Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
February 11, 2025
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VALLEJO CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 11, 2025
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
555 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo, California
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:25 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Sorce, Vice Mayor Bregenzer, Councilmembers Gordon, Lediju, Matias, Matulac, and Palmares
Absent: None
Staff present: City Manager Murray, City Attorney Nebb, City Clerk Abrahamson
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Nebb reported the following:
Closed Session Item 3A - Council did not discuss and it will be carried over to a future meeting.
Closed Session Item 3B – No action was taken and Council will decide this evening when the item comes before them.
Closed Session Item 3C – Council provided direction to staff.
5. PRESENTATIONS AND COMMENDATIONS
Action: Councilmember Gordon read and presented the proclamation and Youth Services Coordinator Grace-Barksdale introduced the Youth Delegation.
A. PRESENTATION OF A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING BLACK HISTORY MONTH - FEBRUARY 2025
B. INTRODUCTION OF VALLEJO YOUTH DELEGATION TO THE NATIONAL
LEAGUE OF CITIES CONGRESSIONAL CONFERENCE IN
WASHINGTON,DC.
6. FIRST COMMUNITY FORUM
Speakers: Daniel Boone, Lindsay Elam, Jaylen Graves, Marianne Butler (Solano Resource Conservation District), and Anne Carr.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
Speakers: None.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
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Action: moved by Vice Mayor Bregenzer and carried unanimously, unless otherwise noted, approval of the Agenda and the Consent Calendar.
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Recommendation: Approval of minutes from the special meeting of January 21 and the special and regular meetings of January 28, 2025 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. CITY TREASURER’S QUARTERLY INVESTMENT REPORT
Recommendation:
Accept the City Treasurer’s Investment Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.
Contact: Rekha Nayar, Finance Director, (707) 648-4592
[email protected]
Action: accepted City Treasurer’s Investment Report for quarter ended December 31, 2024.
D. ADOPT A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE FISCAL YEAR 2024 CONNECT AND PROTECT: LAW ENFORCEMENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
RESPONSE PROGRAM GRANT AWARD, AUTHORIZE THE CITY
MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE THE AWARD PACKAGE AND PROVIDE NOTICE OF INTENT TO AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2024–2025 BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $550,000
Recommendation:
1. Adopt a Resolution accepting a United States Department of Justice (“US DOJ”) Bureau of Justice Assistance (“BJA”) Fiscal Year 2024 (“FY24”) Connect and Protect: Law Enforcement Behavioral Health Response Program grant award totaling $550,000 from the United States Office of Justice Programs.
2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the Award Package.
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3. As the first in a two-step process, accept notice of intent to amend the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 BJA FY24 Connect and Protect: Law Enforcement Behavioral Health Response Program general fund budget to recognize revenue and appropriate expenditure in the amount of $550,000.
Contact: Jason Ta, Chief of Police (707) 648-4540;
[email protected]
Action: (1) adopted Resolution No. 25-009 N.C., (2) authorized City Manager or his designee to execute the Award Package, and (3) as the first in a two-step process, accepted notice of intent to amend the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 BJA FY24 Connect and Protect: Law Enforcement Behavioral Health Response Program general fund budget to recognize revenue and appropriate expenditure in the amount of $550,000.
9. ACTION CALENDAR
A. INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 16.203- MIXED USE DISTRICTS, 16.204-COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS, 16.212- HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, 16.301-USE STANDARDS
TABLE, 16.508-OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING, AND 16.701-LAND USE TERMS AND DEFINITIONS IN TITLE 16 OF THE VALLEJO
MUNICIPAL CODE
Recommendation: Introduction of an Ordinance amending Chapters 16.203- Mixed Use Districts, 16.204-Commercial Districts, 16.212-Hillside Development Standards, 16.301-Use Standards Table, 16.508-Off-Street Parking and Loading, and 16.701-Land Use Terms and Definitions in Title 16 of the Vallejo Municipal Code.
Contact: Kristin Pollot, Community & Development Services Director (707) 648- 4283
[email protected]
Planning & Development Services Director Pollot provided background information, outlined the proposed amendments, reviewed the Planning Commission recommendation, the environmental review and noticing requirements, outlined the recommendation, and concluded the presentation by outlining next steps.
Staff responded to questions from Councilmembers.
Speakers: Anne Carr.
Another question and answer period followed. Councilmembers provided comment.
Action: moved by Vice Mayor Bregenzer and carried unanimously to introduce an Ordinance amending Chapters 16.203-Mixed Use Districts, 16.204- Commercial Districts, 16.212-Hillside Development Standards, 16.301-Use Standards Table, 16.508-Off-Street Parking and Loading, and 16.701-Land Use Terms and Definitions in Title 16 of the Vallejo Municipal Code.
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B. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONSULTANT AND
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH LANCE, SOLL &
LUNGHARD, LLP FOR AUDITING AND COMPLIANCE SERVICES AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement with Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP ("LSL") for auditing and compliance services for the three-year period beginning Fiscal Year 2024-25, with an option of two 1-year extensions, for a total amount not to exceed $765,000 for the entire five-year period and authorizing the City Manager to execute same.
Contact: Rekha Nayar, Finance Director, 707-648-4592
[email protected]
Finance Director Nayar provided an overview of the scope of financial and compliance audit contract, discussed the reason for a new contract, reviewed the RFP advertising process and proposals received, explained the reasons for the selection of the Consultant, and concluded the presentation outlining staff’s recommendation.
Speakers: Paula Conley, Darrell Conley and Sherianne Grimm.
Staff responded to questions from Councilmembers. Councilmembers provided comment,
Action: moved by Vice Mayor Bregenzer and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 25-010 N.C. with the following changes: 1) Striking Section 3 “with an option for two-additional years for a total not-to-exceed amount of $765,000 for the entire 5-year period” from the resolution and 2) striking the second paragraph under 16-Term of the contract and professional services agreement (City shall, at its discretion, have the right to extend the term of this Agreement, in intervals of 1 year by written notice to the consultant. The total duration of this agreement, including the exercise of any options under this section, shall not exceed 5 years).
The meeting recessed at 9:14 p.m. and reconvened at 9:22 p.m.
C. NOTICE OF INTENT TO AMEND FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 BUDGET, MID- YEAR (STEP 1 OF 2)
Recommendation: Provide notice of intent to amend the City's Fiscal Year 2024-25 Adopted Budget.
Contact: Rekha Nayar, Finance Director (707) 648-4592
[email protected]
Finance Director Nayar provided an overview of the General Fund and General Fund Revenue & Expenditures, reviewed Measure P funds, and discussed staffing changes.
Interim Fire Chief Gonzales provided a request for 3 additional firefighter/paramedics and context for the request.
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Police Chief Ta provided a request for 4 Call Taker positions and provided context for the request.
Finance Director Nayar provided a General Fund Five Year Forecast (excluding Measure P) and outlined next steps.
Councilmember Palmares left the meeting at approximately 9:45 p.m.
Speakers: Daniel Boone and Anne Carr.
Staff responded to questions from Councilmembers. Councilmembers provided comment.
Action: Moved by Vice Mayor Bregenzer to provide notice of intent to amend the City’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 adopted budget to fund:
all nondiscretionary items including half of the legal fees as follows:
Legal Fees $100,000
Solano County/Animal Shelter Services 520,000
VFWD Fee Increase & Under Budget 122,000
Annual Firefighter Physical Exam 85,000
NeoGov Software 47,000
Telecom Budget 22,000
Software Shortfall 173,000
Gas & Electricity – Police 80,000
AT&T Telephone services – Police 10,000
Security for City Hall & Vallejo Room 325,000 Janitorial & Cleaning 95,000
Gas & Electricity – Public Works 40,000
Farragut School Lease 69,000
Farragut Security 310,000
PD Building Lead & Asbestos Testing 20,000
Ferry Terminal Mobility HUB 60,000
3 firefighter/Paramedic positions
Risk assessment/Standards of Cover $75,000 (with referral to the Measure P Oversight Committee for recommendation)
Defer all others to another meeting
An amendment to the main motion was offered by Councilmember Lediju, to provide notice of intent to amend the City’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 adopted budget to fund:
all nondiscretionary items including half of the legal fees as follows:
Legal Fees $100,000
Solano County/Animal Shelter Services 520,000
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VFWD Fee Increase & Under Budget 122,000
Annual Firefighter Physical Exam 85,000
NeoGov Software 47,000
Telecom Budget 22,000
Software Shortfall 173,000
Gas & Electricity – Police 80,000
AT&T Telephone services – Police 10,000
Security for City Hall & Vallejo Room 325,000 Janitorial & Cleaning 95,000
Gas & Electricity – Public Works 40,000
Farragut School Lease 69,000
Farragut Security 310,000
PD Building Lead & Asbestos Testing 20,000
Ferry Terminal Mobility HUB 60,000
3 firefighter/Paramedic positions with the caveat and the agreement that we will get a balanced budget next year and those positions will be funded in our regular budget
Risk assessment/Standards of Cover $75,000 (with referral to the Measure P Oversight Committee for recommendation)
Defer all others to another meeting
On a second amendment by Councilmember Matias, to provide notice of intent to amend the City’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 adopted budget to fund:
all nondiscretionary items including half of the legal fees as follows:
Legal Fees $100,000
Solano County/Animal Shelter Services 520,000
VFWD Fee Increase & Under Budget 122,000
Annual Firefighter Physical Exam 85,000
NeoGov Software 47,000
Telecom Budget 22,000
Software Shortfall 173,000
Gas & Electricity – Police 80,000
AT&T Telephone services – Police 10,000
Security for City Hall & Vallejo Room 325,000 Janitorial & Cleaning 95,000
Gas & Electricity – Public Works 40,000
Farragut School Lease 69,000
Farragut Security 310,000
PD Building Lead & Asbestos Testing 20,000
Ferry Terminal Mobility HUB 60,000
3 firefighter/Paramedic positions with the caveat and the agreement that we will get a balanced budget next year and those positions will be funded in our regular budget
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Risk assessment/Standards of Cover $75,000 (with referral to the Measure P Oversight Committee for recommendation)
Defer all others to another meeting
Include $50,000 to fund for consultant services related to gun violence
On a third amendment to the main motion by Councilmember Lediju, which carried, to provide notice of intent to amend the City’s Fiscal Year 2024- 25 adopted budget to fund:
all nondiscretionary items including half of the legal fees as follows:
Legal Fees $100,000
Solano County/Animal Shelter Services 520,000
VFWD Fee Increase & Under Budget 122,000
Annual Firefighter Physical Exam 85,000
NeoGov Software 47,000
Telecom Budget 22,000
Software Shortfall 173,000
Gas & Electricity – Police 80,000
AT&T Telephone services – Police 10,000
Security for City Hall & Vallejo Room 325,000 Janitorial & Cleaning 95,000
Gas & Electricity – Public Works 40,000
Farragut School Lease 69,000
Farragut Security 310,000
PD Building Lead & Asbestos Testing 20,000
Ferry Terminal Mobility HUB 60,000
3 firefighter/Paramedic positions
Risk assessment/Standards of Cover $75,000 (with referral to the Measure P Oversight Committee for recommendation)
Defer all others to another meeting
Include $50,000 to fund for consultant services related to gun violence Include $70,000 to fund performance management audit services This motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Sorce, Gordon, Lediju, Matias and Matulac
Noes: Bregenzer
Absent: Palmares
Action: Moved by Vice Mayor Bregenzer and carried unanimously by members present to approve funding for the Measure P items as recommended by the Measure P Oversight Committee (Protective Equipment and Thermal Imaging Docusign Envelope ID: DACA8FC9-EFD7-489D-B544-A0471B9B56B1 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
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Camera for Fire Department, Police Department Modular Dispatch Center, Intersection Improvement Project and the Bay Trail/Vine Trail maintenance and repair projects) with the exception of the Roadway paving restoration and renewal project as this item will come before the City Council at a future meeting (Absent: Palmares).
At the request of Council, the City Manager was directed to fund the 3 firefighter paramedic positions contingent upon presenting a balanced budget for FY 25/26 that will include these positions in the City’s General Fund.
Action Calendar Item 9G was taken out of order and heard immediately following Action Calendar Item 9C. The minutes reflect the order in which items appeared on the meeting agenda.
D. DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION ON CITY COUNCIL 2025 GOAL SETTING
PROCESS
Recommendation: Discuss options for the City Council 2025 goal setting process and provide direction to staff.
Contact: Andrew Murray, City Manager (707) 648-4576
[email protected]
Action: item was continued to the February 18 special council meeting.
E. DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION ON CITY COUNCIL REFERRALS
Recommendation: Receive the scopes of work that City staff developed for sixteen City Council referrals and the list of referrals added since September 2024 and provide direction to staff on next steps.
Contact: Andrew Murray, City Manager (707) 648-4576
[email protected]
Action: item was continued to the February 18 special council meeting.
F. REPEAL RESOLUTION NO. 25-005 N.C. AND ADOPT A NEW
RESOLUTION CONSENTING TO AND APPROVING VARIOUS CHANGES
TO COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS COMMISSIONS, BOARDS
AND COMMITTEES FOR 2025
Recommendation: Repeal Resolution No. 25-005 N.C. and adopt a new resolution consenting to and approving changes to various appointments to Commissions, Boards and Committees for 2025.
Contact: Dawn G. Abrahamson, City Clerk, (707) 648-4528 [email protected]
Action: item was continued to the February 18 special council meeting.
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G. CONSIDERATION OF AND FINDING TO CONTINUE THE STATE OF
LOCAL EMERGENCY RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY STAFFING AND
UPDATE ON ACTIONS TAKEN TO DATE
Recommendation: Receive the update and confirm the continued existence of the conditions leading to the declaration of a state of local emergency.
Contact: Jason Ta, Chief of Police (707) 648-4540
[email protected]
Police Chief Ta reviewed the VPD sworn staff count, adjustments for lower staffing, projected staffing and police assistant staffing, shared current staffing numbers and options being explored to supplement officers, and concluded the presentation by introducing recently hired staff.
Speakers: Anne Carr.
Staff responded to questions from Councilmembers. Councilmembers provided comment.
Action: moved by Vice Mayor Bregenzer and carried unanimously by members present to receive the update and confirm the continued existence of the conditions leading to the declaration of a state of local emergency (Absent:
Palmares).
H. DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION ON CITY COUNCIL CREATION OF AN AD-
HOC SUBCOMMITTEE TO WORK WITH CITY STAFF ON SETTLEMENT
AGREEMENT WITH CALDOJ REFORM REQUIREMENTS
Recommendation: By motion, create a Police Reform Ad-Hoc Subcommittee to work with staff on implementation and resourcing strategies related to the ongoing police reform efforts related to the settlement agreement with the California Department of Justice.
Contact: Jason Ta, Chief of Police (707) 648-4540
[email protected]
Action: item was continued to the February 18 special council meeting.
10. INFORMATION CALENDAR – None.
11. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT – None.
12. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – None.
13. COMMUNITY FORUM
Speakers: Sherianne Grimm.
14. REPORT OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
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Councilmembers discussed and confirmed a special meeting to start at 6 pm on March 4 to discuss and consider amending the ordinance creating the Police Oversight & Accountability Commission (POAC).
15. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 12:43 a.m.
________________________________
ANDREA SORCE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
_________________________________
DAWN G. ABRAHAMSON, CITY CLERK
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