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 28, 2024
The May 28, 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, and the Successor Agency to the Vista Redevelopment Agency, was called to order by Mayor Franklin at 4:00 pm in the City Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista, California.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT
Mayor John Franklin, Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez
Joe Green, Corinna Contreras, Dan O’Donnell (participated remotely via Zoom)
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Franklin called for a Closed Session at 4:01 p.m. for the following:
CS1. Conference with Real Property Negotiators, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8: (CC)
Property Address/Location: APNs 217-011-45, 217-011-47, 217-011-15 Agency Negotiator(s): City Manager John Conley, Assistant City Manager Imelda Huerta, Finance Director Mike Sylvia
Negotiating Parties: Green Oak Ranch
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
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.
DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
John Conley City Manager
Walter Chung City Attorney
Imelda Huerta Assistant City Manager
John Boyce Sheriff’s Captain
Gerard Washington Fire Chief
Kathy Valdez City Clerk
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 Chris Arce Acting Public Works Director
Mike Sylvia Finance Director
CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Walter Chung reported the City Council has directed staff to obtain an appraisal of the Green Oak Ranch property.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 28, 2024
2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Deputy Mayor Melendez 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 there were no changes to the Agenda.
PRESENTATIONS
P1. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a proclamation to Kayla Edwards proclaiming May 31, 2024, as “Kayla Edwards Day” in the City of Vista.
P2. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a proclamation to Vista Academy of Visual and Performing Arts students Jafet Rivera, Santana Carrera, Thomas Ward, Jocelyn Gonzalez, Elias Lopez Lopez, Joel Ramirez Rodriguez, Salome Rodriguez Mendez, Kayla Valdez-Castro, and Christian Grubb Barajas proclaiming May 30, 2024, as “Safety and Wellness Day” in the City of Vista.
P3. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a proclamation to Roxanne Deathrage and Max Disposti of the North County LGBTQ Resource Center proclaiming June 2024, as “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual Pride Month” in the City of Vista.
P4. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a proclamation to Ilima Kam Martinez, founder and Board President of Umeke, proclaiming May 2024 as “Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month” in the City of Vista.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
• Denise Barragan spoke regarding the sale of Green Oak Ranch. • Joe Allen spoke regarding the sale of Green Oak Ranch. • Stacey Sills, on behalf of Vista Little League, spoke regarding the sale of Green Oak Ranch. • Jason White spoke regarding the sale of Green Oak Ranch. • Vanessa Bulcao spoke regarding the sale of Green Oak Ranch. • Caroldean Ross spoke regarding the sale of Green Oak Ranch. • Karin Allison spoke regarding the sale of Green Oak Ranch. • Jared Thompson, on behalf of Vista Little League, spoke regarding the sale of Green Oak Ranch. • Tim Troncone spoke regarding the sale of Green Oak Ranch. • Julia Shriver spoke regarding the sale of Green Oak Ranch.
RECESS AND RECONVENE
Mayor Franklin recessed the meeting at 6:25 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 6:29 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY GREEN, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
C1. Received and filed Treasurer’s Cash Report for the month ending March 31, 2024. (CC)
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 28, 2024
3 C2. Approved the following meeting minutes: May 14, 2024, Consolidated Meeting (CC/CDC/BSD/SA/JPFA); and May 15, 2024, Special Meeting (CC).
C3. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-76, entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Accepting Grant Funds from the Regional Task Force on Homelessness”; and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-77, 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.” (CC)
C4. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-64, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Establishing the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2024/25.” (CC)
C5. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-65, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Awarding a Contract to YBS Construction Engineering for As-Needed Concrete Construction.” (CC)
C6. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-66, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving the First Amendment to the Agreement with Erickson-Hall Construction Co. for Design/Build Services for the Fire Station No. 3 Replacement Project (CIP No. 8331)”; and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-67, 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)
C7. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-68, 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 2023 Weed Abatement Charges.” (CC)
C8. Mayor Franklin announced that this item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. (CC)
C9. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-70, 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 2023/24”; adopted Buena Sanitation District Resolution No. 2024-2, entitled “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Buena Sanitation District, Amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2023/24 and 2024/25”; adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-71, 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”; and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-72, 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 City Maintenance Association and Repealing the Provisions of Any Resolutions in Conflict Herewith.” (CC/BSD)
C10. Confirmed the Mayor’s youth appointments to various commissions. (CC)
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
C8. LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND QUEER (LGBTQ) PROGRESSIVE
PRIDE FLAG (CC)
Mayor Franklin removed this item for discussion. He stated his belief that the American flag is the only flag that represents everyone.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 28, 2024
4 Deputy Mayor Melendez requested a flag raising ceremony to be held for the raising of the Progressive Pride Flag.
Joe Houde spoke in support of flying the Progressive Pride Flag.
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO ADOPT CITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2024-69, 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 2024.”
MOTION CARRIED: 4-1 (MAYOR FRANKLIN OPPOSED)
PUBLIC HEARING
PH1. CODE AMENDMENT TO PERMIT AND REGULATE SHORT-TERM RENTALS (CC) Joe Vacca, Director of Finance, introduced the item and provided the staff report.
The following members of the public spoke regarding short-term rentals:
Timothy Crowder Rick Bernier Matthew Peters
Daniel DeVille Andrew Stess Omer Acikel
Lisa Scott Anna Strawn Kerry Michel
Bill Froelich Jacob Aldridge Oscar Ramirez
Wyatt Jackson Kimberly Jackson Alexandra Martin
Mitch Guerueros Nicolet Ramirez
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Support for changing quiet hours from 10:00 pm - 8:00 am to 9:00 pm - 9:00 am. • Contact information must only be posted when the property is rented; is a common requirement; reach out to other cities to determine if there has been increased property crimes due to postings • Transient Occupancy Tax must be paid; staff will look at options to track and ensure payments are made
• Code Enforcement will issue notices/citations; look at expanded evening and weekend hours • Code Enforcement officers will not attempt to shut down a party, the Sheriff’s Department would be called out
• Hotline for reporting violations
• Special events are not allowed; in the future look at the possibility of allowing a limited number • Consider limiting the number of STRs in the future
• Transfers of properties will be investigated to ensure that it is a legitimate transfer
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO CLOSE THE
PUBLIC HEARING, ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 2024-5, ENTITLED, “AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 8.34 OF THE VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE AND AMENDING CHAPTER 18.02 OF THE VISTA DEVELOPMENT CODE RELATING TO SHORT-TERM RENTALS” WITH THE ADJUSTMENT OF
QUIET HOURS FROM 9:00 PM – 9:00 AM; AND ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2024-73, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING
A FILING AND PROCESSING FEE FOR APPLICATIONS TO PERMIT SHORT- TERM RENTALS.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 28, 2024
5 PH2. CODE AMENDMENTS REGARDING TEMPORARY CANNABIS EVENTS (CC) Joe Vacca, Director of Finance, introduced the item and provided the staff report.
The following members of the public spoke in opposition to temporary cannabis events:
Treena Priest Kathleen Lippitt Judi Strang
Megan Stuart Peggy Walker Beck Rapp
City Councilmembers requested a future discussion of small-scale cannabis events with an administrative review process.
MOTION BY GREEN, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING, ADOPT ORDINANCE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-6, ENTITLED, “AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 8.12 OF THE VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE AND CHAPTER 18.76 OF THE VISTA DEVELOPMENT CODE
RELATING TO TEMPORARY CANNABIS EVENTS.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
PH3. PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF FOOTHILL DRIVE (CC) Matt Atteberry, Principal Engineer, introduced the item and Bill Tuck, Right-of-Way Agent, provided the staff report.
MOTION BY GREEN, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING, ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2024-74, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, VACATING A PORTION OF FOOTHILL DRIVE.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
DISCUSSION
D1. THE CAMPAIGN FOR A SAFE AND HEALTHY CALIFORNIA ENDORSEMENT AND SB 1137 (GONZALEZ) (2022) SUPPORT (CC)
Councilmember Contreras introduced the item.
Emma Weibel, representative of Youth v. Oil, gave a presentation on SB 1137 (Gonzalez) (2022).
The following members of the public spoke in favor of supporting SB 1137 (Gonzalez) (2022):
Joe Houde Jacob Schneider Abby Deckert
Shiloh Strawbridge Riley O’Brien McGarrah Wilson
Nanci Oechsle
City Councilmembers thanked the youth for their activism and for coming to speak to the City Council regarding this topic.
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY MELENDEZ TO DIRECT STAFF TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2024-75, ENTITLED, “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTED CITY OF VISTA,
CALIFORNIA, ENDORSING THE CAMPAIGN FOR A SAFE AND HEALTHY CALIFORNIA AND SUPPORTING KEEPING SB 1137 HEALTH AND SAFETY SETBACK LEGISLATION.”
VOTE: 5-0
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 28, 2024
6 D2. VISTA 2050, GENERAL PLAN UPDATE – LAND USE ALTERNATIVES (CC) Joe Vacca, Director of Finance, introduced the item and provided the staff report.
Brooke Peterson, Project Manager, Rick Engineering, provided a presentation regarding the General Plan Update – Land Use Alternatives, Workshop Series #2, and consideration of applicants for land use changes.
Mayor Franklin read the names of members of the public who submitted speaker slips in favor of the requested Land Use Designation change on Buena Vista Drive, but did not wish to speak:
Karen Hana Robert Hana Cynthia Heck
Brad Heck Florencio Ching Jennifer Axford
Linda Harvey Brian Axford
The following members of the public spoke regarding the General Plan Update – Land Use Alternatives and requests for land use designation changes:
David Savarese Joe Houde Gene Detchemenchy
Sarah Magana Withers A. Apuzzo Jud Harvey
Stephanie Jackel Ereka Lopez Lev Gershman
Chris Williams Francis Dumler Donna Perry
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Community engagement efforts and results of workshops. • Based on resident input, the land use alternatives presented do not propose major changes; resident feedback did not favor high density zoning changes. Councilmember Contreras wished to see land use designation changes to allow for more housing and connectivity opportunities. • There is currently a large amount of commercially zoned areas in the City; the land use alternatives presented re-zone commercial areas to allow for other uses and provide the opportunity for more residential dwelling units.
• Support for sustainable focused growth as the land use alternative for the General Plan update; Mayor Franklin stated he does not support the options due to the population estimates used and the impact of increased density on housing costs
• The City Council heard the following Applicants’ requests for land use designation changes:
o 1430, 1513, 1554 & 1558 Buena Vista Drive (Jud Harvey): City Councilmembers stated their support for Applicant’s project and land use designation change from Rural Residential to Medium Density Residential.
o 2404 & 2430 Warmlands Avenue (Guiseppe Di Giovanni): City Councilmembers stated their support for Applicant’s project and land use designation change from Neighborhood Commercial to Medium Density Residential.
o 650 Sycamore Avenue (Charles Company):
Developer had minimal community engagement efforts regarding the vision for the space. The feedback from the community on the Developer’s proposed project was not favorable. Councilmembers requested the Developer continue community outreach and engagement efforts.
The City Council agreed to take no action on Applicant’s request for the land use designation change from General Commercial to Mixed Use. Requested the Applicant further develop the project in a way that would address community needs and be appropriate for the area and come back to the City Council for further discussion.
o 197 Oceanview Drive (David Savarese): Applicant did not formally submit request for a land use designation change but submitted an informal request to the City Council and staff prior to and at the meeting. The City Council directed staff to work with the Applicant to include a land use designation change of his property from Residential to Downtown
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 28, 2024
7 Vista Specific Plan in the General Plan Update.
• Directed staff to not accept any additional requests for land use designation change until the General Plan Update is complete.
MOTION BY GREEN, SECOND BY O’DONNELL, TO SELECT SUSTAINABLE
FOCUSED GROWTH ALTERNATIVE AS THE PREFERRED LAND USE
ALTERNATIVE.
VOTE: 4-1 (MAYOR FRANKLIN OPPOSED)
MOTION BY FRANKLIN, SECOND BY O’DONNELL, TO INCLUDE THE
REQUESTED LAND USE DESIGNATION CHANGE FROM RURAL
RESIDENTIAL (RR) TO MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (MD) FOR 1430, 1516, 1554 & 1558 BUENA VISTA DRIVE IN THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE.
VOTE: 5-0
MOTION BY GREEN, SECOND BY CONTRERAS TO INCLUDE THE
REQUESTED LAND USE DESIGNATION CHANGE FROM NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL (CN) TO MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (MD) FOR 2404 & 2430 WARMLANDS AVENUE IN THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE.
VOTE: 5-0
THE CITY COUNCIL POSTPONED TAKING ANY ACTION ON THE CHARLES COMPANY’S REQUESTED LAND USE DESIGNATION CHANGE FROM
GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC) TO MIXED-USE (MU) FOR 650
SYCAMORE AVENUE.
NO VOTE TAKEN.
THE CITY COUNCIL DIRECTED STAFF TO WORK WITH DAVID SAVARESE
TO INCLUDE A LAND USE DESIGNATION CHANGE OF HIS PROPERTY AT 197 OCEANVIEW DRIVE FROM RESIDENCE (R-1) TO DOWNTOWN VISTA SPECIFIC PLAN IN THE CITY’S GENERAL PLAN UPDATE.
NO VOTE TAKEN.
DIRECTED STAFF TO NOT ACCEPT ANY ADDITIONAL REQUESTS FOR
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS UNTIL THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE IS COMPLETE.
NO VOTE TAKEN.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Joe Houde asked for environmental considerations when preparing the General Plan Update; spoke against car wash projects; and advocated for housing first policies and microgrids.
REMARKS
Councilmember O’Donnell announced he will be hosting a town hall meeting regarding Green Oak Ranch with Supervisor Jim Desmond on June 30th at 12:30 pm in the Morris B. Vance Community Room.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 28, 2024
8 Councilmember Contreras announced that North Council Transit District has moved forward with a design/build Request for Proposal for the Melrose and Rancho Del Oro Sprinter Stations.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Franklin adjourned the meeting at 11:38 p.m.
____________________________________
Kathy Valdez, City Clerk