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)
CITY OF VISTA
CONSOLIDATED MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 25, 2023
The April 25, 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 2:47 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
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT
Dan O’Donnell
RECESS, CALL FOR CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Franklin recessed the meeting at 2:48 p.m. and called for a Closed Session for the following:
CS1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)&(e)(1): (CC)
Number of cases: 1
CS2. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): (CC)
Case Name: Jeffrey Schroeder v City of Vista
Case Number: 22-CV-1898-JO-AHG
Venue: United States District Court, Southern District of California
CS3. Conference with labor negotiators as follows, pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6: (CC)
Agency Representatives: John Conley, City Manager
Walter Chung, City Attorney
Dolores Gascon, Human Resources Director
Anna Semenov, Principal Human Resources Analyst
Roy Palmer, Interim Fire Chief
Employee Organization: Vista Chief Officers Association (VCOA)
CS4. Conference with labor negotiators as follows, pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6: (CC)
Agency Representatives: John Conley, City Manager
Walter Chung, City Attorney
Dolores Gascon, Human Resources Director
Anna Semenov, Principal Human Resources Analyst
Mike Pacheco, RCS Director
Mike Bradford, Community Services Program Manager
Rod Betts, Lead Negotiator/Attorney
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
APRIL 25, 2023
2 Employee Organization: International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists, and Allied Crafts of the United States and Canada (“IATSE,”) Local No. 122
RECESS, OPEN SESSION, AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Franklin recessed the Closed Session at 4:13 p.m. and called the meeting to order in Open Session at 5:33 p.m. with all members present with the exception of Councilmember O’Donnell.
DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
Walter Chung City Attorney
John Conley City Manager
John Boyce Sheriff’s Captain
Roy Palmer Interim Fire Chief
Kathy Valdez City Clerk
Patsy Chow Acting Community Development Director
Greg Mayer Acting Engineering Department Director
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 Melendez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mayor Franklin asked for a moment of silence in honor of Andy Valenta, Vista Firefighter/Paramedic, who passed away two years ago on April 27, 2021.
INVOCATION
Pastor Johnson, Life 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
City Manager John Conley stated there are no changes to the agenda.
CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Walter Chung stated there was no reportable action taken.
PRESENTATION
P1. Recognition of Vista Leadership Academy Spring 2023 Graduates.
P2. Proclamation declaring May 2023 as National Bike Month and Thursday, May 18, 2023, as Bike Anywhere Day in the City of Vista.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
APRIL 25, 2023
3 CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY GREEN, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO APPROVE THE
FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0 (O’DONNELL ABSENT)
C1. Received and filed the Treasurer’s Cash Report for the month ending February 28, 2023. (CC)
C2. Approved the following minutes: April 11, 2023, Consolidated Meeting (CC/CDC/SA/BSD) April 6, 2023, Workshop Meeting (CC)
C3. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-51, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, approving the Q2 2023 Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant funding and amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2022/23”; and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-52, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, approving the Q2 2023 Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Memo of Understanding – Funding Agreement.” (CC)
C4. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-53, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, approving the first amendment to the contract with Michael Baker International, Inc. for as-needed civil plan check services”; and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-54, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, approving the first amendment to the contract with Tory R. Walker Engineering, Inc. for stormwater quality management plans and hydrology and hydraulic studies.” (CC)
C5. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-55, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, awarding a contract to Chen Ryan Associates, Inc. for as- needed traffic engineering services”; adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-56, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, awarding a contract to Fehr & Peers for as-needed traffic engineering services”; adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-57, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, awarding a contract to Rick Engineering Company for as-needed traffic engineering services”; and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-58, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, approving the first amendment to the contract with Tory R. Walker Engineering, Inc. for stormwater quality management plans and hydrology and hydraulic studies.” (CC)
C6. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-59, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, authorizing receipt of award from the California Energy Commission to adopt and implement an automated online solar permitting process.” (CC)
C7. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-60, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, declaring its intent to set a Public Hearing for collection of delinquent solid waste charges”; and set June 13, 2023, as the date of the public hearing to levy assessments on the Fiscal Year 2023/24 property tax roll for collection of delinquent Fiscal Year 2022/23 mandatory trash charges. (CC)
C8. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-61, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, declaring its intent to set a Public Hearing for collection of delinquent property-related administrative citation charges”; and set June 13, 2023 as the date of the public hearing to levy assessments on the 2023/24 property tax roll for collection of delinquent property-related administrative citations. (CC)
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
APRIL 25, 2023
4 C9. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-62, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, authorizing application for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) award, receipt of the award, and utilizing funds for solar at Fire Station 3.” (CC)
C10. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-63, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, approving grant agreement submission for specified grant funds from Budget Act for Fiscal Year 2023”; and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023- 64, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, amending the Capital Project Budget for Fiscal Years 2022/23 and 2023/24.” (CC)
C11. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-65, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, approving the purchase of one ambulance from Life Line Emergency Vehicles.” (CC)
C12. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-66, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, approving the 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan, authorizing the submittal of the plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and authorizing the City Manager to approve and execute all documents related to the implementation of said Plan.” (CC)
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Joe Houde spoke regarding climate change.
Ursula Sack spoke regarding a document projector for presentations by public speakers.
Nanci Oechsle, VCAP, spoke regarding the implementation of the CAP and a CAP Commission.
DISCUSSION
D1. SAFE PARKING PROGRAM OPERATOR SERVICES AGREEMENT AMENDMENT CC) Homeless Services Program Manager Jonathan Lung provided the staff report.
Chris Olson, Jewish Family Services of San Diego was available for questions.
The following citizens spoke in opposition of the location of the safe parking area:
Julia Shriver
Russell W. Jellig
Rudd Schoeffel
Rachel Beld questioned why the location chosen and asked how concerns are going to be addressed.
City Council members thanked staff for their work on this project.
City Council members and staff discussed the following:
• The Alta Vista parking lot was chosen over the Gloria McLellan Senior Center or Eucalyptus lot due to the availability/proximity of on-site ADA restrooms • The area will be marked off by cones and plastic chains • An administrative trailer will be located, and remain, in the lot • Program staff and security will be on site until 9:30 pm; Civic Center security will be on site until 11:00 pm
• The cost for additional hours of security, to cover all hours of the program, is estimated at $100,000
• In addition to the on-site restrooms, two portable restrooms will be provided (one ADA) • It is likely that there will be a loss in revenue from rentals at the Community Center and Rancho Buena Vista Adobe due to the proposed location of the safe parking
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
APRIL 25, 2023
5 • No visitors are allowed
• Jewish Family Services’ experience is that 57% of participants have a positive exit (are no longer living in their vehicle), with 33% of those finding permanent housing; the average length of stay is 46 days
• The Eucalyptus parking lot is not that much further from the restrooms; can make both portable restrooms ADA compliant; there would not be an impact on the Community Room or Adobe if the program was moved to this side
• Concerns about not having security on site throughout the night • Want to ensure that the restrooms and parking lot are kept clean
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY CONTRERAS TO ADOPT CITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-67, ENTITLED “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF SAN DIEGO TO PROVIDE SAFE PARKING OPERATOR SERVICES”, AUTHORIZED AN ADDITIONAL $111,000 TO
INCREASE SECURITY PERSONNEL TO COVER THE FULL HOURS OF
OPERATION OF THE PROGRAM AND FOR TWO ADA COMPLIANT
PORTABLE RESTROOMS; DIRECTED STAFF TO MOVE THE LOCATION OF THE PROGRAM TO THE EUCALYPTUS PARKING LOT; AND ADOPTED
CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-68, ENTITLED “A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN THE CAPITAL
EMERGENCY HOUSING SOLUTIONS GRANT PROGRAM.”
VOTE: 4-0 (O’DONNELL ABSENT)
D2. CANNABIS-RELATED SPECIAL EVENT (CC)
Councilmember Green introduced the item.
Member of the public, Philip Escobedo, voiced his opinion in opposition of cannabis and related events.
City Council members and staff discussed the following:
• The cannabis social equity study is expected to be completed by the end of the year • Cannabis-related special events would be considered a new use and will require the development of new policies and procedures
• Support looking at special events and other uses, but want to have the social equity study completed first to use in establishing policies
DISCUSSED A PROPOSAL TO HOLD SPECIAL EVENTS RELATED TO
CANNABIS IN CITY PARKS AND/OR ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AND
DIRECTED TO STAFF TO BRING THE ITEM BACK FOR CONSIDERATION AFTER THE CANNABIS SOCIAL EQUITY STUDY HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
VOTE: NO VOTE
D3. FIRE DEPARTMENT – MODIFICATION OF AMBULANCE STAFFING (CC) Deputy Fire Chief Craig Usher introduced the item. Deputy Fire Chief Bret Davidson and Interim Fire Chief Roy Palmer were available to answer questions.
Miles Sweeney, VFFA, thanked Fire Chiefs, Union representatives and Human Resources for their support and consideration with the modification of ambulance staffing, and for remembering Firefighter/Paramedic Andy Valenta.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
APRIL 25, 2023
6 In response to questions about the need for an additional Division Chief, Deputy Chief Davidson explained the Division Chief is a managerial position. In the past several years, Fire has added an engine and staff but no manager position. Deputy Chief Usher added that there has been 28 personnel hired since the last Chief has been hired.
In response to questions about the need for a Human Resources (HR) Coordinator, Human Resources Director Dolores Gascon explained that the HR Coordinator would assist the Analyst in doing the fire recruiting. The Fire recruitment takes longer because the job is specialized. The Coordinator would also assist in the complicated payroll training.
Councilmember Contreras shared her frustration that the quarterly report failed to advise the City Council of the need for increased staffing.
Councilmember Melendez commended Firefighters Saldana and McDonald and the committee for their work on this issue.
MOTION BY FRANKLIN, SECOND BY GREEN TO APPROVE THE ADDITION
OF TWO BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS) AMBULANCES, TWELVE NEW EMT
POSITIONS, ONE ADMINISTRATIVE CAPTAIN, A DIVISION CHIEF, AND A HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR.
VOTE: 4-0 (O’DONNELL ABSENT)
D4. VISTA 2050, GENERAL PLAN UPDATE (CC)
Acting Community Development Director Patsy Chow introduced the item. Brooke Peterson, Rick Planning, provided the presentation.
City Council Members and staff discussed the following:
• Would like to see more marketing and research; explore conducting a survey • Language needs to be more down to earth, not so technical • A commonality from the workshops was a desire to see more restaurant options, not so many fast food places
DISCUSSED THE STATUS OF THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE AND
PROVIDED INPUT TO STAFF.
VOTE: NO VOTE
D5. EARTH DAY RESOLUTION CC)
Councilmember Melendez introduced the item.
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY FRANKLIN TO ADOPT CITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-69, ENTITLED “A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA,
CALIFORNIA COMMEMORATING AND SUPPORTING EARTH DAY’S
CALL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CITIZENSHIP AND ACTION.”
VOTE: 4-0 (O’DONNELL ABSENT)
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Franklin stated there are no requests to speak.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
APRIL 25, 2023
7 REMARKS
City Manager John Conley made the following announcements:
•As you are aware, both Congressman Levin and Senator Feinstein are supporting and including the Emerald Complete Streets project in their Community Project Funding (or earmark) requests ($5M and $5.8M respectively); and Senator Padilla has included $2M for our W. Vista Way Drainage Improvement project in his request. I am happy to report that Senator Padilla has also included $6M in his budget request for the Rancho Minerva Middle School Safe Routes to School project. I will keep you posted on the progress with these funding requests. I commend our City Staff for doing great job on these funding proposals. •The Vista Youth Commission invites the public to attend and participate in its chalk art event in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention month on Saturday, April 29, 3 pm-7 pm, at the McClellan Senior Center.
•The Public Arts Commission has announced two artist calls: one for a new kite at North Santa Fe and Adobe Estates Drive as part of the Kites Over Vista program; and another for a PRIDE exhibit at the Civic Gallery. For information on these artist calls, visit vistapublicart.com. •Mark your calendars for June 10 for the City’s annual Paper Shredding and e-Waste recycling event at 9 am at the Civic Center.
Councilmember Melendez stated the CEA subcommittee to find a new CEO has been meeting and she will be going to the SANDAG 2025 Regional Plan workshop on Friday.
Councilmember Contreras said she is learning about the quiet zones from the NCTD rail enhancement committee and that she continues to advocate for a grade separation at Vista Village Drive. Trash pick up is Wednesday at Luz Duran Park; contact Serafin for information.
Councilmember Green mentioned the Encina facility in Carlsbad is undergoing a lot of capital improvements and that sewer rates may increase in the next few years.
Mayor Franklin made the following announcements:
•I want to invite everyone to our groundbreaking of the Townsite Drive Complete Streets Project on Tuesday, May 2 at 9 a.m. We’ll meet in front of New Haven Youth & Family Services at 216 West Los Angeles Drive. This project will help to transform approximately 1.2 miles of Townsite Drive and West Los Angeles Drive by constructing sidewalks in missing areas, making ADA improvements, and generally improving pedestrian access, mobility, and safety. The project begins construction next month and is expected to be completed next summer.
•The City’s Recreation division has partnered with i9 Sports to offer several new sports programs at various City parks this summer. Programs include basketball, flag football, soccer, baseball, volleyball, and multi-sport camps. Visit i9sports.com for more information. •This past Saturday, the City of Vista participated in I Love a Clean San Diego’s annual Creek to Bay cleanup. Forty-five volunteers descended upon the Buena Vista Creek Trail and collected 1,490 pounds of trash, and 50 pounds of debris that can be recycled.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Franklin adjourned the meeting at 10:11 p.m. in memory of Barbara Mannino. ____________________________________
Kathy Valdez, City Clerk