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
MAY 13, 2025
The May 13, 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, Successor Agency to the Vista Redevelopment Agency , and Joint Powers Financing Authority was called to order by Mayor Franklin at 3:00 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 3:01 p.m. for the following:
CS1. Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6: (CC)
Agency Representatives Attending Closed Session:
John Conley, City Manager; Imelda Huerta, Assistant City Manager; Walter Chung, City Attorney; Beverly Roxas, Assistant City Attorney; Natalie Jacobs, Human Resources Director; Mike Sylvia, Finance Director
Employee Organization(s):
Vista City Employee Association (VCEA); Vista Chief Officers’ Association (VCOA), Vista Fire Fighters Association, Local 4107 (VFFA), and Vista City Maintenance Association (VCMA)
RECESS, OPEN SESSION, AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Franklin recessed the Closed Session at 4:17 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
Greg Mayer Engineering Director
Mike Sylvia Finance Director
Natalie Jacobs Human Resources Director
Chris Mitchell Information Technology Director
Chris Arce Public Works Director
Mike Pacheco Recreation and Community Services Director
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Fox led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 13, 2025
2 BROWN ACT NOTICE
Assistant City Clerk Kallison Leahy 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 were no changes to the Agenda.
PRESENTATIONS
P1. The Mayor and City Councilmembers recognized the Spring 2025 Vista Leadership Academy Graduates.
P2. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a proclamation to Chris Arce, Josh Hernandez, Alfredo Olivares, Tim Benavente, Roger Ramirez, Luis Hernandez, Cat Cobian, and Sergio Sauceda declaring May 18-24, 2025, as “Public Works Week” in the City of Vista.
P3. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a proclamation to Jennifer Gill and Alla Valdespino from Vista Community Clinic declaring May 2025, as “Bike Month” in the City of Vista.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
• Ashkon Jones spoke regarding the San Diego County Supervisor election race. • Barbara Gordon spoke about Mental Health Awareness Month and the effect of cannabis on youth mental health.
• Katrina Preece spoke about the dangers of youth use of cannabis and alcohol. • Madison Rapp spoke about the appeal of flavored e -cigarettes, tobacco, and marijuana to youth.
• Becky Rapp spoke on the youth mental health crisis.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY MELENDEZ, TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
C1. Received the March 2025 check register. (CC)
C2. Approved the following meeting minutes:
April 22, 2025 Consolidated Meeting (CC/CDC/BSD/SA/JPFA) April 16, 2025 Workshop Meeting (CC)
C3. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-68, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Establishing an All-Way Stop at the Intersection of Cypress Drive and Alta Vista Terrace.” (CC)
C4. This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
C5. This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 13, 2025
3 C6. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-70, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Awarding a Construction Contract to Vortex Services, LLC dba Sancon Technologies for the Vista Small Diameter Sewer Rehabilitation Project (CIP N o. 8244)”; and adopted Buena Sanitation District Resolution No. 2025-02, entitled “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Buena Sanitation District, Awarding a Construction Contract to Vortex Services, L LC dba Sancon Technologies for the Buena Small Diameter Sewer Rehabilitation Project (CIP No. 8317)” (CC/BSD)
C7. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-71, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving a Final Map for an 8-Lot Single Family Residence Subdivision Located Immediately North of Olive Avenue, Between Winter Road to the West and Granada Drive to the East (APN: 162-493-22-00)” (CC)
C8. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-72, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Oceanside for the Protected Bike Lane Project (CIP No. 8362)” (CC)
C9. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-73, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving an Agreement with GSE Construction Company, Inc. for Design/Build Services for the Raceway Pump Station And Buena Creek Pump Station Improvements And F OG Abatements Project (CIP N os. 8320, 8321, 8324 & 8345) ”; and adopted Buena Sanitation District Resolution No. 2025-03, entitled “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Buena Sanitation District , Approving an Agreement with GSE Construction Company, Inc. for Design/Build Services f or the Raceway Pump Station And Buena Creek Pump Station Improvements And F OG Abatements Proj ect (CIP Nos . 8320, 8321, 8324 & 8345)” (CC/BSD)
C10. This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
C11. Approved the installation of speed humps on Sports Park Way between Cota Lane and Northerly End.
(CC)
C12. This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
C13. Approved the installation of speed humps on Melrose Place between N. Melrose Drive and W.
Los Angeles Drive. (CC)
C14. Approved the installation of speed humps on Tylee Street between Anns Way and Durian Street. (CC)
C15. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-74, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Authorizing and Approving the Summary Vacation of Three Public Sewer Easements at APN’S 173-182-09 & 10” (CC)
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
C4. ALL-WAY STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF LIVE OAK ROAD AND LUPINE HILLS
DRIVE (CC)
Husam Hasenin, Traffic Engineering Division Manager, answered questions from City Councilmembers.
Joe Exline spoke against the item.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 13, 2025
4 City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Past speed mitigation measures have not worked.
• Request for stop sign from two residents.
• Speed down Lupine Hills is high.
MOTION BY O’DONNELL, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2025-69, ENTITLED “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA,
ESTABLISHING AN ALL-WAY STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF LIVE OAK ROAD AND LUPINE HILLS DRIVE.”
MOTION CARRIED: 4-1 (FRANKLIN OPPOSED)
C5. APPROVAL OF A REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT WITH SHEA HOMES LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP FOR ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY IN CONNECTION WITH OFF-SITE
IMPROVEMENTS (CC)
Greg Mayer, Director of Engineering, answered questions from City Councilmembers.
Thad Hutton spoke against the item.
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• City was not privy to negotiation details between Shea Homes and property owner. • Tonight’s action is not an eminent domain action but starts the process for the City to enter negotiations.
• The subject parcel is necessary to m eet the required 24’ paved access road for the F ire Department to access subdivision.
• Councilmembers requested staff to reach out to Shea Homes and the property owner to understand what was offered in the negotiations and to ensure they were done in good faith.
M
OTION BY O’DONNELL, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO TABLE
DISCUSSION IN ORDER TO OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION FROM SHEA HOMES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
C10. SPEED HUMPS ON CIELITA LINDA DRIVE AND ON BONITA DRIVE (CC) The following individuals spoke on support of the item:
Darren Bandy Cliff Kaiser Kristen Zenor
Zoom caller Nate Freed
Cliff Kaiser spoke on the abundance of traffic calming measures being implemented throughout the City.
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Mayor Franklin noted that the City has spent over $1M on speed humps and expressed want to higher the threshold on petition process.
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO APPROVE THE
INSTALLATION OF SPEED HUMPS ON CIELITA LINDA DRIVE BETWEEN OLIVE AVENUE & STRATTON DRIVE; AND ON BONITA DRIVE BETWEEN OLIVE AVENUE & CIELITA LINDA DRIVE.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 13, 2025
5 MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
C12. SPEED HUMPS ON MAR VISTA DRIVE (CC)
The following individuals spoke in favor of the item:
Cynthia Raynowska Cristina Meza
Paul Raynowska (registered support, but did not speak)
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Councilmember expressed that they have received many complaints about speeding on the road.
• Speeds on the report did not measure above 35 mph but due to the windy nature of the street, vehicles traveling above 30 mph is high.
MOTION BY O’DONNELL, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO APPROVE THE
INSTALLATION OF SPEED HUMPS ON MAR VISTA DRIVE BETWEEN
THIBODO ROAD AND MIRAMAR DRIVE.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
PUBLIC HEARING
PH1. PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS CONFIRMING THE
BALLOT RESULTS TO DETERMINE WHETHER A MAJORITY PROTEST EXISTS IN THE
PROCEEDINGS TO FORM THE CITY OF VISTA, VISTA CITYWIDE STREET MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2025-1 (SMAD) AND THE CITY OF VISTA, VISTA CITYWIDE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2025-2 (LLMAD) (CC)
Mike Sylvia, Finance Director, introduced the item. Sara Mares, consultant from NBS, gave the item’s presentation.
The following individuals spoke in opposition to the item:
Joe Exline David Caster Nikki Leeds
Sandra Ramirez
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Clarification on the formula used to calculate the proposed assessment; point system applied to parcel of lands, rate based off of number of points; must comply with Prop 218. • Current assessments are based on 1997 fee schedule; City is not able to keep up with rising costs.
• The City has taken other actions, such as switching to LED lighting, that have helped delay costs, but it is no longer enough
• Every parcel received a ballot; a total of 22,782 ballots were mailed to p roperty owners (not tenants).
Mayor Franklin stated his opposition to the proposed assessment districts.
OPEN, CONDUCTED, AND CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING S REGARDING
THE FORMATION AND LEVY OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE CITY OF VISTA, VISTA CITYWIDE STREET MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2025-1 (SMAD) AND THE CITY OF VISTA, VISTA CITYWIDE
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2025-2 (LLMAD).
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 13, 2025
6 NO VOTE TAKEN.
PH2. FEES AND POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES (CC) Mike Pacheco, Director of Recreation & Community Services , introduced the item and Sydney Roff, Management Analyst, provided staff’s report . Mike Bradford, Rob Anderson, and Angela Palasik answered questions from City Councilmembers.
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• 4th of July – desire for activities to be free/affordable for families; potential to raise funds through vendor opportunities.
• AVO - rental rate still high for community groups; look at shorter rental duration with less technical needs.
o MOU with IOTSE requires 4 hour minimum and requires use of member for any event that takes places at AVO.
o Contreras stated IOTSE indicated willingness to work with City; look at apprentice program with IOTSE.
o Look at viability of offering lower rates on less popular days. • Wave Waterpark – look at ability to increase summer camps due to popularity; explore adding more cabanas for rental
• Park Fees - if a patron wants to have music at a park rental event approval is at the director’s discretion; when music is allowed generally have lots of complaints. • Moonlight – look at viability of charging for parking for shows.
MOTION BY O’DONNELL, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO CLOSE THE
PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 75 ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING REVISIONS TO
THE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES FACILITY RENTAL AND PROGRAM FEES”; AND CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2025-76
ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED
CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES POLICIES AND PROCEDURES”; DIRECTED STAFF TO BRING
BACK DISCUSSION ON AVO RENTALS, FOURTH OF JULY
CONCESSIONAIRES, AND IOTSE.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
DISCUSSION
D1. SPEED HUMPS ON CALLE SINALOA (CC)
Husam Hasenin, Traffic Engineering Division Manager , introduced the item and presented staff’s report.
The following individuals spoke in favor of the item:
Eric De La Cruz Vanessa Perez Danieal Barnes Alex Osborne
The following individuals spoke in opposition of the item:
Peter Kuchinsky Lucy Fonseca Gail Hallemeyer Ryleigh Fay
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Consider changing proposed two-way stop at Warmlands to a four-way stop o Staff would not recommend both speed humps and four-way stop. o Staff recommends going through petition process to determine support for four -way
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 13, 2025
7 stop.
o A four-way stop would not reduce speed at the area of concern. • Most residents living on the street want speed humps; those driving through are opposed. • Support for the installation of two speed humps.
• Noticing area is different than petition area ; the petition area is properties on the street in question; noticing is sent to properties within 500 ft. • Street is scheduled for overlay in next 2 months.
MOTION BY FOX, SECOND BY O’DONNELL TO APPROVE THE
INSTALLATION OF SPEED HUMPS ON CALLE SINALOA.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
D2. SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY ACTION PLAN (CC) Husam Hasenin, Traffic Engineering Division Manager, introduced the item and Darra Woods presented staff’s report. Sasha Jovanović, Transportation Planner, CR Associates answered questions from the City Council members.
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Request to implement Leading Pedestrian I ntervals (LPI) throughout City’s signalized intersections.
• Adoption of the plan enable the City to appl y for grant funding, it does not commit the City to complete all of the proposed projects.
• Could use plan for private development and will feed into sustainable mobility plan. • Request for staff to apply to N. Santa Fe/Osborne to Bobier in the future. • Will review each project before going forward with grant applications.
MOTION BY CONTRERAS SECOND BY MELENDEZ, TO ADOPT THE CITY’S
COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY ACTION PLAN AND ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2025-77, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING
THE VISION ZERO INITIATIVE, AN ASPIRATIONAL INITIATIVE TO ACHIEVE ZERO TRAFFIC – RELATED DEATHS OR SERIOUS INJURIES.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
D3. STANDING COMMITTEE ON HOMELESSNESS’ RECOMMENDATION ON A HOMELESSNESS
COMMISSION COMPOSITION AND ORDINANCE (CC)
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY FRANKLIN TO DIRECT STAFF TO
DRAFT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD SECTION 2.54 ESTABLISHING A HOMELESSNESS COMMISSION, AND TO SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING FOR JUNE 10, 2025, TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
Motion by Melendez, Second by Franklin to extend the meeting by 15 minutes. Motion carried: 5-0
D4. DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 AND 2026/27 OPERATING BUDGET (CC) Mike Sylvia, Director of Finance, introduced the item and Sara Taylor presented staff’s report.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 13, 2025
8 C
ity Councilmembers expressed appreciation to staff.
RECEIVED DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 AND 2026/27 OPERATING BUDGET.
NO VOTE TAKEN.
REMARKS
City Manager John Conley w ished Mayor Franklin a happy birthday on Saturday and provided an update and overview of the roundabouts on Foothill and Oak Drives.
C
ouncilmember Jeff Fox announced the Chamber Mixer at DogHaus on May 14 and Rhythm & Brews on June 28.
C
ouncilmember Dan O’Donnell stated the bike lanes on S Melrose look good, thank ed residents for coming out for his town hall, and announced that Encina is continuing to improve their digesters.
C
ouncilmember Corrina Contreras announced NCTD+ will be launching in Vista on May 19 and weekly trash pick-up continues on Wednesdays.
D
eputy Mayor Melendez reported out from the Clean Energy Alliance Conference.
M
ayor John Franklin announced Public Works is hosting an Open House on Saturday, May 17, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and the following community meetings:
• Brengle Terrace Park and the future Paseo Buena Vista park site meetings at the McClellan Senior Center on Wednesday, May 14
• Workshop on improving the railroad crossings at Vista Village and Main Street on Monday, May 19, in the Community Room at the Civic Center
• Sheriff’s presentation on Safe Streets, utilizing technology to recue crime and enhance c
riminal investigations, Thursday, May 22 in the Community Room at the Civic Center
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Franklin adjourned the meeting at 10:10 p.m.
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Kathy Valdez, City Clerk