Public Meetings - Benicia, California

The Benicia Planning Commission met on July 16, 2026, at 6:02 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included an informational presentation on the Housing Accountability Act (HAA) and a scoping session for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Rose Estates Mixed-Use Project. No formal decisions were made on the project; the scoping session was to receive public and commissioner input on environmental topics to be analyzed in the EIR. The meeting also included adoption of the consent calendar and public comments. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes from June 11, 2026: The commission unanimously approved the minutes by a motion from Commissioner Lyle, seconded by Commissioner Gilpin-Hayes. (Vote: 6-0, with Commissioner Marshall absent.) Presentation: Housing Accountability Act Overview - Planning Manager Jason Hay gave a presentation on the California Housing Accountability Act (HAA), explaining its purpose to promote housing development by limiting local government's ability to deny or reduce density. He noted that the Rose Estates project is being filed under the "builder's remedy" provision, which requires the city to determine consistency with objective planning standards within 60 days. The project was deemed inconsistent with those standards on May 29, 2025, and the applicant is expected to resubmit. The presentation was informational only; no action was taken. Public Comments & Testimony On the HAA Presentation: - A member of the public asked for clarification on why the EIR is proceeding despite the project being deemed inconsistent with the general plan. - A remote commenter (Kathy Carridge) inquired about the affordable housing requirement under builder's remedy, specifically the percentage of affordable units. Staff clarified that 20% of units would be for low-income households. On the Rose Estates EIR Scoping Session (Item 11A): - Jerry Hayes (former mayor): Urged inclusion of the nearby IT toxic waste dump in the EIR, citing past hazardous waste issues and current violations. He warned of potential litigation similar to the Rose Drive dump. - Nicole Gordillo (North Coast State Carpenters Local 180): Advocated for strong labor standards, including responsible contractors, prevailing wages, apprenticeship opportunities, and healthcare for workers. - Marilyn Bardet: Emphasized the need to protect scenic corridors like Lake Herman Road, riparian corridors, and address cumulative traffic impacts, especially with the Signa Development project. She also echoed concerns about the IT site and potential earthquake failure of an earthen dam. - Michael Hayes: Highlighted traffic impacts on Lake Herman Road and I-680, noting the project could add up to 5,000 new residents. - Kathy Carridge (remote): Repeated concerns about the IT toxic waste site and urged EIR analysis of greenhouse gas reduction measures such as bike paths, all-electric construction, geothermal heating/cooling, and stormwater management using greywater systems. Discussion Items: Rose Estates Mixed-Use Project – EIR Scoping Session - Staff (Jason Hay and Liza Debies of Placeworks) presented the project description and explained the CEQA process. The project proposes 1,440 single-family units, 180 multifamily units, 110,000 sq ft of retail, 150,000 sq ft of commercial/light industrial, three parks, and 245 acres of open space. The EIR will analyze 18 topical areas; agriculture/forestry and mineral resources are scoped out. - Commissioners provided comments: - Commissioner Gilpin-Hayes: Requested the EIR address noise and safety concerns from the nearby Benicia Police Department shooting range. - Commissioner Jesson: Questioned impacts on school district capacity to handle additional students. - Commissioner Gorman: Noted the proposed scope appears appropriate but stressed that Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) should be analyzed early to avoid later hurdles. - Commissioner Lyle: Requested thorough testing for groundwater contamination from the IT toxic site, including sampling on the property and understanding flow direction. He cited the Rose Drive dump history. - Chair Slate reminded that written comments are due by 5 PM on July 24, 2026. Key Outcomes - No action was taken on the Rose Estates project itself; the meeting was solely to gather scoping comments for the EIR. - The public comment period for the Notice of Preparation (NOP) closes on July 24, 2026. Written comments may be emailed to Jason Hay at the City of Benicia. - Commissioner comments will be considered by staff and the CEQA consultant in preparing the Draft EIR, which will be subject to future public hearings. - The commission thanked outgoing Commissioner Lyle for his service; a new commissioner (Bennett) will join in August. - Meeting adjourned at 6:56 PM.

The Benicia City Council met on July 7, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting featured a presentation from Caltrans on a planned weekend closure of the westbound I-80 Al Zampa Bridge, approval of the consent calendar, adoption of an ordinance regulating sidewalk vendors (with a 4-1 vote), and extensive discussion and direction on modernizing the business license tax, including setting a cap, annual increase, and a new marine terminal tax for a potential November 2026 ballot measure. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from June 16 and June 23, 2026 regular meetings. - Adopted the City Council Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2026-27. - Approved waiver of reading of all ordinances introduced or adopted. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Hayes (in-person) complained about overcharges by Republic Services for garbage service, stating he was billed $85 per quarter for a 20-gallon can instead of the correct $69 rate. He urged the city to alert other customers. - Vice Mayor Macenski shared a positive community story about canoes being returned restored to a local pond. - Ms. Grunman (in-person, on sidewalk vending) expressed concerns about safety of hot food carts near children during the July 4th events but generally did not oppose vendors. - Gene Padradi (in-person, on business license tax) questioned the complexity of the proposed models and suggested a simpler employee-based model; he noted ACE Org’s tax would increase from $900 to about $1,500, which he found reasonable. - Online commenter (on business license tax) raised concerns about the private AM Ports port and the need to renegotiate the lease to generate more city revenue. Discussion Items - Caltrans Presentation: Caltrans representatives presented plans for a full weekend closure of the westbound Al Zampa Bridge from Friday, August 21, 2026 at 10 PM to Monday, August 24, 2026 at 3 AM for surface replacement. Council members requested additional signage directing traffic away from Benicia to avoid backups. A public comment confirmed the bike/pedestrian path would also be closed. - Sidewalk Vending Ordinance (Item 15.A): City Attorney Stock introduced an ordinance to create a permitting process for sidewalk vendors, setting operational requirements, health department oversight, and enforcement through administrative fines. Council debate covered exemptions for youth/charity vendors, the 200-foot bathroom requirement for stationary food vendors, prohibition on stationary vendors in residential zones, and the complexity of enforcement. Councilmember Largaespada and Birdseye supported the ordinance, while Mayor Young opposed, arguing it was unenforceable and burdensome. Vice Mayor Macenski suggested exemptions for charitable sales. The motion passed 4-1 with Mayor Young dissenting. - Business License Tax Modernization (Item 15.B): City Manager Giuliani and consultant Eric Myers presented two models (A: $4,000 cap; B: $1,500 cap) with a $100,000 gross receipts exemption, and a proposed marine terminal business license tax at 1%, 2%, or 3% (no cap). Council discussed competitiveness, classification, implementation, and revenue projections. After public comment, consensus emerged on Model B with a $1,500 initial cap, 10% annual increase to a permanent $25,000 cap, including annual CPI adjustments, and a marine terminal tax rate of 3% with no separate cap. Staff was directed to prepare ballot language for the November 3, 2026 general election. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (5-0). - Sidewalk Vending Ordinance (first reading): Approved 4-1 (Councilmember Young opposed). Staff will return to set a fee schedule. - Business License Tax Direction (unanimous): Council selected Model B ($1,500 cap), with a 10% annual increase, permanent cap of $25,000, CPI adjustments, and a 3% marine terminal tax (no separate cap). Staff to prepare ordinance and ballot measure for July 21, 2026 council meeting. - Caltrans Presentation: Noted; city will assist in public outreach.

The Benicia Historic Preservation Review Commission (HPRC) held a meeting on June 26, 2026, to consider a design review application for a third-floor addition and exterior alterations at 469 West J Street. The property is a non-historic residence located on the boundary of the Downtown Historic District. The meeting packet included a staff report recommending approval, a draft resolution, and a written public comment. Public Comments & Testimony - Patrick Ward, a Benicia resident, submitted a written comment prior to the meeting (received June 25, 2026). Ward expressed that while the project may meet technical standards, it does not address whether it is the right project for the location or how it contributes to the historic character. He argued that incremental changes can erode the historic district's integrity and that the proposal does not appear to enhance the district or provide broader community benefits. Ward encouraged the HPRC to use its advisory role to ask the applicant to revise the design to better balance personal objectives with community interests. Discussion Items - Design Review of Third-Floor Addition & Expansion of 469 West J Street (PLN-25-16): The proposal includes a 1,630-square-foot third-floor addition, raising the roof height from 24'6" to 29'6" and wall height from 16'6" to 24'6". The project also includes a rear second-floor deck, third-floor balcony, interior stairwell, expanded street-facing garage door, and new window and door openings. The structure would expand approximately 16 feet north and 10 feet west. The site is a 6,250-square-foot parcel zoned Single Family Residential (RS). Staff analysis found the project consistent with RS district standards and DHCP guidelines. The project is categorically exempt from CEQA under Sections 15301 and 15332. Public notice was mailed to 79 property owners; one inquiry about height limits was received prior to the hearing. The staff recommendation is to adopt the resolution approving the design review based on six required findings. Key Outcomes - The agenda indicates a staff recommendation to approve the design review, but the minutes and transcript for the meeting were not provided. Therefore, the commission's decision (approval, denial, or continuance) and any vote tally are not documented in the available materials. The outcome of the June 26, 2026, meeting is unknown.

Note: The agenda and supporting materials indicate the meeting occurred on September 24, 2026, at 6:30 PM, not June 26, 2026, as stated in the instruction. This summary follows the agenda's date for accuracy. The Historic Preservation Review Commission (HPRC) held a public hearing to consider a design review application (PLN-25-16) for a side and rear addition, exterior alterations, and a new rear deck at 469 West J Street, a non-historic residence within the Downtown Historic District. The staff recommended approval subject to findings and CEQA exemption. Public Comments & Testimony - Written Public Comment from Sarah Eisenhart (neighbor): Ms. Eisenhart requested that the record be accurate and complete. She raised several questions and concerns: - Intended use of lower level: She asked whether the lower level would contain a cooking appliance, separate rental unit, or ADU/JADU, and requested that any second unit be reviewed separately. - Findings discrepancy: She noted that Finding 1 in the staff report states the project does not modify height, but the report itself acknowledges a six-inch height increase (from 24'6" to 25'). - Front entry stair compliance: She questioned whether the new stairs and side walls (extending approximately 18 feet into the 20-foot front yard) comply with BMC 17.70.150(D), which allows stairs to project only 6 feet. - She requested that the commission continue the item until corrected plans and floor-area figures are submitted, or alternatively add conditions requiring confirmation of stair compliance and separate building permit review of any lower-level use change. No other public comments were received prior to the hearing. Discussion Items - Design Review of 469 West J Street: The HPRC reviewed the revised project proposal, which had been continued from a June 25, 2026, hearing and a subcommittee meeting on July 28, 2026. The current proposal includes: - A rear and side expansion (approximately 16 feet to the north, 10 feet to the west) - A new rear second-floor deck - Exterior alterations: covered front porch, entry stairs, material changes (horizontal lap siding, shingles, factory-finished black windows), and new window/door openings - Height increase of six inches (to 25 feet) with existing 6:12 roof pitch - Staff analysis found the project consistent with RS zoning standards, Downtown Historic Conservation Plan guidelines, and General Plan policies. The project was determined to be categorically exempt from CEQA. - The written public comment raised unresolved questions about lower-level use and front stair compliance, which the commission presumably discussed but no record of the deliberation or outcome is available. Key Outcomes - The commission considered the item; the final decision, vote, or continuance is not documented in the provided materials (no minutes or transcript). The staff recommendation was to adopt the resolution approving the design review. The written public comment requested a continuance or additional conditions. The outcome remains unknown from the available sources. Discrepancy Note - The instruction stated the meeting date as June 26, 2026, but all agenda materials (hearing date, prior hearing reference, noticing timeline) confirm September 24, 2026. This summary uses the correct date from the agenda.

The Benicia Historic Preservation Review Commission (HPRC) met on June 25, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers, with remote participation via Zoom. The meeting focused primarily on a design review application for a third-floor addition and exterior alterations at 469 West J Street, a non-historic residence on the edge of the downtown historic district. After hearing public testimony and deliberation, the commission voted to continue the item to the August 27, 2026 meeting and appoint a subcommittee to work with the applicant on design modifications. Consent Calendar - Approved the meeting minutes from February 26, 2026, unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Tom Carroll (470 West J Street): Supported property improvement but expressed concerns that the proposed architectural style and materials are inconsistent with the historic district. Noted the design is modern, unlike neighboring historic bungalows. Raised concerns about landscaping (hardscaping, artificial grass), potential removal of a large street tree, and the expanded driveway impacting a mature street tree. - Brenda Crabtree (neighbor two houses east): Welcomed the applicant as a neighbor but urged the design be more in line with historic aesthetics, stating the modern design deviates from the district and sets a negative precedent. - Sarah Eisenhart (453 West J Street): Submitted a packet with visual attachments and a letter signed by 26 residents. Argued the proposed massing, roof pitch, materials, and height are incompatible with the historic district. Emphasized that the design does not meet the Downtown Historic Conservation Plan (DHCP) guidelines for compatibility, noting the house is on a 6,250 sq ft lot while neighboring houses have more proportional footprints. Requested denial or modifications to reduce mass and align with neighborhood character. - Tony Hoey (former commissioner, 251 West J Street): Echoed previous comments, stressing the importance of protecting the district as a whole. Referenced draft design guidelines from 2018 (not adopted by council) that call for new construction to complement the specific block. Warned that approving this project would set a precedent for other non-historic homes in the district to build oversized, modern structures, undermining the historic character. - Wayne Eisenhart (480 West J Street, former planning commissioner in Merced): Supported the neighbors' concerns, noting that of 24 people he spoke to, nearly all said the project does not belong in the neighborhood. Suggested the commission postpone the hearing to review the detailed packet. - Esteban Alviar (453 West J Street, Sarah's husband): Requested the commission either approve based on current record, postpone to consider the packet, or ensure the packet is available for any future proceedings. Emphasized that residents moved to Benicia for the historic district protections. - Applicant (owner): Stated the home is for his family and he has lived in Benicia since 2010. Argued the design falls within zoning and code requirements. Noted nearby modern apartment buildings. Expressed openness to modifications and willingness to work with a subcommittee. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation: Associate Planner Hugo McMillan presented the design review for 469 West J Street. The existing 2,300 sq ft non-historic residence (built 1900 per county records, 1954 per plans) is on a 6,250 sq ft parcel. The proposal includes a third-floor addition raising peak height from 24.5 ft to 29.5 ft, expanded garage, new windows/doors, and stucco finish. Staff noted the west stairwell wall height likely exceeds 25 ft, triggering a 10-ft side setback instead of 5 ft, and recommended reduction to 25 ft. Staff found the project consistent with DHCP guidelines except for the setback issue. - Commission Questions: Commissioners clarified the property's non-historic status and boundary of historic district. They discussed the garage door issue (DHCP guideline 2.6 prohibits double/multiple garage doors on street front facades; staff noted initial plans had two doors but were revised to one). Chair Reynolds declared ex-parte communications: received calls from two former commissioners expressing concerns about massing, and called staff to clarify zoning setbacks. - Deliberation: Commissioners agreed the project as designed does not conform to DHCP guidelines regarding scale, massing, roof pitch, materials, and garage placement. They discussed options: approve with conditions, continue to a future meeting, or appoint a subcommittee. Chair Reynolds suggested a subcommittee process, which the applicant agreed to. The commission identified specific areas for modification: 1. Compliance with side setback for the stairwell (reduce wall height to ≤25 ft). 2. Landscape plan that preserves the existing street tree. 3. Step back the third floor from the front facade to reduce perceived mass (in line with guideline 2.4). 4. Increase roof pitch (suggested 5:12 to 6:12) to better match neighborhood bungalow character. 5. Replace predominant stucco with horizontal lap siding or wood shingles on front facade (guideline 5.1). 6. Address garage: either provide a detached garage accessed from the alley or a single wide garage door on the street front (guideline 2.6). 7. Stylistic compatibility with the historic bungalow character of the block (guideline 3.3). Key Outcomes - Motion to Appoint Subcommittee: Unanimously approved (4-0) to appoint Commissioners von Studnitz and Heaston to a subcommittee to meet with the applicant and staff to discuss design modifications. - Motion to Continue Item: Unanimously approved (4-0) to continue the design review to the August 27, 2026 meeting, with the conditions outlined above. The applicant agreed to work with the subcommittee and staff on revised plans.

The Benicia City Council met on June 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM. All councilmembers were present (Birdseye, Largaespada, Macenski, Scott, Young). The council took significant actions on a proposed limited charter and Real Property Transfer Tax (RPTT), conducted an annual review of the Industrial Health and Safety Ordinance, and awarded a contract for Marina Breakwater Repairs. Presentations 9.A - Arts and Culture Commission 2026 Annual Report - The commission reported that an estimated 49% of Venetians have been directly engaged by Arts and Culture Commission (ACC) grantee programming. A conservative estimate indicates that for every $1 in city grants, over $8 is generated in incremental revenue for Benicia businesses. - Grantees include Arts Benicia (5,000 engaged), Voina (4,500, invited to Carnegie Hall), Benicia Ballet (4,000), and Benicia Performing Arts Foundation (5,000 attendees at Jazz O'Clock), among others. - Vice Mayor Macenski questioned the grants program structure and the compensation of Executive Directors, specifically noting the Voina Executive Director takes over $100,000 in compensation. He requested the commission return with guidance on acceptable use of funds. - Mayor Young noted a $25,000 Air District grant is available for the diversity mural and advocated for an open artist solicitation process, allowing the artist creative control. Consent Calendar - Resolution adopted (5-0) authorizing the Administrative Services Director delegated authority for mid-cycle carryover budget amendments for FY 2026/27. - Reading of all ordinances waived. Public Hearings 15.A - Second Public Hearing on Proposed Limited Charter and Real Property Transfer Tax (RPTT) - City Manager Mario and Staff member Michael Perkins presented the item as a solution to a structural deficit ($6.5M) and over $215M in deferred maintenance, exacerbated by the loss of Valero revenue. - The proposed limited charter would allow the city to enact an RPTT only. Two separate ballot measures are required. - The RPTT structure includes exemptions for residential properties built before 2027 sold under a threshold. Council provided direction on a $2 million threshold. Staff estimated the tax would generate $230,000 in its first year, growing to $3.3 million by 2050. - Councilmember Largaespada raised concerns about the burden on new homebuyers versus existing homeowners and proposed an exemption for deed-restricted affordable housing units. - Council provided final direction 5-0 to place the measures on the November 2026 ballot with the $2 million residential exemption and the affordable housing exemption. - Following the vote, the council reopened public comment for a speaker who experienced technical difficulties. Ricky Wadel Green spoke on issues related to 5150 holds and requested a merit system for non-violent individuals. Discussion Items 15.B - Annual Performance Review and Evaluation - Industrial Health and Safety Ordinance - Fire Chief Josh Chaddock presented the first annual report. The ordinance currently covers 12 high-hazard facilities. - During the reporting period there were 10 incidents: 8 Level 1 (minor), 1 Level 2 (petroleum coke dust release at Valero Amports in December 2025), and 1 Level 3 (furnace fire at Valero refinery in May 2025). No fines were levied in this first year as the focus was on education and compliance assistance. - Total program costs were $516,560 (including $272,000 for hazardous materials technician training). Fees invoiced were $81,736, with $70,571 collected. - Council directed staff 5-0 to prepare amendments clarifying the annual reporting period, codifying the fee schedule, and expanding the Citizens Oversight Commission scope to include health and safety monitoring of the Valero refinery decommissioning and remediation. - Council members emphasized the commission's role should focus on health and safety, not broader redevelopment issues. 15.C - Award of Contract for Benicia Marina Breakwater Repairs - Senior Civil Engineer Derek Lindsley presented the project. The breakwater, constructed in the 1970s, is deteriorating with significant corrosion and a 100-foot section that has failed. - The low bid was awarded to Power Engineering Construction Company of Alameda for $3,082,518 (below the engineer's estimate of $3.6 million). The total project cost is $4.5 million. - Funding includes a $650,000 draw from the Marina Fund balance and a $3,313,880 release from the Commitment for Capital/Maintenance Projects Reserve (requiring 4/5 vote). - The project extends the structure's life by an estimated 30 years. Permits have been secured from the Army Corps, Fish and Wildlife, BCDC, and Water Boards. - The motion passed 4-1 (Councilmember Macenski dissenting). Key Outcomes - Consented to routine budget authority delegation. - Directed staff to place Limited Charter and RPTT measures on the November 2026 ballot with a $2 million residential exemption and affordable housing exemption (5-0). - Directed staff to prepare amendments to the Industrial Health and Safety Ordinance on reporting, fees, and commission scope (5-0). - Awarded the Marina Breakwater Repairs construction contract (4-1).

Benicia Industrial Safety Citizen Oversight Commission Meeting Summary - June 17, 2026\n\nThe Industrial Safety Citizen Oversight Commission met on June 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Benicia City Hall Council Chambers. Chair Lindsay presided over the meeting. Fire Chief Josh Chadwick represented staff. No members of the public provided comment.\n\n Information and Presentations\n- Public Outreach Methods (Item 7.A): Chief Chadwick delivered a presentation on the city's communication channels, including Alert Solano (emergency), the Benicia Incident Notification System (non-emergency), the city website, social media/Nextdoor, the monthly newsletter, and face-to-face outreach. Commissioner discussion addressed integrating future air monitoring alerts and promoting Alert Solano sign-ups through methods like water bill inserts.\n\n Consent Calendar\n- Minutes (Item 8.A): The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the April 15, 2026 meeting.\n\n Discussion Items\n- Annual Performance Review and Evaluation (Item 9.A): Chief Chadwick presented the first annual report for the Industrial Health and Safety Ordinance, recommending minor amendments to clarify the reporting period and fee due dates. The main discussion focused on two potential expansions of the Commission's duties: taking on the role of the disbanded Valero Refinery Community Advisory Panel (CAP) to provide a public forum on refinery operations, and formally designating the Commission as a communication body for Valero's decommissioning and remediation. Commissioners expressed general support for increased transparency but raised concerns regarding workload, the specific structure, and ensuring a reliable flow of information from Valero. The Commission developed a consensus to relay its cautious support for exploring these expansions to the City Council for its June 23, 2026 meeting.\n- Air Quality Monitoring Program (Item 9.B): An update was provided on the Benicia Community Air Monitoring (B-CAMP) grant. The application for the $5 million opportunity was submitted in late May with the UCLA School of Public Health added as a partner. A decision is anticipated within three to four months.\n- Community Notifications (Item 9.C) & Ordinance Oversight (Item 9.E): No new notifications were reported; oversight was covered under the annual review discussion.\n- Public Education and Outreach (Item 9.D): The Commission briefly discussed the necessity of a strong public outreach campaign to promote the new air monitoring website and program if the grant is awarded.\n\n Key Outcomes\n- The Commission approved the minutes of the April 15, 2026 meeting.\n- The Commission received the 2025-2026 Annual Performance Review and Evaluation Report.\n- The Commission developed a consensus to relay to the City Council its support for exploring an expanded role incorporating community communication regarding the Valero refinery and site remediation, while highlighting the need to carefully define scope, structure, and information sources.\n- The meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:58 PM. The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM.

The Benicia City Council met on June 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included a Juneteenth proclamation, approval of appointments to boards and commissions, appointment of a new poet laureate, consent calendar items (including janitorial services contract, pavement rehabilitation contract, and software renewal), amendments to the master fee schedule, and fire department fee clarifications. Public comment was received regarding the Families in Transition volunteer appeal. Proclamations - Mayor Steve Young read a proclamation declaring June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth Freedom Day in Benicia. Nancy Rothstein, on behalf of Benicia Black Lives Matter, accepted and announced events including a film screening and flag-raising ceremony. Appointments - Mayor Young introduced 20 nominees for various boards and commissions, including Arts and Culture, Community Services, Community Sustainability, Economic Development, Historic Preservation, Housing Authority, Industrial Safety Oversight, Local Tax Oversight, and Planning Commission. After no public comment, a motion to appoint all nominees en bloc passed unanimously. Presentation - Librarian Jennifer Baker introduced David Hakeem as Benicia’s 10th Poet Laureate for a two-year term beginning July 1, 2026. Hakeem read an original poem. Consent Calendar - Items 14A–14H were considered. Councilmember Scott pulled items 14B (custodial services contract), 14C (pavement rehabilitation project), and 14G (OpenGov software renewal) for discussion. - 14B: Staff explained that Karla’s Janitorial was selected over a lower bidder (38% cheaper) based on qualification-based selection criteria (experience, integrity, municipal background). The low bidder’s references did not check out and they lacked municipal experience at sensitive sites. - 14C: The construction contract was awarded to Team Ghilotti, Inc. in the amount of $4,803,450 plus a 10% contingency ($480,345) for total contract authority of $5,283,795. Asphalt pricing was stable and came in under engineer’s estimate. - 14G: The three-year renewal with OpenGov for permitting and licensing software was approved. Staff outlined planned expansions including AI-driven pre-checks and improved workflow efficiency. - The remaining consent items (minutes, chemical purchase orders, Senate Bill 1087 support, HdL sales tax services, waiver of ordinance readings) were approved by unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the regular public comment period. - After the ACT task force updates, Peter Cherosholi (speaking on behalf of Families in Transition, substituting for President Sandra Kozak) requested volunteers to help the 33-year-old organization that assists Benicia families facing financial crises to stay in their homes. He noted the need for 6–10 volunteers. Discussion Items - Updates to the Benicia Master Fee Schedule (15A): Assistant City Manager Suzanne Thorson presented proposed fee adjustments for ADU pre-approved plans, affordable housing monitoring, tiny tots program, and other services. After debate, the council directed that pre-approved ADU plan fees be set at $0 (no cost) to encourage accessory dwelling unit production, and that the affordable housing monitoring fee be removed from this update and brought back later with a comprehensive program distinguishing rental and ownership units. The amended resolution was adopted unanimously. - Fire Department Amendments to Master Fee Schedule (15B): Fire Chief Josh Chadwick presented clarifications adding “per hour” notations, incorporating previously adopted Industrial Safety Ordinance fees, adding a 10% late fee, and establishing a 15% consultant service fee for fire plan review, consistent with other departments. A clerical error on the ISO group three fee was corrected to $1,959. The resolution passed unanimously. - ACT Task Force Updates: Mayor Young reported that the air district provided a $25,000 grant to Benicia Main Street for the Torchlight Parade and $20,000 for a mural on the fire station. The Solano County Workforce Development Board funded all 10 Benicia businesses that applied in the first round of grants for businesses impacted by the Valero closure, with a second round opening in July. Councilmembers Birdseye and Largaespada also provided updates from the Benicia Industrial Park Association (BIPA) meeting. Key Outcomes - All commission and board appointments approved en bloc. - Poet Laureate David Hakeem appointed for 2026–2028 term. - Consent calendar approved with discussions on selected items. - Master Fee Schedule amended: ADU plans fee eliminated; affordable housing monitoring fee deferred for further study. - Fire Department fee amendments adopted with correction. - ACT Task Force updates received. - City Manager will be asked to include Families in Transition volunteer information in city communications. The meeting adjourned.

The Benicia Planning Commission met on 2026-06-12. The agenda packet is dated June 11, 2026, and lists a 6:00 PM start; the supplied meeting timestamp is 2026-06-12 18:00:00+00:00. This summary uses the supplied date. The agenda included two public hearing items: a General Plan conformance determination for a proposed right-of-way vacation at 650 East N Street, and recommended amendments to Benicia Municipal Code Section 17.70.200 on indoor commercial recreation in the Limited Industrial zone and outdoor food service in the Mixed Use-Infill zone. No minutes or transcript were provided. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony are included in the handout packet, and the transcript field is empty. Agenda materials mention a three-minute speaker limit and state that the Brown Act does not permit commission action on public comment items. Discussion Items Item 11.A – Right-of-Way Vacation at 650 East N Street (SUB-25-1) - Applicant JN Properties CA, LLC requested vacation of approximately 250 square feet of East N Street right-of-way (approximately 50 linear feet along the front property line by 5 feet in depth) at 650 East N Street (APN 0088-133-150). - The stated purpose was to facilitate development of two detached accessory dwelling units on the 6,250-square-foot lot, zoned RS (Single Family Residential). If vacated, the land would be offered for sale at fair market value and could be combined with the adjacent residential lot. - Staff (Neil Leary, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer) reported the current East N Street right-of-way is 80 feet wide; an adjacent section was previously vacated to 60.5 feet. The proposed vacation would not interfere with the local street function, and no General Plan policies were identified as precluding it. The General Plan does not specify a minimum right-of-way width for local streets. - PG&E has facilities within approximately 5 feet of the proposed vacation area and requires dedication of a public utility easement. The city also maintains a 6-inch water line within the street. - The applicant notified adjoining property owners and utility providers; staff reported no objections were received. - The draft resolution found the vacation consistent with General Plan Goals 2.1, 2.14, 2.20, and 4.12, and exempt from CEQA under Guidelines Section 15305 (Class 12, surplus property). - A staff memorandum listed corrections: AT&T and Comcast were removed from the project analysis because only PG&E requires an easement, and the word "until" was added to the resolution's third paragraph. - No statutory notice is required for the Planning Commission's consistency determination; the City Council's hearing on the vacation will require at least two weeks published and posted notice. - Staff recommended that the Planning Commission adopt the resolution finding the proposed vacation consistent with the General Plan. The commission's role is limited to that conformance determination; the City Council will conduct the public hearing and decide whether to vacate the right-of-way under Streets and Highways Code Sections 8300–8363. Item 11.C – Zoning Amendments: Commercial Recreation and Outdoor Food Service - Staff (Dave Feinstein, Senior Planner) presented amendments to BMC Section 17.70.200. - Indoor commercial recreation would become conditionally permitted in the Limited Industrial (IL) zone, limited to single-tenant buildings along Goodyear Road and Gateway Plaza Drive, with uses restricted to sports training, archery, and shooting galleries; a use permit would be required. - Outdoor food service would be added to the Mixed Use-Infill zone as a permitted use when ancillary to an eating and drinking establishment. The change was prompted in part by existing ancillary outdoor food service operations in the zone lacking a clear approval path. - Background included 2024 City Council study sessions and 2025 Planning Commission/Economic Development Board sessions, with a prior commission recommendation to allow indoor commercial recreation in the IL zone with limitations. - The amendments were recommended as categorically exempt from CEQA under Guidelines Sections 15301 and 15305. - Timeline: Planning Commission public hearing and recommendation at this meeting; City Council first reading and second reading/adoption in July/August 2026; ordinance effective in September 2026 after 30 days. - Staff recommended that the Planning Commission conduct the public hearing and adopt a resolution recommending the City Council adopt the amendments. Key Outcomes - The available materials do not include final vote tallies, adopted motions, or a signed resolution; actual commission action could not be confirmed from the packet or transcript. - For Item 11.A, staff recommended adoption of Resolution No. 26-(PC) finding the right-of-way vacation consistent with the General Plan. For Item 11.C, staff recommended adopting a resolution recommending the zoning amendments to the City Council. - Next steps: the City Council will decide on the proposed right-of-way vacation, and the City Council will consider the zoning amendments in July/August 2026, with the ordinance taking effect in September 2026.