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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Davis City Council Meeting Summary: June 18, 2024

City Council & Planning Commission — Tuesday, June 18, 2024

BodyDavis, California

SessionCity Council & Planning Commission

DateTuesday, June 18, 2024

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 3:07:39

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:09

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the June 18th uh meeting of the Davis City Council.

0:15

I will uh let the record show it is 6 49.

0:18

We'll call the meeting to order.

0:19

Uh, all of my colleagues are here and present, so we have a quorum, and I will turn to uh one of my colleagues and entertain a motion for the approval of our agenda for tonight's meeting.

0:30

So moved.

0:31

Second.

0:32

All right, we have a motion by Councilmember Neville and a second by uh Vice Mayor Vitla.

0:37

Any further discussion on our agenda.

0:39

All right, seeing not all in favor, please say aye.

0:42

Aye.

0:42

Aye.

0:43

Opposed, abstain.

0:44

All right, motion carries 5-0.

0:46

And we have an agenda for tonight.

0:49

Uh before we start and kick off the meeting tonight, uh, I'm just gonna kind of have a quick minute here to reset some of the expectations uh for uh behavior and comments in council chambers.

1:03

Um I think it's helpful to remind everyone of the rules that we follow at our council meetings.

1:08

Uh in the last meeting, we had some disruptive behavior where we had to gavel and stop the meeting a number of times to prevent the behavior from disrupting the meeting and moving forward.

1:19

So, first, I'd like to address public comment.

1:22

Agenda item number three on our uh on our agenda is open public comment time.

1:28

Uh, this is time for public comment for items that are not on the agenda or items which are on the consent calendar, which is before you if you have the agenda, we can see it online.

1:36

That is your time for general public comment or items on the consent calendar.

1:41

It is also time for you to make uh public comment.

1:44

If you are not able to stay for an agenda item that is later on the agenda, you can make your public comment during general public comment, but please know that that is your time for public comment.

2:00

Um we also provide time for public comment on each agenda item, as I said.

2:06

Uh, and here all comments um when we get to an agenda item when it's a regular agenda item, all public comment that is being uh committed or is being uh relayed to us is related to that agenda item.

2:19

It needs to be tied to that agenda item.

2:21

So if the agenda item is on the wastewater treatment plant, that public comment period is for wastewater treatment plant.

2:26

So please keep your comments uh to that.

2:29

Uh all public comments should be directed to us here at the dais to the city council.

2:34

You are here uh making public comment to us, uh not to uh to the public here behind you or to our staff.

2:41

Uh finally, we want this to be a safe space for people to share their views.

2:44

We've we've uh reiterated this a number of times in council, even if other others in the room do not agree with them.

2:50

So we ask you to refrain from applause or any other audible expression of support or opposition while people are speaking.

2:56

Please do not crowd the public speakers, do not interrupt them, and please stay seated or cued in line when they are speaking.

3:03

Oftentimes there is a line that goes down the middle.

3:06

That is totally fine.

3:07

Just please give the public speaker uh the space while they are speaking.

3:11

If I, as the person presiding over this meeting, feel that someone's behavior is disrupting the meeting and preventing us from continuing on.

3:17

That will stop the meeting and ask the behavior to stop.

3:20

Um, as you may have noticed and has been has happened in these city council meetings, uh, you're more than welcome to bring to bring signs into council chambers.

3:27

That is your right to express your views.

3:30

But it should be freestanding and not attached to anything.

3:33

And we also ask that you stay seated in your seat in your queue, or if you're cued up, you may have your sign with you there.

3:39

In recent meetings, certain members of the public have caused a distraction by trying to catch the camera with their signs uh during public comment, and we've had to stop the meeting a number of times due to that behavior, so please refrain from that.

3:50

So thank you for helping.

3:57

So thank you for helping us make this a safe space for everyone to share their views on the governance of this city.

4:07

Thank you.

4:10

So with that, we're gonna move to ceremonial uh item number one, which is ceremonial presentations.

4:15

We have two uh presentations here this evening.

4:18

Um I'm gonna turn to Councilmember Arnold for ceremonial presentation uh item 1A.

4:23

It's a proclamation recognizing July as park and recreation month, and I'll turn it over to you, Councilmember Arnold.

4:28

Thank you, Mayor.

4:29

Uh, we do have a couple of recipients uh if they would like to make their way up.

4:34

DM Machado, our parks and community services director, Miko Chambers, Reck and Park Commission Chair, Kate Quok, a youth participant, and Terry Cornelius, an active adult.

4:45

We're proclaiming July as park and recreation month.

4:49

The United States House of Representatives has designated July as park and recreation month.

4:55

Parks and recreation programs are an integral part of the Davis community.

5:00

They're essential in promoting health and wellness through outdoor spaces, trails, aquatics, and sports facilities, and many other activities and programs designed to promote active lifestyles.

5:10

Parks and recreation foster a sense of community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe and accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.

5:23

In addition, parks and recreation help contribute to a community's economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of businesses, and crime reduction.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural█████████████13%

Public Engagement█████████████13%

Transportation Safety████████████12%

Homelessness██████████10%

Affordable Housing█████████9%

Public Comment████████8%

Taxation Policy███████7%

Sustainability and Renewable Energy█████5%

Community Engagement████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Davis City Council Meeting Summary: June 18, 2024

The Davis City Council met on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, beginning at 6:49 p.m. (agenda listed 6:30 p.m.) and adjourned after 9:35 p.m. The meeting included ceremonial presentations, public comments, and several significant agenda items, including approval of a battery energy storage system at the wastewater treatment plant, allocation of federal grant funds for community development and housing, advancement of an underpass connecting the Amtrak station to Olive Drive, and placement of a one-cent sales tax measure on the November 2024 ballot.

Consent Calendar

The council approved the consent calendar (5-0), which included: Task Order 10.2 for Richards Boulevard/I-80 Interchange design services; purchase of chemicals for the wastewater treatment plant; contingency increase for City Hall portable office trailer project; renewal of contract for enterprise software services with Central Square; professional services agreements for on-call landscape architecture and habitat restoration; an ordinance making permanent the bike and scooter share program (Spin); an ordinance revising purchasing requirements for informal bidding on public projects; and second reading of an ordinance re-adopting a military equipment use policy.

Public Comments & Testimony

Kevin Wan (Davis Downtown president) expressed the board's unanimous support for placing a sales tax measure on the November ballot, noting plans to engage the downtown community.
Beth Bourne spoke against city support for transgender youth, asserting that affirming gender identity is harmful.
Dorda Jensen opposed the proposed sales tax increase, citing concerns about no sunset clause and potential economic disincentives.
Alan Miller criticized police response to crime and arson, calling for better public safety.
Alan Hirsch (Davis Lorax) urged support for the battery storage project and the Amtrak underpass, but expressed concern about freeway widening and reduced bus service on the 42 line.
Several speakers supported the battery storage system at the wastewater treatment plant, including Elaine Roberts Musser, who noted the project reduces costs and emissions.
Multiple speakers supported using CDBG funds to improve the respite center's resting room (HVAC, insulation, ADA access), including John Castle Franco, Barbara Cletter, and others representing Heart of Davis and Interfaith Housing Justice Davis.
Public comments on the Amtrak project favored the underpass option and asked for adequate width, tree replacement, and bike connectivity.
On the sales tax measure, opinions were divided: Helen Rowland Kramer, Barbara Cletter, Greg Rowe, Georgina Valencia, Norby Kumagai, and Vanessa Eric Hardy (Davis Chamber of Commerce) supported placing it on the ballot; Elaine Roberts Musser and Alan Miller opposed, citing lack of accountability and past unmet promises.

Discussion Items

Item 5: Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Wastewater Treatment Plant – Staff presented a project to install a BESS to reduce peak electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The $3.4 million project cost is offset by approximately $1.9 million in Self-Generation Incentive Program funds and nearly $1 million in Inflation Reduction Act tax credits, leaving ~$500,000 for the city. Councilmembers expressed excitement and support, with Councilmember Neville asking for follow-up on the SGIP source. The public hearing was held, and the council voted 5-0 to approve the resolution, create a CIP, and authorize the project.
Item 6: CDBG and HOME 2024-25 Funding Recommendations – Social Services & Housing Director Dana Bailey presented the annual action plan allocation of $1,062,361 in total HUD funds ($720,157 CDBG, $342,202 HOME). Recommendations included: CDBG public services ($108,023) to seven local organizations; CDBG public facilities ($468,000) for ADA improvements and HVAC at the respite center; HOME funds ($342,202) to Mutual Housing for rehabilitation of New Harmony site (water heater and softener). The council discussed the scope of the respite center improvements, phasing if bids exceed funds, and the process for awarding contracts. The council voted 5-0 to approve the resolution adopting the CDBG and HOME funding recommendations and the Annual Action Plan.
Item 7: Amtrak ADA / Olive Drive Shared-Use Path Connection – Amtrak Project Manager Sophia Jones-Bradford and city staff presented the 30% design for an underpass (tunnel) connecting the Amtrak platform to Olive Drive, chosen over an overpass to preserve historic aesthetics and improve accessibility. The project will bring the station into ADA compliance (by 2029 deadline) and create a safer bike/pedestrian link. Amtrak’s design and construction are fully funded ($2.5 million from IIJA); the city is responsible for funding the shared-use path connection (~$3.5 million, with a pending grant application). Construction is estimated to complete by 2028. The council received the update and approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Amtrak (5-0). Questions addressed parking impacts, construction staging, and tree replacement.
Item 8: Transaction and Use (Sales) Tax Increase – Assistant City Manager Kelly Stachowicz presented the final step to place a one-percent general sales tax increase on the November 5, 2024 ballot. The measure would raise the local rate from 1% to 2% (total ~8.25% to ~9.25%), generating approximately $11 million annually for general government use, with no sunset, annual audits, and public disclosure. The council heard public comments, then discussed the ballot language (75 words) and the process for writing ballot arguments. Councilmembers Arnold and Neville volunteered for the subcommittee. The council voted 5-0 to approve the resolution placing the measure on the ballot, introduce the ordinance (pending voter approval), and appoint Councilmembers Arnold and Neville to the subcommittee to draft arguments.

Key Outcomes

Approved (5-0): Energy Conservation Agreement with EVA Green Power for a Battery Energy Storage System at the wastewater treatment plant; creation of a CIP for the project.
Approved (5-0): Resolution awarding 2024-25 CDBG and HOME funds as recommended, and adoption of the Annual Action Plan.
Approved (5-0): Resolution authorizing the city manager to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Amtrak for the ADA/ Olive Drive underpass project; received update on 30% design.
Approved (5-0): Resolution ordering a November 2024 ballot measure to increase the local sales tax from 1% to 2%; introduced the enabling ordinance; appointed Councilmembers Arnold and Neville to the ballot argument subcommittee.
The council also approved the consent calendar (5-0) as presented.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:35 p.m., following additional public comment on the long-range calendar.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the June 18th uh meeting of the Davis City Council. I will uh let the record show it is 6 49. We'll call the meeting to order. Uh, all of my colleagues are here and present, so we have a quorum, and I will turn to uh one of my colleagues and entertain a motion for the approval of our agenda for tonight's meeting. So moved. Second. All right, we have a motion by Councilmember Neville and a second by uh Vice Mayor Vitla. Any further discussion on our agenda. All right, seeing not all in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed, abstain. All right, motion carries 5-0. And we have an agenda for tonight. Uh before we start and kick off the meeting tonight, uh, I'm just gonna kind of have a quick minute here to reset some of the expectations uh for uh behavior and comments in council chambers. Um I think it's helpful to remind everyone of the rules that we follow at our council meetings. Uh in the last meeting, we had some disruptive behavior where we had to gavel and stop the meeting a number of times to prevent the behavior from disrupting the meeting and moving forward. So, first, I'd like to address public comment. Agenda item number three on our uh on our agenda is open public comment time. Uh, this is time for public comment for items that are not on the agenda or items which are on the consent calendar, which is before you if you have the agenda, we can see it online. That is your time for general public comment or items on the consent calendar. It is also time for you to make uh public comment. If you are not able to stay for an agenda item that is later on the agenda, you can make your public comment during general public comment, but please know that that is your time for public comment. Um we also provide time for public comment on each agenda item, as I said. Uh, and here all comments um when we get to an agenda item when it's a regular agenda item, all public comment that is being uh committed or is being uh relayed to us is related to that agenda item. It needs to be tied to that agenda item. So if the agenda item is on the wastewater treatment plant, that public comment period is for wastewater treatment plant. So please keep your comments uh to that. Uh all public comments should be directed to us here at the dais to the city council. You are here uh making public comment to us, uh not to uh to the public here behind you or to our staff. Uh finally, we want this to be a safe space for people to share their views. We've we've uh reiterated this a number of times in council, even if other others in the room do not agree with them. So we ask you to refrain from applause or any other audible expression of support or opposition while people are speaking. Please do not crowd the public speakers, do not interrupt them, and please stay seated or cued in line when they are speaking. Oftentimes there is a line that goes down the middle. That is totally fine. Just please give the public speaker uh the space while they are speaking. If I, as the person presiding over this meeting, feel that someone's behavior is disrupting the meeting and preventing us from continuing on. That will stop the meeting and ask the behavior to stop. Um, as you may have noticed and has been has happened in these city council meetings, uh, you're more than welcome to bring to bring signs into council chambers. That is your right to express your views. But it should be freestanding and not attached to anything. And we also ask that you stay seated in your seat in your queue, or if you're cued up, you may have your sign with you there. In recent meetings, certain members of the public have caused a distraction by trying to catch the camera with their signs uh during public comment, and we've had to stop the meeting a number of times due to that behavior, so please refrain from that. So thank you for helping. So thank you for helping us make this a safe space for everyone to share their views on the governance of this city. Thank you. So with that, we're gonna move to ceremonial uh item number one, which is ceremonial presentations. We have two uh presentations here this evening. Um I'm gonna turn to Councilmember Arnold for ceremonial presentation uh item 1A.

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