Public Meetings - Davis, California

The Davis City Council held a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. and a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in the Community Chambers. The special meeting featured the 2025 Golden Heart Awards and Thong Hy Huynh Memorial Awards, recognizing outstanding youth and community advocates. The regular meeting included a consent calendar, a presentation from the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District, a public hearing on fee changes, and the first presentation of the Fiscal Year 2025/26 and 2026/27 proposed budget. Council also heard public comments on encampments, tree management, and budget priorities. Consent Calendar - Approved 5–0, with items including: - Purchase of two Flygt submersible pumps for Bretton Woods Pump Station upgrade. - Professional services agreement with BAE Urban Economics for the Willowgrove Project fiscal impact analysis. - Sub-recipient agreement for the federal PROTECT grant for the Cool Pavement Project. - Authorization for Unitrans to act on behalf of the city for Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) funding. - Transportation Development Act (TDA) claim for FY 2022/23. - FY 2025/26 Mello-Roos Community Facilities District tax assessments. - FY 2025/26 Open Space Protection and Park Maintenance special taxes. - Memorandum of Understanding with the Davis City Employee Association (DCEA), with noted technical corrections. - Approving wages and benefits for unrepresented executive management employees. - Adoption of the FY 2025/26 Investment Policy. - Informational report on city manager purchasing actions during the council break. - Receipt of Transportation Commission minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - Encampment concerns: Two West Davis residents described a growing encampment along the 113 freeway near Sycamore Park, reporting a fire started at the camp that day. They urged the city to do more, noting that children have direct freeway access through a cut in the fence. The city had only offered courteous verbal recommendations for cleanup. - Tree planting: Alan Hirsch praised increased tree budget but argued funds from tree removals are not being used for new plantings, citing poorly planted trees at the Davis Collection and tree loss at the Trader Joe's parking lot. He called for a revised tree specification and accountability for planting numbers. - Drone show alternative: A speaker supported the recent Celebrate Davis drone light show as an environmentally friendly alternative to fireworks, suggesting the city consider it for future Fourth of July celebrations. - Budget direction: A speaker thanked the council for including a downtown-based police officer and an aquatics maintenance technician for the upcoming splash pad. Another criticized the budget for inadequate reserves (10% vs. 15% target), underfunded roads ($8.5M/year vs. $14M needed), and continued spending on labor contracts and unfunded OPEB liability. A third questioned claims that the sales tax (Measure Q) was not pre-committed, stating the budget process allows discretionary allocation. Discussion Items - Golden Heart Awards (Special Meeting): Recognized Jonah Spang (Community Service) for allocating $160,000 to local nonprofits, volunteering 50+ hours at the Yolo Food Bank, and co-founding the California Habitat Restoration Club. Camila Pastor (Personal Challenge) was recognized for her courage in testifying against her abuser, resulting in a 32-year, 8-month prison sentence, and her academic and extracurricular achievements. - Thong Hy Huynh Memorial Awards (Special Meeting): Dillan Horton (18 and Older) honored for LGBTQ+ advocacy through the Pride Committee and service on the Police Accountability Commission. Ann Block (18 and Older) recognized for immigrant legal work, including Know Your Rights workshops and contributions to the Yolo County Sanctuary Resolution. Davis Night Market (Community Organization) honored for redistributing food to reduce waste and support unhoused residents; volunteers noted that unhoused individuals did not feel comfortable attending. Delta of Venus/Lee Walthall (Community Organization) recognized for providing a safe, inclusive space for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities through multicultural art and music. - Mosquito and Vector Control Presentation: Gary Goodman, SYMVCD District Manager, reported that West Nile virus remains the primary concern, with 129 human cases statewide last year (down from 428 the prior year). In Davis, West Nile activity was widespread, especially in West Davis. The district is deploying a sterile insect technique (SIT) pilot in Natomas using male mosquitoes with a bacterium to crash populations of invasive Aedes aegypti, which can transmit dengue. Goodman urged residents to eliminate standing water and call for free mosquito fish. The district has a technician dedicated to Davis and responds within 24 hours. - Fee Changes Public Hearing: Finance Manager Kiran Sanghera presented proposed fee increases for FY 2025/26, generating $12 million in revenue. Notable changes: new downtown outdoor dining fees, police extra-duty pay aligned with MOU (14.38% increase), parks & community services fee updates including flat-rate deposits, and urban forestry fees reflecting permit processing time. Council approved both resolutions 5–0. - Fiscal Year 2025/26 and 2026/27 Proposed Budget: Interim City Manager Kelly Stachowicz and Finance Director Elena Adair presented a two-year budget of $243 million (FY26) and $253 million (FY27). Key drivers: strong property tax base and new Measure Q sales tax revenue allowed maintenance of existing services, but the budget remains tight. Revenues from development have been conservative due to project delays. General fund reserves are projected at 10% for FY27 (short of the 15% target). New funding requests include $1M for park irrigation, $2.4M for homeless services (eight beds at Pulse Place, winter shelter, respite center), $287K for tree assessments, and a downtown police officer. Capital Improvement Program totals $37M over two years, with 66% for streets and roads. Council directed staff to return with more detail on road funding frontloading, vacancy analysis, and potential reallocation of unspent Crisis Now funds ($1.17M originally set aside). A budget workshop is scheduled for May 27. Key Outcomes - Awards Ceremony: Recognized six recipients with Golden Heart and Thong Hy Huynh awards; photo opportunities and refreshments followed. - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (5–0). - Mosquito Presentation: Received as information; council expressed appreciation and noted Dr. Chris Barker as council appointee to the SYMVCD board. - Fee Changes: Resolutions approving changes to city department fees and community development/public works fees passed 5–0. - Budget Direction: Council will hold a workshop on May 27 at 3:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. Staff will return on June 17 for formal adoption of the two-year budget. Council requested: - Further analysis on frontloading pavement maintenance funding. - A vacancy report on funded positions (to be presented June 3). - Exploration of reallocating unspent Crisis Now funds toward mental health services. - A broader urban forestry management discussion after July recess. - Consideration of zero-based budgeting approach in future cycles. - Review of effectiveness of voluntary electrification program (timeline per earlier council direction). - Long Range Calendar: Council noted upcoming items on the respite center (June 17) and urban forestry/homelessness policy discussions.

The Davis City Council met on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 6:31 p.m. in the Community Chambers. The meeting included seven ceremonial proclamations, approval of the consent calendar (with one item pulled for discussion), public comments, and action on several major items: a Valley Clean Energy presentation on a municipal electric utility, a Fifth Street safety improvement pilot project, a discussion on potential amendments to Measure J/R/D, and a kickoff of the General Plan Update. The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:07 p.m. Consent Calendar - The Council approved the consent calendar (items 4A–C, 4E–I) by a 5-0 vote after pulling item 4D (Recommended Projects for Fiscal Year 2025-26 Funded by SB1) for separate discussion. - Item 4D was later approved 5-0 after staff explained the funding allocation process and street selection criteria. Public Comments & Testimony - General Public Comments: Speakers addressed a range of topics. Diane Perrow (Davis Community Meals and Housing) thanked the Council for extending the winter shelter to June and expanding peer-to-peer training. Ning One questioned free speech regulations at the Farmers Market and expressed concerns about CCP infiltration. Natalie Nelson (Pence Gallery) thanked the Council for arts funding. Jim Watson opposed development citing affordability, traffic, and infrastructure costs. Amir Cole (Human Relations Commission member) criticized the HRC for what he called discriminatory treatment of a Jewish American Heritage Month event. Several speakers opposed amendments to Measure J/R/D, arguing it would undermine citizen democracy. Others supported affordable housing and the Willow Grove project. - Item 8 (Measure J/R/D Amendment): Numerous public comments were received both in person and via voicemail. Most speakers opposed amending Measure J, citing the 2020 vote where 75% of voters supported it. Some expressed concern that amendments would disenfranchise voters and benefit developers. A few speakers, including representatives of Willow Grove, urged the Council to prioritize housing projects and put Willow Grove on the ballot as soon as possible. - Item 6 (Municipal Electric Utility): One speaker supported municipalization of utilities to reduce reliance on PG&E. - Item 7 (Fifth Street Safety): Residents of the Old East Davis neighborhood spoke in favor of the pilot project, describing dangerous conditions and frequent collisions at the intersections. Discussion Items - Item 6 – Valley Clean Energy Presentation on Municipal Electric Utility: VCE CEO Mitch Sears and consultant Don Dame presented a “greenfield municipalization” concept, where the city would build a new electric utility from scratch for undeveloped areas. They outlined options ranging from an ordinance update (estimated $50,000–$100,000) to forming a “shelf” utility. Council members expressed interest in exploring an ordinance update. A motion to direct staff to investigate the cost and scope of an ordinance update passed 5-0. - Item 7 – Safety Improvements Pilot Project on Fifth Street at I, J, and K Streets: Staff proposed restricting northbound and southbound turns at these intersections using temporary plastic islands and signage, with monitoring and evaluation. The goal is to reduce collisions, which have averaged one per week at Fifth and J in 2025. Council approved the pilot project 5-0. - Item 8 – Measure J/R/D Amendment and Major Projects Election Timing: The subcommittee (Councilmembers Chapman and Vaitla) presented draft concepts for amending Chapter 41 to allow exemptions from a public vote for projects meeting certain affordable housing thresholds (e.g., 50% affordable units), environmental mitigation, or community benefits. The amendment would require a public vote. Council discussed timing: placing a measure on the November 2025 ballot was deemed too costly (estimated $380,000) and premature. Consensus was to send the concepts to city commissions for review and public input, with a possible ballot date in June or November 2026. Council also discussed not combining a Measure J amendment vote with development project votes to avoid confusion. The Council took no formal vote but provided direction to staff. - Item 9 – 2025 General Plan Update Kickoff: Consultants presented the process, community engagement plan, and feedback from the April 23 commission meeting. Council discussed the need for community connectedness, student engagement, and environmental justice. The update is on schedule. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved 5-0, with item 4D (SB1 projects) approved after discussion. - Item 6: Motion to explore ordinance update for municipal electric utility passed 5-0. - Item 7: Resolution establishing the Fifth Street safety pilot project approved 5-0. - Item 8: Council directed staff to send proposed Measure J/R/D amendment concepts to city commissions for review; November 2025 ballot ruled out; no final decision on ballot date. - Item 9: General Plan Update kickoff received; Council provided feedback to consultants.

On April 23, 2025, at 6:00 PM, six Davis commissions (Climate & Environmental Justice, Open Space & Habitat, Planning, Recreation & Park, Social Services, and Transportation) held a joint meeting, dubbed "Commissionapalooza," to launch the 2025 General Plan Update (GPU) process. The meeting featured a presentation from consultants Raimi + Associates, individual commission discussions on pressing issues and draft project outcomes, cross-commission dialogue, and public testimony. Planning Commission Chair Michelle Weiss was designated lead chair for the meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Katie Castrius (UC Davis student, Davis College Democrats): Urged commissioners to be innovative and adventurous, advocated for cross-cutting Environmental Justice (EJ) rather than a standalone chapter, and encouraged outreach to campus clubs and extra credit opportunities. - Ben (UC Davis student): Emphasized the need for more affordable housing and improved public transit (Unitrans and YoloBus) to compete with private vehicles. - Jonathan London (Professor, UC Davis): Noted the absence of the Human Relations Commission; the EJ class is contributing data, focus groups, and best practices to inform the GPU. - Ari Helberstatt: Advocated for locally owned community energy systems (solar + storage) to lower costs, improve resilience, and support electrification. - Judy Ennis (Executive Director, Davis Community Action Network): Summarized DCAN's report involving 225 residents, which found support for density, infill, varied housing models, and concern about retrofitting homes for climate. - John Johnston (former NRC commissioner): Recommended adding "management of public infrastructure" to project outcomes and suggested target density values to improve transit and reduce GHGs. - Chris Granger (Executive Director, Cool Davis): Called for new sustained engagement mechanisms, leveraging the downtown form-based code, and continuing to dream despite federal uncertainty. - Eileen Samitz (former planning commissioner): Pleaded to retain the strong existing 2001 GPU as a starting point, updating only where new state requirements or emerging issues demand change. Discussion Items - Overview Presentation (Raimi + Associates): Consultant Eric Yurkovich explained the GPU process—phases (listening & discovery, land use/mobility plan, policy development, public review, adoption), deliverables, and preliminary draft project outcomes (healthy & resilient communities, community engagement, city leadership, plan preparation). Gladys Cornell outlined engagement methods: neighborhood focus groups, pop-ups, online tools, youth/student engagement, and clustered commission touchpoints throughout the process. - Climate & Environmental Justice Commission: Commissioners identified pressing issues including pollution from I-80, climate change (extreme heat, drought), and the need to integrate environmental justice across all elements (not siloed). They urged adding a direct climate change outcome and ensuring urban forests are valued beyond carbon mitigation. - Open Space & Habitat Commission: Top concerns were protecting agricultural land, habitat connectivity (especially Putah Creek), linear parks with ecological value, sustainable management of flood control habitats, and maintenance funding for open spaces. They stressed that biodiversity and habitat features must be integrated throughout the city, not just on the fringe. - Planning Commission: Focused on land use—infill, expanding the downtown core, form-based code, ADU facilitation, and revisiting Measure J/R for peripheral development. Commissioners called for a flexible general plan that reduces the need for planned development districts and urged stronger pressure on UC Davis to house a higher percentage of students on campus. - Recreation & Park Commission: Key issues included shade trees, park maintenance, flexible programming for changing sports/activities, bathroom access along bike paths, oversubscribed summer programs, and ensuring new developments provide adequate parkland and staffing. - Social Services Commission: Pressing issues were affordable housing across all income levels (including middle-income), deed-restricted units, permanent supportive housing, year-round shelters for the unhoused, climate retrofits for existing homes, and the need for deep neighborhood-level engagement to overcome NIMBYism. - Transportation Commission: Emphasized active transportation (bike/ped improvements), public transit (regional connections, frequency), parking demand management, school traffic safety, and moving away from car-centric planning. Commissioners advocated for e-bikes as a climate solution and integrating transportation costs into affordability calculations. - Cross‑Commission Dialogue: Consultants posed three questions: (1) how to sustain collaboration across commissions—answered by forming a General Plan Committee with two representatives per commission, plus occasional joint meetings; (2) how to better engage UC Davis—suggestions included contacting Chancellor May, ASUCD, unions, academic senate, campus planning staff, and using social media; (3) whether EJ should be a standalone chapter or cross-cutting—strong consensus for cross-cutting integration with a possible summary chapter, and the need to distinguish environmental justice from social justice. Key Outcomes - Designation of Chair: Motion to designate Planning Commission Chair Michelle Weiss as lead chair of the joint meeting; seconded and unanimously approved. - Agenda Approval: Motion and second to approve the agenda; unanimous. - General Plan Committee: The city has council approval to form a GPU committee with two representatives from each commission to resolve cross‑commission issues throughout the process. - Environmental Justice Approach: Clear direction from commissioners and public to embed environmental justice throughout all general plan elements, not in a separate siloed chapter. - Next Steps: Consultants will meet with City Council on May 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM; the project website will launch; neighborhood meetings and pop‑ups will begin in summer 2025; UC Davis students from Professor London's class will provide a preliminary report in mid‑June.

The Woodland-Davis Clean Water Agency (WDCWA) Board of Directors held a regular meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Davis City Hall. The meeting was called to order at 3:26 p.m., 26 minutes late due to the Vice Chair's delay. Present were Vice Chair Tom Stallard, Directors Josh Chapman and David Moreno, and UC Davis Representative Courtney Doss (non-voting). Absent were Director Donna Neville and non-voting Director Andrew Barajas. The Board approved consent items, received updates on water supply and operations, reviewed the draft FY 2025-2026 budget, approved a resolution amending SRF financing agreements, and discussed the upcoming board calendar. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda and consent items, including the January 16, 2025 meeting minutes and quarterly Treasurer's Reports (1Q-4Q FY25 and 4Q FY24). The motion carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comments. General Manager and Operations Manager Update - Water Supply: General Manager Tim reported that the current water year is at 116% of average precipitation and 100% of the year's total, with reservoirs near full (Lake Oroville 91-92%, Lake Shasta 96%). No Sacramento River curtailment (Term 91) is expected, ensuring full summer allocation of 10,000 acre-feet. - Long-Term Supply: The agency is pursuing a long-term water supply agreement with Salt Soda Water District for winter options and summer stability. Modeling work is planned with consultant ESA, and other local Yolo County opportunities are being explored. - Capital Improvements: Operations Manager Stan noted completion of the erosion control project, ongoing roof access and scissor crane work, and smaller process improvements at the treatment plant. No new cost requests. - Operations: March flows were typical; Woodland uses 100% surface water and Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR). All contract requirements met, and water quality reports posted. - Compliance and Planning: The WIA risk and resilience assessment is complete. Emergency response plan updates are due in September. The five-year watershed sanitary survey is underway, and the urban water management plan update begins in July. - Electrical and DER: Staff are working with Jacobs on spare parts and design modifications for electrical reliability. The Distributed Energy Resources (DER) project is moving toward final design with West Yoast; a grant for battery backup is on hold due to federal changes. FY 2025-2026 Budget Overview - Current Year Projection (FY 2024-2025): The agency expects to spend approximately $2 million below the $10.43 million O&M budget, due to electricity savings from switching to WAPA power, lower water use, reduced chemical costs, and no supplemental water purchases. The debt reserve payment is $665,000 lower as Woodland completed its final reserve payment. - Draft FY 2025-2026 Budget: Proposed O&M budget is $13.06 million, an increase of $2.63 million largely driven by the DER project (including $470,000 for final design and half of battery costs). Electricity costs are expected to drop by $900,000 due to a full year on WAPA power. Other categories remain relatively flat; the debt payment line decreases by $665,000. - Board Discussion: Directors inquired about billing mechanisms, credits to partner agencies, and incorporation of future growth. Staff clarified that quarterly invoices are adjusted and credits returned. The final budget will be presented for adoption at the June meeting. Resolution No. 2025-01 – Amendment to DWSRF Financing Agreements - The Board adopted Resolution 2025-01, authorizing amendments to the state revolving fund loan agreements for Woodland and Davis to include language providing for a "Charge In Lieu of Interest." The change is requested by the State Water Resources Control Board to provide flexibility in fund usage and does not alter the agency's payment terms or interest rate. The motion was unanimous. Long-Range Board Calendar - The next regular board meeting is currently scheduled for June 19, 2025, but may be moved to June 26 or 27, 2025, due to board member scheduling conflicts. The June agenda will include final budget adoption, election of chair and vice chair, consultant contracts (West Yoast, ESA), and potential approval of the drought protection plan agreement (pending further environmental review). An amendment to the joint intake operations agreement with RD 2035 is also anticipated. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously. - Resolution 2025-01: Approved unanimously. Staff authorized to sign the amendment upon receipt. - Budget Direction: Staff will refine the FY 2025-2026 budget and return for final adoption at the June meeting. - Meeting Date: The June 2025 meeting date may be rescheduled to June 26 or 27, pending availability of all board members. - DER Project: Further discussion on the DER project's viability given grant uncertainty will occur at the June meeting.

The Davis City Council met at 6:40 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The council unanimously added an urgency item on the Saturday shootings in Community Park, heard ceremonial proclamations and public comment, approved the consent calendar and the first-year CDBG/HOME action plan, and received the 2025 Pavement Management Update. The council took a five-minute break and reconvened at approximately 8:30 p.m. for the regular calendar. Ceremonial Presentations and Announcements - The council proclaimed April 5, 2025 as Arbor Day in Davis. Representatives of Tree Davis accepted the proclamation and thanked the city for the partnership. - The council proclaimed April 13-19, 2025 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Jennifer Candelo, Records and Communications Manager for the Davis Police Department, accepted on behalf of dispatchers. - The council proclaimed April 2025 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month. A community member accepted and noted the long history and contributions of Muslims in Davis, including the Islamic Center of Davis and the Muslim Davis Engagement and Interfaith Network. - Announcements included: Golden Heart Awards nominations extended to April 22; a Cesar Chavez celebration on April 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Central Park; and the 15th annual Lupa Palooza on May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along the 12-mile Davis bike loop. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was moved, seconded, and approved. One council member registered a no vote on Item K, related to the Fourth of July fireworks/pyrotechnic display. - Consent items discussed in public comment included the sale of city-owned property at 1021 Olive Drive and the fireworks display agreement. Public Comments & Testimony Community Park shooting urgency item - A speaker referenced a deleted Sigma fraternity social media post that said, among other things, "please do not bring any conflicts or disputes to Picnic Day" and warned against "planned altercations or retaliatory actions," arguing this suggested the fraternity anticipated possible violence. - A parent of a child at the Davis Little League field described receiving a call that a shooting had occurred across the street from the field. She said the fraternity had promoted the event since February 25, that the advertised performer had over 726,000 monthly listeners, and that the city must protect children in future years. - A longtime Davis resident said his family had lived in Davis since 1969, praised the first responders, and said "Davis can do better." - Beth Bourne said she was concerned about violence in Davis, criticized the mayor's recent language at a Sacramento rally, and said she had been physically assaulted on the UC Davis campus by people holding "ACAB" signs. She used later general public comment to ask why Davis girls were receiving gender-transition surgeries and to criticize the city's response to her concerns. General public comment - South Davis residents described poor pavement on Albany Avenue and the adjacent greenbelt path, citing the city's pavement condition report, a neighbor's injury from a trip hazard, and PCI ratings. They asked the city to stay on the schedule for bike path repairs in 2026 and to consider moving Albany Avenue repairs forward from 2028. - A speaker suggested regional mutual-aid agreements with neighboring police departments for events like Picnic Day, and cautioned against relying heavily on UC Davis police. - A representative of the Davis Arts Alliance thanked the council for arts funding and described the value of multilingual children's books celebrating Filipino American children. - Property owners behind 1021 Olive Drive asked the council to postpone Item F so staff could negotiate with their buyer, Palm Communities, for a combined development of their property and the city parcel. Representatives of HK3 Development spoke in support of the staff selection, describing themselves as a local family company and stating the project would include 22% moderate-income "affordable by design" units, 150 units completed in the last three years, and 50% of units below $1,500. - Multiple recorded callers urged the council to withdraw Anne Block's nomination for a Human Relations Commission award, alleging her history of anti-Semitic remarks and actions contradicted the award's purpose. - Several speakers addressed the Jewish American Heritage Month event scheduled for May 29 in Central Park. Some supported the event and asked the council to keep it apolitical; others described tensions at the Human Relations Commission meeting and asked the council to understand the controversy before endorsing it. - Other speakers discussed the Human Relations Commission itself, with some calling it dysfunctional and others saying it provided an important space for difficult community conversations. - A caller opposed the idea of overnight camping in Davis, citing problems in Berkeley, Oakland, Hayward, San Francisco, and Venice, California, and said money would be better spent on after-school and summer youth programs. - A caller asked the city to avoid scheduling meetings on Tax Day and suggested drone shows as an alternative to fireworks. - Callers Greg Rowe and Ellen Kalaric asked the council to direct all proceeds from the 1021 Olive Drive sale to the housing trust fund or down payment assistance program rather than only 50%. Discussion Items Urgency item: Update on Saturday shootings in Community Park - Police Chief Henry reported that officers near F Street heard gunfire at about 3 p.m. during Picnic Day. Three people were injured by gunfire. Davis Fire Department and paramedics treated and transported the victims. The park was cleared, which took a substantial amount of time. - The response absorbed about 57 officers. The group later relocated to Central Park, requiring about another hour of committed resources. A lockdown at Davis High School also required officers to clear the school and adjoining buildings. - The investigation is the police department's top priority, with five officers solely committed. Regional agencies, the Department of Justice, and the FBI are assisting. - Chief Henry said Picnic Day brings about 70,000 people into Davis and generated 321 calls for service in a 24-hour period. The Community Park event was tied to a fraternity that had received a noise permit for what was described as a substantially smaller event. - Vice Mayor Neville asked about the use of a helicopter to disperse the crowd. Chief Henry explained that the DJ complied, but the crowd did not leave, so the Sacramento Sheriff's helicopter was used for public address announcements while officers gave verbal commands. - Chief Henry listed immediate mental health resources: a police mobile clinician, Yolo County behavioral health services, and the 988 crisis line. - Council members expressed concern about trauma in the community, especially for children, and about the need for better communication and support. Several called for a larger conversation with UC Davis and other partners about how to make Picnic Day safer. - Councilmember Chapman moved to create a subcommittee to work with staff and the university on Picnic Day safety and community communication. The motion was seconded and passed 5-0. Valley Vision: California Jobs First / We Prosper Together - Evan Schmidt, CEO of Valley Vision, presented the regional economic development plan. The statewide California Jobs First program has invested more than $450 million. The region is eight counties, with Valley Vision leading the "We Prosper Together" plan. - The plan is anchored to three goals: create more high-quality jobs, increase access to jobs for historically underinvested communities, and support climate resilience. - Schmidt reported that more than a quarter of working families in the region are struggling to make ends meet and that the region needs 335,000 more high-quality jobs. Priority sectors include business services, precision manufacturing, working lands, biotechnology, construction, healthcare, tourism, and the creative economy. - The region has completed a $5 million planning phase, is administering $9 million in catalyst-phase community grants, and the state is offering $125 million in competitive implementation funds plus $15 million for tribal opportunities. - Valley Vision asked the city to become a formal coalition partner. City staff said a formal item would return in May. Council members discussed jobs-housing balance, remote work, equity, climate resilience, and the need to ensure Yolo County communities can access regional economic development opportunities. Five-Year Consolidated Plan, CDBG and HOME Funds, Year One Annual Action Plan - Director Bailey presented the draft five-year consolidated plan required by HUD. The plan covers decent housing, expanded economic opportunities, and suitable living environments. - Bailey said the housing crisis worsened since the 2020 plan, and the COVID pandemic exacerbated job loss and rising prices. Approximately 686 households earning less than about $26,000 were age 65 or older, showing that seniors are also burdened. - The city's total CDBG grant last year was $720,000, with 15% for public services, about $108,000. HOME funds are about $342,000 and were intentionally left unallocated for now to support affordable housing projects in the pipeline. - A new economic development allocation was included in the recommended plan. Staff said the goal is to encumber funds quickly given federal uncertainty. - Councilmember Davis asked about discrepancies between the presentation slide and the staff report. Staff acknowledged inconsistencies in the slide and said the staff report is the correct version. - The council approved the staff recommendation. The motion passed 5-0. 2025 Pavement Management Update - Principal Civil Engineer Melissa Marshall, Public Works Director Diana Jensen, and NCE President Margot Yap presented the update. - The city's pavement network has an asset value of about $460.8 million. Pavement Condition Index scores are on a 0-100 scale. Both streets and bike paths have an average PCI of 62, considered fair. - The 2025 survey found about 40% of streets in good condition, about 3% failed, about one-third fair, and about 25% poor. Bike paths were about 50% good, 10% fair, almost one-third poor, and 12.7% failed. - The 2013 council targets are PCI 63 overall, 68 for arterials, 65 for collectors, 60 for residential streets, and 68 for bike paths. - Existing annual funding is about $8.4 million per year. Under that scenario, streets are projected to decline to PCI 59 by 2034, deferred maintenance would rise to $170.9 million for streets and $13.7 million for bike paths, and 21.1% of streets and 14.3% of bike paths would be failed by 2034. Bike paths would improve to PCI 71 under existing funding. - Staff presented four scenarios: maintain existing funding; improve to target PCI; maintain current PCI; and an unconstrained "fix everything" scenario. Improving to target PCI would require an additional $25 million over 10 years, or about $2.5 million per year. Maintaining current PCI would require $14 million over 10 years. Fixing everything would require $95 million over 10 years. - Staff recommended Scenario 2, reaching target PCI values, and working with the pavement subcommittee and fiscal commission to close the funding gap. - Public commenters urged more aggressive front-loading, cited a December 2024 staff estimate of $14 million per year for four years, said voters expected Measure Q money to go to roads, and noted that deferred maintenance costs increase when repairs are delayed. A representative of the California Asphalt Pavement Association supported investment in roads and said rough roads cost drivers hundreds to up to about $1,000 per year. Another speaker suggested a vehicle weight-based tax, citing the heavier damage done by larger vehicles. Another speaker said the city could face liability for failed bike and road pavement. - Council members expressed support for front-loading funds, reducing deferred maintenance, improving bike path and residential street conditions, and possibly pursuing a higher target PCI. The council directed staff and the pavement subcommittee to work with the fiscal commission on funding options, including possible bond measures, parcel taxes, and re-evaluation of special fund contributions such as the solid waste fund, while also considering ways to keep deferred maintenance lower. No formal vote was taken on the pavement funding scenarios. Key Outcomes - Unanimously approved adding the urgency item on the Community Park shootings to the agenda. - Approved creation of a Picnic Day/community communication subcommittee by a 5-0 vote. - Approved the consent calendar; one council member registered a no vote on Item K. - Approved the Five-Year Consolidated Plan, CDBG and HOME funds, and Year One Annual Action Plan by a 5-0 vote. - Directed staff and the pavement subcommittee to continue analyzing front-loaded pavement funding, possible revenue sources, and possibly higher PCI targets. - The next regular council meeting will be May 13, 2025, with the municipal electricity and microgrid discussion rescheduled to that date and a general plan kickoff item also anticipated.

The Davis City Council met on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Community Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, consent calendar approvals, a presentation from the Davis Joint Unified School District on declining enrollment and its connection to housing, a mid-year budget update, and approval of a preliminary mobility concept contract. The meeting was adjourned after approximately four hours. Ceremonial Presentations - Proclamation recognizing April 12, 2025 as the Oddest Day of the Year, honoring the Davis Oddfellows Lodge for 155 years of service. - Proclamation recognizing April as Arab American Heritage Month, presented by Dr. Suad Joseph and Dima Tamimi, highlighting contributions of Arab Americans. - Proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, presented by David Marshall and Geneva Lahigh of the Yolo County Children's Alliance. They noted that in 2024, Yolo County Child Welfare Services investigated allegations involving 1,033 children, and 124 entered foster care. - Proclamation recognizing April as National Donate Life Month, presented by Kyla Aquino Irving and Angelica Williams of Sierra Donor Services, and Steve Streeter, father of donor Nathan Streeter. Over 100,000 Americans are on the national transplant waiting list. Consent Calendar - Approved items A (Emergency Sewer Infrastructure Repair), B (Community Park Skatepark Replacement Design-Build with Grindline Skateparks, exempt from CEQA), C (Playfields Park Inclusive Playground Design Task Order), D (School Crossing Guard Services agreement with Safesite Guard Services, LLC and reimbursement with DJUSD), F (Extend Final Map 5216 for 715 Pole Line Road), G (Appointment of Interim City Manager and contract amendment for Kelly Stachowicz), H (Weed Abatement 2025 – set public hearing for May 13, 2025), I (Development Impact Fee Annual AB1600 Report for FY2023/24), and J (Commission Minutes). - Item E (Expand Pilot Effort of Increased Frequency of Tree Assessments) was pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion. - The Interim City Manager's salary was announced as $280,051.20 per year, with benefits unchanged, retroactive to March 31, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 5 (DJUSD Presentation): Multiple speakers expressed support for new housing developments (Village Farms and Willow Grove) as essential for maintaining school enrollment and community vitality. Speakers included representatives from the Yolo County Association of Realtors, school board trustees, and residents. Some speakers opposed Village Farms, citing environmental concerns (toxic soil, floodplain) and questioning student yield projections. One speaker argued that most homes would be too expensive for young families. - Item 4E (Tree Assessments): A speaker referenced the death of Jennifer Colby from a falling tree, criticizing past underfunding of tree programs and a lack of community listening. Another speaker noted a dead sycamore tree at Russell and Anderson that had not been addressed. - Item 6 (Budget): One speaker challenged the staff's rosy reserve projection, warning of economic headwinds and calling for fiscal caution. - General Public Comments (not on agenda): Speakers commented on SB 226 (community college district transfer), issues with noisy vehicles and lack of enforcement, the My Davis app, and the need to reframe the Hate Free Davis initiative. Discussion Items - Item 4E: Expanded Tree Assessments – Staff proposed increasing the frequency of tree assessments in high-occupancy zones from a seven-year cycle to a three-year cycle. The item requested $500,000 annually moving forward, but only a current appropriation to start. Council debated sustainability and requested a broader discussion during the upcoming budget process. Councilmember Deos noted positive feedback from Tree Davis. The resolution passed 5-0. - Item 5: DJUSD Presentation – Boundaries and Planning: Housing-Schools Connection – Superintendent Matt Best and Chief Strategy Officer Maria Clayton presented enrollment data showing a decline from 8,557 students in 2005 to about 8,250 today, with a projected loss of 1,000 students over the next decade due to low birth rates and housing affordability. Two proposed developments (Village Farms – 1,800 units, 700 students; Willow Grove – 1,215 units, 300+ students) could mitigate the decline. Without both, the district may need to close 2-3 schools. The board will decide in October 2026 on boundary rebalancing or consolidation. This item was informational; no council action was taken. - Item 6: FY 2024/25 Mid-Year Budget Update – Finance Director Elena Adair presented the general fund status. Revenues are tracking above budget due to property tax (up $1M) and the new 1% local sales tax (Measure Q, effective April 1). General fund reserves are projected to reach 9.9% (from previously budgeted 7.5%), driven by the first quarter of Measure Q revenues. Expenditures are within budget except for water/irrigation charges ($1.4M increase). Salary savings are projected at $1.7M, less than the budgeted $2M. Staff recommended adding two limited-term accountant positions in Finance. Council approved the resolution 5-0. - Item 7: General Plan Update: Preliminary Mobility Element Network Concept – Community Development Director Sherri Metzker proposed a $45,000 contract amendment with Raimi+Associates to produce a conceptual mobility plan for the Northeast quadrant, building on existing traffic studies for planned developments (Village Farms, Willow Grove, downtown infill). The analysis will look at road expansions, new freeway connections, transit, bike/ped improvements, and cost estimates. Council emphasized the need to prioritize transit and active transportation. The resolution passed 5-0. - City Manager Announcements: Included updates on $7.5 million in grants received since June 2024, waste sorting monitoring (81% correctly sorted), appointment of new Deputy Police Chief Matt Peterson, Arbor Day celebration (April 5), Congressman Thompson's office hours (April 9), Picnic Day (April 12), and Make Davis Sparkle clean-up (April 13). Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar (minus Item E) approved 5-0. - Item 4E – Resolution authorizing expanded tree assessments approved 5-0. - Item 6 – Mid-year budget amendments and resolution approved 5-0. - Item 7 – Resolution authorizing contract amendment for mobility concept approved 5-0. - Item 5 (DJUSD) – Received as informational; no action taken. - Item G (Interim City Manager) – Approved on consent; salary of $280,051.20 announced.

The Davis City Council met in Community Chambers, 23 Russell Boulevard. The agenda is dated March 18, 2025, but the meeting date metadata provided with the transcript states March 19, 2025; this summary uses the provided date. The council voted 5-0 to approve the agenda, honored outgoing City Manager Mike Webb, approved the consent calendar except for one pulled item, and held extended discussions on homelessness services and the potential redevelopment of the city Corporation Yard at 1717 Fifth Street. Ceremonial Presentation - The council presented a proclamation honoring City Manager Mike Webb on his final meeting before moving to Yolo County. The proclamation noted his UC Davis roots, service since 1998, city manager role since 2017, leadership through COVID-19 and Healthy Davis Together, and more than $55 million in grant revenue secured since 2018. - Councilmembers and public speaker Norman thanked Webb for his responsiveness, dedication, and mentorship. Webb said the hardest part of leaving was departing the city staff team. Announcements - Golden Heart Awards nominations are open until April 15, 2025. - Recruitment for 10 city commissions is open with a May 2, 2025 deadline. - The city noted that UC Davis and DJUSD spring breaks are aligned for March 24-28, 2025. Consent Calendar - Councilmember Chapman pulled item 4D, the Fifth Street Transportation Improvements Final Report, for separate discussion. - The remaining consent calendar was approved 5-0 in one motion. - Notable consent actions included: increasing an emergency sewer repair contract with McGuire and Hester by up to $850,000; allocating $475,000 for SCADA Phase 2 implementation; approving wastewater utility rate adjustments; approving Caltrans maintenance agreements for the Richards Boulevard/I-80 interchange project; accepting a $250,000 CalOES cybersecurity grant; designating Picnic Day 2025 safety enhancement zones; adopting the 2025 legislative platform and authorizing a support letter for Senate Bill 239; adopting the Downtown Davis Form Based Code ordinance on second reading; receiving the Pacifico update and directing transmission to Yolo County of the city's funding commitment for rehabilitation of two Pacifico buildings for CalWorks; affirming Economic Development Strategic Plan subcommittee assignments; receiving Housing Element and residential development status reports; receiving the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan implementation update; receiving the Certified Local Government annual report; and extending the PEG access funding agreement for fiscal year 2026. Public Comments & Testimony General Public Comment - Several speakers urged the council to advance a ballot measure for housing funding and to amend Measure JRD to exempt affordable housing from public vote requirements. Ellen Callark, speaking personally, supported a special tax for a housing trust fund and a JRD revision. Alex A., speaking for the Davis Citizen Planning Commission, urged immediate action on a JRD amendment, warning that state preemption could follow continued project denials. Georgina Valencia called the current 100% affordability exemption under Measure JRD impractical and cautioned that the city could be at odds with HCD. - Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs, also speaking on behalf of Supervisor Sheila Allen, urged support for consent item 4J on Pacifico and asked the council to consider supporting SB 226 on consolidating Yolo County community college districts. - Alan Miller performed a song criticizing the Downtown Business Association and calling for a downtown bike police officer. - Beth Bourne made anti-transgender remarks and criticized the mayor. Mayor Vaitla responded that the First Amendment protects hate speech and that the Davis City Council supports LGBTQ+ rights, including transgender people. - Representatives of the band Patty on the Binge thanked the council for arts grant funding that supported a St. Patrick's Day event. - Recorded comments included support for SB 239 and single-payer health care from Connor Grimm, a request for tree maintenance at Sidehill Park from Nicole Kwan, and housing-related comments on Measure JRD exemptions. Fifth Street Transportation Improvements - A public commenter who identified as a transportation planner supported the corridor plan and the removal of free right turns at Fifth and Pole Line, calling the intersection unpleasant for bicyclists. - Another speaker made off-topic anti-transgender remarks. Homeless Services Follow-Up - Heart of Davis board member Andy Waterhouse and president Shoshana Zatz supported the proposed safe parking pilot with Davis United Methodist Church, noting liability insurance, a code of conduct, and a request to keep the location unpublicized. Marge Matoba and voicemail callers from Lutheran Church of the Incarnation and Davis United Methodist Church also supported safe parking and asked the city to help fund portable restrooms and sustainability. - Davis Community Meals and Housing (DCMH) board vice president Diane Perrow, staff Becky Marigo, Harmony Scopazi, Tracy Fauver, and clients Brené Spears, Anthony Weird, and Sean Kingston urged the council to strengthen existing providers and expand the eight-bed winter shelter at Paul's Place to year-round. Harmony Scopazi cautioned that expanding respite center hours could reduce client urgency and noted that referral agencies are closed on weekends. - Downtown residents and business representatives, including Brett Lee of the Davis Downtown Business Association, Heather Caswell of the Davis Community Vision Alliance, and several voicemail callers, strongly supported a dedicated downtown beat officer for safety and business security. - Respite center neighbors and Dan Frederson said the center was originally presented as a temporary or rotating pilot, described neighborhood impacts, and urged relocation, fencing, cleanup, or other mitigations before any expansion. - Downtown Streets Team director Heather Mundy provided the $559,000 seven-day expansion budget but suggested volunteer-supported weekend sites might be more financially prudent and warned that sanctioned parking could attract guests from outside the county. - Judy Ennis, speaking as a private citizen and social services commissioner, urged prioritizing shelter and a coordinated city-run navigator program. - Elaine Roberts Musser cautioned against new spending given national economic uncertainty, federal funding cuts, the city's road funding needs, low general fund reserves, and upcoming employee contract negotiations. Corporation Yard - Nancy Price asked that the RFP for the Pole Line Road relocation site include mapping and characterizing PFAS contamination. - Alan Miller raised concerns about shading of Duke Drive from tall infill development at the 1717 Fifth Street site. - Ben Witzing supported redevelopment and suggested considering adjacent parcels, while noting the existing paintball and go-kart uses provide few recreation outlets for youth. - Recorded comments included support for public or deeply affordable housing on the site and opposition to relocating the corporation yard to the former landfill due to PFAS, methane, remediation costs, and legal liability concerns. Discussion Items Fifth Street Transportation Improvements (Consent Item 4D) - Staff presented the Fifth Street Corridor Study and conceptual plans from L Street to Cantrill Drive. - Councilmember Chapman raised concerns about the proposed protected intersection at Fifth and Pole Line, including queue lengths, lane reduction, removal of all free right turns, and the need for more community outreach and council review before that major change moves forward. - Staff said Synchro modeling showed queues would clear each signal cycle, that the project has no current funding, and that design-phase analysis could lengthen queues if needed. Staff suggested approving the resolution while returning the specific intersection item to council later. - The council approved the resolution 5-0, with the Fifth and Pole Line protected intersection item to come back for further discussion. Homeless Services Discussion Follow-Up - Staff presented a menu of options with cost estimates: - Contracted encampment cleanup and property storage: $80,000-$175,000. The Davis Police Department currently spends more than $200,000 in personnel costs on encampment cleanup and abandoned property. - Dedicated downtown beat officer: a non-911 neighborhood policing position focused on downtown. Staff indicated it likely could not be filled until July due to current vacancies and training. - Expanding the daytime respite center from five to seven days per week: approximately $559,000. - Community navigator program: a city-run model was estimated at about $200,000 for 10 navigators plus a full-time coordinator and training. An existing $41,000 HPAC grant supports peer navigation through Downtown Streets Team; the DJUSD Un Cafecito program and faith-based "Safe Harbor Safe Stay" concept were also discussed. - Safe parking/camping: the Heart of Davis pilot at Davis United Methodist Church was proposed with about $10,000 in city funding for volunteer training. A special permit would be required, and staff researched programs in Modesto and San Rafael. - Downtown Streets Team flagship work experience program: about $397,000 per year, currently set to sunset June 30, 2025. - DCMH/Paul's Place eight-bed cold-weather shelter: about $73,000 for the winter season and $150,000 for year-round operation. The city currently provides roughly $80,000 in general fund support for the winter shelter plus CDBG funding. - Council priorities expressed during discussion included: contracted encampment cleanup, a downtown beat officer, year-round Paul's Place beds, and advancing the Heart of Davis safe parking pilot with a report back before a permit is issued. Several councilmembers wanted more detail on a city-run navigator program. Several deferred decisions on respite center hours to the Homelessness Subcommittee following a March 2 community meeting. Several wanted to evaluate alternatives or issue an RFP before reauthorizing the Downtown Streets Team cleanup program. - The council formally voted 5-0 to ask the Social Services Commission to map current outreach efforts, identify gaps, and develop a rough sketch of a city-coordinated community navigator program in consultation with existing providers. - Staff also received direction to prepare an RFP for contracted encampment cleanup and return with a budget adjustment, and to include the downtown beat officer in upcoming budget and position allocation discussions. Corporation Yard at 1717 Fifth Street - Staff recommended taking next steps to study the city-owned Corporation Yard as a potential housing redevelopment site: issuing an RFP for a feasibility study of relocating the yard to the former wastewater treatment plant and landfill site north of Pole Line Road, and conducting preliminary environmental sampling and background investigation at the 1717 site. - Staff said the site is about eight acres, zoned commercial service, and was identified as an infill opportunity as early as 2008. A 2019 consultant estimated property value in a wide range from $740,000 to nearly $13 million. Housing yield could range from about 240 units at 30 units per acre to roughly 560 units at higher densities. - Staff estimated the preliminary environmental investigation at roughly $50,000-$75,000 and said the RFP would return to council before contract approval. - The council approved the staff recommendations 5-0. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved 5-0. - Consent calendar approved 5-0 after item 4D was pulled. - Fifth Street Corridor Study resolution approved 5-0, with the Fifth and Pole Line protected intersection returned for future council consideration. - Social Services Commission directed to prepare a community navigator program landscape and sketch, approved 5-0. - Staff directed to proceed with contracted encampment cleanup RFP, incorporate the downtown beat officer into budget/position planning, and continue safe parking coordination with a council check-in before issuing a special permit. - Corporation Yard study, relocation feasibility RFP, and preliminary environmental sampling direction approved 5-0. - AB 1234 reporting and the long-range calendar were reviewed without substantive action. Date Note - The agenda lists Tuesday, March 18, 2025; the meeting metadata provided for this summary states March 19, 2025. All references in this summary follow the provided date of March 19, 2025.

The City of Davis Planning Commission met on the evening of March 13, 2025 (though the transcript states the meeting was called to order on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM; the provided date is used per instructions). Commissioners considered a consent calendar, two public hearings, and an extensive discussion of commission-initiated tasks. All items were addressed with votes and decisions. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar included approval of minutes from the previous meeting. Commissioner Brinkley requested an amendment to the minutes to clarify that it was the Commission, not the developer, who proposed contributing to the housing trust fund. The minutes were approved as amended. The Housing Element Annual Progress Report was originally on consent but was removed for discussion after a Commissioner raised a question; it was treated as an informational item and not voted on. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made for items not on the agenda or for the 501 K Street hearing. For the Bolt Coffee continuation, public comment had been closed at the previous meeting, so no new public testimony was taken. Discussion Items - 501 K Street Revised Final Plan Development: Associate Planner Thomas McNair presented a proposal for a balcony addition (234 sq. ft.) and a room addition (62 sq. ft.) at 501 K Street, located in a planned development (PD 1-9-2) with unique standards. The project required Commission approval due to requested reductions in setbacks and increases in floor area ratio and lot coverage. Staff recommended approval, finding compatibility and no adverse impacts. The Commission unanimously approved the resolution. - Bolt Coffee Food Trailers (1123 Olive Drive) – Continuation: This item was a continuation from the previous meeting regarding two food trucks at Volt Coffee. Staff reported that the applicant had largely resolved non-compliance with conditions of approval (e.g., health permits, improvement agreement). The temporary use permit (TUP) had expired and staff recommended revoking it and approving a conditional use permit (CUP) to vest the use. A public works representative noted the applicant had requested a six-month extension for required street improvements, which could be completed in a weekend. Commissioner Brinkley expressed concern about the history of delays and asked for assurances from the applicant, who stated the contractor could finish quickly but weather-dependent. The Commission voted unanimously to revoke the TUP and approve the CUP, with an informal recommendation to public works to consider a shorter extension (e.g., by June 15) to ensure timely completion. - Commission-Initiated Task Process: The Commission reviewed nine proposed tasks. Each requester summarized their item and proposed action: 1. AB 1033 (ADU condominiumization): Commissioner Ponce proposed tabling for further research (eight weeks) after staff outlined significant barriers (cost, logistics, utility separation). No vote taken; tabled. 2. City-County Agreements: Commissioner Brinkley requested an informational update. Staff noted the agreement was finalized in December 2024 and not subject to change. Agreed as information item. 3. Annexation of UC Davis: Commissioner Brinkley argued for studying annexation to increase student representation and align planning/funding. Staff and Councilmember Diaz noted barriers (two counties, UC opposition, low student engagement). The Commission voted 4-2 to elevate this as an action-oriented task to City Council, meaning it would require more than two hours of staff time. 4. Cannery Farm (Greg’s item): Deferred due to absence of requester. 5. Cannery Farm (Georgina’s item): Requested as an informational item to clarify community misinformation. Agreed as information. 6. Citizens Planning Academy: Commissioner Brinkley proposed a broad academy covering land use, budgeting, and infrastructure. Staff recommended an enhanced scope integrated with the General Plan update. The Commission voted 5-1 to elevate as an action-oriented task with the enhanced scope. 7. Removal of Single Family Zoning: Commissioner Brinkley argued for studying removal to increase housing production. Staff noted the 1% growth cap is set aside until 2030. Councilmember Diaz suggested tabling to clarify if a council subcommittee exists. Tabled until next meeting. 8. Onboarding/Training: Staff described a work plan for a digital resource archive. Commissioner Ponce requested to participate in development. No action needed; noted as information. 9. School Enrollment Presentation: Commissioner Georgina wanted a presentation from school districts to inform land-use decisions. Staff noted the district will present to City Council on March 15; Georgina preferred a separate presentation to Planning Commission. Staff will take the request back to city manager. - Calendar: Staff presented a tentative calendar for upcoming meetings, including the General Plan update kickoff (April 23, Commission Palooza), Village Farms public hearing (May 28), and potential July recess. The March 26 meeting is unlikely to occur. Key Outcomes - 501 K Street: Resolution approved unanimously to allow revised final plan development (setback reduction, FAR increase, lot coverage increase) and CEQA exemption. - Bolt Coffee: Unanimously approved (4-0) to revoke the temporary use permit and approve the conditional use permit for two food trailers at 1123 Olive Drive. Informal recommendation to public works to consider a shorter extension for the improvement agreement. - Annexation of UC Davis: Voted 4-2 to elevate as an action-oriented task to City Council for further study. - Citizens Planning Academy: Voted 5-1 to elevate as an action-oriented task with an enhanced scope (including budget, transportation, etc.) to City Council. - All other tasks either tabled, noted as information, or deferred. The Commission will track pending items via a spreadsheet.

The Davis City Council met on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in Community Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, a presentation on the SACOG 2025 Blueprint, a public hearing on automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and public safety cameras, a substantial amendment to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and amendments to the Downtown Davis Form-Based Code. The council also discussed the city manager transition and received public comments on various topics. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (5‑0) all consent items: Emergency sewer infrastructure repair (CIP ET0034, $500,000 with McGuire and Hester), professional services agreement for Richards Boulevard/I‑80 interchange construction management (WSP and Blackburn Consulting), Arroyo Pool replastering contract (Adam’s Pool Specialties), naming the Veterans Memorial Theatre stage the “Dave Burmester Stage,” batting cages analysis report (operate for one more year with cost‑recovery monitoring and $5,000 repair cap), and the annual Development Impact Fee AB1600 report for FY2023‑2024. Public Comments & Testimony - Alan Miller called for acknowledgment of a recent $24.3 million jury verdict against the city for a tree‑related death in Slidehill Park, arguing the city neglected tree maintenance and failed to listen to citizen complaints despite Measure H funds. - Michelle Famula (co‑president Yolo County League of Women Voters) and Stephanie DeGraf Hunt urged the council to oppose the SAVE Act and to defend federal legislative authority against executive orders that withhold congressionally approved funding and dismiss federal employees without cause. - Lucas Hatton (co‑artistic director Davis Repertory Theater) spoke in support of the arts, thanking the city for funding and space. - A voicemail comment on consent item 4F urged the city to consider a housing impact fee for non‑residential development and to broaden the definition of public safety to include tree trimming and accessibility projects. - During the ALPR public hearing, several speakers supported the cameras for crime fighting, while one warned of potential misuse and impacts on reproductive health care privacy. - On the Form‑Based Code amendment, Teresa Leonard (736 G Street, tutoring center owner) opposed the 60% destruction trigger, saying it would force her out of business because insurance would not cover the cost of rebuilding to new code standards. Discussion Items - Item 5 – SACOG 2025 Blueprint Presentation: Kacey Lizon (SACOG Deputy Executive Director) presented the long‑range transportation plan, emphasizing the triple bottom line (equity, economy, environment), public outreach findings (housing affordability, safety, transportation options), and a regional growth forecast of 600,000 new people and 275,000 new homes by 2050. Davis anticipates 8,600 new housing units and 13,300 new jobs. Councilmember Chapman, the Davis SACOG representative, highlighted the importance of regional collaboration. Public comment urged more concrete investment in transit and bicycle connections, especially to Woodland. - Item 6 – Public Hearing on ALPR/Public Safety Cameras: Police Chief Todd Henry requested approval to seek grant funding for 29 new cameras at nine locations (primarily city ingress/egress routes) under the city’s surveillance technology ordinance. The cameras would be Motorola units with combined ALPR and streaming video. The department reported a 53‑of‑65 (81.5%) positive investigative lead rate from existing cameras in 2024. The proposed use policy bars data sharing with federal immigration enforcement and prohibits using data to target reproductive health choices. The Police Accountability Commission had reviewed and supported the request. After discussion about privacy safeguards and a potential grant from the Department of Justice COPS program, the council voted 5‑0 to approve the resolution, authorize grant application, and adopt the surveillance use policy. - Item 7 – Substantial Amendment to CDBG Funds: Social Services & Housing Director Dana Bailey explained that the city had $2.1 million in unspent CDBG funds exceeding HUD’s timeliness threshold. She proposed reprogramming $613,000 into shovel‑ready projects: $200,000 for Playfields Park inclusive playground pre‑development, $140,000 for Pacifico rehabilitation, $73,000 for a housing study, and $175,000 for economic development. Councilmembers debated priorities, with Vice Mayor Neville and Councilmember Partida emphasizing the need for immediate public‑safety improvements around the L Street respite center and encampment response. The council voted 5‑0 to allocate $200,000 for parks design, $140,000 for Pacifico, $100,000 for economic development (including facade improvements and encampment remediation), and $175,000 for homeless services to be refined by the homeless subcommittee and brought back on March 18. - Item 8 – Public Hearing: Downtown Davis Form Based Code Amendments: Planner Thomas McNairn presented amendments to clarify legal non‑conforming structures. The council first approved (5‑0) a set of technical cleanup amendments (table one). Then they debated three substantive changes: (1) requiring structures damaged ≥60% to comply with the Form‑Based Code; (2) prohibiting any expansion (increased footprint or 25% exterior perimeter alteration) of a non‑conforming structure; (3) limiting lots with a non‑conforming structure to one building. After discussion, Councilmember Partida moved to accept items (2) and (3) as proposed but to exempt owner‑occupied single‑family homes from items (1) and (3) if the damage was involuntary and the home remains owner‑occupied. The exemption expires upon sale. The motion passed 4‑0‑1 (Councilmember Chapman abstaining). The council then introduced the amended ordinance as a whole (5‑0). - Item 9 – AB 1234 Reporting and Long‑Range Calendar: No meetings to report. The council agreed to agendize a future discussion on the results of the L Street respite center community meeting and to have staff explore options for front‑loading transportation planning for the northeast quadrant of the city as part of the General Plan update. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved 5‑0. - ALPR/Public Safety Cameras approved 5‑0; grant application authorized. - CDBG Fund Allocation approved 5‑0: $200,000 parks, $140,000 Pacifico, $100,000 economic development, $175,000 homeless services (subcommittee to detail). - Form‑Based Code Amendments – cleanups approved 5‑0; substantive amendments (items 1‑3) approved with an owner‑occupied single‑family exemption 4‑0‑1; ordinance introduced 5‑0. - Future Agenda Items – respite center results and northeast corridor transportation planning to be placed on future agendas.