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 9, 2025
The December 9, 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 5:30 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
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
Greg Mayer Engineering Director
Mike Sylvia Finance Director
Natalie Jacobs Human Resources Director
Chris Mitchell Information Technology Director
Chris Arce Public Works Director
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Contreras 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 Attorney Walter Chung stated that in regards to Public Hearing Item PH1 Adoption of a Resolution of Necessity for the Acquisition of Certain Property Interests for the Off-Site Improvement of Vista Grande Drive as a Condition of Approval of 2277 Vista Grande Drive, parties have reached a tentative settlement agreement and the item has been continued to January 13, 2026. City Manager John Conley stated there were no other changes to the agenda.
PRESENTATIONS
P1. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a proclamation to Eric Weirather declaring December 10, 2025, as “Eric Weirather Day” in the City of Vista.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The following individuals addressed the City Council:
• Becky Rapp spoke about the dangers of cannabis impaired driving. • Peggy Walker spoke about cannabis commercialization.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
DECEMBER 9, 2025
2 • Paula Brunelle spoke in opposition to the City’s intent to accept applications for an 11th cannabis storefront license.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY O’DONNELL, TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
C1. Received the October 2025 check register. (CC)
C2. Approved the following meeting minutes:
November 6, 2025 Workshop Meeting (CC)
November 12, 2025 Consolidated Meeting (CC/CDC/BSD/SA)
November 18, 2025 Special Meeting (CC)
C3. Received Treasurer’s Cash Report for the month ending September 30, 2025. (CC)
C4. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-193, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Setting Regular Meeting Dates for 2026.” (CC)
C5. Directed staff to post a notice of scheduled vacancies for 2026 – the Local Appointments List – with an application deadline of February 9, 2026 and a deadline of April 27, 2026, for youth applicants. (CC)
C6. This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
C7. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-194, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Establishing an All-Way Stop at the Intersection of N. Citrus Avenue and E. Indian Rock Road.” (CC)
C8. This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
C9. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-196, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving the Second Amendment to the Special Counsel Legal Services Agreement with Meyers Nave.” (CC)
C10. Adopted Successor Agency Resolution No. 2025-01, entitled “A Resolution of the Board of the Successor Agency to the Vista Redevelopment Agency, Approving a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 26-27) Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 34177 and Taking Certain Actions in Connection Therewith”; and adopted Successor Agency Resolution No. 2025-02, 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 34177 and Taking Certain Actions in Connection Therewith.” (SA)
C11. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-197, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving a Contract with Dahlin Group, Inc. for As-Needed Professional Engineering, Aquatic Design and Construction Support Services for the Wave Waterpark”; and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-198, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving a Contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for As-Needed Professional Engineering, Aquatic Design and Construction Support Services for the Wave Waterpark.” (CC)
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
DECEMBER 9, 2025
3 C12. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-199, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving a Contract with Fenagh, Inc. for As-Needed Professional Geotechnical Engineering, Material Testing, and Construction Inspection Services”; adopted Buena Sanitation District Resolution No. 2025-13, entitled “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Buena Sanitation District, Approving a Contract with Fenagh, Inc. for As-Needed Professional Geotechnical Engineering, Material Testing, and Construction Inspection Services”; adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-200, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving a Contract with Geocon Incorporated for As-Needed Professional Geotechnical Engineering, Material Testing, and Construction Inspection Services”; adopted Buena Sanitation District Resolution No. 2025-14, entitled “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Buena Sanitation District, Approving a Contract with Geocon Incorporated for As-Needed Professional Geotechnical Engineering, Material Testing, and Construction Inspection Services”; Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-201, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving a Contract with Geosoils, Inc. for As-Needed Professional Geotechnical Engineering, Material Testing, and Construction Inspection Services”; adopted Buena Sanitation District Resolution No. 2025-15, entitled “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Buena Sanitation District, Approving a Contract with Geosoils, Inc. for As-Needed Professional Geotechnical Engineering, Material Testing, and Construction Inspection Services”; (CC/BSD)
C13. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-202, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Agreement with Deeb Construction Inc. for City of Vista Park Restroom Renovation Project”; and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-203, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27.” (CC)
C14. Confirmed the Mayor’s recommendations to fill unscheduled vacancies on the Senior Citizens Affairs Commission and the Planning Commission. (CC)
C15. Receive and file the Fiscal Year 2025/26 First Quarter Financial Report; adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-204, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27, and Amending the Capital Project Budget for Fiscal Years 2024/25 and 2025/26”; adopted Buena Sanitation District Resolution No. 2025-16, entitled “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Buena Sanitation District, Amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27, and Amending the Capital Project Budget for Fiscal Years 2024/25 and 2025/26”; and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-205, 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)
C16. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-206, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Authorizing Settlement of the Workers’ Compensation Claim of James Williams in the Amount of $52,200.00.” (CC)
C17. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-207, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Approving an Agreement with Townspeople to Provide Vista Shared Housing Expansion Services”; and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-208, entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, Amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27.” (CC)
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
DECEMBER 9, 2025
4 ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
C6. COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS (CC)
The following member of the public spoke in favor of the item:
Travis Krahel Janis Jones
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY O’DONNELL TO PLACE A
DISCUSSION ITEM ON A FUTURE AGENDA REGARDING BANNING THE
SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF PLASTIC BEVERAGE BOTTLES ON CITY PROPERTY AND AT CITY-AFFILIATED EVENTS.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
C8. ALL-WAY STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF PLUMOSA AVENUE AND LYNN WAY (CC)
Dr. Derek J. Morris spoke in opposition to the item.
Doug Helfin spoke in support of the item.
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• The stop sign will be installed in the right-of-way.
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY O’DONNELL, TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2025-195, ENTITLED “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF
VISTA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING AN ALL-WAY STOP AT THE
INTERSECTION OF PLUMOSA AVENUE AND LYNN WAY.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
PUBLIC HEARING
PH1. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY FOR THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN
PROPERTY INTERESTS FOR THE OFF-SITE IMPROVEMENT OF VISTA GRANDE DRIVE AS A CONDITION OF APPROVAL OF 2277 VISTA GRANDE DRIVE (CC)
This item has been continued to January 13, 2026.
DISCUSSION
D1. PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN – FINAL DRAFT(CC)
Imelda Huerta, Assistant City Manager, introduced the item and provided staff’s report. Neelay Bhatt, Next Practice Partners, and Doug Grove, RHA Landscape Architects Planners, Inc., provided consultants’ presentation.
Sid Rothenberg spoke on the item.
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Councilmember O’Donnell requested that the gate at Matagual Park be self-closing for safety concerns. The park will also need stringent maintenance and monitoring. • Councilmembers discussed a memorial wall for fallen firefighters and law enforcement officers. • Councilmembers stated their gratitude for the work put into the plan. • Councilmember Contreras requested a bi-annual review of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
DECEMBER 9, 2025
5 • The Benito Juarez Park will break ground in approximately 12 months. The official name of the park is to be determined.
RECEIVE AND FILE THE PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN.
NO VOTE TAKEN.
D2. APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY MAYOR (CC)
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY O’DONNELL, TO APPOINT DAN O’DONNELL TO DEPUTY MAYOR FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM.
MOTION CARRIED: 4-1 (MAYOR FRANKLIN OPPOSED).
D3. APPOINTMENTS OF OFFICIALS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES (CC/BSD) Kathy Valdez, City Clerk, introduced the item.
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• City Councilmembers agreed to primarily keep the same appointments for 2026. • Mayor Franklin expressed his opposition to the SANDAG appointments.
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY CONTREAS TO ADOPT CITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2025-209, 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. 2025-210, 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. 2025-211, 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. 2025-212, ENTITLED “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING A
REPRESENTATIVE (FRANKLIN) AND ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES (CONLEY, JACOBS, HOLBROOK) TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY”; ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2025-213, ENTITLED “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA,
APPOINTING A REPRESENTATIVE (MELENDEZ) AND ALTERNATE
REPRESENTATIVE (FOX) TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CLEAN ENERGY ALLIANCE”; ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 214, ENTITLED “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING TWO
REPRESENTATIVES (FRANKLIN, O’DONNEL) AND TWO ALTERNATE
REPRESENTATIVES (KNATZ, MAYER) TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
DECEMBER 9, 2025
6 THE ENCINA WASTEWATER AUTHORITY”; ADOPT BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-17, ENTITLED “A RESOLUTION OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT APPOINTING TWO REPRESENTATIVES (FRANKLIN, O’DONNELL) AND
TWO ALTERNATE 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 OF THE AGENDA REPORT.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY CONTRERAS TO ADOPT CITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2025-215, ENTITLED “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA,
APPOINTMENT A REPRESENTATIVE (MELENDEZ) AND FIRST AND
SECOND ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES (O’DONNELL, FOX) TO THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF
GOVERNMENTS (SANDAG)”
MOTION CARRIED: 4-1 (MAYOR 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.
D4. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST AND OCEAN PROTECTION ACT (H.R. 2862) SUPPORT
RESOLUTION (CC)
Imelda Huerta, Assistant City Manager, introduced the item and Angela Baggett, Management Analyst, provided staff’s report.
Kyle Krahel spoke in favor of the item.
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Mayor Franklin expressed concerns that the bill is vaguely written and stated his opposition. • Deputy Mayor Melendez, and Councilmembers Contreras and O’Donnell stated their support of the bill.
• Councilmember Fox expressed concerns about the impact on gas prices. • Councilmember Contreras stated support for renewable energy resources.
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY O’DONNELL TO ADOPT CITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2025-, ENTITLED “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA,
SUPPORTING THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST AND OCEAN
PROTECTION ACT”
MOTION CARRIED: 3-2 (MAYOR FRANKLIN AND FOX OPPOSED)
REMARKS
City Clerk Kathy Valdez wished everyone happy holidays.
City Attorney Walter Chung wished everyone happy holidays.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
DECEMBER 9, 2025
7 City Manager John Conley thanked Deputy Mayor Melendez for her services as Deputy Mayor and congratulated Councilmember O’Donnell for his appointment to Deputy Mayor; recognized Economic Director Larry Vaupel on his retirement; and announced City facilities will be closed for the holidays from December 25 to January 4, Public Works will remain open except on December 25 and January 1, City parks will be open normal hours, and there will be no changes to service for the Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department.
Councilmember Jeff Fox reported that North County Dispatch Joint Powers Agency is negotiating salaries with the dispatchers and encouraged residents to attend the various holiday events around the City.
Councilmember Dan O’Donnell thanked staff for all of their hard work in 2025 and is looking forward to 2026; is planning on advocating for road improvements in the coming year; congratulated Councilmember Fox on 1 year on the City Council; congratulated Larry Vaupel on his retirement; thanked Deputy Mayor Melendez for her two years of service as Deputy Mayor; brought a priority to Cal Cities to create regional fund to build shelters and housing; encouraged residents to attend the various holiday events around the City.
Councilmember Corinna Contreras congratulated Councilmember Fox on 1 year on the City Council; thanked Deputy Mayor Melendez for her service as Deputy Mayor and is looking forward to working with Deputy Mayor O’Donnell; thanked staff for offering free holiday events for families; expressed gratitude towards fellow City Councilmembers and staff.
Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez thanked fellow City Councilmembers; proud of direction given to staff in 2025; and wished everyone happy holidays.
Mayor John Franklin thanked all that came out to the Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony and encouraged everyone to attend the various events around the City; and wished everyone happy holidays.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Franklin adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
____________________________________
Kathy Valdez, City Clerk