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MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes nature.”129 Yet MCE limits the sharing of requested key aspects of energy contracts with these Board members,130 even after these contracts have been entered into, on the ground that public release of this sensitive information should be avoided to protect MCE’s competitive market interests.131 However, we have been informed that MCE reports about these contracts in greater detail publicly to the California Energy Commission — listing specific power plants, suppliers, and resource characteristics not shared with its own Board, which sees such contracts only with such information omitted.132
● Obfuscating or conflating issues and details
○ MCE management obfuscated information about a key rules amendment to remove the Board’s authority to hire the General Counsel. For reasons explained earlier (text and accompanying fn. 47), and described in detail in the Appendix, we question whether the Board was fully aware of the significant change that it made when approving that key amendment.
○ Regarding one of the main types of renewable energy contracts that MCE enters into, MCE management has stated that its costly “Product Content Category 1” (PCC 1) contracts133 (see definition in fn. 65) are “bundled”134 — meaning, these energy contracts are for renewable power accompanied by a “Renewable Energy Certificate” (REC) (see definition in fn. 65), which is required in order for MCE to claim it is providing a cleaner (greener) product to the public. Yet, as discussed earlier (see text and accompanying fns. 77–83), knowledgeable observers associated with the energy industry have characterized such purchases as “attribute-only” contracts on the grounds that, under these contracts, only the REC “greenness” claim — and no actual energy — is purchased. In this regard, an industry expert has told the Board: “MCE does not pay for the energy; they don’t schedule the energy … and they have to hedge the energy by buying system
129 MCE, “Board Meetings” / “Meeting Archive” / “Board of Directors September 18, 2025 Meeting Packet,” https://mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MCE-Board-Meeting-Packet-September-2025.pdf , at pdf p. 15.
130 MCE, “Meeting Archive” / “Executive Committee January 5, 2026 Meeting Packet” https://mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MCE-Executive-Committee-Meeting- Packet_January_2026.pdf, item 5.C.2 (“Corrections to Marin IJ & Misinformation”), at pdf p. 10: “MCE is a public entity, subject to the Brown Act and is therefore required to make public all information presented to its Board and Standing Committees. Unlike our private competitors, we are not able to conduct private meetings with the Board or its Standing Committees to discuss market-sensitive information.” 131 Cal. Gov. Code §§ 54950–54963.
132 MCE, “Written Public Comment Submissions” / “Public Comment Letter from Nick Pappas — Distributed
2.19.26,” https://mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Public-Comment-from-Nick-Pappas-Distributed-
2.19.26.pdf, at pdf p. 6.
133 These contracts cost $179 million in FY 2024–25, and $131 million in the FY 2025–26 budget. MCE, “Board Meetings”/ “Meeting Archive” / “Board Meeting Retreat, October 16, 2025 Meeting Packet,” https://mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MCE-Board-Retreat-Meeting-Packet-October-2025.pdf, at pdf p. 24 (regarding FY 2024–25) and MCE, “Board Meetings”/ “Meeting Archive” / “MCE Executive Committee Meeting Supplemental Packet: Monday, March 2, 2026,” https://mcecleanenergy.org/wp- content/uploads/2026/02/MCE-Executive-Committee-Meeting-Supplemental-Packet-March_2026.pdf, at pdf p. 210 (regarding the FY 2025–26 budget).
134 MCE, “Board Meetings”/ “Meeting Archive” / “Board of Directors October 16, 2025 Meeting Packet,” https://mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MCE-Board-Retreat-Meeting-Packet-October-2025.pdf, pdf p. 37.
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MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes power [i.e., including from fossil fuels] in the market.”135 When industry observers have criticized MCE for regularly entering into such expensive contracts as a key part of its portfolio, MCE management has often merely characterized such “PCC 1” contracts as “the gold standard.”136 Based on our own review, we are not satisfied that MCE has directly addressed these observers’ critiques of such contracts.
○ Two additional categories of energy contracts, “Financial Hedges” and “Resource Adequacy” (RA), constitute MCE’s other two large energy costs — $288 million and $159 million, respectively, in FY 2024–25; and $267 million and $146 million, respectively, in the FY 2025–26 budget.137 Energy industry experts (including, most recently, the Sierra Club) have asserted that MCE’s hedges and RA purchases are often sourced from fossil fuel suppliers.138 Indeed, the California Public Utility Commission’s latest report shows MCE as supplying more fossil fuel through its RA contracts than any other northern California CCA; but only 16 percent of MCE’s RA comes from clean sources, compared to more than 30 percent for most of its Bay Area peers.139 These purchases are technically neither part of MCE’s energy portfolio, nor included in MCE’s advertised Power Content Label (and hence not considered regarding MCE’s “green energy” claims). However, because MCE does not explicitly acknowledge the nature of these transactions, Board members may be unaware of the extent to which fossil fuel energy may, under some circumstances, be added to the grid through MCE’s purchases.
135 MCE, “Board Meetings”/ “Meeting Archive” / “Technical Committee, March 6, 2026 Video,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YTsteawCJk&t=1723s at 1:17:23–1:17:33. (Note also the entire comment and explanation, at 1:16:08–1:19:10.)
136 MCE, “Board Meetings”/ “Meeting Archive” / “MCE Technical Committee Meeting March 6, 2026 Video,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YTsteawCJk&t=1723s, at 1:42:50–14:42:55. 137 See sources cited in fn. 133.
138 MCE, “Written Public Comment Submissions” / “Public Comment Letter from Nick Pappas — Distributed
2.19.26,” https://mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Public-Comment-from-Nick-Pappas-Distributed-
2.19.26.pdf, at pdf p. 6 (“Hedges and RA are the key channels through which MCE maintains financial relationships with fossil energy suppliers, with correspondingly important environmental policy considerations which are not currently being discussed with the Board”). The Sierra Club asserts similarly. Regarding RA, it says: “We understand [based on MCE’s FY 2026–27 budget that it] … continues to spend approximately half of its budget on fossil energy products, including both unspecified hedge energy ($225 million) an d RA contracts ($105 million) which are primarily provided by natural gas suppliers.” The Sierra Club characterizes MCE’s “energy hedges” as “simply gas transactions which are structured to evade state reporting requirements for gas energy purchases. Under this structure, MCE enters a fixed price arrangement with a broker; in turn, the broker enters into a contract with a natural gas power plant to provide energy and cover their exposure in the market. While these transactions are not inherently with gas suppliers, that is the typical course of action for the ‘Peak’ and ‘Offpeak’ products shown in MCE’s state reports. MCE has entered into dozens of these ‘hedge’ transactions in recent years.” MCE, “Written Public Comment Submissions” / “Public Comment Letter from Julia Dowell — Distributed 4.15.26,” https://mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Public-Comment-Letter-Julia-Dowell-4.15.26.pdf, at pdf pp. 4–5.
139 California Public Utilities Commission Energy Division, “2023 Resource Adequacy Report” (Aug. 2025), https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/energy-division/documents/resource-adequacy- homepage/2023-resource-adequacy-reportv2.pdf#page=70, at pdf p. 70. Citing the same report, the Sierra Club observes: “Sonoma Clean Power, a neighboring CCA formed several years after MCE, met 45% of its RA with clean resources in the same year; CleanPower SF, Central Coast Community Energy, Peninsula Clean Energy, and Silicon Valley Clean Energy all doubled MCE’s performance.” MCE, “Written Public Comment Submissions” / “Public Comment Letter from Julia Dowell — Distributed 4.15.26,” https://mcecleanenergy.org/wp- content/uploads/2026/04/Public-Comment-Letter-Julia-Dowell-4.15.26.pdf, at pdf p. 5.
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MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes ○ In developing meeting agendas, management often provides much information about seemingly less significant items that consume significant time, and leaves less opportunity to address more important items. For example, at the October 2025 Board retreat meeting, staff provided an hour-long (plus continuation after lunch not on the video) detailed presentation about Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)140 that, now and through at least 2028, will comprise only one-quarter of one percent of energy provided at peak hours.141
● Failure to inform the Board of important actions in a timely manner — or doing so after-the-fact
○ In June of 2024, MCE’s then Chief Financial Officer (CFO) departed to take a position at another CCA (Sonoma Clean Power).142 After more than a year of operating without a CFO, MCE’s Finance Vice President was promoted to the vacant CFO position in mid-October 2025. Yet the Board was not formally notified of that critical promotion, and many learned of it only by reviewing the staff roster embedded in the Minutes of the October 16, 2025 Board meeting: a roster of Board meeting attendees, posted approximately one week after the October meeting, showed the former Finance Vice President’s title had changed to CFO.143 After the CEO formally announced the appointment a month later at a Board meeting, one member asked: “In light of the public scrutiny and amidst calls for greater transparency and accountability, why was someone promoted into the CFO role without prior consultation with the Board and without running an open search process?”144 In response, the CEO ignored the inquiry concerning absence of consultation and, without explaining the lack of communication, simply asserted that management had followed the policy set by the Board several years earlier (which delegated staff hiring and promotions to the CEO).145 ○ At a February 2026 budget workshop Board meeting, when presenting the proposed FY 2026–27 staff compensation budget line-item, the Board learned that merit and promotional salary increases had been approved by the CEO on January 1, 2026, affecting the FY 2026–27 budget prior to Board approval of that budget.146 The proposed staff compensation budget, including proposed new hires, reflected a substantial 12.5 percent increase, from $29.5 million approved in FY 2025–26 to $33.2 million proposed for FY 2026–27, and averaged about $277,000 over the 120 MCE full-time positions.147 This budget front-running was
140 MCE, “Board Meetings”/ “Meeting Archive” / “Board Meeting Retreat, October 16, 2025 Meeting Packet,” https://mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MCE-Board-Retreat-Meeting-Packet-October-2025.pdf, item 8.
141 MCE, “Board Meetings”/ “Meeting Archive” / “Board Meeting Retreat, October 16, 2025 Video,” https://www.youtube.com/embed/p3El_5z3j0o, at 3:25:45.
142 Sonoma Clean Power, “Sonoma Clean Power Welcomes Industry Leader Garth Salisbury as New CFO,” https://cal-cca.org/sonoma-clean-power-welcomes-industry-leader-garth-salisbury-as-new-cfo/. 143 MCE,“Board Meetings”/ “Meeting Archive” / “Board Meeting Retreat, October 16, 2025 Minutes,” https://mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MCE-Board-Retreat-Meeting-Minutes-October_2025.pdf. 144 MCE, “Meeting Archive” / “Board of Directors November 20, 2025 Video,” MCE Board Meeting November 20, 2025, at 56:31–57:55 (announcement) & 1:03:21–1:03:40 (Board member question). 145 Id. at 1:03:40–1:04:30.
146 MCE, “Meeting Archive” / “Board of Directors February 11, 2026 Special Meeting,” https://mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MCE-Board-Budget-Workshop-2-Meeting-Packet- February-2026.pdf, at pdf p. 58. (MCE’s fiscal year runs from April 1 through March 31.) 147 Calculated as follows: $33.2 million (ibid. at p. 58) covering MCE staff of 120 (id. at p. 60).
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MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes announced, ironically, while discussing how to find cost savings and cut MCE’s rates in order to compete with PG&E’s recent rate cuts that leave an average MCE customer with substantially higher bills than PG&E charges. ○ Although MCE’s internal staff includes a ten-member group of power resource professionals,148 MCE also has for 16 years contracted with a small energy consulting firm, Pacific Energy Advisors (PEA),149 to augment this staff in various ways, including energy product procurement and power contract negotiation.150 We have been told, in our interviews, that PEA has predominant influence — even over MCE’s own internal staff professionals — in these matters. MCE management has been granted authority to select consultants such as PEA, and yet the full Board has little insight concerning that contract. Neither has the Board nor its Technical Committee been consulted about whether to issue a Request for Proposal concerning PEA’s services, so that the Board might be able to periodically evaluate this strategically important contracting decision that goes to the core of MCE’s main function.
● Limiting inquiries and comments from Board members who attempt to question management
○ In late-January 2025, MCE’s Executive Committee (“ExCom”) Chair sent an email to the CEO with a list of financial topics and reports for future committee agenda discussions compiled by a four-person subset of the then 11-member committee.151 The ExCom Chair clarified that the list was “not a set of demands but rather is meant to be a collaborative next step in an ongoing dialogue of what would be useful for ExCom to understand about the agency we’re tasked with supporting and providing oversight of on behalf of our cities and residents.”152 The CEO responded that some items listed were out-of-scope or would consume too much staff time.153 In addition, the CEO (in conjunction with General Counsel) cited potential violations of the Brown Act (the open public meetings law)154 — even though the subgroup of requesting directors did not create a quorum — on the ground that the four-person discussion might possibly (and inadvertently) lead to a prohibited serial communication under the Act.155 By this, and for these stated reasons, the ExCom’s request was not considered. ○ In a November 2025 email sent to all Board members, management admonished certain Board members for asking questions that any fiduciary who takes an
148 MCE, “Board Meetings”/ “Meeting Archive” / “MCE Board Orientation Meeting Packet February 20, 2025,”.https://mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MCE-Board-Orientation-Meeting- Packet_February_20_2025.pdf, at pdf p. 49.
149 PEA, http://pacificea.com/. PEA serves numerous other CCAs in addition to MCE. See http://pacificea.com/clients/ (listing, among 11 other clients, Silicon Valley Energy, Clean Power SF, and Sonoma Clean Power).
150 PEA, http://pacificea.com/clients/marin-clean-energy-mce/ (listing services provided to MCE). See also MCE, “Board Meetings” / “Meeting Archive” / “MCE Board Meeting November 20, 2025 Video,” https://www.youtube.com/embed/s79p9jam__4, at 1:22:09–1:45:17 (PEA presentation to the Board). 151 This email, and the resulting email chain, has been shared with the Grand Jury by MCE Board members, and we have retained a copy in our files.
152 See fn. 151.
153 See fn. 151.
154 Cal. Gov. Code §§ 54950–54963.
155 See fn. 151.
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MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes oversight role seriously might pose to MCE staff — concerning, for example, audit information, financial reports, and energy cost trends. The email included an attachment entitled “Staff time allocation on board requests” listing all instances of requests from Board members over the past year. Although staff time is important, management’s email could be interpreted as an effort to reduce Board oversight, and embarrass those reasonably seeking desirable oversight information.
○ We have noticed various instances at Board meetings when members’ comments have been limited by MCE’s CEO, and /or by General Counsel. We relate here just one example: At the November 2025 Board meeting, during a discussion about a “Summary of Approved Contracts,” one member voiced questions about the approval process regarding MCE’s one-to-five year energy contracts — asking who had approved; which appropriate committee had been consulted, and when, etc.156 In the process, when that Board member attempted to explain to other members some relevant “background” about recent “energy costs” leading to a $200 million increase over the prior year,157 the Board member was interrupted four times by General Counsel.158 After a second Board member objected to the interruptions,159 the first Board member was able to complete the comments.160 A third Board member then thanked the first member for that analysis, and commented that it helped “bring[] greater transparency.”161 And yet, we note, this greater transparency occurred only after insistence by a few Board members — and in spite of MCE management’s efforts to curtail discussion.
The Grand Jury’s Conclusions About How Management Interacts With the Board:
Managerial behavior such as we have described above inhibits, rather than facilitates, Board governance. Although we have found that MCE’s Board has often failed or declined to embrace its governance role, the driving force behind this result appears to be management’s acts, omissions, and communications.
Admittedly, MCE management faces a difficult challenge in working with a large Board of elected officials, many of whom lack specific energy and finance experience — and many of whom quickly rotate on and off the Board. But in order for MCE to succeed, the Board should require management to:
156 MCE, “Board Meetings” / “Meeting Archive” / “Board of Directors November 20, 2025 Video,” https://www.youtube.com/embed/s79p9jam__4, at 1:11:41–1:12:22. The full discussion of this issue ranged from 1:11:41–1:21:24.
157 Id., at 1:14:54–1:16:58.
158 Id., at 1:16:59–1:17:28.
159 Id., at 1:17:50–1:17:58.
160 Id., at 1:18:01–1:19:04. The member explained that “sixty percent of these short-term contracts … were executed in” August–October 2024, “and so in hindsight, we signed [those] … contracts at the peak of the market. This … is the cause of our $200 million increase year-over-year in energy costs. And so I would like to recommend that we revisit Board Resolution 2020-04, which provides the CEO with authority to sign these short term contracts. I think we need to implement some guardrails and checkpoints to make sure we have a good handle on what i s happening with our short-term contracts.” (Italics added.)
161 Id., at 1:19:45–1:19:57.
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MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes (1) Work cooperatively with the Board to prioritize agendas to focus on important governance issues;
(2) Share difficult news early, rather than late, and actively consult regarding key staff changes, thus building trust;
(3) Invite — and constructively receive and respond to — valid criticism; and (4) Clearly and consistently summarize pros and cons of all key decisions facing the Board, instead of providing only management’s opinion or preferred option.
In the meantime, the Board can require observance of MCE’s internal control rules, and update and reinforce those rules as necessary to ensure operational transparency, so that the Board may exercise its proper governance role.
FINDINGS
In light of our investigation described above, we find as follows:
F1. MCE’s Board as a whole has not played a sufficiently active role in key agency decisions including reviewing policies and future strategy, and setting / evaluating performance metrics for management.
F2. The Board needs — but in recent years has not received — adequate and independent legal advice. Having ceded approval authority over the hiring of MCE’s General Counsel to the CEO in 2023, the Board has diminished its ability to govern.
F3. The Board’s size and composition make it difficult for the Board to govern.
F4. Many Board members have — quite understandably — limited expertise regarding a large and complex company such as MCE.
F5. All MCE Board members are local elected officials who face competing demands on their limited time and resources; as a result, meeting attendance has often been poor, and insufficient for optimally effective governance.
F6. Energy contracts at the heart of MCE’s business are technical and complex. Board members face a considerable challenge to understand the costs, risks, and policy implications of MCE’s energy contracts — and the relationship between those contracts and the actual “greenness” of the electricity that MCE provides to its customers.
F7. The Board lacks sufficient visibility into the work of its contracted power purchasing agent and technical consultant (Pacific Energy Advisors) — an entity that has substantial influence over MCE’s business operations, and also purchases for (and advises) other CCAs in this market.
F8. The Board has not received from management an adequate and understandable explanation of the almost $200 million year-over-year increase in energy costs in FY 2024–25.
F9. Management has at times invoked confidentiality / market competitiveness concerns when providing the Board or individual members with only limited details about energy contracts (even though greater details are publicly reported on the California Energy Commission’s website), thus impairing Board members’ contemporaneous awareness about key aspects of MCE’s business.
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MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes F10. Management has been, at some times and in key respects, insufficiently transparent with the Board, as it has (1) provided incomplete responses to Board members’ questions and requests for information; (2) obfuscated or conflated issues and details; (3) failed to inform the Board of important actions in a timely manner or done so after-the-fact; and (4) limited legitimate inquiries and comments from Board members who attempt to question management.
F11. The Board has ceded control of its own meetings by relinquishing its responsibility over the creation of meeting agendas. This has contributed to meeting inefficiency and bloated meeting packets.
F12. The process for amending the agency’s foundational rules — its Operating Rules and Regulations — has not been consistently and rigorously followed. As a result, the Grand Jury questions whether all relevant materials were made available to Board members and the public (in accordance with the Brown Act) in advance of the Board taking actions.
F13. Management has repeatedly violated key internal controls, including “Resolution 2020-04” and “authorization chain” documents, requiring consultation about, and approval of, one- to-five year energy contracts.
F14. MCE has grown from a small company to its significant size today, yet its foundational documents have not been amended to reflect its increased scale and complexity.
RECOMMENDATIONS
In light of the discussion in the body of our report, and the findings described above, we recommend as follows:
R1. By September 30, 2026, MCE’s Board of Directors should review whether its current delegation of authority provides adequate oversight regarding contract approval, setting / evaluating performance metrics for senior management, and overall company strategy.
R2. By December 31, 2026, the Board should amend its Operating Rules and Regulations to reinstate approval authority for hiring of the CEO and General Counsel, to require Board approval for hiring all C-level employees, and to require an open, competitive process for all such hiring.
R3. By December 31, 2026, the Board should determine whether its current size and composition are impediments to oversight and governance.
R4. By December 31, 2026, the Board should revise its Operating Rules and Regulations to regain responsibility for jointly creating meeting agendas in order to improve meeting efficiency and prioritization of agenda items.
R5. By December 31, 2026, all of MCE’s Marin jurisdictions (and preferably, all 38 jurisdictions covered by MCE) should implement a process by which its appointed Board member (or, in that person’s absence, the designated alternate member) commits to attending each regular Board meeting.
R6. By December 31, 2026, all of MCE’s Marin jurisdictions (and preferably, all 38 jurisdictions covered by MCE) should reassess their appointments of chosen Board members to prioritize those with the most extensive financial and energy expertise.
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MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes R7. By March 31, 2027, the MCE Board should evaluate whether changes to Board composition or access to energy expertise would improve oversight and governance, and if necessary, consider amending its Joint Powers Agreement to allow the governing body of each jurisdiction to appoint and designate a Board member (or alternate Board member) who is not a member of its governing body, but who has strong energy industry experience and can commit to serve for multiple years.
R8. By December 31, 2026, the Board should review and assess the value to ratepayers of certain costly contracts that may serve primarily to allow MCE to claim a higher renewable Power Content Label.
R9. By December 31, 2026, the MCE Board should hire an impartial, outside auditor to provide a comprehensive review of energy contracts executed in FY 2024–25, including review of cost, capacity, length of contract, fuel source, facility location and approval processes, in order to avoid future similar recurring contract variances and overruns.
R10. By December 31, 2026, the Board should conduct an internal review concerning the apparent April 2023 elevation of then-Associate General Counsel to the position of General Counsel, in order to determine whether that elevation occurred consistently with MCE’s then-operative Operating Rules and Regulations.
R11. Initially by December 31, 2026 and periodically thereafter, the Board should direct management to issue a Request for Proposal concerning (1) services provided by independent energy consultants, and (2) services of all other consultants when the duration or cost exceeds a de minimis amount (as defined by the Board).
R12. By December 31, 2026, the Board should review its August 17, 2023 amendment of its Operating Rules and Regulations to determine if, in doing so, (1) the Board received adequate and independent legal advice, and (2) whether MCE and the Board complied with the public inspection requirements of the Brown Act, California’s open public meetings law.
R13. By March 31, 2027, the Board should review its existing policies and internal controls to determine whether they are consistent with and adequate for a company approaching one billion dollars in revenue.
REQUIRED RESPONSES
Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, the Grand Jury requires responses from the following governing bodies within 90 days:
● MCE Board of Directors: (F1–F14, R1–R4, R7–R13)
● Marin County Board of Supervisors: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council: City of Belvedere (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council: City of Larkspur (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council: City of Mill Valley (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council: City of Novato (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council: City of San Rafael (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council: City of Sausalito (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● Town Council: Town of Corte Madera (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● Town Council: Town of Fairfax (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● Town Council: Town of Ross (F4–F5, R5–R6)
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MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes ● Town Council: Town of San Anselmo (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● Town Council: Town of Tiburon (F4–F5, R5–R6)
The governing bodies listed above should be aware that the comment or response of the governing body must be conducted in accordance with Penal Code section 933, subdivision (c), and subject to the notice, agenda and open meeting requirements of the Brown Act.
INVITED RESPONSES
● Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors: (F4–F5, R5–R6) ● Napa County Board of Supervisors: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● Solano County Board of Supervisors: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council of Benicia: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council of Concord: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council of El Cerrito: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council of Fairfield: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council of Hercules: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council of Lafayette: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council of Martinez: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council of Napa: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council of Oakley: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council of Pinole: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council of Pittsburg: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council of Pleasant Hill: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council of Richmond: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council of San Pablo: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council of San Ramon: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council of Vallejo: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● City Council of Walnut Creek: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● Town Council of Danville: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● Town Council of Moraga: (F4–F5, R5–R6)
● State of California Senate — Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee: (F1, F6- F9, F12, F14, R1, R7–R9, R11, R13)
● MCE CEO (F1–F14)
Note: At the time this report was prepared information was available at the websites cited.
Reports issued by the Civil Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Civil Grand Jury. The California Legislature has stated that it intends Penal Code section 929 to encourage full candor in testimony in Grand Jury investigations by protecting the privacy and confidentiality of those who participate in any Civil Grand Jury investigation.
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MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes APPENDIX — Regarding the Hiring of General Counsel
The following timeline documents an investigation performed by the Grand Jury to understand the process by which (1) MCE’s current General Counsel assumed that role in the organization in or about April 2023, and thereafter (2) MCE’s Board amended its Operating Rules and Regulations to grant to the CEO, for the first time, authority to hire General Counsel without Board approval.
We undertake this detailed review for overlapping reasons. First, the timeline serves as an example illustrating how (as we have observed in other circumstances) MCE’s management and CEO often operates with respect to the Board — by engaging in a course of conduct that tends to obfuscate rather than highlight key issues. Second, the timeline documents significant findings in our report related to a key problem that, we have found, has impaired the Board’s ability to govern — the Board needs, but in recent years has not received, adequate independent legal advice.
All documents referred to in this timeline are available on MCE’s website as of this writing, with URL addresses as indicated. We begin with the facts, and end with our observations and conclusions.
The Rules for Hiring General Counsel Include Board Approval
1. MCE’s original “Operating Rules and Regulations” (OR&R) is posted on its website at https://mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/operating-rules-regulations-asammended.pdf.
This original OR&R document lists in its article VII, section 2, various important activities over which the Board exercises control. This particular provision of the OR&R specifies, as a matter that “shall be approved only by a majority vote of the full membership of the Board,” the following: “b. The hiring of an Executive Director and General Counsel.” Id. at pdf p. 4, italics added. (This undated document shows the subtitle “As Amended.” An MCE memorandum describes this version of the OR&R as having been “adopted in March 2009.”) https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/MCE-Board-Meeting-Packet- June-2023.pdf, at pdf p. 84, fn. 2.)
2. In addition to its foundational OR&R, MCE also periodically adopts various resolutions that express Board policy consistent with the OR&R. Among many such resolutions passed over the years is (adopted in September of 2018) “Resolution 2018-09,” https://mcecleanenergy.org/wp- content/uploads/2018/10/Resolution-2018-09-Delegating-Auth.-of-Setting-Comp.-Tenure-Appt.- and-Cond.-of-Emplymnt-to-ExCom-and-CEO-1.pdf. Resolution 2018-09 provides, in its section 1: “The Board hereby delegates to MCE’s … CEO … in consultation with the Executive Committee, the authority to prescribe the compensation of all MCE officers, other than the CEO, and provide the number, compensation, tenure, appointment and conditions of employment of MCE employees, provided that such prescription and provision be consistent with the Board- approved budget.” Id. at pdf p. 1. As will become more apparent shortly, we question whether, in light of the fundamental and specific OR&R provision requiring full Board approval, which expressly names General Counsel, any inconsistent or ambiguous Board resolution can control
Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 44 of 49
MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes when hiring (or promoting, or advancing) General Counsel. More specifically, Resolution 2018- 09, quoted above, is both subservient to the OR&R, and general in its language (“appointment … of MCE employees”), and its implementation with respect to General Counsel would appear to require amendment to the otherwise controlling OR&R.
General Counsel is Hired Without Board Approval
3. As of February 16, 2023, Catalina Murphy was consistently shown on memoranda to the Board (in meeting packets), and in minutes of Board meetings, as “Associate General Counsel.” See https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/MCE-Board-Meeting-Packet- February-2023.pdf, at pdf pp. 18 and 26. Yet, as of April 20, 2023, Catalina Murphy is shown in similar memoranda as “General Counsel.” See (https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/wp- content/uploads/2023/04/MCE-Board-Meeting-Packet-April-2023.pdf, at pdf pp. 45 and 63.
Based on our review of MCE’s Board meeting Minutes circa 2021–early 2023, it appears this position had been vacant for at least eight months. At this time, approval of the hiring of General Counsel was still subject to a “majority vote of the full membership of the Board” under the OR&R quoted in paragraph #1 above. However, we have found no evidence indicating any Board vote of approval concerning this hiring; neither have we found any announcement (or entry in the Minutes) about this change in status. Nor have we found any evidence that the Executive Committee was consulted about the change in General Counsel, as would have been required by Resolution 2018-09, quoted in paragraph #2 above.
After Missing Board Approval, a Change in the Rules — Step 1: Highlight “Minimal Changes,” With No Mention of General Counsel
4. The June 15, 2023, Board Meeting Packet included proposed amendments to the OR&R. It also included an introductory memorandum, authored jointly by MCE’s Associate General Counsel and its new General Counsel, Catalina Murphy. The memorandum’s opening passages identified four “minimal changes” proposed for the OR&R. These changes were: (1) updating MCE’s name; (2) streamlining the description of the Board Chair’s duties regarding agendas; (3) extending the term of the Board secretary; and (4) changing the month for the annual Board election. The memorandum’s list of changes did not mention any change in Board approval of hiring General Counsel. See https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/wp- content/uploads/2023/06/MCE-Board-Meeting-Packet-June-2023.pdf, at pdf pp. 84–85.
Consistent with counsel’s memorandum, the proposed amendments to the OR&R in this packet included these four “minimal changes,” yet no change to the Board’s then-existing power: the requirement that the Board must approve the hiring of General Counsel. Id., at pdf pp. 89 and 94.
5. But in a subsequent Supplemental Packet for the same June 15, 2023 Board meeting, clean and redlined documents showed, for the first time, a proposed amendment of the OR&R striking Board authority to approve the hiring of General Counsel. See https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/6.15.23-Supplemental-Meeting- Packet.pdf, at pdf pp. 16 & 21. We found no additional or updated memorandum highlighting this change from the earlier June packet, no comment from staff addressing this change, and no
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MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes indication when this supplemental packet was transmitted to the Board. This two-packet submission to the Board, again without explanation, we will see again in this timeline.
6. With these two versions of the OR&R submitted to the Board on June 15 the proposed changes to the OR&R was presented for action.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/VQPtcrnYMBA, at 38:14. Associate legal counsel summarized relevant history, explaining that the Executive Committee reviewed MCE’s formation documents at its February 2023 meeting, and concluded the OR&R should be updated to incorporate “minimal changes.” Counsel explained that the Executive Committee “then formed an ad hoc committee, tasked with providing a recommendation to the Board on this matter. The resulting document from the ad hoc committee meeting is the proposed amendment to MCE Operating Rules and Regulations, which can be found in attachment A of item number 7.” Id. at 38:28– 39:16. (We note that both meeting packets contain an attachment “A” concerning item number
7.) Counsel then listed a “quick summary of the proposed revisions,” specifically describing the same four items mentioned earlier in paragraph #4 above — but again, counsel did not mention any change regarding Board approval of the position of General Counsel. Id. at 39:17–40:00.
Step 2: Management Characterizes Change in Rules as “Alignment”
7. Counsel next turned to the recently circulated Supplemental Packet, stating:
“It came to our attention after the first packet was released that there did need to be an additional edit to align with Resolution 2018-09 [quoted in paragraph #2 above] … , which delegated the authority of setting compensation, number, tenure, appointment, and conditions of employment aside from the CEO position to the Chief Executive Officer, so long as these actions are consistent with the Board-approved budget. So, we’ve made that additional edit. You’ll find it in the redline.” Id. at 40:07–40:40.
Counsel did not advise whether the Executive Committee reviewed and approved that “additional edit” as required, when that edit was made, what was being “aligned,” or to whom “we” referred. Taken by its own terms, counsel’s statement says that an inconsistency between Resolution 2018-09 and the OR&R had been identified, and that someone determined that the OR&R must be “aligned” with the resolution. Counsel’s statement also implies that determination was made by counsel, without consultation by the ad hoc committee, and only after the first packet was released for the June 15 Board meeting.
Counsel’s last quoted passage (inset above) — a recitation that focused on delegated compensation and related authority, but did not include any of the key terms, “approve,” “hire,” or, most importantly, “General Counsel,” and said nothing about the process by which the (late) Supplemental Packet was produced for Board action — was the full extent of the explanation to the Board about the newly-inserted amendment to strike from the OR&R the Board’s longstanding authority to approve the hiring of General Counsel. We conclude that this explanation, delivered immediately before the Board’s vote, can most charitably be characterized as less-than-transparent. Indeed, it appears to have been phrased to obfuscate, rather than illuminate, the fact that the Board was about to remove from its fundamental OR&R,
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MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes the key authority to approve the hiring of General Counsel, a power that it had possessed since MCE’s inception in 2009.
The Board Chair asked for any public comment; there was none. Id. at 45:16–45:22. The Board then proceeded to its first vote, apparently passing the Supplemental Packet amendments to the OR&R Packet unanimously. Id. at 49:02–50:39. However, pursuant to the OR&R itself, changing that fundamental document is a two-step process; this first vote was therefore provisional, requiring confirmation by a second vote at the next Board meeting, which would be held August 17, 2023.
Step 3: Management Again Highlights “Minimal Changes” — and Again Does Not Mention General Counsel
8. The August 17, 2023 Board Meeting Packet showed most of the OR&R amendments that had been provisionally approved in June 2023. See https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/wp- content/uploads/2023/08/MCE-Board-Meeting-Packet-August-2023.pdf, at pdf pp. 21–25 (redlined). Yet confusingly — and apparently failing to reflect the Board’s June vote described in paragraph #7 above — the August packet showed no amendment to the OR&R removing the Board’s authority to approve the hiring of General Counsel. (As an aside, this packet also did not show the names of MCE’s member jurisdictions on the first page of the OR&R — names that had appeared in the June 15 Supplemental Packet. As we will see, this information would later be contained in a last-minute Supplemental Packet, submitted to the Board on the afternoon before the August 17 Board meeting.)
9. An accompanying memorandum to the Board, included in the August 17 Meeting Packet, reminded Board members about the two-step process for amending the OR&R, and highlighted the same four items proposed for amendment that had been highlighted in June. See https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MCE-Board-Meeting-Packet- August-2023.pdf, at pdf pp. 14–15. To keep these items in mind, we quote this memorandum:
“For reference, the revisions to the ORR that the Board authorized to proceed for approval include:
• Updating MCE’s name from ‘Marin Energy Authority’;
• Streamlining the Chairperson’s duty from ‘supervise the preparation of the agenda’ to ‘review the agenda’ before each Board or Committee meeting; • Allowing the continuation of the Secretary’s one-year term, subject to the Board’s decision to remove; [and]
• Changing the annual election Board meeting month from June to ‘on or near December’ which better aligns with the local elections of the MCE member communities.” Id., at pdf p. 15.
Again, neither the OR&R version recommended to be approved in the Meeting Packet, nor its accompanying memorandum, mentioned any change in the Board’s authority to approve the
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MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes hiring of General Counsel. (And again, these omissions would soon be “corrected” by Supplemental Packet and verbal introduction by counsel.)
10. Prior to the August 17 Board meeting, a Supplemental Packet was again posted, again late, and other relevant documents were submitted to Board members by email without public posting (see paragraph #11 below). See https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/wp- content/uploads/2023/08/MCE-Board-Meeting-Supplement-Packet-August-2023.pdf. However, this packet is unlike most of the Board packets we have seen on the MCE website, before and after 2023. The Supplemental Packet for the August 17 meeting, as this packet appeared to the Grand Jury in 2026 (and earlier, on Sept. 19, 2024 and Oct. 6, 2024, courtesy of the Internet Archive Wayback Machine), consists simply of a two-page agenda, without any attached documents. https://web.archive.org/web/20241001000000/https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/wp- content/uploads/2023/08/MCE-Board-Meeting-Supplement-Packet-August-2023.pdf. More specifically, this Supplemental Packet included no document showing proposed amendments to the OR&R, and no memorandum highlighting or explaining changes to Board approval of the hiring of General Counsel. Absent a second presentation of proposed changes to the OR&R highlighting such removal of the Board’s authority, under both (1) the Brown Act (California’s open public meetings law, set out in Cal. Gov. Code, §§ 54950–54963), and (2) pursuant to the two-step process required for OR&R amendments, it appears to the Grand Jury that the Board could not properly undertake a second, confirming, vote on such changes.
Late and Missing Documents — and Misdirection
11. We have learned, from our interviews with Board members, that although documentation showing proposed amendments to the OR&R to remove the Board’s authority is missing from MCE’s official posted archives, in fact Board members were provided such written documentation on the day before the August 17, 2023 Board meeting. An MCE staff email sent at 2:56 PM on August 16, 2023, to all Board members stated: “Attached are real-time and meeting materials to be discussed at tomorrow’s in-person Board meeting at 7:00 P.M.” Appended to that email were: (1) The same two-page Supplemental Packet agenda mentioned in paragraph #10, above; (2) a 10-page slide presentation about MCE’s Deep Green program; and (3) & (4) “redlined” and “clean” versions of the proposed changes to the OR&R. The latter two documents showed, in renumbered article VI, section 2.b., the proposed amendment removing the Board’s authority to approve the hiring of General Counsel, just as this amendment appeared in the June Supplemental Packet mentioned in paragraphs #5 and #6 above. Significantly, there was no accompanying memorandum, or update to the prior memorandum described in paragraph #9 above, highlighting the inclusion of this additional amendment, or otherwise reminding the Board of the (less-than-transparent) explanation that had been provided orally at the June Board meeting. Nor have we seen any indication that MCE’s General Counsel, or associate general counsel, alerted the Board to any potential conflict of interest arising from counsel’s representations or presentations concerning this matter that directly affected General Counsel.
12. The Board voted again at the August 17, 2023 meeting to amend the OR&R. See https://mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MCE-Board-Meeting-Minutes-August-
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MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes 17-2023.pdf, pdf p. 3, item 7. As the ensuing Board meeting video shows, MCE’s associate legal counsel highlighted the “version that … you received yesterday via email,” and stated that it was “the [same] one that has been distributed today.”
https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Vk9j021OZw, at 1:18:57–1:19:09. Then legal counsel reported that MCE staff recommended the Board’s approval of the proposed amendments. In doing so legal counsel did not mention, let alone highlight, the fact that the new document in the Supplemental Packet (both redlined and clean versions) differed from the OR&R amendment document contained in the initial August 17 meeting packet, insofar as the new document removed the Board’s authority to approve the hiring of General Counsel.
Unusually for Board meetings, there was no discussion by Board members about any of the four proposed amendments to the OR&R submitted to the Board, whether in June or in August, and counsel did not state that the new document was the same document approved by the Board in June (two approvals being consistent with the OR&R’s two-step amendment process). Nor did the Board Chair ask if any member of the public wished to comment. The matter was moved quickly to a vote; the proposed OR&R amendment passed unanimously. Id. at 1:20:26–1:22:30.
Result: Board Authority is Reduced — and the Hiring Without Board Approval is Papered Over
13. The resulting updated version of the OR&R presently posted on the MCE website (listed as amended as of August 17, 2023) shows that the Board retains its authority to approve the hiring of the CEO — but the Board’s former authority, possessed since 2009, to approve the hiring of General Counsel, is now absent. See https://mcecleanenergy.org/wp- content/uploads/2023/08/Amended-MCE-Operating-Rules-Regulatons-Final-8.21.23.pdf, at pdf p. 4.
Observations and Conclusions — Skirting the Rules, the Board Unaware, and Apparent Violation of The Brown Act
1. In light of paragraph #s 1–3 above, we question how Catalina Murphy was promoted to the position of General Counsel in April 2023, without Board approval of that hiring, when it appears that, at that time, MCE’s fundamental governing OR&R document controlled, and required, approval of the “full … Board.”
2. In light of paragraph #s 4–10 above, it appears that the OR&R amendment removing the Board’s authority to approve hiring of General Counsel, submitted to the Board on June 15 in the late Supplemental Packet, was never properly brought to the attention of the Board, either by memorandum or orally, before the Board voted to adopt such a change. To the contrary: As observed earlier, it appears that the explanation then given to the Board concerning the proposed amendment did more to obfuscate than illuminate. The “quick summary of the proposed revisions” did not mention the fact that the Board was being asked to eliminate from its fundamental OR&R, the key authority that it had possessed since 2009 — the approval of the hiring of General Counsel.
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MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes
3. The Brown Act, California’s open public meetings law, requires that materials distributed less than 72 hours prior to discussion of agenda items must be made available for “public inspection … at the time the writing is distributed” to the Board members. (Cal. Gov. Code, § 54957.5, subd. (b)(1).) This section provides two alternative ways for an agency to comply with this requirement:
● First, under subdivision (b)(2)(A), the agency shall (i) make the writing available for public inspection “at a public office or location that the agency shall designate for this purpose” and (ii) list the address where [the writing] is available “on the agendas for all meetings of the legislative body of that agency.”
● Alternatively, an agency can comply under subdivision (b)(2)(B), by meeting each of four different requirements, one of which is: “(ii) The … agency immediately posts [the writing] on the … agency’s internet website.” For those attending the August 17, 2023 meeting remotely, immediate posting on MCE’s website pursuant to section 54957.5, subdivision (b)(2)(B) — along with a real-time oral notification to the video audience highlighting the posting prior to the Board’s vote — would be the only way for MCE to provide public access to such a last-minute submission.
In light of paragraph #s 8–13 above, it is unclear whether MCE and its Board complied with this important law. Specifically, based on what is shown in MCE’s public archives, it is not apparent that the key documents setting out the proposed changes to the OR&R, which were appended to the email sent to Board members on August 16, and then subsequently distributed to Board members at the August 17 meeting, were made available to the public (whether attending the meeting in person or participating virtually on line) prior to the Board’s vote. (Indeed, these key documents remain hidden from the public on MCE’s public archives page even now.)
4. Finally, the history set out above concerning the June and August meetings reflects strikingly similar internal procedural irregularities that, on their own (and all the more when considered in combination), make us question whether the Board (i) received clear and independent legal advice about an issue that directly affected General Counsel, and (ii) was fully aware of the significant change that it approved on August 17, 2023, which removed its own authority to approve hiring of General Counsel. Specifically, as mentioned in the above timeline:
● In June 2023 MCE’s legal counsel highlighted, both by memorandum and orally, various specific proposed amendments to the OR&R — but was insufficiently transparent (and indeed, appears to have obfuscated) regarding amendments written to remove the Board’s authority to approve hiring of General Counsel. ● In August 2023, counsel obfuscated again, at least twice. As an initial matter, MCE’s legal counsel listed specific proposed amendments to the OR&R, but that list did not include removing the Board’s authority to approve the hiring of General Counsel. Next, after providing the Board with a late substitute document that did show the removal of the Board’s authority, MCE’s legal counsel provided an ambiguous and incomplete history of that change and, once again, counsel failed to highlight that change (either by an accompanying memorandum, or orally) when presenting the OR&R amendment to the Board.
###
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 3:16 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Marin Civil Grand Jury Report Released Today
This Message May Be Unsafe
Please verify with the sender offline and avoid replying with sensitive information, clicking links, or downloading attachments.
Marin County Civil Grand Jury
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 275
San Rafael, CA 94903
Tel. 415-473-6132
June 16, 2026
City Clerk Dawn Abrahamson
Vallejo City Council
555 Santa Clara Street
Vallejo, CA 94590
2025–2026 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Report:
MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes https://assets.marincounty.gov/marincounty-prod/public/2026-06/MCE%20- %20A%20Series%20of%20Missteps_0.pdf?VersionId=J8sw7KvgRgUitczu3aW0FmODDri_ Rely
Dear City Clerk Abrahamson,
The above final report is being released to the public today and can be found at the link shown above. Please reply to this email to notify us that you have received it.
The Penal Code is specific as to the format of responses. The Grand Jury invites you to respond in writing to the Findings and Recommendations contained in the report pursuant to Penal Code Section 933.05 to the Grand Jury within 90 days (September 16, 2026) of the report date:
One hard copy to: The Honorable Judge Stephen P. Freccero Marin County Superior Court
P.O. Box 4988
San Rafael, CA 94913-4988
One hard copy to: Foreperson
Marin County Civil Grand Jury
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room #275
San Rafael, CA 94903
Should you have any questions or technical difficulties, please contact me at [email protected] or at the above address. Telephone inquiries can be made to Heather Callan (Aide to the Grand Jury) at (415) 473-6132.
Sincerely,
Massey Bambara, Foreperson
2025-2026 Marin County Civil Grand Jury
cc: Andrea Soce, Harry Black
Penal Code Summary: https://rebrand.ly/MarinGrandJuryPenalCodeSummaryPDF Response Form: https://rebrand.ly/MarinGrandJuryResponseFormPDF
ACTION ITEM 9.A.
DATE: September 8, 2026
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Jason Ta, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE: RECEIPT OF 60-DAY REPORT AND ACTION TO
DISCONTINUE STANDALONE SCHEDULE FOR COMBINED QUARTERLY TOWN HALLS
RECOMMENDATION
Receive the general update on public safety and approve the discontinuation of the standalone 60-day public safety updates to authorize the Police Department to transition to a consolidated, quarterly reporting model that combines public safety statistics and organizational reform updates into an interactive town hall format.
REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION
Following the termination of the local public safety staffing emergency, the City Council directed staff to bring forward a periodic update on public safety every 60 days. While this item serves to receive the update and satisfy the immediate directive, staff recommends updating the reporting framework moving forward.
Transitioning to a consolidated quarterly town hall format will significantly reduce administrative redundancies for our thin personnel. By blending our public safety statistics directly into our ongoing quarterly California Department of Justice (Cal DOJ) reform briefings, the department can optimize staff resources and provide the community with a higher-quality, more cohesive, and comprehensive disclosure framework regarding both crime metrics and reform progress.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
On July 25, 2023, the City Council unanimously voted to approve a Proclamation of Emergency due to the critical staffing levels at the City of Vallejo Police Department. On December 16, 2025, the City Council voted to no longer renew the continued state of local emergency. Below is an update on current items being discussed in relation to public safety:
• Current Staffing– 99 budgeted sworn officer positions, 83 active sworn officers, 12 in Training, 4 vacant positions (as of Aug 13).
o 83 Sworn (80 Active / 3 Inactive)
o 40 on patrol
o 5 on FTO
o 7 Recruits in different academies
• Strategies Underway to Increase Staffing – In addition to its regular attraction and retention efforts, the Police Department is working to implement new strategies to further attract and retain officers. The Police Department has entered an agreement with All-Star recruiting to increase the department's visibility towards applicants. The Police Department has also implemented a recruitment, retention, and referral program, which the City Council approved on July 22, 2025. Moreover, HR has two part- time extra-help recruiters that are actively recruiting for VPD employees.
Date: September 8, 2026
Subject:
PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE: RECEIPT OF 60-DAY REPORT AND ACTION TO DISCONTINUE
STANDALONE SCHEDULE FOR COMBINED QUARTERLY TOWN HALLS
• Current engagement structures – City Council presentations, Surveillance Advisory Board (SAB), Police Oversight and Accountability Commission (POAC), Chief’s Advisory Board (CAB), Public Safety Council Subcommittee (PSCS), Ad-hoc Police Reform Council Subcommittee, and various other community engagement efforts.
• Most Recent Operations Crime Reporting – Operations Bureau Report.
• Most Recent Average Response Times (ART) – Significant improvement in all Priority categories
• Most Recent Recruitment Report.
• Most Recent Solano Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Services Statistical Update – The Solano SO began providing supplemental law enforcement services on January 21, 2026. The supplemental services have provided improvements to police service delivery during the hours of operation on Wednesday through Saturday from 2pm-12am (midnight). Personnel from the Solano Sheriff’s Office will be present at the 9/8/2026 City Council meeting to answer questions and address the current supplemental public safety services to Vallejo.
• Programs and Initiatives– The Police Department has prioritized a number of programs and initiatives that continue to improve public safety in the City of Vallejo. These include:
o Vallejo VISION – gun violence reduction initiative
o Sex & Human Trafficking Reduction Initiative
o VPD’s Enhanced Response to Domestic Violence
o Problem Oriented Policing Team (POP)
o 2026 Vallejo PD Community Academy
o Revitalized volunteer program
o Neighborhood Watch and Business Watch Programs
o Traffic Safety
o Public Safety Partnership (PSP) – USDOJ BJA
o Police Reform Settlement Agreement Progress
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no immediate financial impact associated with this item. Any potential impact will be brought back to City Council with related costs.
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. ART 2026-07
2. Aug 17 2026_1Recruitment Report 2026-08
Date: September 8, 2026
Subject:
PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE: RECEIPT OF 60-DAY REPORT AND ACTION TO DISCONTINUE
STANDALONE SCHEDULE FOR COMBINED QUARTERLY TOWN HALLS
3. Operations Report 2026-07
CONTACT
Jason Ta, Chief of Police
(707) 648-4540
[email protected]
VALLEJO POLICE DEPARTMENT STATISTICAL DATA | [Document subtitle]
VALLEJO POLICE DEPARTMENT STATISTICAL DATA
AVERAGE RESPONSE TIMES BY MONTH
Aug 25
ART
# of
incidents Sept 25
ART
# of
incidents Oct 25
ART
# of
incidents
Nov 25
ART
# of
incidents
Dec 25
ART
# of
incidents Jan 26
ART**
# of
incidents
Priority
1 8.30 108 17.15 103 5.39 121 9.02 115 6.33 129 6.14 120 Priority
2 131.20 1827 176.50 1709 164.33 1783 140.23 1781 171.39 1758 106.00 1746 Priority
3 258.20 2409 332.22 2323 331.20 2542 307.16 2302 325.31 2181 198.52 2318 Feb 26
ART**
# of
incidents Mar 26
ART**
# of
incidents Apr 26
ART**
# of
incidents May 26
ART**
# of
incidents Jun 26
ART**
# of
incidents Jul 26
ART**
# of
incidents
Priority
1 7.66 107 4.31 107 7.23 87 5.36 120 6.41 103 7.32 104 Priority
2 77.04 1622 65.55 1790 82.28 1791 84.47 1876 63.25 1795 74.32 1930 Priority
3 143.16 2356 127.24 2695 133.38 2482 149.04 2668 122.20 2683 152.2 2783
COMPARISON OF ANNUAL AVERAGE RESPONSE TIMES (ART) BY PRIORITY
AUG 2024- JUL 2025 **ART in minutes # of incidents Percentage of ART (=/-) from Previous 12 mos
Priority 1 10.03 114 NA
Priority 2 264.45 1702 NA
Priority 3 402.55 2414 NA
AUG 2025-JUL 2026 **ART in minutes # of incidents Percentage of ART (=/-) from Previous 12 mos
Priority 1 8.13 110 19% improvement
Priority 2 113.45 1783 57% improvement
Priority 3 214.53 2480 47% improvement
*ART-average response time
**ART includes overall Solano So/Vallejo PD Integration response times
VALLEJO POLICE DEPARTMENT | Aug 2026
VALLEJO POLICE DEPARTMENT
PERSONNEL / HIRING REPORT | August 17, 2026
PUBLIC
UPDATE
SWORN STAFFING CIVILIAN STAFFING
84 CURRENT TOTAL SWORN OFFICERS
49 CURRENT TOTAL CIVILIAN STAFF
15 VACANT SWORN POSITIONS**
99 TOTAL AUTHORIZED STRENGTH*
13 VACANT CIVILIAN POSITIONS
62 TOTAL AUTHORIZED STRENGTH
HIRING SNAPSHOT
17 ACTIVE CANDIDATES
10 SWORN
7 NON-SWORN
0 PENDING DEPARTURES
ACTIVE HIRING PIPELINE
6 WAITING BACKGROUND
4 BACKGROUND IN REVIEW / ELIGIBLE
7 CHIEF INTERVIEW / PSYCH / MED
ACTIVE CANDIDATES BY CLASSIFICATION
6 POLICE RECRUIT
1 ENTRY-LEVEL OFFICER
3 LATERAL OFFICER
7 NON-SWORN
ACADEMY STATUS
7 CURRENT POLICE RECRUITS IN ACADEMIES
0 RECRUITS AWAITING ACADEMY SLOT
ADDITIONAL STAFFING INDICATOR
10 APPLICANTS RECENTLY NON-SELECTED
0 PENDING DEPARTURES / RESIGNATIONS / RETIREMENTS
SNAPSHOT DATE: 08/17/2026 | PUBLIC-FACING SUMMARY - INDIVIDUAL CANDIDATE IDENTITIES OMITTED *AUTHORIZED STAFFING REDUCED FROM 129 TO 99 ON 6/23/2026 **VACANT SWORN POSITIONS DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CURRENT ACADEMY TRAINEES
ACTION ITEM 9.B.
DATE: September 8, 2026
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Dawn G. Abrahamson, MMC, City Clerk
SUBJECT: ADOPT A RESOLUTION MAKING APPOINTMENTS TO THE MEASURE P OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE (MPOC)
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution making the following appointments to the Measure P Oversight Committee:
• District 1 vacancy
• District 2 vacancy
REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION
The recommended appointments will fill the current vacancies in Districts 1 and 2, allowing MPOC to maintain membership and continue carrying out its oversight responsibilities. The recommended applicants successfully completed the required interview process and meet the residency and district requirements established by the Vallejo Municipal Code.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Revised MPOC Interview Process
On July 28, 2026, the City Council approved a modification to the applicant interview process for vacancies on the Measure P Oversight Committee (MPOC).
Under the revised process, applicants for a district-specific MPOC vacancy are interviewed by a two-member Council interview team consisting of:
• The Councilmember representing the district in which the vacancy exists, or the Mayor for the at-large seat; and
• The Councilmember serving as the Council Liaison to the Measure P Oversight Committee.
Consistent with the Council-approved modification to the MPOC interview process, virtual applicant interviews for the District 1 and District 2 vacancies were conducted on August 20, 2026, by Councilmember Matias, representing District 1 and serving as the Council Liaison to the MPOC, and Vice Mayor Matulac, representing District 2.
Participation in the interview process is required for an applicant to be eligible for appointment.
MPOC Overview - Vallejo Municipal Code Chapter 3.09
• 7-member body; all members must be City residents.
Date: September 8, 2026
Subject: ADOPT A RESOLUTION MAKING APPOINTMENTS TO THE MEASURE P OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE (MPOC)
• Each Councilmember and the Mayor appoints one member. Memembers appointed by Councilmembers must reside in the appointing Councilmembers' district; the Mayor's appointee may reside anywhere in the City.
• Members serve two-year terms.
• Three vacancies exist: Districts 1, 2 and 6
• Three applications were received for District 1, one for District 2 and none for District 6 • Districts 1 and 2 applicants were interviewed on August 20, 2026
Recommendation:
Councilmember Matias to consider appointing one of the three applicants (term through September 8, 2028).
Vice Mayor Matulac to consider appointing the District 2 applicant (term through September 8, 2026).
NEXT STEPS
Following Council action, the City Clerk's Office will continue recruitment efforts, in coordination with Councilmember Gordon, to fill the remaining District 6 vacancy
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended appointments.
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. Resolution Making Appointments to MPOC. 090826 - CAO Stamp
2. MPOC Eligible Applicants List
CONTACT
Dawn G. Abrahamson, MMC, City Clerk (707) 648-4527
[email protected]
Approved as to form:
By: for
Veronica Nebb, City Attorney
RESOLUTION NO. 26-_____ N.C.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUCNIL OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO MAKING
APPOINTMENTS TO THE MEASURE P OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
WHEREAS, the Vallejo City Council has established various boards and commissions and such boards may be advisory, policy, appellate and/or rule making; and
WHEREAS, members of these boards, committees, and commissions shall be appointed by the City Council and vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term in the same manner as the original appointment pursuant to the Vallejo Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, section 2.26.030 of the Vallejo Municipal Code provides that the term of office of each member appointed by the City Council shall be for four years, except as otherwise provided by ordinance or resolution, and section 3.09.060 which governs the Measure P Oversight Committee, specifically provides that members shall serve two-year terms; and
WHEREAS, there currently exist vacancies on the Measure P Oversight Committee, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to section 2.02.350 of the Vallejo Municipal Code, the City Clerk has published notices of these vacancies, received applications of interest, and delivered to the City Council all applications submitted; and
WHEREAS, the Councilmembers representing the districts in which the vacancies exist, together with the Council Liaison to the Measure P Oversight Committee, reviewed the applications submitted and conducted interviews with the eligible applicants.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AS FOLLOWS:
Measure P Oversight Committee (MPOC) – District 1 vacancy (term to expire 9/8/28)
_____________________ – for a term to expire 9/8/26
Measure P Oversight Committee (MPOC) – District 2 vacancy (term to expire 9/8/28)\
______________________ – for a term to expire 9/8/28
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Vallejo at a regular meeting held on September 8, 2026, with the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ANDREA SORCE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
DAWN G. ABRAHAMSON, CITY CLERK
*Current Commissioner
MEASURE P OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
APPLICANTS ELIGIBLE FOR APPOINTMENT
5:00 p.m. Get Started, Discuss Interview Questions
Measure P Oversight Committee, District 1
1 vacancy. Term to expire 9/8/28
Armoni Irvin
Lourdes Moldre
Ming Wang
Measure P Oversight Committee, District 2
1 vacancy. Term to expire 9/8/28
Meliton Geronimo
ACTION ITEM 9.C.
DATE: September 8, 2026
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Robert Briseño, Communications and Public Information Officer SUBJECT: ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE INSTALLATION OF COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES IN HONOR OF PEARL PINSON: (1) AT THE CORNER OF REIS AVE AND HOME ACRES AVE; AND (2) ALONG LEWIS AVE ADJACENT TO THE INTERSTATE 780 FREEWAY PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AND APPROVING A LETTER OF CONDOLENCE IN HER HONOR.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution Approving the Installation of Commemorative Plaques in Honor of Pearl Pinson: (1) at the Corner of Reis Ave and Home Acres Ave; and (2) Along Lewis Ave Adjacent to the Interstate 780 Freeway Pedestrian Bridge and Approving a Letter of Condolence in Her Honor.
REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION
A commemorative plaque in her honor would not only offer the family and community a measure of closure but also serve as a lasting reminder that helps inform and protect future generations from the risk of abduction.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The City has received a naming request for City-owned and Operated Lands for a Commemorative Plaque to honor Pearl Pinson, in accordance with the City's Naming of City Facilities Policy, and a certificate of Condolence.
In October 2021, the Vallejo City Council approved a policy for the Naming of City Facilities. A copy of the policy is attached.
In January 2023, the Vallejo City Council approved the policy for the Issuance of Ceremonial Documents. A copy of the policy is attached.
Pursuant to Section 2.2, Criteria for Naming City Facilities, of the Naming of City Facilities Policy, recommended names may be considered if they are an individual or place of historical significance.
Pursuant to Section 2.2.2.H of the Issuance of Ceremonial Documents Policy, certificates of Condolence are appropriate for a deceased loved one, and section 3 of the same policy, Letters and certificates – are issued at the discretion of the Mayor’s Office for requests that do not meet the guidelines for a Proclamation.
Fifteen-year-old Pearl Pinson’s abduction on May 25, 2016, at the Interstate 780 pedestrian bridge overpass left a profound impact on the Vallejo community and beyond. Her disappearance, combined with the death of her captor the following day along the Central California coast, has deepened the heartbreak and unanswered questions that remain. Despite extensive efforts, Pearl has never been found, and the community continues to grieve her loss.
Date: September 8, 2026
Subject: ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE INSTALLATION OF COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES IN HONOR OF PEARL PINSON: (1) AT THE CORNER OF REIS AVE AND HOME ACRES AVE; AND (2) ALONG LEWIS AVE ADJACENT TO THE INTERSTATE 780 FREEWAY PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AND APPROVING A LETTER OF CONDOLENCE IN HER HONOR.
Now, ten years later, Pearl’s sister, Rose Pinson Rodriguez, and their family continue to seek answers and understanding about why Pearl was taken. Their hope is not only to honor and remember her, but also to ensure her story raises awareness and helps protect future generations.
Pearl’s abduction has become historically significant due to the substantial and sustained media coverage and community awareness surrounding her case. This request meets the criteria outlined in section 2.2(b), Individual of Historical Significance. Although Pearl has never been found, after ten years she is unfortunately presumed deceased and therefore qualifies for a letter of condolence.
FISCAL IMPACT
If approved, the requesting parties will be responsible for the cost of the signs and installation, as the fiscal sponsor.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a project that has a potential to result 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. Resolution Approving a City Land Site Designation for Pearl Pinson - CAO Stamp
2. 20260714 Naming Recommendation Application Form for Pearl Pinson
3. 20260714 Application for a Ceremonial document for Pearl Pinson
4. Council Policy - Naming Policy for City Facilities
5. Council Policies for issuance of Ceremonial documents
CONTACT
Robert Briseño, Communications and Public Information Officer, (707)-648-4362 [email protected]
RESOLUTION NO. ___________
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO APPROVING
THE INSTALLATION OF COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES IN HONOR OF PERARL PINSON: (1) AT THE CORNER OF REIS AVENUE AND HOME ACRES AVENUE; AND (2) ALONG LEWIS AVENUE AT THE CITY/COUNTY LINE ADJACENT TO THE INTERSTATE 780 FREEWAY PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AND APPROVING A
LETTER OF CONDOLENCE IN HER HONOR
WHEREAS, the City Council has adopted the “City Council Policy-Naming of City Facilities,” (“Policy”) which provides criteria for all Naming of City Lands, Streets, Parks and portions of other personal property, such as benches, play structures, monuments, etc., in the City of Vallejo requests; and
WHEREAS, the Pinson family via their representative, Rose-Ann Pinson Rodriguez, has requested for the installation of a commemorative plaque in honor of Pearl Pinson at the corner of Reis Avenue and Home Acres Ave and a second one along Lewis Avenue at the City /County line adjacent to the interstate 780 Freeway Pedestrian Bridge; and WHEREAS, the Policy provides that the Naming of City Facilities, including land, recognition is reserved for places of historical significance.
WHEREAS, Pearl Pinson was a 15-year-old Vallejo teen who was abducted on May 25, 2016, while walking to her school bus stop near the Interstate 780 pedestrian overcrossing at Home Acres & Lewis Avenue. Over ten years later, Pearl remains missing, and her story continues to resonate deeply throughout Vallejo, and beyond which made the site historically significant.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Pearl Pinson was a 15-year-old Vallejo teen who was abducted on May 25, 2016, while walking to her school bus stop near the Interstate 780 pedestrian overcrossing at Home Acres and Lewis Avenue, her abduction, and the continued community concerns surrounding the incident and the association of the location therewith are of historical significance to the City. The City Council therefore finds that in accordance with the “City Council Policy-Naming of City Facilities,” the sites identified below, due to their proximity to the pedestrian bridge from which Pearl Pison was taken, are historically significant and associated with Pearl Pinson.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Vallejo City Council hereby approves the installation of a commemorative plaques in honor of Pearl Pinson at the corner of Reis Avenue and Home Acres Ave and a second one along Lewis Avenue at the City/County line adjacent to the interstate 780 Freeway Pedestrian Bridge.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the entire City Council does hereby approve a letter of condolence to be sent to the family in honor of Pearl Pinson.
Adopted by the Council of the City of Vallejo at the regular council meeting held on September 8, 2026 with the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
______________________________
ANDREA SORCE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
________________________________
DAWN G. ABRAHAMSON, CITY CLERK
Page | 7
City-Owned and Operated Facilities (including Small Amenities) Naming Recommendation Application Form
Applicant Name: _________________________________
Address: ________________________________________
Email:__________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________ Location of Facility, (Describe address or other identifying feature and character of Facility – eg: street, land, building, bench, park, playground,
etc.):______________________________________________________________ Portion of Facility (if applicable):___________________________________________________ Individual or Group to be Recognized:_____________________________________________________ Recommended Name:__________________________________________________________________ Recommended names may be considered if they meet one or more of the naming criteria: (check applicable boxes)
Geographic location and/or prominent geographic feature or local reference point Individual, group, event, culture or place of historical significance Specific Plan Name
Development Name (i.e. Subdivision, School, etc. not including developer name) An individual or group recognized by the community as a Contributor:
Contributors must meet the following criteria: (check applicable boxes) Record of outstanding citizenship.
Made a positive impact on the residents of the community.
And, one of the following:
Extensive service and/or support for the betterment of the community.
Extensive contributions to City Facilities without which the Facility may not exist.
Extensive contributions to the establishment of Facilities for public use.
Extensive contributions to the community, its history, resources, environment, culture, diversity, development or economy.
For individual Contributors,
Recognition of individuals who meet the above criteria must have been deceased two or more years.
An individual or group recognized by the community as a Donor:
Rose-ann Pinson Rodriguez
1612 Springs Rd #A Vallejo Ca.94591
[email protected] (707)-718-1703
City Owned Public Property Located Near I 7-80 Pedestrian Bridge Pearl Pinson
Corner of Reis Avenue and Homes Acres Avenue and a second one along Lewis Avenue
Pearl’s Place “Remembering Pearl Pinson While Protecting Future Generations Through Awareness” X
Page | 8
Donors must meet the following criteria: (check applicable boxes) Record of outstanding citizenship.
Made a positive impact on the residents of the community.
The request for a specific name is made at the time of donation.
And, one of the following:
The capital or material exceeds 51% of the acquisition or development costs of the facility.
Have provided land for public use.
Conditions of donations that specify the name of City-owned Facilities as part of an agreement or deed must be approved by the City Council, after review and recommendation by the City Attorney.
Additional Required Information
Biographical Information:
Civic Involvement:
Connection to Facility (or portion):
Reason for Nomination:
Additional Comments: (additional information may be attached) Pearl Pinson was a 15-year-old Vallejo teen who was abducted on May 25, 2016, while walking to her school bus stop near the Interstate 780 pedestrian overcrossing at Home Acres & Lewis Avenue. Pearl was known as a loving daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend, and community member who loved art, animals, and brought happiness to those around her.
Nearly 10 years later, Pearl remains missing, and her story continues to impact the Vallejo community and beyond.
The proposed memorial area is located near the public entrance areas surrounding the Interstate 780 pedestrian overcrossing where Pearl Pinson was last seen during her abduction on May 25, 2016. This location has become deeply connected to Pearl’s story, remembrance efforts, and community healing.
This nomination respectfully requests the creation of “Pearl’s Place” as a memorial and remembrance area to honor Pearl Pinson’s life and preserve her memory within the community she called home. The memorial would serve as a place for reflection, healing, awareness, and education while also bringing attention to child safety and missing persons awareness.
The Pinson family and community supporters believe Pearl’s story should never be forgotten.
The family respectfully requests support from the City of Vallejo for the placement of memorial plaques and recognition signage within the designated city-owned public area surrounding the pedestrian overcrossing. Additional support letters, proposal documents, and community statements may be attached for review.
AƩachment 1
APPLICATION REQUEST FOR CEREMONIAL DOCUMENT
Applicant Name
Phone
Email
Organization
Recipient Name
Title of Proclamation (if applicable)
Date of application
Requested Date
Proclamation select Letter select Certificate select
Public Awareness - example – Fair
Housing Month, Suicide Prevention Welcome/ Greeting Achievement Charitable fundraising campaigns –
example Walk to End Alzheimer’s Congratulations Recognition Non-Profit organizations – example
– Red Cross Month Condolence Appreciation
Arts and Cultural Celebrations –
example Celebration of Kwanzaa
Special Honors – example Act of
Heroism
PLEASE ATTACH EXAMPLE TEXT FOR INCLUSION IN CEREMONIAL DOCUMENT AƩachments: __________
Signature of Requestor/Date______________________________________________________ Received in the Mayor’s Office By/Date______________________________________________ Approved _____ Denied _______
Rose-ann Pinson Rodriguez
(707)-718-1703
[email protected]
Pearl Pinson
July 14, 2026
july 14, 2026
X
Council Policy No. 2021-01
Attachment A
City Council Policy – Naming of City Facilities
(Lands, Streets, Parks and Other Property)
Page | 1
1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish a standard set of criteria and processes for the official naming and renaming of City Lands, Streets, Parks or portions thereof and other personal Property, such as benches, play structures, monuments, etc., (collectively “City Facilities”) in the City of Vallejo.
City Facilities are important to the fabric of the community. City Facilities create a sense of place by contributing to the identity, culture, health and wellbeing, and overall value of the City. The names of City Facilities provide opportunities to honor the City’s history and its extraordinary citizens and groups who have served to better the community for future generations.
The City of Vallejo Council Policy Manual (hereinafter referred to as "Council Policy Manual") sets forth policies and procedures by which the City Council shall conduct City Council business and activities.
1.1 Objectives
1. Establish a standard set of criteria and processes for the official naming of City Facilities.
2. Ensure that City Facilities are easily identified and located.
3. Encourage public participation in the naming of City Facilities.
4. Ensure that City Facilities create a sense of place for the community.
5. Ensure that City Facilities recognize and honor the City’s history and its extraordinary citizens and groups who have served to better the community for future generations.
6. Ensure that the naming or renaming of any City street does not negatively impact existing residents and businesses on that street.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2505BB7B-1B75-42B1-A725-0B8B5DB0DF29
Council Policy No.
Category
2021-01
TBD
Attachment A
City Council Policy – Naming of City Facilities
(Lands, Streets, Parks and Other Property)
Page | 2
2 POLICY
2.1 GENERAL GUIDELINES
A. The City Council shall have the final authority to name and rename all City Facilities.
B. The City Council shall have the final authority to designate commemorative City Facilities names and plaques.
C. Under extraordinary circumstances, the City Council may revoke the current name of any City Facility.
D. It is the intent of this policy to prohibit the changing of street names that have existing homes or businesses using the street name in their address, except under extraordinary circumstances.
E. No City Facilities shall be named after a currently (at the time of the naming action) seated elected or appointed official.
2.2 CRITERIA FOR NAMING CITY FACILITIES
Recommended names may be considered if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
A. Geographic location and/or prominent geographic feature or local reference point B. Individual, group, event, culture, or place of historical significance C. Specific Plan Name
D. Development Name (i.e. Subdivision, School, etc. not including developer name) E. An individual or group recognized as a Contributor to the community:
a. Contributors must meet the following criteria:
i. Record of outstanding citizenship or service.
ii. Made a positive impact on the residents of the community.
And, one of the following:
iii. Extensive service and/or support for the betterment of the community. iv. Extensive contributions to City Facilities without which the land or facility may not exist.
v. Extensive contributions to the establishment of lands or facilities for public use.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2505BB7B-1B75-42B1-A725-0B8B5DB0DF29
Council Policy No.
Category
2021-01
TBD
Attachment A
City Council Policy – Naming of City Facilities
(Lands, Streets, Parks and Other Property)
Page | 3
vi. Extensive contributions to the community, its history, resources, environment, culture, diversity, development or economy. b. Recognition of individuals who meet the above criteria must have been deceased two or more years.
F. An individual or group recognized by the community as a Donor:
a. Donors must meet the following criteria:
i. Record of outstanding citizenship.
ii. Made a positive impact on the residents of the community. iii. The request for a specific name is made at the time of donation.
And, one of the following:
iv. The capital or material exceeds 51% of the acquisition or development costs of the facility.
v. Have provided land for public use.
b. Conditions of donation that specify the name of City Facilities as part of an agreement or deed must be approved by the City Council, after review and recommendation by the City Attorney.
2.3 EXCLUSIONS
Recommended names of City Facilities shall not:
A. Be or be perceived to be discriminatory against or derogatory of race, color, ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, creed, political affiliation, disability or other social factors;
B. Result in inappropriate abbreviations or acronyms;
C. Duplicate another named City Facility;
D. Unduly detract from the character, or aesthetic quality of the Facility or unreasonably interfere with the enjoyment or use of the Facility;
E. Place the City in conflict with any agreements established in the acquisition or management of the property; and
F. Make a direct or indirect reference to recent events or recently deceased individuals, except as deemed appropriate under the “historical”, “contributor” or “donor” criteria sections.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2505BB7B-1B75-42B1-A725-0B8B5DB0DF29
Council Policy No.
Category
2021-01
TBD
Attachment A
City Council Policy – Naming of City Facilities
(Lands, Streets, Parks and Other Property)
Page | 4
2.4 PROCESS FOR NAMING CITY FACILITIES
The City Council of the City of Vallejo is the responsible approval body for the naming of City Facilities. Recommendations for names may be presented to the City Council for consideration by one of the following processes:
A. City Council Recommendation - The City Council may recommend and approve a name as the City's governing body.
B. Committee Recommendation – The City Council may establish an ad-hoc committee to recommend a name to the City Manager for consideration by the City Council.
C. City Staff Recommendation - The City Council may direct the City Manager to have City Staff conduct outreach to get community input on recommending a name to the City Manager for consideration by the City Council.
D. Community Recommendation - Community members, businesses, organizations, and City boards and commissions may submit recommendations to the City Manager for consideration by the City Council.
E. Contributor/Donor Recommendation – A Contributor, Donor, or friends, family, or associates of a Contributor or Donor may submit recommendations to the City Manager for consideration by the City Council.
2.5 PROCESS FOR RENAMING FACILITIES
The renaming of existing City Facilities shall occur only under extraordinary circumstances and after thorough review and public input. It is the policy of the City to retain long-standing names of City Facilities to preserve names that are historical to the community. Renaming may only take place if one of the following criteria have been met:
A. Redevelopment: A City Facility is redeveloped or repurposed.
B. New Capital or Material Contribution: Donor individual, group, or private company has made a substantial contribution to the City for the acquisition, improvement, upkeep, or operation of the Facility, meeting or exceeding a 51% contribution requirement.
C. Honorary: Renaming of an existing Facility in honor of a Contributor is considered appropriate and warranted based on extraordinary circumstances as determined by the City Council.
D. Unsuitability: A name is in conflict with the naming policy and/or is deemed inappropriate by the City Council.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2505BB7B-1B75-42B1-A725-0B8B5DB0DF29
Attachment A
City Council Policy – Naming of City Facilities
(Lands, Streets, Parks and Other Property)
Page | 5
2.5.1 General Renaming Process Notes
The renaming of City Facilities must adhere to the criteria and processes outlined in this policy. Consideration shall be given to issues of confusion, impact on the community, level of contribution by Contributor or Donor.
2.6 PROCESS FOR NAMING AND RENAMING CITY SMALL AMENTITIES The City Council may develop fundraising opportunities to solicit donations towards City- owned amenities in exchange for recognition (e.g., bricks in a park, tree planting and signage, fountains, memorial benches, etc.).
The naming of City Small Amenities are subject to this policy and are subject to City Manager approval. The City Manager shall provide 14-days notice to the City Council of a proposed naming of a small amenity. Any City Council Member may within said 14 day period request that such proposed naming of a small amenity be forwarded to the City Council for action.
If the City Manager is unsure if a specific feature qualifies as a City Small Amenity, the City Manager shall seek direction from City Council.
3 DEFINITIONS
“City Facilities” – Includes land, structures, open spaces, natural features, and “portions” thereof, including, but not limited to, streets, buildings, wings of buildings, indoor or outdoor auditoriums, interior rooms of buildings, pavilions, gardens, parks, tree groves, gardens, plazas, trails, and the like, that are owned and operated by the City.
“City Small Amenities” – Include benches, picnic tables, playgrounds, fountains, statues, pergolas, gazebos, and the like, owned and/or operated by the City. “Portions” – Include specific features within City Facilities such as a trail, garden, tree grove, pavilion, auditoriums, and the like, that are owned and/or operated by the City. For example, a park may carry an overall name, but a trail, playground, or other feature of that park may carry another name. “Contributors” – An individual or group who is recognized by the City Council as having contributed significant service for the betterment of the community. “Donors” – An individual or group who is recognized by the City Council as having contributed significant capital, material, and land for the betterment of the community.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2505BB7B-1B75-42B1-A725-0B8B5DB0DF29
Council Policy No.
Category
2021-01
TBD
Attachment A
City Council Policy – Naming of City Facilities
(Lands, Streets, Parks and Other Property)
Page | 6
4 MATERIALS
4.1 Naming Recommendation Application Form- City-Owned and Operated Facilities (including Small Amenities)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2505BB7B-1B75-42B1-A725-0B8B5DB0DF29
Page | 7
City-Owned and Operated Facilities (including Small Amenities) Naming Recommendation Application Form
Applicant Name: _________________________________
Address: ________________________________________
Email:__________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________ Location of Facility, (Describe address or other identifying feature and character of Facility – eg: street, land, building, bench, park, playground,
etc.):______________________________________________________________ Portion of Facility (if applicable):___________________________________________________ Individual or Group to be Recognized:_____________________________________________________ Recommended Name:__________________________________________________________________ Recommended names may be considered if they meet one or more of the naming criteria: (check applicable boxes)
Geographic location and/or prominent geographic feature or local reference point Individual, group, event, culture or place of historical significance Specific Plan Name
Development Name (i.e. Subdivision, School, etc. not including developer name) An individual or group recognized by the community as a Contributor:
Contributors must meet the following criteria: (check applicable boxes) Record of outstanding citizenship.
Made a positive impact on the residents of the community.
And, one of the following:
Extensive service and/or support for the betterment of the community.
Extensive contributions to City Facilities without which the Facility may not exist.
Extensive contributions to the establishment of Facilities for public use.
Extensive contributions to the community, its history, resources, environment, culture, diversity, development or economy.
For individual Contributors,
Recognition of individuals who meet the above criteria must have been deceased two or more years.
An individual or group recognized by the community as a Donor:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2505BB7B-1B75-42B1-A725-0B8B5DB0DF29
Page | 8
Donors must meet the following criteria: (check applicable boxes) Record of outstanding citizenship.
Made a positive impact on the residents of the community.
The request for a specific name is made at the time of donation.
And, one of the following:
The capital or material exceeds 51% of the acquisition or development costs of the facility.
Have provided land for public use.
Conditions of donations that specify the name of City-owned Facilities as part of an agreement or deed must be approved by the City Council, after review and recommendation by the City Attorney.
Additional Required Information
Biographical Information:
Civic Involvement:
Connection to Facility (or portion):
Reason for Nomination:
Additional Comments: (additional information may be attached) DocuSign Envelope ID: 2505BB7B-1B75-42B1-A725-0B8B5DB0DF29
RESOLUTION NO. 21-120 N.C.
ADO
PTING A CITY COUNCIL POLICY TO GOVERN THE CRITERIA AND PROCESSES
FOR THE NAMING AND RENAMING OF CITY FACILITIES
WHERE
AS, establishing a City Council naming policy provides guidelines to preserve Vallejo’s history and streamline the naming process when an opportunity to name or rename City Facilities; and
WHERE
AS, the City of Vallejo does not currently have a policy to govern the naming of City Facilities; and
WHERE
AS, City Facilities are important to the fabric of the community and create a sense of place by contributing to the City’s identity, culture, health and wellbeing, and overall value; and WHERE
AS, on November 12, 2019, the City Council adopted Resolution 19- 108 N.C. naming Vallejo Waterfront Park and its four sections , directing the City Manager to develop a Park, Facilities and City Asset Naming Policy and a new name for Independence Park; and WHERE
AS, City staff researched policies from other agencies and gathered feedback from stakeholders to produce a clear, flexible, and inclusive policy that honors the City’s history and its extraordinary citizens and groups who have served to better the community for future generations; and
WHERE
AS, the policy includes objectives consistent with the City Council’s wishes and establishes a standard set of criteria and processes for the naming and renaming of City Facilities in the City of Vallejo; and
WHERE
AS, the City Council may make updates to the policy through a Council Resolution; and NOW, T
HEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby adopts the City-Owned Facilities Naming Policy as outlined in Attachment A.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2505BB7B-1B75-42B1-A725-0B8B5DB0DF29
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Vallejo at a regular meeting held on October 26, 2021 with the following vote:
AYES: Mayor McConnell, Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga, Councilmembers Arriola, Brown, Dew, Loera-Diaz and Miessner
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
______________________________________
ROBERT H. MCCONNELL, MAYOR
AT
TEST:
_________________________________________
DAWN G. ABRAHAMSON, CITY CLERK
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2505BB7B-1B75-42B1-A725-0B8B5DB0DF29
Council Policy No. 2023-02
Exhibit B
City Council Policy – Policy and Procedure for Issuance of Ceremonial Documents
1. Purpose
The Mayor’s Office issues ceremonial documents to recognize excepƟonal events and people within the City of Vallejo. The Mayor’s Office may issue ProclamaƟons, LeƩer s of Welcome or GreeƟngs, LeƩers of CongratulaƟons, LeƩers of Condolence, CerƟficates of Achievement , CerƟficates of RecogniƟon or CerƟficates of AppreciaƟon on behalf of the City Council. This purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on these communicaƟons.
2. Policy
2.1 ProclamaƟons
ProclamaƟons are issued to recognize the importance of a community event, significant achievements by community members, or to signal the City’s role in significant naƟonal events.
ProclamaƟons will appear on the City Council Agenda under Prese ntaƟons and CommendaƟons.
Council agendas are limited to two (2) proclamaƟons per meeƟng. ProclamaƟons not being presented at a City Council meeƟng may appear on the Consent Ca lendar. ProclamaƟons reflect the speech of the City of Vallejo and not the speech of the requestor.
2.1.1 – ProclamaƟons may be issued for:
A. Public Awareness – example – Fair Housing Month, Suicide PrevenƟon, etc.
B. Charitable fundraising campaigns – example – Walk to End Alzheimer’s, etc.
C. Non-Profit OrganizaƟons – example – Red Cross Month, etc.
D. Arts and Cultural CelebraƟons – example – CelebraƟon of Kwanzaa, etc.
E. Special Honors – example – LifeƟme achievement, acts of heroism, etc.
2.1.2 – ProclamaƟons will not be issued for:
A. For-Profit businesses, as an adverƟsement or promoƟon B. Items or issues not within the subject maƩer jurisdicƟon of the City of Vallejo C. Events or organizaƟons with no direct relaƟonship to the City of Vallejo D. Campaigns or events contrary to city policies
E. Family reunions, Class reunions, Pastoral, church or wedding anniversaries, Birthday celebraƟons, Conferences, Deceased individuals
F. OrganizaƟons from other ciƟes, counƟes, states, or countries which have no locally based chapters or specific Ɵes to the City of Vallejo
2.2 LeƩers and CerƟficates
If the request does not meet the guidelines for a ProclamaƟon, other forms of recogniƟon are available. LeƩers and cerƟficates are issued at the discreƟon of the Mayor’s Office.
Council Policy No.
Category
2023-02
TBD
Exhibit B
City Council Policy – Policy and Procedure for Issuance of Ceremonial Documents
2.2.1 – LeƩers of Welcome/GreeƟng are provided for:
A. ConvenƟons
B. Seminars
C. Con
ferences
D. Other
events held in the City of Vallejo
2.2.2 – LeƩers of CongratulaƟons, Condolence, CerƟficates of Achievement, RecogniƟon, or AppreciaƟon are provided for:
A. Milestone birthdays or anniversaries (e.g. 90th birthday, 50th anniversary) B. Nonsecular anniversaries or celebraƟons (e.g. church diamond jubilee) C. Professional celebraƟons
D. Aw
ard recipients (e.g. Valedictorian)
E. ReƟrements
F. Eagle Scout Awards
G. Community Service
H. Co
mmemoraƟon of a deceased loved one
2.3 General Guidelines for ProclamaƟons, LeƩers, and CerƟficates A. Submit a ceremonial document request form “AƩachment 1”, in wri Ɵng, at least thirty (30) da
ys prior to the requested date of issuance.
B. R
equests must be made, in wriƟng, by a City of Vallejo resident or employee of a non- profit organizaƟon or another agency providing services in Vallejo.
C. Requests must include the name, address, telephone number and email address of person making th
e request and must idenƟfy who will receive the proclamaƟon.
D. R
equests should provide a summary of the event or organizaƟon being recognized.
E. Requests must include the draŌ language, bullet points and/or b ackground informaƟon which will be used to prepare the proclamaƟon.
a. Su
ggested length is no more than 300 words.
b. A
typical proclamaƟon has five (5) to six (6) recitals or “Where as clauses” in 12 point font. This is so that the proclamaƟon will fit on a single presentaƟon page and be visually appealing.
c. A
typical leƩer or cerƟficate is draŌed in 12-point font. This i s so that th e docum
ent will fit on a single presentaƟon page and be visually appealing.
F. R
equest must state the City Council meeƟng date the proclamaƟon is desired to be presented at.
G. Only
one proclamaƟon or cerƟficate may be issues per year per or ganizaƟon, individual, or topic.
Council Policy No.
Category
2023-02
TBD
Exhibit B
City Council Policy – Policy and Procedure for Issuance of Ceremonial Documents
3. DefiniƟons
x ProclamaƟons – ceremonial documents to honor, celebrate or create awareness of a significant ev
ent, issue, or contribuƟon to society.
x LeƩers and cerƟficates – are issued at the discreƟon of the Mayor’s Office for requests that do not meet the guidelines for a ProclamaƟon.
AƩachment 1
APPLICATION REQUEST FOR CEREMONIAL DOCUMENT
Applicant Name
Phone
Email
Organization
Recipient Name
Title of Proclamation (if applicable)
Date of application
Requested Date
Proclamation select Letter select Certificate select
Public Awareness - example – Fair
Housing Month, Suicide Prevention Welcome/ Greeting Achievement Charitable fundraising campaigns –
example Walk to End Alzheimer’s Congratulations Recognition Non-Profit organizations – example
– Red Cross Month Condolence Appreciation
Arts and Cultural Celebrations –
example Celebration of Kwanzaa
Special Honors – example Act of
Heroism
PLEASE ATTACH EXAMPLE TEXT FOR INCLUSION IN CEREMONIAL DOCUMENT AƩachments: __________
Signature of Requestor/Date______________________________________________________ Received in the Mayor’s Office By/Date______________________________________________ Approved _____ Denied _______
Council Policy No. 2023-03
Exhibit C
City Council Policy – Policy and Procedure for Issuance of Ceremonial Key to the City
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on the issuance of Ceremonial Key to the City.
The Key to the City is the City’ƐŵŽƐƚƉƌĞƐƟŐŝŽƵƐĂǁĂƌĚĂŶĚǁŝůůŽŶůLJďĞƵƐĞĚƚŽďĞƐƚŽǁŚŽŶŽƌƵƉŽŶ ĚŝƐƟŶŐƵŝƐŚĞĚƉĞƌƐŽŶƐĂŶĚŚŽŶŽƌĞĚŐƵĞƐƚƐŽĨƚŚĞŝƚLJŽĨsĂůůĞũŽĂŶĚƚŽƌĞĐŽŐŶŝnjĞĞdžĐĞƉƟŽŶĂů ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶƐĂŶĚͬŽƌĂĐŚŝĞǀĞŵĞŶƚƐ͘
dŚĞƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶŽĨŬĞLJƚŽƚŚĞ ĐŝƚLJŝƐŵĞĂŶƚƚŽĐŽŶĨĞƌƚƌƵƐƚĂŶĚŚŽŶŽƌ ͘/ŶƚŚĞDŝĚĚůĞŐĞƐŵĂŶLJĐŝƟĞƐǁĞƌĞ ǁĂůůĞĚĨŽƌƟĮĐĂƟŽŶƐǁŚŽƐĞŐĂƚĞƐǁĞƌĞŐƵĂƌĚĞĚĚƵƌŝŶŐƚŚĞĚĂLJĂŶĚůŽĐŬĞĚĂƚŶŝŐŚƚ͘dŚĞ<ĞLJŐƌĂŶƚĞĚƚŚĞ ƌĞĐŝƉŝĞŶƚƚŚĞĨƌĞĞĚŽŵƚŽĞŶƚĞƌƚŚĞĐŝƚLJǁŝƚŚŽƵƚĐŚĂůůĞŶŐĞĂƚĂŶLJƟŵĞ͘KŶůLJ trusted friends of the city ǁĞƌĞŐŝǀĞŶĂŬĞLJƚŽƚŚĞŐĂƚĞƐ͘
dŚĞŵŽĚĞƌŶŬĞLJƚŽƚŚĞĐŝƚLJŝƐĂƐLJŵďŽůŽĨĐŝǀŝĐƌĞĐŽŐŶŝƟŽŶĂŶĚĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶƌĞƐĞƌǀĞĚĨŽƌĞƐƚĞĞŵĞĚ ŐƵĞƐƚƐĂŶĚŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůƐǁŚŽƐĞƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƚŽƉƵďůŝĐĂŶĚƚŚĞĐŽŵŵŽŶgood rises to the highest level of achievement.
dŚĞŝƚLJŽĨsĂůůĞũŽǁŝƐŚĞƐƚŽǁĞůĐŽŵĞǀŝƐŝƟŶŐĚŝŐŶŝƚĂƌŝĞƐĂŶĚĚĞůĞŐĂƟŽŶĂŶĚŚŽŶŽƌŽƵƌ^ŝƐƚĞƌŝƚLJ ƌĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉƐ͘dŚĞĐŝƚLJǁŽƵůĚĂůƐŽůŝŬĞƚŽƌĞĐŽŐŶŝnjĞƚŚĞƉĞŽƉůĞǁŚŽŚĂǀĞŵĂĚĞĞdžĐĞƉƟŽŶĂůĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶƐ ƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJŽƌǁŚŽĂƌĞŽƌŚĂǀĞďĞĞŶƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚƐŽĨsĂůůĞũŽĂŶĚǁŚŽŚĂǀĞŵĂĚĞĞdžĐĞƉƟŽŶĂůĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶƐƚŽ ƚŚĞƉƵďůŝĐ͘
dŚĞ<ĞLJƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJŽĨsĂůůĞũŽŝƐƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĞĚďLJƚŚĞDĂLJŽƌŽƌsŝĐĞ-Mayor at a civic ceremony to:
1. tĞůĐŽŵĞǀŝƐŝƟŶŐĚŝŐŶŝƚĂƌŝĞƐ͖Žƌ
2. ĐŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞƚŚĞŽƵƚƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶŽĨĂŶŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůŽƌŽƌŐĂŶŝnjĂƟŽŶƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJŽĨƉƵďůŝĐ͘ ƐƚŚŝƐŝƐĂŚŝŐŚŚŽŶŽƌ͕ƚŚĞŐƌĂŶƟŶŐŽĨĂ<ĞLJƐŚŽƵůĚďĞƌĂƌĞĂŶĚƌĞƐƚƌŝĐƚĞĚƚŽŝŶƐƚĂŶĐĞƐŽĨ ĞdžĐĞƉƟŽŶĂůƐĞƌǀŝĐĞŽƌĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶ͘
3. <ĞLJǁŝůůŶŽƚďĞŝƐƐƵĞĚŝŶƌĞĐŽŐŶŝƟŽŶŽĨŝĚĞŽůŽŐLJ͕ƉŽůŝƟĐĂů͕ŽƌƌĞůŝŐŝŽƵƐďĞůŝĞĨƐ͘
2. Policy
2.1Key to the City Procedures
1. ŶŽŵŝŶĂƟŽŶĨŽƌ<ĞLJƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJŽĨsĂůůĞũŽŵĂLJďĞƐƵďŵŝƩĞĚďLJƚŚĞDĂLJŽƌ͕ĂŽƵŶĐŝů ŵĞŵďĞƌŽƌŽƚŚĞƌŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůŽƌŐĂŶŝnjĂƟŽŶďLJǁƌŝƩĞŶƌĞƋƵĞƐƚƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJůĞƌŬ’ƐKĸĐĞor the Mayor’ƐKĸĐĞ͘
2. ZĞƋƵĞƐƚƐŵƵƐƚďĞŵĂĚĞďLJĂŝƚLJŽĨsĂůůĞũŽƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚŽƌĞŵƉůŽLJĞĞŽĨĂŶŽŶ-ƉƌŽĮƚ ŽƌŐĂŶŝnjĂƟŽŶŽƌĂŶŽƚŚĞƌĂŐĞŶĐLJƉƌŽǀŝĚŝŶŐƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐŝŶƚŚĞŝƚLJ͘
Council Policy No.
Category
2023-03
TBD
Exhibit C
City Council Policy – Policy and Procedure for Issuance of Ceremonial Key to the City
3. ZĞƋƵĞƐƚƐŵƵƐƚďĞŵĂĚĞƐƵďŵŝƩĞĚŝŶǁƌŝƟŶŐŽŶƚŚĞŝƚLJ&Žƌŵ“ƩĂĐŚŵĞŶƚ1” at least Ɛŝdž;ϲ
ͿǁĞĞŬƐƉƌŝŽƌƚŽƚŚĞƌĞƋƵĞƐƚĞĚĚĂƚĞŽĨŝƐƐƵĂŶĐĞ͘dŚĞƌĞƋƵĞƐƚŵƵƐƚƐƉĞĐŝĨLJƚŚĞ ƌĞƋƵĞƐƚĞĚĚĂƚĞŽĨƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƟŽŶ͘
4. ZĞƋƵĞƐƚŵƵƐƚŝŶĐůƵĚĞƚŚĞŶĂŵĞ͕ĂĚĚƌĞƐƐ͕ƚĞůĞƉŚŽŶĞŶƵŵďĞƌĂŶĚĞŵĂŝůĂĚĚƌĞƐƐŽĨ ƌĞƋƵĞƐƚŽƌ ͘
5. ZĞƋƵĞƐƚƐŵƵƐƚŝŶĐůƵĚĞĂǁƌŝƩĞŶƌĂƟŽŶĂůĞĂƐƚŽǁŚLJƚŚĞŶŽŵŝŶĞĞŝƐĚĞƐĞƌǀŝŶŐŽĨƚŚĞ hŽŶŽƌ ͘ZĞĨĞƌĞŶĐĞŵĂƚĞƌŝĂůƐƐƵĐŚĂƐŶĞǁƐƉĂƉĞƌƐ͕ŵĂŐĂnjŝŶĞ͕ŽƌǁĞďĂƌƟĐůĞƐŵĂLJďĞ ĂƩĂĐŚĞĚĂƐƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ͘
ϲ͘ dŚĞŝƚLJƌĞƐĞƌǀĞƐƚŚĞƌŝŐŚƚƚŽĚĞŶLJĂŶLJƌĞƋƵĞƐƚƐ͘
7. With the Mayor’ƐĂƉƉƌŽǀĂůŽĨƚŚĞǁƌŝƩĞŶƌĞƋƵĞƐƚ͕ƚŚĞŶŽŵŝŶĂƟŽŶǁŝůůďĞƉůĂĐĞĚŽŶƚŚĞ City Council agenda.
8. dŚ
ĞŝƚLJŽƵŶĐŝůŵĂLJĂǁĂƌĚƚŚĞ<ĞLJƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJƵƉŽŶŵŽƟŽŶĂŶĚŵĂũŽƌŝƚLJĂĸƌŵĂƟǀĞ ǀŽƚĞĂƚĂŝƚLJŽƵŶĐŝůŵĞĞƟŶŐ͘
9. hƉŽŶƚŚĞĂǁĂƌĚ͕ƚŚĞDĂLJŽƌ’ƐKĸĐĞǁŝůůƉƌĞƉĂƌĞĂĚŽĐƵŵĞŶƚĚĞĐůĂƌŝŶŐƚŚĞŚŽŶŽƌ ͕ ďĞĂƌŝŶŐƚŚĞDĂLJŽƌ’ƐƐŝŐŶĂƚƵƌĞ͕ĂŶĚĂĸdžƚŚĞŝƚLJƐĞĂů͘ĐĞƌĞŵŽŶŝĂůŬĞLJŵĂLJĂůƐŽďĞ presented.
10. dŚĞDĂLJŽƌŽƌsŝĐĞ-DĂLJŽƌǁŝůůƉƌĞƐĞŶƚƚŚĞ<ĞLJƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJĂƚĂĐĞƌĞŵŽŶLJŽƌŽƚŚĞƌƉƵďůŝĐ event.
2. 2
ůŝŐŝďŝůŝƚLJ
1. sŝƐŝƟŶŐĚŝŐŶŝƚĂƌŝĞƐĐĂƌƌLJŝŶŐŽƵƚĂŶŽĸĐŝĂůůLJƌĞĐŽŐŶŝnjĞĚŝƟŶĞƌĂƌLJŽƌĂŐĞŶĚĂŽƌĚĞůĞŐĂƟŽŶƐ ĨƌŽŵĂƌĞĐŽŐŶŝnjĞĚ^ŝƐƚĞƌŝƚLJŽĨsĂůůĞũŽ
2. WĞƌƐŽŶƐǁŚŽŚĂǀĞŵĂĚĞƐŝŐŶŝĮĐĂŶƚĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶƐƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJŽƌǁŚŽŚĂǀĞŽƵƚƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ achievements. Categories may include͕ďƵƚĂƌĞŶŽƚůŝŵŝƚĞĚƚŽ͗ a. Philanthropy
ď͘ Business
c. Arts & Culture
d. sŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌŝŶŐ
e. Advocacy
f. Leadership
ƩĂĐŚŵĞŶƚϭ
ƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶͬZĞƋƵĞƐƚĨŽƌ<ĞLJƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJŽĨsĂůůĞũŽ
ZĞƋƵĞƐƚŽƌ
WŚŽŶĞ
Email
EŽŵŝŶĞĞ
:ƵƐƚŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶĨŽƌŶŽŵŝŶĂƚŝŽŶ
ĂƚĞŽĨĂƉƉůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ
ZĞƋƵĞƐƚĞĚĂƚĞ ŽĨ/ƐƐƵĂŶĐĞ
ƩĂĐŚŵĞŶƚƐ͗ͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ
^ŝŐŶĂƚƵƌĞŽĨZĞƋƵĞƐƚŽƌͬĂƚĞͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ ZĞĐĞŝǀĞĚLJͬĂƚĞͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ ƉƉƌŽǀĞĚͺͺͺͺͺĞŶŝĞĚͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ
RESOLUTION NO. 23-123 N.C.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO ADOPTNG A
CITY COUNCIL POLICY TO GOVERN THE CRITERIA AND PROCESS FOR
HONORARY STREET SIGN DESIGNATIONS, A POLICY TO GOVERN THE
ISSUANCE OF CEREMONIAL DOCUMENTS, AND A POLICY FOR PROVIDING A
KEY TO THE CITY
WHEREAS, establishing a City Council honorary street sign designation po licy provides guidelines and criteria for processing Honorary Street signage; and WHEREAS, establishing a City Council ceremonial documents policy provide s guidelines and criteria for the issuance of ceremonial documents on behalf of the Vallejo City Council; and WHEREAS, establishing a City Council Key to the City policy provides gui delines and criteria for processing the issuance of a ceremonial Key to the City; and WHEREAS, the City of Vallejo does not currently have a policy to govern honorary street sign designations , ceremonial document requests, or issuance of a ceremonial Key to the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby adopts the Honorary Street Sign Designation Policy (Exhibit A), Policy and Procedure for Issuance of Ceremonial Documents (Exhibit B), and Policy and Procedure for Issuance of Ceremonial Key to the City (Exhibit C) in the forms attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Vallejo at a regular meeting held on July 11, 2023, with the following vote:
AYES: Mayor McConnell, Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga, Councilmembers A rriola, Bregenzer, Loera-Diaz, Matulac, and Palmares
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ROBERT H. MCCONNELL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
DAWN G. ABRAHAMSON, CITY CLERK
ACTION ITEM 9.D.
DATE: September 8, 2026
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Robert Briseño, Communications and Public Information Officer SUBJECT: ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN HONORARY STREET SIGN DESIGNATION
FOR THE ENTIRETY OF TAPER AVE FROM FAIRGROUNDS DRIVE TO TAPER COURT TO BE DESIGNATED “ANDRE 'MAC DRE' HICKS HONORARY” AND APPROVE A
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR SAME
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution Approving an Honorary Street Sign Designation for the Entirety of Taper Ave from Fairgrounds Drive to Taper Court to be Designated “Andre ‘Mac Dre’ Hicks Honorary” and approve a certificate of recognition for same.
REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION
This application meets the criteria of the City Council Policy, Honorary Street Sign Designation as outlined in
2.2 of the policy.
The nomination of Mac Dre for a street naming reflects both his historical and cultural impact on both Vallejo and the world. His Hyphy movement helped shape mainstream music and inspired artists such as Drake and E-40, securing Vallejo’s place in music history.
To many Crest residents, Andre Hicks symbolizes the possibility of achieving worldwide success regardless of one’s beginnings.
Despite significant challenges, he remained devoted to his craft and to Vallejo throughout his life. Naming this street acknowledges a local figure who elevated Vallejo’s presence worldwide and inspired a lasting spirit of creativity and independence that continues today.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The City has received a request for an honorary sign designation for Andre Louis Hicks (Mac Dre), in accordance with the City's Honorary Street Sign Designation Policy, and a certificate of recognition.
In July 2023, the Vallejo City Council approved the City Council Policy, Honorary Street Sign Designation. A copy of the policy is attached.
In January 2023, the Vallejo City Council approved the policy for the Issuance of Ceremonial Documents. A copy of the policy is attached.
Pursuant to section 2.2, Qualifications for Honorary Recognition, of the Honorary Street Sign Designation Policy, honorary street sign designations are appropriate where exemplary service to the City of Vallejo, is reserved for those having citywide impact or great renown, and must have resided or worked in Vallejo during
Date: September 8, 2026
Subject: ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN HONORARY STREET SIGN DESIGNATION
FOR THE ENTIRETY OF TAPER AVE FROM FAIRGROUNDS DRIVE TO TAPER COURT TO BE DESIGNATED “ANDRE 'MAC DRE' HICKS HONORARY” AND
APPROVE A CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR SAME
their lifetime and must have made significant and long-term contributions through cultural, humanitarian, historic, military, or professional achievement to Vallejo or the greater community. Pursuant to section 2.3, Guidelines, of the same policy, there shall be a clear geographical relationship to the street and the nominee, the proposed honorary street sign designations shall not duplicate an existing designation or actual street name or be similar either phonetically or in spelling to any other honorary sign designation or actual street name, and An honorary street sign designation shall be applied throughout the entire length of the subject street, unless otherwise requested or where impractical and in such instances shall be applied to the section of a street designated in the City Council resolution approving the honorary street sign designation.
Pursuant to section 2.2.2.C of the Issuance of Ceremonial Documents Policy, certificates of recognition are appropriate for Professional Celebrations, and section 3 of the same policy, Letters and certificates – are issued at the discretion of the Mayor’s Office for requests that do not meet the guidelines for a Proclamation.
Andre Louis Hicks (1970–2004), known professionally as Mac Dre, was a pioneering American rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur born in Oakland and raised in Vallejo’s Country Club Crest neighborhood. Taper Avenue holds deep personal and historical significance for both the Hicks family and the Vallejo community.
The intersection of Amelia Street and Taper Avenue was the location of Andre’s childhood residence, and it was within these surrounding blocks that he formed his first musical groups and developed what would become the signature “Vallejo sound.” This location represents the origin of Mac Dre’s legacy—ground zero for a cultural influence that would one day reach far beyond the City. Naming this stretch in his honor anchors his legacy to the place where his artistic journey began.
As the founder of Thizz Entertainment, Hicks became a cornerstone of independent music, reshaping how local artists produced and distributed their work. Over more than a decade, he grew from a teenage local phenom into an international icon. Widely regarded as the “Godfather of Hyphy,” he helped define the Bay Area’s sound, dance, and fashion throughout the early 2000s.
Beyond music, Hicks made a lasting civic and economic impact on Vallejo. By creating his own record labels and production ventures, he provided job opportunities and platforms for dozens of local residents. His focus on independence—encouraging artists to own their masters, build their own businesses, and pursue creative entrepreneurship—offered Vallejo youth an alternative path away from illicit activities. He consistently uplifted Vallejo on a global stage, proudly highlighting his “City of the V” in interviews and songs, bringing cultural visibility and pride to the North Bay.
• The nomination of Mac Dre for an Honorary Street Sign Designation reflects both historical and cultural preservation:Global Influence: His Hyphy movement helped shape mainstream music and inspired artists such as Drake and E-40, securing Vallejo’s place in music history. • Community Pride: To many Crest residents, Andre Hicks symbolizes the possibility of achieving worldwide success regardless of one’s beginnings.
• Legacy of Resilience: Despite significant challenges, he remained devoted to his craft and to Vallejo throughout his life.
• Honoring a Native Son: Naming this street acknowledges a local figure who elevated Vallejo’s presence worldwide and inspired a lasting spirit of creativity and independence that continues today.
Date: September 8, 2026
Subject: ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN HONORARY STREET SIGN DESIGNATION
FOR THE ENTIRETY OF TAPER AVE FROM FAIRGROUNDS DRIVE TO TAPER COURT TO BE DESIGNATED “ANDRE 'MAC DRE' HICKS HONORARY” AND
APPROVE A CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR SAME
Andre Louis Hicks (Mac Dre) promotion of the City of Vallejo in his music is considered exemplary service to the City and the Community. His worldwide fame and popularity made significant and long-term contributions to the City of Vallejo. He also grew up in Vallejo and lived along the street that will be named in his honor. The sign will not be duplicative and will be along the entire length of the street requested. He therefore qualifies for the honorary street sign designation. This significant professional and cultural contribution to the City also meets the criteria for the Issuance of Ceremonial Documents for professional celebrations.
FISCAL IMPACT
If approved, the requesting parties will be responsible for the cost of the signs and installation, as the fiscal sponsor, per the City Council Policy - Honorary Street Sign Designation
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a project that has a potential to result 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. Resolution Approving Honorary Street Name Designation for Andre Hicks CAO Stamp
2. 20260714 Council Street Name Application for Mac Dre - signed
3. 20260714 Application for a Ceremonial document for Andre Mac Dre Hicks - signed
4. Council Policy Street Name Guidelines
5. Council Policies for issuance of Ceremonial documents
CONTACT
Robert Briseño, Communications and Public Information Officer (707) 648-4362 [email protected]
RESOLUTION NO. ___________
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO APPROVING
AN HONORARY STREET SIGN DESIGNATION IN HONOR OF THE MUSICAL ARTIST, ANDRE “MAC DRE” HICKS, FOR TAPER AVENUE
FROM FAIRGROUNDS DRIVE TO TAPER COURT TO READ
“ANDRE ‘MAC DRE’ HICKS STREET HONORARY” AND APPROVING A
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR SAME
WHEREAS, the City Council has adopted the “City Council Policy-Honorary Street Sign Designation,” (“Policy”) which provides criteria for all Honorary Street Sign Designation requests; and
WHEREAS, the family of Andre “Mac Dre” Hicks has requested an Honorary Street Sign Designation for Taper Avenue between Fairgrounds Drive and Taper Court; and WHEREAS, the world-renowned musician Andre “Mac Dre” Hicks grew up in Vallejo, lived along Taper Drive; and his fame, popularity, and accomplishments made significant and long- term contributions to the City of Vallejo and
WHEREAS, the Policy provides that the Honorary Street Name Recognition is reserved for those having citywide impact or great renown, who have resided or worked in the City and made significant and long-term contributions through cultural, humanitarian, historic, military, or professional achievement.
WHEREAS, the City has also received a request for a certificate of recognition in honor of Andre “Mac Dre” Hicks
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Andre “Mac Dre” Hicks was a pioneering American rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur, grew up in Vallejo and his musical impact and Hyphy movement brought great professional recognition, as such in accordance with the Policy, the City Council hereby finds that Andrew “Mac Dre” Hicks has accomplished significant and long term cultural and professional achievements.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Vallejo City Council does hereby, in accordance with the City’s Honorary Street Sign Designation Policy, approve the honorary street sign designation of Taper Avenue between Fairgrounds Drive and Taper Court as “Andre ‘Mac Dre’ Hicks Street Honorary” in honor of Andre “Mac Dre” Hicks.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby authorizes, the issuance of a certificate of recognition of “Andre ‘Mac Dre’ Hicks” on behalf of the entire City Council Adopted by the Council of the City of Vallejo at the special meeting held on September 8, 2028, with the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
______________________________
ANDREA SORCE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
________________________________
DAWN G. ABRAHAMSON, CITY
CLERK
Office of the City Manager ∙ 555 Santa Clara Street ∙ Vallejo ∙ CA ∙ 94590 ∙ 707.648.4576
APPLICATION FOR HONORARY STREET SIGN DESIGNATION
Please complete all information below. Current telephone and email are required to process application.
Current Name of Street to receive honorary signage
From cross street To cross street
Proposed Honorary Street Sign Designation
Note: Honorary Street Sign Designation must be 20 characters or less Applicant Name
Applicant Address
Applicant Telephone Applicant Email
Did Honoree live in Vallejo Did Honoree work in Vallejo Describe geographical significance of the street sign designation and honoree:
Describe honoree’s significant and long-term contributions through cultural, humanitarian, historic, military, or professional achievements:
You can provide additional information on a separate page.
Taper Avenue
Fairgrounds Dr Taper Ct
Michael Lott
157 Waterview Terrace, Vallejo, CA 94591
213-909-6045 [email protected]
Yes Yes
Andre Louis Hicks (1970–2004), known professionally as Mac Dre, was a pioneering American rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur born in Oakland and raised in the Country Club Crest neighborhood of Vallejo.
Taper Avenue holds deep personal and historical significance to the Hicks family and the Vallejo community.
The intersection of Amelia Street and Taper Avenue was the site of Andre’s childhood home. It was within these few blocks that he formed his first musical groups and developed the unique “Vallejo sound.” This specific geographic location is the “origin story” of Mac Dre; it represents the humble beginnings of a man who would eventually influence hip-hop culture on a global scale. Naming this stretch after him anchors his legacy to the soil where his dreams first began.
See attached
Mac Dre Way
As the founder of Thizz Entertainment, Hicks became a cornerstone of independent music, revolutionizing the way local artists distributed their work. His career spanned over a decade, during which he evolved from a local teenage phenom into an international icon.
He is widely credited as the "Godfather of Hyphy, " a cultural movement that defined the Bay Area’s sound, dance, and fashion in the early 2000s.
While his primary medium was music, Hicks’ civic impact was rooted in his role as an economic catalyst for Vallejo. By establishing his own record labels and production house, he provided jobs and platforms for dozens of local residents, encouraging a generation of Vallejo youth to pursue entrepreneurship and creative arts over illicit activities. He championed the “Independent” business model, teaching local artists how to own their masters and run their own businesses. Beyond business, he served as a global ambassador for Vallejo, consistently referencing his “City of the V” in interviews and lyrics, which brought significant cultural tourism and prestige to the North Bay.
The nomination of Mac Dre for a street naming is a recognition of historical and cultural preservation.
• Global Influence: His “Hyphy” movement influenced mainstream artists like Drake and E-40, ensuring Vallejo’s place in music history books. • Community Pride: For many residents of the Crest, Andre Hicks represents the possibility of achieving worldwide success regardless of one’s starting point. • Legacy of Resilience: Despite numerous challenges, Hicks remained dedicated to his craft and his hometown until his untimely passing in 2004. • Naming this street is a tribute to a native son who turned Vallejo into a household name and inspired a spirit of independence and creativity that continues to thrive in the city today.
Office of the City Manager ∙ 555 Santa Clara Street ∙ Vallejo ∙ CA ∙ 94590 ∙ 707.648.4576 Applicant has read and acknowledges the following:
1. The honorary street sign designation is reserved for exemplary service to the City of Vallejo.
2. This method of honoring individuals or groups is reserved for those having city wide impact or of great renown.
3. The individual proposed to be honored with an honorary street sign designation must have resided or worked in Vallejo during their lifetime and must have significant and long-term contributions through cultural, humanitarian, historic, military, or professional achievement.
4. Honorary street sign designation language shall meet the following standards:
There shall be a clear geographical relationship to the street and the nominee. The proposed honorary street sign designation shall not duplicate an existing designation or actual street name.
An honorary street sign designation shall be applied throughout the entire length of the subject street, unless otherwise requested or impractical and in such instance shall be applied to the section of a street designated in the City Council resolution approving the honorary street sign designation.
5. The City has the right to remove any honorary street sign designation as directed by Council by majority vote.
6. Honorary street sign designation cannot contain a product name or be worded for commercial purpose.
7. Honorary street sign designations cannot be worded so as to be or be perceived to be discriminatory against or derogatory of race, color, ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, creed, political affiliation, disability or other social factors.
8. Honorary street signs shall have “Honorary” at the bottom line.
9. Honorary street sign designation shall be under 20 characters long.
10. Honorary sign will be of a similar size and shape as a standard street name sign and must meet city standards.
11. Only one honorary sign will be allowed at an intersection.
12. Honorary Street sign designation requests are limited to public streets in the City of Vallejo. It does not apply to private streets or driveways.
Applicant’s Signature Date
Print Name Michael Lott
08/20/2026Michael Lott
Verified by pdfFiller
08/20/2026
AƩachment 1
APPLICATION REQUEST FOR CEREMONIAL DOCUMENT
Applicant Name
Phone
Email
Organization
Recipient Name
Title of Proclamation (if applicable)
Date of application
Requested Date
Proclamation select Letter select Certificate select
Public Awareness - example – Fair
Housing Month, Suicide Prevention Welcome/ Greeting Achievement Charitable fundraising campaigns –
example Walk to End Alzheimer’s Congratulations Recognition Non-Profit organizations – example
– Red Cross Month Condolence Appreciation
Arts and Cultural Celebrations –
example Celebration of Kwanzaa
Special Honors – example Act of
Heroism
PLEASE ATTACH EXAMPLE TEXT FOR INCLUSION IN CEREMONIAL DOCUMENT AƩachments: __________
Signature of Requestor/Date______________________________________________________ Received in the Mayor’s Office By/Date______________________________________________ Approved _____ Denied _______
Michael Lott
213-909-6045
[email protected]
Andre Mac Dre Hicks
Honoring the Legendary Musician Andre "Mac Dre" Hicks
July 14, 2026
July 14, 2026
X
Michael Lott
Verified by pdfFiller
08/20/2026
08/20/2026
Council Policy No. 2023-01
Category TBD
Exhibit A
City Council Policy – Honorary Street Sign Designation
1. Purpose
To establish a policy to administer requests for honorary street sign designations and provide application and approval criteria and procedures for honorary street sign designations for City owned streets. This policy differs from City of Vallejo, City Council Policy – Naming of City Facilities. This Honorary Street Sign Designation policy does not result in an actual street renaming, but rather an honorary designation of an already named street which may be in honor of living or deceased individuals or groups.
2. Policy
2.1 Requests for Honorary Street Sign Designations
A. Requests shall be made in writing, via application, to the City Manager’s Office describing the details of the intersectional location and honorary street sign designation desired. A justification for the honorary designation shall also be provided. Once reviewed by the City Manager, or their designee, the application will be presented to the Mayor and Council district representative for review and then presented to the Vallejo City Council for approval of the honorary street sign designation.
2.2 Qualifications for Honorary Recognition
A. The honorary street sign designations are reserved for exemplary service to the City of Vallejo.
B. This method of honoring individuals or groups is reserved for those having city wide impact or great renown.
C. Individual family tribute or commercial and corporate related recognition does not qualify.
D. The individual proposed to be honored with an honorary street sign designation must have resided or worked in Vallejo during their lifetime and must have made significant and long-term contributions through cultural, humanitarian, historic, military or professional achievement to Vallejo or the greater community.
2.3 Guidelines
Honorary street sign designations shall meet the following standards:
A. There shall be a clear geographical relationship to the street and the nominee.
B. The proposed honorary street sign designations shall not duplicate an existing designation or actual street name or be similar either phonetically or in spelling to any other honorary sign designation or actual street name.
C. An honorary street sign designation shall be applied throughout the entire length of the subject street, unless otherwise requested or where impractical and in such instances shall be applied to the section of a street designated in the City Council resolution approving the honorary street sign designation.
Updated as of: 8/5/2025
Exhibit A
City Council Policy – Honorary Street Sign Designation
D. The City has the right to remove any honorary street sign designation as directed by Council by majority vote.
E. Honorary street sign designations cannot contain a product name or be worded for a commercial purpose.
F. Honorary street sign designations shall not be or perceived to be discriminatory against or derogatory of race, color, ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, creed, political affiliation, disability or other social factors.
G. Honorary street sign designation naming shall have “Honorary” at the bottom line.
H. Honorary street sign designation naming must be under 20 characters long.
I. Only one honorary street sign designation will be allowed at an intersection.
2.4 Applications
If the application “Attachment 2” satisfies the criteria established, the City Manager shall determine when the application will be presented to City Council for consideration. The honorary street sign designation application will be reviewed by the City Council during a public meeting in which public comments are taken. If approved by City Council by majority vote, a Resolution will be considered for adoption at the meeting or at the next subsequent meeting or a date predetermined.
The City Manager’s Office in coordination with the applicant will determine the date for the sign installation.
2.5 Cost
A. A financial sponsor for each and every sign must be identified in the application request.
B. Each sign approved shall be charged a fee reflected in “Attachment 1” which will cover the cost of design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance over the expected life of the sigh.
C. This fee shall be payable to the City of Vallejo and will be deposited in the City’s General Fund.
D. Only one (1) replacement sign may be covered by the City unless approved by City Council by majority vote.
E. Additional maintenance of the sign installation and/or replacement of the various materials shall be at the expense of the financial sponsor. Failure to cover the cost of maintenance or replacement material(s) will cause the sign installation to be removed immediately.
F. If a celebration or ceremony is to accompany sign installation, the costs for the ceremonial event will be at the cost of applicant and follow applicable event permit fees and processes.
2.6 Appeals
Decisions made by the City Manager and City Council in the process of administering and interpreting this policy may be appealed in writing to the City Manager’s Office, 555 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo, CA 94590.
Council Policy No. 2023-01
Category TBD
Updated as of: 8/5/2025
Exhibit A
City Council Policy – Honorary Street Sign Designation
3. Definitions
Honorary street sign designations are signs posted below standard city street name signs which are intended to recognize and honor living or deceased individuals or groups for a period of time without changing the official name of the street or the official addresses of residences and businesses on the street.
This policy applies to all public streets in the City of Vallejo. It does not attempt to regulate honorary street designations on private streets and driveways.
4. Materials
The honorary street sign is of a similar size and shape as a standard street name sign but shall be in a different color. The honorary street signs must meet city standards. The honorary street sign shall have “Honorary” at the bottom line The honorary street sign designation must be under 20 characters long (including spaces). Maintenance of the sign installation and/or replacement of the various materials shall be at the expense of the financial sponsor. Failure to cover the cost of maintenance or replacement material(s) will cause the sign installation to be removed immediately.
Council Policy No. 2023-01
Category TBD
Updated as of: 8/5/2025
Exhibit A
City Council Policy – Honorary Street Sign Designation
Attachment 1
DESCRIPTION
OF WORK
STAFF UNIT
COST
UNIT
OF
MEAS
URE
QUANTITY TOTAL NOTES
Design Associate
Civil
Engineer
$150.00 Hour 2 $300.00 One time cost (not per
sign)
Fabricated Sign Sign Shop
Technician
$391.03 Each 1 $391.03 Cost includes labor and
materials.
Install Sign Maintenance
Worker
$51.96 Hour 1 $51.96
Maintain Sign (2x
in 10 years)
Maintenance
Worker
$103.92 Hour 2 $103.92 Increase rate in 10 years
@ 3%/year
Remove Sign
(at 10 years)
Maintenance
Worker
$51.96 Hour 1 $67.55 Estimate rate in 10
years at 3%/year
Total: $ Cost for one sign
$614.46
$300.00 One time cost for signs
NOTE: These costs are as of Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The amounts are subject to change each fiscal year with the fees associated for the fiscal year in which the request is approved. This document will be amended to reflect fiscal year fees associated at the time of the request.
Council Policy No. 2023-01
Category TBD
Updated as of: 8/5/2025
Office of the City Manager ∙ 555 Santa Clara Street ∙ Vallejo ∙ CA ∙ 94590 ∙ 707.648.4576
APPLICATION FOR HONORARY STREET SIGN DESIGNATION
Please complete all information below. Current telephone and email are required to process application.
Current Name of Street to receive honorary signage
From cross street To cross street
Proposed Honorary Street Sign Designation
Note: Honorary Street Sign Designation must be 20 characters or less Applicant Name
Applicant Address
Applicant Telephone Applicant Email
Did Honoree live in Vallejo Did Honoree work in Vallejo Describe geographical significance of the street sign designation and honoree:
Describe honoree’s significant and long-term contributions through cultural, humanitarian, historic, military, or professional achievements:
You can provide additional information on a separate page.
Office of the City Manager ∙ 555 Santa Clara Street ∙ Vallejo ∙ CA ∙ 94590 ∙ 707.648.4576 Applicant has read and acknowledges the following:
1. The honorary street sign designation is reserved for exemplary service to the City of Vallejo.
2. This method of honoring individuals or groups is reserved for those having city wide impact or of great renown.
3. The individual proposed to be honored with an honorary street sign designation must have resided or worked in Vallejo during their lifetime and must have significant and long-term contributions through cultural, humanitarian, historic, military, or professional achievement.
4. Honorary street sign designation language shall meet the following standards:
There shall be a clear geographical relationship to the street and the nominee. The proposed honorary street sign designation shall not duplicate an existing designation or actual street name.
An honorary street sign designation shall be applied throughout the entire length of the subject street, unless otherwise requested or impractical and in such instance shall be applied to the section of a street designated in the City Council resolution approving the honorary street sign designation.
5. The City has the right to remove any honorary street sign designation as directed by Council by majority vote.
6. Honorary street sign designation cannot contain a product name or be worded for commercial purpose.
7. Honorary street sign designations cannot be worded so as to be or be perceived to be discriminatory against or derogatory of race, color, ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, creed, political affiliation, disability or other social factors.
8. Honorary street signs shall have “Honorary” at the bottom line.
9. Honorary street sign designation shall be under 20 characters long.
10. Honorary sign will be of a similar size and shape as a standard street name sign and must meet city standards.
11. Only one honorary sign will be allowed at an intersection.
12. Honorary Street sign designation requests are limited to public streets in the City of Vallejo. It does not apply to private streets or driveways.
Applicant’s Signature Date
Print Name
RESOLUTION NO. 23-123 N.C.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO ADOPTNG A
CITY COUNCIL POLICY TO GOVERN THE CRITERIA AND PROCESS FOR
HONORARY STREET SIGN DESIGNATIONS, A POLICY TO GOVERN THE
ISSUANCE OF CEREMONIAL DOCUMENTS, AND A POLICY FOR PROVIDING A
KEY TO THE CITY
WHEREAS, establishing a City Council honorary street sign designation po licy provides guidelines and criteria for processing Honorary Street signage; and WHEREAS, establishing a City Council ceremonial documents policy provide s guidelines and criteria for the issuance of ceremonial documents on behalf of the Vallejo City Council; and WHEREAS, establishing a City Council Key to the City policy provides gui delines and criteria for processing the issuance of a ceremonial Key to the City; and WHEREAS, the City of Vallejo does not currently have a policy to govern honorary street sign designations , ceremonial document requests, or issuance of a ceremonial Key to the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby adopts the Honorary Street Sign Designation Policy (Exhibit A), Policy and Procedure for Issuance of Ceremonial Documents (Exhibit B), and Policy and Procedure for Issuance of Ceremonial Key to the City (Exhibit C) in the forms attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Vallejo at a regular meeting held on July 11, 2023, with the following vote:
AYES: Mayor McConnell, Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga, Councilmembers A rriola, Bregenzer, Loera-Diaz, Matulac, and Palmares
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ROBERT H. MCCONNELL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
DAWN G. ABRAHAMSON, CITY CLERK
Council Policy No. 2023-02
Exhibit B
City Council Policy – Policy and Procedure for Issuance of Ceremonial Documents
1. Purpose
The Mayor’s Office issues ceremonial documents to recognize excepƟonal events and people within the City of Vallejo. The Mayor’s Office may issue ProclamaƟons, LeƩer s of Welcome or GreeƟngs, LeƩers of CongratulaƟons, LeƩers of Condolence, CerƟficates of Achievement , CerƟficates of RecogniƟon or CerƟficates of AppreciaƟon on behalf of the City Council. This purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on these communicaƟons.
2. Policy
2.1 ProclamaƟons
ProclamaƟons are issued to recognize the importance of a community event, significant achievements by community members, or to signal the City’s role in significant naƟonal events.
ProclamaƟons will appear on the City Council Agenda under Prese ntaƟons and CommendaƟons.
Council agendas are limited to two (2) proclamaƟons per meeƟng. ProclamaƟons not being presented at a City Council meeƟng may appear on the Consent Ca lendar. ProclamaƟons reflect the speech of the City of Vallejo and not the speech of the requestor.
2.1.1 – ProclamaƟons may be issued for:
A. Public Awareness – example – Fair Housing Month, Suicide PrevenƟon, etc.
B. Charitable fundraising campaigns – example – Walk to End Alzheimer’s, etc.
C. Non-Profit OrganizaƟons – example – Red Cross Month, etc.
D. Arts and Cultural CelebraƟons – example – CelebraƟon of Kwanzaa, etc.
E. Special Honors – example – LifeƟme achievement, acts of heroism, etc.
2.1.2 – ProclamaƟons will not be issued for:
A. For-Profit businesses, as an adverƟsement or promoƟon B. Items or issues not within the subject maƩer jurisdicƟon of the City of Vallejo C. Events or organizaƟons with no direct relaƟonship to the City of Vallejo D. Campaigns or events contrary to city policies
E. Family reunions, Class reunions, Pastoral, church or wedding anniversaries, Birthday celebraƟons, Conferences, Deceased individuals
F. OrganizaƟons from other ciƟes, counƟes, states, or countries which have no locally based chapters or specific Ɵes to the City of Vallejo
2.2 LeƩers and CerƟficates
If the request does not meet the guidelines for a ProclamaƟon, other forms of recogniƟon are available. LeƩers and cerƟficates are issued at the discreƟon of the Mayor’s Office.
Council Policy No.
Category
2023-02
TBD
Exhibit B
City Council Policy – Policy and Procedure for Issuance of Ceremonial Documents
2.2.1 – LeƩers of Welcome/GreeƟng are provided for:
A. ConvenƟons
B. Seminars
C. Con
ferences
D. Other
events held in the City of Vallejo
2.2.2 – LeƩers of CongratulaƟons, Condolence, CerƟficates of Achievement, RecogniƟon, or AppreciaƟon are provided for:
A. Milestone birthdays or anniversaries (e.g. 90th birthday, 50th anniversary) B. Nonsecular anniversaries or celebraƟons (e.g. church diamond jubilee) C. Professional celebraƟons
D. Aw
ard recipients (e.g. Valedictorian)
E. ReƟrements
F. Eagle Scout Awards
G. Community Service
H. Co
mmemoraƟon of a deceased loved one
2.3 General Guidelines for ProclamaƟons, LeƩers, and CerƟficates A. Submit a ceremonial document request form “AƩachment 1”, in wri Ɵng, at least thirty (30) da
ys prior to the requested date of issuance.
B. R
equests must be made, in wriƟng, by a City of Vallejo resident or employee of a non- profit organizaƟon or another agency providing services in Vallejo.
C. Requests must include the name, address, telephone number and email address of person making th
e request and must idenƟfy who will receive the proclamaƟon.
D. R
equests should provide a summary of the event or organizaƟon being recognized.
E. Requests must include the draŌ language, bullet points and/or b ackground informaƟon which will be used to prepare the proclamaƟon.
a. Su
ggested length is no more than 300 words.
b. A
typical proclamaƟon has five (5) to six (6) recitals or “Where as clauses” in 12 point font. This is so that the proclamaƟon will fit on a single presentaƟon page and be visually appealing.
c. A
typical leƩer or cerƟficate is draŌed in 12-point font. This i s so that th e docum
ent will fit on a single presentaƟon page and be visually appealing.
F. R
equest must state the City Council meeƟng date the proclamaƟon is desired to be presented at.
G. Only
one proclamaƟon or cerƟficate may be issues per year per or ganizaƟon, individual, or topic.
Council Policy No.
Category
2023-02
TBD
Exhibit B
City Council Policy – Policy and Procedure for Issuance of Ceremonial Documents
3. DefiniƟons
x ProclamaƟons – ceremonial documents to honor, celebrate or create awareness of a significant ev
ent, issue, or contribuƟon to society.
x LeƩers and cerƟficates – are issued at the discreƟon of the Mayor’s Office for requests that do not meet the guidelines for a ProclamaƟon.
AƩachment 1
APPLICATION REQUEST FOR CEREMONIAL DOCUMENT
Applicant Name
Phone
Email
Organization
Recipient Name
Title of Proclamation (if applicable)
Date of application
Requested Date
Proclamation select Letter select Certificate select
Public Awareness - example – Fair
Housing Month, Suicide Prevention Welcome/ Greeting Achievement Charitable fundraising campaigns –
example Walk to End Alzheimer’s Congratulations Recognition Non-Profit organizations – example
– Red Cross Month Condolence Appreciation
Arts and Cultural Celebrations –
example Celebration of Kwanzaa
Special Honors – example Act of
Heroism
PLEASE ATTACH EXAMPLE TEXT FOR INCLUSION IN CEREMONIAL DOCUMENT AƩachments: __________
Signature of Requestor/Date______________________________________________________ Received in the Mayor’s Office By/Date______________________________________________ Approved _____ Denied _______
Council Policy No. 2023-03
Exhibit C
City Council Policy – Policy and Procedure for Issuance of Ceremonial Key to the City
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on the issuance of Ceremonial Key to the City.
The Key to the City is the City’ƐŵŽƐƚƉƌĞƐƟŐŝŽƵƐĂǁĂƌĚĂŶĚǁŝůůŽŶůLJďĞƵƐĞĚƚŽďĞƐƚŽǁŚŽŶŽƌƵƉŽŶ ĚŝƐƟŶŐƵŝƐŚĞĚƉĞƌƐŽŶƐĂŶĚŚŽŶŽƌĞĚŐƵĞƐƚƐŽĨƚŚĞŝƚLJŽĨsĂůůĞũŽĂŶĚƚŽƌĞĐŽŐŶŝnjĞĞdžĐĞƉƟŽŶĂů ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶƐĂŶĚͬŽƌĂĐŚŝĞǀĞŵĞŶƚƐ͘
dŚĞƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶŽĨŬĞLJƚŽƚŚĞ ĐŝƚLJŝƐŵĞĂŶƚƚŽĐŽŶĨĞƌƚƌƵƐƚĂŶĚŚŽŶŽƌ ͘/ŶƚŚĞDŝĚĚůĞŐĞƐŵĂŶLJĐŝƟĞƐǁĞƌĞ ǁĂůůĞĚĨŽƌƟĮĐĂƟŽŶƐǁŚŽƐĞŐĂƚĞƐǁĞƌĞŐƵĂƌĚĞĚĚƵƌŝŶŐƚŚĞĚĂLJĂŶĚůŽĐŬĞĚĂƚŶŝŐŚƚ͘dŚĞ<ĞLJŐƌĂŶƚĞĚƚŚĞ ƌĞĐŝƉŝĞŶƚƚŚĞĨƌĞĞĚŽŵƚŽĞŶƚĞƌƚŚĞĐŝƚLJǁŝƚŚŽƵƚĐŚĂůůĞŶŐĞĂƚĂŶLJƟŵĞ͘KŶůLJ trusted friends of the city ǁĞƌĞŐŝǀĞŶĂŬĞLJƚŽƚŚĞŐĂƚĞƐ͘
dŚĞŵŽĚĞƌŶŬĞLJƚŽƚŚĞĐŝƚLJŝƐĂƐLJŵďŽůŽĨĐŝǀŝĐƌĞĐŽŐŶŝƟŽŶĂŶĚĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶƌĞƐĞƌǀĞĚĨŽƌĞƐƚĞĞŵĞĚ ŐƵĞƐƚƐĂŶĚŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůƐǁŚŽƐĞƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƚŽƉƵďůŝĐĂŶĚƚŚĞĐŽŵŵŽŶgood rises to the highest level of achievement.
dŚĞŝƚLJŽĨsĂůůĞũŽǁŝƐŚĞƐƚŽǁĞůĐŽŵĞǀŝƐŝƟŶŐĚŝŐŶŝƚĂƌŝĞƐĂŶĚĚĞůĞŐĂƟŽŶĂŶĚŚŽŶŽƌŽƵƌ^ŝƐƚĞƌŝƚLJ ƌĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉƐ͘dŚĞĐŝƚLJǁŽƵůĚĂůƐŽůŝŬĞƚŽƌĞĐŽŐŶŝnjĞƚŚĞƉĞŽƉůĞǁŚŽŚĂǀĞŵĂĚĞĞdžĐĞƉƟŽŶĂůĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶƐ ƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJŽƌǁŚŽĂƌĞŽƌŚĂǀĞďĞĞŶƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚƐŽĨsĂůůĞũŽĂŶĚǁŚŽŚĂǀĞŵĂĚĞĞdžĐĞƉƟŽŶĂůĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶƐƚŽ ƚŚĞƉƵďůŝĐ͘
dŚĞ<ĞLJƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJŽĨsĂůůĞũŽŝƐƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĞĚďLJƚŚĞDĂLJŽƌŽƌsŝĐĞ-Mayor at a civic ceremony to:
1. tĞůĐŽŵĞǀŝƐŝƟŶŐĚŝŐŶŝƚĂƌŝĞƐ͖Žƌ
2. ĐŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞƚŚĞŽƵƚƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶŽĨĂŶŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůŽƌŽƌŐĂŶŝnjĂƟŽŶƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJŽĨƉƵďůŝĐ͘ ƐƚŚŝƐŝƐĂŚŝŐŚŚŽŶŽƌ͕ƚŚĞŐƌĂŶƟŶŐŽĨĂ<ĞLJƐŚŽƵůĚďĞƌĂƌĞĂŶĚƌĞƐƚƌŝĐƚĞĚƚŽŝŶƐƚĂŶĐĞƐŽĨ ĞdžĐĞƉƟŽŶĂůƐĞƌǀŝĐĞŽƌĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶ͘
3. <ĞLJǁŝůůŶŽƚďĞŝƐƐƵĞĚŝŶƌĞĐŽŐŶŝƟŽŶŽĨŝĚĞŽůŽŐLJ͕ƉŽůŝƟĐĂů͕ŽƌƌĞůŝŐŝŽƵƐďĞůŝĞĨƐ͘
2. Policy
2.1Key to the City Procedures
1. ŶŽŵŝŶĂƟŽŶĨŽƌ<ĞLJƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJŽĨsĂůůĞũŽŵĂLJďĞƐƵďŵŝƩĞĚďLJƚŚĞDĂLJŽƌ͕ĂŽƵŶĐŝů ŵĞŵďĞƌŽƌŽƚŚĞƌŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůŽƌŐĂŶŝnjĂƟŽŶďLJǁƌŝƩĞŶƌĞƋƵĞƐƚƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJůĞƌŬ’ƐKĸĐĞor the Mayor’ƐKĸĐĞ͘
2. ZĞƋƵĞƐƚƐŵƵƐƚďĞŵĂĚĞďLJĂŝƚLJŽĨsĂůůĞũŽƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚŽƌĞŵƉůŽLJĞĞŽĨĂŶŽŶ-ƉƌŽĮƚ ŽƌŐĂŶŝnjĂƟŽŶŽƌĂŶŽƚŚĞƌĂŐĞŶĐLJƉƌŽǀŝĚŝŶŐƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐŝŶƚŚĞŝƚLJ͘
Council Policy No.
Category
2023-03
TBD
Exhibit C
City Council Policy – Policy and Procedure for Issuance of Ceremonial Key to the City
3. ZĞƋƵĞƐƚƐŵƵƐƚďĞŵĂĚĞƐƵďŵŝƩĞĚŝŶǁƌŝƟŶŐŽŶƚŚĞŝƚLJ&Žƌŵ“ƩĂĐŚŵĞŶƚ1” at least Ɛŝdž;ϲ
ͿǁĞĞŬƐƉƌŝŽƌƚŽƚŚĞƌĞƋƵĞƐƚĞĚĚĂƚĞŽĨŝƐƐƵĂŶĐĞ͘dŚĞƌĞƋƵĞƐƚŵƵƐƚƐƉĞĐŝĨLJƚŚĞ ƌĞƋƵĞƐƚĞĚĚĂƚĞŽĨƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƟŽŶ͘
4. ZĞƋƵĞƐƚŵƵƐƚŝŶĐůƵĚĞƚŚĞŶĂŵĞ͕ĂĚĚƌĞƐƐ͕ƚĞůĞƉŚŽŶĞŶƵŵďĞƌĂŶĚĞŵĂŝůĂĚĚƌĞƐƐŽĨ ƌĞƋƵĞƐƚŽƌ ͘
5. ZĞƋƵĞƐƚƐŵƵƐƚŝŶĐůƵĚĞĂǁƌŝƩĞŶƌĂƟŽŶĂůĞĂƐƚŽǁŚLJƚŚĞŶŽŵŝŶĞĞŝƐĚĞƐĞƌǀŝŶŐŽĨƚŚĞ hŽŶŽƌ ͘ZĞĨĞƌĞŶĐĞŵĂƚĞƌŝĂůƐƐƵĐŚĂƐŶĞǁƐƉĂƉĞƌƐ͕ŵĂŐĂnjŝŶĞ͕ŽƌǁĞďĂƌƟĐůĞƐŵĂLJďĞ ĂƩĂĐŚĞĚĂƐƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ͘
ϲ͘ dŚĞŝƚLJƌĞƐĞƌǀĞƐƚŚĞƌŝŐŚƚƚŽĚĞŶLJĂŶLJƌĞƋƵĞƐƚƐ͘
7. With the Mayor’ƐĂƉƉƌŽǀĂůŽĨƚŚĞǁƌŝƩĞŶƌĞƋƵĞƐƚ͕ƚŚĞŶŽŵŝŶĂƟŽŶǁŝůůďĞƉůĂĐĞĚŽŶƚŚĞ City Council agenda.
8. dŚ
ĞŝƚLJŽƵŶĐŝůŵĂLJĂǁĂƌĚƚŚĞ<ĞLJƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJƵƉŽŶŵŽƟŽŶĂŶĚŵĂũŽƌŝƚLJĂĸƌŵĂƟǀĞ ǀŽƚĞĂƚĂŝƚLJŽƵŶĐŝůŵĞĞƟŶŐ͘
9. hƉŽŶƚŚĞĂǁĂƌĚ͕ƚŚĞDĂLJŽƌ’ƐKĸĐĞǁŝůůƉƌĞƉĂƌĞĂĚŽĐƵŵĞŶƚĚĞĐůĂƌŝŶŐƚŚĞŚŽŶŽƌ ͕ ďĞĂƌŝŶŐƚŚĞDĂLJŽƌ’ƐƐŝŐŶĂƚƵƌĞ͕ĂŶĚĂĸdžƚŚĞŝƚLJƐĞĂů͘ĐĞƌĞŵŽŶŝĂůŬĞLJŵĂLJĂůƐŽďĞ presented.
10. dŚĞDĂLJŽƌŽƌsŝĐĞ-DĂLJŽƌǁŝůůƉƌĞƐĞŶƚƚŚĞ<ĞLJƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJĂƚĂĐĞƌĞŵŽŶLJŽƌŽƚŚĞƌƉƵďůŝĐ event.
2. 2
ůŝŐŝďŝůŝƚLJ
1. sŝƐŝƟŶŐĚŝŐŶŝƚĂƌŝĞƐĐĂƌƌLJŝŶŐŽƵƚĂŶŽĸĐŝĂůůLJƌĞĐŽŐŶŝnjĞĚŝƟŶĞƌĂƌLJŽƌĂŐĞŶĚĂŽƌĚĞůĞŐĂƟŽŶƐ ĨƌŽŵĂƌĞĐŽŐŶŝnjĞĚ^ŝƐƚĞƌŝƚLJŽĨsĂůůĞũŽ
2. WĞƌƐŽŶƐǁŚŽŚĂǀĞŵĂĚĞƐŝŐŶŝĮĐĂŶƚĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶƐƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJŽƌǁŚŽŚĂǀĞŽƵƚƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ achievements. Categories may include͕ďƵƚĂƌĞŶŽƚůŝŵŝƚĞĚƚŽ͗ a. Philanthropy
ď͘ Business
c. Arts & Culture
d. sŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌŝŶŐ
e. Advocacy
f. Leadership
ƩĂĐŚŵĞŶƚϭ
ƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶͬZĞƋƵĞƐƚĨŽƌ<ĞLJƚŽƚŚĞŝƚLJŽĨsĂůůĞũŽ
ZĞƋƵĞƐƚŽƌ
WŚŽŶĞ
Email
EŽŵŝŶĞĞ
:ƵƐƚŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶĨŽƌŶŽŵŝŶĂƚŝŽŶ
ĂƚĞŽĨĂƉƉůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ
ZĞƋƵĞƐƚĞĚĂƚĞ ŽĨ/ƐƐƵĂŶĐĞ
ƩĂĐŚŵĞŶƚƐ͗ͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ
^ŝŐŶĂƚƵƌĞŽĨZĞƋƵĞƐƚŽƌͬĂƚĞͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ ZĞĐĞŝǀĞĚLJͬĂƚĞͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ ƉƉƌŽǀĞĚͺͺͺͺͺĞŶŝĞĚͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ
RESOLUTION NO. 23-123 N.C.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO ADOPTNG A
CITY COUNCIL POLICY TO GOVERN THE CRITERIA AND PROCESS FOR
HONORARY STREET SIGN DESIGNATIONS, A POLICY TO GOVERN THE
ISSUANCE OF CEREMONIAL DOCUMENTS, AND A POLICY FOR PROVIDING A
KEY TO THE CITY
WHEREAS, establishing a City Council honorary street sign designation po licy provides guidelines and criteria for processing Honorary Street signage; and WHEREAS, establishing a City Council ceremonial documents policy provide s guidelines and criteria for the issuance of ceremonial documents on behalf of the Vallejo City Council; and WHEREAS, establishing a City Council Key to the City policy provides gui delines and criteria for processing the issuance of a ceremonial Key to the City; and WHEREAS, the City of Vallejo does not currently have a policy to govern honorary street sign designations , ceremonial document requests, or issuance of a ceremonial Key to the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby adopts the Honorary Street Sign Designation Policy (Exhibit A), Policy and Procedure for Issuance of Ceremonial Documents (Exhibit B), and Policy and Procedure for Issuance of Ceremonial Key to the City (Exhibit C) in the forms attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Vallejo at a regular meeting held on July 11, 2023, with the following vote:
AYES: Mayor McConnell, Vice Mayor Verder-Aliga, Councilmembers A rriola, Bregenzer, Loera-Diaz, Matulac, and Palmares
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ROBERT H. MCCONNELL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
DAWN G. ABRAHAMSON, CITY CLERK
ACTION ITEM 9.E.
DATE: September 8, 2026
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Veronica A.F. Nebb, City Attorney
Randy J. Risner, Chief Assistant City Attorney
SUBJECT: INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2.27.040 OF THE VALLEJO
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALLOW APPOINTMENT OF SURVEILLANCE ADVISORY
BOARD MEMBERS WHO RESIDE OUTSIDE OF A PARTICULAR COUNCIL DISTRICT
RECOMMENDATION
Introduce an Ordinance Amending Section 2.27.040 of the Vallejo Municipal Code to Allow Appointment of Surveillance Advisory Board Members Who Reside Outside of a Particular Council District
REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION
At its July 28, 2026 meeting, the City Council requested that the City Attorney present an amended Surveillance Advisory Board ordinance allowing appointing Council Members to appoint SAB members residing outside the appointing Council Member's district if, in the opinion of the appointing Council Member, no qualified appointments can be made from the district.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
At the July 28, 2026 meeting of the City Council, a majority of the Council directed the City Attorney to draft an amendment of Chapter 2.27 of the Vallejo Municipal Code and submit it to the City Council for consideration. Chapter 2.27 created the City of Vallejo Surveillance Advisory Board.
Section 2.27.040 sets forth the method for appointing members of the Surveillance Advisory Board. Currently, there are seven members. Six board members are appointed by the six City Council members. Board members appointed by Council Members must live within the district of the appointing Council Member. A seventh member is appointed at large by the Mayor.
The City Council requested that the six City Council member appointments allow Council Members to select appointments from outside the Council Member's District if, in the opinion of the appointing Council Member, no qualified candidates reside within the District. Similar language currently appears in section 18.03.020 of the Police Oversight and Accountability Ordinance.
Presented for consideration tonight, is an ordinance amending Section 2.27.040 and adding the appropriate language. In addition, the amendment deletes old language allowing at-large Council Members to appoint members at large. Since there are no at-large Council Members this language is no longer necessary.
FISCAL IMPACT
This is an amendment to an existing ordinance. There will be no financial impact.
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
Date: September 8, 2026
Subject: INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2.27.040 OF THE
VALLEJO MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALLOW APPOINTMENT OF SURVEILLANCE
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS WHO RESIDE OUTSIDE OF A PARTICULAR
COUNCIL DISTRICT
foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, pursuant to CEQA Guideline section 15378.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance Amending Section 2.27.030 of the SAB Ordinance relating to Board Appointments - CAO Stamp
CONTACT
Randy J. Risner, Chief Assistant City Attorney
[email protected]
1 Approved as to form:
By: for
Veronica Nebb, City Attorney
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO AMENDING VALLEJO MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.27.040 TO ALLOW APPOINTMENT OF
BOARD MEMBERS TO THE SURVEILLANCE ADVISORY BOARD RESIDING
OUTSIDE COUNCIL DISTRICTS
[Deleted text is shown in strikethrough and
added text is shown in bold italic]
WHEREAS, on December 7, 2021, the City Council adopted Chapter 2.27 of the Vallejo Municipal Code creating the Surveillance Advisory Board (SAB); and
WHEREAS, the SAB is tasked to review the use and deployment of surveillance technology within the City of Vallejo; and
WHEREAS, the SAB consists of a seven-member board with each City Council Member appointing one member who resides within the Council Member’s District and the Mayor appointing one at-large member; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to have an option of appointing SAB members who reside outside a Council Member’s District if, in the opinion of the Council Member, there are no available qualified candidates within the District.
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Vallejo does hereby ordain as follows:
SECTION ONE
Section 2.27.040 of the Vallejo Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
2.27.040 Membership and quorum.
A. The board shall consist of a total of seven members. The membership shall consist of one resident of Vallejo appointed by each sitting member of the Vallejo City Council and one resident appointed by the mayor. Members appointed by a sitting member of the Vallejo City Council shall be residents of the city of Vallejo and of the appointing Councilmember's district. However, if in the opinion of the appointing Council Member, there are no qualified candidates residing within the Council Member’s District, the Council Member may select a candidate residing outside of their District. At large council members may appoint a member from any city council district. The member appointed by the mayor may reside anywhere within the city. A proposed member may not serve on both the board and the chief's advisory board (CAB).
B. Each advisory board member shall serve as a volunteer without pay.
2 C. All members of the advisory board shall be persons who have an interest in privacy and civil rights as demonstrated by work experience, civic participation, and/or political advocacy. No member may be an employee of any city department or an immediate family member of any city department employee, a member of any other city advisory body or any other city commission or appellate body, or otherwise a government official. Further, no member shall be or have been an employee of any local, state or federal law enforcement agency.
D. No member may have a financial interest, employment, or policy-making position in any commercial or for-profit facility, research center, or other organization with a commercial interest in surveillance technology or that profits from decisions made by the advisory board.
E. Four members of the board shall constitute a quorum.
F. No member shall serve more than eight consecutive years. Former members serving eight consecutive years may be appointed again after a break in service of two years.
G. Any action by the board shall be approved by a majority of members present, provided a quorum exists.
H. Applications shall be sought through the normal process used by the city council for publicizing openings for commission appointments. All applications shall be submitted to the city clerk who will distribute them to the mayor and all members of the city council. The mayor and the selecting council member shall conduct interviews of eligible applicants at a public meeting that has been noticed at least seventy-two hours in advance.
I. The term for each member shall run concurrently with the term of the appointing council member or mayor notwithstanding the date of appointment. Initial members shall serve on the board only until the expiration of the term of the appointing elected official and thereafter may again be appointed at the discretion of the appointing elected official.
SECTION TWO
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed the Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, and phrase thereof, irrespective of the fac that any one r more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION THREE
This Ordinance shall be effective 30 days after passage.
3 First read at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Vallejo on September ____, 2026 and finally passed and adopted at a regular meeting thereof held on September _____, 2026 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
____________________________________
ANDREA SORCE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
DAWN G. ABRAHAMSON,
CITY CLERK
ACTION ITEM 9.F.
DATE: September 8, 2026
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Kristin Pollot, AICP, Planning and Development Services Director Hector Rojas, Long Range Planning Manager
SUBJECT: ADOPT A RESOLUTION: 1) APPROVING A CONSULTANT AND PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RC DESIGN COLLABORATIVE, LLC DBA SITELAB
URBAN STUDIO FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE DOWNTOWN VALLEJO SPECIFIC
PLAN AND VALLEJO WATERFRONT SPECIFIC PLAN FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,009,400; 2) APPROVING AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC. FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $265,914 FOR RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW; AND 3)
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution: 1) approving a Consultant and Professional Services Agreement with RC Design Collaborative, LLC dba SITELAB urban studio for preparation of the Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan and Vallejo Waterfront Specific Plan for an amount not to exceed $2,009,400; 2) approving an Environmental Consultant Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. in an amount not to exceed $265,914 for related environmental review; and 3) authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreements.
REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION
The proposed agreements will provide the multidisciplinary planning, urban design, community engagement, economic, historic preservation, infrastructure, implementation, and environmental expertise needed to prepare coordinated, community-supported, and implementable specific plans for Downtown Vallejo and the Vallejo Waterfront.
SITELAB was selected as the highest-ranked firm through a competitive two-stage procurement process.
Stantec was included on SITELAB's selected consultant team and will contract directly with the City because environmental consulting services require separate agreement provisions from the City's Consultant and Professional Services Agreement. The combined $2,275,314 cost of the agreements is fully funded by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's (MTC) One Bay Area Grant 3 award and requires no local match.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
What is a Specific Plan?
A specific plan is a detailed planning and regulatory document used to implement a city's general plan within a defined geographic area. It translates broad citywide goals into detailed land use policies, development standards, circulation and public-realm improvements, infrastructure requirements, financing strategies, and implementation actions. Vallejo currently has eight adopted specific plans or comparable area plans: Sonoma Boulevard Specific Plan (2017), Solano 360 Specific Plan (2013), Mare Island Specific Plan (2013), Waterfront Planned Development Master Plan & Design Guidelines (2007), Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan (2005), White Slough Specific Plan (1995), Northgate Specific Plan (1988), and Hiddenbrooke Specific Plan (1987). The current proposal is to replace the existing Downtown and Waterfront plans. Once adopted, the new plans will guide public and private investment and provide greater certainty for the community and decision-makers with regard to the City's vision for future development in the respective areas.
Date: September 8, 2026
Subject:
ADOPT A RESOLUTION: 1) APPROVING A CONSULTANT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH RC DESIGN COLLABORATIVE, LLC DBA SITELAB URBAN STUDIO FOR
THE PREPARATION OF THE DOWNTOWN VALLEJO SPECIFIC PLAN AND VALLEJO WATERFRONT SPECIFIC PLAN FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,009,400; 2)
APPROVING AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC. FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $265,914 FOR RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW; AND 3) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENTS
Why the Downtown and Waterfront Plans Need Updating
The existing Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan (DVSP) and Vallejo Waterfront Planned Development Master Plan (PDMP) and Design Guidelines were adopted in 2005 and 2007, respectively. After nearly two decades, the City is preparing new specific plans that will replace these documents when adopted. The existing documents predate the adoption of Propel Vallejo General Plan 2040, current state housing and planning laws, MTC's Transit-Oriented Communities Policy, contemporary objective design standards, and more recent work addressing climate resilience and environmental justice. Market conditions, infrastructure needs, development economics, community priorities, and the regulatory environment have also changed substantially since the plans were adopted.
The existing DVSP covers Vallejo's historic Downtown core, including the Georgia Street corridor, Vallejo Transit Center, City Hall, and surrounding neighborhoods. The Waterfront PDMP covers the Ferry Terminal, portions of Mare Island Way, waterfront parks and open spaces, and key opportunity sites. These boundaries are not fixed for the new plans. The consultant will evaluate better alignment with the Waterfront & Downtown PDA, resolve overlaps between the Downtown, Waterfront, and Sonoma Boulevard planning documents, and consider a broader Waterfront boundary along Vallejo's shoreline. Final boundaries will be established through plan adoption. The plans will refine the General Plan 2040 vision; establish land use, urban design, and development standards; support housing and economic development; improve connections to the ferry terminal; and identify necessary infrastructure and implementation actions.
OBAG 3 Funding and Project Selection
The One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) Program is administered by MTC to implement Plan Bay Area, the Bay Area's long-range transportation and land use strategy. OBAG 3 uses federal transportation funds to support transportation improvements, land use planning, and community development projects that advance regional priorities, including housing production, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle travel, equitable access to transportation, and coordination of growth with transit and existing infrastructure. The program places particular emphasis on Priority Development Areas (PDAs), which are locally nominated locations identified for housing and job growth near transit.
Downtown Vallejo and the waterfront form the City's principal civic, commercial, cultural, transportation, and shoreline district and are located within the designated Vallejo Waterfront & Downtown PDA. The PDA surrounds the Vallejo Ferry Terminal and contains significant opportunities for infill housing, employment, commercial activity, recreation, and public-realm investment. Preparing new Downtown and Waterfront specific plans advances OBAG 3 objectives by coordinating future growth with transit, walking, bicycling, infrastructure, affordable housing, economic development, and equitable community benefits.
MTC's Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy applies within one-half mile of the Vallejo Ferry Terminal, a Tier 4 TOC area. MTC's April 2026 Administrative Guidance explains that local consistency is voluntary, not a regulatory requirement. However, consistency can affect eligibility or competitiveness for MTC discretionary funding; for existing station areas, OBAG is currently the program through which MTC considers it. The policy addresses residential and commercial density; affordable housing production, preservation, and protection and
Date: September 8, 2026
Subject:
ADOPT A RESOLUTION: 1) APPROVING A CONSULTANT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH RC DESIGN COLLABORATIVE, LLC DBA SITELAB URBAN STUDIO FOR
THE PREPARATION OF THE DOWNTOWN VALLEJO SPECIFIC PLAN AND VALLEJO WATERFRONT SPECIFIC PLAN FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,009,400; 2)
APPROVING AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC. FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $265,914 FOR RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW; AND 3) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENTS
commercial stabilization; parking management; and station access and circulation. The new Downtown and Waterfront specific plans will compare City policies and zoning with these standards and identify potential changes for future City consideration.
In January 2023, the City was awarded $2.4 million in OBAG 3 funding. Of the total award, $1.4 million is allocated to the new Downtown Plan and $1.0 million is allocated to the new Waterfront Plan. On June 24, 2025, the City Council approved Supplements No. 1 and No. 2 to the City's Master Funding Agreement with MTC, accepted the grant funds, and appropriated them in Capital Grants and Contribution Fund No. 221. The award requires no local match.
Procurement and Consultant Selection
On October 27, 2025, the City issued separate, concurrent Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the Downtown and Waterfront specific plans, with proposals due December 12, 2025. Because of the projects' proximity, overlapping issues, and shared policy context, the RFPs and published responses to proposer questions allowed teams to submit one coordinated proposal covering both projects. The City noted that a combined approach could demonstrate efficiencies, coordination benefits, or cost savings, but provided no formal scoring preference for combined proposals.
The City received seven proposals, from: RC Design Collaborative, LLC dba SITELAB Urban Studio (SITELAB), MIG, Mithun, Opticos Design, Gruen Associates, Urban Field Studio, and Wallace Roberts & Todd. A six-member evaluation committee (including staff from the City Manager’s Office, Planning & Development Services Department, Economic Development Department, and Public Works Department) reviewed the proposals for responsiveness and scored them based on staffing qualifications and capacity, relevant experience, project methodology, references, and cost relative to the services proposed. The three highest-ranked firms (Wallace Roberts & Todd, SITELAB, and Opticos Design) were interviewed in person on March 2, 2026, and re-scored using the RFP criteria, including interview responses. SITELAB received the highest final average weighted score, and as such, was selected for contract negotiations.
Proposed Agreements and Scope of Services
The $2,009,400 Consultant and Professional Services Agreement with SITELAB covers the planning, engagement, technical analysis, plan preparation, and implementation work described below. SITELAB's proposal included Stantec as its environmental and infrastructure consultant. During negotiations, the City determined that the environmental review work should be placed in a direct agreement with Stantec because the City's Environmental Consultant Agreement contains provisions tailored to CEQA work that differ from the Consultant and Professional Services Agreement used for planning services. The two agreements contain coordinated scopes and require SITELAB and Stantec to work with the City and one another so that the plans, project descriptions, technical analyses, environmental documents, and schedules remain consistent.
Both agreements include contingency allowances within their respective not-to-exceed amounts: $120,118 under the SITELAB agreement and $12,639 under the Stantec agreement. These allowances are not part of the base scopes and may be used only for additional services authorized by the City in writing. Depending on needs identified during the process, contingency services may include additional community or advisory
Date: September 8, 2026
Subject:
ADOPT A RESOLUTION: 1) APPROVING A CONSULTANT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH RC DESIGN COLLABORATIVE, LLC DBA SITELAB URBAN STUDIO FOR
THE PREPARATION OF THE DOWNTOWN VALLEJO SPECIFIC PLAN AND VALLEJO WATERFRONT SPECIFIC PLAN FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,009,400; 2)
APPROVING AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC. FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $265,914 FOR RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW; AND 3) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENTS
committee meetings, stakeholder engagement, technical analyses, plan revisions, public hearing support, or expanded environmental review. Use of the contingency allowances would not increase the Council- authorized contract amounts.
Planning Process and Overall Schedule
SITELAB's work program is organized into three overlapping phases over approximately 18 months. Project management and community engagement will continue throughout the process, while technical studies, plan preparation, and environmental review will proceed concurrently where appropriate. The phased approach is intended to establish a factual foundation before land use alternatives are prepared, allow the community and decision-makers to evaluate meaningful choices, and then translate the selected direction into implementable planning documents.
Phase 1 - Listen, Define, and Discover (Approximately Months 1-7) The first phase will launch the project, confirm objectives and decision-making procedures, establish the schedule and engagement strategy, create project branding and a multilingual website, and compile a shared GIS database and project base maps. The website will serve as the central location for project information, events, documents, online feedback, and interactive mapping. The project team will also conduct a site walk and review existing plans, studies, regulations, and available data.
Existing Conditions, Historic Resources, Market, and Housing Analysis The consultant team will prepare an existing conditions and opportunities and constraints assessment covering land use and urban form, demographics, housing, economic and market conditions, transportation and parking, pedestrian and bicycle access, utilities and infrastructure, climate resilience, environmental justice indicators, public facilities, and related planning initiatives. This work is intended to establish a common factual foundation, identify issues that may limit or support future development, and focus later alternatives on solutions that are technically and economically realistic.
For Downtown, the consultant will prepare a Historic Context Statement and Historic Resource Survey. A Historic Context Statement explains the major historical events, development patterns, architectural themes, communities, and cultural influences that shaped the area; it provides the framework needed to understand why particular properties or places may be significant. The related survey will evaluate previously identified and age-eligible properties using applicable local, state, and federal criteria and document the findings through survey forms, a report, and GIS data. This information will support preservation policies, objective standards, future CEQA review, and greater certainty for property owners and applicants. The study and survey will not, by themselves, designate a property as a historic resource or change its regulatory status.
The consultant will also prepare market demand, development feasibility, and preliminary housing strategy analyses. These studies will examine residential, retail, office, hospitality, and other relevant market sectors and identify opportunities and constraints affecting investment. Testing market conditions alongside the City's housing and economic development objectives will help avoid a plan that is visionary but financially unrealistic and will inform land use alternatives, development standards, and implementation strategies.
Date: September 8, 2026
Subject:
ADOPT A RESOLUTION: 1) APPROVING A CONSULTANT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH RC DESIGN COLLABORATIVE, LLC DBA SITELAB URBAN STUDIO FOR
THE PREPARATION OF THE DOWNTOWN VALLEJO SPECIFIC PLAN AND VALLEJO WATERFRONT SPECIFIC PLAN FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,009,400; 2)
APPROVING AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC. FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $265,914 FOR RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW; AND 3) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENTS
Community Engagement Throughout the Process
Following project kickoff, SITELAB will prepare a Community Engagement Strategy establishing the framework for participation throughout the process. Developed with City staff, it will identify stakeholders and advisory groups; define milestones, engagement opportunities, communication methods, and performance measures; establish procedures for documenting input; and target multilingual outreach to populations historically underrepresented in planning. It will coordinate engagement for the specific plans and anti- displacement work and allow outreach to be refined as the project proceeds. Engagement will continue through the vision, alternatives, preferred plan, and final documents.
The scope includes a Community Advisory Committee to provide community-based perspectives and a Technical Advisory Committee to coordinate with City departments, utilities, transportation providers, public agencies, and other technical stakeholders. It also includes up to six targeted stakeholder listening sessions, up to six community listening sessions in accessible and informal settings, up to four pop-up events at locations such as community events, farmers markets, art walks, libraries, parks, schools, and senior programs, and public workshops at major project milestones.
A dedicated project website, up to three multilingual online feedback forms, interactive mapping, fact sheets, frequently asked questions, social media materials, and QR-code-based tools will provide additional ways to participate. Public-facing materials will be prepared in English, Spanish, and Tagalog, with interpretation and accessibility measures identified through the engagement strategy. The agreement also includes up to $10,000 to compensate community representatives and community-based organizations for their time and to reduce barriers to participation.
Engagement will be tied directly to project decisions. The first phase will focus on existing conditions, lived experience, community priorities, and a shared vision. The second will ask participants to compare alternatives and trade-offs and help refine a preferred land use plan. The final phase will explain how public input was incorporated and provide opportunities to review the draft and final plans. Engagement summaries will document major themes, concerns, and recommendations and describe how that input affected subsequent work.
Anti-Displacement Analysis and Policy Development
New development and public investment can create housing, jobs, services, and public improvements, but can also raise land values, rents, and operating costs and place pressure on existing residents, businesses, organizations, and cultural institutions. Addressing displacement early allows the City to evaluate feasible protections before major land use decisions are made and helps existing communities share in the benefits of reinvestment. Dedicated engagement will inform an Anti-Displacement Feasibility Study. The study will evaluate residential, commercial, cultural, and institutional displacement risks and strategies used locally and in comparable jurisdictions.
This work will build on the City's implementation of Housing Element Program F 1.1.3, which directs the City Council to consider rent stabilization, just-cause eviction, tenant anti-harassment, and tenant right-to-counsel measures. The July 24, 2026 renter-protections memorandum provided baseline research on rent stabilization
Date: September 8, 2026
Subject:
ADOPT A RESOLUTION: 1) APPROVING A CONSULTANT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH RC DESIGN COLLABORATIVE, LLC DBA SITELAB URBAN STUDIO FOR
THE PREPARATION OF THE DOWNTOWN VALLEJO SPECIFIC PLAN AND VALLEJO WATERFRONT SPECIFIC PLAN FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,009,400; 2)
APPROVING AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC. FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $265,914 FOR RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW; AND 3) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENTS
and just cause, and a City Council study session is tentatively scheduled for September 29, 2026. The consultant will incorporate subsequent Council direction and provide additional engagement, feasibility, comparable-practice, and policy support included in the agreement. The broader work may also identify measures supporting small businesses, community-serving organizations, and cultural institutions.
Phase 2 - Envision and Assess (Approximately Months 4-9) Using the technical findings and community input from Phase 1, the consultant will prepare a community vision and guiding principles for each plan area. These principles will establish the values and outcomes against which later land use alternatives will be evaluated. The team will then prepare up to three coordinated concept alternatives illustrating different approaches to land use, development intensity, mobility, urban form, public spaces, infrastructure, and implementation priorities. The purpose is not to select a predetermined proposal, but to make choices and trade-offs understandable before a preferred direction is selected.
The land use alternatives will be compared against the guiding principles, opportunities and constraints, community input, infrastructure needs, and development feasibility. The consultant will test up to four representative development prototypes and conduct developer and market interviews to assess whether contemplated development types are economically achievable and what changes or public actions may improve feasibility. Community feedback, technical evaluation, Planning Commission and City Council input, and City direction will then be combined into a preferred plan for the interconnected study area.
The preferred plan will be supported by strategy memoranda addressing climate adaptation, equity and environmental justice, infrastructure, parking management, access to the ferry terminal and other transportation facilities, and consistency with MTC's Transit-Oriented Communities Policy. Together, these deliverables will establish the policy and technical framework for drafting the two specific plans.
Phase 3 - Refine and Document (Approximately Months 10-18) After selection of a preferred land use plan, SITELAB will prepare separate Administrative Draft and Public Review Draft Specific Plans for Downtown and the Waterfront. The plans will include policies, maps, development standards, objective design standards, mobility and public-realm improvements, infrastructure recommendations, and implementation actions. Objective standards are measurable rules addressing matters such as building form and massing, setbacks, ground-floor activity, streets, open space, and the relationship of new development to existing neighborhoods and historic resources. Clear objective standards provide greater predictability while translating the community vision into requirements that can be administered over time.
SITELAB will also prepare an infrastructure financing and implementation strategy identifying needed improvements, preliminary order-of-magnitude costs, phasing, responsible parties, partnership opportunities, and potential funding tools. Potential tools may include grants, development impact fees, assessment districts, Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFDs), and public-private partnerships. This work is intended to make the plans actionable by linking recommendations to funding sources and responsible entities rather than leaving them as unfunded aspirations.
Following public and environmental review, the consultant will revise the documents in response to comments,
Date: September 8, 2026
Subject:
ADOPT A RESOLUTION: 1) APPROVING A CONSULTANT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH RC DESIGN COLLABORATIVE, LLC DBA SITELAB URBAN STUDIO FOR
THE PREPARATION OF THE DOWNTOWN VALLEJO SPECIFIC PLAN AND VALLEJO WATERFRONT SPECIFIC PLAN FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,009,400; 2)
APPROVING AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC. FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $265,914 FOR RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW; AND 3) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENTS
Planning Commission recommendations, and City Council direction and prepare plans suitable for adoption.
Once adopted, the plans will be implemented through review of private development applications, administration of development standards, the City's Capital Improvement Program and annual budgeting, infrastructure projects, grants, partnerships, and other assigned actions. This will allow the plans to guide both public investment and private development rather than remain aspirational documents.
Environmental Review and the Stantec Agreement
The $265,914 Environmental Consultant Agreement with Stantec covers environmental project management, preparation of a CEQA Strategy and Preliminary Approach Memorandum, development of a detailed CEQA compliance scope for City approval, consultation and technical analysis, mitigation and findings materials, public hearing support, direct costs, and contingency. Environmental work will be coordinated with SITELAB's land use alternatives, project descriptions, technical studies, and draft plans so that the planning and CEQA records remain consistent.
The appropriate CEQA document has not yet been predetermined. Stantec will first evaluate the existing General Plan environmental review, the proposed plans, and legally supportable options for tiering, streamlining, or other forms of compliance. Work beyond the preliminary strategy will proceed only after the City approves the recommended approach and authorizes the detailed scope in writing. The resulting environmental document will be circulated and considered before the City acts on either specific plan.
Schedule and Future Decision Points
Both agreements will commence upon full execution, and extend through June 30, 2028. The consultant's proposed work program anticipates approximately 18 months of active planning, engagement, technical analysis, environmental review, and adoption support. The contract term allows time for City review, public notice and hearings, environmental processing, and schedule contingencies.
The Planning Commission and City Council will be engaged at major milestones. Study sessions are anticipated during development of the preferred plan so that decision-makers can consider community input, alternatives, trade-offs, and the emerging policy direction before draft documents are completed. The Public Review Draft Specific Plans and environmental document will then be released for public review. The Planning Commission will hold a noticed public hearing and make recommendations, and the City Council will hold a noticed public hearing and decide whether to adopt each plan and complete the associated CEQA action.
Approval of these two consultant agreements does not approve any land use alternative, development standards, historic designations, CEQA document, anti-displacement policies, or either specific plan; those matters remain subject to future public review and discretionary action.
FISCAL IMPACT
The combined not-to-exceed amount of the two agreements is $2,275,314. The costs will be tracked and invoiced to the applicable MTC supplemental agreement as follows:
Date: September 8, 2026
Subject:
ADOPT A RESOLUTION: 1) APPROVING A CONSULTANT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH RC DESIGN COLLABORATIVE, LLC DBA SITELAB URBAN STUDIO FOR
THE PREPARATION OF THE DOWNTOWN VALLEJO SPECIFIC PLAN AND VALLEJO WATERFRONT SPECIFIC PLAN FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,009,400; 2)
APPROVING AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC. FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $265,914 FOR RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW; AND 3) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENTS
Budget Item Downtown
Specific Plan
Waterfront
Specific Plan
Total
Consultant agreements $1,327,411 $947,903 $2,275,314
Remaining
staff/administration
budget
$72,589 $52,097 $124,686
Total OBAG 3 Grant $1,400,000 $1,000,000 $2,400,000
The agreements remain within the $2.4 million grant and leave $124,686 for eligible City staff time and grant administration. No budget amendment is required, no local match is required, and there will be no impact to the General Fund.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Approval of the consultant agreements is an administrative activity that will not cause a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and is therefore not a project under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5). The new Downtown Vallejo and Vallejo Waterfront specific plans will undergo the appropriate CEQA review before the City acts on either plan.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution Approving Consultant Prof. Svcs. Agrmts. SiteLab_&_Stantec_CAO Stamp
2. Consultant and Professional Services Agreement_Sitelab_Specific Plans_CAO Stamp
3. Environmental Consultant Agreement_Stantec_Specific Plans_CAO Stamp
CONTACT
Kristin Pollot, AICP, Planning & Development Services Director, (707) 648-4326 [email protected]
Hector Rojas, Long-Range Planning Manager, (707) 553-7283 [email protected]
1 RESOLUTION NO. 26-____ N.C.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VALLEJO: 1) APPROVING A
CONSULTANT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RC DESIGN
COLLABORATIVE, LLC DBA SITELAB URBAN STUDIO FOR PREPARATION OF THE
DOWNTOWN VALLEJO SPECIFIC PLAN AND VALLEJO WATERFRONT SPECIFIC PLAN FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,009,400; 2) APPROVING AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $265,914 FOR RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW; AND 3)
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENTS
WHEREAS, in January 2023, the City was awarded $2,400,000 in One Bay Area Grant 3 funding administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, with $1,400,000 allocated to the Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan and $1,000,000 allocated to the Vallejo Waterfront Specific Plan; and
WHEREAS, on June 24, 2025, the City Council approved Supplements No. 1 and No. 2 to the City's Master Funding Agreement with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, accepted the grant funds, and appropriated them in Capital Grants and Contribution Fund No. 221; and WHEREAS, on October 27, 2025, the City issued separate, concurrent Requests for Proposals for preparation of the new Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan and new Vallejo Waterfront Specific Plan, and allowed qualified teams to submit one coordinated proposal covering both projects; and
WHEREAS, the City received seven proposals, evaluated them using the criteria established in the Requests for Proposals, interviewed the three highest-ranked firms on March 2, 2026, and selected RC Design Collaborative, LLC dba SITELAB urban studio (SITELAB) as the highest- ranked firm following interviews; and
WHEREAS, Stantec Consulting Services Inc. (Stantec) was included on SITELAB's selected consultant team, and the City determined during negotiations that the environmental review work should be placed in a separate direct agreement with Stantec using the City's contract provisions specific to environmental consulting services; and WHEREAS, City staff recommends approval of a Consultant and Professional Services Agreement with SITELAB in an amount not to exceed $2,009,400 and an Environmental Consultant Agreement with Stantec in an amount not to exceed $265,914, each with a term continuing through June 30, 2028.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Vallejo hereby finds that approval of the consultant agreements is an administrative activity and is therefore not a project under California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council hereby approves the Consultant and Professional Services Agreement with RC Design Collaborative, LLC dba SITELAB urban studio in an amount not to exceed $2,009,400.
2 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council hereby approves the Environmental Consultant Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. in an amount not to exceed $265,914.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute the agreements, with any modifications recommended by the City Attorney and with the City Clerk to attest.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Vallejo, State of California, on the 8th day of September 2026 by the following vote, to-wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
_________________________________________
ANDREA SORCE, MAYOR
ATTEST: _________________________________________
DAWN G. ABRAHAMSON, CITY CLERK
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 1 of 12
CONSULTANT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
SITELAB URBAN STUDIO
This Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (“Agreement”) is made at Vallejo, California, dated for reference this _____ day of __________, 2026, by and between the City of Vallejo, a municipal corporation (“City”), and RC Design Collaborative, LLC dba SITELAB urban studio, hereinafter referred to as “Consultant”, who agree as follows:
1. Services. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Consultant shall provide the City professional services as specified in Exhibit A, entitled “Scope of Work.”
2. Payment. City shall pay Consultant for services rendered pursuant to this agreement at the times and in the manner set forth in Exhibit B, entitled “Compensation.” The payments specified in Exhibit B shall be the only payments to be made to Consultant for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement.
3. Facilities and Equipment. Consultant shall, at its sole cost and expense, furnish all facilities and equipment which may be required for furnishing services pursuant to this Agreement.
4. Indemnification. With respect to Claims or Liabilities (as defined below) arising out of or relating to Consultant’s physical activities and operations in connection with its performance of this Agreement other than its performance of professional services, Consultant shall indemnify, hold harmless, and defend City, its officers, officials, directors, employees, agents, volunteers and affiliates (collectively, the “City Indemnitees”) and each of them from any and all actions, claims, demands, causes of action, judgments, damages, costs, expenses, attorney’s fees, consultant’s fees, expert fees, losses or liability, in law or in equity, of every kind and nature whatsoever (collectively, “Claims or Liabilities”) arising out of or in connection with Consultant’s operations, or any subcontractor’s operations, to be performed under this agreement for Consultant’s or subcontractor’s tort negligence including active or passive, or strict negligence, including but not limited to personal injury including, but not limited to bodily injury, emotional injury, sickness or disease, or death to persons and/or damage to property of anyone, including loss of use thereof, caused or alleged to be caused by any act or omission of Consultant, or any subcontractor, or anyone directly or indirectly employed by any of them or anyone in connection with their operations for the full period of time allowed by the law, regardless to any limitation by insurance, with the exception of the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City.
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 2 of 12
With respect to Claims or Liabilities arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the performance of professional services by Consultant, and their adequacy or inadequacy, Consultant shall indemnify, hold harmless, and (reimburse but not defend upfront) the City Indemnitees, and each of them, from and against any and all Claims or Liabilities to the extent arising out of, pertaining to, or relating to the negligent acts, errors, or omissions (including ordinary or gross negligence), recklessness, or willful misconduct of Consultant, its directors, employees, subcontractors, or agents in the performance of this Agreement, or the professional services. This indemnity shall include, without limitation, Claims or Liabilities asserted by third parties and Claims or Liabilities arising from disputes between Consultant and the City concerning Consultant's performance of this Agreement, except that this indemnity shall not apply to Claims or Liabilities arising from the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City.
If a court of competent jurisdiction issues a final judgment invalidating the City's adoption of the Specific Plan, in whole or in part, Consultant shall, at its sole cost, revise, amend, supplement or modify its work product as necessary to address the legal deficiencies identified by the court and to render the work product compliant with applicable California planning and zoning law, to the extent that the legal deficiency is attributable to the acts, errors, or omissions of Consultant or its subcontractors, and not to inaccurate information supplied by the City or to modifications made by the City after Consultant's completion of the work product.
The provisions of this paragraph shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.
Consultant shall also indemnify, hold harmless, and defend City, its officers, officials, directors, employees, agents, volunteers and affiliates and each of them from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, costs, expenses, actual attorney’s fees, consultant’s fees, expert fees, losses or liability, in law or in equity, of every kind and nature whatsoever arising out of or in connection with Consultant’s operations or performance of professional services, or the operations or performance of professional services of any subcontractor, related to costs or benefits associated with California Public Employment Retirement System (CalPERS) membership where Consultant supplies a CalPERS member who CalPERS determines is subject to enrollment.
5. Insurance Requirements. Consultant agrees to comply with all of the Insurance Requirements set forth in Exhibit C, entitled “Insurance Requirements for Consultant.” Failure to maintain required insurance at all times shall constitute a default and material breach.
6. Accident Reports. Consultant shall immediately report (as soon as feasible, but not more than 24 hours) to the City Risk Manager any accident or other occurrence causing injury to persons or property during the performance of this Agreement. The report shall be made in writing and shall include, at a
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 3 of 12 minimum: (a) the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the persons involved, (b) the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any known witnesses, (c) the date, time, and description of the accident or other occurrence.
7. Conflict of Interest. Consultant warrants and represents that to the best of its knowledge, there exists no actual or potential conflict between Consultant’s family, business, real property or financial interests and the services to be provided under this Agreement. Consultant shall comply with the City of Vallejo Conflict of Interest Code and not enter into any contract or agreement during the performance of this Agreement which will create a conflict of interest with its duties to City under this Agreement. In the event of a change in Consultant’s family, business, real property, or financial interests occurs during the term of this Agreement that creates an actual or potential conflict of interest, then Consultant shall disclose such conflict in writing to City. Every individual who performs services on behalf of Consultant pursuant to this Agreement must file a full Statement of Economic Interests (also known as Form 700) with the City Clerk if the work of the individual involves making a governmental decision whether to issue, deny, suspend, or revoke any permit, license, application, certificate, approval, order, or similar authorization or entitlement; authorizes the City to enter into, modify, or renew a contract; grants City approval of specifications for a contract; adopts or approves for the City any policy, standard or guideline; lobbies on behalf of the City, or performs the same or substantially all the same duties for the City that would otherwise be performed by an individual holding a position specified in the City’s Conflict of Interest Code.
8. Independent Contractor. Consultant is an independent contractor.
Neither Consultant nor any of Consultant’s officers, employees, agents, or subcontractors, if any, is an employee of City by virtue of this Agreement or performance of any services pursuant to this Agreement. City shall have the right to control Consultant only insofar as the results of Consultant’s services rendered pursuant to this Agreement; however, City shall not have the right to control the means by which Consultant accomplishes services pursuant to this Agreement.
9. Licences, Permits, Etc. Consultant represents and warrants to City that all consultant services shall be provided by a person or persons duly licensed by the State of California to provide the type of services to be performed under this Agreement and that Consultant has all the permits, qualifications and approvals of whatsoever nature which are legally required for Consultant to practice its profession. Consultant represents and warrants to City that it shall, at its sole cost and expense, keep in effect at all times during the term of this Agreement any licenses, permits, and approvals which are legally required for Consultant to practice its profession.
10. Business License. Consultant, and its subcontractors, has obtained or agrees to apply prior to performing any services under this Agreement to City’s Finance Department for a business license, pay the applicable business license
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 4 of 12 tax and maintain said business license during the term of this Agreement. The failure to obtain such license shall be a material breach of this Agreement and grounds for termination by City. No payments shall be made to Consultant until such business license(s) has been obtained.
11. Standard of Performance. Consultant shall provide products and perform all services required pursuant to this Agreement in accordance with generally accepted professional practices and principles and in a manner consistent with the level of care and skill ordinarily exercised under similar conditions by a member of Consultant’s profession currently practicing in California.
Consultant is responsible for making an independent evaluation and judgment of all conditions affecting performance of the work, including without limitation applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and all other contingencies or considerations.
Consultant’s responsibilities under this section shall not be delegated. Consultant shall be responsible to City for acts, errors, or omissions of Consultant’s subcontractors.
Consultant is responsible for making an independent evaluation and judgment of all conditions affecting performance of the work and shall prepare plans, reports, and/or other work products in such a way that additional costs will not be incurred beyond a project budget approved or amended by the City Manager or his or her designee.
Whenever the scope of work requires or permits review, approval, conditional approval or disapproval by City, it is understood that such review, approval, conditional approval or disapproval is solely for the purposes of administering this Agreement and determining whether the Consultant is entitled to payment for such work, and not be construed as a waiver of any breach or acceptance by the City of any responsibility, professional or otherwise, for the work, and shall not relieve the Consultant of responsibility for complying with the standard of performance or laws, regulations, industry standards, or from liability for damages caused by negligent acts, errors, omissions, noncompliance with industry standards, or the willful misconduct of Consultant.
12. Force Majeure. Neither party shall be considered in default of this Agreement to the extent performances are prevented or delayed by causes or circumstances beyond either party’s reasonable control, such as war, riots, strikes, lockouts, work slowdown or stoppage, acts of God, such as floods or earthquakes, and electrical blackouts or brownouts.
In the event that the Consultant is unable to meet the completion date or schedule of services, Consultant shall immediately inform the City Representative of this in writing. If additional time is required to perform the work, the City Representative
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 5 of 12 may adjust the schedule.
13. Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence in this Agreement. Any reference to days means calendar days, unless otherwise specifically stated.
14. Personnel. Consultant agrees to assign only competent personnel according to the reasonable and customary standards of training and experience in the relevant field to perform services under this Agreement. Failure to assign such competent personnel shall constitute grounds for termination of this Agreement.
The payment made to Consultant pursuant to this Agreement shall be the full and complete compensation to which Consultant and Consultant’s officers, employees, agents, and subcontractors are entitled for performance of any work under this Agreement. Neither Consultant nor Consultant’s officers or employees are entitled to any salary or wages, or retirement, health, leave or other fringe benefits applicable to employees of the City. The City will not make any federal or state tax withholdings on behalf of Consultant. The City shall not be required to pay any workers’ compensation insurance on behalf of Consultant.
Consultant shall pay, when and as due, any and all taxes incurred as a result of Consultant’s compensation hereunder, including estimated taxes, and shall provide City with proof of such payments upon request.
15. General Prohibition on Assignment of CalPERS Members and Annuitants. Consultant shall not hire, employ, or use, as an employee, subcontractor or agent of Consultant (Assigned Individual) any California Public Employment Retirement System (CalPERS) member or annuitant in connection with the provision of services under this Agreement. Nor shall Consultant allow any of its subcontractors, agents, or other representatives to employ CalPERS members or annuitants for the purpose of performing work under this Agreement.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall constitute a material breach of Consultant’s obligations under this Agreement and shall be grounds for termination.
The City Manager and the Human Resources Director may together approve an exception which they determine either: (i) meets the requirements of CalPERS relating to Independent Contractors; or (ii) where such Assigned Individual who is an Annuitant, has not, and will not, exceed 960 total hours in a fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) for all CalPERS employers combined, and satisfies all other CalPERS annuitant requirements. No Assigned Individual, regardless of CalPERS membership at the time the labor is provided, may exceed 1,000 hours in a fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).
16. Consultant Not Agent. Except as authorized under this Agreement or as City may authorize in a letter of authorization signed by the City Manager or his or
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 6 of 12 her designee, Consultant shall have no authority, express or implied to act on behalf of City in any capacity whatsoever as an agent. Consultant shall have no authority, express or implied, under this Agreement, to bind City to any obligation whatsoever.
17. Term. The term of this Agreement shall commence on the date it is fully executed by both parties and shall continue in full force and effect until June 30, 2028.
City shall, at its discretion, have the right to extend the term of this Agreement, in intervals of 90 days, by written notice to Consultant. The total duration of this Agreement, including the exercise of any options under this section, shall not exceed three years.
If the term of this Agreement extends into fiscal years subsequent to that in which it is approved, such continuation of the Agreement is contingent on the appropriation of funds for such purpose by the City Council of the City of Vallejo.
If funds to effect such continued payment are not appropriated, Consultant agrees to terminate any services supplied to City of Vallejo under this Agreement and relieve City of any further obligation therefor.
18. Termination or Abandonment by City. The City has the right, at any time and in its sole discretion, to immediately terminate or abandon any portion or all of the services to be provided under this Agreement by giving notice to Consultant.
Upon receipt of a notice of termination, Consultant shall perform no further work except as specified in the notice. Before the date of termination, Consultant shall deliver to City all City records and documents, all work product, whether completed or not, as of the date of termination and not otherwise previously delivered.
The City shall pay Consultant for services performed in accordance with this Agreement before the date of termination. If this contract provides for payment of a lump sum for all services or by task and termination occurs before completion of the work or any defined task which according to the performance schedule was commenced before the notice of termination, the fee for services performed shall be based on an amount mutually agreed to by City and Consultant for the portion of work completed in conformance with this Agreement before the date of termination. In addition, the City will reimburse Consultant for authorized expenses incurred and not previously reimbursed. The City shall not be liable for any fees or costs associated for the termination or abandonment except for the fees, and reimbursement of authorized expenses, payable pursuant to this section.
19. Products of Consulting Services. The work product, including without limitation, all writings, work sheets, reports, recordings, drawings, files, detailed calculations and other work products, whether complete or incomplete, of Consultant resulting from services rendered pursuant to this Agreement, shall become the property of City. Consultant agrees that all copyrights which arise
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 7 of 12 from creation of the work under this Agreement shall be vested in the City and waives and relinquishes all claims to copyright or other intellectual property rights in favor of the City. City acknowledges that its use of the work product is limited to the purposes contemplated by the scope of work and that the Consultant makes no representation of the suitability of the work product for use in or application to circumstances not contemplated by the scope of work.
Documents submitted to the City in electronic format shall be formatted according to specifications provided by the City, or if not otherwise specified, in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or other Microsoft Office Suite (2002) format as appropriate for the particular work product or, if directed by the City Representative in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
20. Cooperation by City. City shall, to the extent reasonable and practicable, assist and cooperate with Consultant in the performance of Consultant’s services hereunder. City shall provide Consultant with all pertinent data, documents and other information as is reasonably available to City for the proper performance of Consultant's services under this Agreement. Consultant is entitled to reasonably rely upon the accuracy and completeness of such data and information, and Consultant shall provide City with written notice of any known defects in such data and information. City shall arrange for access to and make all provisions for Consultant and its subconsultants to enter upon public and private property as required for Consultant and its subconsultants to perform their services under this Agreement.
21. Assignment and Subcontracting. Consultant shall not subcontract, assign or transfer voluntarily or involuntarily any of its rights, duties or obligation under this Agreement without the express written consent of the City Manager or his or her designee in each instance. Any attempted or purported assignment of any right, duty or obligation under this Agreement without said consent shall be void and of no effect.
If subcontracting of work is permitted, Consultant shall pay its subcontractor within ten (10) days of receipt of payment by City for work performed by a subcontractor and billed by the Consultant. Use of the term subcontractor in any other provision of this contract shall not be construed to imply authorization for Consultant to use subcontractors for performance of any service under this Agreement.
The City is an intended beneficiary of any work performed by Consultant’s subcontractor for purposes of establishing a duty of care between the subcontractor and City.
Any subcontractor or assignee consented to by City shall be bound by all terms and conditions of this agreement and the same shall be incorporated into and made a part of any assignment or subcontractor agreement.
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 8 of 12
22. Successors and Assigns. All terms, conditions, and provisions of this Agreement shall apply to and bind the respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns of the parties. Nothing in this section is intended to affect the limitation on assignment.
23. Non-Discrimination/Fair Employment Practices.
(a) Consultant shall not, because of race, religious creed, color, sex, national original, ancestry, disability, medical condition, age, marital status or sexual orientation of any person, refuse to hire or employ, or to bar or discharge from employment, or to discriminate in compensation, or in terms, conditions or privileges any person, and every employee will receive equal opportunity for employment and shall be granted equal treatment with respect to compensation, terms, conditions or other privileges of employment, without regard to his race, religious creed, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, or disability, medical condition, age, marital status or sexual orientation.
Consultant warrants and represents it is an equal opportunity employer and agrees it shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, age, marital status or sexual orientation in the selection and retention of employees, subcontractors or procurement of materials or equipment.
In all solicitations either by competitive bidding or negotiations made by Consultant for work to be performed under any subcontract, including procurement of materials or equipment, each potential subcontractor or supplier shall be notified by Consultant of Consultant’s obligation under this Agreement relative to nondiscrimination and fair employment practices.
Consultant shall include the above provisions of this section in every subcontract, including procurement of materials or equipment.
(b) Consultant agrees to comply with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the California Fair Employment Practices Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, any other applicable federal and state laws and regulations and City ordinances and regulations hereinafter enacted.
24. Notices. All notices or instruments required to be given or delivered by law or this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be effective upon receipt thereof and shall be by personal service or delivered by depositing the same in any United States Post Office, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed to:
If to City:
Hector Rojas
Long Range Planning Manager
Planning Division
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 9 of 12 555 Santa Clara Street
Vallejo, CA 94590
If to Consultant:
Laura Crescimano
Principal
RC Design Collaborative, LLC
dba SITELAB urban studio
660 Mission Street, Suite 200
San Francisco, CA 94105
Any party may change its address for receiving notices by giving written notice of such change to the other party in accordance with this section.
Routine administrative communications shall be made pursuant to section 1 of Exhibit A.
24. Integration Clause. This Agreement, including all Exhibits, contains the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes whatever oral or written understanding they may have had prior to the execution of this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be amended or modified except by a written agreement executed by each of the parties hereto.
25. Severability Clause. Should any provision of this Agreement ever be deemed to be legally void or unenforceable, all remaining provisions shall survive and be enforceable.
26. Law Governing. This Agreement shall in all respects be governed by the law of the State of California without regard to its conflicts of law rules. Litigation arising out of or connected with this Agreement shall be instituted and maintained in the courts of Solano County in the State of California or in the United States District Court, Eastern District of California, Sacramento, California, and the parties consent to jurisdiction over their person and over the subject matter of any such litigation in such courts, and consent to service of process issued by such courts.
27. Waiver. Waiver by either party of any default, breach or condition precedent shall not be construed as a waiver of any other default, breach or condition precedent or any other right hereunder.
28. Ambiguity. The parties acknowledge that this is a negotiated agreement, that they have had the opportunity to have this Agreement reviewed by their respective legal counsel, and that the terms and conditions of this Agreement are not to be construed against any party on the basis of such party’s draftsmanship thereof.
29. Gender. All pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 10 of 12 to the masculine, feminine, neuter, singular or plural, as the identifications of the person or persons, firm or firms, corporation or corporations may require.
30. Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
31. Compliance with Laws. Consultant will comply with all statutes, regulations and ordinances in the performance of all services under this Agreement.
32. Confidentiality of City Information. During the performance of services under this Agreement, Consultant may gain access to and use City information regarding, but not limited to, procedures, policies, training, operational practices, and other vital information (hereafter collectively referred to as “City Information”) which are valuable, special and unique assets of the City. Consultant agrees that it will not use any information obtained as a consequence of the performance of services under this Agreement for any purpose other than fulfillment of Consultant’s scope of work , to protect all City Information and treat it as strictly confidential and proprietary to City, and that it will not at any time, either directly or indirectly, divulge, disclose or communicate in any manner any City Information to any third party, other than its own employees, agents or subcontractors who have a need for the City Information for the performance of services under this Agreement, without the prior written consent of City, or as required by law.
Consultant shall treat all records and work product prepared or maintained by Consultant in the performance of this Agreement as confidential, unless a part of the public record.
A violation by Consultant of this section shall be a material violation of this Agreement and will justify legal and/or equitable relief.
Consultant’s obligations under this section shall survive the completion of services, expiration or termination of this Agreement. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, Consultant may reference City and a description of the scope of work Consultant performed for City to future clients for purposes of demonstrating Consultant's relevant experience, expertise and skills without City's prior consent.
33. News and Information Release. Consultant agrees that it will not issue any news releases in connection with either the award of this Agreement, or any subsequent amendment of or efforts under this Agreement, without first obtaining review and approval of said news releases from City through the City Representative.
34. City Representative. The City Representative specified in Exhibit A, or the representative’s designee, shall administer this Agreement for the City.
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 11 of 12
35. Counterparts. The parties may execute this Agreement in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall be deemed one and the same instrument.
36. Facsimile Signature; Electronic Signature. This Agreement shall be binding upon the receipt of facsimile signatures or e-mailed by PDF or otherwise.
Any person transmitting his or her signature by facsimile or electronically shall promptly send an original signature to the other party pursuant to the notice provision of this Agreement. The failure to send an original shall not affect the binding nature of this Agreement.
37. Authority. The person signing this Agreement for Consultant hereby represents and warrants that he/she is fully authorized to sign this Agreement on behalf of Consultant.
38. Exhibits. The following exhibits are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference:
Exhibit A, entitled “Scope of Work,” including any attachments Exhibit B, entitled “Compensation,” including any attachments Exhibit C, entitled “Insurance Requirements,” including attachments
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 12 of 12
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the day and year shown below the name of each of the parties.
RC DESIGN COLLABORATIVE, LLC
DBA SITE LAB URBAN STUDIO
By: ____________________
Laura Crescimano
Principal
DATE: __________________
(City Seal)
CITY OF VALLEJO,
a municipal corporation
By: ____________________
Harry Black
Interim City Manager
DATE: __________________
ATTEST:
By: ____________________
Dawn G. Abrahamson
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By: ____________________ for
Veronica A. F. Nebb
City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO INSURANCE:
By: ____________________
Armond Sarkis
Risk Manager
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (5-2025) Page 1 of 1 Exhibit A – Scope of Work
EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF WORK
1. Representatives. The City Representative for this Agreement is:
Hector Rojas
Long Range Planning Manager
Planning and Development Services Department
555 Santa Clara Street
Vallejo, CA 94590
Office: 707-553-7283
[email protected]
The Consultant’s Representative for this Agreement is:
Laura Crescimano
Principal
RC Design Collaborative, LLC dba SITELAB urban studio
660 Mission Street, Suite 200
San Francisco, CA 94105
415-852-6940
[email protected]
All routine administrative communications between the parties will be between the above-named representatives and may be by personal delivery, mail, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail as agreed between the Consultant Representative and City’s Representative.
2. Services to be Provided. The services provided shall be as set forth in Attachment 1 of Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
3. Time for Performance. Consultant will perform the services according to the schedule below. If the schedule calls for the services to be performed in phases or discrete increments, Consultant shall not proceed from one phase or increment to the next without written authorization from the City’s Representative.
Consultant will complete all services by June 30, 2028.
5. No Set Work Hours. Consultant shall be solely responsible for determining the working hours of its individual personnel, employees, agents, and representatives within the limitations otherwise provided in this Agreement.
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 1 of 32 Exhibit B - Compensation
ATTACHMENT 1 OF EXHIBIT A
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
The City is preparing two new specific plans to guide future growth, development, infrastructure investment, mobility improvements, housing production, economic development, environmental justice, climate resilience, and public realm enhancements within the City’s Downtown and Waterfront planning areas.
The Downtown and Waterfront planning areas contain many of Vallejo’s most significant civic, commercial, cultural, transportation, and shoreline assets. The Specific Plans are intended to implement and refine the vision established by the Propel Vallejo General Plan 2040, support compliance with applicable regional and state requirements, including the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy, and provide a coordinated framework for future public and private investment.
Consultant shall provide professional planning, urban design, economic development, community engagement, historic preservation, mobility planning, and implementation services necessary to prepare the Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan and Vallejo Waterfront Specific Plan. Services shall include project management; community and stakeholder engagement; existing conditions analysis; opportunities and constraints evaluation; alternatives development; preparation of vision, policy, and implementation frameworks; objective design and development standards; infrastructure financing strategies; adoption support; and preparation of final plan documents.
Environmental review required for adoption of the Specific Plans shall be prepared under a separate agreement between the City and Stantec Consulting Services and is not included within this Scope of Services, except where coordination with the environmental review consultant is specifically identified.
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 2 of 32 Exhibit B - Compensation
Task 1.0: Project Initiation and Management
The purpose of this task is to establish the organizational, administrative, communication, and engagement framework necessary to support preparation of the Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan and Vallejo Waterfront Specific Plan.
Consultant shall initiate the project, establish project management procedures, develop a community engagement strategy, prepare project branding and communication materials, and compile baseline mapping and data resources necessary to support subsequent planning activities.
Task 1.1: Kick-Off Meeting and On-Going Project Management
Kick-Off Meeting
Consultant shall coordinate and facilitate a project kick-off meeting with City staff to initiate the planning process and review project objectives, scope, schedule, roles and responsibilities, communication protocols, and key project milestones.
The meeting shall establish project assumptions, identify information needs, and confirm procedures for review and approval of project deliverables.
On-Going Project Management
Consultant shall prepare and maintain a project work plan and schedule and shall provide overall project management throughout the duration of the planning process. Consultant shall coordinate and facilitate bi-weekly project team meetings, monitor project progress, maintain action items, and provide regular status updates to City staff. Project management activities shall include coordination with the environmental review consultant retained by the City under a separate agreement.
Deliverables for Task 1.1:
• Kickoff Meeting Agenda, Facilitation, and Summary
• Site Walk with City Staff
• Project Schedule, including monthly updates
• Bi-weekly project team coordination meetings, agendas, and summaries
1.2: Community Engagement Strategy
Consultant shall prepare a Community Engagement Strategy that establishes a comprehensive and transparent framework for public participation throughout the planning process. The Community Engagement Strategy shall identify opportunities to engage residents, businesses, property owners, community- based organizations, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders, with particular emphasis on populations that have historically been underrepresented in planning efforts.
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 3 of 32 Exhibit B - Compensation
Following project kickoff, Consultant shall work with City staff to develop the Community Engagement Strategy and identify key stakeholders, community- based organizations, and advisory groups that should participate in the planning process. The strategy shall establish project milestones, engagement opportunities, communication methods, performance measures, and procedures for documenting and reporting community input. The strategy shall address outreach activities related to both the Specific Plan process and anti-displacement planning efforts and identify opportunities to coordinate those activities where appropriate.
The Community Engagement Strategy shall also:
• Establish project messaging, communication materials, and outreach tools suitable for use across digital, print, and in-person engagement platforms;
• Identify targeted outreach methods intended to engage populations that have historically been underrepresented in planning and public decision- making processes and ensure outreach materials are accessible and available in multiple languages, as appropriate; and
• Establish procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of outreach efforts and refining engagement strategies throughout the planning process.
Deliverables for Task 1.2:
• Community Engagement Strategy – Draft and Final
1.3: Project Branding, Website, & Base Materials
Project Branding and Website
Consultant shall develop a project branding and communications framework to support public outreach and engagement activities throughout the planning process. Branding materials shall provide a consistent visual identity and messaging platform for both Specific Plans and may include outreach templates, website content, fact sheets, frequently asked questions, presentation templates, and other public-facing materials.
Consultant shall coordinate with City staff to develop project messaging and communication materials that clearly explain the purpose, objectives, and anticipated outcomes of the planning process. Materials shall be designed to support participation by a broad range of stakeholders and shall be prepared in English, Spanish, and Tagalog.
Consultant shall develop and maintain a project website to serve as the primary
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 4 of 32 Exhibit B - Compensation
online portal for project information, announcements, engagement opportunities, and project documents. The website shall be updated periodically throughout the planning process and may include interactive mapping tools, online surveys, comment forms, and other features intended to facilitate public participation and collection of location-specific feedback.
GIS Database and Project Basemap
Consultant shall compile, organize, and maintain available GIS and CAD information relevant to the project and shall prepare project basemaps to support existing conditions analysis, alternatives development, environmental review coordination, and Specific Plan preparation. Basemaps will clearly identify planning area boundaries, major physical features, transportation facilities, land use patterns, and other relevant information necessary to support project analyses and mapping.
Consultant shall maintain GIS data generated throughout the planning process and shall provide final GIS databases and associated mapping files to the City upon completion of the project.
Deliverables for Task 1.3:
• Project Branding Guide, including graphic palette and presentation template
• Draft and Live Project Website, including milestone updates • Outreach Templates for Community Engagement Activities • Consolidated GIS Database
• Project Basemaps for Existing and Proposed Conditions within the Planning Areas
This task assumes the following:
• Bi-weekly project coordination meetings will be conducted virtually and will not exceed one hour in duration.
• City review periods of up to 30 business days for draft deliverables, depending on document length and complexity. City shall provide written confirmation that final deliverables are deemed complete, or supply a compiled list of remaining technical deficiencies, within 30 business days of receipt, unless another time period is mutually agreed upon for the specific task. Deliverables not commented upon within the specified review period shall be considered final.
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 5 of 32 Exhibit B - Compensation
• Overall project schedule and task durations may be adjusted as necessary to accommodate City review timelines, public hearing schedules, and other project-related scheduling considerations.
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 6 of 32 Exhibit B - Compensation
Task 2.0: Existing Conditions and Opportunities/Constraints Analysis
The purpose of this task is to document existing conditions within the planning areas, identify opportunities and constraints affecting future development and investment, and establish the technical foundation necessary to support alternatives development, environmental review, and preparation of the Specific Plans.
2.1: Existing Conditions and Mobility Assessment
Existing Conditions Assessment
Consultant shall conduct an Existing Conditions Assessment for the Study Area to document physical, regulatory, economic, and community conditions relevant to preparation of the Specific Plans. The assessment shall incorporate review of existing plans, policies, technical studies, mapping resources, demographic information, and field observations, as well as input received through community engagement activities.
Consultant shall evaluate existing land use patterns, zoning regulations, urban form, transportation infrastructure, public facilities, open space resources, Priority Development Area designations, MTC TOC Policy requirements, climate resilience considerations, and environmental justice indicators. Consultant shall also review relevant planning efforts and studies affecting the planning areas, including adjacent and overlapping planning initiatives, to identify opportunities for coordination and implementation.
Consultant will assess infrastructure conditions through mapping and analysis of existing conditions, utility capacity, service gaps, and planned public works projects. Mapping will be developed in GIS based on best available data for inclusion in the project GIS database and project basemap. Topographic mapping and survey is not anticipated and is therefore excluded from this scope of work.
Layers may include but are not limited to Potable Water supply and distribution, Wastewater conveyance and treatment, Recycled water use and distribution, Roadway and Streetscape, Stormwater Management and Water Quality, Power and Energy.
The Existing Conditions Assessment shall identify key opportunities and constraints affecting future development, mobility, housing, economic development, climate adaptation, and public realm improvements and shall provide a foundation for subsequent alternatives development and policy recommendations.
Mobility Assessment
Consultant and Professional Services Agreement (Revised 05-2025) Page 7 of 32 Exhibit B - Compensation
Consultant shall conduct a comprehensive mobility assessment of multimodal circulation and transportation conditions within the Study Area. The assessment shall include evaluation of roadway operations, transit access, pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, parking conditions, safety considerations, and vehicle miles traveled metrics consistent with applicable City and regional requirements.
The Mobility Assessment shall identify transportation opportunities and constraints, multimodal network gaps, safety concerns, capacity limitations, parking issues, and other factors relevant to development of the Specific Plans.
Findings shall be documented through narrative analysis and mapping and shall inform future mobility strategies, capital improvement recommendations, and implementation measures.
Deliverables for Task 2.1:
• Existing Conditions Assessment for Study Area – Draft and Final, including: Physical Conditions and Urban Form; PDA Profile; Infrastructure Assessment; and Opportunities and Constraints Maps • GIS dataset layers for existing infrastructure for Study Area • Mobility Assessment for the Study Area – Draft and Final
2.2: Downtown Historic Context and Resource Survey
Consultant shall prepare a Historic Context Statement for Downtown Vallejo that documents the historical themes, development patterns, architectural character, and cultural resources that have shaped the planning area. The Historic Context Statement shall be based upon archival research, review of existing documentation, and evaluation of historic development trends.
Consultant shall conduct a historic resource survey within the Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan Area, including evaluation of previously identified resources and age- eligible properties. The survey shall include reconnaissance-level and intensive- level evaluations, as appropriate, and shall identify properties that may qualify for designation or protection under applicable local, state, or federal historic resource criteria.
Consultant shall prepare a Historic Survey Report and associated California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) forms documenting survey findings and recommendations. Survey data shall be provided in a format compatible with the City's GIS database.
Deliverables for Task 2.2:
• Downtown Vallejo Historic Context Statement – Draft and Final • Downtown Historic Resource Survey, including individual DPR 523 evaluation forms for eligible properties and survey report – Draft and Final
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• Downtown Historic Resource Survey Final Spreadsheet and GIS Data
2.3: Market Demand and Housing Strategy Memoranda
Consultant shall prepare a Market Demand and Feasibility Memorandum evaluating economic, demographic, and real estate market conditions relevant to the Downtown and Waterfront planning areas. The memorandum shall assess residential, retail, office, hospitality, industrial, and other relevant market sectors and shall identify opportunities, constraints, and trends that may influence future development and investment.
The analysis shall include review of available demographic and economic data, market indicators, development trends, and stakeholder input, as appropriate.
Findings shall be used to evaluate the feasibility of potential land use alternatives and implementation strategies considered during the planning process.
Based on the market analysis and applicable City policies, Consultant shall prepare a Preliminary Housing Strategy Memorandum identifying potential strategies to facilitate housing production, improve housing affordability, support a diversity of housing types, and advance applicable Housing Element objectives.
The memorandum shall consider market conditions, community priorities, and best practices from comparable jurisdictions and shall identify opportunities to support future housing development within the planning areas.
Deliverables for Task 2.3:
• Market Demand and Feasibility Memorandum – Draft and Final • Preliminary Housing Strategy Memorandum – Draft and Final
This task assumes the following:
• All deliverables, except the Historic Context Statement and Historic Resource Survey, shall be prepared for the combined Study Area and may include planning area-specific findings where appropriate.
• One round of City review and comment on each assessment and memorandum.
• Historic resource survey activities shall be limited to properties located within the Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan Area.
• Existing infrastructure will be assessed at a high level to understand and identify critical deficiencies. Should detailed analysis of certain areas or
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utilities be warranted based on our findings, Consultant will inform the City and provide a scope/fee amendment.
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Task 3.0: Community Engagement
Consultant shall implement the Community Engagement Strategy prepared under Task 1.0 and conduct a coordinated public participation program for the Downtown and Waterfront planning areas. Engagement activities shall be designed to inform preparation of the Specific Plans, gather community input regarding existing conditions and future opportunities, evaluate alternatives, and support development of the Preferred Plan and final planning documents.
To maximize efficiency and reduce participation fatigue, engagement activities shall generally be conducted for the combined Study Area. Engagement shall be organized into three phases corresponding to major project milestones:
• Phase 1 – Existing Conditions, Opportunities, and Community Vision • Phase 2 – Alternatives Development and Preferred Plan Refinement • Phase 3 – Final Plan Review and Adoption Support
Consultant shall document community input throughout the planning process and demonstrate how feedback informed development of the Specific Plans.
3.1: Engagement Meetings, Events, and Materials
Advisory Committee Meetings
Consultant shall support engagement with City-designated advisory committees throughout the planning process, including a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
The CAC shall serve as a forum for residents, business owners, community-based organizations, property owners, and other community stakeholders to provide input regarding community priorities, planning issues, alternatives, and policy recommendations. The CAC shall provide community-based perspectives to help inform preparation of the Specific Plans.
The TAC shall serve as a forum for representatives of governmental agencies, utility providers, transportation agencies, special districts, and other technical stakeholders to review project findings, identify implementation considerations, coordinate planning efforts, and provide technical input regarding proposed recommendations.
Consultant shall attend and facilitate CAC and TAC meetings throughout the planning process and shall prepare agendas, presentation materials, and meeting summaries. Consultant shall facilitate up to two meetings per advisory committee during each of the first two engagement phases, for a total of up to four meetings per advisory committee. At least one meeting per advisory committee shall include discussion of anti-displacement issues and strategies.
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Stakeholder Interviews and Online Engagement
Consultant shall conduct stakeholder outreach activities to gather focused input from community-based organizations, business representatives, residents, youth, seniors, housing advocates, governmental agencies, and other interested parties.
Consultant shall conduct up to six stakeholder listening sessions with targeted stakeholder groups to obtain detailed feedback regarding planning issues, opportunities, community priorities, and proposed recommendations. Consultant shall work with City staff to identify participants and prepare agendas, discussion guides, and supporting materials for each session.
In addition to stakeholder listening sessions, Consultant shall conduct up to six community listening sessions designed to provide accessible, grassroots engagement opportunities within neighborhoods and community settings.
Community listening sessions may occur in informal settings such as coffee chats, neighborhood gatherings, community events, or similar venues intended to meet participants where they are and encourage participation by individuals who may not otherwise engage through traditional public meetings.
Consultant shall maintain a budget of up to $10,000 to support participation in stakeholder and community listening sessions by community representatives, community-based organization representatives, and other participants identified through the Community Engagement Strategy. Funds may be used to compensate participants for their time, encourage participation, and reduce barriers to engagement, particularly among historically underrepresented populations.
Dedicated anti-displacement engagement activities shall be conducted early in the planning process to inform preparation of the anti-displacement feasibility study and related policy recommendations. Such engagement shall include coordination with the stakeholders identified through the Community Engagement Strategy, as appropriate.
Consultant shall also prepare and administer up to three online multilingual feedback forms to gather community input at key project milestones. Online engagement tools shall be made available through the project website and may include interactive mapping tools, questionnaires, topic-specific feedback opportunities, and QR-code-based distribution methods intended to expand participation and awareness of engagement opportunities.
Pop-Up Events and Outreach Materials
Consultant shall conduct up to four community outreach activities at locations and events throughout Vallejo to increase awareness of the planning process and expand participation opportunities. Outreach activities may include pop-up events,
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informational booths, community gatherings, and similar engagement opportunities at locations identified in coordination with City staff. Potential locations may include community events, farmers markets, art walks, libraries, parks, schools, senior programs, neighborhood gatherings, and other high-visibility locations within the community.
Pop-up events shall be designed to meet people where they are and maximize participation by individuals who may not otherwise engage through traditional public meetings. Activities may include informational displays, interactive exercises, project information boards, fact sheets, visual preference surveys, mapping activities, and other tools intended to efficiently gather community input.
Consultant shall provide opportunities for participants to access online engagement tools through QR codes and other digital engagement methods, as appropriate.
Consultant shall prepare an Outreach Toolkit to support public engagement and maintain consistent project messaging across digital and print media. The Outreach Toolkit may include fact sheets, project summaries, frequently asked questions (FAQs), social media graphics, presentation materials, website content, and other communication tools necessary to support engagement activities and expand awareness of the planning process. Materials shall be prepared in formats suitable for distribution through both digital and in-person channels and shall be translated, as appropriate, to support participation by Vallejo's diverse communities.
Public Workshops
Consultant shall organize and facilitate public workshops at key project milestones to present project information and obtain community feedback. Workshops shall include presentation materials, interactive exercises, opportunities for public discussion, and documentation of participant input. Workshop topics shall generally include existing conditions and community visioning, alternatives evaluation, and preferred plan development.
Consultant shall provide translation and accessibility measures consistent with the Community Engagement Strategy.
Engagement Summaries
Consultant shall prepare summaries documenting engagement activities conducted during each phase of the planning process. Summaries shall identify major themes, key concerns, opportunities, and recommendations raised by participants and shall describe how community feedback informed subsequent planning activities.
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Deliverables for Task 3.1
• Up to 2 in-person CAC meeting agendas, presentation materials, and summary notes
• Up to 2 TAC meeting agendas, presentation materials, and summary notes
• Up to 6 stakeholder listening sessions, including agendas, presentation materials, and summary notes
• Up to 6 community listening sessions, including agendas and summary notes
• Up to 3 online multilingual feedback forms, including draft and final surveys and summary reports
• Up to 4 pop-up events, including engagement materials and summary notes
• Outreach materials, including outreach templates, promotional materials, website content, fact sheets, and FAQs
• Up to 2 public workshops, including agendas, presentation materials, and summaries
• Up to 2 Community Engagement Summary Memoranda
3.2: Commission and Council Hearing Support
Consultant shall provide technical support for Planning Commission and City Council meetings related to preparation and adoption of the Specific Plans.
Preferred Plan Review
Consultant shall prepare presentation materials summarizing community engagement findings, alternatives evaluation, and the Preferred Plan for presentation at Planning Commission and City Council study sessions. Consultant shall assist City staff by providing technical information, graphics, draft text, and other materials necessary to support preparation of staff reports and meeting presentations.
Final Plan Review and Adoption
Consultant shall support public hearings associated with review and adoption of the Specific Plans. Consultant shall prepare presentation materials summarizing the final planning recommendations and shall attend meetings to present project information and respond to questions from decision-makers and the public.
Final staff reports shall be prepared and issued by the City.
Deliverables for Task 3.2:
• Preferred Plan presentation materials for Planning Commission study session – Draft and Final
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• Preferred Plan presentation materials for City Council study session – Draft and Final
• Technical review and support materials for City-prepared staff reports • Planning Commission and City Council hearing presentations for final plan adoption
• Attendance at up to four public hearings
This task assumes the following:
• Engagement activities shall generally be conducted for the combined Study Area.
• The City shall identify advisory committees, appoint members, and coordinate meeting scheduling and notices.
• The City shall be responsible for securing meeting venues, audiovisual equipment, childcare services, and refreshments for in-person public workshops.
• Consultant shall be responsible only for the direct costs identified in the approved project budget.
• City shall be responsible for printing costs exceeding the budgeted reimbursable amount.
• Public engagement during preparation of the draft Specific Plans and environmental review shall occur primarily through Planning Commission and City Council study sessions and hearings.
• Consultant attendance at public hearings is limited to the meetings identified in this scope.
• The City shall prepare official meeting minutes and maintain the administrative record for all Planning Commission and City Council hearings.
Task 4.0: Vision, Guiding Principles, and Alternatives Development
The purpose of this task is to establish a community-based vision for the planning areas, develop guiding principles to inform future decision-making, and evaluate alternative land use, mobility, and urban design concepts that will inform preparation of the Preferred Plan.
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4.1: Community Vision Statement and Alternatives Report
Community Vision Statement
Consultant shall prepare a Community Vision Statement and associated Guiding Principles based on information collected through community engagement activities, existing conditions analysis, technical studies, and City policy objectives.
The Community Vision Statement shall establish a long-term framework for future growth, development, mobility, economic development, housing, environmental stewardship, and public realm improvements within the planning areas.
Consultant shall prepare Guiding Principles that articulate the core values and objectives that will guide development of the Specific Plans. Guiding Principles may address both Study Area-wide priorities and planning area-specific considerations where appropriate.
Concept Alternatives
Consultant shall prepare and evaluate up to three concept alternatives for the Study Area. Alternatives shall reflect varying approaches to land use, mobility, development intensity, urban form, public realm improvements, and implementation priorities.
Consultant shall utilize maps, diagrams, illustrations, and other graphic materials to communicate the characteristics of each alternative and facilitate comparison of their relative advantages, constraints, and trade-offs. Alternatives shall be evaluated for consistency with the Community Vision Statement, Guiding Principles, technical analyses, and community input received throughout the planning process.
Deliverables for Task 4.1:
• Community Vision Statement and Guiding Principles Presentation for each Plan Area – Draft and Final
• Up to 2 design workshops with City staff to review and refine alternative concepts
• Land Use Alternatives Presentation for the Study Area – Preliminary and Revised, including: Up to 3 alternative land use and connectivity diagrams; High-level development capacity comparison; and Evaluation of each alternative relative to Guiding Principles, opportunities, and constraints
4.2: Development Feasibility Report
Consultant shall evaluate the economic feasibility of up to four representative
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development typologies within the Study Area. The analysis shall consider market conditions, development costs, revenue assumptions, regulatory requirements, and other factors affecting the viability of future development.
Consultant shall prepare development feasibility analyses for representative development prototypes and shall identify opportunities, constraints, and potential implementation measures that could improve project feasibility and support achievement of Specific Plan objectives.
Developer and Market Interviews
Consultant shall conduct up to six developer and market interviews with developers, industry representatives, economists, and other market participants to obtain information regarding development feasibility, market conditions, implementation challenges, and investment opportunities within Downtown and Waterfront Vallejo.
Findings from the feasibility analysis and interviews shall be documented in a Development Feasibility Report and shall be used to inform preparation of the Preferred Plan and implementation strategies.
Development Feasibility Report
Consultant will provide input related to utility service, drainage, and overall circulation infrastructure. Infrastructure will be developed at a conceptual level to support each of the three alternatives. Specifically, typical street sections will be prepared, utility systems will be laid out in GIS, and exhibits will be prepared identifying open space, drainage characterization, and key points of connection to existing infrastructure. Infrastructure will be sized using land use classifications for water, sewer, and power demand. Full demand models will be developed at a conceptual level to identify pipe sizing and system requirements such as pumps.
Detailed design showing valves, manholes, etc. is beyond the scope anticipated for this effort.
At a conceptual level, Consultant will prepare rough order-of-magnitude (ROM) cost estimates for major infrastructure components associated with each alternative, based on preliminary layouts, unit cost assumptions, and high-level system sizing, to support comparative evaluation of alternatives. Detailed engineering-level cost estimating is beyond the scope of this effort.
Deliverables for Task 4.2:
• Alternatives Development Feasibility Report for the Study Area – Draft and Final
• Developer Interview Summary Presentation documenting key findings and recommendations
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• GIS dataset layers for proposed infrastructure for three alternatives • Typical roadway sections in graphical form (PDF/CAD)
• Up to four (4) exhibits per alternative for open space, drainage characterization and points of connection
• Infrastructure Assessment Cost Summary Tables
This task assumes the following:
• Community Vision Statements and Guiding Principles will be prepared for each Specific Plan Area.
• Concept alternatives will be prepared for the combined Study Area and will clearly identify the boundaries of the Downtown and Waterfront planning areas.
Task 5.0: Preferred Plan Development
The purpose of this task is to prepare a Preferred Plan for the Study Area and develop the policy, implementation, and technical framework necessary to support preparation of the Specific Plans.
5.1: Preferred Plan and Strategy Memoranda
Preferred Plan
Consultant shall prepare a Preferred Plan for the Study Area based on the findings of previous tasks, including community engagement, existing conditions analysis, market and feasibility studies, historic resource analysis, mobility assessments, alternatives evaluation, and other technical work products. The Preferred Plan shall establish a coordinated framework for future land use, mobility, housing, economic development, climate resilience, environmental justice, public realm improvements, and implementation.
The Preferred Plan shall summarize the recommended planning framework for the Study Area and identify strategic priorities, land use concepts, mobility improvements, public realm enhancements, and implementation objectives that will serve as the foundation for preparation of the Specific Plans.
Climate Adaptation Strategy Memorandum
Consultant shall prepare a Climate Adaptation Strategy Memorandum identifying climate-related vulnerabilities, resilience objectives, and adaptation strategies applicable to the Study Area. The memorandum shall evaluate opportunities to improve resilience to sea level rise, flooding, extreme heat, and other climate-
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related hazards and shall identify policies, programs, infrastructure investments, and implementation measures that support long-term adaptation.
Recommendations shall be informed by applicable regional and local planning efforts, including climate resilience planning initiatives and relevant General Plan policies and amendments.
Equity & Environmental Justice Strategy Memorandum
Consultant shall prepare an Equity and Environmental Justice Strategy Memorandum evaluating environmental justice conditions, disadvantaged communities, vulnerable populations, access to community resources, and existing inequities within the Study Area.
The memorandum shall identify opportunities to improve equitable access to housing, transportation, public facilities, parks, healthy food, economic opportunity, and other community benefits. Recommendations shall include policies and implementation measures intended to reduce environmental burdens, improve community health and safety, and advance equitable outcomes within the planning areas.
Public Realm and Placemaking Memorandum
Consultant shall prepare a Public Realm and Placemaking Memorandum establishing a vision and framework for streets, open spaces, public gathering areas, urban design, and placemaking improvements within the Study Area. The memorandum shall identify public realm priorities and design objectives intended to strengthen neighborhood character, improve pedestrian experiences, enhance connectivity, and support economic activity and community identity.
The memorandum shall include diagrams, precedent imagery, and other graphic materials necessary to communicate recommended urban design concepts, public realm improvements, and placemaking strategies.
Interim Activation Study
Consultant shall prepare an Interim Activation Study identifying near-term opportunities to activate public spaces, support local businesses, celebrate cultural assets, and enhance public life within Downtown and Waterfront Vallejo. The study may evaluate opportunities including temporary events, façade improvements, ground-floor activation strategies, public art installations, temporary street closures, temporary open space improvements, and other placemaking initiatives.
The study shall identify priority action areas and implementation opportunities that may be pursued prior to buildout of the Specific Plans and shall include mapping of recommended activation areas and up to five pilot projects suitable for near-
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term implementation.
Infrastructure Strategy Memorandum
Building upon the Existing Conditions Assessment, proposed infrastructure improvements will be developed to complement the Preferred Plan. Improvements will not only address necessary upgrades but also integrate sustainable practice into the fabric of the community infrastructure. Consultant will prepare a brief infrastructure strategy focused on storm drainage, flood control, water system, and sanitary systems, as well as thoughtful re-use of stormwater and use of recycled water and renewable energy opportunities as appropriate. The memo will present proposed improvements at a conceptual level to identify the infrastructure necessary to support the Preferred Plan. The memo will identify which utilities need to be upgraded, expanded, or extended to provide service to the development sites in the Study Area and which utilities may need to be abandoned in place. This strategy memo will be coordinated with the Implementation Plan (Task 7.1).
TOC Parking Management Strategy Compliance Memorandum
Consultant shall prepare a TOC Parking Management Strategy Compliance Memorandum evaluating parking policies, parking standards, transportation demand management measures, shared parking opportunities, and related implementation tools necessary to support compliance with applicable Metropolitan Transportation Commission Transit-Oriented Communities Policy requirements.
The memorandum shall evaluate parking management strategies that support reduced vehicle dependence while maintaining consistency with the development objectives of the Specific Plans.
TOC Station Access Strategy Compliance Memorandum
Consultant shall prepare a TOC Station Access Strategy Compliance Memorandum evaluating pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and multimodal access conditions within the Study Area. The memorandum shall identify access improvements, mobility hub opportunities, priority projects, funding considerations, and implementation strategies necessary to support compliance with applicable Transit-Oriented Communities Policy requirements.
Recommendations shall address access gaps, connectivity improvements, mobility hub opportunities, project prioritization, and implementation responsibilities.
TOC Density Strategy Compliance
Consultant shall prepare a TOC Density Strategy Compliance Memorandum
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evaluating consistency of the Specific Plans with applicable Metropolitan Transportation Commission Transit-Oriented Communities Policy requirements related to residential density, commercial intensity, affordable housing, parking standards, transportation demand management measures, and related policy requirements.
The memorandum shall identify any compliance gaps and recommend modifications necessary to achieve consistency with applicable TOC requirements.
Deliverables for Task 5.1:
• Preferred Plan Summary Presentation for the Study Area – Draft and Final
• Climate Adaptation Strategy Memorandum for the Study Area – Draft and Final
• Equity and Environmental Justice Strategy Memorandum for the Study Area – Draft and Final
• Public Realm and Placemaking Memorandum for the Study Area, including Interim Activation Study – Draft and Final
• Infrastructure Strategy Memo for Study Area - Draft and Final • GIS dataset layers for proposed infrastructure for Preferred Alternative • TOC Parking Management Strategy Compliance Memorandum for the Study Area – Draft and Final
• TOC Station Access Strategy Compliance Memorandum for the Study Area – Draft and Final
• TOC Density Strategy Compliance Memorandum for the Study Area – Draft and Final
5.2: Anti-Displacement Feasibility Study
Consultant shall prepare an Anti-Displacement Feasibility Study evaluating the potential for residential, commercial, cultural, and other forms of displacement associated with future growth and development within Downtown Vallejo. The study shall evaluate existing conditions, displacement risks, community concerns, and best practices from comparable jurisdictions and shall identify strategies that may assist in reducing displacement and promoting housing stability.
The study shall assess the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a range of anti- displacement strategies and programs and shall identify opportunities to support residents, businesses, community organizations, and cultural institutions that may be vulnerable to displacement pressures. Although the study shall focus on conditions within the Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan Area, recommendations may include strategies applicable on a citywide basis.
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Anti-Displacement Policy Memorandum
Consultant shall prepare a memorandum evaluating potential policy approaches associated with anti-displacement strategies identified through community engagement, technical analysis, and best practice research. The memorandum shall summarize community input received during the planning process, identify available policy options, and evaluate considerations associated with implementation of such measures.
To the extent community recommendations or policy alternatives raise regulatory, or implementation issues, the memorandum shall identify and evaluate those considerations.
Ordinance Support
At the direction of the City, Consultant shall provide community outreach, technical analysis, research, policy evaluation, and preparation of supporting materials in support of City’s proposed ordinances. Final policy recommendations, ordinance language, legal conclusions, and adoption decisions shall remain the responsibility of the City and City Attorney.
Deliverables for Task 5.2
• Anti-Displacement Feasibility Study (Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan Area) – Draft and Final
• Anti-Displacement Policy Memorandum
• Draft Anti-Displacement Ordinance Support Materials
This task assumes the following:
• Preferred Plan is prepared for the combined Study Area denoting boundaries of respective Plan Areas.
• Strategy memoranda prepared under this task are intended to establish the policy framework for the Specific Plans and inform subsequent plan preparation. The memoranda are not intended to function as regulatory documents.
• Draft and final deliverables will be reviewed by City staff and comments will be consolidated and transmitted to Consultant through a designated City representative.
• To the extent that existing and proposed capacities are known and provided to Consultant by the utilities or service agencies, they will be reviewed to
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identify their ability to meet the needs of the Preferred Plan and deficiencies will be noted.
• No modeling of any storm drain, flood control, water system, sanitary sewer system or other wet or dry utility is included. No field verification or new data collection will be performed.
• TOC compliance memoranda shall be focused on documenting consistency with applicable Metropolitan Transportation Commission Transit-Oriented Communities Policy requirements and identifying actions necessary to achieve compliance.
• TOC compliance memoranda shall be prepared for the combined Study Area. Additional scope may be required if separate memoranda are required by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for each Specific Plan Area.
• City will coordinate directly with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission regarding TOC compliance determinations, reporting requirements, and acceptance of compliance documentation.
Task 6.0: Draft Specific Plan Preparation
The purpose of this task is to prepare Administrative Draft and Public Review Draft versions of the Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan and Vallejo Waterfront Specific Plan. Building upon the technical analyses, community engagement activities, alternatives evaluation, Preferred Plan, and strategy memoranda prepared under previous tasks, Consultant shall develop comprehensive planning documents that establish the policy, land use, urban design, mobility, implementation, and development framework for the planning areas.
6.1: Draft Specific Plans
Administrative Draft Specific Plans
Consultant shall prepare an Administrative Draft Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan and an Administrative Draft Vallejo Waterfront Specific Plan based on the Preferred Plan, strategy memoranda, technical studies, community engagement results, and other work products prepared under previous tasks.
The Specific Plans shall establish a comprehensive planning framework for the Downtown and Waterfront planning areas and shall include land use, urban
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design, mobility, housing, economic development, climate resilience, public realm, infrastructure, implementation, and other topics necessary to support long-term planning and implementation objectives.
Consultant shall prepare a working outline for the Specific Plans and shall coordinate with City staff regarding document organization, chapter structure, graphic standards, and overall content. Consultant shall review applicable planning documents, development regulations, objective design standards resources, and comparable planning documents to inform preparation of the Specific Plans.
Consultant shall prepare plan narratives, maps, figures, policies, implementation measures, development standards, objective design standards, and supporting graphics necessary to communicate the vision and recommendations of the Specific Plans. The Administrative Draft Specific Plans shall be internally consistent and coordinated with applicable General Plan policies, zoning regulations, and other relevant planning documents.
Consultant shall evaluate existing development standards and design regulations and identify opportunities to improve clarity, consistency, objectivity, and implementation effectiveness. Objective design standards shall be tailored to the unique characteristics and development objectives of the Downtown and Waterfront planning areas.
Specific Plan content may address, but is not limited to, land use and development, mobility and circulation, access and connectivity, urban design, public realm improvements, placemaking, open space, building form and massing, ground-floor activation, implementation actions, infrastructure improvements, and objective design standards.
Public Review Draft Specific Plans
Following City review of the Administrative Draft Specific Plans, Consultant shall revise the documents based on consolidated City comments and prepare Public Review Draft Specific Plans for public circulation and review. Consultant shall coordinate with City staff regarding comment resolution and document revisions necessary to support public review and subsequent environmental review and adoption processes.
Deliverables for Task 6.1:
• Working Outline for Specific Plans, including a recommended list of Objective Design Standard categories
• Administrative Draft Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan
• Administrative Draft Vallejo Waterfront Specific Plan • Public Review Draft Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan
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• Public Review Draft Vallejo Waterfront Specific Plan
This task assumes the following:
• Administrative Draft Specific Plans may contain clearly identified placeholder text, graphics, figures, or other content that will be completed or refined prior to preparation of the Public Review Draft Specific Plans.
• Assumes a City review period of approximately three weeks for Administrative Draft Specific Plans. Extended review periods may require adjustment of the project schedule.
• Assumes City comments will be consolidated and transmitted through a designated City representative and will identify any conflicting comments or issues requiring additional direction.
• Scope does not include preparation of comprehensive new zoning code chapters. Existing zoning districts and development standards may be utilized and adapted where appropriate. New standards shall be prepared only where necessary to implement the Specific Plans and support the development types and urban conditions envisioned for the planning areas.
Task 7.0: Infrastructure Financing and Implementation Strategy
The purpose of this task is to identify funding mechanisms, financing tools, implementation strategies, and partnership opportunities necessary to support implementation of the Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan and Vallejo Waterfront Specific Plan. Consultant shall evaluate potential funding sources and implementation approaches for infrastructure improvements, public realm investments, mobility projects, climate resilience initiatives, public facilities, and other capital improvements identified through the planning process.
7.1: Infrastructure Financing and Implementation Strategy
Consultant shall prepare an Infrastructure Financing and Implementation Strategy for the Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan Area and Vallejo Waterfront Specific Plan Area. The strategy shall identify potential funding mechanisms, financing tools, implementation approaches, and partnership opportunities necessary to support public improvements and implementation of the Specific Plans.
Based on the Preferred Plan and infrastructure strategy memo (Task 5), Consultant will provide preliminary magnitude of order cost estimates, timeframe, and relative priority for needed upgrades or new infrastructure based on quantity
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takeoffs for the Preferred Plan associated with each Specific Plan Area. Consultant and the City will develop an overall phasing strategy that identifies the sequencing of infrastructure improvements. Given infrastructure may benefit both Plan Areas, implementation planning will occur collectively for the combined Study Area.
Consultant shall evaluate potential funding sources for infrastructure improvements, transportation and mobility projects, public facilities, parks and open space improvements, shoreline and climate resilience projects, public realm improvements, and other capital investments identified through the planning process. Funding sources may include, but are not limited to, Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts, development impact fees, assessment districts, grants, public-private partnerships, and state, regional, and federal funding programs.
Based on the recommended public improvements and implementation actions identified in the Specific Plans, Consultant shall prepare funding matrices identifying potential funding sources, implementation considerations, and responsible entities associated with major categories of improvements.
Consultant shall also provide a high-level qualitative assessment of fiscal and implementation considerations associated with the recommended financing and implementation framework.
Deliverables for Task 7.1:
• Infrastructure Financing and Implementation Strategy for the Study Area – Draft and Final
• Infrastructure Cost Estimate for Study Area - Draft and Final • Downtown Infrastructure Implementation Plan - Draft and Final • Waterfront Infrastructure Implementation Plan - Draft and Final
This task assumes the following:
• Funding recommendations shall be based on the public improvements, infrastructure needs, and implementation actions identified through the planning process.
• The strategy shall identify potential funding sources and implementation considerations but shall not include preparation of financing district formation documents, nexus studies, development impact fee studies, grant applications, or other implementation documents.
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• Existing infrastructure will be assessed at a high level to understand and identify critical deficiencies. Should detailed analysis of certain areas or utilities be warranted based on our findings, we will inform the City and provide a scope/fee amendment.
Task 8.0: Adoption and Final Plan Preparation
The purpose of this task is to support review, refinement, and adoption of the Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan and Vallejo Waterfront Specific Plan and to prepare final plan documents for long-term use and implementation by the City.
Consultant shall incorporate revisions resulting from public review, environmental review, Planning Commission recommendations, and City Council direction and shall prepare Draft Final and Final Specific Plans suitable for adoption and publication.
8.1: Final Specific Plans
Consultant shall prepare Draft Final and Final versions of the Downtown Vallejo Specific Plan and Vallejo Waterfront Specific Plan based on public review comments, environmental review findings, Planning Commission recommendations, City Council direction, and other revisions identified during the plan review and adoption process.
Draft Final Specific Plans
Following completion of public review and receipt of City direction regarding proposed revisions, Consultant shall prepare Draft Final Specific Plans incorporating revisions to plan text, maps, figures, implementation measures, objective design standards, and other content, as appropriate. The Draft Final Specific Plans shall serve as the primary planning documents for consideration during Planning Commission and City Council adoption proceedings.
Final Specific Plans
Following adoption by the City Council, Consultant shall prepare Final Specific Plans incorporating any revisions directed by the City during the adoption process.
Final documents shall include all adopted text, maps, figures, tables, implementation measures, and supporting graphics and shall be prepared in a format suitable for publication and long-term use by the City.
Consultant shall provide final electronic copies of all adopted Specific Plan documents and associated graphics, maps, and supporting files prepared as part of this task.
Deliverables Task 8.1: