Benicia City Council Meeting: Charter and Tax Measures, Contract Award (August 4, 2026)

The Benicia City Council met on August 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM to consider revised ballot language for a limited city charter and real property transfer tax, and to approve a construction contract for the corporation yard bathroom remodel. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the July 21, 2026 special and regular meeting.
• Designated Council Member Kari Birdseye as the voting delegate for the 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference General Assembly (no alternate designated).
• Accepted a 5-year grant through the Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant Program (Board of State and Community Corrections); authorized the City Manager to sign the grant agreement on behalf of the Benicia Police Department and approved budget amendments in the Police Department General Fund for FY27.
• Waived the reading of all ordinances introduced or adopted pursuant to the agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Resident Mr. Hayes reported being overcharged for six years by Republic Services (garbage provider) due to a billing system error; a credit was issued for only three years. He expressed concern that other residents might be affected and noted difficulty in getting further refund from upper management.
• Steve Gollup (via Zoom) urged the city to proactively inform the public about an air district catalyst grant application to maximize funding, noting that the city would be seeking funds from at least two tax measures (which he supported).

Discussion Items

• Ballot Measures Y and Z (Limited City Charter and Real Property Transfer Tax):

  • City Attorney Mr. Stock presented revised ballot language following community objections to the original wording adopted on July 21, 2026.
  • For Measure Y (limited city charter): The language was further refined during the meeting to: "Shall the measure adopting a limited city charter for the city of Benicia that allows the real property transfer tax in Measure Z to take effect if voters approve both Measures Y and Z and continues the city's existing council manager form of government be adopted."
  • For Measure Z (real property transfer tax): The revised language as published in the packet was presented without further changes.
  • The council took separate votes for each measure.

• Corporation Yard Bathroom Remodel:

  • Public Works Director Ms. Martinez presented the project, describing the current 50-year-old facility as not meeting workforce needs, lacking adequate locker space, and having a shower only in the men's side. The project includes demolition, reconfiguration of locker rooms, a new unisex shower, and revised plumbing.
  • Total construction cost: $277,436 (bid $241,249 + 15% contingency of $36,187).
  • Funding sources: The general fund share is $25,000; the remaining cost is split among enterprise funds (water, wastewater) and an internal service fund.
  • Vice Mayor Macenski asked about ADA compliance – confirmed the project will address ADA issues.
  • Councilmember Scott questioned whether alternatives were considered; staff noted prefab modular units would cost approx. $300,000 and that the project had been in development for three years.
  • Councilmember Largaespada characterized the total project cost (0.4% of the general fund) as "budget dust" but clarified the general fund share is $25,000.
  • Public comment: Mr. Hayes suggested painting as a cost-saving alternative; a letter from Lori Grundman, opposing the $277,000 expense, noted that residents use portable toilets at some parks.
  • Mayor Young raised concern about the condition of public park bathrooms versus staff bathrooms; staff stated that park bathroom soft remodels (fixtures, paint, floors) cost approx. $30,000 per location for smaller sites (e.g., Bocce Court) and up to $120,000 for larger sites (e.g., Community Park). Staff noted the Parks, Landscape, and Lighting Assessment District (PLAID) program will be discussed on September 2, 2026, and funds collected in FY27 could be spent in 2027.
  • Councilmember Birdseye confirmed the current budget can support the expense.
  • Councilmembers expressed support, emphasizing that taking care of employee infrastructure is a responsibility.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted Resolution authorizing placement of the limited city charter ballot measure (Measure Y) with revised language on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot. (Vote: 5-0)
• Adopted Resolution authorizing placement of the real property transfer tax ballot measure (Measure Z) with revised language as presented in the staff report on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot. (Vote: 4-1, Councilmember Largaespada dissenting)
• Approved the construction contract for the Corporation Yard Bathroom Remodel (Atkinson Builders, Inc., $241,249), authorized a budget amendment, approved the CEQA Notice of Exemption, and authorized change orders up to 15% contingency. (Vote: 5-0)