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 26, 2026
The May 26, 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 5:31 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
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
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Deputy Mayor O’Donnell led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Franklin announced that the meeting is being convened in honor of the memory of former Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood.
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 there are no changes to the agenda.
PRESENTATIONS
P1. Deputy Mayor O’Donnell and City Councilmembers presented a proclamation to Max Disposti, Executive Director of the North County LGBTQ Center, declaring June 2026, as “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual Pride Month” in the City of Vista.
P2. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a proclamation to Rebbetzin Nechama Greenberg, Co-Director of the Chabad Jewish Center, declaring May 2026, as “Jewish American Heritage Month” in the City of Vista.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 26, 2026
2 P3. The Mayor and City Councilmembers presented a proclamation to The Wave Waterpark Manager Angela Palasik and Deputy Fire Chief Robbie Ford declaring May 2026 as “National Water Safety Month” in the City of Vista.
P4. Community Development Director Joe Vacca provided an update on recent State and Housing laws.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The following members of the public addressed the City Council in person:
• Robin Rutherford spoke about enforcement of illegal fireworks.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council via Zoom:
• Madison Rapp spoke about the impact of marijuana commercialization and impaired driving. • Judi Strang spoke about the dangers of secondhand smoke from both marijuana and tobacco.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY FOX, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
C1. Received and filed the April 2026 Check Register.
C2. Approved the following meeting minutes:
May 12, 2026 Consolidated Meeting (CC/CDC/BSD/SA/JPFA)
C3. Confirmed the following: 1) Mayor’s youth appointments to various commissions, 2) Deputy Mayor O’Donnell’s appointment to the Senior Commission and Sales Tax Oversight Committee, and 3) Vista Chamber of Commerce’s recommendation of appointment to the Traffic Commission.
C4. Received and filed the Treasurer’s Cash Report for the month ending March 31, 2026.
C5. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2026-78, entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, establishing the appropriations limit for Fiscal Year 2026/27.” (CC)
C6. Received and filed the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Third Quarter Financial Report and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2026-79, 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.” (CC)
C7. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2026-80, entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, approving Construction Change Order No. 1 to the contract with L.C. Paving & Sealing, Inc. for the 2026 Pedestrian Mobility Sidewalks – Sunset Drive Sidewalk Project (CIP No. 8290)” and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2026-81, entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, amending the Capital Project Budget for Fiscal Years 2024/25 and 2025/26.” (CC)
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 26, 2026
3 C8. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2026-82, entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, approving a contract with Chen Ryan Associates for engineering services for the W. Bobier Complete Streets Project (CIP No. 8374)” and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2026-83, entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, amending the Capital Project Budget for Fiscal Years 2024/25 and 2025/26.” (CC)
C9. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2026-84, entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, adopting the Fiscal Year 2026/27 SB 1 Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 Project List.” (CC)
C10. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2026-85, entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, awarding a construction contract to Eagle Paving, LLC for the Slurry Seal Project 2026 (CIP Nos. 8262 & 8313)” and adopted City Council Resolution No. 2026-86, entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, amending the Capital Project Budget for Fiscal Years 2024/25 and 2025/26.” (CC)
C11. Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2026-87, entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the Chartered City of Vista, California, authorizing joint application to participation in the Homekey+ Program.” (CC)
PUBLIC HEARING
PH1. SEWER SERVICE RATES FOR FISCAL YEARS 2026/27 THROUGH 2028/29 (CC/BSD) Ken Knatz, Sewer Engineering Manager, introduced the item and provided staff’s report. Sanjay Garg, Water Resources Economics, provided consultant’s report.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council in person:
• Cheryl Kacskos
• Forough Mirzai-Shayani
• Jose Fragozo
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• How sewer rates are established for single family and multifamily dwellings • Meters would be required to be able to charge based on actual usage; meters are expensive to install
• Additional funds have been allocated to the Lifeline program to assist qualifying residents • Improvements being made at Encina Wastewater Authority that will help keep costs down in the future
MOTION BY MELENDEZ, SECOND BY CONTRERAS, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING, INTRODUCE AND ADOPT CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE NO. 2026-04, ENTITLED, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF
VISTA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE REPORT FOR SEWER SERVICE CHARGES FOR FISCAL YEARS 2026/27 THROUGH 2028/29 AND ESTABLISHING RATES FOR SEWER SERVICE CHARGES FOR THE VISTA SEWER SYSTEM” AND INTRODUCE AND ADOPT BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT ORDINANCE NO. 2026-01, ENTITLED “AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BUENA SANITATION
DISTRICT, ADOPTING THE REPORT FOR SEWER SERVICE CHARGES FOR FISCAL YEARS 2026/27 THROUGH 2028/29 AND ESTABLISHING RATES FOR SEWER SERVICE CHARGES FOR THE BUENA SEWER SYSTEM.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 26, 2026
4 PH2. LEVY OF ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/27 (CC) Mike Sylvia, Director of Finance, introduced the item and provided staff’s report.
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Service levels have remained the same; the subsidy (City of Vista Landscape and Lighting District No. 1) has increased
• Continue to look at options for drought tolerant landscaping in medians • Need to ensure beautification efforts are equitable
MOTION BY O’DONNELL, SECOND BY FOX, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2026-88, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA,
PROVIDING FOR THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENT LEVY OF THE CITY OF VISTA LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/27;” ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2026-89, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING
FOR THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENT LEVY OF THE CITY OF VISTA STREET MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/27;” AND ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2026-90, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING FOR THE
ANNUAL ASSESSMENT LEVY OF THE SOUTH MELROSE LANDSCAPE
MAINTENANCE DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/27.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
PH3. FEES AND POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES (CC) Margaret Hammer, Director of Recreation & Community Services, introduced the item and Sydney Roff, Management Analyst, provided staff’s report.
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Increased ticket prices are not expected to impact Moonlight attendance; there are still a variety of price points available
• Proposed cost of reserved lawn being the same as reserved • Minimum number of hours for Avo rental; look at offering a 3-hour block • Attendance at the Wave is largely weather driven; may be impacted by the Flowrider being closed
• Look at utilization of programs
• Consensus to reduce the new ticket price for reserved lawn (about a 15% increase instead of just over 20% increase) and slightly increase (by $2) new ticket costs for orchestra seats
MOTION BY O’DONNELL, SECOND BY FRANKLIN, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2026-91, ENTITLED, “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING REVISIONS TO THE RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES FACILITY RENTAL AND PROGRAM FEES” WITH REVISIONS TO
CERTAIN CULTURAL ARTS TICKETS, AND ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2026-92, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 26, 2026
5 PH4. AMEND CHAPTER 19.08 – VISTA DEVELOPMENT CODE (CC) Matt Atteberry, CIP Engineering Division Manager, introduced the item.
MOTION BY FRANKLIN, SECOND BY O’DONNELL TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING, INTRODUCE AND ADOPT CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE NO. 2026-05, ENTITLED, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 19.08.012 OF THE VISTA
DEVELOPMENT CODE RELATING TO THE EXCAVATION OF STREETS
MORATORIUM.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
DISCUSSION
D1. PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF PROPOSED ZONE CHANGE ON LA TORTUGA DRIVE, APN 166-150-91 (CC)
Joe Vacca, Directo of Community Development, introduced the item and provided staff’s report.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council in person:
• Lt. David Morenbery, CHP
• William O’ Gorman, REC Consultants
The following members of the public addressed the City Council via Zoom:
• Joe Exline
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• The site is difficult to develop; retail would likely not do well • Developer would need to address the CHP concerns
• There are already many storage facilities in the City • Willingness to consider the project
DISCUSSED A PROPOSED APPLICATION FOR A ZONE CHANGE ON
APPROXIMATELY 3 ACRES LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF LA TORTUGA DRIVE, SOUTH OF HACIENDA DRIVE (ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER 166-150-91).
NO VOTE TAKEN.
D2. CVBID ADVISORY BOARD EVENTS RECOMMENDATION (CC)
Imelda Huerta, Assistant City Manager, introduced the item and provided staff’s report with Aaron Schulze, Economic Development Manager.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council in person:
• TJ Crossman
• Traci Lawson
City Councilmembers, staff, and CVBID Advisory Board Members discussed the following:
• Concern about the amount of funding recommended for the Rod Run and questions about event costs; increased costs related to new activities aimed at attracting more young people • Expect to see increased attendance at Rod Run
• CVBID Advisory Board has done a great job of bringing in events; would like to see more new events
Contreras made a motion to approve the events, with the exception of the Rod Run. The motion did not receive a second.
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 26, 2026
6 Substitute motion by Fox, second by Franklin, to approve the recommended list of events.
Substitute motion by O’Donnell, second by Contreras, to move $5,000 from the Rod Run to the Beer Fest. Motion was withdrawn by O’Donnell.
MOTION BY FOX, SECOND BY FRANKLIN, TO APPROVE THE CENTRAL VISTA
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (CVBID) ADVISORY BOARD
RECOMMENDATION OF EVENTS TO BE FUNDED BY THE DOWNTOWN SPECIAL EVENTS FUND.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
D3. AVO PLAYHOUSE UPGRADES AND OPERATIONS (CC)
Imelda Huerta, Assistant City Manager, introduced the item and provided staff’s report. Margaret Hammer, Director of Recreation & Community Services, and Shelby Caughron, Operations Manager, answered questions.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council in person:
• Bill Hornung
• Jacob Friedrichs
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Want to see increased use of the Avo; offer reduced minimum number of hours • Address immediate needs – AV equipment (projector and screen) and safety related items • Have staff review and prioritize the list of proposed upgrades • Include in the year-end fund balance discussion
DISCUSSED THE OPERATIONS AND PROPOSED UPGRADES TO THE AVO PLAYHOUSE AND PROVIDED DIRECTION TO STAFF.
NO VOTE TAKEN.
D4. GRANT AGREEMENT WITH VISTA COMMUNITY CLINIC TO SUPPORT A NEW RESOURCE
AREA IN VISTA (CC)
Jonathan Lung, Housing and Homeless Services Division Manager, introduced the item and Catalina Langen, Management Analyst, provided staff’s report. Betsy Heightman, Vista Community Clinic Chief Development and Government Affairs Officer, answered questions.
City Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Funds are surplus from the Safe Parking Program
• Funds will be used for refrigeration to allow for more types of perishable foods to be available • There is a great need for this resource; food insecurity is a critical issue
MOTION BY O’DONNELL, SECOND BY FRANKLIN, TO ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2026-93, ENTITLED, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A GRANT
AGREEMENT WITH VISTA COMMUNITY CLINIC TO SUPPORT A NEW RESOURCE AREA IN VISTA” AND ADOPT CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2026-94, 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.”
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
CONSOLIDATED MINUTES
MAY 26, 2026
7 ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Franklin adjourned the meeting at 10:30 p.m. in honor of the memory of Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha, and Nader Awad.
____________________________________
Kathy Valdez, City Clerk