Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
October 28, 2025
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VALLEJO CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 28, 2025
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
555 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo, California
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:11 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 and Assistant City Attorney Risner
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Chief Assistant City Attorney Risner reported the following:
• Closed Session Item 3A – Council unanimously voted to settle the claim in the amount of $105,000 with the right to reopen.
• Closed Session Item 3B – Council provided direction to its labor negotiators.
5. PRESENTATIONS AND COMMENDATIONS – None.
6. FIRST COMMUNITY FORUM
Speakers: John Lewis, Ana Petero, Lorenzo Rudolph, Floyd Hall, Pastor Rodney Levias, and Cristal Gallegos (Vallejo Housing Justice Coalition).
7. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
Speakers: None.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Action: moved by Vice Mayor Bregenzer and carried unanimously, unless otherwise noted, approval of the Agenda and the Consent Calendar with the removal of Item 8H from the Consent Calendar making it Item 8.1 and continuing Action Items 9C and 9D.
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Recommendation: Approve minutes for the special and regular meetings of October 14, 2025
Contact: Dawn G. Abrahamson, MMC, City Clerk (707) 648-4527 [email protected]
Action: approved minutes.
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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: AUGUST 2025
Recommendation: Ratify the payment of claims for the period of August 1, 2025, through August 31, 2025.
Contact: Rekha Nayar, Finance Director (707) 648-4592
[email protected]
Action: ratified payment of claims for period of August 1-31, 2025.
D. ADOPT A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE FUND 149 FISCAL YEAR 2025- 2026 BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $87,852 TO ACCOUNT FOR THE 2023 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT ("JAG")
(STEP 2 OF 2)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution amending the Fund 149 Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget in the amount of $87,852 to account for the 2023 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (“JAG”).
Contact: Jason Ta, Chief of Police
[email protected]
Action: adopted Resolution No. 25-174 N.C.
E. NOTICE OF INTENT TO AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATE $100,000.00 OF MEASURE P FUNDS FOR SUPPORT
FOR ACTIVELY RISING YOUTH'S ROBBIN MACKBEE FIREFIGHTER/EMS YOUTH ACADEMY (step 1 of 2)
Recommendation: Provide notice of intent to amend the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget and appropriate $100,000.00 of Measure P funds for Support For Actively Rising Youth's Robbin Macbee Firefighter/EMS Youth Academy Contact: Andrew Murray, City Manager (707) 648-4576
[email protected]
Action: provided notice of intent to amend the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget and appropriate $100,000.00 of Measure P funds for Support For Actively Rising Youth's Robbin Macbee Firefighter/EMS Youth Academy
F. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN EQUIPMENT PURCHASE
AGREEMENT WITH ZOLL MEDICAL FOR 10 ZOLL AUTOPULSE CHEST
COMPRESSION DEVICES IN THE NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF
$350,000.00 AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME.
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Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving a purchase agreement with Zoll Medical Corporation for the purchase of 10 Zoll AutoPulse automated chest compression devices, including accessories, training, 5-year warranty, and waived service coverage, for the Vallejo Fire Department, and authorize the City Manager to execute the same.
Contact: Arthur Gonzales, Interim Fire Chief
[email protected]
Action: adopted Resolution No. 25-175 N.C.
G. ADOPT A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET TO INCREASE THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION (EDA) 2021 GRANT BUDGET FOR THE
MARE ISLAND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSESSMENT (MIIA) PROJECT BY $26,365 (STEP 2 OF 2)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution amending the fiscal year 2025-26 budget to increase the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) 2021 grant budget for the Mare Island Infrastructure Assessment (MIIA) Project by $26,365 (Step 2 of 2).
Contact: Gillian Haen, Assistant City Manager/Interim Economic Development Director
[email protected]
Action: adopted Resolution No. 25-176 N.C.
H. ADOPT A RESOLUTION FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) AND AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE $1,000,000 OF MONSANTO SETTLEMENT FUNDS FOR THE 50 SOLANO AVENUE
CLEAN UP AND MONITORING COMPLIANCE PROJECT (PW9429) (STEP 2 OF 2)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget to appropriate $1,000,000 of Monsanto Settlement funds for the 50 Solano Avenue Clean Up and Monitoring Compliance Project (PW9429) (Step 2 of 2).
Contact: Oscar Alcantar, Interim Public Works Director, (707) 648-4433 [email protected]
Action: item was removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of Councilmember Matias.
Staff responded to questions from Councilmembers.
Action: moved by Vice Mayor Bregenzer and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 25-177 N.C. and directed staff to return with a presentation to Council providing an overview of the funds, past uses and potential future uses.
I. AUTHORIZE THE COUNCIL BY MOTION TO APPROVE A PROCLAMATION
COMMEMORATING FILIPINO-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
Recommendation: Vallejo City Council to approve a proclamation by motion to recognize October 2025 as Filipino History month
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Contact: Erik Rzomp, Executive Assistant to Mayor Sorce (707) 648-4377 [email protected]
Action: approved a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as Filipino History month.
J. AUTHORIZE THE COUNCIL TO APPROVE A PROCLAMATION
COMMEMORATING DIA DE LOS MUERTOS – DAY OF THE DEAD
Recommendation: Vallejo City Council to approve a proclamation by motion to commemorate Dia de los Muertos – Day of the Dead
Contact: Erik Rzomp, Executive Assistant to Mayor Sorce (707) 648-4377 [email protected]
Action: approved a proclamation commemorating Dia de los Muertos – Day of the Dead.
9. ACTION CALENDAR
A. HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING TO HEAR PUBLIC TESTIMONY RELATED TO THE ISSUANCE OF $80,000,000 OF QUALIFIED 501(C)(3) BONDS FOR
THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING OR REFINANCING THE ACQUISITION,
REHABILITATION, IMPROVEMENT AND EQUIPPING OF BAY VILLAGE
APARTMENTS AS REQUIRED BY THE TAX EQUITY AND FISCAL
RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 1982 AND CONTINUE THE DECISION ON A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE FINANCING TO NOVEMBER 4, 2025 Recommendation: Open the public hearing and take testimony from the public concerning issuance of the bonds. Close the hearing. Then, at the November 4, 2025 City Council meeting, consider adoption of a resolution approving issuance of the bonds.
Contact: Randy Risner, Chief Assistant City Attorney
[email protected]
City Manager Murray provided context for this item.
Housing Director Jones provided background information, reviewed the purpose of the public hearing and outlined staff’s recommendation.
Staff responded to questions from Councilmembers. Councilmembers provided comment.
Action: moved by Vice Mayor Bregenzer and carried unanimously to continue the public hearing to the November 4 regular City Council meeting.
B. PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING INCREASED ASSESSMENTS IN THE
VALLEJO TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AND THE
LEVYING AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE DISTRICT
AND CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION CHANGING THE DATE OF
THE PUBLIC HEARING
Recommendation: To be able to increase the Vallejo Tourism Business Improvement District assessments, a public meeting must be held to receive public testimony and a date set to hold a public hearing.
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Contact: Gillian Haen, Assistant City Manager, (707) 648-4163 [email protected]
Senior Community Development Analyst Taylor provided background information and discussed Council action needed this evening.
Action: moved by Vice Mayor Bregenzer and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 25-178 N.C., a resolution holding a public meeting to receive public testimony and setting the date of December 9, 2025 as the public hearing on this item.
C. ADOPT A RESOLUTION FOR THE CREATION OF A COUNCIL BUDGET &
FINANCE AD-HOC SUB-COMMITTEE AND APPOINTING MEMBERS
THERETO
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution for the Creation a Council Budget and Finance Ad-Hoc Sub-Committee and appointing three members of the City Council.
Contact: Nalungo Conley, Assistant City Manager/Acting Finance Director [email protected]
Action: item was continued until a Finance Director is appointed.
D. DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION ON CITY COUNCIL 2025 GOAL SETTING
PROCESS
Recommendation: Further 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]
City Manager Murray provided background information and outlined next steps for Council’s consideration in providing direction to staff.
Staff responded to questions from Councilmembers. Councilmembers provided comment and direction to staff.
Action: moved by Mayor Sorce and carried to providing the following direction to staff regarding 2025 goal setting meeting(s):
• Goal setting will consist of two sessions with Cal Maritime Academy as the location preference
• Engage a facilitator
• Address the City’s mission, vision and values (in addition to goals) • Incorporate Council training and team building components • Identify specific strategies/projects related to goals and how to address City Council referrals that are special projects and staff-identified special projects to improve organizational effectiveness • Identify specific performance measures related to goals and strategies/projects
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• Staff will provide information on capacity consistent with the points raised by Councilmembers Lediju and Matulac
• Public input will be incorporated, ideally through a survey in advance as well as opportunities for public participation during the meeting • A new RFP for a facilitator will be issued by end of this week with a short turnaround and returned to the Council for date selection by the end of November.
(Noes: Lediju)
E. RECEIVE SCOPES FOR CITY COUNCIL REFERRALS AND PROVIDE
DIRECTION TO STAFF
Recommendation: Receive the scopes of work that City staff developed for City Council referrals and provide direction to staff.
Contact: Jason Ackley, Assistant to the City Manager
[email protected]; 707-648-4577
Action: continued the item to goal setting.
10. INFORMATION CALENDAR
A. FY 2025-26 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)
SUBRECIPIENT- FAIR HOUSING ADVOCATES OF NORTHERN
CALIFORNIA (FHANC)
Recommendation: This item is for informational purposes only. There is no staff report or action associated with this item.
Contact: Alicia Jones, Housing DIrector
[email protected]
Housing Director provided background information, reviewed monitoring requirements and challenges and introduced direct award to Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California (FHANC).
Caroline Peattie (FHANC Executive Director) provided an overview of their services.
Staff and Ms. Peattie responded to questions from Councilmembers.
Speakers: Cristal Gallegos (Vallejo Housing Justice Coalition).
Councilmembers provided comment.
The Council meeting recessed at 8:50 p.m. and reconvened at 8:56 p.m.
B. BROADWAY PROJECT MONTHLY UPDATE
Recommendation: This is an informational item only. There is no staff report or action associated with this item
Contact: Gillian Haen, Assistant City Manager
[email protected]
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Natalie Peterson, Assistant to the City Manager
[email protected]
Assistant to the City Manager Peterson provided project background information, reviewed the lease-up and timeline, and provided updates on lease-ups, funding, and delays,.
Staff responded to questions from Councilmembers. Councilmembers provided comment.
11. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Murray reported the following:
• New RFP issued for facilitator for Council goal setting and the operation of the Warming Center
• Board & Commission Appreciation Event scheduled for October 30 • Payment to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office today for public safety support • Halloween events and be mindful of safety
12. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Chief Assistant City Attorney Risner provided an overview of the quarterly report.
A. QUARTERLY REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026, FIRST QUARTER (JUL - SEP 2025)
Recommendation: This item is for informational purposes only. There is no action required
Contact: Veronica A.F. Nebb, City Attorney
[email protected]
13. COMMUNITY FORUM
Speakers: None.
14. REQUEST & ACTION FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS OR SPECIAL PROJECTS
• Federal Government Shutdown
Moved by Mayor Sorce and carried unanimously to direct the City Manager to provide an update as part of the City Manager’s Report at the November 4 regular council meeting on the Federal Government Shutdown, including CalFresh and all of the various elements that impact Vallejo residents as it relates to the Shutdown and to add this as an agenda item at the Council’s November 18 regular meeting for a formal presentation and broader discussion specifically covering CalFresh and other federal implications. • Immigration Enforcement – City’s Strategy and Communication Efforts Moved by Mayor Sorce and carried unanimously to direct the City Manager to place an update on an upcoming agenda as soon as possible to discuss the Docusign Envelope ID: B04E8769-1CE4-42FE-A0E5-DE14BEEE94E6 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
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City’s strategy and responsive communication related to immigration enforcement.
• Evaluation of Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFDs).
Moved by Councilmember Matias and carried unanimously to direct staff to prepare a scope of work and return to Council.
• Convention Center in Vallejo
Moved by Councilmember Matias and carried unanimously to direct staff to prepare a scope of work evaluating the possibility of a convention center in Vallejo.
15. REPORT OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilmembers reported on various community events and meetings attended.
16. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:24 p.m.
________________________________
ANDREA SORCE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
_________________________________
DAWN G. ABRAHAMSON, CITY CLERK
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