Public Meetings - Davis, California

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by the Chair. A quorum was present with three members absent. The agenda was approved unanimously. Principal Planner Derek Dunworth clarified that the draft mobile vending ordinance was delayed for additional outreach and analysis, with a revised target of early 2027. Staff announced the hiring of Associate Planner Hadley Ward. The Chair made announcements regarding community events and called for applicants for upcoming Planning Commission vacancies. Consent Calendar - No items were on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - General Public Comment: Kathy Crow (College Park Neighborhood Association) thanked the Commission for approving the College Park Historical Design Guidelines. Dan raised concerns regarding non-citizen voting, the Confucius Institute, and mobile vending. - Item 6a (SB9 Ordinance): Dan questioned the interaction of the ordinance with rent control and urged caution regarding owner identity verification. - Item 6b (General Plan Update): Marjorie Longo (Acting Chair, North Central Wild Horse Neighborhood Assoc.) expressed concern over the expanded Urban Limit Line (ULL), development on floodplains, and the Village Farms site, urging respect for Measure V. Jim Flanagan questioned the role of the new planning consultants (Alta/Trilon). Ziv Lang spoke against data centers, development above Channel A, and the expanded ULL. Elizabeth Ray stated the process had been "usurped" and ignored voter intent. John Cooper called the October 14 workshop "perfunctory." Rena Nyar requested the process be slowed down. Eileen Sametz (former Commissioner) called the process a "charade," criticizing the 21,000 housing unit projection and the enlarged ULL, warning of a potential referendum. Discussion Items - Zoning Ordinance Amendment – SB9 (Item 6a): Presented as a public hearing. Staff recommended a resolution to allow up to four units per parcel as required by state law. Discussion focused on whether to allow more than four units (the Commission opted not to recommend this), equity concerns over short-term rental restrictions for SB9 properties raised by Commissioner Alan, and impacts of FEMA floodplain restrictions. A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution, with two comments to the City Council: 1) analyze the equity of the short-term rental restriction for primary residences, and 2) provide data on how many parcels are impacted by the floodplain restriction. The motion passed unanimously. - General Plan Update (Item 6b): Informational item. Staff reported on the October 14th public workshop (attended by over 100 people), the third online survey (open until Nov 13), and a planned webinar (Oct 29). Staff clarified the feedback loop between the GPC, home commissions, and the Planning Commission, noting the PC was not in the direct feedback loop as previously discussed. A correction was made that the Emerson Junior High fields were incorrectly labeled as high-density residential. Plans for 21,000 new housing units by 2050 were presented. - Land Use Subcommittee Report: Commissioners presented recommendations. City-owned lands: Recommend creating a map, policy statement, and feasibility study to relocate the Corporation Yard for infill housing. Open Space Easements: Recommend against modifying or swapping existing open space easements. Floodplain Areas: Recommend an updated flood map and a comprehensive city-wide stormwater and flood control plan. City Income Properties: Recommend a consolidated spreadsheet of all city leases. The Commission approved all the subcommittee recommendations. - Commission Deliberation on General Plan: Commissioner Greg emphasized that the lack of a city-wide flood control plan is the biggest barrier to development and economic growth, pointing to the city’s half-billion dollars in unfunded liabilities ($265M capital, $240M pensions, $40M OPEB) as a driving factor. Commissioner Alan stated the expanded ULL provided flexibility and should not be viewed as a prescriptive development plan. The Chair and others expressed strong reservations about development north of Channel A and the pace of the update process. Key Outcomes - SB9 Ordinance: The Planning Commission approved the resolution recommending the "Two-Unit Projects" ordinance amendment to the City Council. The approval included specific requests for the Council to study the short-term rental equity issue and the impact of FEMA floodplain restrictions. - Subcommittee Recommendations: All four sets of recommendations from the Land Use Subcommittee regarding city-owned lands, open space easements, floodplain management, and city income properties were approved and will be forwarded to staff, the General Plan Committee, and the City Council. - General Plan Feedback: Commissioners voiced strong opposition to development designations north of Channel A at the Village Farms site and expressed concern over the expanded Urban Limit Line. The need for a prioritized, city-funded comprehensive flood control plan was heavily emphasized as a necessary catalyst for any growth. - Next Steps: The next regularly scheduled meeting is January 13, 2027. No meetings are planned for November or December 2026. The next public webinar for the General Plan Update is on October 29, 2026, and the third public survey closes on November 13, 2026.

The Davis City Council met on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Agenda and consent calendar were approved. The meeting included extensive public comment on transportation safety, homelessness, and community issues. Key actions included appointments to the Human Relations Commission, a planning update for the Emergency Winter Shelter Program, approval of refinancing agreements for affordable housing (Trio), and an amendment to the reasonable accommodation ordinance. Consent Calendar - The agenda was unanimously approved. - The consent calendar was approved. Councilmember Chapman abstained from Item E, noting their status as a business owner. Vice Mayor Partita clarified the item was a notice of intent related to a business regulation and would return for a public hearing. Public Comments & Testimony - Transportation Safety: Nathan Little (ASUCD Senator) and others advocated for safer Hutchinson Drive and the "Lincoln Loop" bike path following the deaths of students Lincoln Sabini and Tris Yasse. Trish Price (Bike Davis VP) urged the city to prioritize car traffic safety and protected bike infrastructure, rather than focusing solely on e-bike regulations. - Homelessness & Shelter: Multiple speakers (John Castle Franco, Ellen Kaloric, Shoshana Zatz of Heart of Davis) called for expanding the Emergency Winter Shelter Program, citing the expected El Nino and current limited capacity. Unhoused speakers criticized the 3-day/32-degree threshold for triggering shelter services and called for broader definitions of extreme weather and more grant writing. Alan Miller criticized the city on respite center operations and shelter policies. - Community & Environment: CalPIRG students announced new state coastal protections and urged the council to support protecting public lands. Taylor McMahon announced a documentary on the Davis Robotics team. Katie Jordan (Davis Sings) thanked the council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs Fund supporting a free community sing-along. - Social Commentary: Alan Miller condemned antisemitism and criticized the council for enabling bigotry. Beth Bourne criticized the Drag for Liberty event (listed on the city-partnered Hate Free Together calendar) as misogynistic and abusive, asking for an apology and cessation of related public funding. Discussion Items - Human Relations Commission Appointments (Item 5): The council filled two regular vacancies and one alternate position on the HRC. Outcome: Natalia Pena was appointed as a regular member (term ending 2029). Courtney Reen was appointed as a regular member (term ending 2027). Laura Goldman was appointed as the alternate. - Emergency Winter Shelter Program Update (Item 6): Director Dana Bailey presented the FY 2026-27 plan (8 congregate beds at Paul's Place, 4 non-congregate rooms at High Wheel Flats, a new 5-bed pilot at Fourth and Hope). Councilmembers expressed concern over the restrictive extreme weather definition and requested data and capacity expansion. Outcome: Staff was directed to obtain utilization data from Paul's Place and confirm flex capacity with motel providers and Fourth and Hope. City Manager Mike Dunstan was granted discretionary authority to secure up to $50,000 (anticipated salary savings) for demand-driven expansion. Staff will explore whether the Housing Trust Fund can be used for shelter. - Trio Refinance & Rehabilitation (Item 7): The council approved consolidating 12 city loans into 4 to facilitate $15 million in state tax credits for rehabilitating 131 affordable housing units. Outcome: Motion carried unanimously. The 55-year term extension was deemed a necessary trade-off for the public benefit of preserving the units. - Reasonable Accommodation Ordinance (Item 8): The council approved amendments removing Findings 3 and 7 from the reasonable accommodation process to align with the General Plan Housing Element. Outcome: Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Unanimously approved, with one abstention on Item E. - Human Relations Commission: Appointments of Pena, Reen, and Goldman finalized. - Winter Shelter Expansion: Staff directed to acquire data and flexible capacity. City Manager authorized for $50k in emergency procurement. Housing Trust Fund viability to be explored. - Trio / Affordable Housing: Rehabilitation financing and loan consolidation approved. - Fair Housing Ordinance: Reasonable accommodation amendments unanimously adopted.

The provided source material (described as a "raw transcription") is not a recording of a Davis, California city meeting. Instead, it contains the audio of a classical and jazz radio broadcast from Capital Public Radio (CapRadio) Sacramento, featuring music programming, announcer commentary, and station identification. No agenda, minutes, or meeting proceedings were supplied. As a result, this summary cannot report any city government actions, public comments, or decisions. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar or routine approvals were discussed in the provided transcript. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were present. Discussion Items - No discussion items, reports, or deliberations occurred. The entire transcript is a radio music program. Key Outcomes - No votes, directives, or next steps were established. The transcript contains no meeting content. Note: The intended meeting date is October 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM UTC, but the provided recording is entirely unrelated to any city council business. The source material appears to be erroneous.

The Davis City Council held a regular meeting on October 6, 2026, at the Council Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations for United Nations Day, World Polio Day, Filipino American History Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Indigenous Peoples' Day. The council also held a public hearing for a TEFRA bond issuance, received an update on the Economic Development Strategic Plan, and debated changes to council administration, including the selection process for Mayor and Vice Mayor. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved unanimously after Councilmember Dios asked clarifying questions on the Renoir staffing contract expansion (Item C) and Councilmember Bapaveda praised the addition of a municipal code section paving the way for a future city electric utility (Item O). Public Comments & Testimony - Mary H O'Brien: Encouraged council members to attend the Empty Bowls fundraiser for Fourth and Hope. - Christina Passerini: Voiced strong frustration with the Urban Forestry Division regarding a city tree leaning into her property, requesting reimbursement for an arborist fee and waiver of a permit fee. - A Nyung: Raised concerns about a mock trial program using legal codes she associated with the Chinese Communist Party. - Gustavo Landeros (Street vendor): Urged the council to slow down on the proposed street vending ordinance, stating it is an "attack on my community" and would cause economic hardship. - Mingo Kennedy (Respite Center neighbor): Requested a council update on the L Street Respite Center, stating neighborhood promises regarding the center were not kept. - Kathy Crow (College Park Neighborhood Association): Urged the council to adopt the historic district design guidelines. - Alan Miller: Addressed the upcoming October 7th anniversary, criticizing campus protest groups for celebrating the October 7th, 2023 attacks. - Dima Tamimi: Co-author of the 2019 Food and Economic Development Report, asked the council to slow down on the street food vending ordinance and bring it before a commission and street vendors. - Mary Kay Hole (Small business owner): Submitted her comment on the long-range calendar, requesting a review of the current state of cannabis retail licensing in Davis. Discussion Items - Item 6: Public Hearing – Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) for Mutual Housing: The council held a hearing required for Mutual Housing California to use tax-exempt bonds. Parker Evans from Mutual Housing stated the $15 million in federal tax credit equity would rehab Tremont Green, Moore Village, and Twin Pines, extend affordability to 2082, and require no new city money. - Item 7: Update on the Economic Development Strategic Plan: Director Yancey reported on progress across six strategic objectives. Initiatives included a permit concierge program, the launch of a branding and marketing survey (receiving 460 responses), and retail attraction efforts. - Item 8: City Council Administration – Mayor/Vice Mayor Selection: The council debated four options: status quo (vote), two rotation models, and random selection. Key Outcomes - TEFRA Resolution (Item 6): The council unanimously approved the resolution authorizing the issuance of tax-exempt bonds for Mutual Housing California. - Economic Development (Item 7): Councilmembers broadly supported creating a specific MOU with UC Davis for economic development, exploring a vacancy fee or tax for commercial properties, and exploring a Measure JRD exemption for a sustainable innovation district. - Mayor/Vice Mayor Selection Process (Item 8): The council voted 4-1 to retain the status quo (Option 1 - vote by council members), rejecting rotation and ranked-choice proposals. The formal vote for the 2027 Mayor/Vice Mayor will take place at the December 16th meeting. - Meeting Start Time (Item 8): The council unanimously voted to move the regular meeting start time to 5:30 PM, effective January 2027. - Subcommittee Dissolution (Item 8): The council dissolved three subcommittees: Measure JRD Exemptions, Investment Policy, and Long-Range Revenue Generating Opportunities. - Long Range Calendar Additions: The council agreed to add the College Park Historic District Design Guidelines and a review of cannabis retail licensing to the long-range calendar.

The Davis Planning Commission met on September 28, 2026, in Community Chambers under Acting Chair Greg Rowe. The meeting approved a revised final planned development for a second driveway, received updates on the General Plan Update (GPU), and heard extensive public testimony on the GPU, historic preservation, wetland protection, and the Boy Scout Cabin. Consent Calendar - Second Driveway at 3103 Shelter Cove Place: Assistant Planner Samantha Bailey presented a request for a Revised Final Planned Development (RFPD 02-26) to allow a second driveway for a proposed ADU and garage. The applicant, Jeannie, confirmed HOA approval and expressed openness to permeable surfaces. The Commission unanimously approved the resolution with a recommendation that the applicant explore permeable hardscape to aid tree health and water conservation. - General Plan Update Informational: Community Development Director Sherry Metzger provided an update on the GPU process, including a public workshop on October 14, challenges with LAFCO regarding sphere of influence expansion, and the strength of existing conservation easements. Public Comments & Testimony - College Park Historic District: Kathy Howard Crow (College Park Neighborhood Association History Committee) strongly advocated for the adoption of the 2021 College Park Historic District Design Guidelines and preservation incentives, a process pending for 46 years. - Village Farms Vernal Pools: Eileen Samets (former Planning Commissioner, Citizens for Responsible Planning) expressed outrage over the recent disking of vernal pools and endangered species habitat at the Village Farms site, stating it "makes clear there was never any intention to preserve these vernal pools." - Boy Scout Cabin: Les Bertello (Noon Rotary Club) urged the Commission to send a resolution to the City Council to preserve the historic Boy Scout Cabin from El Niño damage, noting the Rotary rebuilt its interior in 1992. - GPU General Concerns: Multiple speakers (Rena Nyer, Ziv Lang, Elizabeth Ray, Eileen Samets) expressed alarm that the Village Farms site remains in the GPU’s preferred land use map despite being rejected twice by voters. Speakers urged preserving the citizen-based General Plan, requiring UC Davis to build more on-campus housing, and not weakening floodplain or Measure JRD protections. - Transportation Commission Recommendations: Mark Housing (Transportation Commission Chair) presented recommendations including physically protected mobility infrastructure, grade-separated crossings, prioritizing greenfield sites near trip generators, and benchmarking success for all ages and abilities. Discussion Items - General Plan Update Recommendations: Acting Chair Rowe reviewed previously passed recommendations. The Commission discussed expanding to the northeast but tabled the recommendation due to floodplain concerns. - Floodplain and Infrastructure: Commissioners debated development in the FEMA floodplain. Director Metzger noted that a master-planned infrastructure system with detention basins could mitigate risks, but no current funding exists for such a study. - Critique of Current General Plan: Commissioner Greg Rowe delivered an extensive critique of the 2007 General Plan, calling it outmoded and overly restrictive. He advocated for a new plan focused on economic development and eliminating Planned Development (PD) districts. Key Outcomes - Approved Second Driveway (RFPD 02-26): The Commission unanimously approved the resolution for a second driveway at 3103 Shelter Cove Place, with a recommendation to explore permeable surfaces. - Motion to Explore Solano County Land Swap: Commissioner Rowe motioned, and the Commission unanimously approved, a motion to vigorously explore potential land swaps with Solano County for future development south of Davis. - Northeast Expansion Tabled: No formal recommendation was made for northeast expansion pending further floodplain analysis. - Transportation Recommendations Deferred: Consideration of Transportation Commission recommendations was deferred to the October 28 meeting for written review. - Future Meeting Schedule: October 14 GPU Public Workshop; October 28 Regular Meeting; November No Meetings; January 27, 2027 Next Regular Meeting.

The Davis Planning Commission held a regular meeting on September 23, 2026, which included public comments, consent calendar items, and a detailed discussion on the General Plan Update. Commissioners also heard announcements, received public testimony on various topics, and made decisions on a driveway request and a General Plan recommendation. Consent Calendar - Second Driveway at 3103 Shelter Cove Place: The commission approved a revised final plan development to allow a second driveway to serve an ADU and detached garage. The approval includes a recommendation that the applicant consider using permeable surfaces to reduce hardscape and support tree health. - General Plan Update (Informational): Staff provided an update on the General Plan process, including upcoming public workshops (October 14, 2026) and the review of a draft land use plan. Discussion touched on LAFCO sphere of influence criteria, floodplain mapping, and the need for a glossary of terms. Public Comments & Testimony - Kathy Howard Crow (College Park Neighborhood Association) advocated for the adoption of the College Park Historic District Design Guidelines, noting the process has been pending for 46 years. - Eileen Semitz (former planning commissioner, Citizens for Responsible Planning) expressed concern over recent disking of vernal pools at the Village Farms site, calling it a "horrendous act" and urging protection through conservation easements. - Les Bertelo (Rotary Club member) urged the commission to take action on the Boy Scout Cabin, warning that it may be destroyed by El Niño. - Carl Hiller (College Park resident) asked for flexibility in historic guidelines, noting some provisions are obsolete (e.g., ADU driveway width). - Brad Sutton spoke about the permanence of conservation easements and the need for clear floodplain policies. - Rena Nyer expressed concern that the General Plan process is being fast-tracked, urged preservation of citizens-based plan, protection of historic neighborhoods, improved transit, and removal of Village Farms from the land use map. - Ziv Lang argued against fast-tracking, opposed high density without transit improvements, and called on UC Davis to build more on-campus housing. - Elizabeth Ray (safety manager) warned against building on floodplains, citing costly flood damage at a Tulare facility. - Ningwan (former HRM commissioner, realtor) discussed easement ownership and raised questions about property conditions. - Mileen Samets (former planning commissioner) reiterated concerns about the General Plan, urging a reduced footprint for Village Farms and no building on floodplains or conservation easements. - Mark Housing (Chair, Transportation Commission) presented the commission's recommendations: physically protected mobility infrastructure, grade-separated crossings, neighborhood destinations, proximity of greenfield sites to trip generators, caution on south expansion, and benchmarking success by user abilities. Discussion Items - Expansion Northeast and Northwest: Commissioners debated whether to recommend expanding the city's urban limit line to the northeast (contingent on comprehensive flood control) and northwest. Staff noted that floodplain areas can be engineered with detention basins and master planning, but no funding exists for such studies. Commissioners expressed hesitancy due to flood risks and FEMA maps (last updated 2010). No motion was made on northeast expansion. - Commissioner Rowe's Memo: Commissioner Rowe presented an 11-page critique of the current General Plan, arguing it is outmoded and overly restrictive. He recommended a new plan focusing on economic development, housing, and eliminating Planned Development districts. - Land Swap with Solano County: A motion passed unanimously to explore the feasibility of a land swap with Solano County to obtain developable land outside the floodplain. Key Outcomes - Approved: Second driveway at 3103 Shelter Cove Place (with recommendation for permeable surfaces). - Motion passed: Explore land swaps with Solano County as part of the General Plan update. - No action: General Plan recommendations for northeast expansion tabled; commissioners will review written Transportation Commission recommendations at the next meeting. - Next meeting: October 28, 2026, will include further General Plan discussion, SB9 ordinance amendments, and Chapter 40 mobile vending amendments. No meetings in November. --- Meeting date confirmed as September 23, 2026, based on provided timestamp.

Note: The agenda and transcript list the meeting as September 15, 2026, but the provided date for this summary is September 16, 2026. The council convened at 6:30 p.m. to approve the agenda, present six ceremonial proclamations, hear public comments, and act on consent and regular agenda items. Key actions included unanimous approval of consent calendar items, adoption of a wastewater capacity fee update, and approval of an updated Integrated Pest Management Policy. Consent Calendar - Item 5A: Approved resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the legal services agreement with Richards Watson Gershon for continued city attorney services. - Item 5B: Approved resolution authorizing purchase of one para-transit bus via a cooperative purchase agreement with Morongo Basin Transit Authority and acceptance of Federal Transit Authority grant funding for FY 2026/27. - Item 5C: Approved resolution establishing maximum unit prices for twelve moderate-income affordable ownership units in the Harvest Glen subdivision. Councilmember Dios asked about the pricing methodology; staff explained the process uses area median income, estimated interest rates, and housing costs to back into a maximum price. No items were pulled from consent; the entire consent calendar passed unanimously. - Item 5D: Adopted the second reading of an ordinance amending Municipal Code chapters 27 (Parks and Open Spaces), 35 (Streets and Sidewalks), and 40 (Zoning) to support the Downtown Outdoor Dining Program. Public Comments & Testimony - Zachariah Okenda and Kate Curry (League of Women Voters of Yolo County): Expressed support for Measure W (Willow Grove development), citing its affordable housing commitments (at least 250 deed-restricted affordable homes, 20 for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities), sustainability features (all-electric, solar, EV charging, 2,500 new trees, 44 acres of urban agricultural transition), and alignment with league positions on housing and climate action. - Kelly Wilkerson (read by speaker): Requested that the council not film student journalists covering the meeting, citing ethics and student safety. The speaker then criticized Ms. Wilkerson personally, alleging she placed the speaker on a hate watch list and misled students about gender identity. - Nun (QHT healer): Offered alternative perspectives on suicide prevention and cancer, and raised concerns about AI robot wives and school safety. - Leslie Blevins (Yolo County Association of Realtors): Commented on the Harvest Glen affordable housing program, recommending that buyers be pre-qualified before being placed on the list to reduce delays and improve certainty for sellers. Expressed willingness to help improve the process. - Alan Miller: Criticized Councilmember Vitla for past statements describing Israel as committing genocide, alleging the term was adopted from anti-Israel groups and undermines the Jewish state. - Norby Kumagai: Congratulated the Davis Phoenix Coalition on its proclamation and expressed support for Kelly Wilkerson’s work with student journalists. - Resident (Villanova Drive): Requested speed bumps on Villanova Drive due to speeding concerns and noted confusing parking lines downtown that have led to ticketing. - Dan (last name not stated): Continued criticism of Councilmember Vitla's statements on Israel, accusing him of ignorance and prejudice. - Michael Scheer: Encouraged infill development over sprawl, citing state policies and food insecurity. Offered to help collect Tier 2 food for needy residents. - Leila (CalPIRG student): Introduced CalPIRG’s campaigns for fall 2026, including a single-use plastic-free 2028 Olympics, public lands protection, voter registration, and direct service addressing hunger and homelessness. Discussion Items - Item 6 – Public Hearing: Wastewater Capacity Charges (Ordinance & Resolution): Public Works Director Ryan Chapman and Assistant Director Adrienne Heinig presented an update to one-time wastewater capacity fees, last adjusted in 2013. The proposed change establishes an equivalent residential unit (ERU) base for simplified calculation, adds an annual CPI adjustment, and increases single-family residential fees from $6,510 to approximately $9,500 (mid-range compared to other agencies). Revenues are restricted to system expansion. The Fiscal Commission recommended regular five-year reviews. Council held the public hearing (no speakers) and asked clarifying questions about the CPI adjustment and impact on Measure W. The item was approved unanimously. - Item 7 – Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy Update: Staff presented revisions to the 2017 policy: replacing a technical advisory committee with an internal coordination team, codifying the council’s previous direction to restrict glyphosate use and ban neonicotinoids (with an indoor-only exception for fleas, bedbugs, etc.), and adding administrative corrections. The Environmental Climate and Justice Commission recommended five-year reviews and public transparency. Councilmember Vitla clarified that the neonicotinoid exemption would apply strictly indoors. The policy was adopted unanimously with that condition. Questions about foxtail management and the Adopt-a-Park program were addressed. - Item 8 – AB 1234 Reporting and Long Range Calendar: No meetings were reported at city expense. City Manager Dunston noted a heavy agenda on December 1, 2026, and will coordinate with the Mayor to reschedule items. The October 20 meeting agenda will include city council administration (selection of mayor/vice mayor, subcommittee review, internal policy updates). No public comment on the long range calendar. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (Items A–D). - Wastewater Capacity Fee Update (Item 6): Introduced ordinance amending DMC Article 33.02 and adopted resolution enacting fee changes effective December 8, 2026, with annual CPI adjustments. Approved unanimously. - Integrated Pest Management Policy Update (Item 7): Adopted resolution approving the revised policy, including the indoor-only neonicotinoid exemption. Approved unanimously. - Adjournment: Councilmember Dios requested adjournment in memory of John Mott Smith, a community contributor. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:08 p.m.

The Davis City Council met on September 15, 2026, for a regular meeting that included proclamations, public comments, approval of the consent calendar, a public hearing on wastewater capacity fees, and updates to the integrated pest management policy. The meeting began at 2:30 PM and included several recognitions and announcements. Proclamations & Recognitions - Fire Prevention Month (October 2026): The council proclaimed October 2026 as Fire Prevention Month. A fire department representative reminded residents that engine companies will visit first-grade classes in October and invited the community to an open house at Fire Station 31 on October 17, 2026, from 10 AM to 2 PM, featuring free hot dogs. - National Bullying Prevention Month (October 2026): Vice Mayor Partita recognized the Davis Phoenix Coalition and its Executive Director Sandra Nelson for their work. The proclamation highlighted the importance of preventing bullying, especially among LGBTQ+ students. - Fourth of July Celebration Partners: The council recognized the Davis Live Music Collective (15 years) and Discovery Christian Church (8 years) for their contributions to the 2026 Fourth of July celebration, attended by over 10,000 people. Bobby Coyote and Jason Huang accepted on behalf of their organizations. City Manager Announcements City Manager Dunstan announced: - Downtown Davis events: "Dive into Downtown" UC Davis student orientation runs September 16, 18, and 19. Residents should expect crowds of freshmen. - Skate Park Grand Opening: Friday, September 18, 2026, at Community Park from 5:30-7 PM, with vendors, food, and music. - Davis Neighbors Night Out: Sunday, October 4, 2026. Residents can register at CityofDavis.org/neighbors. Goal of 125 parties (currently 100). Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved unanimously. Before the vote, Councilmember asked about Item C (Harvest Glen pricing). Assistant City Manager Stakowitz explained that pricing is determined by backing into a maximum sales price based on area median income, interest rates, property taxes, HOA dues, and down payment assumptions—a standard practice used for previous units. Public Comments & Testimony - League of Women Voters of Yolo County (two speakers): Expressed strong support for Measure W, which would permit the Willow Grove development (232 acres, 1,250 homes, at least 250 deed-restricted affordable units, 20 reserved for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, $6.8 million for affordable housing). They highlighted sustainability features (all-electric, solar, EV charging, 2,500 new trees) and agricultural protections (44 acres urban agricultural transition, 2:1 conservation ratio). The league urged a "yes" vote on November 3. - Speaker (name unclear): Complained about teacher Kelly Wilkerson, accusing her of lying to students about gender identity and of putting the speaker on a "hate watch list." Requested that the teacher not film student journalists. The speaker also made derogatory remarks about transgender individuals. - QHT Healer: Commented on suicide awareness (opposed to mentioning suicide), cancer (called it a "make believe disease"), and warned about AI robot wives from China being a safety concern. - Leslie Blevins (Yolo County Association of Realtors): Expressed concern about the affordable housing process at Harvest Glen. Said the current system places buyers on a list without pre-qualification, leading to delays and unmet qualifications. Recommended pre-qualifying buyers based on income, assets, debt, and financing capability. Offered to work with the city to improve the process. - Alan Miller: Criticized a council member (Bapu Vetal) for calling Israel's actions genocide. Cited examples of anti-Israel protests and signs. Accused the council of divisiveness. - Norby Kumagai: Praised the Davis Phoenix Coalition and its anti-bullying work, especially for LGBTQ+ and transgender students. Donates $36/month to the coalition. Supported teacher Kelly Wilkerson and student journalists. - Villanova Drive Resident: Complained about speeding on Villanova Drive between Anderson and Sycamore; requested speed bumps. Also noted that downtown red curbs still have parking space lines, causing confusion and tickets. - Michael Scheer: Encouraged infill development over sprawl, citing state policies (R1 zoning eliminated, ADUs). Suggested looking at European models. Also raised food insecurity and asked the council to support a program to redistribute tier 2 food. - Leila (CalPIRG UC Davis): Introduced the student group and announced fall campaigns: making the 2028 California Olympics single-use plastic free, protecting public lands, registering students to vote (National Voter Registration Day), and addressing hunger and homelessness. - Two additional speakers commented on Israel-Palestine issues (one criticizing the council member's genocide accusation, another referencing MAPA). Discussion Item 6: Wastewater Capacity Fees (Ordinance & Resolution) - Presentation: Adrian Henning, Assistant Public Works Director, presented an update to the city's wastewater capacity fees (one-time connection fees), last adjusted in 2013. The new fee structure simplifies calculations using an Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) and includes an annual CPI adjustment. The proposed single-family residential fee increases by about $3,000 (from $6,510 to $9,500), placing Davis in the middle of comparable agencies. The revenue can only fund new or expanded capacity, not maintenance. The fiscal commission recommended regular reviews every five years. - Public Comment: None. - Council Questions: Councilmember asked about the effect on Measure W developments (staff confirmed they would be subject to the new fees). Councilmember clarified that CPI adjustments are allowed by state law as they reflect cost increases. - Action: Motion to approve staff recommendation passed unanimously (all ayes). The new fee takes effect December 8, 2026. Discussion Item 7: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy Update - Presentation: Adrian Henning (with John Macnery available for technical questions) presented updates to the IPM policy, adopted in 2017. Key revisions include: replacing the IPM Technical Advisory Committee with an in-house IPM Coordination Team; adding language to prohibit neonicotinoid pesticides outdoors with a caveat allowing indoor use for specific pests (e.g., bed bugs, fleas); updating nomenclature and best practices; committing to review the policy every five years (as recommended by the Environmental and Climate Justice Commission). The policy emphasizes using the least toxic methods and transparency (e.g., lawn signs explaining non-chemical weed control). - Public Comment: None. - Council Questions: Councilmember Vetal asked about outdoor use of neonicotinoids. Staff confirmed they are not currently used outdoors; the amendment would allow only indoor use in controlled situations. Councilmember noted the challenge of foxtails and weed growth due to changing weather patterns and inquired about the Adopt-a-Park program; staff deferred to parks department. Councilmember also requested that the exemption language specify "indoor use." - Action: Motion to approve staff recommendation with the specified change (indoor-only neonicotinoid use) passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously. - Wastewater Capacity Fees: Ordinance introduced and resolution adopted unanimously. New fees effective December 8, 2026, with annual CPI adjustments and a five-year review commitment. - IPM Policy Update: Adopted unanimously with amendment to allow neonicotinoid pesticides only indoors. - Long Range Calendar: No updates. City manager noted a heavy meeting on December 1, 2026, and plans to reschedule some items. The October 20 meeting will include council administration (selection of mayor/vice mayor and subcommittee assignments). - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned in memory of John Montsmith, a community contributor.

The Planning Commission met on September 9, 2026, to discuss two main agenda items: an update on the Historic Resources Management program and a General Plan Update (GPU) informational item. Commissioners also approved the consent calendar, heard public comments on items not on the agenda, and received brief announcements. Key outcomes included a series of straw poll recommendations for the GPU to guide land use planning and housing targets. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the June 24, 2026 Planning Commission meeting. - Approved the Commissions Schedule Standardization (moving meeting start time to 6:00 PM). Public Comments & Testimony - Ning One (public comment on non-agenda items): Expressed views on transgender issues and the use of AI, and raised concerns about historical records and AI robots at elementary schools. Also claimed ownership of properties in Davis and questioned the status of the former Historic Resources Management Commission. - Marjorie Longo (acting chair, North Central Wild Horse Neighborhood Association): Urged the commission to take a definitive stance against urban development on conservation easement land, citing legal protections under California law and state code 815. Referred to the Denver experience and requested that the commission declare elimination of conservation easements infeasible. - Other public comments on non-agenda items included a speaker (not named) who raised concerns about affordable housing deed restrictions and MLS listings. Discussion Items 6A. Historic Resources Management Check-In and Update - Senior Planner Eric Lee presented an informational update on the city’s historic resources program, including recent activities: installation of signs for the first designated bike lanes (8th Street), preservation of historic sidewalk markings from the Lumber Yard site, demolition review for 509 Third Street (1920s house, not eligible for designation), and certificate of appropriateness (COA) for the Southern Pacific Depot (fire damage repair) and Davis Community Church (administrative office alterations). - Discussion included questions about the status of the College Park Management Plan (stalled, but interest in restarting), potential historic designation for Rice Lane, and enforcement of historic preservation codes. Commissioner Valencia raised concerns about the lack of enforcement of the “duty to keep in good repair” and incentives like Mills Act (none currently in use). - Staff noted the CLG (Certified Local Government) status allows grant eligibility for surveys. No action was taken; the item was informational. 6B. General Plan Update (GPU) Informational Item - Principal Planner Dara Dungworth provided an update on GPU progress: a public workshop is scheduled for October 14, 2026 (6-8 PM at Veterans Memorial), with a survey open October 14-November 13. The draft land use map is being refined; a utility bill mailer and possible Zoom webinar mini-workshop are planned. - Commissioners Catherine Brinkley, Georgina Valencia, and Alan Bennett (GPU subcommittee members) reported on GPU committee discussions, including requests for data on UC Davis housing (6,266 new on-campus beds, enrollment growth of 2,195 students, 49% of students to be housed on campus), population projections (current 65,000, projected 75,000-82,000 using RHNA calculations), utility infrastructure capacity (8,000 additional dwelling units within current footprint, 18,000 total if expanded), and floodplain considerations. - Commissioners discussed and held straw polls on several recommendations for the GPU consultants and staff. The recommendations were: 1. Expand sphere of influence to include all conserved/easement parcels – Passed unanimously (1 abstention). 2. Widen urban limit line to any place the city provides utilities (e.g., Willowbank, golf course, El Macero) – Passed unanimously. 3. Consultants to use 200-year floodplain for development analysis – Passed unanimously. 4. Encourage housing development outside 200-year floodplain – Failed due to lack of consensus (some commissioners felt too prescriptive without updated maps). 5. Develop a comprehensive flood control/stormwater management plan – Passed unanimously. 6. Formalize housing unit target of 7,300 units by 2050 – Passed unanimously. 7. Explore partial decking over I-80 – Passed with one abstention. 8. Explore expanding city limit south (include parcels up to Putah Creek and into Solano County) – Passed. 9. Explore expanding city limit north (northwest area near Hwy 113 and Road 29, contingent on comprehensive flood control) – Passed with one opposed. 10. Recommendation on northeast annexation area – Tabled for further discussion at September 23rd meeting. 11. Pair all new development with protected bike lanes connected to greenbelt (within three blocks) – Passed unanimously. 12. Add density on transit corridors to four stories or more – Passed unanimously. 13. Consider annexing parts of UC Davis campus with student housing – Did not reach consensus; no recommendation made. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved. - Historic Resources Update: Informational only; no actions taken. Staff to follow up on questions about College Park management plan, historic surveys for Rice Lane, and code enforcement issues. - GPU Recommendations: The commission passed 10 of 13 straw poll recommendations to guide the land use map and general plan. The recommendations will be forwarded to the GPU committee and considered for the October 14th workshop materials. - Land Use Subcommittee: Will report back on the northeast annexation area at the September 23rd meeting. - Long-Range Calendar: Upcoming meetings: September 23rd (regular meeting with GPU subcommittee report and a revised final plan development application), October 14th (GPU workshop, no commission meeting), October 28th (regular meeting). November meetings may be challenging due to holidays. Next GPU committee meeting is December 9th.