Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
May 23, 2023
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VALLEJO CITY
VALLEJO CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MAY 23, 2023
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
555 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo, California
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor McConnell, Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga, Councilmembers Arriola, Bregenzer, Loera-Diaz, Matulac, and Palmares
Absent: None
Staff present: City Manager Malone, City Attorney Nebb and City Clerk Abrahamson
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Nebb reported Council provided direction to legal counsel regarding Closed Session Item 3A and direction to its negotiators regarding Closed Session Items 3B and 3C.
5. PRESENTATIONS AND COMMENDATIONS
Action: Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga and Councilmembers Bregenzer, Matulac and Palmares presented proclamations for Items 5A and 5B and Robin Gross and Marc Dixon provided the Visions of the Wild Seeks Environment Heroes presentation.
A. PRESENTATION OF A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING PHILIPPINE CULTURAL MONTH - JUNE 2023
B. PRESENTATION OF A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, AND QUEER PRIDE MONTH - JUNE 2023
C. VISIONS OF THE WILD SEEKS ENVIRONMENT HEROES PRESENTATION
6. FIRST COMMUNITY FORUM
Speakers: Jimmy Genn, Daniel Boone, Askari Sowonde, and Stephen Hallett.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
Speakers: Angela Jones, Don Jordan and Colin Amato (Item 8K), Leonardo Basoco and Stephen Hallett (Item 8I).
8. CONSENT CALENDAR AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Action: Moved by Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga and carried unanimously, unless otherwise DocuSign Envelope ID: A05BAB47-D546-42C2-9918-2140FE5EC058 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
May 23, 2023
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noted, approval of the Agenda and the Consent Calendar with the recusal of Councilmember Loera-Diaz from Item 8E due to a conflict of interest related to owning property in the Greenmont/Seaport Hills LMD 1911 Act and Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga from Consent Item 8F due to a conflict of interest related to owning property in the Northeast Quadrant LMD 1972 Act, and the removal of Item 8I from the Consent Calendar making it Item 8.1.
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Recommendation: Approve minutes for the special meetings of April 18 and the special and regular meetings of May 9, 2023
Contact: Dawn G. Abrahamson, MMC, City Clerk (707) 648-4527 [email protected]
Action: Approved minutes.
B. WAIVE FULL READING AND AUTHORIZING INTRODUCTIONS AND/OR
ADOPTION OF 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, MMC, 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. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS: MARCH 2023
Recommendation: Ratify the payment of claims for the period of March 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023.
Contact: Rekha Nayar, Finance Director (707) 648-4592
[email protected]
Action: Ratified payment of claims for the period of March 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023.
D. NOTICE OF INTENT TO AMEND FY 2022-23 SOLID WASTE FUND BUDGET TO RECOGNIZE $49,209 IN GRANT REVENUE FROM CALRECYCLE AND
TO AUTHORIZE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS
Recommendation: Provide notice of intent to amend the Solid Waste Fund budget to recognize $49,209 in grant revenue from CalRecycle and to authorize expenditure of funds.
Contact: Melissa Tigbao, PE, Public Works Director (707) 648-4433 [email protected]
Action: Provided notice of intent to amend the Solid Waste Fund budget to recognize $49,209 in grant revenue from CalRecycle and to authorize expenditure of funds.
E. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ENGINEER'S REPORT AND
DECLARING THE INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS DocuSign Envelope ID: A05BAB47-D546-42C2-9918-2140FE5EC058 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
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FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 WITHIN EXISTING LANDSCAPE
MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS FORMED PURSUANT TO THE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1911, AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE MATTER FOR JUNE 13, 2023 AT 7:00 P.M.
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution approving the Engineer's Report and declaring the intention to levy assessments for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 within existing landscape maintenance districts formed pursuant to the Improvement Act of 1911, and setting a public hearing on this matter for June 13, 2023 at 7:00pm.
Contact: Melissa Tigbao, PE, Public Works Director (707) 648-4433 [email protected]
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 23-067 N.C. (Abstain Due to Conflict of Interest: Loera-Diaz)
F. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ENGINEER'S REPORT AND
DECLARING THE INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 WITHIN EXISTING LANDSCAPE
MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS FORMED PURSUANT TO THE 1972
LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972, AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE MATTER FOR JUNE 13, 2023 AT 7:00 P.M.
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution approving the Engineer's Report and declaring the intention to levy and collect assessments for twelve Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMD) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 and setting a Public Hearing on this matter for June 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM.
Contact: Melissa Tigbao, PE, Public Works Director (707) 648-4433 [email protected]
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 23-068 N.C. (Abstain Due to Conflict of Interest: Verder-Aliga)
G. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ENGINEER'S REPORT AND
DECLARING THE INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 WITHIN THE HIDDENBROOKE
MAINTENANCE DISTRICT AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE MATTER FOR JUNE 13, 2023 AT 7:00 P.M.
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution approving the Engineer's Report and declaring the intention to levy and collect assessments for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 within the Hiddenbrooke Maintenance District and setting a public hearing on the matter for June 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM.
Contact: Melissa Tigbao, PE, Public Works Director, (707) 648-4433 [email protected]
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 23-069 N.C.
H. ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE OF THE CDW GOVERNMENT LLC BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER FROM $800,000 TO
$1.2 MILLION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution authorizing an increase of the CDW Government blanket purchase order to $1.2 million for fiscal year 2022-2023.
Contact: Naveed Ashraf, Chief Innovation Officer & IT Director (707) 648-5200 [email protected]
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Action: Adopted Resolution No. 23-070 N.C.
I. ADOPT A RESOLUTION AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN A LETTER OPPOSING SENATE BILL (SB) 423 (WIENER) STREAMLINED HOUSING APPROVALS: MULTIFAMILY HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS: SB 35 (CHAPTER 366, STATUTES OF 2017) EXPANSION
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution and authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of opposition to SB 423 to support local control of land use decisions for multifamily housing developments.
Contact: Terrance Davis, (707) 648-4301
[email protected]
Action: item was removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of Councilmember Bregenzer.
Mayor McConnell recused himself from discussion and action on this item due to a conflict of interest related to owning rental property in Vallejo and left the dais and Council Chambers. Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga resumed presiding over the meeting.
Assistant City Manager Davis provided an overview of the bills and outlined staff’s recommendation.
Staff responded to questions from Councilmembers. Councilmembers provided comment.
Action: following Council comments, no action was taken.
Mayor McConnell resumed his seat at the dais.
J. ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
A HOMELESS HOUSING, ASSISTANCE, AND PREVENTION PROGRAM
ROUND 2 AND ROUND 3 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE
COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF SOLANO, JOINT POWERS
AUTHORITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $924,085.49 AND PROVIDE NOTICE OF INTENT TO AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 BUDGET (STEP 1) Recommendation:
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Program Round 2 and Round 3 Memorandum of Understanding with the Community Action Partnership of Solano, Joint Powers Authority in the amount of $924,085.49 and provide notice of intent to amend the fiscal year 2022-23 budget
Contact: Michael Malone, City Manager (707) 648-4308
[email protected]
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 23-071 N.C.
K. ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISPLAY OF
COMMEMERATIVE FLAGS AT CITY FACILITIES IN 2023
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution authorizing the display of the commemorative flags at City facilities in 2023.
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Contact: Terrance Davis, Assistant City Manager (707) 648-4301 [email protected]
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 23-072 N.C.
9. ACTION CALENDAR
A. ADOPT A RESOLUTION CONCERNING LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES AND
ADVOCACY PROCEDURES
Recommendation: Receive an update on legislative advocacy priorities and adopt a Resolution amending legislative priorities and advocacy procedures for state and federal legislation for 2023.
Contact: Terrance Davis, Assistant City Manager
[email protected] (707) 648-4301
Assistant City Manager Davis provided introductory comments.
Susan Lent (Partner, Akin) discussed development of the legislative advocacy priorities, outlined key advocacy priorities and funding for Vallejo programs and projects and concluded the presentation by providing an update on the state of play in Washington.
Councilmembers provided comment.
Action: Moved by Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 23-073 N.C.
B. ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
AGREEMENTS WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ACTING BY AND
THROUGH THE STATE LANDS COMMISSION, AND UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND ACCOMPANYING PATENTS
AND DEEDS REQUIRED FOR THE TRANSFER OF MARE ISLAND
CEMETERY FROM THE CITY OF VALLEJO TO THE UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution:
1. Approving the Amendment to State Lands Settlement Agreement (“Amendment”) between the City of Vallejo (“City”) and the State of California, acting by and through the State Lands Commission (“State Lands”) to allow for the release of the Mare Island Cemetery (“Cemetery”) from Public Trust lands and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Same with any additional revisions to be approved by the City Attorney.
2. Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Certificate of Acceptance of Parcel VIIa Public Trust Patent from State Lands to the City.
3. Approving the Grant Deed from City to State Lands for the Cemetery and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Same.
4. Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Certificate of Acceptance of the Cemetery Parcel Trust Termination Patent from State Lands to the City.
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5. Approving the Cemetery Parcel Quitclaim Deed from the City to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”), and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Same.
6. Approving the Deed of Easement from City to VA to allow VA to use City-owned property adjacent to the Cemetery for parking and restrooms, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Same.
7. Authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and enter into a License Agreement between the United States Department of the Navy (“Navy”) and the City to allow the City to provide electrical utilities to the parking lot/restroom facility easement area adjacent to the Cemetery, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Same.
8. Authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the United States National Cemetery Agency (“NCA”) to provide electrical and water utility access and storm drainage maintenance for the Cemetery.
9. Finding that the transactions and the work contemplated by the Amendment, Certificate of Acceptance of the Trust Termination Patent, Quitclaim Deed, and MOU with the NCA are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) for the following reasons: a) the Amendment allows, and the Trust Termination Patent and Quitclaim Deed effectuate, a transfer of ownership of land to preserve the Cemetery as a historical resource Section 15325 of the CEQA Guidelines; b) the transfer of the Cemetery to VA will allow for maintenance, restoration, and preservation of the Cemetery as a historical resource under Section 15331 of the CEQA Guidelines and repair of an existing public facility (the Cemetery) under Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines.
10. Finding that the transactions and the work contemplated by the Grant Deed, Certificate of Acceptance of the Public Trust Parcel VIIa Patent, Easement Deed, Navy License are categorically exempt from CEQA for the following reasons: a) the Easement Deed gives VA the right to use the easement area for a parking lot and restrooms, which is a negligible change in use under Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines; b) the Easement Deed is categorically exempt under Sections 15325 and 15331 of the CEQA Guidelines as a transfer of ownership of an interest in land that will facilitate preservation of the Cemetery as a historical resource open to the public.
Contact: Terrance Davis, Assistant City Manager
[email protected] (707) 648-4301
Assistant City Manager Davis provided background information, reviewed the amendment to the State Lands Settlement Agreement, discussed environmental considerations, outlined staff recommendations and future steps.
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Speakers: Jimmy Genn.
Staff responded to questions from Councilmembers. Councilmembers provided comment.
Action: Moved by Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 23-074 N.C. approving Recommendations 1-10 as noted on the agenda and in the staff report.
C. CONSIDER REQUEST BY COUNCILMEMBER LOERA-DIAZ TO AGENDIZE
A DISCUSSION REGARDING CONTRACT FOR THE VALLEJO POLICE
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR (STEP 1 of 2)
Recommendation: Consider Councilmember Loera-Diaz's request and direct staff to prepare and present relevant materials at a subsequent meeting.
Contact: Councilmember Loera-Diaz
[email protected]
Councilmember Loera-Diaz discussed her request. Staff responded to questions from Councilmembers.
Speakers: Andrea Sorce and Stephen Hallett.
Councilmembers provided comment.
Action: By consensus of the Council, staff was directed to add Step 2 to the June 27 regular meeting agenda.
D. CONSIDER REQUEST BY COUNCILMEMBER LOERA-DIAZ TO AGENDIZE
THE ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
ONGOING COLLABORATIVE REFORM EFFORTS RELATING TO THE
VALLEJO POLICE DEPARTMENT BEYOND THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE CURRENT AGREEMENT (STEP 1 OF 2)
Recommendation: Consider Councilmember Loera-Diaz's request and direct staff to prepare and present relevant materials at a subsequent meeting Contact: Councilmember Loera-Diaz
[email protected]
Councilmember Loera-Diaz discussed her request. Staff responded to questions from Councilmembers. Councilmembers provided comment.
Speakers: Andrea Sorce, Stephen Hallett and William Downer.
Action: By consensus of the Council, staff was directed to add Step 2 to the June 27 regular council meeting agenda.
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10. INFORMATION CALENDAR
A. PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC
PLAN TO CITY COUNCIL
Recommendation: Informational item only. There is no staff report or action associated with this item.
Contact: Michael Nimon, Economic Development Director (707) 648-4109 [email protected]
Assistant City Manager Hayes provided introductory comments.
Economic Development Director Nimon provided introductory comments.
Dr. Eyler provided an overview of the planning phases and tasks, draft goals to 2029 and two cycles to 2029 of the Draft Plan, shared draft data and key findings and considerations, and concluded the presentation with closing thoughts and questions.
Speakers: Stephen Hallett and Anne Carr.
Dr. Eyler and staff responded to questions from Councilmembers.
Councilmembers provided comment.
B. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTS QUARTERLY UPDATE
Recommendation: Informational item only. There is no staff report or action associated with this item.
Contact: Christina Ratcliffe, Planning & Development Services Director (707) 648-4326
[email protected]
Michael Nimon, Economic Development Director (707) 648-4109 [email protected]
Economic Development Director Nimon and Planning & Development Services Director Ratcliffe provided an update on their department’s ongoing work and projects in process.
Speakers: Anne Carr and Alexander Matias.
Staff responded to questions raised by the speakers and Councilmembers.
Councilmembers provided comment.
11. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Malone announced staff would be present at the Farmers Market this coming Saturday.
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12. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – None.
13. COMMUNITY FORUM
Speakers: Anne Carr and Alexander Matias.
14. REPORT OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilmembers reported on various community meetings and events attended.
15. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:24 p.m.
________________________________
ROBERT H. MCCONNELL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
________________________________
DAWN G. ABRAHAMSON, CITY CLERK
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