CITY OF VISTA
CONSOLIDATED MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 24, 2023
The January 24, 2023, Regular Meeting of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, the Community Development Commission of the City of Vista, the Buena Sanitation District, and the Successor Agency to the Vista Redevelopment Agency, was called to order by Mayor Franklin at 5:30 pm in the City Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista, California.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT
Mayor John Franklin, Deputy Mayor Corinna Contreras
Joe Green, Katie Melendez, Dan O'Donnell
DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
Walter Chung City Attorney
Amanda Lee Acting City Manager
John Boyce Sheriff's Captain
Roy Palmer Interim Fire Chief
Craig Usher Deputy Fire Chief
Kathy Valdez City Clerk
John Conley Director of Community Development and Engineering Dolores Gascon Human Resources Director
Larry Vaupel Economic Development Director
Mike Pacheco Recreation and Community Services Director Kuna Muthusamy Public Works Director
Mike Sylvia Finance Director
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Green led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Pastor Chase Feindel, Anthem Church, provided the invocation.
BROWN ACT NOTICE
City Clerk Kathy Valdez stated that, due to convening simultaneous meetings, the Buena Sanitation District Board Members will receive compensation of$147.75 for the District meeting.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Acting City Manager Amanda Lee stated there are no changes to the agenda.
PRESENTATION
P1 . Mayor Franklin read a proclamation declaring 2023 as a year of celebration of the City of Vista's Diamond Anniversary.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Franklin announced that item C4 is being removed from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Green for discussion.
VISTA CITY COUNCIL(CC) BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT(BSD) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (CDC)
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE VISTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (SA)JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY(JPFA)
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
JANUARY 24, 2023
MOTION BY GREEN, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
C1. Received and filed the Treasurer's Cash Report for the month ending November 30, 2022. (CC) C2. Approved the following minutes: January 10, 2023, Consolidated Meeting (CC/CDC/SA/BSD) C3. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-4, entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, giving notice on intention of the City Council to levy an annual assessment of the Central Vista Business Improvement District, and fixing a date and time of a public hearing to consider the annual levy." (CC)
C4. Mayor Franklin announced this item was removed from the consent calendar for discussion.
C5. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-6, entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, adopting the agreement between the City of Vista and University Resident Theatre Association." (CC)
C6. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-7, entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, authorizing the grant application for FEMA FY 2022 Assistance to Firefighters grant funding." (CC)
C7. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-8, entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, authorizing the submission of a grant application to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS)." (CC)
ITEM REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
C4. PUBLIC LEMON MURAL APPROVAL (CC)
Councilmember Green thanked staff, Traci Lawson, and the Public Arts Commission for the mural.
MOTION BY GREEN, SECOND BY FRANKLIN, TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION No. 2023-5, ENTITLED "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA,APPROVING
THE PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDED MURAL AT PUBLIC
LEMON, IN ACCORDANCE WITH VISTA CITY COUNCIL POLICY 400-04, ARTWORKS IN PUBLIC PLACES."
VOTE: 5-0
DISCUSSION
D1. USES FOR CITY OWNED PARCEL (ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBER 176-300-54) (CC) Councilmember Melendez introduced the item.
In response to questions about the surplus land act, Community Development Director John Conley stated the City has met the requirements of announcing the availability of the property to affordable housing developers and that no developer showed interest. If the property is developed with housing, it will require some affordable units.
The following members of the public voiced their support of Monarch developing housing on the site:
Berto Gutierrez, Carpenters Union Ted Velasquez, Carpenters Union Christopher Allen Stephanie Peraza, Carpenters Union Jorge Viramontes Doug Hicks, SWMSRCC
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JANUARY 24, 2023
Erik Shraner, Monarch Group Phil Church
Emily Gutierrez, Carpenters Union Jacinto Dominguez, Carpenters Union Community member Phil Church asked the City Council to consider the proximity of the property to the creek and the local habitat when deciding the best use for the site.
City Council Members and staff discussed the following:
• Support for using surplus land for affordable housing projects, but not for market rate projects (even if a portion are affordable)
• Concerns about developing housing on this site
• Need for open space; could develop as a park; potential site for a dog park • Impressed by Monarch and their labor practices
• The site could be sold and the revenue could be used to buy property elsewhere for a park • The site is next to a preservation area where indigenous artifacts were found; input from tribal leaders is needed
• Community input and further discussion is needed; the item should be scheduled for a workshop DISCUSSED USES FOR A VACANT 1.59-ACRE CITY OWNED PARCEL (ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER 176-300-54) AND DIRECTED STAFF TO BRING BACK THE ITEM AT A FUTURE WORKSHOP.
VOTE: NO VOTE
D2. TRAFFIC CALMING TECHNIQUES (CC)
Deputy Mayor Contreras introduced the item.
The following members of the public shared their concerns about speeding and red light/stop sign running in various locations around the City:
John Knieff Eric Gulino Deborah McGee Brad McGee Rudy Moreno Ryan Collins Amanda Young Rigby Melissa Collins Bautista Mendez Julia Shriver Phil Church Carol Jefferies Michele Palone Trevor Lima James Mincey Alla Valdespino City Council Members and staff discussed the following:
• Cut through traffic has resulted in speeding and congestion in many residential neighborhoods • Need to review new studies and look at local emergency response data to determine potential impacts of speed humps and other traffic calming measures • Partner with VUSD and focus on Safe Routes to Schools • Immediate action to address issues on Apollo; revisit installation of additional speed humps • Review options for traffic calming on Alta Vista, Vale Terrace, Taylor, Eucalyptus, and Grapevine
• Need for a comprehensive plan
• Additional speed enforcement will be conducted in problem areas
DISCUSSED TRAFFIC CALMING TECHNIQUES, INCLUDING THE USE OF SPEED HUMPS. MOTION BY CONTRERAS,SECOND BY GREEN TO DIRECT STAFF TO IDENTIFY OPTIONS FOR APOLLO DR., TO CREATE A TRAFFIC
CALMING PLAN FOR STREETS IDENTIFIED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,AND TO
DISCUSS THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE MULTIMODAL PLAN AT THE WORKSHOP IN APRIL.
VOTE: 5-0
3 CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
JANUARY 24, 2023
D3. GREEN BIKE LANES (CC)
Principal Engineer Sam Hasenin provided the staff report.
The following members of the public voiced their opinions on the item:
Phil Church Jim Riggenbach Joe Houde Justin Domicillo Misty Tienken Danny Garcia Armen Kurdian Chelsea Eggli City Council Members and staff discussed the following:
• Support for painting bike lanes green in conflict areas, not throughout the entire city • Phase in green bike lanes over three years
• Interest in looking at safety data and cost of protected and separated bike lanes • Need to revisit the City's Bicycle Master Plan; a comprehensive plan is needed
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY FRANKLIN TO PHASE IN GREEN
BIKE LANES AT CONFLICT AREAS OVER THREE YEARS AND TO REVISIT
THE BICYCLE MASTER PLAN AND OVERLAY WITH SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL.
VOTE: 5-0
D4. PROPOSED CHANGES TO MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS
OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO THE SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (CC) Deputy Mayor Contreras introduced the item.
The following members of the public voiced their opinions in opposition to the proposed changes:
Louis Uridel Amanda Young Rigby William Froelich Garry Garretson Armen Kurdian Misty Tienken Ben Sherlock
Sarah and Matthew Barry registered their opposition; did not speak The following members of the public voiced their opinions in support of the proposed changes:
Justin Domecillo Gloria R. Conejo Carol Jefferies Joe Houde Anna de Neef Gretchen Newsom, IBEW 569 Jim Riggenbach Christopher Allen Cipriano Vargas Carol Kim, SD Building & Construction Trades Council
The following members of the public voiced their opinions:
Joshua Tienda Chelsea Eggli Doug Hicks Fox City Council Members discussed the following:
• SANDAG voting structure
• Measure A projects approved by voters for North County have not been completed • Intent of vehicle miles tax
• Whether a vehicle miles tax would be in addition to the gas tax • Vehicle miles tax would need to be approved by voters • Need to advocate for local projects at SANDAG meetings • Precedent of the Mayor serving versus a City Council majority appointed representative
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY O'DONNELL,TO INTRODUCE CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE NO. 2023-3, ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA,AMENDING CHAPTER 2.12 OF
THE VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING APPOINTMENTS TO THE SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS"AND SET A SPECIAL MEETING FOR JANUARY 26, 2023 AT 5:30 PM FOR A SECOND READING OF THE ORDINANCE.
VOTE: 3-2 (FRANKLIN AND GREEN OPPOSED
4 CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
JANUARY 24, 2023
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Bonita Lang spoke regarding the use of plastics in roads to prevent erosion.
Justin Domicillo voiced his opinion regarding decorum at City Council meetings.
Fox spoke regarding City Council members behavior at the meeting.
REMARKS
City Clerk Kathy Valdez announced that the City is seeking applicants for Commissions, Committees, and Boards. Applications are due February 13. Contact Kathy Valdez, City Clerk, at 760-643-5320 or kvaldez(a)-cityofvista.com with questions or for additional information.
Acting City Manager Amanda Lee made the following announcements:
• Welcome Interim Fire Chief Roy Palmer. Chief Palmer joined the fire service in Roseburg, Oregon in 1973, after discharge from the US Air Force. He began his fire career working for Douglas County Fire District#2, where he spent 24 years working through the ranks to become Assistant Chief Fire Marshal. In 1996 he became the fire chief at Polk County Fire District #1, in Monmouth, Oregon, retiring in 2001. After retirement he continued his fire service as a consultant with ESCI out of Portland, Oregon, traveling around the US, doing mostly organization analysis. He started working for Special Districts of Oregon as a senior consultant in 2008, where he continued doing organization analysis, and serving as interim fire chief for a number of organizations. Check out his full bio on our Vista News Center link. • Friendly reminder that this year's Point in Time Count will be held Thursday in partnership with the San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness from 4am — 8am. Registration has closed and they are at full capacity for volunteers.
• The Moonlight's ClubM dinner shows begin this Friday with the sold-out show "Celebrating Tom Jones" starring David Burnham. Check out upcoming performances at, including "Gifts of Love:
The Love songs of Stephen Schwartz" on February 11.
• Lastly, Civic Center Drive has been widened northbound as part of the Pala Vista Park project.
Striping of the lane is slated for early next week.
City Council Members thanked staff, speakers, and everyone that attended the meeting.
Councilmember Melendez stated she attended the Community Energy Alliance meeting, and that Vista is on track for an April 2024 start; the increased cost of natural gas is impacting CEA costs as well.
Councilmember Melendez announced that the Soroptimist's Human Trafficking Awareness Walk will take place on January 28 from 10:00 am to noon starting at United Methodist Church.
Deputy Mayor Contreras acknowledged the following Vista youth that are heading to the National Silver Gloves boxing tournament under Rudy Moreno's coaching: Uleena Torres, Victor Villagomez and Antonio Padilla.
Deputy Mayor Contreras stated she will continue to advocate for increased frequency of service of Bus 303.
Mayor Franklin made the following announcements:
• Thank you to those who joined us for cake this afternoon as we kickstart the City's 60tn anniversary of incorporation. We are planning events throughout the year to celebrate; details will be coming soon.
• Also, a huge thank you to the Vista Chamber of Commerce for a great State of the Community event yesterday and for all who attended! Check out Vista's State of the City video on our YouTube channel, which includes work accomplished by the City in the 5 CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
.JANUARY 24, 2023
past year, and will serve as a foundation for building a stronger and more livable community for residents and businesses alike.
• The Vista Sheriff's Station will host a Coffee with the Community event on February 2nd, 8-10am at Starbucks, 465 Hacienda Drive. Residents will get to enjoy some free coffee and meet our new Captain. There will be Crime Prevention Resources and swag for the public. Contact Crime Prevention Specialist Chloe Turenne Des Pres at 760-940-4352 for more information.
• Do you want to learn about how the City functions, what's new in the City, and meet with City staff? Then sign up to participate in the Spring 2023 Vista Leadership Academy.
Vista residents (18 years and older) and business owners are eligible for this free eight- week program. Sessions are held on Wednesday evenings (except for one session held at lunch time) starting February 22 and running through April 19. Graduation ceremony will be on April 25. For details visit cityofvista.com/residents/leadership-academy or contact Kathy Valdez, City Clerk, at 760-643-5320 or kvaldez(c-cityofvista.com.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Franklin adjourned the meeting at 11:13 pm.
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Kathy Valdez, City Jerk
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