Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2022
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VALLEJO CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MAY 10, 2022
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
555 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo, California
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor McConnell, Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga, Councilmembers Arriola, Brown, Dew, Loera-Diaz, and Miessner (arrived at 7:02 p.m.)
Absent: None
Staff present: City Manager Malone, City Attorney Nebb and City Clerk Abrahamson
4. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Nebb reported Council provided direction to its real property negotiators with respect to Closed Session Item 3A and legal counsel with respect to Closed Session Item 3B.
5. PRESENTATIONS AND COMMENDATIONS
Action: Presentation was made by Mayor McConnell and Fire Chief Long.
A. CITIZEN AWARD & SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO TWO LOCAL HEROES FOR
THEIR LIFE SAVING EFFORTS
6. FIRST COMMUNITY FORUM
Speakers: Thomas Prebula,, Ryan Messano, Kimberly Nunez-Brandao, David Haldane, and Andrea Sorce.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
Speakers: None.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Action: Moved by Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga and carried unanimously to adopt the Agenda as revised reordering the Action Calendar making Item 9D as the first item with all other items to follow in the order as they appeared on the Agenda, and approval of the Consent Calendar with the removal of items 8C, 8D and 8G making them items 8.1,
8.2 and 8.3 respectively.
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A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Recommendation: Approve minutes for the joint special meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission of April 18 and the special and regular meetings of April 26, 2022
Contact: Dawn G. Abrahamson, City Clerk (707) 648-4527
[email protected]
Action: Approved minutes.
B. WAIVE FULL READING AND AUTHORIZING INTRODUCTIONS AND/OR
ADOPTION OR ORDINANCES BY TITLE ONLY
Recommendation: Waive reading and authorize introductions and/or adoption of any and all ordinances on this Agenda, if any, by title only. This is a standard procedural action so the City Council does not have to read an ordinance in its entirety.
Contact: Dawn G. Abrahamson, City Clerk (707) 648-4527
[email protected]
Action: Waived reading and authorized introductions and/or adoption of any and all ordinances on this Agenda, if any, by title only. This is a standard procedural action so the City Council does not have to read an ordinance in its entirety.
C. ADOPT A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BUDGET BY ALLOCATING $1,000,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE PW9819 NORTH MARE ISLAND
BUILDING DEMOLITION PROJECT FUND
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution to amend the FY 2021-22 Capital Improvement Project budget to allocate General Fund balance in the amount of $1,000,000 to PW9819 North Mare Island Building Demolition.
Contact: Melissa Tigbao, Public Works Director, 707-648-4085 [email protected]
Action: Item was removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of Councilmember Arriola.
Public Works Director Tigbao provided an overview of the staff report and outlined the recommendation.
Staff responded to questions from Councilmembers.
Speakers: David Haldane.
Action: Following discussion, it was moved by Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga and carried to adopt Resolution No. 22-078 N.C. (Noes – Arriola).
D. NOTICE OF INTENT TO AMEND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
BUDGET FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT AND JFK LIBRARY RELOCATION
FEASIBILITY STUDY
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Recommendation: Receive the Notice of Intent to amend the Capital Improvement Project budget to allocate $500,000 from the General Fund to Project PW9818 to cover the costs of the feasibility study requested by the City Council.
Contact: Melissa Tigbao, Public Works Director, 707-648-4085 [email protected]
Action: Item was removed from the Consent Calendar.
Public Works Director Tigbao provided an overview of the staff report and outlined the recommendation.
Speakers: David Haldane and Ruscal Cayangyang.
Staff responded to questions from Councilmembers.
Action: Moved by Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga and carried to receive the Notice of Intent to amend the Capital Improvement Project budget to allocate $500,000 from the General Fund to Project PW9818 to cover the costs of the feasibility study requested by the City Council (Noes – McConnell).
E. ISSUE A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MAY 2022 AS "OLDER
AMERICANS MONTH"
Recommendation: At the request of Carquinez Village, issue a proclamation recognizing May 2022 as "Older Americans Month"
Contact: Mayor McConnell
[email protected]
Action: Issue a proclamation recognizing May 2022 as "Older Americans Month.”
F. ISSUE A PROCLAMATION COMMEMORATING 45 YEARS OF THE
FLORENCE DOUGLAS CENTER
Recommendation: At the request of Center Director Peter Wilson, issue a proclamation commemorating 45 years of the Florence Douglas Center Contact: Mayor McConnell
[email protected]
Action: Issue a proclamation commemorating 45 years of the Florence Douglas Center.
G. ISSUE A PROCLAMATION DECLARING WEEK OF MAY 15 AS "NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS APPRECIATION WEEK"
Recommendation: At the request of Public Works Director Tigbao, issue a proclamation declaring the week of May 15 as "National Public Works Appreciation Week"
Contact: Mayor McConnell
[email protected]
Action: item was removed from the Consent Calendar.
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Speaker: David Haldane.
Action: Moved by Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga and carried unanimously to issue a proclamation declaring the week of May 15 as "National Public Works Appreciation Week"
H. ISSUE A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL NURSES MONTH - MAY 2022
Recommendation: At the request of Kaiser Permanente Napa-Solano Public Affairs Director Shiyama Clunie, issue a proclamation recognizing National Nurses Month - May 2022
Contact: Mayor McConnell
[email protected]
Action: Issue a proclamation declaring National Nurses Month – May 2022.
9. ACTION CALENDAR
Items on the Action Calendar were taken out of order with Action Item 9D being the first item and all other items following in the order as they appeared on the Agenda with Item 9C as the last it em. The minutes reflect the items in the order as they appeared on the Agenda.
A. ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH ECONOMIC FORENSICS AND ANALYTICS, INC. FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE 2022 VALLEJO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGIC PLAN IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $245,000 AND
ALLOCATING $155,000 TO IMPLEMENT THE PROJECTS RECOMMENDED
BY THE PLAN
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a professional services agreement with Economics, Forensics & Analytics, Inc. (EFA) for development of the Economic Development Strategic Plan in an amount not to exceed $245,000 and allocate $155,000 to implement the projects recommended by the plan.
Contact: Emi Thériault, Economic Development Program Manager (707) 649- 5454
[email protected]
Paul Kelley, Special Advisor to City Manager - Economic Development Manager (7070 648-4109
[email protected]
Gillian Hayes, Assistant City Manager (707) 648-4163
[email protected]
Special Advisor to City Manager-Economic Development Manager Kelly and Economic Development Program Manager Thériault outlined the recommendation, provided an overview of the background and project summary and discussed the schedule and budget. Dr. Eyler (President, Economics Forensics and Analytics) presented Vallejo as a City economy, provided context DocuSign Envelope ID: 43DD9105-5CCC-4D58-9DEF-56CF78DF48AD Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
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and forecast information and discussed the approach to developing a strategic plan for Vallejo including tools for accountability and momentum, community outreach, social equity/inclusiveness, focusing on community ascension and concluding with a visual roadmap illustration.
Speakers: Andrea Sorce, Chris Platzer and David Haldane.
Staff and Dr. Eyler responded to questions from Councilmembers.
Councilmembers provided comment.
Action: Moved by Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga and carried to adopt Resolution No. 22-079 N.C. (Noes – Arriola and Loera-Diaz).
B. INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 12.28 OF THE VALLEJO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
FIREWORKS
Recommendation: Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Vallejo Municipal Code by Repealing and Replacing Chapter 12.28 Relating to Fireworks.
Contact: Vincent Sproete, Fire Prevention Manager (707) 648-4566 [email protected]
Fire Chief Long discuss the purpose to repeal and replace Chapter 12.28, provided background information and discussed the proposed changes including clarifying permit requirements, violations and fines.
Speakers: David Haldane.
Councilmembers provided comment.
Action: Moved by Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga and carried unanimously to introduce and hold first reading of an Ordinance Amending Vallejo Municipal Code by Repealing and Replacing Chapter 12.28 Relating to Fireworks.
C. PUBLIC HEARING OF APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DENIAL OF
REQUEST TO MODIFY CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL OF MAJOR USE
PERMIT #20-0008 AUTHORIZING V-TOWN FARMS TO OPERATE A RETAIL CANNABIS BUSINESS LOCATED AT 5184 SONOMA BOULEVARD, SUITE 300
Recommendation: Conduct the public hearing and adopt a Resolution denying Appeal (APP) #22-0001, and uphold the Planning Commission denial of a request to amend Major Use Permit (UP) #20-0008 for V-Town Farms at 5184 Sonoma Boulevard, Suite 300.
Contact: Christina Ratcliffe, AICP, Planning and Development Services Director [email protected]
Councilmember Brown recused himself due to a Conflict of Interest related to a DocuSign Envelope ID: 43DD9105-5CCC-4D58-9DEF-56CF78DF48AD Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
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financial interest as a business owner of a collective in town and left the dais and Council Chamber and was excused for the remainder of the meeting.
Planning & Development Services Director Ratcliffe provided an overview of the purpose of the item, discussed the project history and setting, reviewed V-Town Farms operation, outlined the existing conditions and requested proposed amendments, including transparency and community benefit, summarized the Planning Commission hearing and decision, addressed staff responses to Appellant’s claims, outlined the public notification and written communications process, and concluded with staff’s recommendation.
Mayor McConnell opened the public hearing. Councilmembers disclosed receiving written communication from the Appellant/Applicant.
Charles Wesley (Appellant/Applicant) provided a business update and addressed the 60% transparency and the $600K donation requirements.
Staff addressed comments made by the Appellant/Applicant.
Staff and the Appellant/Applicant responded to questions from Councilmembers.
Speakers: David Haldane, Kimberly Nunez-Brandao, Mishel Deniz Adolph, Garrett Toles, Lawrence Ornelas, Sandy Wesley, Rhonda Chadwick, Kenneth P., and Anne Carr.
There being no further speakers, Mayor McConnell closed the public hearing.
An additional question and answer period followed. Councilmembers provided comment.
Action: Straw vote requested by Councilmember Loera-Diaz that Council is in agreement with $300,000 flat fee for the 1st year (July 30, 2021 – July 29, 2022) and will address further adjustments when the matter returns to the Council on September 20, 2022 (Abstain Due to Conflict of Interest – Brown).
Moved by Mayor McConnell and carried unanimously by Councilmembers present to continue the matter to a special Council meeting scheduled for September 20, 2022 for further discussion (Abstain Due to Conflict of Interest – Brown).
D. INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 7.68 OF THE VALLEJO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO THE
PROHIBITION OF SMOKING
Recommendation: Introduce an ordinance amending Chapter 7.68 of the Vallejo Municipal Code, Regulation of Smoking in Public Places and Work Places, to prohibit smoking in and around multi-unit residences and other publically accessible places and to update outdated provisions of the Chapter to conform DocuSign Envelope ID: 43DD9105-5CCC-4D58-9DEF-56CF78DF48AD Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
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with State law.
Contact: Veronica Nebb, City Attorney (707) 648-4545
[email protected]
Mayor McConnell recused himself due to a Conflict of Interest due to a business relationship with a business that would be impacted by this item and left the dais and the Council Chamber. Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga resumed residing over the meeting.
Councilmember Brown recused himself due to a Conflict of Interest – Economic matter.
City Attorney Nebb noted this item was continued from the Council’s April 26 meeting and summarized the staff report and recommendation.
Speakers: Joseph Hayden, Brian Davis, Calyn Kelley, Jimmy Ancira, David Haldane, Decontee Moses, Kristen Vinluan, Maricruz Octaviano, Genesis Miguel, Heidi Wohlwend, Annabelle Salvatierra, Kelley Farias, Ruscal Cayangyang, Tino Ratliff, Rhonda Chadwick, Sarah Armstrong, Teresa, Tracy Nachand, Vinita Verma, Tony Bowles, Amaya Wooding, Sam Houston, and Liz Williams.
Staff responded to questions from Councilmembers. Councilmembers provided comment.
Action: Moved by Councilmember Miessner and carried unanimously by Councilmembers present to introduce an ordinance amending Chapter 7.68 of the Vallejo Municipal Code, Regulation of Smoking in Public Places and Work Places, to prohibit smoking in and around multi-unit residences and other publically accessible places and to update outdated provisions of the Chapter to conform with State law as amended to add the following language to Section
7.68.020 (Q): “Private smokers lounge – means any enclosed area in or attached to a retail tobacco shop or licensed retail cannabis business that is dedicated to the use of tobacco products or cannabis, including, but not limited to, cigars and pipes.” (Abstain Due to Conflicts of Interests – McConnell and Brown).
The meeting recessed at 9:24 p.m. and reconvened at 9:34 p.m.
Mayor McConnell and Councilmember Brown resumed their seats at the dais.
Action Calendar Items 9A through 9C were taken up.
10. INFORMATION CALENDAR
A. QUARTERLY COUNCIL UPDATE FROM THE PLANNING AND
DEVELOPMENT SERVICCES DEPARTMENT AND THE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
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Recommendation: Item is for informational purpose only and no action is required. There is no staff report associated with this item.
Contact: Christina Ratcliffe, Planning & Development Services Manager (707) 648-4326
[email protected]
Paul Kelley, Special Advisory to City Manager/Economic Development Director (707) 649-5452
[email protected]
Action: item was continued to a future meeting.
11. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT – None.
12. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – None.
13. COMMUNITY FORUM
Speakers: Kenneth P. and Rhonda Chadwick.
14. REPORT OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilmembers reported on various community events and meetings attended.
15. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 12:59 a.m.
_______________________________
ROBERT H. MCCONNELL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
________________________________
DAWN G. ABRAHAMSON
CITY CLERK
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