Public Meetings - Benicia, California

The commission held a special meeting on April 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM to receive a presentation on a proposed comprehensive air monitoring program. No action items were considered; the meeting focused on informational updates and approval of prior meeting minutes. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (March 18, 2026): The commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes from the March 18, 2026 regular meeting. The motion was made, seconded, and passed with all present commissioners (Anderson, Nelson, Manetti, Chair Lindsay) voting aye. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting, either in person or via Zoom. Discussion Items - Item 7B – Benicia Community Air Monitoring Program (BCAMP) Presentation: Kathy Kerridge (BCAMP Treasurer) and Don Gamillis (President of Argo Scientific) presented a grant proposal for a $4.8 million comprehensive air monitoring and alert system. Key elements included: - Installation of four new point monitoring stations and two optical tent (open-path) systems, plus three years of operation and maintenance. - Monitoring of pollutants identified with UCLA School of Public Health: benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, xylene, total hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and particulate matter with metals. - Optical tent technology, originally developed at UCLA and licensed to Syrionics, uses beams of light to detect gases over long paths (thousands of meters) and can be redeployed quickly. - Mobile, trailer-based equipment that can be transported to incident sites and run on standard AC power. - Data integration with a unified website and phone app, and an alert system still under consideration as part of a separate city grant. - BCAMP’s role includes public education, advocacy for regulatory action, and collaboration with experts. - Chair Lindsay disclosed his role as BCAMP president, stating the city attorney confirmed no recusal was needed for the informational item. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about deployment speed, maintenance costs after the grant period, earthquake resilience, and commercial support for the technology. Don Gamillis noted the systems have 98%+ uptime, low maintenance, and remote realignment capabilities for earthquake disturbance. - Fire Chief Chadwick (present) explained the alert and app components are under separate grant consideration and may or may not be included. Key Outcomes - No action taken on the BCAMP presentation; it was received for informational purposes only. - Unanimous approval of the March 18, 2026 meeting minutes. - Next meeting: Scheduled for June 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM.

This meeting of the Benicia Planning Commission occurred on April 11, 2026, though the official agenda was published for April 9, 2026. The primary agenda item was consideration of a Development and Disposition Agreement (DDA) for the Benicia Senior Affordable Housing project, which includes two city-owned sites (Scout Site and Senior Center Site) totaling 2.75 acres. The project proposes at least 90 affordable multifamily units for ages 55+, a new Senior Center, a public plaza (Promenade), and parking improvements. The Planning Commission was asked to adopt a resolution recommending approval of the DDA to the City Council for its May 2026 meeting. No transcript or minutes were available; the summary below is based solely on the agenda handout packet. Discussion Items - Benicia Senior Affordable Housing DDA: Staff presented the project, which is in preliminary design and would be built and managed by Eden Housing. The DDA sets terms for site development and land disposition, including site maps, a schedule of performance, and housing regulatory agreements. The project implements several General Plan goals (2.1, 2.4, 3.6) and Housing Element goals. CEQA exemptions were cited (sections 15194, 15312, 15332). The recommendation was to approve the resolution for City Council consideration. Key Outcomes - No vote or decision is recorded in the agenda handout. Based on the agenda, the Planning Commission was expected to adopt a resolution recommending approval of the DDA. The item is scheduled for City Council in May 2026. Note: The agenda materials list the meeting date as April 9, 2026, but the user instruction specifies April 11, 2026. This summary uses the instructed date. No public comments or testimony were included in the provided handout packet.

The Benicia Planning Commission met on April 9, 2026, at 6:02 PM in Council Chambers. The primary business was a recommendation on the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) for the Benicia Senior Affordable Housing project, finding it consistent with the General Plan. The Commission voted unanimously to approve the resolution. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the February 12, 2026 meeting were approved by a 7-0 vote (motion by Commissioner Lyle, second by Commissioner Marshall). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period for non-agenda items or for the business item. Discussion Items - 11.A Disposition and Development Agreement for Benicia Senior Affordable Housing – Consistency with the General Plan Staff presented the project: a scattered-site, 100% affordable senior housing development (ages 55+) with at least 90 multifamily rental units across two city-owned sites (the Scout Property and the Senior Center site). The DDA between the city and developer Eden Housing sets terms for land sale, development parameters, and public amenities (including replacement of the senior center and a public promenade). The project directly implements the city’s Housing Element and is exempt from CEQA as infill affordable housing. The Commission asked clarifying questions about library parking replacement (101 spaces) and affordability levels (low and very low). Tammy from Eden Housing highlighted two successful public engagement events and a future workshop at the farmers market on April 30, 2026. No public opposition was voiced. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Commissioner Lyle moved to adopt the resolution recommending approval of the DDA as consistent with the General Plan. Commissioner Jesson seconded. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). - Next Steps: The DDA will be presented to the Benicia City Council for consideration in May 2026. - Staff Communication: A volunteer appreciation reception will be held on April 21, 2026, before the City Council meeting.

The Benicia Zoning Administrator Hearing convened on April 7, 2026, at 9:30 AM to consider a single public hearing item: a parcel map application to split a 0.57‑acre parcel at 1112 East Sixth Street into two lots. The hearing was continued to April 28, 2026, because the required parcel map was not included in the agenda packet, preventing the Zoning Administrator from taking action. Discussion Items - Parcel Map Application (PLN‑25‑15): Staff planner Vivian Taganan presented the proposed lot split at 1112 East Sixth Street (APN 0088‑163‑200). The 0.57‑acre property, zoned Medium Density Residential (RM) and designated High Density Residential in the General Plan, would be divided into Parcel A (0.251 acres, existing eight‑unit apartment building) and Parcel B (0.323 acres, two existing four‑unit apartment buildings). No new development or change in use was proposed. The project was claimed categorically exempt from CEQA under Guidelines Sections 15301 (existing facilities) and 15315 (minor land divisions). Public noticing was completed on March 10 and March 12, 2026, with notices mailed to 123 property owners within 500 feet; no public comments were received. The Zoning Administrator noted that the parcel map itself was missing from the agenda packet—only an informational exhibit was provided—and therefore could not take action on the application. After a brief recess, staff proposed a continuation date. Key Outcomes - Continuation: The hearing was continued to Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 9:30 AM to allow proper publication of the parcel map and completion of the public hearing. The Zoning Administrator adjourned the meeting at 9:47 AM.

The Benicia City Council met in regular session on April 7, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 250 East L Street, Benicia. All five Council members were present. The Council adopted the agenda, approved six consent items, discussed at length a pulled solar maintenance and repair agreement with Opterra Energy Services, and received a status update on the Port of Benicia Facilities and Infrastructure Modernization Plan. No written minutes were included in the source packet. Consent Calendar - The Council adopted the agenda by unanimous roll call after staff pulled item 14E, the Finance Department salary schedules and position allocation change, saying the item contains an error and would be brought back later in April. - The Council approved items 14A, 14B, 14C, 14F, 14G, and 14H in one motion, 5-0. - 14A: Minutes from the February 19, 2026 special meeting and March 17, 2026 special and regular meetings. - 14B: Acceptance of the Industrial Way Sewer Replacement Project (Project No. 25-05) and authorization to file the Notice of Completion with the Solano County Recorder. - 14C: Acceptance of the I-80/Watt Court Water Line Repair Project (Project No. 25-09) and authorization to file the Notice of Completion. - 14F: Authorization for the City Manager to enter a five-year public safety communications system licensing agreement with Solano County (P25 radio system) at a fixed annual cost. - 14G: Public review of the Benicia Police Department's AB481 Annual Report on military equipment use for 2025. - 14H: Waiver of the reading of all ordinances introduced or adopted under the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Tufu, identified with Ned 0360 Sustainable Waste Solutions at 5310 Gateway Plaza Drive in Benicia, asked the Council for support for a proposed Benicia Net Zero Sustainable Resilience Hub, seeking at least $15 million over five years from an Air District catalyst grant or other grants. He described a plan to place free collection bins at 200-plus locations, collect and recycle used vapes, pods, and small lithium batteries, keep hazardous waste out of landfills, and run a green jobs academy with OSHA and waste-handling training. He framed the project as addressing dangerous battery fires, air pollution, and the need for living-wage jobs after the Valero refinery closure. - Maggie Kolk, a Community Services Commissioner, presented highlights from the city's community service grantees for July 1 through December 31, 2025. She reported: Carquinas Village received a first-year grant of $42,068 and provided 607 essential rides, 772 direct services, 47 tech support services, and 600 events with 1,926 unique participants; Food is Free Bay Area received $41,024 and provided 29 distributions, serving 1,840 households and 4,862 individuals; Community Action Council received $33,626 and provided 3,000 meals to seniors and 1,500 meals to low-income families with children; St. Vincent de Paul received $18,785 and reported $9,618 in expenditures, serving 24 Benicians and providing five households with rental assistance and two with utility assistance; and Families in Transition assisted 40 clients, including 21 with rental assistance, 10 with security deposits, and 9 with utility assistance. She expressed hope the city would continue these grants into the next fiscal year. - Nicole Newell, a program manager for Sustainable Solano, announced that community garden beds are available at Avon Garden and Swenson Garden, and that the 10th annual garden tour will take place April 25, 2026, featuring 17 self-guided gardens in Benicia and Vallejo in partnership with the California Native Plant Society. - Mayor Young noted that the Solano County civil grand jury is recruiting members and encouraged interested residents to get information through the city or the court system in Fairfield. Discussion Items 14D – Opterra Energy Solar Preventative Maintenance, Repair and Upgrade Agreement - Item 14D was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Largaespada; Councilmembers Scott and the Mayor also had questions. City Manager Giuliani said consent items are routine matters that do not warrant a full staff presentation. - Councilmember Largaespada initially proposed three amendments to the staff recommendation: remove the $150,000 annual placeholder for additional services; reduce the 5 percent annual operation and maintenance escalator to 3 percent; and remove or reduce the 15 percent markup on equipment and materials. He later narrowed this to a 3 percent escalator, a 5 percent equipment markup, and no materials markup, while agreeing to keep the $150,000 annual placeholder. - Councilmember Scott questioned why the city used a cooperative piggyback procurement through Omnia Partners and the Region 4 Education Service Center rather than a new RFP, noting the underlying RFP dates from November 2022 with proposals submitted June 27, 2023, and expressing concern that local solar companies had no opportunity to bid on the city's specific work. Staff and the City Attorney explained the process was competitively vetted and allowed under municipal code; Opterra representative Kelly Ferguson said Opterra is headquartered in Oakland, its predecessor company built the city's solar arrays, and it stocks obsolete parts to keep the systems operating. - Staff and Opterra stated the four offline solar sites are costing the city money; the arrays currently produce about $770,000 per year in value, one-time repairs will total about $480,000, and payback periods range from roughly six months to 3.6 years. The $150,000 annual amount was described as a city-controlled reserve for unexpected repairs so staff can move quickly without waiting for a future Council meeting. - Vice Mayor Macenski asked about termination exposure; the contract's termination-for-convenience provision allows a seven-day notice and a negotiated final payment based on work performed. Councilmember Birdseye said the $150,000 should remain because it is the city's money and provides needed flexibility. - The Council voted 5-0 to direct staff to negotiate and, if accepted, execute the Opterra agreement with the revised terms: 3 percent annual escalator, 5 percent markup on equipment, zero markup on materials, and the $150,000 annual additional services placeholder retained. If Opterra counters or does not accept the terms, the agreement will return to the Council. 15A – Port of Benicia Facilities and Infrastructure Modernization Plan: Deliverables 3 and 4 - Deputy City Manager Sarah Shocky introduced the item, noting the city was the only jurisdiction awarded the full $750,000 ABAG MTC planning grant in October 2024. Michael Vanderbeek of GHD, the city's consultant, presented the status update. Roughly 75 percent of the planning work is complete, with the final plan expected by early September 2026. - Vanderbeek said the Decarbonization and Resiliency Pathways deliverable recommends shore power as the most cost-effective vessel emission reduction measure, estimating a three-berth system at about $34 million and noting it could be up to three times more cost-effective than the current bonnet barge compliance method. A microgrid and battery energy storage system was deemed infeasible because it would require five to six acres and create a $6 million to $9 million land-creation cost. Sea level rise modeling to 2080 shows long-term risk but little near-term impact, so the plan calls for monitoring and eventual levee/seawall improvements estimated at about $113 million. - The CIP and Yard Expansion Feasibility Analysis evaluated 19 projects and advanced 15, totaling just under $700 million over 15 years. Three port enhancement projects are the largest: pier structural improvements at about $217 million, a 400-foot pier expansion for a third berth at about $68 million, and port backlands improvements at about $239 million. Utility projects include shore power and stormwater infrastructure improvements. Transportation projects include Bay Shore Road and Park Road improvements at about $16 million each, intersection studies, and truck restriction/signage changes at Park/Adams and Military East. - Councilmembers raised several concerns. Vice Mayor Macenski asked whether the city should spend roughly $700 million to support an operator that does not bring significant revenue to the city; Vanderbeek responded that a win-win arrangement would need to be defined, and AMPorts has not yet been asked to share costs. Councilmember Birdseye said near-term priorities should favor community-wide road and infrastructure benefits rather than projects that primarily benefit AMPorts, and that grants should benefit the larger community. Councilmember Scott asked about PG&E capacity, sea level rise planning, diversification opportunities, and outdated truck routes; staff said the circulation element update will revisit truck routes by the end of 2026. Ben Hammond, AMPorts general manager, spoke in public comment, welcoming a strong partnership and saying he looked forward to improved collaboration. - Although the agenda listed a recommended action to accept the status update, no formal motion or vote was taken; the Mayor stated no action was required. Key Outcomes - Agenda adopted 5-0. - Six Consent Calendar items approved 5-0; item 14E was deferred to a future meeting in April. - The Council unanimously directed renegotiation of the Opterra Energy agreement with a 3 percent escalator, 5 percent equipment markup, no materials markup, and the $150,000 annual reserve retained. - The Council received the Port of Benicia Modernization Plan status update without taking a formal vote. Next steps include completing the design guidelines update by late April or early May, releasing a draft CEQA initial study/mitigated negative declaration in early summer with a 30-day public comment period around mid-June, and completing the final plan with funding and activation support by September 2026.

The Benicia City Council met in a Special Closed Session on April 7, 2026, at 4:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting was convened to discuss two closed session items: labor negotiations with multiple employee associations and anticipated litigation (one potential case). No minutes or transcript are available, so only the agenda items are reported. Public Comments & Testimony - The agenda allowed for public comments on closed session items, but no comments are recorded or documented in the available materials. Discussion Items - 6.A Conference with Labor Negotiators: The Council met with designated representatives to discuss negotiations with the Benicia Police Officers Association, Benicia Public Service Employees Association, Benicia Fire Fighters Association, Benicia Dispatchers Association, Benicia Supervisor and Professional Association, Middle Management Employees, Police Management Employees, Senior Management Employees, and Unrepresented Employees. - 6.B Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation: The Council discussed one potential case involving significant exposure to litigation. Key Outcomes - No decisions or votes are reported from the closed session. The meeting reconvened in open session to receive announcements from closed session, if any, and was then adjourned. No announcements are documented in the available sources.

The Benicia Board of Library Trustees met on April 6, 2026, at Benicia City Hall, Council Chambers, starting at approximately 6:01 p.m. and adjourning at 6:40 p.m. The board received reports on library circulation, collections, finances, staffing, literacy services, and liaison activities; adopted the agenda and approved the March 2, 2026 meeting minutes unanimously; and heard no public comments. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Consent Calendar - The board adopted the agenda by unanimous vote. - The board unanimously approved the minutes from the March 2, 2026 meeting on a motion, second, and unanimous aye vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No online public comments were offered, and no written public comments were reported. Information and Presentations - Amber Kelly presented the Circulation and Collection Development report. In the Library of Things, the most popular items are the fruit picker, mobile hotspots, and Switch consoles; the library currently circulates three fruit pickers and maintains a large hold list for them. Hotspots are circulated to Solano County users, and staff are exploring alternative providers after learning about other vendors at the Public Library Association conference. Some items, including tents, carpet cleaners, and telescopes, are no longer circulated because they returned dirty or required excessive staff time to count pieces; telescopes will be used internally for programs. Tools require an annual waiver and users must be 18; the library does not provide chainsaws because of city attorney concerns. Non-English materials include Spanish, Farsi, and French for adults, plus Chinese, Thai, Mandarin, and Spanish in the children's world language collection; additional non-English electronic materials are available through the Palace Project. - President Hickey reported that he attended the first meeting of the Solano County Library Oversight Advisory Committee, the successor to the Measure L committee, and described it as informative and positive. - The City Librarian reported that the February financial report includes March payroll because payroll was processed early, making salary totals appear high; salaries are actually near the expected 75 percent level for the end of the third quarter. The part-time payroll figure is high, and the finance department is aware of what is driving it. The library has a large furnishings and fixtures allocation that has not been spent while awaiting grant news for privacy pods. The library was funded for a book bike, which has been ordered and could arrive by the July 3 parade. The library applied for two privacy pods but was waitlisted for one pod through the Southern California Library Cooperative; additional state funding may allow a single pod, with the library able to match it. Pods are ADA compliant and large enough that two will fit in the Edna Klein space; the planned location is near the second bank of public computers, and the library will reduce public computers to five when a user fee expires at the end of the calendar year, possibly following Napa's model with affixed laptops. - The City Librarian announced that the full-time children's librarian position was approved by the city manager. The position opened to internal candidates and closes the following Friday; the library hopes a part-time librarian will apply. - For literacy services, the library has an agreement for Paula to work 20 hours per week, with potential additional hours made possible by leftover state grant funds after a departure. The grant is extended through August 31, 2026. The library also has a handshake agreement with Solano County Library to train and match new tutors, an element needed for the adult literacy grant; $5,000 for this role will be folded into the existing SPLASH contract. The ESL program's five-year state grant expires at the end of the fiscal year, and no funding is currently in the proposed budget; the library is awaiting the governor's May revise and encouraging letters to the appropriations committee and governor. - The City Librarian asked for support for restoring California Library Services Act funding, which supports physical delivery, Link Plus/interlibrary loan, the Libby platform, and the NorthNet shared collection. CLSA funding was cut to 50 percent of its level two years ago and is about 20 percent of what it was years ago; the library is requesting restoration plus a small inflationary increase. - The City Librarian described a Dolly Parton Imagination Library funding controversy in California: $68 million was appropriated several years ago and given to the state library, none reached public libraries; $5 million was clawed back last year, and a nonprofit retained $1.5 million, of which $700,000 lacked receipts. The state librarian was questioned by the appropriations committee, and the episode may harm library funding prospects, although the program itself continues to put books into children's hands. - The City Librarian said she will go to the city council on April 21 to request a small budget amendment allocating art gallery funds, generated by artist application fees and sales percentages, for art gallery expenses in the current and next fiscal years. - Art Gallery Advisory Committee liaison reported a successful reception for invitational artist Linda Fleming and announced that the 2027 call for artists will be prepared, likely issuing in May or June with a September 1 deadline. - Library Foundation liaison reported that the foundation is sponsoring a planned giving workshop with Carquinas Village on April 22 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Donia Benicia Room at the library. The foundation has hired a grant writer and is discussing a grant with the Friends group to fund development of the library basement. The foundation wants the city to be a co-applicant because the money would benefit and be controlled by the city; the city manager is hesitant, and the foundation plans to make its case soon. The grant deadline is May 29, and the requested amount is substantial, around a couple million dollars. - Poet Laureate Committee liaison reported that the application period closed March 31, with five applications received. The committee has met twice and is planning interviews around the second week of May, with a recommendation expected at the June board meeting. - Historical Museum/Historical Society liaison reported that the Museum of History Benicia held a successful wedding spectacular, will hold a sculpt and sip event on April 10, and will hold a children's story time and activity on April 17 from 2 to 3 p.m.; tickets for the sculpt and sip are $30 for one person and $50 for two. The museum completed its final installation of the Jewel of the West exhibit, which highlights Benicia's history and the world-famous Schoenstein organ company. On April 19 from 2 to 4 p.m., the Historical Society and library will host authors Rose Bebe and Robert Sinkewitz in the Donia Benicia Room for their book about the Bileo family letters from 1846 to 1888. A June 12 old-timers stories event has been postponed until the fall. Key Outcomes - The board unanimously adopted the agenda and approved the March 2, 2026 minutes. - No action items were listed under Action and Discussion, and the board took no substantive votes beyond these approvals. - The next meeting is scheduled for May 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The board also noted a possible library participation in the July 3 parade.

The Benicia Economic Development Board met on March 25, 2026, at Benicia City Hall, Council Chambers, 250 East L Street, Benicia, CA. The meeting was scheduled for 5:30 PM and was called to order at 5:34 PM. The agenda included a California Forever project update, a tourism marketing update, a business license tax study presentation, consideration of dissolving the Tourism Subcommittee, and election of a vice chair. All votes taken during the meeting were unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public commented on non-agenda items, and no written comments were received after 3 p.m. - Michael Hayes, a Benicia resident, expressed strong opposition to the California Forever project during the presentation portion of the meeting. He called the proposed shipyard component a "slap in the face" to Vallejo and Mare Island, arguing that shipyard activity, particularly for the Navy, should go to Vallejo/Mare Island rather than Collinsville, where he said there is no infrastructure. He cautioned that the Solano Foundry could co-opt tenants from the Benicia Industrial Park, compared the project's competitive risk to the decline of Hilltop Mall after Solano Mall and Sun Valley Mall were built, and urged the board to view the project with a critical eye and reject it. Information & Presentations - California Forever Update – Jim Wonderman (head of public affairs, formerly CEO/president of the Bay Area Council for 22 years) and Anders Engnell (chief of staff) presented on behalf of California Forever. They described three related efforts: the Solano Shipyard, the Sassoon Expansion Plan ("Solano Foundry"), and Solano Living housing. They said the shipyard is central to Project Gondor, a confidential shipbuilder competing to build 80- to 160-foot autonomous cargo vessels, with a Navy mandate to have vessels in the water by 2028; California Forever is one of three finalists for the RFP, with competitors in the Gulf and on the East Coast. They cited a potential $5 billion investment and 10,000 jobs by 2035 across a network of sites, and noted the Solano County Board of Supervisors voted 5–0 in September 2025 to support pursuing the project. They also announced a proposed Maritime Prosperity Zone partnership with the Nimitz Group, Cal Poly Maritime, the Working Waterfront Coalition, and Solano EDC, which would cover Benicia and create tax incentives and permitting expediting for maritime industries; the application was submitted three weeks before the federal maritime action plan was released. Wonderman expressed strong support for reviving Bay Area shipbuilding, noting the region's historical role and that all five new zero-emission Bay Ferry vessels are being built in Washington state because the Bay Area lacks shipbuilding capacity. Engnell cited national security context, stating China is building about a thousand ships a year while the U.S. builds five, and noted Benicia is projected to lose about 2,000 jobs this year. A board member who had toured the site said it was "pretty amazing" and encouraged other members to take a tour; tours were offered. California Forever also referenced a Bay Area Council study projecting over half a million permanent jobs over the project's 40- to 50-year buildout, tens of thousands of construction jobs, and six-figure average pay. - Tourism Marketing Update – Staff noted the tourism marketing presentation was given to the City Council on March 17, 2026, and is recorded and available on the city's website. No separate presentation was made, but an information session with the consultant can be arranged. - New Business Licenses – The board received the informational list of new business licenses for November 2025, December 2025, January 2026, and February 2026. - Commercial/Industrial Vacancies – The board received the informational list of current commercial/industrial properties for lease and for sale in Benicia. Consent Calendar - The board approved the minutes of the August 27, 2025 special meeting and the 2026 meeting calendar by a single motion, adopted unanimously by roll call. No items were pulled for discussion. Discussion Items - Business License Tax Update – Eric Myers of HDL (via Zoom) presented a business license tax study. Key findings: current annual business license tax revenue is about $628,000 and has been relatively flat, with a modest increase in FY 2022–23 after a compliance/amnesty effort; Benicia's top 100 businesses represent about 37% of reported gross receipts and about 53% of reported employees but pay just over 24% of taxes due to the city's low cap; and Benicia is roughly mid-range among peer jurisdictions and the only one with a cap. Two modernization models were presented, both removing the cap and retaining the exemption for businesses with less than $10,000 in gross receipts: Model 1 (variable gross receipts rates by business type) is estimated to generate about $2.3 million in additional revenue (roughly $2.9 million total); Model 2 (a Fairfield-style tiered flat-fee structure with a low gross receipts rate at the top tier, approved by Fairfield voters in 2024 with about 71% support) would add about $573,000, roughly doubling current revenue to about $1.2 million. HDL also modeled a possible marine terminal use at the Valero refinery area, estimating a mid-range of about $34 million in annual gross receipts, with potential revenue of about $340,000 at a 1% rate up to about $1 million at a 3% rate; combined with Model 1, total revenue would range from about $3.2 million to $3.9 million, and with Model 2 from about $1.5 million to $2.2 million. The timeline targets the November 3, 2026 ballot. Board members asked about the impact of gross receipts taxes on low-margin small businesses, administrative complexity, and differences from Fairfield's business mix; Myers explained that state law constrains the city to taxing gross receipts rather than net income, rates for small businesses are modest, complexity falls mainly on the city's administrators, and Benicia's greater concentration of smaller businesses might justify fewer tiers than Fairfield uses. A board member requested the full slide deck be emailed, noting the handout did not match the online presentation; staff said the correct version is published in the agenda packet online. - Consideration of Dissolving the Tourism Subcommittee – Staff recommended dissolving the board's Tourism Subcommittee and having the Benicia Chamber of Commerce administer tourism coordination and business walks, citing staff efficiency (the department has gone from two or more full-time EDB staff members to one) and duplication with chamber programs. The chamber would take on the business walks at no cost to the city, and EDB members would remain invited. Board member Penny expressed concern that non-chamber-member businesses, especially struggling downtown retail shops and art galleries, could be left out of outreach, and asked that feedback from business walks be compiled and shared formally with the EDB. Other members supported the change, describing the subcommittee as redundant given the more active chamber and Main Street organizations and noting the subcommittee struggled with quorum and low participation under Brown Act requirements. The board approved the staff recommendation. - Election of Vice Chair – Mike nominated himself for vice chair and was elected unanimously by roll call. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved unanimously: minutes of August 27, 2025, and the 2026 meeting calendar. - Tourism Subcommittee dissolved; the Benicia Chamber of Commerce will take over tourism coordination and business walk administration, with the EDB remaining invited and involved. - Mike elected vice chair by unanimous roll-call vote. - Board openings: the full board has seven seats; several applications have been submitted and are under review, with city council interviews expected to begin next week. One board member's term ends in July after more than ten years of service. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 22, 2026.

The Benicia Industrial Safety Citizen Oversight Commission met at Benicia City Hall on March 18, 2026, at 4:00 PM. The meeting included presentations on the Bay Area Air District's Local Community Benefits Fund (up to $60 million total), the City of Benicia's grant application concepts, the Contra Costa Community Warning System, and an update on air quality monitoring. Commissioners discussed grant strategy, community notification upgrades, public education, and ordinance oversight. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:02 PM. Consent Calendar - The Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the December 17, 2025 meeting via roll call (5 ayes). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke in person or via Zoom. Discussion Items 7.A Bay Area Air District Presentation – Local Community Benefits Fund - Emmy Wang, Community Investments Officer, presented the grant opportunity funded by penalty dollars from Valero air quality violations. The eligible communities include the City of Benicia and surrounding areas (map shown). The fund totals approximately $60 million, divided into three grant types: - Seed Grant: $100,000–$200,000 (1–5 awards), for nonprofits only. - Opportunity Grant: $500,000–$5 million (1–5 awards), requires at least one co-applicant, with regranting allowed. - Catalyst Grant: $10–$40 million (1–3 awards), only for projects within Benicia. Due to the refinery closure, the co-applicant requirement is relaxed, and a single applicant may apply. - Application deadlines: Catalyst grant due May 1, 2026; Seed and Opportunity grants due May 29, 2026. - The Air District is recruiting community reviewers (stipend of $750) with an April 10 deadline. - Commissioners asked about administrative cost caps (15%), project evaluation, and the opportunity for multiple applications per category. The city may submit one catalyst and one opportunity application. - Chair Lindsay noted that BCAMP (Benicia Community Air Monitoring Program) is partnering with the city to apply for an Opportunity grant for air monitoring. 7.B City of Benicia – Bay Area Air District Grant Application - Deputy City Manager Sarah Shawky and City Engineer Neil Leary presented the city's strategy: apply for a $40 million catalyst grant and a $5 million opportunity grant. - The catalyst proposal includes $25 million for ongoing city services aligned with grant pillars (air pollution reduction, public health, just transition) and $15 million for new projects. Proposed projects included: - General Plan update and zoning modernization ($5 million estimate) - Economic development and reuse strategy - Port electrification planning - ADA transition plan - Electric vehicle charging and vehicle replacement - Energy efficiency upgrades (windows, generators, HVAC) - Numerous pedestrian and bicycle improvements (curb ramps, sidewalks, bike lanes, intersection improvements, shore access) - Marina breakwater rehab ($5 million) - Fire station equipment (SCBA compressor, gas-to-electric tool conversions, and Industrial Safety Ordinance program administration) - Staff noted a microgrid/solar project is being considered for the opportunity grant. - Commissioners emphasized priorities: bike/ped safety (especially West 7th Street), general plan/economic transition, air pollution reduction, and workforce development. Feedback included support for complete streets, incentives for building electrification, and the need for robust community engagement. - Public engagement meetings for nonprofits will be held April 15 (this commission) and April 27 (Sustainability Commission), with a deadline to sign up by April 3. 7.C Contra Costa Community Warning System (CWS) - Tony Semenza, Executive Director of Contra Costa CAER, presented the CWS, originally built after a 1990s oleum release at General Chemical. The system includes sirens (43 in Contra Costa), WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts), EAS, and an opt-in text/email/voice system. - Incident levels: Level 0 (notification only), Level 1 (information), Level 2 (protective action for sensitive groups), Level 3 (shelter-in-place/sirens). Sirens are currently tone-only; Semenza noted that voice-capable systems (like long-range acoustical devices) are now available. - Challenges include opt-in registration (60% of county), cell tower bleed for WEA, and the difficulty of evacuations. The Martinez Refining Company fire (Feb 2025) illustrated the need to activate sirens early. - Della (City staff) explained Benicia's procedures: 7 existing sirens (not PA), use of Alert Solano (Everbridge), multi-departmental communications team, and county health services determines protective actions. The city has level 1–3 designations. - Commissioners discussed siren audibility limitations (especially for those with hearing impairments or in energy-efficient homes) and the need for an integrated notification system. 7.D Ad-Hoc Committee on Air Quality Monitoring Update - Chair David Lindsay presented the committee's work. The Benicia Industrial Safety Ordinance requires an integrated air monitoring program with a common website and public alerts. - Existing monitoring sites (Valero fence line, BCAMP, Air District) are independent. Proposed new point monitoring stations at Hastings Fire Station, Robert Semple Elementary School, and the downtown fire station. - The committee recommends optical tenting technology (developed by UCLA, used at a Southern California refinery) for two light-source locations: one near the solar farm at Rose and East Second, one on a water tank in the hills. This system uses reflected light beams to measure pollutants in a 360-degree radius. - Cost estimate is $2.6 million for equipment, installation, and three years of operation and maintenance. BCAMP (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) will lead an Opportunity grant application with the city as partner. - Discussion included the need for an integrated app, coordination with South Coast AQMD, and the ability to measure both acute and chronic pollutants (BTEX, NOx, SO2, H2S, ozone, metals, particulates). 9.A Air Quality Monitoring Program – No action taken; updates covered in 7.D. 9.B Industrial Safety Community Notifications - Secretary Brian Robinson presented research on upgrading the city's 7 sirens (installed 2001). He compared systems from ATI, American Signal, and Federal Signal, focusing on voice-capable sirens for outdoor alerts. Estimated cost: $500,000 to $1.5 million for 9–12 units. - Commissioners discussed the option of mobile notification vehicles (e.g., fleet with PA systems), as used in Malibu. Robust discussion on integration with Alert Solano, air monitoring, and the need for public education. - It was decided that Secretary Robinson will work directly with city staff to include siren upgrades in the catalyst grant application (due May 1). The commission authorized this approach. 9.C Public Education and Outreach – No action item; Della will present current city communication efforts at the next regular meeting. 9.D Ordinance Oversight – Della reported no significant industrial safety events since December 2025. Valero's refinery shutdown has caused continuous flaring and odors, with occasional sulfur dioxide exceedances; shutdown expected by April 2026. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously from December 17, 2025. - Grant application strategy: The city will apply for a $40 million catalyst grant and a $5 million opportunity grant. BCAMP will lead an opportunity grant for air monitoring ($2.6 million). Commissioners provided priority input. - Community notification upgrade: Secretary Robinson will collaborate with staff to incorporate siren/voice system improvements into the catalyst grant application. Mobile notification options will be considered. - Public education presentation: Della to present current city communications at a future meeting. - Next meeting: Special meeting on April 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM to provide a platform for nonprofits and businesses to present their grant ideas.