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
MARCH 25, 2025
The March 25, 2025, 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 Successor Agency to the Vista Redevelopment Agency was called to order by Mayor Franklin at 5:00 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, Jeff Fox
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Franklin called for a Closed Session at 5:00 p.m. for the following:
CS1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): (CC)
Case Name: Wakefield v. City of Vista et al.
Case Number: 37-2023-00036200-CU-WT-CTL
Venue: Court of the State of California for the County of San Diego
RECESS, OPEN SESSION, AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Franklin recessed the Closed Session at 5:20 p.m. and called the meeting to order in Open Session at 5:30 p.m.
DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT
John Conley City Manager
Walter Chung City Attorney
John Malan Sheriff’s Captain
Gerard Washington Fire Chief
Kathy Valdez City Clerk
Imelda Huerta Assistant City Manager
Joe Vacca Community Development Director
Larry Vaupel Economic Development Director
Mike Sylvia Finance Director
Natalie Jacobs Human Resources Director
Chris Arce Public Works Director
Mike Pacheco Recreation and Community Services Director
CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Walter Chung stated there was no reportable action taken in tonight’s Closed Session.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Fox led the Pledge of Allegiance.
BROWN ACT NOTICE
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MARCH 25, 2025
2 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 local hero Deputy Dan Sheehan.
P2. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a proclamation to Sarah Spinks proclaiming March 26, 2025, as “Sarah Spinks Day” in the City of Vista.
P3. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a proclamation to Terry Moxley, Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7041, proclaiming March 29, 2025, as “Vietnam Veterans Day” in the City of Vista.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
• Dawn Taylor spoke about banning smoking in apartment complexes. • Ashkon Jones spoke against the privatization of City facilities and services, specifically the Wave Waterpark.
• Mary Cory spoke against local law enforcement aiding ICE. • Mary Davis reported on observations and concerns regarding the recent cannabis event at Brengle Terrace Park.
• Justin Domicillo voiced support for Sarah Spinks and Vista’s Public Arts program. • Becky Rapp spoke about the dangers of cannabis for youth. • Madison Rapp encouraged the City to ban the sale of disguised vaping devices.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY O’DONNELL, TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
C1. Received the February 2025 check register. (CC)
C2. Approved the following meeting minutes:
March 6, 2025 Workshop Meeting (CC)
March 11, 2025 Consolidated Meeting (CC/CDC/BSD/SA)
C3. Received and filed the Treasurer’s Cash Report for the month ending January 31, 2025. (CC)
C4. Confirmed appointments to various City Commissions, Boards and Committees. (CC)
C5. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-38, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Awarding a Construction Contract to L.C. Paving & Sealing, Inc. for the 2025 Pedestrian Mobility Sidewalk Project – Lado de Loma Drive & Guajome Street (CIP No. 8290) (CC)
C6. This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. (CC)
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MARCH 25, 2025
3 C7. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-40, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving an Event Sponsorship Agreement with the Vista Chamber of Commerce” (CC)
C8. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-41, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Initiating Proceedings for the Formation of the Vista Citywide Street Maintenance Assessment District No. 2025-1 and Levy and Collection of Assessments for Fiscal Year 2025/2026”; adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-42, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, for the Vista Citywide Street Maintenance Assessment District No. 2025-1, Declaring Its Intention to Provide for the Formation, Annual Levy and Collection of Assessments for the Maintenance of Improvements, and Calling an Assessment Ballot Proceeding to Submit to the Qualified Property Owners Within Such District the Question of the Levy of the Proposed Assessments for the District, Fiscal Year 2025/2026”; adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-43, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Initiating Proceedings for the Formation of the Vista Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 2025-2 and Levy and Collection of Assessments for Fiscal Year 2025/2026”; and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-44, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, for the Vista Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 2025-1, Declaring Its Intention to Provide for the Formation, Annual Levy and Collection of Assessments for the Maintenance of Improvements, and Calling an Assessment Ballot Proceeding to Submit to the Qualified Property Owners Within Such District the Question of the Levy of the Proposed Assessments for the District, Fiscal Year 2025/2026” (CC)
C9. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-45, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving the Public Arts Commission’s Selected “Kites Over Vista” for Display” (CC)
C10. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-46, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Ordering That an Engineer Prepare a Report of the Assessments to Be Levied for the Maintenance of Improvements of City of Vista Landscaping and Lighting District No. 1”; adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-47, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Ordering That an Engineer Prepare a Report of the Assessments to be Levied for the Maintenance of Improvements of City of Vista Street Maintenance District No. 1”; and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-48, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Ordering That an Engineer Prepare a Report of the Assessments to be Levied for the Maintenance of Improvements of the South Melrose Landscape Maintenance District”.(CC)
C11. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-49, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Authorizing the Application to be a Tree City USA” (CC)
C12. Adopted Joint Powers Financing Authority Resolution No. 2025-01, entitled “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Vista Joint Powers Financing Authority Establishing Regular Meeting Dates of the Board of Directors” (JPFA)
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MARCH 25, 2025
4 ITEM REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION C6. CIP NOS. 8339 & 8358 – FOOTHILL/OAK AND BOBIER/CALLE JULES ROUNDABOUTS PROJECT – CONSTRUCTION CHANGE ORDER (CC)
Martha Alvarado spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Franklin stated he would be voting no on the item because he opposed the initial item approving the roundabouts.
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY MELENDEZ, TO ADOPT CITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2025-39, ENTITLED “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CONSTRUCTION CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO THE
DESIGN/BUILD CONTRACT WITH DICK MILLER, INC. FOR THE
FOOTHILL/OAK AND BOBIER/CALLE JULES ROUNDABOUTS PROJECT (CIP NOS. 8339 AND 8358)”.
MOTION CARRIED: 4-1 (MAYOR FRANKLIN OPPOSED)
DISCUSSION
D1. OPERATION HOPE-NORTH COUNTY REQUEST FOR FUNDING (CC) Councilmember Fox introduced the item. Esperanza Zapico, Executive Director Operation HOPE-North County, gave a presentation.
The following individuals spoke in favor of the item:
Martha Avalos Jeannette Godinez Amanda Romero
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Federal funding is only awarded to low-barrier shelters. Operation HOPE is looking into expanding to offer low-barrier shelter, but not replacing the current high-barrier shelter. • Councilmembers expressed concerns about Operation HOPE being in the same position next year without appropriate financial planning.
• Operation HOPE’s clothing boutique and food pantry could be added to their mission statement; this might provide additional grant opportunities.
• It is becoming increasingly difficult for non-profits to secure multi-year pledges from donors.
Operation HOPE is continuing to work on their budget and fundraising plans for Fiscal Year 2025/26.
• Support for a Service Agreement with Operation HOPE in the amount requested and authorizing the City Manager to execute the Agreement.
MOTION BY FRANKLIN, SECOND BY FOX TO DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE
A SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH OPERATION HOPE-NORTH COUNTY AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
D2. FOURTH MONTH REVIEW OF THE AGREEMENT WITH SAN DIEGO RESCUE MISSION, INC.
FOR CITYWIDE HOMELESS OUTREACH SERVICES (CC)
Jonathan Lung, Homeless Services Program Manager, introduced the item and provided staff’s report.
Paul Armstrong, CEO of San Diego Rescue Mission, gave a presentation.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MARCH 25, 2025
5 City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• ShelterReady, an App that connects people with available shelter beds, is up and running but still working on issues and slowly getting shelter providers to utilize the App. At this time, many providers have committed to using the App, but it doesn’t fit every shelter’s needs. • The partnership with San Diego Rescue Mission (SDRM) has opened up access to shelters across North County.
• Pleased with the work being done by SDRM staff and their ability to connect with the unhoused. • Will use the By-Name List to gather data for length of stay in supportive housing. • Individuals or businesses seeking after hours information can call 760-639-6124 or email [email protected] to be put directly in contact with SDRM. • Staff will work with IT to integrate the heat map with GIS.
RECEIVED AN UPDATE ON THE SAN DIEGO RESCUE MISSION’S
ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF CONTRACTED
SERVICES AND DIRECTED STAFF TO CONTINUE THE CONTRACT FOR CITYWIDE HOMELESS OUTREACH SERVICES.
NO VOTE TAKEN.
D3. STANDING COMMITTEE ON HOMELESSNESS ORGANIZATIONAL RECOMMENDATION (CC)
Jonathan Lung, Homeless Services Program Manager, introduced the item and provided staff’s report.
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• The structure proposed by the Standing Committee will allow for community insight and City Council oversight and a way to easily identify priorities. • The Standing Committee will discuss the appointment structure of the Homelessness Commission and bring back to City Council for recommendation approval. • An ordinance establishing a Homelessness Commission will need City Council review and approval.
• Request to review accomplishments of Homelessness Commission 12 months after first meeting.
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY FRANKLIN, TO DIRECT STAFF TO
DRAFT AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A SEVEN MEMBER
HOMELESSNESS COMMISSION AFTER THE CITY COUNCIL REVIEWS THE STANDING COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION FOR THE COMPOSITION OF THE COMMISSION AND THE GOALS OF THE COMMISSION; SCHEDULE FIVE
STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS DURING EVEN MONTHS, FIVE
COMMISSION MEETINGS DURING ODD MONTHS, AND TWO STRATEGIC PLAN WORKSHOP MEETINGS; RESCHEDULE THE STANDING
COMMITTEE MEETING TO THE FOURTH THURSDAY OF EVEN MONTHS;
AND APPOINTED COUNCILMEMBER JEFF FOX AS EX-OFFICIO MEMBER TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE.
MOTION PASSED: 5-0
REMARKS
City Manager John Conley announced that the City has launched an online application process for short-term rental permits and the Moonlight Amphitheatre’s concert series kicks off this weekend.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MARCH 25, 2025
6 Councilmember Jeff Fox reported on his trip to Round Rock, Texas, with the San Diego North Economic Council and announced the upcoming Meading in the Garden on April 5 at the Alta Vista Gardens.
Councilmember Dan O’Donnell announced that work on the bike lanes near Rancho Buena Vista High has begun, thanked all of the Vietnam Veterans for their service, and recognized City employees and teachers for all that they do.
Councilmember Corrina Contreras announced that North County Transit District’s bus route 334 is being discontinued and replaced with NCTD Plus.
Deputy Mayor Melendez thanked North County Ford for their donation to “Shoe the World Day,” stated that shoe donations are still being accepted, and announced that there will be a reception on April 16 for the student art show in the Civic Center Art Gallery.
Mayor John Franklin noticed that Vista Fire Rescue and Vista Fire Protection District is hosting public community meetings to discuss upcoming vegetation management policies crucial to wildfire prevention on April 8 and April 16.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Franklin adjourned the meeting at 9:01 p.m.
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Kathy Valdez, City Clerk