Davis City Council Meeting - March 19, 2024

The Davis City Council convened on March 19, 2024, at 6:46 PM. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, City Manager announcements, approval of the consent calendar, and discussion and votes on two tree appeals, a downtown decorative lighting plan, and the city's Water Assistance Program.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent calendar (5-0), which included routine approvals and items not pulled for discussion.
• Councilmember Arnold requested that staff send responses to public commenters who asked questions regarding consent items, particularly around electrification and fleet electrification. Staff agreed to share that information.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Carlson (property owner at 2121 Second Street): Expressed support for updating the city's cannabis tax rate, suggesting matching Santa Rosa's rate to attract more cannabis businesses to his property, which has space for cannabis manufacturing and distribution. He noted the industry is struggling but that his property has six years of no significant incidents.
• Colleen G. Gorman: Spoke during general public comment against Proposition 1, arguing incarceration is not an effective way to address mental health issues, and urged residents to check their vote status. Also promoted union rallies for AFSCME 3299.
• Robert Traverso (homeowner at 1316 Torrey Street): Argued for removal of a Chinese tallow tree, citing $15,000 in property damage (roof, landscaping, driveway, water line) from limb-falling and root damage. He said the tree is an invasive species not suited as a street tree.
• Sophia Mattingley (homeowner at 1104 Los Robles): Expressed safety concerns about a Beta pine tree in her backyard, citing lean, large sap dropping, and buckle Termites. She said the tree is creating an unsafe yard for her children.
• Colin Walsh (Tree Commission member, speaking as an individual): First comment: Supported staff recommendation for 1104 Los Robles but noted that if councils vote to remove, mitigation fees should be charged. Second comment: Supported staff recommendation for decorative lighting on poles, noting it protects tree health, is compliant with Dark Sky and city codes, and benefits wildlife.
• Several public commenters (via written/online comments): Supported the lighting plan, praised tree commission for advocating tree health, and expressed appreciation for the tree canopy and the need for safe lighting.
• One public commenter: Expressed concern about students not being able to attend the meeting but supported the lighting plan.
• One public commenter: Supported expanding the water assistance program and increasing the monthly allowance.

Discussion Items

• Tree appeal on 1316 Torrey Street (Tree Commission decision, February 7, 2024): The property owner appealed a decision to retain a Chinese tallow tree. Staff recommended putting the tree on annual inspection. Council members debated the issue. Councilmember Arnold raised points about the asymmetry of property owners facing costs when the city requires a tree to remain, and Councilmember Chapman supported the appeal, noting that the tree is invasive and that property damage can occur without city records. Council voted 4-1 to grant the appeal and approved removal with a $3,067 mitigation fee.
• Tree appeal on 1104 Los Robles (Tree Commission decision, August 2, 2023): The homeowner appealed a decision to retain a bruta pine tree. Staff recommended structural pruning and annual inspections. Council heard about the homeowner's concerns regarding property damage and property damage. Councilmember Neville preferred to rely on the Tree Commission's judgment, while Councilmember Partita wanted to test the tree for lean before deciding. Councilmember Arnold supported the appeal, saying the tree is in poor form and the homeowner has compelling reasons. The mayor (Chapman) was excused. The motion to grant the appeal lacked a second, so it failed. Councilmember Partita moved staff recommendation with an added to inspect the tree within 10 days for lean and root gaps. The motion passed 4-0.
• Downtown Decorative Lighting Plan (Item 7): Staff presented results from 500 additional survey respondents. The preferred option (Option 2) is to have decorative lighting on poles with Edison bulbs, anchored to streetlights. Benefits: no harm to trees, compliance with Dark Sky, reduced vandalism, and better consistency. Estimated costs: $3,000 to $5,800 per block for installation, plus $564 for a full block. Staff proposed engaging the Downtown Business Association (which already receives $10,000/year for beautification) for cost-sharing. Council supported the plan and directed staff to return with an implementation plan, phased approach, and cost-sharing A motion for staff recommendation passed 5-0.
• Water Assistance Program (Item 8): Staff reported that the program had a $10/month credit for eligible households (through PG&E Care enrollment). Only 77 of 250 available spots used. Late fees (typical $100,000/year in inflated after COVID have been $300,000 but are expected to drop). Staff recommended increasing the monthly credit and removing the amount from city code to allow easier future adjustments, and also recommended maximizing initial the current cap before expanding. Council directed staff to proceed with legislation and outreach. The motion passed 5-0.
• City Manager Announcements: Mike Webb reported the purchase of a 120-acre agricultural conservation easement ($960,000 total, funded 25% from Measure O and open space fees) and the launch of the HateFree Together website (hatefretogethr.org).
• Council Member Announcements: Councilmember Arnold requested that public commenter questions be shared; staff agreed.
• Councilmember Reports/Voter: No reports were made.
• Dir. Proclamations: American Red Cross Month, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and Women’s History Month were recognized.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved 5-0, with a request for public sharing of responses to commenters.
• Tree Appeal (1316 Torrey): Appeal granted (motion 5-0 with 4 ayes, 1 nay). Mitigation fee of $3,067 to be paid.
• Tree Appeal (1104 Los Robles): Appeal denied; motion (4-0) to retain the tree with mandatory inspection within 10 days for snag. The tree commission will continue monitoring.
• Downtown Lighting Plan: Direction to staff to return with plan, phase, and cost estimate with DBA involvement; motion passed 5-0.
• Water Assistance Program: Staff directed to increase monthly credit (value to be determined), remove fixed amount from code, and report back by end of 2024; motion passed 5-0.
• Long-Range Calendar: Next meeting scheduled for April 2, 2024. No changes noted.