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
DECEMBER 10, 2024
The December 10, 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, Successor Agency to the Vista Redevelopment Agency, and the Joint Powers Financing Authority, was called to order by Mayor Franklin at 5:30 pm in the City Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista, California.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT
Mayor John Franklin (appeared remotely via Zoom), Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez Joe Green, Corinna Contreras, Dan O’Donnell
DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
John Conley City Manager
Walter Chung City Attorney
John Boyce Sheriff’s Captain
Gerard Washington Fire Chief
Imelda Huerta Assistant City Manager
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 Public Works Director
Mike Sylvia Finance Director
Chris Mitchell Information Technology Director
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Green 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 that there are no changes to the agenda.
PRESENTATIONS
P1. The following individuals recognized outgoing Councilmember Joe Green for his service on the City Council: Salome Tash representing Congressman Mike Levin’s office; Fernando Hernandez representing Senator Catherine Blakespear’s office; Ryan Ewart representing Assemblywoman Laurie Davies’ office; Kristal Jabara representing Supervisor Jim Desmond’s office; and Rachel Beld, CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce. The Deputy Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a Proclamation to Councilmember Joe Green, proclaiming December 10, 2024 as “Councilmember Joe Green Day” in the City of Vista. Assistant City Manager Imelda Huerta presented a commemorative bowl and City Manager John Conley presented a commemorative City of Vista street sign.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
DECEMBER 10, 2024
2 P2. Results of the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election.
MOTION BY GREEN, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2024-191, ENTITLED “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING THE RESULTS OF THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024, GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
P3. OATHS OF OFFICE
City Clerk Kathy Valdez administered the Oath of Office to Jeff Fox, City Councilmember District 2, and Katie Melendez, City Councilmember District 3.
Deputy Mayor Melendez called for a recess at 6:16 p.m.
Deputy Mayor Melendez reconvened the meeting at 6:41 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT
Mayor John Franklin (appeared remotely via Zoom), Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez Corinna Contreras, Dan O’Donnell, Jeff Fox
P4. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a Proclamation to Jack and Sharon Larimer, proclaiming January 3, 2025 as “Jack and Sharon Larimer Day” in the City of Vista.
P5. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a Proclamation to local heroes Nas Mohamed, Deputies Robert Oliveri and Craig Vanden Bossche, Battalion Chief Brendan Halle, Captain Ryan Deason, Engineer Dominic Puccio, Captain Chris Jones, Engineer Matthew Eyerman, and Firefighter/Paramedics Michael Saldana, Carl Wagner, and Andrew Martinez.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
• Dawn Taylor spoke on the need for anti-smoking policies in apartment complexes. • Sid Rothenberg spoke on the 2024 Senior Center accomplishments and special events taking place in December.
• Johana Farias spoke about litter in the community and asked the City Council to speak to the Vista schools about the issue.
• Melina Valencia spoke about substance abuse, cannabis use among youth, and the need for programs aimed at youth.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY O’DONNELL, TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
C1. Received the October 2024 Check Register. (CC)
C2. Approved the following meeting minutes:
November 7, 2024 Workshop Meeting (CC)
November 12, 2024 Consolidated Meeting (CC/CDC/BSD/SA/JPA) November 20, 2024 Special Meeting (CC)
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
DECEMBER 10, 2024
3 C3. Received and filed the Treasurer’s Cash Report for the month ending October 31, 2024. (CC)
C4. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-192, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Setting Regular Meeting Dates for 2025.” (CC)
C5. Directed staff to post a notice of scheduled vacancies for 2025 – the Local Appointments List – with an application deadline of February 7, 2025 and a deadline of April 24, 2025 for youth applicants. (CC)
C6. Confirmed Mayor Franklin’s recommendation to fill an unscheduled vacancy on the Central Vista Business Improvement District Advisory Board. (CC)
C7. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-193, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving and Executing a Contract between the City of Vista and University Resident Theatre Association Inc. for Paymaster Services for Members of Actors’ Equity Association.” (CC)
C8. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-194, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Authorizing Settlement of the Workers’ Compensation Claim of Brent Nogle in the Amount of $62,350.00.” (CC)
C9. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-195, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving an Agreement with DBX, Inc. for Design/Build Services for the Three Traffic Signals Project (CIP Nos. 8375, 8376 & 8377)” (CC)
C10. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-196, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving the First Amendment to the Agreement with PAR Western Line Contractors, LLC for Design/Build Services for the City-Wide Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Project (CIP No. 8902).” (CC)
C11. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-197, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Amending City Council Policy 700-12, Bond Issuance and Debt Incurrence, and Authorization of a Bond Financing Team.” (CC)
C12. Adopted Successor Agency Resolution No. 2024-02, entitled “A Resolution of the Board of the Successor Agency to the Vista Redevelopment Agency, Approving a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 25-26) Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 24177 and Taking Certain Actions in Connection Therewith”; and adopted Successor Agency Resolution No. 2024-03, entitled “A Resolution of the Board of the Successor Agency to the Vista Redevelopment Agency, Approving the Administrative Budget Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 24177 and Taking Certain Actions in Connection Therewith” (SA)
C13. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-198, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Authorizing the Submittal of an Application for State of California Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions.” (CC)
C14. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-199, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Authorizing and Approving the Summary Vacation of a Highway Slope Easement at APN 166-053-21 & 24.” (CC)
C15. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-200, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2023/24 and 204/25, and Amending the Capital Project Budget for Fiscal Years 2024/25 and 205/26”;
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
DECEMBER 10, 2024
4 adopted Buena Sanitation District Resolution No. 2024-14, 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”; and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-201, 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)
PUBLIC HEARING
PH1. AMEND CHAPTER 10.68 OF THE VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO THE USE AND
OPERATION OF BICYCLES IN THE CITY (CC)
Imelda Huerta, Assistant City Manager, introduced the item and Josh Sino Cruz, Assistant to the City Manager, provided staff’s report.
The following individuals spoke in support of the item:
• Martin Grover
• Jim Baross
• Derby Pattengill
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Signage will be placed at appropriate bicycle parking locations. • Bicycle racks will be installed throughout the City.
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY O’DONNELL TO CLOSE THE
PUBLIC HEARING AND INTRODUCE AND ADOPT CITY COUNCIL
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-14, ENTITLED, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 10.68 OF THE VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO THE USE AND OPERATION OF BICYCLES IN THE CITY.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
PH2. CODE AMENDMENT TO OFF-SITE PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR ONE-FAMILY DWELLINGS ≤ 1,600 SQUARE FEET IN SIZE (CC)
Joe Vacca, Community Development Director, introduced the item and provided staff’s report.
The following individuals spoke in support of the item:
• Bill Cavanaugh
• Jacob Aldridge
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Parking study conducted in 2016 and determined that four (4) parking spaces per single-family dwelling is appropriate.
• Construction of a garage can be upwards of 25% of total cost of a new home. • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are not required to provide parking when close to public transit.
MOTION BY O’DONNELL, SECOND BY CONTRERAS TO CLOSE THE
PUBLIC HEARING AND INTRODUCE AND ADOPT CITY COUNCIL
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-15, ENTITLED, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 18.54 OF THE VISTA DEVELOPMENT CODE TO UPDATE OFF-
STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION OF ONE-
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
DECEMBER 10, 2024
5 FAMILY DWELLINGS ≤ 1,600 SQUARE FEET.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
PH3. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FEES (CC)
Fire Chief Gerard Washington introduced the item and Deputy Fire Chief Bret Davison provided staff’s report.
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Commercial/private insurance providers account for almost half of revenue received. • Likely little to no raise in out-of-pocket costs for those with private insurance but could increase for those with Medicare based on the individual plan.
• Full cost recovery is becoming a standard throughout many cities in the State. • Request for Uncollected Ambulance Fee Report in one year. • Want to be proactive in offering payment plans.
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY O’DONNELL TO CLOSE THE
PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2024- 202, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FEE SCHEDULE.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
DISCUSSION
D1. APPOINTMENTS OF OFFICIALS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES (CC/BSD) Kathy Valdez, City Clerk, introduced the item.
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY O’DONNELL, TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2024-203, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA,
APPOINTING A REPRESENTATIVE (CONTRERAS) AND AN ALTERNATIVE
REPRESENTATIVE (MELENDEZ) TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE NORTH SAN DIEGO COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT BOARD (NCTD)”;
ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2024-204, ENTITLED, “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING A REPRESENTATIVE (O’DONNELL)
AND AN ALTERNATIVE REPRESENTATIVE (FOX) TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE REGIONAL SOLID WASTE ASSOCIATION (RSWA)”; ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2024-205, ENTITLED, “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF
VISTA, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING A REPRESENTATIVE (FOX) AND AN ALTERNATIVE REPRESENTATIVE (O’DONNELL) TO THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF THE NORTH COUNTY DISPATCH JOINT POWERS
AGENCY (NORTH COMM)”; ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2024-206, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING A
REPRESENTATIVE (FRANKLIN) AND ALTERNATIVE REPRESENTATIVES (CONLEY, JACOBS, HOLBROOK) TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY (JPIA)”; ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2024-207, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA,
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
DECEMBER 10, 2024
6 CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING A REPRESENTATIVE (MELENDEZ) AND AN
ALTERNATIVE REPRESENTATIVE (FOX) TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CLEAN ENERGY ALLIANCE”; ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2024-208, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING TWO
REPRESENTATIVES (FRANKLIN, O’DONNELL) AND TWO ALTERNATIVE
REPRESENTATIVES (KNATZ, MAYER) TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ENCINA WASTEWATER AUTHORITY”; ADOPT BUENA SANITATION
DISTRICT RESOLUTION NO. 2024-15, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT, APPOINTING TWO REPRESENTATIVES (FRANKLIN, O’DONNELL) AND
TWO ALTERNATIVE REPRESENTATIVES (KNATZ, MAYER) TO THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ENCINA WASTEWATER AUTHORITY.; AND CONFIRMED MAYOR FRANKLIN’S APPOINTMENTS TO THE AGENCIES NOT LISTED, BUT SHOWN ON EXHIBIT 1.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO ADOPT CITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2024-209, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA,
APPOINTING A REPRESENTATIVE (MELENDEZ) AND TWO ALTERNATIVE REPRESENTATIVES (O’DONNELL, FRANKLIN) TO THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF THE SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
(SANDAG).”
MOTION CARRIED: 4-1 (FRANKLIN OPPOSED)
DIRECTED STAFF TO POST THE CHANGES ON THE WEBSITE ON
CALIFORNIA FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION (FPPC) FORM 806 IN COMPLIANCE WITH FPPC REGULATION 18705.5.
D2. APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY MAYOR (CC)
Kathy Valdez, City Clerk, introduced the item.
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY O’DONNELL TO APPOINT
COUNCILMEMBER KATIE MELENDEZ TO DEPUTY MAYOR FOR A ONE- YEAR TERM.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
REMARKS
City Attorney Walter Chung welcomed Councilmember Fox to the City Council.
City Manager John Conley welcomed Councilmember Fox to the City Council, congratulated Captain John Boyce for his promotion to Commander, congratulated Dolores Gascon, Director of Human Resources, on her retirement, and congratulated Natalie Jacobs on her promotion to Director of Human Resources.
Councilmember Jeff Fox expressed his excitement for being on the City Council and looking forward to working with fellow Councilmembers and staff.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
DECEMBER 10, 2024
7 Councilmember Dan O’Donnell welcomed Councilmember Fox to the City Council; expressed appreciation to Jack and Sharon Larimer; and congratulated Captain John Boyce on his promotion.
Councilmember Corrina Contreras congratulated Captain John Boyce on his promotion; congratulated Dolores Gascon on her retirement; announced that North County Transit District is looking into “boutique locomotives”; congratulated Councilmember Fox.
Deputy Mayor Melendez announced Jingle Terrace Live at the Moonlight Amphitheatre through December 21, the Penguin Plunge at the Wave Waterpark on December 14, and various holiday activities and events in Downtown Vista throughout December.
Mayor John Franklin congratulated Captain John Boyce and Dolores Gascon.
ADJOURNMENT
Deputy Mayor Melendez adjourned the meeting at 8:13 p.m. in memory of Morris B. Vance. ____________________________________
Kathy Valdez, City Clerk