and the process set forth by the Sister Cities International.

According to Sister Cities International, Affiliation Policy:

“A Friendship City or Friendship Cities relationship is considered slightly less formal and is sometimes used as a step towards the development a sister city agreement. Typically, Friendship City agreements are referred to as such in the formal documents that are signed. Sister Cities International shall recognize Friendship City Date: February 8, 2022
Subject: ELEVATION OF ENSENADA FROM FRIENDSHIP CITY STATUS TO SISTER CITY STATUS

Page 3 ends

relationships by members in its Membership Directory and website.”

“A Sister City or Sister Cities relationship is formed when the mayor or highest elected official (or, if elections do not take place, highest appointed official) from a U.S. community and a community in another country or territory sign a formal agreement on behalf of their communities endorsing a “sister city/cities” relationship.

Sister relationships may also include counties, municipalities, oblasts, prefectures, provinces, regions, states, territories, towns, villages, or any other subnational administrative distinction.” “A new partnership will be considered official only when Sister Cities international has received a signed copy of the sister city agreement. The document(s) must be signed by the top elected/appointed official of both communities.”

“Sister Cities International shall formally recognize only those relationships by cities/members in good standing (i.e. who are current on membership dues) in its Membership Directory or on its website. However, Sister Cities International shall not assert as invalid or otherwise impugn the legitimacy of those relationships formed by non-members.”

https://sistercities.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Affiliation-Policy.pdf :

An evaluation of the potential relationship with La Mision Ensenada, was conducted by Emma del Rosario using SCI Cities Seeking Cities Debrief in 2015. This piqued the interest in the area and led to further inquiry.

City to City Relationship established
The desire and intent were established by the Village of La Mision, the City of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico with a letter of inquiry in February 2017 to the Vallejo Sister City Association. Packet p. 9
The Mayor of Ensenada expressed interest in a Sister City relationship in 2017 with the City of Vallejo in a letter dated June 28, to then Vallejo Mayor Bob Sampayan. Packet p. 22 Diplomatic visits

Diplomatic visits are considered a display of interest and intent to further a Sister City relationship.

In June of 2017, a delegation of five Vallejo Citizen Diplomats from Vallejo Sister City Association made a trip to the Village of La Mision and Ensenada as a show of interest in further developing the Friendship City relationship.

In July 2019, a delegation of Vallejo Citizen Diplomats from Vallejo Sister City Association made a trip to the Village of La Mision and Ensenada as a show of interest in continuing the Friendship City relationship.

In 2019, Mayor Sampayan sent a letter of introduction for then councilmember McConnell, who paid a diplomatic visit to Ensenada while on vacation.

Note: Due to the COVID -19 pandemic and the resultant travel restrictions and health concerns in 2020 and 2021, there were no diplomatic visits between the cities of Vallejo and Ensenada.Ensenada subcommittee chair, Commissioner Emma del Rosario, remained in communication with Jared Gutierrez, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs at the Ensenada Municipal Office via email during this time.

Date: February 8, 2022
Subject: ELEVATION OF ENSENADA FROM FRIENDSHIP CITY STATUS TO SISTER CITY STATUS

Page 4 ends

Areas of Common interest between both cities
Per the Elevate Ensenada Packet 2017-2019, the following areas of common interest were identified:
Trade, Grape Vineyards and Wineries, pp. 28-29
College and University Educational Opportunities, p. 30 Tourism, p. 31
Shipbuilding and Seafaring Activities. p. 32
Sports Cultural Exchange. p. 33
Public Art, pp. 34-35
Program Participation - Individuals and organizations from the cities are responsible for sustaining the relationship through communication, gift exchange, and the planning and execution of diplomatic visits. .

Ensenada program participants

Jared Gutierrez
Ensenada Mayor’s office of Armando Ayala Robles
Ensenada Lions Club Home stay sponsors
Armando Espinoza
Rudy Medallo
Adalberto Avelar Garcia Rojas
Heidi Elizarraraz
Lindzee Creech
Abril Fonseca
Vallejo program participants

Emma del Rosario
Yolanda Kim
William Kim
Pelton Stewart
Christy Gardner
Ravi Shankar
Israel Delgado
Robert Cordova
Dinah Villanueva Ryan

CONCLUSION
The Ensenada subcommittee of the Vallejo Sister City Commission confirmed the desire, intent, individual and municipal commitment, and similarities between the City of Vallejo and City of Ensenada. Should the City Council approve the elevation of Ensenada to a Sister City and the Mayor signs the agreement, the agreement will be forwarded to the Mayor of Ensenada. After the signatures of both mayors are obtained, the relationship must be recognized by Sister Cities International.

Date: February 8, 2022
Subject: ELEVATION OF ENSENADA FROM FRIENDSHIP CITY STATUS TO SISTER CITY STATUS

Page 5 ends

FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact. The Sister City Commission budget is allocated by council and then the monies are applied according to the priorities for the year. No additional funds are required.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

ATTACHMENTS

1. Resolution ELEVATE ENSENADA- Revised CAO STAMP

2. Vallejo-Ensenada Packet Revised CAO Stamp

CONTACT
Erik Rzomp, Executive Assistant to the Mayor (707) 648-4377 [email protected]
Resolution NO. 22-

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ELEVATION OF ENSENADA, MEXICO FROM A

FRIENDSHIP CITY TO A SISTER CITY AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO THE

AGREEMENT RELATING TO SAME
WHEREAS, the Vallejo Sister City Commission voted on October 18th 2021 that the Friendship City of Ensenada Mexico should be elevated to the status of Sister City to the City of Vallejo; and
WHEREAS THE CITY OF Vallejo recognizes that a Sister City relationship with the City of Ensenada Mexico will promote exchanges in arts and culture, business and trade, youth and education; and
WHEREAS the city council finds it desirable and appropriate to engage in a program of “citizen diplomacy” and to engage in a program of bilateral international friendship and exchange to promote peace through mutual understanding; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Vallejo, State of California, as follows:

1. That the City of Ensenada, Mexico is hereby adopted as a Sister City of the City of Vallejo, California with the goal of bilateral international friendship and cultural, business, art, trade, youth, and educational exchanges.

2. The Mayor is Hereby authorized to sign the sign Sister Cities Agreement and forward to Ensenada Mayor for signature.

ELEVATE ENSENADA

California, U.S.A.

Baja California, Mexico
Vallejo Sister City Commission
Emma del Rosario Cordova
Chair for the Ensenada Committee
Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
VSCC recommendation for Vallejo Sister City Status
2021
PACKET 2017-2019

2 Ensenada is a coastal city in
Mexico, the third largest in
Baja California, 78 miles
south of San Diego on Baja
California Peninsula.

Ensenada has emerged as a
cruise ship destination,
aerospace center, and a
jumping-off point for Valle
de Guadalupe, a local wine
region. Ensenada's diversity
as a city is in part attributed
to Spanish, Russian, and
American influences.

Sister City Commission
Wikipedia
3 3
Sister Cities International (SCI) -

Sister Cities International was created at President Eisenhower’s 1956 White House summit on citizen diplomacy, where he envisioned a network that would be a champion for peace and prosperity by fostering bonds between people from different communities around the world.

President Eisenhower reasoned that people from different cultures could understand, appreciate, and celebrate their differences while building partnerships that would lessen the chance of new conflicts.

Mission: To promote peace through
mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation
one individual, one community at a time.

Current Vallejo Sister Cities:

Trondheim, Norway
Akashi, Japan
La Spezia, Italy
Baguio, Philippines
Bagamoyo, Tanzania
Jincheon, So. Korea
SCI: sistercities.org

About Sister Cities International: Founded as a Presidential initiative by Dwight D.

Eisenhower in 1956, Sister Cities International serves as the national membership organization for close to 500 individual sister cities, counties; counties and states across the United States with relationships in 1,800 communities in 137 countries on six continents. The sister city network unites tens of thousands of citizen diplomats and volunteers who work tirelessly to promote the organizations’ mission of creating world peace and understanding through economic development, youth and education, arts and culture, and humanitarian assistance.

Retrieved 19 November 2019 from SCI: sistercities.org
4 4
Vallejo Friendship Cities Plaques
5 5

Contents
Packet cover 1
Introduction 2
Sister Cities International - Mission 3
Vallejo Sister City Friendship Cities Plaques 4
Contents 5
Vallejo Sister City Commission Charter 6
The Dream, Vision and Commitment 7
The Mission 8
Letter of Interest from Delegado Ariel Sanchez Perez 9
SCI Cities Seeking Cities - Debrief, Overview, Interest 10-11 Introducing Ensenada, BC, Mexico 12-18
La Mision / Municipal Gate & Ensenada City Officials 19-20 Itinerary of June 2017 Commissioners Visit 21
2017 Signed Letter of Intent by Ensenada Mayor Novelo 22 2017 Presentation of Receipt of LOI 23
Gift Exchange 24
Common Interest – Youth Participation Folkloric Dance 25 Common Interest - Youth Participation BLAST 26
2017 Thank You Letter from Mayor Bob Sampayan 27
Common Interest – Trade: Grape Vineyards and Wineries 28-29 Common Interest - Educational Opportunities 30
Common Interest - Tourism 31
Common Interest - Shipbuilding & Seafaring Activities 32 Common Interest – Sports: Cultural Exchange-Taekwondo 33 Common Interest - Public Art 34-35
Itinerary of 2019 Group Visit 36
2019 Meet and Greet 37
Ensenada Homestay Sponsors 38
Education Exchange: Open Forum on Climate Change 39
Group photos 40
Open Arms Humanitarian Organization 41-43
UABC tour 44
Sampling local food in Ensenada 45
Vallejo Gift Presentation 46
Saying Goodbye 47
2017-2019 List of Volunteers who support Ensenada 48
Sister Cities International Agreements- English and Spanish 49-54

6 6
Vallejo Sister City Commission Charter

Vallejo Sister City Commission Chapter

2.38 Sister City Commission

2.38.010 - Creation and Membership.

2.38.020 - Purposes.

The purpose of the sister city commission shall be:

A. To plan and recommend to the city council a sister city program.

B. To stimulate and sustain participation in and community support for an approved sister city program

2.38.030 - Duties.

The duties of the sister city commission shall be to:

A. Conduct research on Vallejo’s sister city or cities and their respective country or countries, existing and
proposed;
B. Establish and maintain liaison with Sister Cities International; C. Promote the following activities between Vallejo and its sister city or cities:

1. Relationships and events between cities;

2. Visitor exchange and tour groups and exchange of
information, gifts, and articles of cultural and
informative value; and

3. Formal and friendly relations between such groups as schools, youth organizations, clubs, chambers of
commerce and churches.

D. Maintain a roster of participants interested in
correspondence and maintain a translation
committee;
E. Evaluate relationships with current sister cities and make recommendations to city council; and
F. Record deliberations and decisions adequately to reveal considerations significant to such decisions.

Retrieved 19 November 2019 from the City of Vallejo website

7 7
In alignment with President Eisenhower’s 1956 White House conference on citizen diplomacy, we envision Ensenada as an outstanding Sister City with Vallejo. Vallejo has a Hispanic population of 24%. The two Cities share many traditions and customs which help to build a foundation for peace, prosperity, and cultural understanding. While we appreciate our different cultures and celebrate our commitment to our diplomatic partnerships, we believe that this new partnership with Ensenada would complement our Vallejo diversity. The dream for peace and understanding may no longer be just a dream but a reality.

The Sister Cities International, Vallejo Sister City Commission and the Vallejo Sister City Association are instrumental in the development and strengthening of the diplomatic bond and partnership during our cultural, educational, trade exchanges and humanitarian visits to establish this sisterhood relationship with Ensenada. Our “person to person” interaction in carrying out the vision of President Eisenhower energizes us in doing the right things and doing them well as “citizen diplomats” during our international collaborative and diplomatic visits with Ensenada citizens and Officials of Ensenada.

Our commitment to the values demonstrated by Vallejo Sister City Commission, Vallejo Sister City Association and Sister Cities International in Washington DC, in promoting peace, respect, cooperation and humanitarian efforts will always be the heartbeat by which we as an organization live by, act on and share with our Sister Cities, including Ensenada, Mexico. We, Vallejo Sister City officers and members are committed to be a part of this endeavor, in making the new Vallejo-Ensenada Sister City relationships grow in numbers, create new ideas, projects or programs, and give guidance when necessary, in implementing policies, and practices. We together will “Connect Globally and Thrive Locally”.

A committed group of Citizen Diplomats from Vallejo visited La Mision, Ensenada, BC in 2017 to witness first-hand the work of the people of La Mission Educational Day Care in providing care and education to the children of the community. It was during this visit that the Ensenada Director of International Affairs handed a Letter of Intent to become a sister city, signed by Ensenada Mayor Marco Novelo, to the following Vallejo Sister City Officers: Vallejo Sister City Commission Chair Pelton Stewart, Vallejo Sister City Association Vice Chair Dinah Villanueva Ryan, Vallejo Sister City Ensenada Committee Chair Emma del Rosario Cordova, Vallejo, Jincheon, South Korea Chair William Kim, and Vallejo Sister City Association Member Ravi Shankar.

The Dream. The Vision
The Commitment
8 8
The Mission

On June 9, 2015, Emma del Rosario Cordova, was sworn in as a Commissioner with the Vallejo Sister City Commission. Commissioners are charged with creating a sister city program as required by Chapter

2.38.020 of the Vallejo Municipal Code. Emma focused on youth empowerment and humanitarian programs that could impact the lives of all people, both young and old. In February 2017 Vallejo Sister City Association received a letter of inquiry from Delgado Ariel Sanchez of La Mision, Ensenada, Mexico inquiring about the City of Vallejo and the Vallejo Sister City Organization. In October of 2017, we received a visit from the Director of Open Arms, Heidi Elizarraraz, who wished to learn more about the Vallejo Sister City organizations. She was accompanied by Mrs. Martha Camacho. Mrs. Camacho, a Vallejo resident, was born in Mexico and serves as a youth director at Church on the Hill, a church that regularly sends youth on humanitarian missions to La Mision. Mrs. Camacho and Heidi Elizarraraz serve as Vallejo’s liaison to La Mision, Ensenada, Mexico. Vallejo Sister Cities has partnered with the community from Church on the Hill led by Pastor Scott Peterson and the Vallejo Hispanic-American Community led by Mina Loera-Diaz while pursuing a sister city relationship with La Mision, Ensenada.

In June 2017, five Vallejo Citizen Diplomats made their first visit to the City of Ensenada to meet with the Director of International Affairs, Jared Gutierrez. He introduced us to the City of Ensenada’s culture, schools and City Officers. It was during this visit that the letter of intent was presented and accepted by the visiting officials from Vallejo Sister City Association. On July 29 to August 6, 2019, a Vallejo delegation traveled a second time to Ensenada and La Mision to continue the Sister City process. The VSCA Ensenada team, led by Emma del Rosario Cordova, continues to work toward completion of the process to “ELEVATE ENSENADA” as a Sister City of Vallejo.

Note: Due to the Covid-19 Protocols, there were no travel visits between the Cities of Vallejo and Ensenada in 2020.

9 9

10 10

11 11

12 12

Ensenada is backed by small mountain ranges. Proximity to the Pacific and a warm Mediterranean latitude create mild year-round weather. The rainy season during the winter is short and the area is prone to prolonged droughts, which can threaten its grape harvests. The National Park, Constitution of 1857, is nearby as are also the Sierra de Juarez and San Pedro Martir National Park, which maintain one of the best astronomical observatories in the country.

Cityscape
Ensenada is predominantly a mid-rise building beach city. The only high-rise building within its city limits is the Villa Marina Hotel, though new buildings and resorts in northwestern Ensenada such as Entremar, La Costa, and Viento add to the city's skyline and form the majority of the city's high rise buildings.

Emblematic sites representative of Ensenada such as the Civic Plaza (or Plaza of the Three Heads as commonly known to locals), containing sculptures of Mexican heroes Benito Juarez, Venustiano Carranza and Miguel Hidalgo, the enormous Mexican flag (bandera monumental), and the malecon - and Naval cruise terminal are found on and near the coast of the bay. Several marinas including Ensenada Cruiseport Village, Hotel Coral & Marina, Punta Morro Resort are located on the city's coast. The Baja Mar Oceanfront Golf Resort at Baja Mar is also located nearby to the north, and is a prominent seaside resort of Baja California.

Introducing
Ensenada, Baja California,
Mexico
Flora and fauna
Many of the terrestrial or marine species inhabiting the surrounding the Greater Ensenada area in the Baja California islands are unique. Guadalupe Island, off the coast of the city, is one of the best places in the world for observing the great white shark. The island has been a wildlife sanctuary since 1975.

The city's offshore is host to an array of aquatic mammals including the gray whale, the Guadalupe fur seal and California sea lion; terrestrial mammals include various squirrel species, otters, the ring-tailed cat, coyote, bobcat, and puma.

Bird species include hawks, pelicans, roadrunners, and various waterfowl and oceangoing species.

Wikipedia
13 13
Ensenada (Spanish pronunciation: [enseˈnaða]) is a coastal city in Mexico, the third-largest in Baja California. Lying 125 kilometres (78 mi) south of San Diego on the Baja California Peninsula, it is locally referred to as La Cenicienta del Pacífico, "The Cinderella of the Pacific".[2] One of the first settlements founded in the Californias, Ensenada has emerged as a cruise ship destination, aerospace center, and a jumping-off point for Valle de Guadalupe, a local wine region.

It is said that the first Vitis vinifera made it to the region's San Ignacio Mission in 1703, when Jesuit Padre Juan de Ugarte planted the first vineyards there.

Situated on the coastline of Bahía de Todos Santos, the Port of Ensenada is an important commercial, fishing, and tourist port, it’s also the most visited tourist port in the Pacific, with more than 700 thousand cruise passengers a year. The city is home to a navy base, army base, and Ensenada Airport, a military airfield.

Ensenada is the municipal seat and cultural and commercial center of Ensenada Municipality, one of five into which the state is divided. As of 2020, the municipality had an estimated population of 557,430.[3][1]
Ensenada History

At the time the first European explorers arrived in the region, the Yuman people inhabited the region.

Yuman tribal groups such as the Kiliwa, Paipai and Kumeyaay still exist. These semi-nomadic indigenous people lived in the bay area and interior valleys of the Sierra de Juárez and San Pedro Mártir.

The Kumeyaay had a village where the city is seated on, which was called Pa-tai.[5] Bahia Todos Santos, which Ensenada now borders, was first reached by sea by the Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo on the vessels El Salvador and Victoria. The city was founded September 17, 1542 under the name San Mateo.[6][7] In 1602, while mapping the coast of the Californias in search of safe harbors for returning Spanish galleons from Manila to Acapulco, Sebastián Vizcaíno renamed the city to Ensenada de Todos Santos.[6] Ensenada means "bay" or "cove".

The first permanent settlement was established by the Jesuits during the 17th or 18th century. After the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1768, the Dominicans took over the representation of Europe in what is now Ensenada. In 1805, José Manuel Ruiz Carillo obtained permission to establish himself in Ensenada, being appointed governor of Baja California and building in Ensenada a house that survived until the final part of that century, despite being briefly taken by William Walker, the self-declared "president" of the Republic of Lower California, in 1853–54.[8]
In 1882, Ensenada was designated the capital of Baja California, and attempts at developing the area were made by the English Mexican Land and Colonization Company. These were interrupted by the Mexican Revolution, which left the area devastated. In 1915, the capital was transferred to Mexicali, and in 1930, the population of Ensenada was only 5,000.[9] During the early part of the twentieth century, the city's name was shortened from Ensenada de Todos Santos to Ensenada, a change made in order to avoid confusion with Todos Santos in Baja California Sur.[8] The twentieth-century development of Ensenada was assisted by prohibition, which sent Americans and Canadians south of their border in search of entertainment and alcohol, developing first Tijuana, then Rosarito, and finally Ensenada as tourist destinations. The Hotel Riviera del Pacífico was opened in 1930, briefly placing Ensenada on the international glamor map and was visited several times by President Miguel Aleman, international artists and political personalities; yet unlike the Hotel del Coronado, it was never a sustained success (despite giving rise to the claim that the Margarita was invented there). It really flourished only in the early 1950s, at which time Ensenada's population had risen to 20,000. The hotel finally closed in 1964. It was later reopened as a cultural center and museum.[9] By this time, other hotels had opened, and the population and economy of Ensenada had grown and diversified towards their present status.

On January 26th, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI created the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ensenada with territory taken from the Archdiocese of Tijuana and Mexicali Diocese, making it a suffragan diocese of

Wikipedia
14 14
Hydrography
There are no rivers in the city, only surface runoff streams that flow when there is large amounts of rainfall.

Ensenada has one natural fresh water body, the Lagunita pond, located to the north of El Ciprés military air field, and which has ecological importance.[10] Scuba diving and snorkeling are excellent in the La Bufadora area, and surfing is best north of town at San Miguel Beach, immediately after the toll road ends. Ensenada's downtown waterfront area is generally rocky, but good beaches for swimming are a few miles south of town at Estero Beach and a bit farther at Punta Banda.

Kayaking is popular around La Bufadora, where sea caves and sea lion rookeries exist, and around uninhabited Todos Santos Island, five miles offshore. Look for great camping, trout fishing and wilderness getaways at Laguna Hanson, a little-known, mountain-and-pine escape east of Ensenada. And there are two excellent golf courses, one north and one south of the city. And there are two excellent golf courses, one north at Bajamar and one south of the city at Baja Beach and Tennis Club.

The resident intellectual and university communities bring a different flavor to this diverse city than to other Baja towns, and here a Pro-musica choral ensemble and the Cuban Ballet School are widely supported. Spanish missionaries and groups of Russian settlers brought native vines to the area and then settled, leaving their mark on the cultural mix. Today, there are Russian museums, jail museums and a historic gambling casino to explore. Ensenada also boasts Baja's oldest bar, Hussong's (011-52-646-178-3210), one of the most famous drinking establishments in the world. Claims the current owner: "Ain't never charged a cover charge in 110 years, and ain't gonna start now!"
Accommodations
Places to stay run the spectrum, from $8-a-night campsites to $130-a-night resort suites.

There are probably more camping sites and RV camps near Ensenada and on the highway between Rosarito and Ensenada than any other destination on Baja's Pacific Coast.

Restaurants
Choose from fabulous fish and shrimp tacos and seafood cocktails at inexpensive stands near the fish market, or award-winning French food with impeccable service at several restaurants. Standouts on the upscale-but-not-outrageously-priced side are the award- winning El Rey Sol (011-52-646-178-1733) and the two wine restaurants in the restored Santo Tomas Winery.

Wine
Sample Baja's fine wines at the downtown Santo Tomas Winery. Both its wine cafe, La Esquina (011-52-646-178-3557), and its gourmet wine restaurant, La Embotelladora Vieja (011-52-646-174-0807), offer best-of-Baja, best-of-California and best-of-South America selections by the glass or bottle. La Esquina sells a wide variety of take-home bottles from numerous wineries at low vineyard prices. Make sure you climb the narrow spiral staircase at La Esquina and sip a glass of vino on the second-floor outdoor terrace. And

Wikipedia
15 15
Tijuana is big-city hype and hustle, and Rosarito is beach-town easy, Ensenada is something in between. It's a college town, a thriving port, the center of Mexico's wine-growing industry and a commercial fishing center.

The bustling harbor is one of Mexico's fastest growing seaports, and fishing is big business here, from tuna boats the size of tankers to a sport fishing fleet diverse enough to satisfy any ocean angler. But the harbor also hosts an endless armada of international cruise ships, and Ensenada has long been known as Baja's "Love Boat" port.

Ensenada's main downtown area is as tourist-friendly as Mexico gets. The city's merchandise selection is extensive, and most tourist-related shopping is concentrated along a single street - - Boulevard Lopez Mateos. Just a block from the waterfront, this walkable shopping section attracts mostly cruise passengers and day trippers who browse for an afternoon. Many of Tijuana's top stores have Ensenada branches on Lopez Mateos.

But there's far more to do here than shop. Ensenada is the heart of Mexico's wine country, and nine wineries in Baja's "Bordeaux Belt" of sheltered valleys near Ensenada produce almost 90 percent of Mexico's wines. The scenery -- picturesque vineyards surrounded by mountains -- alone merits a trip to Ensenada.

Inexpensive tours and tastings are offered six days a week by several Guadalupe Valley and Ensenada wineries, and the mid-August wine festival, sponsored by the area's Wine Brotherhood, is one of Baja's most popular annual events.

Be sure to check out the popular sportfishing pier area in the heart of downtown. A pair of sea lions (Claudia and Pancho) have been known to leap from the water to the pier to snap a fish from your fingers. Pelicans, hoping for a handout, waddle through the adjacent Mercado Negro, Baja's oldest and largest fresh fish market, where you'll find everything from whole, fresh sharks to brilliant parrot fish. Bring a camera.

The Pacific coast's best deep-fried shrimp tacos are cooked up fresh at colorful stands surrounding the pier. Sit on a stool in the sunshine and enjoy a few, while mariachis serenade you. And while you're there, tour the harbor and see the resident tuna fleet and flotilla of visiting yachts. Small motorboats, with guides, can be rented by the hour for under $15. Sign up on the spot.

And by all means, make the half-hour drive south to Baja's famous "blowhole." Thunderous La Bufadora, one of only three continuous sea spouts in the world, can shoot a geyser-like spray 60 feet in the air. A quaint village of curio shops has sprouted around the spout and makes for pleasant shopping. Try a juicy mango-on-a-stick or buy a bag of decadent, hip-swelling churros, deep-fried on the spot.

Wikipedia
16 16
Culture
Ensenada's diversity as a city is in part attributed to Spanish, Russian, and American influences. Spanish missionaries and Russiansettlers began the growth of the wine industry in the city.[22] Reminiscent of this time period are Russian museums in the city.

The city is known for its festivities and laid-back atmosphere, the city hosts many events including the Wine Harvest Festival (Fiestas de la Vendimia) and Ensenada Carnaval. The Wine Harvest Festival celebrates the wine harvest season and in the city and nearby Guadalupe Valley, a series of events takes place.

Typical food in Ensenada consists of fish tacos, which originated in the city,[citation needed] shrimp tacos, and ceviche. These dishes are usually accompanied by avocado and salsa. Another dish characteristic of the port city is carpaccio. The city's Mediterranean climate allows for the cultivation of grapes and olives, which in turn make wine and olive oil, respectively.

Development of such foods complement Spanish, Italian, French, and Mexico dishes in Ensenada.

Sports
Ensenada maintains no professional sports teams in association football, basketball, or baseball, but is known for its water sports. The city has sports fishing venues, and swells that are known for drawing professional surfers.[23] In addition to its water sports scene, the city is known for a place of biking, both cycling and motorsport varieties. The 80 kilometres (50 mi) Rosarito-Ensenada bike race ends in the city. The Baja 500, which starts and ends in the city, and Baja 1000 – both races that take their names from their distance in miles – are motorsport races that begin in the city.[23] It is also the birthplace of the tennis player Raúl Ramírez.

Wikipedia
Maritime Industry
The Port of Ensenada has a large influence on the civic economy. Ensenada is home to the only deep-water port in the state of Baja California and on the Baja California Peninsula. The port is part of standard shipping routes that directly link it with the Mexican cities of La Paz, Manzanillo, Mazatlán, Acapulco and Lázaro Cárdenas; the American cities of San Diego, Long Beach and Los Angeles; the Guatemalan city of Puerto Quetzal, the Chilean city of Valparaíso, the Japanese city of Yokohama, and the city of Hong Kong. Ensenada is where the Fender standard series guitars and basses are produced. 17 17
Transportation
The Port of Ensenada is an international deepwater port and the city's major water port. It maintains commercial, industrial, and tourist terminals. In addition to the port, the coast around Bahia de Todos Santos is dotted with numerous marinas, including Marina Baja Fiesta, Marina Cruiseport Village, Marina Coral, and Marina Baja Naval with docking facilities for pleasure craft and commercial and sport fishing vessels.[24] In order to comply with United States cabotage laws, many cruise ships operating between Pacific ports in the U.S. call at Ensenada en route.

The city lies at a crossroads of major federal highways on the Peninsula that lead to the northern centers of Los Angeles, San Diego, and Mexicali and south to Cabo San Lucas and La Paz. The junction occurs at the meeting of Federal Highway 1 and Federal Highway 3. The main roads of the city include Bahia de La Paz and Lazaro Cardenas, northwest bound, and southeast bound roads.

Sister Cities
Ensenada has three sister cities as designated by Sister Cities International,[26] including relations formalized between other cities.[27] City State Country
Parlier California USA
Redondo Beach California USA
Riverside California USA

Wikipedia
18 18
Country Mexico
State Baja California
Municipal seat Ensenada
Largest city Ensenada
Municipality established 29 December 1953[2]
Government
• Municipal president Armando Ayala Robles (MORENA)
Area
• Total 19,526.8 km2 (7,539.3 sq mi)
Population (2020)
• Total 443,807[1]
Time zone UTC−8 (Northwest (US Pacific))
• Summer (DST) UTC−7 (Northwest)
INEGI code 1
Website (in Spanish) Ayuntamiento de
Ensenada

Ensenada Municipality
Wikipedia
19 19
Municipal Gate de La Mision Delegado
Ariel Sanchez
with VSCA Ensenada Team, 2017
La Mision
Mayor Ariel
Sanchez

Chief of
Police
and
Heidi
Elizararraz,
Director of
Open Arms
20 20
2017 Ensenada City Officials with La Mision Open Arms Director & Vallejo Sister City Representatives
Vallejo Ensenada Delegates
Pelton Stewart, Ravi Shankar,
Dinah Villanueva, William Kim
Emma del Rosario Cordova

Ensenada Director of
Foreign Affairs
Jared Gutierrez, Adalberto
Garcia, Rudy Mellado
Open Arms
Heidi Elizarraraz,
OA Director
Lindzee Creech,
Assistant Director
21 21

Tuesday 27
Arrive to Tijuana City Open Arms will provide transportation for the group

Departure - Arrive
Community Work at Open Arms Community Work at Open Arms building foundation.

Departure - Arrive
Dinner Heidi will provide a Suggestion for the
group.

Departure - Arrive
Wednesday 28
8:00 - 9:00 Breakfast at la Mision Presentation of Letter of Intent to Vallejo Delegation by Jared Gutierrez.

Open Arms Presentation
9:00 - 10:00 Departure - Arrive
10:00 - 11:00 UABC and Science Institutes UABC will show us the different areas for their students and provide a guided
tour.
11:00 - 11:30 Departure - Arrive
11:00 - 11:30 Museum El Caracol The Museum is an space to grow and discover, a place for the Children in our
City to start their imagination and learn,
the direction of the museum will provide
a tour for our guest.
11:30 - 12:00 Departure - Arrive

Thursday 29
9:00 - 9:30 Departure - Arrive
9:30 - 10:30 Breakfast at Cocina de Doña Estela Named the best Breakfast in the world, we will enjoy the delicious
and simplicity of this place
10:30 - 11:00 Departure - Arrive
11:00 - 12:00 Winery visit Let's taste some Baja Wines to complete our Experience in
Ensenada.
12:00 - 5:00 Departure - Arrive To SD Airport

Itinerary June 2017
Team Visit to Ensenada and La Mision
22 22

23 23
Vallejo & Ensenada Teams 2017 -
Letter of Intent Presentation
Awarded to Vallejo Sister City, 2017
left to right:

Jared Gutierrez
Armando Espinoza
Rudy Mellano
Pelton Stewart
Emma del Rosario Cordova
Dinah Villanueva Ryan
William Kim
Ravi Shankar
24 24
2017 Gift Exchange between
Vallejo Delegation &
Ensenada Committee
Armando Espinosa, Pelton Stewart, William Kim, Dinah
Villanueva, Emma del Rosario,
Ravi Shankar
25 25
Cultural Dance Presentation
Common Interest - Youth Participation
Cultural Dance Presentation
La Mision Middle School
26 26
Common Interest - Youth Participation
Build Leaders and Sustain Training (BLAST) Activity
27 27
November 20, 2019

Dear Honorable Mayor Armando Ayala,

Greetings!

It is always a pleasure and with pride to share with the citizens of Vallejo the beauty of Ensenada, Mexico that resides in its people as well as in its coastline and landscape. We are so blessed to experience this beauty during the July 2019 Vallejo citizen diplomats' visits including the homestay with your people as we continue to build our official sister city relationship.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce to you our very own Vallejo Council Member Robert McConnell, who is traveling to Ensenada to visit family and friends during this 2019 Thanksgiving week. As part of his support of the Vallejo Sister City movement, he is interested to make an official courtesy call and to personally thank you, Honorable Mayor Ayala, for your kindness that was extended to our Vallejo citizen diplomats during their July 2019 visit. Please help us welcome Vallejo Council Member Robert McConnell as part of our Ensenada family both in Vallejo and in the City Ensenada.

Thank you.

Best regards,

Mayor Bob Sampayan

28 28
Vallejo is surrounded by wineries
and vineyards

Common Interest – Trade
Grape Vineyards and Wineries

The Wine Country of
Ensenada

Valle de Guadalupe Decantos Vinicola
Vino Godfather
Winery

29 29

30 30

Universidad
Autonóma de
Baja California
(UABC) /
Marine Science
Institute for
Oceanographic
Research

Common Interest –
College & University Educational Opportunities

31 31
La Bufadora
Common Interest - Tourism
A marine geyser or blowhole located on
Cape Punta Banda. It is one of the largest
blowholes in North America.

Carquinez Bridge Reflected
on the Carquinez Strait in Vallejo at
slack tide.

Wikipedia
32 32
Productos Procesados / Repair & Re-use
Mare Island Shipyard
• Repair & Reuse
• Ferry Docks
• Passengers’ water transport for the Bay Area
Common Interest –
Shipbuilding and Seafaring Activities

33 33
WMK Taekwondo (Vallejo)
and
Instituto Cardenas Taekwondo (Ensenada)

Common Interest –
Sports Cultural Exchange

34 34
Ensenada’s Pride in Historical Arts
Kitchen decorated with Mexican motif tiles

Common Interest - Public Art
Ensenada Arts
35 35
Vallejo Arts
Gateway to Vallejo mural on 301 Georgia St., by Andre “Natty Rebel” Jones “Mother and Child”
Street Sculpture
by Jean Cherie
Sign by Miro Salazar
Utility Box by
Sherry Tobin
Utility Box
by C. Trojan
36 36

2019 Meet and Greet
with Ensenada Mayor Marco Novelo
Mayor Marco Novelo
presenting a gift to Elissa Shanks-
Stewart, Commission Chair and
William Kim, VSCA President

Ensenada Mayor Marco Novelo and Director of
Foreign Affairs Jared Gutierrez
Elissa S Stewart - VSCC Chair; William Kim - VSCA President; Emma del Rosario - Commissioner for Ensenada; Members of the Vallejo Sister Cities Association
38 Ensenada Homestay Sponsors
Emma del Rosario Cordova, Vallejo Commissioner for Ensenada, speaking about the benefits of a person-to-person cultural exchange experience
Lion’s Club & Family Members with Vallejo Delegation
39 Participants:

Vallejo delegates, Ensenada youth,
Ensenada college students
Educational Exchange
Open Forum
What is Climate Change? What Can You Do About It?
40 40
La Mision, Open Arms staff and Vallejo delegates, 2019

Presidente Municipal de Ensenada Armando Ayala Robles
L to R, Dinah Ryan, Commission Chair Elissa Stewart, Mayor Ayala, VSCA President William Kim, Ensenada Committee Chair Emma del Rosario, Yolanda Kim.

Person to Person interaction with
La Mision, Ensenada Nationals

41 41
The Children of Open Arms,
a humanitarian organization that gives free childcare to more than 75 kids. Their mission is to care for families before a child is abandoned
(left) Students of Open
Arms Day Care with VSCA
President Kim

(right) Rose Victoria
Yolanda and Emma & Bob
Cordova.

(below) Vallejo delegates &
Taekwondo Grand Master
W. Kim

42 42
2019 Open Arms
Children Shared Stories and Performed

43 43
2019 Humanitarian Project
18 boxes of donations: Children’s books, sports goods,
& school supplies

44 44
Universidad Autónoma Baja California
2019 Campus visit with Sr. Adalberto Avelar Garcia, UABC Site Director Whale skeletons on display

45 45
2019 Sampling the Local Food

46 46
Gift Presentation to Ensenada
Mural of Various Professions in Vallejo by Artist Miro Salazar ********
2019 Vallejo Commission Chair, Elissa S. Stewart
gives a VSCA Jacket to Ensenada Sports Director Rudy Mellado 47 47
Saying Goodbye
Our last day with our Homestay
Sponsors and Ensenada Friends.
48 48
List of Ensenada Volunteers 2017- 2019

1. Ensenada Municipal Office - Dept. of Foreign Affairs J ared Gutierrez - Director
Armando Espinoza
Rudy Medallo
Adalberto Avelar Garcia Rojas
Ensenada Lions Club Homestay Sponsors

2. Open Arms - La Mision, Ensenada
Heidi Elizarraraz - Director
Lindzee Creech -
Abril Fonseca

3. Vallejo Sister City Commission
Elissa Shanks Stewart*, Commission Vice-Chair 2017/Commission Chair 2019 P elton Stewart*, Commission Chair 2017
Emma del Rosario*, Commissioner for Ensenada
Norma Placido
Diana Dowling
K
aren Lowe
V
ernon Williams, Commission Vice-Chair 2019

4. Vallejo Sister City Association - Ensenada Committee Emma del Rosario, Ensenada Committee Chair*
Yolanda Kim*
William Kim*
Pelton Stewart*
Christy Gardner
Ravi Shankar*
Israel Delgado
Robert Cordova*
Dinah Villanueva Ryan*

5. Participating Vallejo Churches and Communities
The Hill Vallejo - Pastor Scott
New Song Youth Group Vallejo - Martha Camacho
* I
ndicates a travel visit delegate
49 49
In order to strengthen relations and provide mutual benefit to their communities Robert H.

McConnell, Mayor, City of Vallejo and Armando Ayala Robles, Alcalde del Municipio de Ensenada, do hereby join their respective cities in a Sister Cities relationship as part of Sister Cities International.

W
ith the goals of prosperity, cultural understanding, and exchange, the two parties shall explore opportunities to cultivate closer relations with one another through cooperative activities in the areas of economic development, cultural exchanges, educational opportunities at the University, College and K-12 levels, technical exchanges,
Ea
ch party shall seek to identify other areas for collaboration, and, will in such areas work for the benefit of both communities. The parties will establish bilateral working committees (“Sister City Committees”) to implement this agreement and propose specific activities and means of collaboration, as well as monitoring and evaluation of those activities. The committees will report to each of the parties’ representatives whenever appropriate, and at least once a year.

Re
cognizing the importance of strong and diverse economies, We will encourage our respective chambers of commerce and business communities to foster exchanges of entrepreneurs and business enterprises in areas such as tourism, commerce, and import/export assistance.

M
any residents of Vallejo trace their ancestry to Mexico including Ensenada, and over the years they have made many visits and built many friendships. With this agreement we hope to build on this common heritage and these existing relationships to reinforce the strong ties that bind our two communities. We hope to build on preexisting relationships built between their respective communities and acknowledge that these previous exchanges and personal friendships along with the benefits they have brought to each community have served as a foundation for this agreement.

We also acknowledge the strong expatriate community of Hispanics currently living in Vallejo as a motivator in deepening the ties between these two communities.

A
ctivity Specific
De
legacion La Mision, Ensenada, Baja California, Republic of Mexico and the City of Vallejo, California, USA in accordance with the sister cities movement, do hereby agree to promote, support, and encourage exchanges and cooperative activities between the citizens of each community.

SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL

SISTER CITY AGREEMENT
Narrative

50 50
These exchanges and activities shall be based on shared goals of economic development, cultural understanding, and improved municipal governance and administration. in pursuit of these shared goals, our cities shall:
- E
ncourage study abroad programs between our respective universities - Explore cooperation and exchange between local development agencies, chambers of commerce, and tourism departments
- Perform inbound/outbound University, College and high school exchanges - Provide support for exchanges of art and cultural products between our respective museums and galleries
- Prioritize municipal exchanges in the areas of transportation management and water management, economic development, cultural awareness
The
aforementioned activities are to be organized and managed by a “sister city committee,” that will represent the respective cities. A periodic report of progress and of programs developed may be provided to each city government as deemed necessary.

In a
ll activities each side will endeavor to ensure mutual benefit for each city, and shall draw on its institutions, social organizations, and citizens to promote cooperation. All activities shall also be subject to availability of resources and yearly budgets, and each party understands that this agreement does not constitute a financial commitment on behalf of the cities.

The
agreement has been made in two forms, one in English and one in Spanish each one being equally authentic. We hereby pledge to cooperate with each other as Sister Cities.

Therefore, by
affixing our signatures on behalf of our respective communities, we declare Vallejo, California U.S.A. and Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico Sister Cities, on this _____ day of ______, ______.
______
______________________. ___________________________
Armando Ayala Robles, Robert H. McConnell,
Alcalde del Municipio de Ensenada Mayor, City of Vallejo ( seal)
(seal)

SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL

SISTER CITY AGREEMENT

ACTION ITEM 9.E.

DATE: February 8, 2022
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Christina Ratcliffe, Interim Planning and Development Director Margaret Kavanaugh-Lynch, Planning Manager
SUBJECT: INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2.44.030 OF THE VALLEJO

MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO MEETINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND

ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING REVISIONS TO THE PLANNING

COMMISSION'S RULES OF ORDER AND PROCEDURES REGARDING THE SAME

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council:

1. Adopt a resolution modifying the Rules of Order and Procedures of the Planning Commission to:
a) Amend the Order of the Agenda, and
b) Allow the cancellation of regular meetings by consensus of the Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary, and c) Require a minimum of three meetings per quarter

2. Introduce a proposed ordinance to allow the cancellation of meetings by consensus of the Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary, and require a minimum of three meetings per quarter.

REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION
Approving the recommendations of the Planning Commission to its Rules of Order and Procedures will allow meetings to operate more efficiently and be more user-friendly to the public.

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
On August 16, 2021, Chair Cohen-Thompson, with the concurrence of the Commissioners, requested a discussion of the Planning Commission Rules of Order and Procedures (ROP) be placed on a future Commission agenda.

On September 20, 2021, staff brought the item back for discussion and received comments from the Commission and community members. After a robust discussion, the Commission proposed 1) re-ordering the agenda, 2) allowing the cancellation of regular meetings with the concurrence of the Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary, rather than by a majority vote of the full Commission, 3) reducing the number of mandatory regular meetings from one meeting per month to three meetings per quarter and, 4) adding more descriptive language to the agenda to render it more user-friendly to the public.

On November 15, 2021, the Planning Commission unanimously approved recommending the proposed changes to the City Council for final action.

Each of these items is discussed in detail below.

ANALYSIS

1. Amend the Order of the Agenda

Date: February 8, 2022
Subject: INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2.44.030 OF THE

VALLEJO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO MEETINGS OF THE PLANNING

COMMISSION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING REVISIONS TO

THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S RULES OF ORDER AND PROCEDURES

REGARDING THE SAME

Page 2 ends

ROP Sections 6.3 through 6.17 address the Order of Business identified in the agenda. Staff has prepared the table below comparing the current Order versus the proposed Order as directed by the Commission at its November meeting:

Current Order of Business Proposed Order of Business
A. Call to Order;
B. Pledge of Allegiance;
C. Roll Call;
D. Approval of Minutes;
E. Written Communications;
F. Secretary’s Report;
G. City Attorney’s Report;
H. Report of the Presiding Officer
and Members of the Planning
Commission;
I. Report of the subcommittees
J. Report of the City Council Liaison
K. Community Forum;
L. Consent Calendar and Approval of the Agenda;
M. Public Hearings;
N. Other Agenda Items;

1. Future Agenda Items
O. Adjournment
A. Call to Order;
B. Pledge of Allegiance;
C. Roll Call;
D. Consent Calendar and Approval of Agenda
1, Approval of Minutes;

2. Other Consent Items
E. Report of the City Council Liaison
F. Community Forum;
G. Public Hearings;
H. Action Items
I. Written Communications;
J. Regular Reports

1. Secretary’s Report;

2.City Attorney’s Report;

3.Report of the Presiding Officer and Members of
the Planning Commission;

4. Report of the Subcommittees
K. Other Agenda Items;

1. Future Agenda Items
L. Adjournment

The goal of these changes as directed by the Commission is to be able to approve the Agenda order early in the meeting and move through the business of the Commission more efficiently. In particular, moving Public Hearings earlier in the agenda order will avoid the public having to wait to the end of the meeting to speak on items that have been publicly noticed.

The Planning Commission recommends that “Action Items” be added to the Agenda for matters that require discussion or separate consideration by the Commission.

Sections 6.4 through 6.17 of the ROP describe each of the items listed in the Agenda. The text of these sections will not be changed with the exception of the addition of “Action Items” noted above. Attachment 1 contains a Draft Resolution showing all proposed changes to the ROP.

2. Allow the cancellation of meetings by consensus of the Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary, and require a minimum of three meetings per quarter.

To implement this proposed change, VMC Section 2.44.030 and Sections 3.1 and 3.2 of the ROP need to be modified. These changes are shown below, using the strike through for text to be removed and bold for text Date: February 8, 2022
Subject: INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2.44.030 OF THE

VALLEJO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO MEETINGS OF THE PLANNING

COMMISSION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING REVISIONS TO

THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S RULES OF ORDER AND PROCEDURES

REGARDING THE SAME

Page 3 ends

proposed to be added.

Municipal Code Section 2.44.030 Chairman—Meetings—Officers and employees.

The commission shall elect a chairman from among the appointed members for a term of one year, and subject to other provisions of law may elect such other officers as it may determine. The commission shall hold at least one three regular meetings each month quarter and shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations, which record shall be a public record. The commission shall appoint such officers and employees and contract for such services as it may deem necessary for the accomplishment of its work subject to all provisions of law and provided that all expenditures of the commission, exclusive of gifts, shall be within the amounts appropriated for the purpose by the city council.

ROP Section 3.1 Regular Meetings

Unless cancelled in accordance with Section 3.2, Rregular meetings of the Commission shall be held on the first and third Mondays of every month at seven (7) p.m. If the first or third Monday falls on a legal holiday, the meeting shall be held on the following Wednesday at the same hour. If at any regular meeting, business before the Commission remains unfinished, the Commission may adjourn from time to time to dispose of the same or to transact any other unfinished business.

Less than a quorum may so adjourn from time to time. If all members are absent from any regular or adjourned regular meeting, the Secretary may declare the meeting adjourned to a stated time and place and shall cause a written notice of the adjournment to be given in the same manner as provided in Section

3.3 for special meetings, unless such notice is waived as provided for special meetings. A copy of the notice of adjournment shall be conspicuously posted on or near the door of the place where the regular, adjourned regular, special or adjourned special meeting was held within twenty-four (24) hours after the time of adjournment.

The Commission shall hold at least one three regular meetings each month quarter unless cancelled in accordance with Section 3.2.

ROP 3.2 Cancellation of Regular Meetings
The Commission may cancel any of its forthcoming regular meetings by a majority vote of the commissioners. the consensus of the Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary. A copy of the notice of cancellation shall be posted on the bulletin board located immediately outside City Hall within twenty-four (24) hours after the action. by the Commission.

A resolution to approve the proposed changes to the ROP is included in Attachment 1. Exhibit A is the proposed revised Planning Commission Rules of Procedure. Attachment 2 is the proposed revised municipal ordinance section 2.44.030 Chairman—Meetings—Officers and employees.

3. Revise the Agenda to make it more user-friendly to the public.

The Commission noted that the agenda as written does not offer much explanation as to the purpose of each item listed. While order must be kept at the Planning Commission meeting to ensure that its business is conducted efficiently, offering explanations for each item would allow for members of the public to understand how the meeting is operated and when their comments would be most appropriate.

Date: February 8, 2022
Subject: INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2.44.030 OF THE

VALLEJO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO MEETINGS OF THE PLANNING

COMMISSION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING REVISIONS TO

THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S RULES OF ORDER AND PROCEDURES

REGARDING THE SAME

Page 4 ends

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Attachment 1 Resolution to Revise Rules of Order and Procedures_CAO Stamp

2. Exhibit A to Resolution_Proposed ROP

3. Attachment 2 Ordinance Amending VMC Chapter 2.44_CAO Stamp (1)

CONTACT
Margaret Kavanaugh-Lynch, Planning Manager
[email protected]
RESOLUTION NO. _____

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S RULES OF ORDER AND

PROCEDURES
WHEREAS, on August 16, 2021, Chair Cohen-Thompson, with the concurrence of the Commission, requested a discussion of the Planning Commission Rules of Order and Procedures be placed on the agenda; and
WHEREAS, on September 20, 2021, Planning staff brought the item back for discussion, received comments from the Commission and community members, and was directed by the Commission to draft a resolution recommending the City Council amend the Rules of Order and Procedures to allow the cancellation of meetings by the concurrence of the Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary rather than by a majority vote of the full Commission, to require a minimum of three regular meetings per quarter, and to revise the Order of the Agenda; and WHEREAS, Section 405 of the City Charter allows the Planning Commission to amend its Rules of Procedure, but only upon approval by the City Council.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby approves the proposed amendments to the Planning Commission Rules of Order and Procedures as set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

This Resolution shall be effective upon the effective date of the Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Vallejo amending Chapter 2.44 of the Vallejo Municipal Code related to meetings of the Planning Commission.

Adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Vallejo, State of California, on the 8th day of February 2022 by the following vote to-wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
________________________________________

ROBERT MCCONNELL, MAYOR
ATTEST:

______________________________________

DAWN G. ABRAHAMSON, CITY CLERK

EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION
1 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1.0 Preamble Page 3
Section 2.0 General Rules 3

2.1 Meetings to be Public 3

2.2 Attendance of Media at the Commission Meetings 3

2.3 Quorum 3

2.4 Rules of Procedure 3

2.5 Journal of Proceedings 4

2.6 Secretary 4

2.7 Committees 4

2.8 Seniority of Commissioners 4
Section 3.0 Types of Meetings 4

3.1 Regular Meetings 4

3.2 Cancellation of Regular Meetings 5

3.3 Special Meetings 5

3.4 Study Sessions 5

3.5 Closed Sessions 5
Section 4.0 Chamber Attendance and Facilities 5

4.1 Council Chamber Attendance 5

4.2 Facilities 6
Section 5.0 Duties and Privileges of the Commission 6

5.1 Elections and Terms of Officers 6

5.2 Seating Arrangement During Meetings 6

5.3 Presiding Officer 6
Section 6.0 Agenda Content 6

6.1 Preparation and Posting 6

6.2 Items Included 7

6.3 Order of Business 7

6.4 Call to Order 8

6.5 Pledge of Allegiance 8

EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION
2 6.6 Roll Call 8

6. 7 Consent Calendar and Approval of the Agenda 8

6.8 Report of the City Council Liaison 9

6.9 Community Forum 9

6.10 Public Hearings 9

6.11 Action Items 10

6.12 Written Communications 11

6.13 Regular Reports 11

6.14 Other Agenda Items 11

6.15 Adjournment 11
Section 7.0 Voting 11

7.1 Quorum 11

7.2 Abstention 11

7.3 Tie Vote 12

7.4 Roll Call 13
Section 8.0 Public Participation 13

8.1 Policy 13

8.2 Addressing the Commission 13

8.3 Time Limits 13

8.4 Discussion Between Citizens and the Commission 13

8.5 Topic for Discussion 13

8.6 Manner of Addressing the Commission 13

8.9 Repetition 13
Section 9.0 Amendments 13

9.1 Notice of Amendment 13

9.2 Submission for Council Approval 13

EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION
3 PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE

CITY OF VALLEJO, CALIFORNIA
RESOLUTION NO. PC 2x-xx

RULES OF ORDER AND PROCEDURE
SECTION 1.0 PREAMBLE
The objective of these rules of order and procedure is to ensure the orderly and efficient Conduct of the meetings of the Planning Commission. These rules are intended to assure the right of the majority of the Commission to decide matters and issues brought before the Commission; the right of the minority on any issue to be heard; and the right of absentee Commissioners to be protected. These rules also are intended to foster and promote the right of the citizens to have adequate notice of business scheduled for consideration by the Commission and a fair and reasonable opportunity to appear and be heard on the items of business presented to the Commission.

SECTION 2.0 GENERAL RULES

2.1 Meetings to be Public
All regular and special meetings of the Commission shall be open to the public, except for such closed sessions which are permitted to be held in private under the provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act or other laws of the State of California

2.2 Attendance of Media at the Commission Meetings
All the public meetings of the Planning Commission shall be open to the news media, freely subject to recording by radio, television and photographic services, provided that such activities do not interfere with the orderly conduct of the meetings.

2.3 Quorum
A quorum shall be a majority of the commissioners appointed, but fewer may adjourn from time to time and compel attendance of absent members in such manner as may be prescribed by these rules of order and procedure.

2.4 Rules of Procedure
Rosenberg’s Rules of Order shall be the rules of order and procedure for the transaction of business.

EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION
4 2.5 Journal of Proceedings
An account of all public proceedings of the Commission shall be kept by the Secretary of the Commission, and shall be entered in a permanent book or other permanent form constituting the official record of the Commission.

2.6 Secretary
The Planning and Development Services Director or their designee shall serve as the Secretary to the Commission. The Secretary may make recommendations to the Commission and offer technical and professional assistance, but shall have no vote. The Secretary shall also keep the official minutes and perform such other duties as may be requested by the Commission.

2.7 Committees
A. The Commission may create committees in accordance with the rules and procedures contained herein to assist the Commission in carrying out its functions and responsibilities.

B. Every committee created by the Commission shall be advisory only. Any committee may be directed to undertake steps and/or study matters which are within the authority of the Commission.

C. Standing committees may be occupied entirely of Commissioners or a combination of Commissioners and other persons. Any ad-hoc committee shall be composed of less than a quorum of the Commissioners only.

D. When requested by the Presiding Officer, the chairperson of each committee shall report or advise the Commission on the progress or result of work/projects assigned to or undertaken by the committee.

2.8 Seniority of Commissioners
Seniority shall be determined by the length of time on the Commission. In the event two or more commissioners have been on the Commission for the same length of time, seniority shall be determined by lot.

Section 3.0 TYPES OF MEETINGS

3.1 Regular Meetings
Unless cancelled in accordance with Section 3.2, regular meetings of the Commission shall be held on the first and third Mondays of every month at seven (7) p.m. If the first or third Monday falls on a legal holiday, the meeting shall be held on the following Wednesday at the same hour. If at any regular meeting, business before the Commissions remains unfinished, the Commission may adjourn from time to time to dispose of the same or to transact any other unfinished business. Less than a quorum may so adjourn from time to time. If all members are absent from any regular or adjourned regular meeting, the Secretary may declare the

EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION
5 meeting adjourned to a stated time and place and shall cause a written notice of the adjournment to be given in the same manner as provided in Section 3.3 for special meetings, unless such notice is waived as provided for special meetings. A copy of the notice of adjournment shall be conspicuously posted on or near the door of the place where the regular, adjourned regular, special or adjourned special meeting was held within twenty-four (24) hours after the time of adjournment. The Commission shall hold at least three regular meeting each quarter unless cancelled in accordance with Section 3.2.

3.2 Cancellation of Regular Meetings
The Commission may cancel any of its forthcoming regular meetings the consensus of the Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary.. A copy of the notice of cancellation shall be posted on the bulletin board located immediately outside City Hall within twenty-four (24) hours after the action. .

3.3 Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the Presiding Officer, Planning Commission Secretary, or a quorum of the Commission by, emailing or by mailing written notice to each Commissioner, staff, and to each local newspaper requesting such notice. Such notice must be delivered personally or by email, or mail at least twenty-four (24) hours before the time of such meeting as specified in the notice. The call and notice shall specify the time and place of the special meeting and the business to be transacted. No other business shall be considered at such meeting by the Commission. The Secretary shall post as required by law at least twentyfour (24) hours prior to the special meeting.

3.4 Study Sessions
The Commissions shall have the right to assemble in special meetings so as to be apprised of the various matters coming up at a regular meeting or special meeting and obtain such detailed information in regard thereto as will enable them to dispose of such matters with more knowledge at the regular or special meeting to follow. The public with the Presiding Officer’s permission may address the Commission in study sessions following the same procedures as provided in Section 3.3. The twenty-four (24) hour notice and posting requirements of Section 3.3 shall also be applicable.

3.5 Closed Sessions
The Commission may hold closed sessions during the course of any regular or special meeting in the manner permitted by law.

Section 4.0 CHAMBER ATTENDANCE AND FACILITIES

4.1 Council Chamber or Other Facility Attendance
Council Chamber or other facility attendance shall be limited to the posted seating capacity thereof. Entrance to City Hall or the meeting facility will be

EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION
6 appropriately regulated by the Secretary on occasions when the Council Chamber capacity is likely to be exceeded.

4.2 Facilities
Regular and special meetings of the Planning Commissions shall be held in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Vallejo, California. Whenever at a regular or special meeting of the Commission a matter is set for public hearing, the Secretary may make arrangements for the use of a suitable alternate facility for such meeting of the Commission. If a suitable alternate facility is not available, the public hearing may be continued to a date when a suitable alternate facility will be available. The Commission shall not conduct any regular or special meeting in any facility that prohibits the admittance of any person or persons on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry or sex. Facilities shall be accessible by the handicapped.

Section 5.0 DUTIES AND PRIVILEGES OF THE COMMISSION

5.1 Elections and Terms of Officers
At the first regular meeting of the Commission held in July of each year, the Commission shall hold an organizational meeting, at which the Commission shall elect a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson who shall serve for one year. A commissioner may serve a maximum of two years as the Chair over an 8-year period. In the case of a vacancy in any office, it shall be filled by an election held in the first two months subsequent, and such replacement shall be for the duration of the unexpired term of such office. Elections shall be by nomination and open ballet; the member receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected.

5.2 Seating Arrangement During Meetings
After the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson have been elected and seated, Commissioners shall select their seats in the order of relative seniorities on the Commission, and shall occupy selected seats until the next election of officers. However, two Commissioners may exchange seats at any time by mutual consent.

5.3 Presiding Officer
The Chairperson, if present, shall preside at all meetings of the Commission. In the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall preside. In the absence of the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson, the senior Commissioner shall preside.

Section 6.0 AGENDA CONTENT

6.1 Preparation and Posting
The Secretary shall prepare and furnish to each Commissioner and to the City Attorney, and to such other persons as the Commission shall

EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION
7 designate a written agenda for every regular meeting. The Secretary shall endeavor to arrange the agenda in such a manner that adjournment if at all possible may be had no later than 10PM of the date scheduled for the meeting. The agenda shall be posted as required by law.

6.2 Items Included
A. Any items of business for future meetings shall be placed upon the written agenda prior to the deadline announced or observed for the preparation thereof at the request of the Planning Commission Secretary, or the City Attorney. The Commission may request an item be placed on the agenda through a majority vote of the Commission at a prior meeting.

B. The Written agenda shall include the following information:

1. Appeal rights;

2. Name of the staff person responsible for each agenda item;

3. Planning Division telephone number;

4. Speaker time limits

6.3 Order of Business
The business of the Commission shall be taken up for consideration and disposition in the following order as set forth in the agenda published by the Secretary, except that with the majority consent of the Commission, matters may be taken up out of order. Any item not on the agenda may be added and considered only in the manner prescribed by Section 7.1.

A. Call to Order;
B. Pledge of Allegiance;
C. Roll Call;
D. Consent Calendar and Approval of Agenda

1. Approval of Minutes;

2. Other Consent Items
E. Report of the City Council Liaison
F. Community Forum;
G. Public Hearings;
H. Action Items
I. Written Communications;
J. Regular Reports

1. Secretary’s Report;

2. City Attorney’s Report;

EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION
8 3. Report of the Presiding Officer and Members of the Planning Commission;

4. Report of the Subcommittees
K. Other Agenda Items;

1. Future Agenda Items
L. Adjournment

6.4 Call to Order
The Presiding Officer shall take the chair precisely at the hour appointed for the meeting and shall immediately call the Commission to order. If the Presiding Officer is not the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson, upon the arrival of the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson, as the case may be, the person who is then presiding shall relinquish the chair at the conclusion of the item of business then before the Commission.

6.5 Pledge of Allegiance
Immediately following the call to order, the Presiding Officer shall lead the Commission and audience in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

6.6 Roll Call
Before the Commission shall proceed with the business of the meeting, the Secretary or his or her designee shall call the roll of the Commissioners, and the names of those present shall be entered in the minutes. The later arrival of any absentee shall also be entered in the minutes with the time of arrival noted.

6.7 Consent Calendar and Approval of the Agenda
The Secretary or City Attorney may recommend that items appearing on the agenda be placed on the consent calendar for action by the Commission. Any item placed on the consent calendar shall appear in its regular order on the agenda together with a recommendation of the Secretary or City Attorney as to the action to be taken by the Commission with respect to such item. Upon motion of any Commissioner, all items placed upon the consent calendar may be acted upon collectively, and each shall be deemed to have received the action recommended by the Secretary or City Attorney; except that if any Commissioner objects to the placement of an item on the consent calendar, or if any member of the public wishes to address the Commission on any such item, the item shall be removed from the consent calendar and shall be heard and acted upon in its proper place on the agenda as designated by the Presiding Officer.

After making changes in the agenda, if any, as permitted under these rules of order and procedure, the Commission shall approve the agenda which

EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION
9 shall constitute the agenda of business to be considered at the meeting.

The motion offered to approve the agenda shall include the adoption of the consent calendar.

1. Minutes
The Secretary shall distribute copies of the draft minutes to each Commissioner along with the agenda and accompanying materials.

Unless reading of the minutes of the Commission meeting is requested by a member of the Commission, with consent of the majority of the Commissioners, such minutes may be adopted without reading.

2. Other Consent Items
As noted above, Upon motion of any Commissioner, all items placed upon the consent calendar may be acted upon collectively, and each shall be deemed to have received the action recommended by the Secretary or City Attorney; except that if any Commissioner objects to the placement of an item on the consent calendar, or if any member of the public wishes to address the Commission on any such item, the item shall be removed from the consent calendar and shall be heard and acted upon in its proper place on the agenda as designated by the Presiding Officer.

6.8 Report of the City Council Liaison
The City Council Liaison, from time to time, may wish to make certain unagendized announcements, and report on items of activity that may be of interest to the Commission and the general public.

6.9 Community Forum
The Presiding Officer shall announce that members of the public have the opportunity to directly address the Commission on items of interest to the public that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission and not on the current agenda. Fifteen (15) minutes shall be set aside for the community forum, and each speaker shall be allocated up to three (3) minutes, unless time is extended by the Presiding Officer with the Commission’s consent. Items of business listed on the agenda shall not be further discussed under the community forum.

6.10 Public Hearings
A. The commission may from time to time order that public hearings be conducted on items of public interest even though such may not be required by law.

B. Anyone desiring to address the Commission on the subject of the public hearing may indicate such interest in any of the three following ways:

1. Persons may submit a written request to the Secretary in advance of the meeting.

EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION
10 2. If a virtual meeting, persons will be called on by the presiding officer within the platform procedures.

3. Persons may fill out a card that will be available at the start of all Planning Commission meetings, and submit the card to the Secretary during the meeting.

4. Persons may approach the podium to speak when the Presiding Officer opens the public hearing and indicates that persons wishing to address the Commission may do so at that time.

C. Procedures for Public Hearings

1. The Chair shall announce the public hearing and the Secretary shall note any correspondence received concerning the matter, if any.

2. The report shall be presented by Staff.

3. The Presiding Officer shall declare the public hearing open.

4. The Presiding Officer shall call on the applicant and/or appellant of the matter. The Presiding Officer may determine the amount of time for a presentation.

5. The Presiding Officer shall call on the Commissioners for any questions or clarifications that they may have.

6. After Commissioners have asked their questions the Presiding Officer will open Public Comment.

7. The Presiding Officer:
a. Shall allow up to three minutes per person for public comment; b. May use the card system provided for in Section 6.15(B)(3).

8. A Commissioner:
a. May question any speaker during the hearing;
b. Will ask if a Commissioner wishes to make a motion.
c. May debate the motion and provide any comments they have.

9. The Presiding Officer will restate the motion or ask the originator to do so then request that the Secretary record the vote.

10. The Secretary announces the results.

11. The Presiding Officer shall close the hearing.

D. Continuance of Hearing
Any continuance of a hearing shall be in conformance with current law.

6.11 Action Items

EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION
11 Items before the Planning Commission for action but not subject to public noticing requirements as listed in State and local regulations.

6.12 Written Communications
Written communications from the public will be received and filed. Written communications regarding items on the agenda will be noted at the time the item is considered.

6.13 Regular Reports

1. Report of the Secretary
The Secretary may, from time to time, report on items that may be of interest to the Commission and general public.

2.Report of the City Attorney
The City Attorney may, from time to time, report on items that may be of interest to the Commission and general public.

3.Report of the Presiding Officer and Commissioners
The Presiding Officer and any Commissioner may, from time to time, wish to make certain unagendized announcements, request information from staff, and to report on items of activity that may be of interest to the Commission and the general public.

4.Report of the Subcommittess

6.14 Other Agenda Items
The Secretary, City Attorney, or the Presiding Officer may place items on the agenda of interest to the Commission and the general public or for action by the Commission.

1. Future Agenda Items

6.15 Adjournment
It shall be the policy of the Commission to adjourn its regular meeting by ten (10) p.m. of each meeting date. The Secretary shall endeavor to arrange the agenda in such a manner that the Commission can adhere to this adjournment policy.

Section 7.0 VOTING

7.1 Quorum
A majority of the commission appointed constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

7.2 Abstention

EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION
12 It shall be the duty of each commissioner present at a meeting of the Planning Commission to vote on each matter or question before the Commission for action, unless:

A. Disqualified under the terms of the Political Reform Act (Government Code, Sections 87100, et seq.) or any other laws; or
B. Abstention for any reason other than those mentioned above shall constitute consent to the action proposed, and the Commission Secretary shall announce at the meeting and enter in the minutes that the abstention was cast as an “aye” vote pursuant to this rule.

Nothing in this section is intended to abrogate the judicially declared “limited rule of necessity” adopted in the state pertaining to the duty of members of public and legislative bodies to vote on matters which require their action.

7.3 Tie Vote
The vote of at least a majority present shall be necessary to adopt any resolution or motion. Any question on which the vote is tied, is lost. In the event of a tie vote, the Presiding Officer or any Commissioner may request the Secretary to carry over the item to the next regular meeting where a full Commission will be present.

7.4 Roll Call
The votes shall be cast and displayed on the electronic voting board so that each Commissioner’s vote may be recorded by the Secretary. In the event of a breakdown or malfunction of the electronic voting equipment, the Secretary shall call the roll in order of seniority beginning with the least senior members. If appointed on the same day, alphabetical order by last name will govern. In any event the Vice Chair and Chair respectively, will cast the last two votes, The Secretary at the conclusion of the voting shall announce the results of the vote by stating whether the measure carried or failed and by what vote.

Section 8.0 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

8.1 Policy
It is the policy of the Planning Commission that members of the public shall be afforded the opportunity to speak on Consent Calendar and Action items on the agenda provided they are first recognized by the Presiding Officer.

8.2 Addressing the Commission
Any person desiring to address the Commission by oral communication shall first secure the permission of the Presiding Officer

8.3 Time Limits
Individuals, or designated spokespersons for recognized groups or organizations will have up to three (3) minutes to address the Commission; unless time is extended or reduced by the Presiding Officer with the Commission’s consent.

EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION
13 8.4 Discussion Between Citizens and the Commission
No comment or question shall be asked of a Commissioner or a member of staff except through the Presiding Officer.

8.5 Topic for Discussion
Members of the public shall address their remarks only to the agenda item under discussion by the Commission.

8.6 Manner of Addressing the Commission
Prior to speaking, each member of the public is requested to state his or her name in a clear and audible tone of voice.

8.7 Repetition
Recognized speakers shall refrain from repetition of issues and points already raised by previous speakers.

Section 9.0 AMENDMENTS TO THESE RULES AND PROCEDURES

9.1 Notice of Amendment
These rules of order and procedures may be amended by the Commission at any regular or special meeting, provided that notice of the proposed amendment or amendments, including the exact text of same, shall have been delivered to each Commissioner at least three (3) days prior to the meeting date.

9.2 Submission for Council Approval
Any amendment adopted by the Commission shall be submitted to the City Council for approval at the earliest convenient time as required by Section 405 of the City Charter, and shall become effective only upon such approval being given.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Vallejo held on November 15, 2021 and adopted by the City Council on xxxxxxxxxxxxx.

ORDINANCE NO.____N.C. (2d)

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO AMENDING CHAPTER 2.44 OF THE VALLEJO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO MEETINGS

OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
[Deleted text is shown in strikethrough
Added text is shown in bold italic]
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1: Section 2.44.030 of the Vallejo Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

2.44.030 Chairman—Meetings—Officers and employees.

The commission shall elect a chairman from among the appointed members for a term of one year, and subject to other provisions of law may elect such other officers as it may determine.

The commission shall hold at least one three regular meetings each month quarter and shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations, which record shall be a public record. The commission shall appoint such officers and employees and contract for such services as it may deem necessary for the accomplishment of its work subject to all provisions of law and provided that all expenditures of the commission, exclusive of gifts, shall be within the amounts appropriated for the purpose by the city council.

SECTION 2. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or word of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed and adopted this Ordinance, and each and all provisions hereof, irrespective of the fact one or more provisions may be declared invalid.

SECTION 3. Effective Date.

This Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force and effect from and after (30) days after its final passage.

ACTION ITEM 9.F.

DATE: February 8, 2022
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Mike Malone, Interim City Manager
SUBJECT: CONSIDER AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO EITHER CONTINUE ALLOWING REMOTE

TELECONFERENCE MEETINGS OF LEGISLATIVE BODIES OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO

OR REQUIRING THAT MEETINGS OF LEGISLATIVE BODIES BE HELD IN PERSON IN

COMPLIANCE WITH ANY FACE-MASK REQUIREMENTS IN PLACE AT THE TIME OF

THE MEETING

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt either a resolution to require continued remote meetings for the City's legislative bodies or a resolution requiring in-person meetings that comply with any face-mask requirement in place at the time of the meeting.

REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION
AB 361 authorizes a city's legislative bodies to hold remote meetings as long as the City Council considers the need for remote meetings every 30 days. The City Council previously considered holding remote meetings at its January 11, 2022 meeting due to the rapid increase in positive COVID cases and the highly contagious Omicron variant that was spreading across the nation and accounting for a majority of the cases.

Because of the way the Council's meetings fall on the calendar, the City Council must now consider whether to continue with remote meetings or authorize in-person meetings.

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
At its January 11, 2022 meeting, the City Council adopted a resolution in conformance with AB 361 authorizing meetings of the City's legislative bodies via zoom. The City Council determined at that time to return to remote meetings due to the rapid increase in COVID cases and the highly contagious Omicron variant that was spreading and accounting for a majority of cases across the nation. As of the writing of this staff report and in checking the Solano County Public Health COVID Dashboard, the City represents 32% of all Solano County COVID cases, the highest in the county. AB 361 requires that the City Council reconsider the decision to hold remote meetings at least every 30 days. Because of the way City Council meetings fall on the calendar, the City Council must make that decision at tonight's meeting.

In the event the City Council determines to return to in-person meetings, it is important to note that Section 54953 of the Brown Act will continue to govern teleconference participation in meetings. In that regard, the teleconferenced meeting must comply with all of the following requirements. All City Council members must appear in person unless specific requirements are met. If a City Council member wants to appear remotely at another location, the City must post agendas at each location, and participation of the public at each location must be permitted in a manner that protects the statutory and constitutional rights of the parties and the public. Each teleconference location must be identified in the notice and agenda of the meeting and each location must be accessible to the public (ADA complaint, etc.).

Date: February 8, 2022
Subject: CONSIDER AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO EITHER CONTINUE ALLOWING

REMOTE TELECONFERENCE MEETINGS OF LEGISLATIVE BODIES OF THE

CITY OF VALLEJO OR REQUIRING THAT MEETINGS OF LEGISLATIVE BODIES

BE HELD IN PERSON IN COMPLIANCE WITH ANY FACE-MASK REQUIREMENTS

IN PLACE AT THE TIME OF THE MEETING

Page 2 ends

At least a quorum of the members of the City Council must be located within the City and the public must be permitted to speak from each location. All votes must be by rollcall vote and the results announced.

These teleconference rules have been in place within the Brown Act for many years and are intended to address a temporary situation when a Councilmember needs to participate from another location and are separate from the recent Brown Act amendments. The recent amendments set forth in AB 361 are intended to address remote meetings in emergency situations only. If the City Council determines to return to in-person meetings, the format of the in-person meetings would continue to include a remote participation option for the public.

Council is asked to take into consideration the following factors in determining whether to return to in-person or continue remote meetings pursuant to the emergency exception:

1. As of the writing of this staff report and in checking the Solano County Public Health COVID Dashboard, the City represents 32% of all Solano County COVID cases, the highest in the county.

2. The total number of positive COVID cases amongst City employees since January 1, 2022 is 59.

3. Several commissions have expressed concern about returning to in-person meetings and attendance, including obtaining a quorum of members physically present for in-person meetings may be problematic.

4. Sufficient time is needed for staff to transition from teleconference back to in-person meetings related to legal public hearing notices that largely affect the Planning Commission. Staff is recommending that if Council chooses to return to in-person meetings, that in-person meetings should resume no sooner than the Council's first meeting in March, which is March 8.

5. If the Council wishes to return to in-person meetings, the mask mandate is still in place and will increase the safety of and public confidence in attending in-person meetings.

Two resolutions are presented to the City Council this evening. The Council may decide to continue remote meetings for the City's legislative bodies for the next 30 days or may require that meetings be held in-person.

FISCAL IMPACT
Fiscal impacts should be minor since staff has the option of either attending in-person meetings or attending remotely.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Declared State of Local Emergency and Remote Meetings Resolution feb8 CAO Stamp

2. Reso requiring in-person meetings CAO Stamp
Date: February 8, 2022
Subject: CONSIDER AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO EITHER CONTINUE ALLOWING

REMOTE TELECONFERENCE MEETINGS OF LEGISLATIVE BODIES OF THE

CITY OF VALLEJO OR REQUIRING THAT MEETINGS OF LEGISLATIVE BODIES

BE HELD IN PERSON IN COMPLIANCE WITH ANY FACE-MASK REQUIREMENTS

IN PLACE AT THE TIME OF THE MEETING

Page 3 ends

CONTACT
Mike Malone, Interim City Manager
[email protected]
Dawn G. Abrahamson, City Clerk
[email protected]
Approved as to form:

By: for
Veronica Nebb, City Attorney
RESOLUTION NO. 22-

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO RATIFYING ITS PROCLAMATION OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY DECLARED ON MARCH 16, 2020 AND

MAKING THE LEGALLY REQUIRED FINDINGS TO AUTHORIZE THE CONDUCT OF

REMOTE TELECONFERENCE MEETINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE BODIES OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361
WHEREAS, on March 4, 2020, pursuant to California Government Code Section 8625, the Governor of the State of California proclaimed a statewide state of emergency due to COVID- 19; and
WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020 the City Council of the City of Vallejo adopted Resolution No. 20-026 proclaiming a state of Local Emergency relating to the COVID-19 virus and its rapid transmission, based upon state and local federal guidance; and WHEREAS, all meetings of the City of Vallejo’s legislative bodies are open and public, as required by the Brown Act (California Gov. Code sections 54950 et seq.), so that any member of the public may attend, participate, and watch the City’s legislative bodies conduct their business; and
WHEREAS, beginning in March 2020, the Governor issued a series of Executive Orders, N-25- 20, N-29-20, and N-35-20, that waived certain Brown Act requirements to allow legislative bodies to continue meeting while slowing the spread of COVID-19; and WHEREAS, N-29-20 allowed the City’s legislative bodies to meet via teleconference without complying with certain Brown Act requirements; and
WHEREAS, on June 11, 2021, the Governor issued Executive Order N-08-21, extending the Brown Act provisions of N-29-20 through September 30, 2021; and WHEREAS, on September 16, 2021, Governor Newsome signed Assembly Bill 361 (“AB 361”), into law, allowing the City’s legislative bodies to continue to meet via teleconference during proclaimed states of emergency under modified Brown Act requirements; and WHEREAS, AB 361, as codified in Government Code section 54953(e), provides for teleconferencing participation in meetings by members of a legislative body, without compliance with the requirements of Government Code section 54953(b)(3), subject to the existence of certain conditions; and
WHEREAS, AB 361 allows legislative bodies to continue to meet via teleconference when a state of emergency is declared by the Governor, pursuant to Government Code section 8625, proclaiming the existence of conditions of a disaster or of extreme peril to the safety of persons or property within the state caused by conditions as described in Government Code section 8558; and
WHEREAS, AB 361 further requires that state or local officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote social distancing, or, the legislative body meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health and safety of attendees; and WHEREAS, the City Council’s proclaimed local emergency remains in effect; and WHEREAS, the City of Vallejo remains at a substantial or high transmission of COVID 19 cases and vaccination status in the County due to the emerging and highly transferable Omicron variant; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted a resolution to resume in person meetings on October 26, 2021; and
WHEREAS, as a result of an increase in COVID-19 infections throughout the City and Solano County, the City Council adopted a resolution on January 11, 2022 moving all City meetings to virtual meetings.

WHEREAS, AB361 requires that after the City Council has moved its meetings to virtual meetings that it reconsider that decision at least every 30 days.

WHEREAS, in order to protect the health and safety of the City residents and visitors and in order to follow the sound guidance and recommendations of the CDC and the California Department of Public Health, the City Council finds it is in the best interest of public health and safety, as affected by the continuing emergency caused by the spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, and necessary to issue and implement this Resolution to protect life, health and safety of its citizens and the community at large.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Vallejo does hereby resolve as follows:

Section 1. The Recitals set forth above are true and correct and are incorporated into this Resolution by reference.

Section 2. The City Council hereby ratifies its proclamation that a local emergency still exists throughout the City, and that in-person meetings of the City’s legislative bodies would continue to present imminent risk to the health or safety of attendees.

Section 3.The staff and legislative bodies of the City of Vallejo are hereby authorized and directed to take all actions necessary to carry out the intent and purpose of this Resolution including, conducting open and public meetings via teleconference pursuant to AB361, in accordance with Government Code section 54953(e) and other applicable provisions of the Brown Act.

Section 4.In the event of disruption which prevents a legislative body of the City of Vallejo from broadcasting a meeting using a call-in option or internet-based service option, or in the event of a disruption within the City’s control which prevents members of the public from offering public comment using the call-in option or internet-based service option, the legislative body shall take no further action on items appearing on a meeting agenda until public access to the meeting via the call-in option or internet-based option is restored. However, if any of the Broadcast Options are disrupted, but any of the other Broadcast Options is still available to the public, the legislative body may take further action on items appearing on a meeting agenda without waiting for the disrupted Broadcast Option(s) to be restored.

Section 5.This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption and shall be effective until March 10, 2022, or such time the City Council adopts a subsequent resolution in accordance with Government Code section 54953(e)(3) to extend the time during which the legislative bodies of the City of Vallejo may continue to teleconference without compliance with Government Code section 54953(b)(3).

Section 6.If any section, subsection, clause or phrase in this resolution is for any reason held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this resolution shall not be affected thereby. The City Council would have passed this resolution and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrases thereof, irrespective of the fact that one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases thereof to be held invalid.

Section 7.The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Resolution and shall cause a certified Resolution to be filed in the Office of the City Clerk.

Adopted by the City Council of the City of Vallejo at a regular meeting held on February 8, 2022 with the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
______________________________________
ROBERT H. MCCONNELL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
_________________________________________
DAWN G. ABRAHAMSON, CITY CLERK
Approved as to form:

By: for
Veronica Nebb, City Attorney
RESOLUTION NO. 22- N.C.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO RESCINDING THE JANUARY 11, 2022 RESOLUTION PERMITTING REMOTE MEETINS AND REQUIRING

LEGISLATIVE BODIES TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS IN PERSON
WHEREAS, on January 11, 2022, the Vallejo City Council adopted Resolution No. 22-006 N.C., proclaiming a state of Local Emergency related to the COVID-19 virus and its rapid transmission of the Omicron strain and directing that all meetings of the City Council and city commissions and boards be held remotely via teleconference; and
WHEREAS, all meetings of the City of Vallejo’s legislative bodies are open and public, as required by the Brown Act (California Gov. Code sections 54950 et seq.), so that any member of the public may attend, participate, and watch the City’s legislative bodies conduct their business; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reconsidered the circumstances of it’s January 11, 2022 decision to hold remote meetings for the City’s legislative bodies; and WHEREAS, the Community and the City Council now desire to return to in-person meetings for the City’s legislative bodies.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Vallejo hereby finds, resolves and orders as follows:

1. The City Council finds that the COVID-19 Omicron strain emergency has been reduced to a level that is now manageable and of significantly less threat than previously found; and

2. The City Council hereby directs that the City’s legislative bodies conduct public meetings in person pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act.

3. The City Council further directs that all persons attending a meeting of any of the City’s legislative bodies shall abide by the requirements of any face-mask requirement in effect at the time of the meeting.

Adopted by the City Council of the City of Vallejo at a regular meeting held on February 8, 2022 with the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
______________________________________
ROBERT H. MCCONNELL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
_________________________________________
DAWN G. ABRAHAMSON, CITY CLERK

Vallejo City CouncilFebruary 8, 2022

Vallejo City Council
February 8, 2022