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
SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
The September 26, 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 5:01 pm in the City Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista, California.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT
Mayor John Franklin, Deputy Mayor Corinna Contreras
Joe Green, Dan O’Donnell, Katie Melendez
RECESS, CALL FOR CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Franklin recessed the meeting at 5:01 p.m. and called for a Closed Session for the following:
CS1. 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
RECESS, OPEN SESSION, AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Franklin recessed the Closed Session at 5:17 p.m. and called the meeting to order in Open Session at 5:32 p.m. with all members present.
DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
John Conley City Manager
Walter Chung City Attorney
John Boyce Sheriff’s Captain
Gerard Washington Fire Chief
Kathy Valdez City Clerk
Greg Mayer Acting Engineering Department Director
Patsy Chow Acting Community Development 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
CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Walter Chung stated there was no reportable action taken in Closed Session.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Green led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 26, 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. The City Council agreed to take the Discussion items in the following order: D3, D4, D1, D2.
PRESENTATIONS
P1. The Mayor and full City Council presented a Letter of Appreciation to Shawnta and Jenn from Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream for their charitable contributions, community engagement, and for their dedication to the Vista community.
P2. The Mayor and full City Council presented Letters of Appreciation recognizing Guerrer@s En Acción Por Un Vista Limpio members Jovita Serafin, Mishelle Veloz, Jesus Veloz, Jennifer Mercado, Artemio Angel, Herlinda Serafin, Brandon Suarez, Obdulia Diaz, Damien Diaz, Ruben Diaz, Rosa Elvira Diaz, Maria Martinez, Anthony Martinez, Maria Alvarez, Natividad Jimenez, Marcos Andrade, Cristal Avila, Silvia Lopez, Samantha Martinez, Ashley Tecchi Roman, Leticia Lopez, Ashley Martinez, Alex Martinez, Stephanie Martinez, and John Boyce for their commitment to weekly litter abatement in the Townsite and District 1 community.
P3. The Mayor and full City Council presented Lori Escalera with a proclamation declaring September 15, 2023 to October 15, 2023 as “National Hispanic Heritage Month” in the City of Vista.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
• Jeanne Wilson spoke regarding a request to update the Senior Center outdoor patio area • Joe Houde spoke regarding climate change
• Sid Rothenberg spoke regarding a request to update the Senior Center women’s bathroom • Kathleen Lippitt spoke recognizing October 4th as “Clean Air Day” and the hazards of second hand smoke
• Katrina Preece spoke requesting a letter of support for AB 1207 • Judi Strang spoke regarding the dangers of driving under the influence of cannabis
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Franklin announced that Item C6, Funding for Transportation Mobility Projects; and Item C9, Application for the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities and Application for the California Department of Aging, Local Aging & Disability Action Planning Grant, are being removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
C1. Received the July 2023 Check Register (CC)
C2. Approved the following minutes: September 7, 2023 Workshop (CC) September 12, 2023 Consolidated Meeting (CC/CDC/BSD/SA) September 12, 2023 Emergency Meeting (CC)
September 13, 2023 Special Meeting (CC)
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
3 C3. Received Treasurer’s Cash Report for the Month Ending June 30, 2023 (CC)
C4. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-163, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, approving the Third Amendment to the Agreement with Aztec Landscaping, Inc. for Weed Abatement and Waste Removal Services”
C5. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-164, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, approving the Purchase of Eight Power-Pro 2 Powered Ambulance Cots from Stryker Corporation and Amending the Fiscal Year 2023/24 and 2024/25 Operating Budget” (CC)
C6. Mayor Franklin announced that this item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
C7. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-166, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, amending City Council Policy 600-10, Procedures for Establishing Just Compensation for the Purchase by Negotiation of Real Property” (CC)
C8. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-167, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, granting settlement authority to the City Manager and Risk Manager” (CC)
C9. Mayor Franklin announced that this item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
C10. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-166, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, approving a Memorandum of Understanding with SANDAG for the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant reimbursement” (CC)
C11. Confirmed Councilmember Green’s recommendation to fill an unscheduled vacancy on the Traffic Commission. (CC)
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
C6. FUNDING FOR TRANSPORTATION MOBILITY PROJECTS (CC)
Director of Finance Mike Sylvia introduced the item and Budget Manager Sara Taylor provided staff’s presentation.
Deputy Mayor Contreras stated that she pulled this item to highlight the City Council’s commitment to safety through transportation mobility projects.
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY MELENDEZ, TO ADOPT CITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-165, ENTITLED “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEARS 2023/24 AND 2024/25, AND AMENDING THE CAPITAL PROJECT BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEARS 2022/23 AND 2024/25”
VOTE: 5-0
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
4 C9. APPLICATION TO THE AARP NETWORK OF AGE-FRIENDLY STATES AND
COMMUNITIES AND APPLICATION FOR THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF AGING,
LOCAL AGING & DISABILITY ACTION PLANNING GRANT (CC)
Sid Rothenberg spoke in favor of the AARP Age Friendly Action Plan.
Councilmembers voiced their support for the partnership with AARP and grant funding.
MOTION BY MAYOR FRANKLIN, SECOND BY MELENDEZ, TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-168, ENTITLED “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, APPROVING
THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR INCLUDE A LETTER OF
COMMITMENT SIGNED BY THE MAYOR TO BECOME PART OF THE AARP NETWORK OF AGE FRIENDLY STATES AND COMMUNITIES.” AND CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-169, ENTITLED “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, APPROVING
THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF AGING, LOCAL AGING & DISABILITY PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION SUBMITTAL”
VOTE: 5-0
DISCUSSION
D1. INTERFAITH COMMUNITY SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR SHELTER BEDS (CC) Assistant City Manager Imelda Huerta introduced the item and Homeless Services Program Manager Jonathan Lung provided the staff report.
Greg Angela from Interfaith Community Services spoke with the City Council about the agreement and answered questions.
Yusef Miller spoke in favor of the item.
City Council Members and staff discussed the following:
• Paying per bed filled is a better option than pre-paying in lump sum • Different ways the City can use PLHA funds to support affordable housing and emergency shelters
• Direction to staff to provide monthly updates to the City Council • Possible causation for the discrepancies in previously reported data to the City Council and how new data will be gathered and reported in the future.
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY GREEN, TO ADOPT CITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-171, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH INTERFAITH COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC. TO PROVIDE SHELTER BEDS TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS IN VISTA” AND DIRECTED STAFF TO PROVIDE MONTHLY REPORTS ON FUNDING USED AND MEETINGS ATTENDED.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
5 D2. MASTER LEASE AND REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR BUENA CREEK NAVIGATION
CENTER RFP (CC)
Assistant City Manager Imelda Huerta introduced the item and Homeless Services Program Manager Jonathan Lung provided the staff report.
The following individuals spoke in support of the item:
Hannah Gailey, Green Oak Ranch
Jack Christiansen, District Director of the Office of Senator Catherine Blakespear Yusef Miller
City Council Members and staff discussed the following:
• The program model will be interim housing – emergency shelter, but with more services • Collaboration with City of Encinitas; each City responsible for proportionate cost, separate master lease agreements; joint RFP
• Want to make sure applicants address transit issues, provide secure way to store medications, health screenings, plans for pest management, and adequate security • Prior to signing lease: inspection of property and documentation of fumigation • “Triple Net” lease to allow City to have full control of and to assume full responsibility of property
MOTION BY GREEN, SECOND BY MELENDEZ, TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-172, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING
A MASTER LEASE AND REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE BUENA
CREEK NAVIGATION CENTER” SUBJECT TO PROPERTY INSPECTION AND
PROOF OF SECTION ONE CLEARANCE AND WITH THE ADDITION OF AN
ANNUAL ACCOUNTABILITY CLAUSE, TRANSIT PASSES UPON REQUEST,
PRE-ENTRY HEALTH SCREENINGS, LOCKERS FOR MEDICATIONS,
SECURITY CAMERAS, AND PEST MANAGEMENT IN THE RFP; AND CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-173, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEARS 2023-24 AND 2024/25.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
D3. TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT S. MELROSE DRIVE AND DAWSON DRIVE (CC) Councilmember O’Donnell introduced the item.
The following individuals spoke in favor of the item:
Wanda Cain Tim Chapin Helena Elich Shannon Kammerer
Nicole Taylor Wayne Taylor Cynthia Bahi Ghobbeh
Sean Zhou Judi Strang Patrick H.
City Council Members and staff discussed the following:
• Residents of the neighborhood have requested the installation of a traffic signal for many years • The City has a “Traffic Signal Prioritization List” but the intersection at S. Melrose Drive and Dawson Drive does not meet warrants for a signal
• Factors considered when determining the need for a traffic signal • The “Traffic Signal Prioritization List” has not been reviewed by the City Council in several years; Council should review and determine if there are alternative solutions at these intersections
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
6 •Pedestrian crossing is very difficult and dangerous at this intersection; there is no cross walk nearby •Directed staff to identify funding for the project and come back to the City Council for allocation MOTION BY O’DONNELL, SECOND BY MELENDEZ, TO APPROVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT THE INTERSECTION OF S.
MELROSE DRIVE AND DAWSON DRIVE.
MOTION CARRIED: 4-1 (MAYOR FRANKLIN OPPOSED)
D4. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION (CC)
The following individuals spoke in favor of item:
Joe Houde Nancy Oechsle Christine Reese Janice Jones
Ann Force Vanessa Forsythe Jim Wong Yusef Miller
John Bottorff MJ Aguirre Suzanne Hume
City Council Members and staff discussed the following:
•Process and timeline to create a commission
•City of Encinitas’ commission is a good model
•Community interest in having an Environmental Commission; supports public health MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY O’DONNELL, TO APPROVE THE FORMATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
REMARKS
City Manager John Conley recognized the promotion of Imelda Huerta to Assistant City Manager and the hard work of Jonanthan Lung for his efforts in preparing the Interfaith Community Services Agreement item and Buena Creek Navigation Center item.
Councilmember O’Donnell gave a report on the League of California Cities conference held in Sacramento, expressed his appreciation for the hard work of Public Works, and announced that he will soon be scheduling a Townhall meeting for District 4.
Councilmember Melendez announced that the CEO of Clean Energy Alliance has been approved and will be announced soon. She announced that SANDAG voted to remove the road usage charge or the “Mileage Tax” from the 2025 Plan and future plans.
Deputy Mayor Contreras announced that North County Transit District is starting the recruitment process to hire a new Director.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Franklin adjourned the meeting at 10:28 pm.
____________________________________
Kathy Valdez, City Clerk