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 12, 2026
The May 12, 2026, 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 4:05 pm in the City Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista, California.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT
Mayor John Franklin, Deputy Mayor Dan O’Donnell
Corinna Contreras, Katie Melendez, Jeff Fox
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Franklin called for a Closed Session at 4:06 p.m. for the following:
CS1. Conference with Real Property Negotiators, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8:
(CC)
Property Address: 2112 Sunset Dr, Vista, CA (APNs 166-450-39-00, 166-450-40-00, 166-751-44-00)
Agency Negotiator: City Manager John Conley, Assistant City Manager Imelda Huerta Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
RECESS, OPEN SESSION, AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Franklin recessed the Closed Session at 4:19 p.m. and called the meeting to order in Open Session at 5:32p.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
Greg Mayer Engineering Director
Mike Sylvia Finance Director
Natalie Jacobs Human Resources Director
Chris Mitchell Information Technology Director
Chris Arce Public Works Director
Margaret Hamer Recreation & Community Services Director
CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Walter Chung stated there were no reportable actions from Closed Session.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Boy Scout Kai Gehl and members of Boy Scout Troop 747 led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 12, 2026
2 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 Presentation Item P2 Proclamation declaring May 2026 as “ALS Awareness Month” in the City of Vista, has been removed from the Agenda and will be presented at an ALS event.
PRESENTATIONS
P1. The Mayor and City Councilmembers recognized the Spring 2026 Vista Leadership Academy Graduates.
P2. This item has been removed from the Agenda.
P3. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a proclamation commending San Diego Sheriff’s Office Detective Evan Maldanado for his outstanding heroism and commitment to public service.
P4. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a proclamation commending Daniel Hopkins, Vista Fire Rescue Captain David Cortez, Engineer Jeff Gazdayka, and Firefighter/Paramedic Brien McDonald, and ambulance crew members Jacob Goren and Ryan Navalta of Oceanside Fire for their outstanding heroism and commitment to public service.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The following members of the public addressed the City Council in person:
• Dawn Renee spoke about concerns regarding traffic routing around the Vista Detention Center. • Wendy Chowning spoke about enforcement of illegal fireworks. • Fred Vencill spoke about bleachers at Brengle Terrace tennis courts. • Liz Santos spoke about concerns of land use policies. • Cesar B. Javier and Purita A. Javier spoke about concerns of toxic fumes from ceramic kilns.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council via Zoom:
• Madison Rapp spoke about environmental hazardous waste of tobacco and cannabis vapes. • Becky Rapp spoke about local enforcement of illegal kratom products. • Judi Strang spoke about concerns for cannabis use in older adults.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY O’DONNELL, SECOND BY FOX, TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
C1. This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
C2. Approved the following meeting minutes:
April 28, 2026 Consolidated Meeting (CC/CDC/BSD/SA/JPFA)
C3. This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. (CC)
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 12, 2026
3 C4. This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. (CC)
C5. This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. (CC)
C6. This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. (CC)
C7. This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. (CC)
C8. This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. (CC)
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
C1. COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS (CC)
The following members of the public spoke in favor of the ban of foam products:
• Theresa Reichle
• David Hanlon
• Janis Jones
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY MELENDEZ TO PLACE AN ITEM ON A
FUTURE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION REGARDING AN ORDINANCE TO PROHIBIT THE RETAIL SALES OF FOAM PRODUCTS.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
C3. AGREEMENT WITH SITKA CONSTRUCTION GROUP, LLC FOR ADOBE HOUSE
DRIVEWAY REPLACEMENT PROJECT (CC)
The following member of the public spoke on the item:
• Cesar B. Javier
MOTION BY O’DONNELL, SECOND BY CONTRERAS TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2026-72, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE AGREEMENT
WITH SITKA CONSTRUCTION GROUP, LLC, FOR ADOBE HOUSE DRIVEWAY REPLACEMENT PROJECT.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
C4. ALL-WAY STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF LONGHORN DRIVE AND CRYSTAL RIDGE
WAY (CC)
The following member of the public spoke on the item:
• Cesar B. Javier
Deputy Mayor O’Donnell stated the stop sign was requested by students and residents in the area and asked staff to evaluate the intersection in the future for potential traffic calming alternates.
MOTION BY O’DONNELL, SECOND BY CONTRERAS TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2026-73, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING AN ALL-WAY STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF LONGHORN DRIVE AND CRYSTAL RIDGE WAY.” MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 12, 2026
4 C5. ALL-WAY STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF NORTH DRIVE AND W. LOS ANGELES DRIVE (CC)
The following member of the public spoke on the item:
• Cesar B. Javier
Councilmember Contreras stated her full support of this item and that it will be a great improvement to the area.
MOTION BY O’DONNELL, SECOND BY CONTRERAS TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2026-74, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING AN ALL-WAY STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF NORTH DRIVE AND W. LOS ANGELES DRIVE.” MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
C6. CIP NO. 8397 – WILDWOOD PARK RESTROOM REPLACEMENT PROJECT – AWARD OF
CONTRACT (CC)
The following member of the public spoke on the item:
• Cesar B. Javier
MOTION BY O’DONNELL, SECOND BY CONTRERAS TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2026-75, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT TO SITKA CONSTRUCTION GROUP, LLC FOR THE WILDWOOD PARK RESTROOM REPLACEMENT PROJECT (CIP NO. 8397).”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
C7. ONE-WAY STOP ON ORANGE GROVE AVENUE AT AVALON DRIVE (CC) The following member of the public spoke on the item:
• Cesar B. Javier
MOTION BY O’DONNELL, SECOND BY CONTRERAS TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2026-76, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING AN ONE-WAY
STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF AVALON DRIVE AND ORANGE GROVE AVENUE TO CONTROL TRAFFIC FROM ORANGE GROVE AVENUE.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
C8. AGREEMENT WITH WESTTURF LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT, INC. FOR PARKS,
PARKWAYS AND MEDIANS LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES (CC) The following member of the public spoke on the item:
• Cesar B. Javier
MOTION BY O’DONNELL, SECOND BY CONTRERAS TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2026-67, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE AGREEMENT WITH WESTTURF LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT, INC. FOR PARKS, PARKWAYS, AND MEDIANS LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 12, 2026
5 PUBLIC HEARING
PH1. AMENDMENT TO THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM CONTRACT (CC) Natalie Jacobs, Director of Human Resources, introduced the item and provided staff’s report.
MOTION BY CONTRERAS, SECOND BY O’DONNELL TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING, INTRODUCE AND ADOPT CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE NO. 2026-03, ENTITLED, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF
VISTA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT
BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VISTA AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
DISCUSSION
D1. CIP NO. 8357 – EMERALD DRIVE COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT – PROJECT STATUS
UPDATE (CC)
Matt Atteberry, Engineering Division Manager, introduced the item and provided staff’s report and Daniel Carns, Capital Project Manager, answered questions from the City Council.
The following members of the public spoke in favor of the item:
• Denisse Barragan
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• A “quick build” roundabout will save on cost and is effective. Ultimately, it is temporary but other cities have utilized quick build roundabouts for 10+ years. • City Councilmembers thanked staff for their work and Congressman Mike Levin for project funding.
• Councilmember Contreras asked staff to analyze other intersections for potential quick build roundabout locations.
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY O’DONNELL TO APPROVE STAFF’S RECOMMENDATIONS.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
D2. 2024-2026 CITY COUNCIL GOALS UPDATE (CC)
Imelda Huerta, Assistant City Manager, introduced the item and provided staff’s report with London Adams, Management Analyst.
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• City Councilmembers thanked staff for the great progress on goals. • Councilmember Contreras asked staff to consider planting milkweed in the public rights-of-way and stated that she will continue to advocate for funding for the Vista Village Drive/Main Street grade separation.
• Deputy Mayor O’Donnell asked staff to continue working with SANDAG to complete the inland rail trail; and asked staff to identify properties for sale for potential parks/sports field. • Councilmember Conteras spoke to the delays regarding the inland rail trail.
RECEIVED THE 2024-2026 CITY COUNCIL GOALS UPDATE.
NO VOTE TAKEN.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 12, 2026
6 D3. FISCAL YEARS 2026/27 & 2027/28 PROJECT BUDGET OVERVIEW (CC/BSD/CDC) Sara Taylor, Finance Budget Manager, introduced the item and provided staff’s report with Matt Atteberry, Engineering Division Manager.
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Matagual Park project is not listed on project list but staff is pursuing funding for project through grant funding and Prop 4 funding, which becomes available to apply for in June 2026. • Councilmember Contreras asked the City Council to consider directing staff to analyze N. Santa Fe Ave and Angeles Vista Dr. intersection to determine if a roundabout is a better option than the proposed traffic signal; there was agreement to look at options. • Consider the intersection of Pomelo and Hacienda for a quick build roundabout.
RECEIVED REPORT ON THE DRAFT FISCAL YEARS 2026/27 & 2027/28
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET PREPARATION AND
APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATIONS AND DIRECTED STAFF TO
REVIEW INTERSECTION OF N. SANTA FE AVENUE AND ANGELES VISTA DRIVE FOR A ROUNDABOUT.
NO VOTE TAKEN.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The following members of the public addressed the City Council in person:
• Joshua Tienda spoke about adopting a definition of antisemitism.
REMARKS
City Manager John Conley invited residents to attend the Public Works open house on May 16.
Councilmember Jeff Fox encouraged residents to attend Vista Historical Society’s Hall of Fame lunch on May 16; San Diego Nights at the Vista Library on May 20; Strawberry Festival on May 24; Strawberry Film Festival on May 24; and his townhall meeting on May 23 at the AVO Playhouse.
Councilmember Katie Melendez announced Clean Energy Alliance’s 5-year anniversary; and Memorial Day is May 25.
Councilmember Corinna Contreras reminded everyone that trash pick-up is every Wednesday at Luz Duran Park.
Deputy Mayor Dan O’Donnell encouraged residents to attend Vista Chamber of Commerce mixer at Wier Beer on May 13; thanked San Diego Sheriff’s Office deputies; congratulated the Vista Leadership Academy graduates; and reported that CalCities gave a presentation on the needs throughout the County, housing was identified as a top need.
Mayor John Franklin thanked the volunteers and staff that participated in the Creek to Bay Cleanup; announced the free mulch giveaway May 15-17; and announced there is a free e-bike training class on May 16.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Franklin adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m.
____________________________________
Kathy Valdez, City Clerk