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
MAY 23, 2023
The May 23, 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 4:35 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
RECESS, CALL FOR CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Franklin recessed the meeting at 4:36 p.m. and called for a Closed Session for the following:
CS1. Conference with Real Property Negotiators, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8: (CC)
Property Address: 536 Matagual Drive, Vista
APN 164-241-42-00
Agency Negotiator: John Conley, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Julian Shadle (Owner) and Bob Willingham (Broker) Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
RECESS, OPEN SESSION, AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Franklin recessed the Closed Session at 4:56 p.m. and called the meeting to order in Open Session at 5:30 p.m. with all members present.
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
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
Deputy Mayor Contreras led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Pastor Nerly Omar Solorzano, Iglesia de Cristo Adulam Guibor, provided the invocation.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 23, 2023
2 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.
PRESENTATION
P1. Mayor Franklin and the City Council members presented a proclamation declaring June 2023 as “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month” in the City of Vista to Jenifer Ianole and David Ontiveros from the North County LGBTQ Resource Center.
P2. Mayor Franklin and the City Council members presented a proclamation declaring May 24, 2023 as “Kiwanis Club of Sunrise Vista Day” in the City of Vista to Club President Mike Hartshorn, immediate Past President Mitzie Hall, and members of the Club.
P3. Melina Carmichael, Chief Administrative Office of the Del Mar Fair Grounds provided a presentation on the 2023 San Diego County Fair
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Franklin announced that Items C3, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Progressive Pride Flag, is being removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion by members of the public; Item C5, Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment and Comprehensive Action Plan Consultant Contract Award, is being removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion by Mayor Franklin; and Item C10, Authorizing Submittal of USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Grant Application, is being removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion by a member of the public.
MOTION BY GREEN, SECOND BY MELENDEZ, TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
C1. Received and filed the Treasurer’s Cash Report for the month ending March 31, 2023. (CC)
C2. Approved the May 9, 2023, Consolidated Meeting Minutes. (CC/CDC/SA/BSD)
C3. Mayor Franklin announced that this item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
C4. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-76, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, establishing the appropriations limit for Fiscal Year 2023/24.” (CC)
C5. Mayor Franklin announced that this item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
C6. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-77, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, approving the Public Arts Commission recommended mural titled “Vibrant Sanctuary”, in accordance with Vista City Council Policy 400-04, Artworks in Public Places.” (CC)
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 23, 2023
3 C7. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-78, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, awarding a contract to Chen Ryan Associates, Inc. for engineering design services for the Nevada Lemon Sidewalks and Lighting Project (CIP No. 8355).” (CC)
C8. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-79, 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 2022 weed abatement charges”; and set June 13, 2023, as the date of the public hearing to levy assessments on the 2023 property tax roll for collection of delinquent 2022 weed abatement charges. (CC)
C9. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-80, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, accepting grant funds of $26,550 in Fiscal Year 2022 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Funding and amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2022/23”; and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-81, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, approving the Fiscal Year 2022 Urban Area Security Initiative Memorandum of Understanding/Grant Assurances.” (CC)
C10. Mayor Franklin announced that this item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
C11. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-83, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, amending the Personnel Rules of the City of Vista and repealing the provisions of any resolutions in conflict herewith”; and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-84, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, approving a Letter of Agreement between the City of Vista and the Vista Firefighters Association and repealing the provisions of any resolutions in conflict herewith. (CC)
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
C3. LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND QUEER (LGBTQ) PROGRESSIVE PRIDE
FLAG (CC)
Members of the public Jen Ianoale and David Ontiveros requested the item be pulled to show their support for the City flying the flag.
Councilmember Melendez, Deputy Mayor Contreras, and Mayor Franklin thanked the speakers and stated that flying the flag will show the City’s support for equal rights for all people.
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO DIRECTED STAFF TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-75, ENTITLED “A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA,
DIRECTING STAFF TO FLY THE PROGRESSIVE PRIDE FLAG AT THE CIVIC CENTER DURING THE MONTH OF JUNE 2023.”
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
C5. PARKS & RECREATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND COMPREHENSIVE ACTION PLAN
CONSULTANT CONTRACT AWARD (CC)
Mayor Franklin removed this item for discussion.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 23, 2023
4 Staff went over the scope of the project and explained that the base price is $299,000 which includes 2500 hours of service over a 15-month period. Add on tasks/projects can increase the price to $354,000. Activities include community engagement, stakeholder interviews, site analysis, equity mapping, and revenue strategies.
Councilmembers discussed the following:
• Concern about the cost of proposed outreach activities and community forums; believe staff can accomplish the same tasks
• Should look at other cities’ assessments and garner information from them • Recognize that staff time and expertise in conducting an assessment may be limited and that Vista is unique and the assessment needs to be specific to the community • Interest in having the assessment look at land available for parks • Look for grants to fund an assessment
• Desire for a Parks Master Plan
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY O’DONNELL, TO NOT APPROVE THE
AWARD OF CONTRACT (AND RELATED BUDGET AMENDMENT) AS PRESENTED
AND DIRECTED STAFF TO BRING THE ITEM BACK AT A FUTURE MEETING FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1 (CONTRERAS OPPOSED)
C10. AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF USDA FOREST SERVICE URBAN AND COMMUNITY
FORESTRY GRANT APPLICATION (CC)
Member of the public Joe Houde removed this item to voice his support for the grant and to advocate for the planting of more trees.
Councilmembers discussed the following:
• The are grateful for the grant
• Desire to increase the City’s tree canopy
• Continue to identify and apply for grants for trees and related costs • Explore the idea of creating an Environmental Commission
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-82, ENTITLED “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF
APPLICATION FOR USDA FOREST SERVICE URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY GRANT PROGRAM” AND DIRECTED STAFF TO SCHEDULE A CAP UPDATE FOR THE OCTOBER WORKSHOP AND TO APPLY FOR CALFIRE GRANTS.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Rosette Garcia, League of Women’s Voters North County San Diego, requested that the City host candidate forums for future elections.
Joe Houde spoke regarding climate change and pesticides.
PUBLIC HEARING
PH1. FEES AND POLICIES FOR RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAMS (CC) Mayor Franklin opened the Public Hearing.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 23, 2023
5 Recreation and Community Services Director Mike Pacheco introduced Management Analyst Jessica Boensch, who provided the staff report, followed by Recreation and Community Services Operations Manager Rob Anderson, Community Services Program Manager Kevin Granse, Community Services Program Manager Michael Bradford, and Waterpark Manager Angela Palasik who presented their division programs.
City Council Members and staff discussed the following:
• Need clarification on authorized smoking areas at City facilities; consider changes to the policy on allowing smoking (Contreras, O’Donnell, Melendez)
• The City’s National Competition Transportation and Lodging Assistance policy • Consider looking at agreement with Alta Vista Gardens for shared use • Senior Center upgrades and increasing classes for seniors; consider scholarship program if there is a need
• Fee increases are necessary
MOTION BY FRANKLIN, SECOND BY GREEN, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-85, APPROVING THE
REVISIONS TO THE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES FACILITY RENTAL AND PROGRAM FEES; AND ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-86,
AMENDING RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
DISCUSSION
D1. FISCAL YEAR 2022/23 THIRD QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT (CC/BSD) Finance Department Director Mike Sylvia provided the staff report.
City Council Members and staff discussed the following:
• Explanation of cost and need for hiring recruiters
• Wave Waterpark subsidy increase; may need to look at the possibility of a third party to run the waterpark
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY O’DONNELL, TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-87, AMENDING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEARS 2021/22 AND 2022/23, AND AMENDING THE CAPITAL PROJECT BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEARS 2022/23 AND 2023/24; ADOPT BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-1, AMENDING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEARS 2021/22 AND 2022/23; AND ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-88, AMENDING THE CITY-
WIDE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION INDEX, REPEALING THE PROVISIONS OF ANY RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT HEREWITH.
VOTE: 5-0
D2. DRAFT FISCAL YEARS 2023/24 AND 2024/25 OPERATING BUDGET (CC/CDC/BSD) Finance Director Mike Sylvia introduced Budget Manager Sara Taylor, who introduced the item.
City Council Members and staff discussed the following:
• A 3% across the board salary increase (in addition to the already budgeted cost of living increases) will help bring salary increases closer to the current CPI increases • Appreciate that a new motor deputy is included in the budget
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 23, 2023
6 • PLHA funding from the State; current uses and potential future uses • Traffic calming measures are included in the CIP budget; will not run out of funds for speedhumps
• Integrated Pest Management Control Plan anticipated costs should be included in the final budget
• A fund should be established to start saving for future stormwater facility improvement needs • Look at improvements to the downtown area and facilities • The full amount of salaries is included in the budget, even for positions currently vacant
RECEIVED A REPORT ON THE DRAFT FISCAL YEARS 2023/24 AND 2024/25 OPERATING BUDGET AND INSTRUCTED STAFF TO INCLUDE A 3% ACROSS
THE BOARD SALARY INCREASE (IN ADDITION TO THE ALREADY BUDGETED COST OF LIVING INCREASE).
VOTE: 5-0
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Franklin stated there are no requests to speak.
REMARKS
City Manager John Conley made the following announcements:
• I’m inviting everyone to mark their calendars for the next Coffee with the Community on June
22. The City is partnering with the Sheriff’s Department on this one. The public is invited to come out and meet me and other members of the City’s staff. Our Fire Department will be participating. This will be a great opportunity to share coffee with Sheriff’s Deputies and City staff. The coffee is free! Head to the Starbucks at 30 West Main Street in downtown Vista from 5 pm until 7 pm. We’ll have Sheriff vehicles as well as Fire Department vehicles on display. • The City’s scholarship program is up and running and we invite young people aged 24 and under to check out our program by visiting cityofvista.com/youthscholarships. Our scholarship programs are funded through Community Development Block Grants and excess cannabis revenues. Scholarships are available for a variety of personal enrichment opportunities and are based on income qualifications.
• We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Sunday’s Strawberry Festival downtown. The City booth will be located in front of the AVO Playhouse. Everyone is invited to stop by and play our prize wheel for chances to win Wave passes, Moonlight tickets, City swag, and $5 gift cards to various City businesses.
• City offices are closed this coming Monday in observance of Memorial Day.
City Council Members thanked staff, speakers, and everyone that attended the meeting.
Councilmember O’Donnell stated he was running in the Strawberry Festival 5k and thanked the Chamber of Commerce for their work on the festival. He reported that he attended the League of California Cities meeting.
Councilmember Melendez reported on the past SANDAG meeting, remarking that they passed their budget and will be having a workshop in Vista in August. She also attended a CEA meeting and believes it will be a successful rollout. She will be having a Homeless Strategic Plan Workshop and invited all to come.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 23, 2023
7 Councilmember Contreras gave an update on NCTD: they reviewed their budget and Sustainable Climate Action Plan (SCAP) and how this could help with more grant funding. She mentioned she attended the 10th annual North County Economic Summit and learned how decarbonizing our economy can help job growth and that the key is to ensure that Vista youth have the skills for those careers. She reminded everyone that the weekly cleanups are still occurring.
Councilmember Green thanked Sheriff’s Captain Boyce and Sergeant Longfellow for the ride a long and thanked the Sheriff’s Department for all the work they do.
Mayor Franklin made the following announcements:
•Summer fun kicks off this weekend in Vista with the opening of the Wave Waterpark on Saturday, and the Strawberry Festival in downtown Vista on Sunday. I hope everyone gets a chance to head downtown and kick off the start of their summer in Vista. •The City’s annual free paper shredding and e-waste recycling event is coming to the Civic Center on Saturday, June 10, 9 am to noon. This event is open to Vista residents. For more information, visit the City’s calendar of events at cityofvista.com.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Franklin adjourned the meeting at 9:35 pm.
____________________________________
Kathy Valdez, City Clerk