Public Meetings - Davis, California

The Davis City Council met on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Chambers, 23 Russell Boulevard, Davis, California. Mayor Josh Chapman presided with Vice Mayor Bapu Vaitla and Councilmembers Will Arnold, Donna Neville, and Gloria Partida present; City Manager Mike Webb and City Attorney Inder Khalsa were also present. The Council approved the agenda 5-0. There was no consent calendar. The meeting included retirement and swearing-in ceremonies, a wastewater local limits public hearing, an update on the Village Farms Davis project, and long-range calendar business. The transcript indicates the meeting continued past 9 p.m. after a brief recess. Ceremonial Presentations - The Council read and presented a proclamation honoring retiring Police Chief Darren Pytel for 41 years of service. Chief Pytel began as a City of Davis cadet in 1983 at age 14, became a police officer in 1991, and served as Police Chief from December 31, 2015, through retirement. The proclamation noted his leadership during COVID-19, the death of Officer Natalie Corona, and the spring 2023 stabbings and homicides. - Deputy Director of Police Services Jean Lyon spoke about Chief Pytel's behind-the-scenes leadership and legacy, including the department's 'serve with pride, enforce the law, and guard individual human rights' culture. - Representatives from Congressman Mike Thompson, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Senator Bill Dodd, and Yolo County Supervisors Frerichs and Provenza presented state, federal, and county recognitions. - Each Councilmember, former Councilmember Rochelle Swanson, Police Accountability Commission representative Robert Canning, UC Davis Police Chief Joe Farrow, and community member Norby Kumegai spoke in praise of Chief Pytel's compassion and professionalism. - Chief Pytel then administered the oath of office to incoming Police Chief Todd Henry. Chief Henry thanked Chief Pytel, the Davis community, the police department, City Council, City Manager Mike Webb, and his family, and promised to lead with compassion. Public Comments & Testimony - General public comment included: Alan Hurst expressed post-election concerns and offered 'love and hope' signs; Alan Miller criticized transportation planning and advocated replacing Measure J with an urban limit; Antonio Delavera Bruce congratulated re-elected Councilmembers and urged continued sanctuary city and affordable housing work; a prerecorded AFSCME 3299 commenter announced a UC system strike at Davis on November 20-21, 2024, and encouraged support for patient care and service workers. - Public comment on the Village Farms Davis update included broad support from speakers such as Patrick Huber, Norby Kumigai, Mikey, Susanna, Heather Caswell, Douglas Sharp, and Victor Lagunus, who emphasized the need for affordable and 'missing middle' housing, support for the biological resource preservation alternative, and benefits to schools and families. - Opposition and concerns were raised by Eileen Samitz, Navy McLaughlin, Ron Ortell, Elizabeth Ray, Nancy Price, and Alan Miller, citing risks from building on a 200-acre floodplain, proximity to the old unlined city landfill and PFAS contamination, traffic and dangerous road conditions at Covell and Pole Line, infrastructure costs, wastewater and water capacity, and the need for a new fire station. Discussion Items - Wastewater Local Limits Public Hearing: Public Works Utilities and Operations Director Stan Gryczko presented the proposed ordinance amending Section 33.03.080 of the Municipal Code. The existing local limits were developed in 1993 and last modified in 2013. A new study completed in July 2020 and approved by the State Water Resources Control Board on December 28, 2023, supports removing some pollutant limits, adding others, and relaxing several numeric limits to reflect upgraded wastewater treatment and changed source water. The proposed changes include removing hexavalent chromium and several chlorinated/VOC compounds, adding ammonia as N, arsenic, chromium, molybdenum, and cyanide, and relaxing limits on cadmium, lead, mercury, selenium, silver, zinc, BOD, and TSS. Staff recommended CEQA exemptions under Guidelines Sections 15263 and 15308. Following public hearing with no public speakers, Councilmember Neville moved and Vice Mayor Vaitla seconded the staff recommendation. The motion passed 5-0, approving introduction of the first reading of the ordinance. - Village Farms Davis Project Update: Community Development Director Sherri Metzker and Principal Planner Dara Dungworth provided an informational update on the CEQA process and project application. No formal action was taken. The original April 2023 application proposed 1,800 dwelling units on 390.5 acres. The revised proposed project expanded to 497.5 acres after the groundwater recharge area was replaced by an enlarged Urban Agricultural Transition Area. The applicant has requested that the Biological Resources Preservation Alternative (BRPA) be analyzed as an equal weight alternative; it preserves a 47.1-acre alkali playa habitat area, keeps 1,800 units, increases affordable units to 360 (20%), includes 90 down payment assistance homes and 1,040 missing middle/affordable-by-design units, and increases gross density to 8.59 dwelling units per acre from 7.09. - Staff reported that the Administrative Draft EIR was received that morning, with the Draft EIR planned for a 45-day public review in early 2025, a Final EIR by May 2025, Planning Commission review in late May/early June 2025, City Council hearing on June 17, 2025, and a potential November 2025 ballot measure. - During Council discussion, applicant consultant Michelle Swanson responded to public comments on stormwater, floodplain, Channel A, water and sewer capacity, and the fire station. City Manager Mike Webb explained that a development agreement, baseline project features, conditions of approval, fiscal analysis, and tax-sharing agreement will be developed in parallel with the EIR. The applicant confirmed that the 360 high-density units are all income-qualified and that the 1,040 missing middle homes are expected to be priced in the $600,000-$700,000 range, with a down payment assistance program equal to 15% of the purchase price, described as 75% of a 20% down payment. - Councilmember Arnold said he believes Davis needs projects of this size, that Village Farms is the best location for it, and that the project would improve flood protection and fire response times. Councilmember Neville asked about bicycle/pedestrian crossing feasibility; staff responded that negotiations with Union Pacific have stopped, and financial feasibility would become clearer during development agreement negotiations. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved 5-0. - Proclamation honoring Chief Darren Pytel adopted; Chief Todd Henry sworn in as Davis Police Chief. - City Council introduced the first reading of Ordinance No. amending Section 33.03.080 and found the action exempt from CEQA; vote was 5-0. - Village Farms Davis update was received; no formal action taken. Administrative Draft EIR will be reviewed, and Draft EIR public release is expected in early 2025. - No AB 1234 meeting reports were submitted, and no items were added to the City Council Long Range Calendar.

The Davis City Council met on November 12, 2024, at 6:30 PM in Community Chambers. The meeting included seven ceremonial proclamations, approval of the consent calendar, a public hearing on the Downtown Business Improvement District (DBID) annual assessment renewal, and a detailed update on Parks and Community Services inclusive programming. The meeting adjourned around 8:20 PM. Consent Calendar - Item 4A – Transfer of Property for South Davis Library: Council approved the transfer of APN 069-460-055 from the City of Davis to Yolo County for a public library at Walnut Park. Mayor Chapman highlighted the 20-year effort, thanking staff, county supervisors, and Rep. Mike Thompson for securing $800,000 in gap funding. The motion passed 5-0. - Item 4B – Extension of Accounting Services Contract: Approved. - Item 4C – Amendment to Conflict of Interest Code: Approved. - Item 4D – Second Reading: Downtown Outdoor Dining Program Ordinance: Adopted. - Item 4E – Commission Minutes: Received as information. Public Comments & Testimony - General Public Comment: Alan Miller (via song) criticized Measure Q (sales tax increase) as regressive. A pre-recorded speaker (Conor Gorman) supported the South Davis library and community gardens. - Item 5 – DBID Public Hearing: Alan Miller questioned the optimism in a recent article about downtown, noting challenges with street people. A pre-recorded speaker supported the assessment structure and downtown programming. - Item 6 – Inclusive Programming: Multiple speakers expressed strong support: - Ron Glick called the program "the best thing I have seen in my 30 years in Davis" and urged continued funding. - Alan Miller criticized the use of federal funds as inflationary. - Ian Evans (Yolo County Housing) thanked the city for programming at the migrant center. - Conor Gorman (pre-recorded) emphasized public safety benefits and urged expansion. - Vincent Pena (UC Davis student) countered inflation concerns, stating youth programs provide net gains. - A resident presented a 96-page report on Central Park improvements, expressing frustration with lack of public input. - Item 7 – Long Range Calendar: Alan Miller congratulated the council on ending the meeting early. Discussion Items - Item 5 – DBID Annual Assessment Renewal (7:35 PM): Mayor Chapman recused himself as a downtown business owner; Vice Mayor Vaitla chaired. Staff recommended approval of the 2024 DBID Report and FY2025-2026 budget. Brett Lee (DDBA Executive Director) highlighted a shift toward business promotion (50% of budget vs. 40% last year), a new “Real People, Real Downtown” campaign, and challenges including cleanliness, socially disruptive behavior, and loss of 70 parking spaces (from Amtrak undercrossing and state daylighting laws). Councilmember Partida asked about using DBID funds for cleanliness; staff noted potential legal constraints under California’s Streets and Highways Code and offered to research broadening uses. Councilmember Neville inquired about parking management; Lee discussed a planned parking utilization study and joining Yolo Commute. The motion to adopt staff recommendations passed 4-0. - Item 6 – Inclusive Programming Update (8:00 PM): Director Deanne Machado presented an overview of programs funded by $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan funds (now exhausted). Key statistics: - 407 free recreation experiences over two years. - Migrant Center Camp: $7,000 budget, served 46 kids ($145/person). - Mutual Housing programs: $26/person, 80 participants for one-day events. - ESL program: $18,000 over two years, $324/person for 10-week session; waitlisted; participants walked from migrant center. - Caesar Chavez gardening program: $650, $93/person; residents ate from garden all summer. - School District partnership: Preauthorized 80 low-income students for free recreation ($18,000 total, $220/child); removed income verification barriers. Council unanimously praised the programs. Vice Mayor Vaitla emphasized equity and directed staff to identify funding for continuation and to meet unmet demand. Councilmember Partida suggested exploring partnerships with DJUSD. Councilmember Neville noted potential state/federal funding for ESL. Councilmember Arnold echoed support. Motion to direct staff to allocate funding for 2025 and include ongoing options in the next budget cycle passed 5-0. - Item 7 – Long Range Calendar & AB 1234 Reporting: Councilmember Arnold reported attending the League of Cities Conference in Long Beach at city expense. City Manager Webb outlined upcoming meetings: Nov 19 (regular), Nov 20 (special on homelessness), Dec 3, Dec 17 (election certification and swearing-in). Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved 5-0, including property transfer for South Davis Library. - DBID Assessment Renewal approved 4-0 (Mayor Chapman recused). Staff directed to research potential broadening of fund uses under state law. - Inclusive Programming Update: Council directed the City Manager to identify and allocate funding for program continuation in 2025, including meeting unmet demand, and to present ongoing funding options in the next budget cycle. Motion passed 5-0. - Next Meetings: Regular council meeting November 19; special meeting on homelessness November 20; December 3; December 17 for election certification. - Adjournment: Approximately 8:20 PM.

The Davis City Council met Tuesday, October 15, 2024, beginning at 6:49 p.m. The agenda was approved 5-0. The meeting featured five ceremonial proclamations, a consent calendar, general public comment, and a public hearing on the new downtown outdoor dining program. The council approved the outdoor dining program package except the fee resolution 5-0, then adopted the fee resolution 3-2. Ceremonial Proclamations - Recognized October 14, 2024, as Indigenous People’s Day. Recipients included James Kinter (Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation), Najona Ellenwood (president of the Davis Joint Unified School District Native Parent Group and Title VI program), Jade Kinter, Gabby Avila, and Professor Jesus Vaye. Speakers thanked the council and mentioned the new K-12 Native resource center in Davis. - Recognized October 2024 as Filipino American History Month. Recipient Charlie Villanueva, a Davis High School sophomore, described the theme struggle, resistance, solidarity, and resilience, and listed local events on October 23, October 26, and October 27. - Recognized October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Empower YOLO Executive Director Lynette Ehrlmeyer accepted the proclamation and announced a domestic violence awareness forum on October 21 at the Veterans Memorial Center, with doors at 5:00 p.m. and the program at 5:30 p.m. - Honored outgoing Poet Laureate Julia Levine for her 2021–2024 term, including her civic poetry and the Hope River language arts program for middle school students. - Appointed Mercedes Ibanez as Poet Laureate for 2024–2027. Ibanez read an original poem, Destination. City Manager & Council Announcements - City Manager Mike Webb announced that Neighbors Night Out had more than 115 gatherings, marking its 18th year. - The Davis Fire Department open house is scheduled for October 19 at Fire Station 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - The Zombie Bike Parade is scheduled for October 27, with a BMX stunt show from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and a skydiving grand finale. - The Downtown Treat Trail is scheduled for October 31, 3-6 p.m.; Discover Davis and Dia de Muertos is scheduled for November 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; city offices will be closed November 11 for Veterans Day. - No council AB 1234 trip reports were offered. - Councilmember Neville recused herself from consent item 4E, the DBID fee item, because she pays into the district as a downtown business owner. Consent Calendar - Councilmember Neville asked about item 4D, the home energy score pilot project. Staff said the consultant would target 50 homes occupied by disadvantaged community members, with a mix of home ages, sizes, rental homes, and owner-occupied homes. - The consent calendar was approved 5-0 as recorded in the transcript, with the noted recusal on item 4E. Public Comments & Testimony - A resident honored Jack Forbes, founder of the UC Davis Native American Studies department, and noted his connection to both Indigenous People’s Day and the idea of a Davis poet laureate. - Robert Canning of Old East Davis opposed council members accepting firefighter-union and bundled campaign contributions. He cited a Davisite post reporting over $22,000 in contributions to four of the five current council members and said three former mayors had sworn off such contributions. He urged candidates to just say no. - Alan Miller performed a protest song and urged a no vote on Measure Q. - A resident described being nearly hit by a car while crossing a street, said police were not responsive, and called for safer driving enforcement in Davis. - Alan Hirsch urged the council to address toxic community dialogue, increase collaboration, build the tax base, and add downtown housing. He referenced an essay he wrote about healing Davis’s wound. - A speaker whose family has lived in Davis since 1969 said he personally owed his life to Davis Firefighters Local 3494 and urged a yes vote on Measure Q. - Pre-recorded comment: Connor Gorman asked the city to examine commercial rents at Oakshade Town Center and to pursue a commercial vacancy tax as a way to lower rent burdens and generate revenue. Public hearing comments on outdoor dining: - Alan Hirsch supported the outdoor dining program but said it missed sales-tax enforcement and tree maintenance. He asked for a downtown tree plan and for protection of pedestrian throughways. - Alan Miller questioned the value of replacing parking spaces with parklets, mentioning roughly $70,000 per parking-space replacement, and said G Street should be reopened for traffic. - Another speaker supported civic spaces but worried about reduced parking downtown for people with mobility and access needs. - Connor Gorman, in pre-recorded comment, was generally supportive of businesses paying to use public space and wanted more publicly open pedestrian spaces. Discussion Items - Agenda item 5 was a public hearing on the downtown outdoor dining program. Staff planner Katie Ancy presented a plan to consolidate existing sidewalk, civic space, and parklet dining arrangements into one municipal code program, a fee schedule, and furnishing standards. - The program would apply within the Downtown Specific Plan area, with a red-line geographic correction noted by staff. - New definitions were proposed for civic space, parklet, pocket park, and urban open space. - Sidewalk zones were explained: Zone A is building frontage, Zone B is the pedestrian thoroughfare with a minimum 5-foot ADA path and no dining allowed, Zone C is the furnishing zone, and Zone D is the parking space or parklet zone. Outdoor dining would be allowed in Zones A, C, and D. - Businesses would enter revocable license agreements with the city. Existing agreements, encroachment permits, or no agreements would be converted to the new program by July 1, 2026, tied to the end of pandemic-era relief. - Alcohol service, propane heaters, fire pits, and needed encroachments such as electrical connections and shade structures would be permitted under the new program. - Proposed application deposits were $750 for basic tables and furnishings in Zones A and C or civic spaces; an additional $750 if electrical, heating, or lighting elements are added; and $3,500 for larger structures or parklets in Zones A, C, and D. - The proposed annual renewal or conversion fee was stated as $349, although the transcript later contains $394 and $359 figures for the same fee. - Proposed rents were $1.92 per square foot per year for Zones A and C, based on accelerated sidewalk depreciation, and $13.20 per square foot per year, or $1.10 per square foot per month, for Zone D or civic spaces, based on comparable retail rents adjusted for 25% seasonal vacancy. Staff said average downtown retail rent is about $2 per square foot per month. - Staff projected the program could generate about $30,000 in the first year and about $50,000 after 17 to 19 existing businesses are converted. - Councilmembers praised the program for creating consistency, predictability, and a level playing field for downtown businesses. - Councilmember Partita asked about rents, conversion of existing structures, and fee structures. Councilmember Neville asked about enforcement and whether adopting this model prevents future use of SB 969 authority; staff said the license agreement model is enforceable and does not necessarily preclude SB 969, though administering both would be awkward. - Mayor Chapman questioned charging rent for Zone A tables and chairs, and asked what process would apply to converting on-street parking into parklets. Staff said the city manager, rather than the public works director, would handle parklet approvals. City Manager Webb said on-street parking conversions would be treated as a high bar and would not be done lightly. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda 5-0. - Approved the consent calendar 5-0, with Councilmember Neville’s recusal on item 4E noted. - Adopted the outdoor dining municipal code updates, CEQA findings, and furnishing standards resolution by a 5-0 vote, after the fee resolution was separated into a second motion. - Adopted the resolution establishing outdoor dining fees and rents as written by a 3-2 vote. Mayor Chapman voted no because he opposed charging rent for Zone A and wanted that issue separated; the transcript records one additional no vote. - No AB 1234 travel reports were presented. - The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for November 12, 2024. - Councilmember Partita requested a November update on Crisis Now and on the $1.1 million set aside that must be encumbered by the end of the calendar year.

The Planning Commission met at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in Community Chambers, 23 Russell Boulevard, Davis, California. Commissioner Alan Bennett was absent; alternate Commissioner Catherine Brinkley voted in his place. The meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m. The commission considered two public hearings: an appeal of a zoning use determination for a veterinary surgery practice at 305 Mace Boulevard and a conditional use permit/design review for a Chipotle restaurant with a pickup lane at 4823 Chiles Road. Call to Order, Agenda Approval, and Announcements - The agenda was approved by motion and second. - Council liaison Donna Neville had no comments. - Commissioner Vince McLaughlin reminded the community of the Zombie Bike Ride and parade on Sunday, October 27, 2024, a free event benefiting NORCAL Trikers. - Principal Planner Dara Dungworth provided project updates: 500 G Street lumber yard drawings are in plan check; 240 G Street construction drawings are expected soon; the Trader Joe's facade at the Davis Collection is complete; Palomino's final supplemental EIR is being finalized; Village Farms' administrative draft EIR is expected to be released for a 45-day public review on January 7, 2025; and the Shriners draft EIR is expected early next year. Public Comments & Testimony - Hiram Jackson, a school board member speaking in support of Measure T, urged commissioners and residents to vote yes on Measure T on the November 5, 2024 ballot. He described it as a library parcel tax funding operations of the second library in South Davis at Walnut Park, requiring a two-thirds vote (66.6%) to pass. He said it would be a $49 annual assessment for individual homes and $24.50 for multi-unit dwellings, and that failure could reduce services at the Mary Stevens branch. - During the veterinary surgery hearing, Jay Vinson, co-founder of Symmetry Laser, a tenant at 305 Mace Boulevard, opposed a change of use. He said Symmetry Laser moved into the building in December 2021, currently has 20 employees, and plans to expand to about 35. He was concerned that a veterinary surgical center would create poor optics for his medical device manufacturing clients and could cause his business to lose revenue. He disputed earlier statements that the space had been vacant for five years. - Eileen Sametz, former planning commissioner and retired clinical microbiologist from UC Davis, supported the veterinary center. She said UC Davis' veterinary hospital has long wait times, local vets cannot perform these specialized surgeries, and the center would complement existing services and keep expertise in Davis. - Sharon Montooth, former Yolo County SPCA employee and volunteer, strongly supported the veterinary center, describing her own difficulty finding timely surgical care for a dog with a spinal injury and the need for more veterinary options in Davis. - No public speakers testified on the Chipotle item. Discussion Item: 305 Mace Boulevard - Appeal of Veterinary Surgery Use Determination - The applicant, Dr. Kelly Mayhew, owner of Peak Veterinary Surgery, requested the appeal be granted. With her husband, Dr. Philip Mayhew, a UC Davis veterinary surgery professor, she proposed a specialty small-animal surgical practice occupying about 4,800 square feet in an existing 16,200-square-foot building (the applicant's oral testimony referenced about 4,900 square feet). The proposal included overnight post-surgical patient care, plans for 20 or more employees within five years, and tax revenue for the city. - Staff Senior Planner Eric Lee said staff determined the use was not permitted in PD 5-18, whose base zoning is Industrial Administration and Research. Staff took a conservative interpretation because veterinary office is not listed in that district, even though it is allowed in other zones. Staff recommended denying the appeal. - During clarifying questions, staff acknowledged that a small-animal surgery center could reasonably be interpreted as a medical office and that Economic Development Director Katie Yancey did not necessarily concur with staff's initial determination. Staff also explained the appeal process was chosen as a faster path than a zoning interpretation request. - Dr. Philip Mayhew clarified that the practice would be a low-volume specialty surgery center, not a general practice or emergency service, with no experimental research and no immediate UC Davis affiliation or student training program. On-site laboratory work would be routine blood analysis, and administrative offices would be at the site. - Jay Vinson's business concerns and the vacancy timeline were discussed; the applicant responded that the building's entrances are at opposite ends and that the practice would be low-volume and a good neighbor. - Commission discussion emphasized that the general plan designation allows professional and medical offices, that veterinarians hold professional degrees, that the use is compatible with adjacent businesses, and that the space has been vacant for years. Chairman Greg Rowe made a motion to uphold the appeal and direct staff to prepare a resolution approving appeal 01-24 and allowing the proposed veterinary use. Commissioner McLaughlin added findings, including that the facility qualifies as a medical/professional office, will not impair adjacent uses, and is categorically exempt from CEQA. - The motion passed unanimously. Discussion Item: 4823 Chiles Road - Chipotle Restaurant Pick-Up Lane - The applicant sought to demolish the former Cindy's restaurant building, constructed in 1973 and 51 years old, and construct a 2,334-square-foot Chipotle quick-service restaurant with a pickup lane, site paving, landscaping, EV charging stalls, lighting, and a new trash enclosure. The project required Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 1-24, Design Review (DR) 05-24, and Demolition 03-24. - Staff Principal Planner Dara Dungworth said the restaurant use is conditionally allowed in the Commercial Mixed Use zone. The Historic Resources Management Commission reviewed the demolition at its September 16, 2024 meeting and found the building not historically eligible, so no Planning Commission action was needed on demolition. - The proposed 'Chipotlane' pickup lane has no menu board; orders are placed through Chipotle's app or website. A study peer-reviewed to the satisfaction of the city traffic engineer found average pickup-lane service time would drop from over six minutes to about 2.5 minutes, with queues of four or fewer cars about 98% of the time. - Staff recommended approval of the CUP and design review, with CEQA exemptions under sections 15302(B), 15303, and 15332. City Traffic Engineer Ryan Chapman said the project would not create significant circulation or traffic issues on Chiles Road. - In discussion, commissioners asked about outdoor seating, tree preservation, bicycle access, and freeway signage. Commissioner Georgina Valencia requested conditions to protect three existing healthy trees on the site and to add a permanent shade structure to the outdoor eating area, with materials matching the restaurant. - Some commissioners expressed frustration that the historic review and entitlement process delayed the project. The commission approved the CUP and design review with the added conditions. The vote was unanimous. Upcoming Meeting Dates and Referrals - Staff announced the October 23, 2024 meeting will not be held; the zoning ordinance omnibus will be brought to the November 13, 2024 meeting. November 27 and December 25 meetings are expected to be canceled due to holidays, and no items were scheduled for December 11 or January 8/22. - Commissioner Catherine Brinkley asked staff to agendize two future items: considering funding for planning staff to attend the American Planning Association conference, and a discussion of a housing element recommendation to explore ending single-family zoning citywide. - Staff confirmed the veterinary appeal resolution could be prepared administratively and would not require another commission meeting. Key Outcomes - The Planning Commission voted unanimously to grant appeal 01-24 at 305 Mace Boulevard, overruling the Community Development Director's denial, and directed staff to prepare a resolution allowing the proposed veterinary surgical use. - The Planning Commission approved PA 24-24, CUP 1-24, and DR 05-24 for the Chipotle restaurant and pickup lane at 4823 Chiles Road, subject to conditions protecting existing trees and adding a permanent shade structure to outdoor seating. - The commission referred future agenda items on planning staff conference funding and a conversation about single-family zoning.

The Davis City Council met on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 6:41 p.m. in the Community Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, public comments, consent calendar approval, a public hearing on the historical designation of 305 E Street, and a policy discussion on inclusionary housing alternatives. All votes were 5-0. Consent Calendar - Approved 14 routine items unanimously, including task orders, easement agreements, professional services agreements, grant acceptances, and resolutions supporting Measure T (library parcel tax). The consent calendar was adopted in a single motion without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - General Public Comments: Beth Bourne (Moms for Liberty, Yolo County) stated she received a no-trespass order from the school district after asking questions at back-to-school night and criticized Police Chief Darren Pytel for calling Moms for Liberty a hate group. A subsequent speaker defended the chief, noting the Southern Poverty Law Center has designated the group a hate group and accused Bourne of disrupting school events. Alan Miller sang a song opposing Measure Q. Connor Gorman (voicemail) supported progressive taxation and Measure T. - Public Hearing (305 E Street): Alan Miller argued the property should have been designated earlier and criticized the timing. Justin Zucker (representing the property owner) stated the building had lost integrity due to alterations and that a 63-unit housing project (9 affordable) was planned, consistent with the Downtown Davis Specific Plan. He offered to contribute up to $40,000 toward relocation of the structure. Discussion Items - Public Hearing – Designation of 305 E Street (Merit Resource): Staff presented the property (1905 Queen Anne vernacular) as eligible under criterion 3 (distinctive characteristics). The Historic Resources Management Commission recommended designation (2-1 vote). The property owner opposed, citing alterations and the downtown plan's redevelopment vision. Council discussed the property's integrity and the relocation offer. Councilmember Partida expressed concern about losing historic character, while Councilmember Arnold noted the downtown plan envisioned redevelopment. Council voted 5-0 to not designate the property and directed staff to work with the applicant on a relocation condition. - Inclusionary Housing Alternatives: Staff (Kelly Stachowicz, Sherri Metzker, Iris Grace, City Attorney Inder Khalsa) presented options for alternatives to the 15% on-site affordable housing requirement for multifamily projects. Discussion covered discretionary vs. non-discretionary paths, in-lieu fees, land dedication, off-site development, and vertical mixed-use incentives. Council took three votes: 1. Vertical Mixed Use: Council voted 5-0 to not reduce the inclusionary percentage for vertical mixed-use projects, but directed staff to explore other incentives and return with zoning amendments. Staff's recommendation that up to 75% of ground floor space be allowed for residential ancillary uses was supported. 2. Non-Discretionary Path: Council voted 5-0 to establish an in-lieu fee alternative for non-discretionary projects, structured as an ongoing revenue stream with a net present value equal to the total market cost of constructing an affordable unit, adjusted annually for inflation and construction costs. 3. Discretionary Path: Council voted 5-0 to create a process where applicants seeking an alternative must present a financial case to the Social Services Commission for a recommendation, then to the City Council for final approval. No explicit alternatives (e.g., in-lieu fees, land dedication) would be listed in the ordinance. Key Outcomes - 305 E Street: Not designated as a Merit Resource. Council directed staff to work with the applicant to formalize a relocation offer (up to $40,000) as a condition of future project approval. - Inclusionary Housing: Council gave clear policy direction for drafting a resolution: 15% on-site remains primary; non-discretionary alternative is an ongoing in-lieu fee (net present value of full construction cost); discretionary path requires a financial case and Social Services Commission recommendation. Staff will return with a resolution for adoption. - Future Meetings: City Manager noted upcoming retirement of Police Chief Darren Pytel and swearing-in of Chief Todd Henry on November 19, 2024. No items were pulled from the long-range calendar. Ceremonial Presentations - Proclamations recognized United Nations Day (Oct 24), Dysautonomia Awareness Month (October), 40th Anniversary of Davis Musical Theatre Company, and 50th Anniversary of the City’s Curbside Recycling Program. The meeting recessed for cupcakes to celebrate the recycling milestone.

The Davis Planning Commission met on September 25, 2024, with a quorum present and the alternate commissioner absent. The commission approved the agenda, heard staff and council liaison updates, received one general public comment, approved the consent calendar, held a public hearing on proposed outdoor dining code changes, voted to recommend those changes to the City Council, and reviewed upcoming planning items. This summary is based on the meeting transcript. Staff and Liaison Announcements - Councilmember Neville had no announcements. - Principal Planner Dunworth reported that staff-level form-based code approvals for the 413 E Street apartment building and the lifestyle hotel expansion are through the appeal period and are expected to move toward construction drawings. - Outreach on the downtown form-based code is underway, including a presentation to the Downtown Davis Business Association board, and additional informational noticing and a mailer to downtown property owners are being prepared; council consideration has been moved to November. - Shriners remains on track; work continues on NOP comments and commencement of EIR drafting. Village Farms is in a similar position, with a draft EIR expected within the next few months. - The Palomino Place comment period on the administrative draft supplemental EIR closed on Monday; comments are being compiled and transmitted to the applicant. Consent Calendar - A motion to approve the consent calendar passed unanimously. The chair noted that the June 26 meeting minutes contained minor typos—including "objection design standards" instead of "objective design standards"—to be corrected before transmittal to the council. Public Comments & Testimony - Alan Hirsch, the "Davis Lorax," spoke generally. He urged the city to require third spaces such as coffee shops as a quid pro quo when developers receive voluntary upzonings, citing the Oakshade Mall/Target area. He said staff failed to pick up tree-care violations at Oakshade Mall, alleged that gas stations are illegally topping trees, and asked for enforcement of the tree code. He also said the street serving Bretton Woods is too wide and violates city street standards, questioned placement of low-income/family housing next to the freeway near Drummond and Research Park Drive, criticized the use of industrial land for housing, and called on the mayor as head of YOLO to push Caltrans for a sound wall. - There were no public comments during the outdoor dining public hearing. Discussion Items Outdoor Dining Code Update - Economic Development Director Yancey presented proposed amendments to Chapter 40 of the municipal code. She said the amendments would add a clarified definition of "civic space," add a definition of "parklet," codify a public realm diagram with zones A–D, create a formal outdoor dining program using revocable license agreements, and make explicit that the city manager executes those agreements. Zone B would remain a minimum five-foot clear, ADA-accessible sidewalk zone where outdoor dining would not be allowed. - The outdoor dining program is already in early operation through an interest form launched August 15, with no cost and no deadline. Draft application materials were shared September 13 with the Downtown Davis Business Association, the Vanguard, three businesses that had already submitted interest forms, and 40 other interested individuals. Application fees include a $3,500 deposit cited for complex new construction such as Burgers and Brew. Furnishing standards are being drafted as objective design standards covering durability, fire/life safety, maintenance, and ABC/alcohol compliance. - Commissioners asked about permits, deposits, revocable license terms, liability and indemnification, pest/rat concerns, maintenance, ABC rules, lighting, materials, transferability of improvements, process fairness, traffic flow, and whether food trucks or pop-up vendors would be covered. Staff said food trucks and sidewalk vendors are not covered now and may be addressed later; existing businesses must convert to the revocable license program by July 1, 2026; revocable licenses can be revoked by the city with or without cause upon notice; and the city generally has no performance obligations except for city-provided elements such as G Street civic lighting. - Commissioners expressed broad support. Commissioner Brinkley said the proposal advances the city's food and economic development plan and praised the goal of a more walkable, hospitable downtown. Commissioner Wise called it a great step forward, with a joking reference to Ratatouille. The chair reported that the DDBA executive director was complimentary about the predictability and consistency the program would bring. Long-Range Calendar and Project Schedule - Upcoming items include an October 9, 2024 zoning interpretation appeal for a specialty veterinary surgery use in a zone that does not allow veterinary uses; the anticipated Chipotle project is ready to come forward after HRMC review; possible omnibus zoning ordinance amendments on October 23; a November 13 "retail fix" zoning ordinance amendment for planned developments and shopping centers; no urgent special meeting on November 27; and no second December meeting due to Christmas. - Village Farms Davis draft EIR public comment meeting is scheduled for February 12, 2025. Planning commission review and action are expected in May 2025, with council action needed by July 2025 to make the November 2025 ballot. Palomino Place may return in early 2025. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved unanimously. - Consent calendar approved unanimously, with corrections to the June 26 minutes. - The commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council introduce an ordinance "substantially in the form attached" implementing the outdoor dining program, civic space and parklet definitions, and related code changes, with the minor General Plan goal typo corrected. - Targeted council dates are first reading on the 15th and second reading on the 12th, with implementation by mid-December; application fees will also go to the council on the 15th. - Existing outdoor dining businesses must move into the new revocable license structure by July 1, 2026. - Staff will continue form-based code outreach and will bring future items to the commission as scheduled.

The Woodland-Davis Clean Water Agency (WDCWA) Board of Directors met on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Davis City Hall. The board approved several resolutions related to water supply, power reliability, and infrastructure upgrades. All votes were unanimous (3-0). Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting with a 3-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered. Discussion Items - General Manager and Operations Manager Update: Tim (GM) and Stan (Operations Manager) provided updates on: - Water Supply: Term 91 curtailment remains in effect due to Delta salinity management (X2). Lake Oroville and Shasta storage levels are above average. - PG&E Early Exit: The agency will pay a $257,000 early termination penalty to switch from PG&E to WAPA by January 1, 2025, anticipating net savings of $100,000–$300,000. - Intake Screen Replacement: All 10 screens have been replaced; the last three required cutting out. Jacobs has not yet invoiced for the work. - Erosion Control: A project at the intake is planned with riprap installation. - Power Outage: A contractor accident caused a 19-day off-grid period (August 10–29). Generator belt failure and relay issues led to low pressure in Davis (below 20 PSI). The plant operated on diesel at an estimated $10,000/day. The State Water Board was proactively notified. - Generator Reliability: Jacobs will conduct a forensic evaluation of the electrical system. The critical relay issue is the top priority. - DER / Microgrid: A battery and solar backup system is in preliminary design, expected in 1.5 years. A grant has been applied for; potential funding gaps may be covered by reserves or deferred reimbursements. - Air Quality: The plant exceeded the 200-hour generator runtime permit limit for the second time. Staff expects to resolve the notice of violation with the AQMD by demonstrating mitigation efforts. - Winter Water Transfer Purchase Agreement: The board approved a resolution to enter a $50,000 option contract with South Water District for up to 15 cfs of water starting November 1, 2024. The state permit is pending final approval. - Agreement with WAPA for New Meter: The board approved a $50,000 agreement for WAPA to install a new meter at the intake, resolving a power assignment issue and simplifying billing. The existing operating agreement with RD 2035 will be amended. - Power Sales Agreement with WAPA: The board approved the power sales agreement, with rates to be determined pending WAPA’s negotiations with PG&E. - Long Range Board Calendar: The next board meeting is scheduled for January 16, 2025. Key Outcomes - Approved (3-0): Minutes, Resolution 2024-4 (winter water transfer purchase agreement), Resolution 2024-5 (WAPA meter agreement), and the power sales agreement with WAPA. - Directives: Staff will proceed with the DER microgrid design, work with Jacobs on electrical system forensics, and amend the RD 2035 agreement.

The Davis City Council met on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 6:35 PM. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, a presentation from Valley Clean Energy, public hearings on TEFRA and the CAPER report, and approval of the consent calendar. Key actions included approval of resolutions related to transit, software licenses, street closure, water rates, and the poet laureate nomination, as well as approval of bond issuance for URCAD and submission of the CAPER report to HUD. Ceremonial Presentations - Proclamation recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Month, accepted by Lynn Pratt of Suicide Prevention Yolo County. - Proclamation recognizing Diane Summers for her 38 years of leadership in suicide prevention. - Proclamation recognizing September 15–October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month, accepted by students from Davis Senior High's Latinos Unidos Club. - Proclamation recognizing October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and honoring Thriving Pink, accepted by Executive Director Leslie Hunter and survivor Steve Winberg. - Proclamation recognizing October as National Bullying Prevention Month, accepted by Kay Williams and Anush Georgian of the Davis Phoenix Coalition. - Proclamation thanking Dos Coyotes and the Davis Live Music Collective for their sponsorship of the 4th of July celebration, accepted by Bobby Coyote and Kyle. Consent Calendar - Approved 5-0 (Mayor Chapman abstained on Item 4E) the consent calendar consisting of: FTA Program of Projects and subrecipient agreement with UC Davis for Unitrans; PTASP annual certification for Unitrans and Davis Community Transit; GIS Enterprise License Agreement renewal with ESRI; Microsoft Enterprise License Agreement renewal; Resolution closing G Street Reactivation Area to vehicular traffic; MOU to donate a surplus fire engine to the City of Woodland; Ordinance amending water rate administrative process and updates to lifeline assistance; Second reading of ordinance amending PD 5-95 (Cowell/Lillard/Valdora); Appointment of Mercedes Ibanez as Poet Laureate (September 2024–September 2027); City Manager purchasing summary; and commission minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - Ezra Beaman expressed concerns about safety downtown and in his neighborhood, citing intimidating individuals, loitering, and incidents near his home, and urged the council to address these issues. - Alan Miller criticized the respite center, stating it has failed, and called for its relocation to wealthier areas of Davis, arguing for social justice. - Beth Bourne complained about harassment and intimidation from other meeting attendees, criticized the city's camera policy for not showing speaker faces, and alleged discrimination, including against hearing-impaired individuals. - Alan Hirsch urged the council to require a quid pro quo from developers like the Oakshade Mall landlord, suggested adding cafes to address loneliness, and warned of national political attacks on small towns, encouraging community members to engage in voter registration. - Mark Housing discussed bike safety, noting that putting responsibility on children is insufficient, and called for enforcement of traffic rules and long-term changes to reduce car dependency. - Pre-recorded speaker Dylan Horton (Police Accountability Commission chair, speaking as individual) advocated for banning facial recognition technology by Davis police, citing data on inaccuracy for people of color, women, and gender non-conforming individuals. - Pre-recorded speaker supported the G Street reactivation project and water subsidies for low-income households, including renters. Discussion Items Valley Clean Energy Efforts and Programs (Item 5) Mitch Sears, Executive Officer of Valley Clean Energy (VCE), presented an update. VCE is a community choice aggregation program serving Yolo County (except West Sacramento) since 2018. Highlights included: - Contracted for nearly 400 MW of renewable capacity, with 70-80% of load under long-term contracts. - Customers saved over $3.5 million collectively, with low-income CARE/FERA customers receiving a 4.5% discount on generation charges. - VCE brought in about $10 million in grants and concessions. - Portfolio exceeds state renewable minimums by 30%, with a target of 100% renewable by 2030, including 25% local storage. - Programs include EV rebates (39 awarded, over 20% to low-income), AgFit (dynamic pricing for agricultural customers, now being expanded by CPUC), Ohm Connect (smart thermostat incentives), and a microgrid project in Esparto. - VCE is debt-free, has clean audits, and maintains a 2% lower rate than PG&E. - Councilmembers expressed strong support, noting VCE is one of the city's most impressive accomplishments. Questions were asked about microgrid funding opportunities, CPUC regulation, opt-out trends (highest in rural areas, lower in residential), and efforts to educate customers about billing. Public Hearing: TEFRA – University Retirement Community at Davis (Item 6) Iris Grace, Affordable Housing Manager, explained that the city is acting as a conduit for a required IRS hearing. The California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA) seeks to issue revenue and refunding bonds up to $102 million for URCAD. The city has no financial liability; CMFA will share 25% of its fees with the city. Councilmember Arnold asked about the subordination agreement, and staff clarified it relates to pre-existing city covenants on the property. The council approved resolutions 5-0. Public Hearing: CAPER for Program Year 2023 (Item 7) Dana Bailey, Social Services and Housing Director, presented the draft CAPER for the period July 2023–June 2024. The report covers use of CDBG and HOME funds. Notable outcomes: Davis Community Meals and Housing sheltered 15 individuals and made 813 outreach referrals; Meals on Wheels served 28,230 meals; Yolo Crisis Nursery served 169 children (ages 0–5). The Social Services Commission provided feedback at their previous meeting, requesting more detail on the homeless strategic plan and provider feedback. The council approved resolution authorizing submission to HUD, 5-0. City Council Long-Range Calendar (Item 8) No AB 1234 reports. Vice Mayor Vaitla requested adding down payment assistance to the long-range calendar for an initial ordinance discussion. The council agreed. City Manager noted next meetings: October 1 and October 15, 2024. Key Outcomes - Approved consent calendar (5-0, mayor abstained on 4E). - Received and discussed Valley Clean Energy presentation; no formal action. - Approved resolution for TEFRA bond issuance (5-0). - Approved resolution to submit CAPER to HUD (5-0). - Agreed to place down payment assistance on a future agenda.

The meeting focused on the Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) for the Palomino Place project, a 175-unit residential subdivision on 25.8 acres at the southeast corner of Wildhorse Ranch. No formal action was taken; the commission received public and commissioner comments for inclusion in the Final SEIR. Consent Calendar - Minutes from April 24, 2024: Approved unanimously with minor corrections. Public Comments & Testimony - Caravaggio Drive residents (Al Lynn, Brent Meyer, Phil Wiles): Expressed concerns about privacy, noise, light pollution, and the proposed 20-foot tree buffer. They requested a green belt or transfer of buffer to existing homeowners. Meyer noted the developer offered a 15-foot deed with condition allowing two-story homes. Wiles raised concerns about enforcement of use restrictions due to ag zoning and urged exploration of traditional zoning. - Albert Lynn (earlier public comment on non-agenda items): Spoke in Spanish and English about his experience as a construction worker, advocating for medical insurance and fair wages for workers. - Alexander Hampton (NorthCal Carpenters): Shared positive experiences working in Davis and emphasized the importance of local hire, health care, and apprenticeship standards. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation: Principal Planner Eric Lee and Nick Papani (Rainey Management) presented background on the project, builder's remedy status, and the Draft SEIR process. The SEIR identified new significant impacts in biological resources (mitigable via Yolo HCP) and unavoidable significant impacts in aesthetics, construction noise, VMT, agricultural zoning, and land use conflicts. - VMT Analysis (Greg Barons, Fehr & Peers): The project’s residential VMT per capita is 33, exceeding the city threshold of 25.6 (15% below city average of 30.1) and regional threshold of 18.4 (15% below SACOG average of 21.7). Mitigation measures (subsidized transit passes for up to 45 affordable units, car-share, and e-bike-share) were estimated to reduce VMT only to 32.1, leaving a significant and unavoidable impact. The non-residential pentathlon facility would reduce regional VMT by over 1,000 miles. - Alternatives: Four alternatives were evaluated: no project, increased density (260 units), reduced density (98 units), and no pentathlon. The increased density alternative was identified as environmentally superior because it would reduce residential VMT per capita below both thresholds. Chair Rowe expressed skepticism about the VMT model and requested a financial feasibility analysis for the pentathlon center, citing past failed sports complexes in Davis. - Builder’s Remedy and Zoning: City Attorney Indra Calsa clarified that the project does not require a general plan amendment or rezoning, so Measure J/R does not apply. Residential design will be regulated through conditions of approval and CC&Rs; design review is limited to the pentathlon facility. - Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Brinkley noted trust in the VMT model and self-selection benefits; Commissioner McLaughlin said builder’s remedy is “bad law” but workable; Commissioner Deos appreciated staff’s extensive public noticing. Commissioner Rowe emphasized the need for financial clarity on the pentathlon before project approval. Key Outcomes - No vote taken on the Draft SEIR. The public comment period ends September 23, 2024 at 5:00 PM; written comments may be submitted to Senior Planner Eric Lee (elee@cityofdavis.org). - Next Steps: Staff will prepare responses to all comments in a Final SEIR, which will include a mitigation monitoring and reporting program. The project (vesting tentative map and affordable housing plan) will return to the Planning Commission for a decision, likely in winter 2024. The developer has waived deadlines under the settlement agreement due to delays. - Upcoming Meetings: Next regular meeting September 25, 2024 will feature economic development items (G Street Plaza, outdoor dining). October 9 and 23, November 13 and 27 (November 27 is Thanksgiving Eve, likely canceled) are potential meeting dates.