Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Benicia City Council convened on August 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The agenda included a presentation by Former Mayor Jerry Hayes on the IT Panoche hazardous waste facility, the approval of the FY26/27 Capital Improvement Program, the introduction of an ordinance revising municipal procurement and finance code, and modifications to the local Lyft program. Vice Mayor Macenski participated remotely. A date discrepancy was noted in the agenda text for Item 14.A.
Benicia Lyft Program Modifications (Item 14.C) Councilmember Scott proposed amendments to maintain the subsidized fare structure for low-income/disabled residents at $3/$4 and direct STA to create a hardship application allowing residents living and working in Benicia up to 40 rides per month. The motion passed unanimously.
Ordinance: Finance Director Title & Procurement Authority Updates (Item 15.A) Administrative Services Director Mike Shute presented amendments to update 40 code sections from "Finance Director" to "Administrative Services Director" and clarify procurement thresholds. Councilmember Largaespada questioned the scope. The City Manager noted oversight discussions were best suited for a future goal-setting session. The first reading was introduced unanimously.
Capital Improvement Program FY26/27 (Item 15.B) Deputy Public Works Director Neil Leary presented the $21.5 million CIP covering streets, water, wastewater, and other projects (e.g., marina breakwater, train depot, pavement rehab). Councilmembers discussed project scope, funding sources, and the inclusion of an art mural. The resolution adopting the plan passed unanimously.
Ad Hoc "ACT" Task Force Groups Updates (Item 16.A) Councilmember Scott reported that Valero is continuing community outreach with an open house in September and is targeting a fall submittal of a pre-application or plan use plan. Mayor Young provided an update on the Bay Area Air District Catalyst and Opportunity grants.
Good evening. I want to call the uh meeting of the Venetia City Council to order. And uh before we convene the open session, I uh need to say that Vice Mayor Masenski will be participating remotely pursuant to government code 54953. Vice Mayor Masenski's teleconference location has been properly noticed on the agenda and is open to the public. So if anybody's in Gray Eagle and they want to join Vice Mayor Masinski, they can do so. Members of the public may observe and participate from either the council chambers or the noticed remote location. So I'll ask uh I know that the internet connection might be a little sketchy in Gray Eagle. Uh Vice Mayor, are you with us? Okay. Well, we will ask that uh he join us when when uh if he is uh able. So with that, we'll uh start with the roll call, Ms. Wolf. Please call the roll. Council members birdseye here, Margas Spada Mesenski, Scott here, and Mayor Young. Here and now uh please join uh in the pledge. Mr. Smith, would you like to lead us in the pledge? Okay. Uh I pledge will be specified for the United States America. Under God. A plaque stating the fundamental rights of the public is posted at the entrance to this meeting room for section 4.04.03 of the City of Venetia's open government ordinance. Under announcements, I have Mayor, I have office hours on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. And if those uh from 4 30 to 6 p.m., then if that time is not convenient, you can make an appointment through the city manager's office. We have no proclamations, we have no appointments, but we do have a presentation. And so we're going to uh hear from uh former mayor Jerry Hayes. Mr. Hayes, the floor is yours. Good evening, Mayor Young and uh Council members. First, let me extend my thanks to the invitation from City Manager Juliani to address you on a subject that will impact myself, my family, and all the citizens of Venetia. The subject of concern is the closed IT Pinoch toxic waste facility, which is located on our northern border just off Lake Herman Road. And to those who don't know, our city limits run on Lake Herman Road. Let me be clear why I am bringing this to your attention. I am a longtime resident of Venetia. My children and grandchildren live in Venetia. And I will always be concerned about their health and welfare.