Public Meetings - Benicia, California

The Benicia Community Sustainability Commission met on March 16, 2026, at 4:04 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The primary focus was receiving presentations on the Bay Area Air District's (BAAQMD) Local Community Benefits Fund (Round 1) and the City of Benicia's approach to applying for its grant programs. The Commission discussed 25 potential city projects, received significant public comment, and approved the 2026 Rules of Procedure. Consent Calendar - The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the November 17, 2025 meeting. - The Commission unanimously adopted the 2026 Community Sustainability Commission Rules of Procedure. Public Comments & Testimony - Jan Spencer (Eugene, OR): Offered to conduct a multi-day seminar on paradigm shift, permaculture, and neighborhood associations for the community. Noted he recently wrote an article in The Guardian about Benicia and the refinery. - Kathy Carring: Strongly criticized the city's proposed project list as missing key opportunities. She argued for supporting industrial park business transition to green technologies (heat pumps), creating home electrification rebates for low-income residents, and installing solar on city structures. She expressed disappointment in the level of public engagement on the grants. - Crispin Pierce: Commented that proposals need specific land-use elements (such as mixed-use development) to convincingly tie to air quality. Questioned the air quality rationale for structural projects like the marina breakwater. Discussion Items - BAAQMD Grant Presentation (Item 7a): Emi Wang (BAAQMD, Community Investments Office) presented an overview of the $60M+ Local Community Benefits Fund for Benicia and surrounding communities, derived from Valero air quality penalty funds. She outlined three grant categories: Seed ($100k-$200k, nonprofits), Opportunity ($500k-$5M, multi-stakeholder), and Catalyst ($10M-$40M, Benicia projects only). The program prioritizes reducing air pollution, improving public health, and supporting a just transition. The application deadline is May 1 (Catalyst) and May 29 (Seed/Opportunity). - Commission Q&A on Grant: Commissioners asked about the scoring process and geographic boundaries (Lindsay), the risk of administrative costs and portfolio weighting (Richard), and the tight timeline for applicants (Alicia). Emi Wang explained the scoring involves technical review, community review, and portfolio balancing. - City's Grant Concept Presentation (Item 7b): Carrie Winslowski and Derek Linsley presented 25 city projects for the Catalyst and Opportunity grants. This included General Plan modernization ($5M), port electrification planning, energy efficiency upgrades, 12 bike and pedestrian infrastructure projects, and fire department equipment. The city sought feedback to narrow the list. - Commission Deliberation on City Projects: Commissioners stressed that projects must clearly demonstrate air quality benefits to be competitive (Lindsay). Richard expressed frustration with TBD cost estimates and categorized several items (EV, HVAC) as standard 'housekeeping' rather than grant-worthy projects. Alicia noted a west-side bias in the bike/ped projects. Derek provided technical background, noting the Measure F paving plan presents a key opportunity for adding bike lanes. - Ongoing Projects (Item 9a): The Farmers Market table aims for two dates. The Earth Day table at Benicia High School is set for April 22. The MCE business outreach to the Chamber remains pending. Key Outcomes - Grant Project Guidance: The Commission provided clear feedback that the project list should be heavily focused on direct air quality and health outcomes (electrification, active transportation, port electrification). This feedback will be reported to city leadership. - Home Electrification Gap: A major gap was identified in the list. The city will reach out to MCE and Solano EDC to explore them as lead applicants for home electrification rebate grants. - Bike Infrastructure: The Commission emphasized safety, connectivity, and storage for bikes. The city's five-year roads plan was highlighted as the critical venue for advancing bike infrastructure projects. - Commission Vacancies: One application was received for two vacant seats; the deadline for applications is March 20, 2026. - Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is May 18, 2026. Special April meetings are scheduled for nonprofits to present their own grant concepts to the Sustainability and ISO Commissions.

On March 16, 2026, the Benicia Zoning Administrator convened a public hearing at 3:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers, with courtesy Zoom participation, to consider a single public hearing item: Use Permit application PLN-26-4 for a cannabis testing laboratory at 685 Stone Road, Units 9–10 (APN 0080-060-100), and a determination that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The hearing adjourned at 3:11 PM. (Note: the agenda lists the start time as 3:00 PM; the meeting metadata timestamp of 11:15:00+00:00 does not correspond to that local time.) Public Hearing: Cannabis Testing Laboratory Use Permit (PLN-26-4) - Staff presentation: The applicant seeks a Use Permit to add cannabis product testing to an existing full-service analytical testing laboratory for non-cannabis materials. The facility occupies approximately 2,000 square feet, with a dedicated entrance and no internal access to adjacent units. Laboratory use is already permitted in the IG district, but cannabis testing requires a Use Permit. - History: The Planning Commission approved a prior Use Permit for this use in March 2020, and a cannabis public safety license was granted March 28, 2020. Minor tenant improvements were completed at that time; no further construction or improvements are proposed. - Why a new application is needed: The 2020 public safety license was not reviewed in 2024, resulting in termination of the prior Use Permit approval. Applicant CEO Timia Marshla Comajurus (as transcribed) explained she placed the renewal on hold while working on qualification with the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), believing an active license was not needed; that hold position did not exist, so the license lapsed. - Operational details: There will be no public access, no on-site sales, no on-site signage, and samples will be collected off site during normal business hours. The laboratory will use standard testing equipment and procedures and is expected to employ approximately 15 people. Parking will be shared, with six spaces currently available on site. - CEQA determination: Staff found the project likely exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (existing facilities) because no expansion or construction is proposed. - Notification and comments: Notices were mailed February 26, 2026, to property owners within 500 feet, and notice was posted at the property and City Hall earlier in March. Staff reported receiving no public comments on the item. - Zoning Administrator questions: Staff confirmed the Benicia Police Department reviewed and approved the public safety license for issuance and that no comments were received from adjoining business owners or property owners. Staff had not yet confirmed whether the operator conducts any other commercial cannabis activity; the applicant then confirmed she has no other cannabis-related businesses. Public Comments & Testimony - Pat Williams of Faber (as transcribed) offered supportive remarks, describing the business as fine and hard workers with no safety problems. Key Outcomes - No decision was rendered at the hearing. Pursuant to Benicia Municipal Code Section 17.104.050(B), as cited by the Zoning Administrator, the Development Services Director must approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the application within 10 days of the conclusion of the hearing. The Zoning Administrator stated he will render a determination within 10 working days, likely sooner, and planning division staff will notify the applicant. - The public comment period was closed, and the hearing was adjourned at 3:11 PM.

The Benicia Community Services Commission convened on March 11, 2026, at 6:03 PM in the Benicia City Hall Council Chambers. The primary focus of the meeting was to receive mid-year compliance presentations from five community grant recipients covering the period from July 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025. The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 PM. Consent Calendar - Draft Minutes (January 14, 2026): Unanimously approved by the commission. Public Comments & Testimony - Dan Smith, representing Benicia Friends of the Playground: Stated that swings in City Park have been absent for years (large swings for 7 years, toddler swings for almost 5 years). Reported that the group raised $7,000 in 2025 and purchased a swing set that is currently in storage at the city courtyard. He advocated for the commission to serve as a conduit for public input on City Park planning and expressed a desire to modernize the Playground of Dreams while retaining its wooden character. Discussion Items: Community Grant Mid-Year Compliance Presentations 9A. Carquinez Village - Presenters: Jennifer Hanley (Executive Director) and Jane King (Board President) - Overview: Serves 190 members (77% Benicia residents), average age 79. Supported by 75 volunteers and two part-time staff. Received 297 service requests, fulfilling 280 (94% fulfillment rate). Transportation to medical appointments is the most requested service (58%). - Funding: The city grant of $84,137 represents approximately one-third of the organization’s annual budget. Valero was not a significant funding source. - Key Initiatives: A scholarship program supports 30 members (16% of total membership) facing financial hardship. The new “Care Plus” program will support older adults recovering from illness or hospitalization. Upcoming events include a town hall and a fundraiser on April 26, 2026. 9B. Food is Free Solano - Presenter: Heather Perini (Executive Director) - Overview: Conducted 29 food distribution events in Benicia, serving 1,840 households and 4,862 individuals. Rescued 9,048 pounds of food from Benicia, preventing an estimated 4.5 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions. 70% of clients are Benicia residents; 45% of total clientele are older adults. - Funding: The city grant of $41,024.50 is approximately 10–15% of the total annual budget but supports roughly 80% of the organization’s Benicia-specific operations. Valero provided one grant in six years. - Key Initiatives: A Summer Food Program helps families with children during the school break. A gleaning program is being organized by a local Girl Scout earning her Gold Award. 9C. Community Action Council (CAC) - Presenters: Viola Robertson (Executive Director) and Diane Louis (Assistant) - Overview: Delivers 60 hot meals daily (5 days a week) to seniors, serving nearly 4,000 meals in the six-month period. The weekly food bank saw a 25% increase in need during a SNAP disruption. The drivers act as a wellness check for clients who often have no other daily human contact. - Funding: The city grant covers approximately 70% of the operating budget. An annual $70,000 contribution from Valero was lost two years ago. - Key Initiatives: The organization raises supplementary funds by preparing and selling dinners. 9D. St. Vincent de Paul Society - Presenter: Representative of the organization - Overview: The “Keeping Benicians Housed” program provides holistic support including rental and utility assistance, food delivery, and financial literacy. Assisted seven households directly with grant funds in the first six months, often partnering with Families in Transition and PGE. Shared a success story of reuniting a family that had been separated for six months due to a housing loss. - Funding: The city grant is approximately 10% of the annual budget. Valero provided $10,000 (6% of the budget) in the past year, but that funding has been discontinued. - Key Initiatives: Follows up with clients at 1, 6, and 12 months. Collaborates extensively with Kaiser, Sutter Health, the Chamber of Commerce, and other local agencies. 9E. Families in Transition (FIT) - Presenter: Representative of the organization - Overview: Focuses on preventing homelessness for Benicia families through financial assistance for rent, mortgages, and utilities. Assisted over 40 families in the reporting period. The organization operates with zero overhead costs charged against the city grant, paying landlords and utility companies directly. - Funding: The city grant represents approximately 80% of the annual budget. Valero provided intermittent support historically but none in the last 3–4 years. - Key Initiatives: Emphasizes cost-effective homelessness prevention to keep families stably housed and avoid visible homelessness. Key Outcomes & Announcements - Grantee Funding for Next Fiscal Year: Director Dunlevy announced at the end of the presentations that all five grantee organizations have been fully funded by the city for the next fiscal year (2026–2027). - City Council Update: Commissioner Kolk volunteered to present a summary of the meeting’s highlights during the public comment segment at the next City Council meeting. - Future Meeting: The next regular Community Services Commission meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2026.

The Benicia City Council convened on March 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting began with a proclamation designating March 2026 as Women’s History Month, followed by unanimous adoption of the agenda. All consent calendar items except one were approved as a block; the pulled item—police vehicle purchases—was discussed and approved unanimously. Public comment was received from the Solano Resource Conservation District. The Council then adjourned to closed session to discuss pending and anticipated litigation. Consent Calendar - Items 14B–14F were approved by a single roll-call vote (Councilmembers Birdseye, Largaespada, Scott, Mayor Young in favor; no objections recorded): - 14B: Agreement with Black & Veatch for Wastewater Treatment Plant Nutrient Removal Alternatives Evaluation and Facilities Plan for $477,195, with budget amendment. - 14C: MOU with Community Action Partnership Solano JPA for Coordinated Entry System (2025–2028) including 3% annual cost adjustments. - 14D: Acceptance of FY 2025/26 Second Quarter Investment Report. - 14E: Adoption of the City’s Investment Policy. - 14F: Waiver of reading of all ordinances. Public Comments & Testimony - Non‑agenda public comment: Chris Rose, Executive Director of the Solano Resource Conservation District (RCD), presented an annual report summarizing the district’s 2025 accomplishments: outdoor education programs reaching over 10,000 students; removal of 27,000 pounds of trash; and planting thousands of trees and shrubs. He described the RCD as a special district focusing on habitat restoration, water quality, education, and wildfire, funded through partnerships and grants. Council members asked clarifying questions about the agency’s structure and provided contact information. - Closed‑session comment: No members of the public offered comments on the closed‑session agenda items. Discussion Items - 14A – Purchase of Two Police Traffic Enforcement Vehicles: Councilmember Scott pulled this item from the consent calendar to discuss timing and fiscal prudence, noting potential future electric‑vehicle options. Police Chief responded that ordering now avoids extended delivery delays due to high demand and supply shortages. He stated the vehicles would be assigned to traffic officers with specialized equipment, and would help replace an aging fleet. Councilmember Birdseye supported the purchase, reiterating that the Department previously eliminated motorcycles for officer safety. The Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase and outfitting of the vehicles. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar adoption: Items 14B–14F approved unanimously. - Item 14A approved: Police traffic enforcement vehicle purchase approved unanimously. - Public comment acknowledged: No action taken. - Closed session: The Council adjourned to closed session at approximately 7:30 PM to discuss (1) existing litigation: City of Benicia v. Pacifica Pizza (Solano County Superior Court No. CU25‑09206); and (2) anticipated litigation (1 potential case). No announcements were made from closed session upon reconvening.

On March 2, 2026, the Benicia Board of Library Trustees met at City Hall, Council Chambers, starting at 6:00 PM and adjourning at 6:42 PM. The meeting included reports on youth services, public internet computers, the city librarian’s monthly update, and liaison reports. No public comments were made. The only vote was the unanimous approval of the February 2, 2026 meeting minutes. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the February 2, 2026 meeting (Vice President Catalone, Trustee Dixon, Secretary Kazakov, Trustee Workman, President Hickey all voted aye). Youth Services Report - Amber Kelly and Melena Tanner provided the youth services report. Current year (CY) and previous year (PY) statistics were referenced but not detailed. - Discussion centered on the lack of a full-time youth services librarian. Currently, Melena works 32 hours per week, plus two staff at up to 28 hours each (total 88 part-time hours). - City Librarian Jennifer reported she is developing a proposal to convert Betty’s vacated full-time literacy coordinator position into a full-time children’s librarian position. She expressed hope the city would approve, noting the position would be more expensive than the literacy coordinator, but savings from reducing part-time staff could offset the cost. - The Benicia Unified School District reimburses the library $25,000 per year for youth services, but that does not cover even one part-time staff member. Public Internet Computers - Amber Kelly reported on the status of the Scenic Wi-Fi system. The connection is operational, but the library has not yet disconnected from Solano County because the city’s IT department is considering purchasing equipment from Solano; an invoice was received that day (March 2) and forwarded to the IT director. No budget exists for that purchase. - The library is exploring alternatives to the “userful” software for public computers because it is no longer supported. A perpetual license was offered but is not worth buying for a system already malfunctioning. The library has until the end of the calendar year to find a replacement. - Removing some public computers could free up physical space and also reduce the “not-to-exceed” fire code occupancy limit, which currently constrains programs like Luncha Libra. Amber Kelly discussed this with the fire marshal. City Librarian’s Report - Financial Report: The mid-year meeting with city finance went well; the only concern was a part-time personnel overage. Three drivers were identified: (1) minimum wage increases affecting about one-third to one-half of part-time staff, (2) an extra $20,000 in cataloging costs because materials are no longer pre-processed by Baker & Taylor, and (3) ongoing training costs due to high part-time turnover (training takes 20–30 hours per new hire). To mitigate retraining, the library created two weekly slots for a rotating pool of on-call staff to ensure they remain current. - Staffing Challenges: City Librarian Jennifer noted that a library assistant position pays $18.12/hour in Benicia, but $24 in Solano County, $28 in Contra Costa, and $32 in Napa – making recruitment and retention very difficult. - Literacy Program: Betty’s departure has left the literacy program on hiatus. The city librarian has contacted the school district and the state. A meeting with the state is scheduled for the next day (March 3) to discuss subcontracting adult ESL clients to Solano County Library while keeping the grant (used to pay the GED instructor). Data and student contact information have been hard to locate; the staff spent the day searching for it. - Proposal: Jennifer’s intention is to convert the full-time literacy coordinator position into a full-time children’s librarian, but she is concerned the city may freeze the empty position. She asked trustees to consider writing letters to the city manager. Board Liaison Reports - Art Gallery Advisory Committee: Linda Fleming’s exhibit is up and beautiful. A reception is being planned. There was confusion about whether items are for sale; a price list exists, but the liaison (Carolyn) believed they are not for sale and will investigate. - Friends of the Library: No report – the group did not meet since the last meeting. - Library Foundation: The foundation is actively seeking new members. One new member left due to a job change. President Hickey and Sharon met with Jessica Thomas and Tom Thomason of the Napa Valley College Foundation for ideas. Next meeting scheduled for the following week. - Poet Laureate Committee: The application period for the next poet laureate is open until March 31, 2026. A March 1 event had about 30 attendees; three applications have been received, with three more people expressing interest. - Historical Museum/Historical Society: Trustee Ruth reported that the museum’s new exhibit, “Benicia: Gem of the West,” had the largest opening attendance ever. Upcoming events include a wedding vendor event in March and a children’s story/activity program. She also noted the Benicia Herald newspaper library website has been down for about two weeks; the library will seek a rebate for the service fee. Key Outcomes - The Board unanimously approved the February 2, 2026 meeting minutes. - The library will proceed with exploring replacements for the userful public computer software and evaluate the number of computers needed. - City Librarian will submit a proposal to convert the literacy coordinator position to a children’s librarian; trustees may be asked to advocate to the city manager. - The library will continue discussions with the state about the literacy grant and consider subcontracting adult ESL services to Solano County Library. - The next Board of Library Trustees meeting is scheduled for April 6, 2026.

This meeting was scheduled for February 26, 2026 at 6:30 PM according to the agenda, but the provided date is February 27, 2026 at 17:00 UTC. No minutes or transcript were provided, so this summary is based solely on the agenda. The agenda primarily consists of standard meeting procedures and a staff communication about upcoming openings on various city boards, commissions, and committees. Staff Communication: Current and Upcoming Openings on Boards, Commissions, and Committees - Applications were being accepted from Monday, February 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. until Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. for multiple bodies, including the Historic Preservation Review Commission (2 full terms and 1 partial term). Other bodies listed: Arts and Culture Commission, Community Services Commission, Community Sustainability Commission, Economic Development Board, Housing Authority Board, Industrial Safety Citizen Oversight Commission, Local Tax Oversight Board, Open Government Commission, and Planning Commission. - No discussion, public comment, or action on this item is recorded in the available materials. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were listed in the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony are recorded. Discussion Items - No discussion items are recorded. Key Outcomes - No decisions, votes, or directives are recorded. The meeting likely covered administrative announcements only.

The Benicia Local Tax Oversight Board (LTOB) convened on February 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Board members Chair Polk, Councilmember Scott, Board Member Wagner, and Board Member Lagrander were present. Board Member Bernico was absent. The board unanimously adopted its rules of procedure, approved meeting minutes, and reviewed a detailed presentation from HDL on the city’s local tax revenues for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the meeting minutes from November 20, 2025. Discussion Items - Adoption of Rules and Procedures (9A): The board unanimously adopted the proposed 2026 LTOB Rules and Procedures. - Review of Local Tax Revenue (9B): Wayne Padilla of HDL presented the quarterly tax revenue overview for the period ending September 30, 2025. - Measure C (1% sales tax): Adjusted economic data showed an 11% decline in the Business and Industry sector, attributed to the completion of large utility equipment projects in the prior year. The Food and Drug sector declined by 6%, linked to lower commodity prices. Councilmember Scott asked about the "transfers and unidentified" category, which Mr. Padilla explained represents allocations from unidentified or out-of-state taxpayers. Lower fuel prices and an estimated 8–10% reduction in statewide gasoline consumption due to electric vehicle adoption were cited as factors. Despite sector declines, total cash collections for Measure C increased by 7% compared to the same quarter in the prior year. - Measure B (0.75% sales tax): Approximately $1.285 million was collected during the quarter. An early DMV payment caused a minor timing variance. Comparative year-over-year data will be available in the next quarterly report. - Measure F (0.5% sales tax for roads): First-quarter collections totaled approximately $857,000. Board Member Wagner confirmed that this placed the city on track to meet its projected annual revenue of $3.3 to $3.5 million, which is dedicated to road construction projects. - Measure A (Transient Occupancy Tax): The revenue forecast was revised upward to $600,000 from an initial projection of $500,000 due to higher-than-anticipated collections. - Future Reporting Enhancements: Board Member Lagrander recommended incorporating trend and forecast data (a "burn report") into future staff reports to improve tracking of collection performance against projections, noting the Measure A reforecast as an example. Staff agreed to explore adding this analysis. The board also discussed improving transparency on Measure F expenditures, agreeing to explore presenting spending information in future meeting materials. Public Comments & Testimony - A member of the public addressed the board regarding a proposal for a non-emergency community support team and corporate sponsorship program. Chair Polk acknowledged the comment, clarified that the board’s role is limited to tax oversight and not budget hearings, and stated the proposal would be directed to the appropriate city departments. Key Outcomes - Agenda and consent calendar approved unanimously. - 2026 LTOB Rules and Procedures unanimously adopted. - Staff directed to incorporate trend and forecast analysis in future quarterly revenue reports. - Staff to coordinate with the Finance Director to determine a format for presenting Measure F expenditure data to the board for transparency.

On February 26, 2026 (2026-02-26), at 6:30 PM, the Benicia Historic Preservation Review Commission met in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Roll call showed four commissioners present and Chair Van Lenship absent. The commission adopted the agenda, approved the consent calendar, reviewed the 2024-2025 Certified Local Government (CLG) Annual Report, elected officers, and received staff updates on the Mills Act program, commission vacancies, and upcoming development review work. Consent Calendar - The commission approved the draft minutes from February 27, 2025, and the 2026 meeting schedule by unanimous roll-call vote (Commissioners Chwala, Houston, Reynolds, and von Students voting yes). No items were pulled for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period, and staff reported no public comments had been received for the meeting. - Staff noted that an old written public comment from a previous meeting had been accidentally included in the agenda packet. It raised a question about allowing Hardy board in lieu of wood due to climate change and fire risk. The commission acknowledged the mix-up and did not take action because the item was not agendized. Discussion Items: Certified Local Government Annual Report 2024-2025 - Associate Planner Hugo McMillan presented the annual report, which covers October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. The report must be submitted to the California Office of Historic Preservation as part of the city's CLG participation, which qualifies Benicia for federal historic preservation grants awarded through the state. - The report stated there were no updates to the city's design review ordinance during the reporting period; streamlining amendments adopted in late 2023/early 2024 established a higher threshold for projects requiring commission-level design review. - No properties or districts were designated or de-designated, and review responsibilities did not change. - Commission membership changes included former Commissioners Hoey and Delgado leaving and Commissioners Chwala and Houston being officially appointed in August 2025. - No commissioner trainings were reported, and the commission met only twice during the reporting period, below the four meetings required by CLG guidelines. Staff said quarterly meetings will be scheduled going forward to maintain compliance. - No new historic contexts or surveys were completed, and there were no changes to the Mills Act program or roster during the reporting period. - In response to commissioner questions, staff said they would keep the commission apprised of any impacts from falling below the required meeting count. Staff also said a Mills Act program revamp is underway to make the program more user-friendly for staff and property owners, with initial stakeholder outreach likely in late spring or summer and commission involvement to come. Election of Officers - Acting Chair Tim Reynolds suggested the commission consider Commissioner von Students for Chair, citing his tenure, attendance, and experience; Commissioner von Students instead nominated Reynolds for Chair, citing Reynolds' prior service as Chair and current role as Vice Chair. The motion was seconded and passed 3-1, with von Students voting no. - Reynolds then moved to elect von Students as Vice Chair; the motion was seconded and passed 3-1, with von Students again voting no. - At the end of the meeting, von Students explained he was confused and had thought he was voting for himself for Chair; he asked to change both votes from no to yes. Staff said they would attempt to reflect this change in the minutes. As recorded, Tim Reynolds and Gilbert von Students were elected Chair and Vice Chair unanimously, effective at the commission's next regular meeting on March 26, 2026. Communications from Staff and Members - Staff announced there are two current commission openings; the application period closes March 20, 2026. - The commission will move to at least quarterly meetings. There has been a lack of design review applications in the downtown and Arsenal historic districts, but at least one project requiring commission design review is expected within about two months. - Citywide development activity is steady, particularly ADUs. A recent ADU workshop at the library drew nearly 100 attendees; a follow-up workshop is planned for June, and pre-approved ADU plan sets (up to three or four options, probably three) are being developed with rollout as early as June or July. - Staff noted limited capacity to take on new projects outside the department work program. The Mills Act revamp will be a priority and will involve the commission. - On training, staff and commissioners discussed California Preservation Foundation free online webinars, AIA and California Preservation Foundation conferences in San Diego, and sharing training announcements with the commission. - New commissioners introduced themselves: Kelly Houston described her master's degree in modern English and Irish history and her love of architecture; another commissioner shared a family history in Benicia and a 40-year local business. Staff member Hugo McMillan also briefly introduced himself. Key Outcomes - Agenda and consent calendar approved unanimously. - 2024-2025 CLG Annual Report reviewed and approved unanimously for submittal to the California Office of Historic Preservation. - Tim Reynolds elected Chair and Gilbert von Students elected Vice Chair, effective March 26, 2026; the minutes were to reflect von Students' later vote change making both elections unanimous. - Staff will schedule quarterly meetings, support commissioner training, and involve the commission in the Mills Act program revamp. - Commission vacancy applications close March 20, 2026; a design review project is anticipated in roughly two months.

The Benicia Arts and Culture Commission held a special meeting on February 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting focused on hearing mid-year compliance presentations from four community grant recipients: Benicia Literary Arts, Benicia Ballet Theater, VOENA, and the Museum of History Benicia. Commissioners heard updates on programmatic activities, financial use of funds, and community impact from July 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Hekmat and adjourned at 7:20 PM. Consent Calendar - The meeting agenda was approved unanimously (6-0) on a motion by Commissioner Tover, seconded by Commissioner Lopez-Giambastiani. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided testimony during the public comment period. Discussion Items 9.A Benicia Literary Arts (Ben Lit) - Grant Amount: $5,428 total over two years ($2,714 per year). - Speakers: Jim and Lois, board members. - Activities: The organization focuses on encouraging informed citizenship through the written word. Activities during the reporting period included a memoir writing group, "Table Talk," "Shut Up & Write" (attracting 10-12 participants monthly), a holiday party with over 50 in attendance, and work toward publishing the book "Land of My Enchantment" and a poetry anthology. A chapbook (literary pamphlet) production workshop is planned for the fall. - Position: Speakers stated the grant is critical for sustaining workshops and literary publications, helping Benicia remain a literary hub in the North Bay. They emphasized outreach to the broader community beyond just established writers. 9.B Benicia Ballet Theater (BBT) - Grant Amount: $11,445 total over two years ($5,722 per year). - Speakers: Teresa Taylor (Artistic Director), Helena, and Natalie (Board Member). - Activities: BBT operates a 501(c)(3) theater company alongside a for-profit school (40 years in business). The grant funds directly support the public summer program (Twilight Camp, Dance Workshop, Intensive). Last summer, 54 dancers participated (up from 32 the previous year). The organization produced its 35th annual Nutcracker in December 2025 (1,135 paid attendees, generating over $40,000 in ticket sales with 78 youth dancers). An upcoming production of Cinderella is planned for April 24, 2026. - Position: Speakers emphasized that the grant is solely used for the summer program, covering rent, faculty salaries, and enabling the creation of an intensive level that includes dance history, anatomy, and nutrition. They described challenges rebuilding after the pandemic and a forced relocation from the Arsenal, which increased costs. They requested ambassadors to help promote events and fundraising. 9.C VOENA - Grant Amount: $38,652 total over two years ($19,326 per year). - Speakers: Annabelle Marie (Director), Heidi Varian (Taiko Drummer). - Activities: VOENA is a youth choir program exceeding 30 years, with 60-70 children singing in over 20 languages. The mid-year period featured a major new collaboration with Taiko drumming artists Heidi Varian and David Gonzalez, funded by the grant. A community workshop was held on December 9, 2025, culminating in a planned performance on May 2 and May 3, 2026 in Fairfield and on Mare Island. - Position: The grant allowed VOENA to create an innovative collaboration between choral music and Taiko drumming, which is central to their "Voices of Freedom" theme. Speakers discussed the challenge of securing arts funding in the current climate and outlined other fundraising efforts including a spring fundraiser and raffles. 9.D Museum of History Benicia - Grant Amount: $35,751 total over two years ($17,875 per year). - Speakers: Remy Coyne (Board President), Jim Lessinger (Grant Committee). - Activities: The museum is entirely volunteer-run aside from one full-time staff member. Grant funds were used for a part-time facility attendant (freeing staff for expanded outreach), restoring 1860s hardwood floors in Stone Hall, tree trimming for safety, and hosting a special historical Christmas event, the "Jingle Bell Hop" (70 attendees), featuring a swing band. A "Sip and Paint" inspired by local artist Henrietta Ridell Fish sold out in less than a week. - Position: Speakers outlined that the grant provides critical financial stability and allows the museum to reach beyond its traditional audience of history enthusiasts to include new demographics through diverse programming like the wedding expo and children's story time. They are waiving rental fees for local nonprofits as a community collaboration initiative. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. The meeting was held for discussion and mid-year compliance review only. - Funding Notification: Staff (Ann Dunleavy) informed grantees that they will be notified by April 1, 2026, regarding funding for the next grant cycle. - Ambassador Role: Commissioners expressed strong support for the organizations and committed to acting as ambassadors to promote their events and fundraising activities within the community. - Collaboration Encouraged: Staff emphasized a theme of collaboration among grantees, noting that several attended the meeting together to share ideas and create opportunities for mutual support. - Next Meeting: The next regular Arts and Culture Commission meeting is scheduled for March 5, 2026.