VISTA CITY COUNCIL (CC) BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT (BSD) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (CDC)
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE VISTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (SA)
CITY OF VISTA
CONSOLIDATED MEETING MINUTES
MAY 14, 2024
The May 14, 2024, 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, the Successor Agency to the Vista Redevelopment Agency, and the Joint Powers Finance Authority was called to order by Mayor Franklin at 3:34 pm in the City Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista, California.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT
Mayor John Franklin, Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez
Corinna Contreras, Dan O’Donnell
COUNCIL MEMBER ABSENT
Joe Green
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Franklin called for a Closed Session at 3:34 p.m. for the following:
CS1. Conference with Labor Negotiators, pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6: (CC)
Agency Representatives: John Conley, City Manager, Walter Chung, City Attorney, Dolores Gascon, Human Resources Director, Mike
Pacheco, Recreation & Community Services Director, Mike Bradford, Community Services Program Manager, Rod
Betts, Lead Negotiator/Attorney
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
CS1. Conference with Real Property Negotiators, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8: (CC)
Property Address/Location: 303 Main Street (APN: 175-271-13-00) Agency Negotiator(s): John Conley, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: John Randall, Tenant; Rick Waite, Attorney for Tenant Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
RECESS, OPEN SESSION, AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Franklin recessed the Closed Session at 4:30 p.m. and called the meeting to order in Open Session at 5:31 p.m.
DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
John Conley City Manager
Imelda Huerta Assistant City Manager
Walter Chung City Attorney
John Boyce Sheriff’s Captain
Gerard Washington Fire Chief
Kathy Valdez City Clerk
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 14, 2024
2 Joe Vacca Community Development Director
Greg Mayer Engineering 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 O’Donnell led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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 Public Hearing Item PH1, Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Resolution Confirming the Ballot Results to Determine Whether a Majority Protests Exists in the Proceedings to Form the City of Vista South Melrose Landscape Maintenance District No. 2024-1 and Adoption of One of Two Resolutions Declaring the Ballot Results and Approving Certain Actions, will be opened and conducted before Presentations to allow for time to tabulate ballots.
PRESENTATIONS
P1. The Mayor and City Councilmembers recognized Amanda Bates, Mathew Berson, Nexi Delgado, Genaro Garcia, Kari Jobe, Johannah Knieff, Amy Mavor, CJ Mavor, Cassidy McCarthy, Zaudy Miranda, John Moore, Barbara Patotzka, Owen Patotzka, and Roy Schramm as the City of Vista Leadership Academy Spring 2024 graduating class.
P2. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a proclamation to Jennifer Gill from Vista Community Clinic proclaiming May 2024 as “Bike Month” in the City of Vista.
P3. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a proclamation to Beaumont Elementary School Principal Renee Evans, faculty, and students proclaiming May 17, 2024, as “Beaumont Elementary School Day” in the City of Vista.
P4. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a proclamation to Public Works Director Kuna Muthusamy and 2023 Employee Awards nominees Tim Benavente, Michael Lopez, Nicole O’Bleness, Jorge Aparicio, and Susan Haynes proclaiming May 19-25, 2024 as “Public Works Week” in the City of Vista.
P5. Representatives from North County Transit District, Tracey Foster, Chief Development Officer, Lillian Doherty, Director of Planning and Development, and Shawn Donaghy, Chief Executive Officer, gave a presentation on “Quiet Zones.”
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
•Eric Hulfberg spoke in opposition to the sale of Green Oak Ranch to the County of San Diego. •Becky Rapp announced May as Mental Health Awareness month and spoke on the impact of cannabis on mental health.
•Tim Troncone spoke in opposition to the sale of Green Oak Ranch to the County of San Diego. •Kathleen Lippitt spoke regarding cannabis addiction.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 14, 2024
3 • Barbara Gordon announced May 12-18, 2024 as National Prevention Week and spoke to the impact of substance use disorders and mental health.
• Peggy Walter announced May as Mental Health Awareness Month and urged anyone in crisis to call the suicide prevention telephone number of 988. • Megan Stuart announced May as Mental Health Awareness Month and May 12-18, 2024 as National Prevention Week.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY O’DONNELL, TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR.
MOTION CARRIED: 4-0 (GREEN ABSENT)
C1. Received the March 2024 check register. (CC)
C2. Approved the following meeting minutes: April 23, 2024, Consolidated Meeting (CC/CDC/BSD/SA); April 24, 2024 Special Meeting (CC); May 2, 2024, Workshop Meeting (CC).
C3. Mayor Franklin announced that this item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. (CC)
C4. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-55, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Declaring Surplus, Ordering the Disposition of Surplus Amounts, Amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2023/24 and 2024/25, and Approving the District Closeout Analysis and Findings Report Community Facilities District No. 92-1 (North County Square), and Accepting the Notice of Completion of Public Improvements.” (CC/JPFA)
C5. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-56, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving the Fifth Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Vista, the County of San Diego and all NPDES Copermittees.” (CC)
C6. Approved the installation of speed humps on Branding Iron Drive between S. Melrose Drive and Drifting Circle Drive. (CC)
C7. Mayor Franklin announced that this item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. (CC)
C8. Mayor Franklin announced that this item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. (CC)
C9. Approved the installation of speed humps on Santa Clara Drive between W. Vista Way and Tylee Street. (CC)
C10. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-57, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Declaring Its Intent to Initiate Proceedings to Vacate a Portion of Public Street Easement on Foothill Drive.” (CC)
C11. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-58, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Adopting the Fiscal Year 2024/25 SB 1 Road Repair and Accountability Act Project List.” (CC)
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 14, 2024
4 C12. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-59, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving the Inaugural Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Vista and the Vista Chief Officers Association and Repealing the Provisions of Any Resolutions in Conflict Herewith”; adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-60, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Amending the Updated Management and Confidential Employee Compensation Plan and Repealing the Provisions of Any Resolutions in Conflict Herewith”; and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-61, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Amending the City-Wide Classification and Compensation Index, and Repealing the Provisions of Any Resolutions in Conflict Herewith” (CC)
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
C3. ALL-WAY STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF W. VISTA WAY AND CEDAR ROAD (CC) Karen Harris, representative of North County Transit District, spoke in favor of the item.
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO ADOPT CITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2024-54, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING AN ALL-WAY STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF W. VISTA WAY AND CEDAR ROAD.”
MOTION CARRIED: 4-0 (GREEN ABSENT)
C7. SPEED HUMPS ON COPPER AVENUE (CC)
Benjamin Liedblad spoke in favor of the item.
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY O’DONNELL, TO APPROVE THE INSTALLATION OF SPEED HUMPS ON COPPER AVENUE BETWEEN W.
VISTA WAY AND COPPER DRIVE
MOTION CARRIED: 4-0 (GREEN ABSENT)
C8. SPEED HUMPS ON MAR VISTA DRIVE (CC)
The following members of the public spoke in favor of the item:
Heather Liddy Dan Mosley Jeanie Stodghill Gary Stodghill
MOTION BY O’DONNELL, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO APPROVE THE
SPEED HUMPS ON MAR VISTA DRIVE BETWEEN BUENA VISTA DRIVE AND MIRAMAR DRIVE.
MOTION CARRIED: 4-0 (GREEN ABSENT)
PUBLIC HEARING
PH1. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE
BALLOT RESULTS TO DETERMINE WHETHER A MAJORITY PROTESTS EXISTS IN THE
PROCEEDINGS TO FORM THE CITY OF VISTA SOUTH MELROSE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 2024-1 AND ADOPTION OF ONE OF TWO RESOLUTIONS DECLARING THE BALLOT RESULTS AND APPROVING CERTAIN ACTIONS. (CC) Mike Sylvia, Director of Finance, introduced the item and provided the staff report.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 14, 2024
5 After opening and conducting the Public Hearing, the tabulation of the ballots commenced in the Vista Room near the City Council Chambers and was available for public viewing.
After tabulation of the ballots, City Clerk Kathy Valdez read and confirmed the ballot results; there was majority opposition.
MOTION BY FRANKLIN, SECOND BY MELENDEZ, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING, ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2024-62, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTED CITY OF
VISTA, CALIFORNIA, OF THE SOUTH MELROSE LANDSCAPE
MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 2024-1, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO, STATE
OF CALIFORNIA, DECLARING THE RESULTS OF THE SOUTH MELROSE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 2024-1 BALLOT
PROCEEDING AND ABANDONING PROCEDURES TO FORM THE
DISTRICT.”
MOTION CARRIED: 4-0 (GREEN ABSENT)
PH2. CONDUIT FINANCING FOR THE CARITAS AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT. (CC) Walter Chung, City Attorney, introduced the item and provided the report.
MOTION BY FRANKLIN, SECOND BY O’DONNELL, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING, ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2024-63, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTED CITY OF
VISTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF TAX EXEMPT
REVENUE BONDS PURSUANT TO A PLAN OF FINANCE IN AN
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $166,000,000 BY
THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY FOR THE PURPOSE
OF FINANCING AND REFINANCING THE ACQUISITION AND IMPROVEMENT
OF THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT AND EQUIPPING
OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES CONSISTING OF MOBILE HOME PARKS AND
AN APARTMENT COMPLEX BY ONE OR MORE CALIFORNIA LIMITED
LIABILITY COMPANIES WHOSE SOLE MEMBER WILL BE CARITAS
AFFORDABLE HOUSING, INC., AND CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS
RELATING THERETO”
MOTION CARRIED: 4-0 (GREEN ABSENT)
DISCUSSION
D1. STREET LIGHTING ASSESSMENT PROJECT (CC)
Imelda Huerta, Assistant City Manager, introduced the item and provided the staff presentation with Sara Trench, Management Analyst.
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Success and experience by other cities (Los Angeles, National City, Mission Viejo) with solar streetlights.
• Maintenace costs of current concrete pole streetlights. • Cooperation by, and communication efforts with, SDG&E and the estimated time frame of installation of streetlights on existing wood poles.
• Timeframe of installation of solar lighting versus new concrete pole electric streetlights.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 14, 2024
6 • Effectiveness of solar lighting in winter months will be evaluated in pilot program. Staff will report back to the City Council after evaluation.
• Direct staff to inquire about the feasibility of retrofitting traditional concrete poles with solar power and to connect solar streetlights to electrical power. • Direct staff to move forward with pilot program of 12 solar streetlights and to obtain more information regarding the pole structure, durability, brightness, and ability to connect to electrical grid.
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY CONTRERAS TO DIRECT STAFF TO:
BEGIN PILOT PROGRAM OF 12 SOLAR STREETLIGHTS; CONTINUE TO WORK WITH SDG&E TO EVALUATE 45 EXISTING WOOD ELECTRICAL POLES FOR NEW STREETLIGHTS; INITIATE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF 21 NEW CONCRETE POLE ELECTRIC STREETLIGHTS; AND RETURN TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITHIN 30 DAYS TO REPORT (1) OPTIONS FOR RETROFITTING TRADITIONAL CONCRETE POLES WITH SOLAR POWER; (2) ABILITY TO CONNECT SOLAR STREETLIGHTS TO ELECTRICAL POWER; AND (3) EXPERIENCE OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES SOLAR LIGHT PROGRAM.
VOTE: 4-0 (GREEN ABSENT)
D2. ASH CAN PILOT PROGRAM (CC)
Imelda Huerta, Assistant City Manager, introduced the item and provided the staff presentation with Cassidy McCarthy, Climate Action Plan Program Manager.
Janice Jones with San Diego Surfrider spoke in favor of the item and offered continued partnership with the City of Vista.
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Obtain “baseline” data in locations before putting in ash cans. • Partner with NCTD to add ash can at bus stops.
• Partner with Vista Unified School District to engage students in the evaluation of the program. • Direct staff to look into enforcement and fine structure of littering. • Put up more signage in receptacle locations.
• Have the Environmental Commission help develop the program • Potential locations for ash cans: various corridors, Olive Avenue, Vista Village Dr, Cineopolis, Veteran Park, S. Santa Fe Avenue, Melrose Drive
DISCUSSED AND PROVIDED INPUT ON THE ASH CAN PROGRAM AND
DIRECTED STAFF TO HAVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION HELP DEVELOP A PLAN TO EXPAND AND EVALUATE THE PROGRAM.
NO VOTE TAKEN.
REMARKS
City Manager Conley wished the Mayor a Happy Birthday; announced the City’s launch of the E-Bike Safety Training and Rebate Program; invited residents to participate in Bike Anywhere Day on May 16 and stop by the City’s pit stop; and Congressman Levin notified City staff that he will be asking for $4.25 million for the Emerald ATP in the next federal budget.
Councilmember O’Donnell thanked Public Works for fixing the water spigot at the South Buena Vista dog park; congratulated the Spring 2024 graduates of the Vista Leadership Academy; reported out of
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 14, 2024
7 the Cal Cities meeting regarding climate adaptation and resiliency; thanked the Paramedics and Firefighters Brandon Montgomery, Patrick McDonald, Michael Serna, Austin Delaney, Wes Najarro for their quick response and professionalism on a recent call for service; and announced a town hall meeting regarding Green Oak Ranch on June 30.
Councilmember Contreras thanked staff and fellow Councilmembers; offered to coordinate presentations with North County Transit District on any topic that may be requested; and expressed excitement about the potential future Emerald Corridor funding by Congressman Levin.
Deputy Mayor Melendez encouraged community members to attend the Wave Duck Races on May 19, Parks Master Plan Workshops on May 22, and the Strawberry Festival on May 26.
Mayor Franklin invited community members to attend one or both Parks Master Plan Workshops on May 22 at the United Methodist Church of Vista.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Franklin adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m. in memory of Dal Williams. ____________________________________
Kathy Valdez, City Clerk