Davis City Council Meeting – July 9, 2024

The Davis City Council met on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, in the Community Chambers at 23 Russell Boulevard, Davis, CA. The meeting was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and was called to order at 6:36 p.m. Vice Mayor Bapu Vaitla participated by teleconference from 2414 Westernesse Road, Davis, CA, because he had tested positive for COVID-19. All votes were roll call votes and all motions carried 5-0. No meeting minutes were available for this session. The agenda included a Disability Pride Month proclamation, approval of the consent calendar (with the G Street Activation item pulled for discussion), authorization of the Shriners Property Notice of Preparation (NOP) and draft EIR process, and adoption of the Three-Year Davis Homeless Strategic Plan (2024–2027).

Ceremonial Presentation

• Councilmember Arnold read a proclamation recognizing July 2024 as Disability Pride Month, marking the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (signed July 26, 1990). Robin Dewey of Team Davis accepted the proclamation and described Team Davis as a local nonprofit providing free athletic, social, recreational, and educational activities; she said its roughly 500 participants, families, volunteers, and supporters make Davis 'the best place in the country to live if you have a disability.' She thanked community partners including the city's adaptive recreation program, UC Davis and Davis High School Best Buddies, YOLO People First, Purple Tree Cafe, True Connections, YOLO Neuro Diverse Network, Developmental Disability Future Planning Group of YOLO County, and Alter Regional Center.

City Manager & Council Announcements

• City Manager Mike Webb gave heat safety reminders: temperatures were forecast to exceed 100 degrees Wednesday through Saturday; cooling locations include the Senior Center (open until 4 p.m. Monday–Thursday and until 8 p.m. Friday) and the Mary Stevens Davis Library (open until 8 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 5:30 p.m. Friday); pool and swim hours vary and are posted at cityofdavis.org; Paul's Place and the Respite Center also have availability.
• Webb announced a $1.6 million Federal Transit Administration grant, awarded to the city on behalf of Unitrans, for electric bus infrastructure and chargers to support up to 16 battery-electric buses. The total project is about $8.5 million, funded almost entirely by federal and grant sources; construction is slated for 2026 with buses arriving in 2027.
• Webb also announced $1 million in federal appropriations for the Olive Drive–Amtrak station bicycle/pedestrian undercrossing connection, along with a $1 million contribution from the Rider Apartments development and the Olive Drive landing site provided through that development agreement.
• No councilmember liaison reports were given. Vice Mayor Vaitla noted his absence was due to COVID-19.

Consent Calendar

• The Council approved the consent calendar (items 4A through 4K3), minus item 4B (G Street Activation, pulled by Vice Mayor Vaitla), on a 5-0 vote. Routine items included the Central Park Revitalization Project (Natalie's Corner) construction contract award to Abide Builders Inc.; Veterans Memorial Theater Siding Project award to J-Walt Construction (listed as 'J-W alt Construction' in the agenda); purchase of cationic emulsion polymer for the wastewater treatment plant; the Stormwater Utility Fund update and rate adjustment (effective July 1, 2022, implemented August 1, 2024); on-call geotechnical engineering and materials testing agreements with Construction Testing Services, Blackburn Consulting, Geocon, Terracon Consultants Inc., and UES; the City Manager employment agreement; second readings of ordinances making the bike and scooter share program permanent and revising purchasing requirements; the Legislative Subcommittee update; and commission/committee minutes.
• City Attorney Inder Khalsa made the Brown Act-required announcement about the City Manager's employment agreement: a 2% cost-of-living increase effective January 9, 2024; removal of pension cost sharing; performance bonuses equivalent to 3% of salary for calendar year 2023 and 3% for calendar year 2024 (the latter payable in January 2025); and an increase in annual leave cash-out from 120 to 200 hours.
• Councilmember Neville commented on consent item J without pulling it, noting the Legislative Subcommittee's funding letter requests (including the one that helped secure the Olive Drive/Amtrak funding), the letter of support for AB 817 (which would allow more teleconferencing flexibility for advisory bodies), ACA 1 on the November 5, 2024 ballot (lowering the voter threshold from two-thirds to 55% for local general obligation bonds and special taxes for affordable housing and public infrastructure), and the California Supreme Court decision keeping the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act off the ballot as an unconstitutional revision.

Public Comments & Testimony (General)

• Lois Wolk, chair of the Natalie Corona Committee, reported that the committee reached its $500,000 fundraising goal for the Central Park splash pad honoring Officer Natalie Corona. A $50,000 Sutter Health grant brought the total to $496,000 on July 3, and Davis firefighters (DPFA) donated the remaining $4,000. She urged approval of item 4A and invited the community to the September 14, 10:00 a.m. groundbreaking.
• Dorta Jensen raised concerns about camera angles during public comment and audience members with signs; she thanked the council for adjusting the camera angle.
• Dorothy Riley alleged FBI/police COINTELPRO targeting, torture, and trafficking; she repeated similar claims during the homeless plan item.
• Mel, a delegate from Davis's Sister City Sangju, South Korea, said this is the 20th anniversary of the sister city relationship (established in 2004) and that she is the 13th delegate; she invited councilmembers to visit Sangju in October.
• Gray Crawford said his public comment at the June 4 meeting was disrupted by an audience member holding signs and moving to stay in camera view; he said his free speech was infringed and encouraged strict enforcement of rules prohibiting audience response.
• An unnamed resident described the area between Cindy's restaurant and a motel as looking like 'Skid Row' and reported seeing teenagers counting money, which he suspected indicated drug dealing.
• Ryan Darling said only two of his roughly 800-person Davis High School graduating class remain in town; he cited the average first-time homebuyer age in California as 49 and urged more local employment opportunities and permitting reform for young people.
• Floyd Sparks alleged unfair eviction and loss of his Section 8 voucher at Creekside Apartments, saying his girlfriend was also evicted; he asked the city to investigate the property manager.
• Pre-recorded commenter Connor Gorman supported Disability Pride Month and increased accessibility; supported making the G Street Activation space truly public and open to everyone; urged accessibility improvements (including weight and age restrictions) for the bike/scooter share program; supported the 2024 legislative priorities including AB 817; and urged the council to advocate for universal single-payer health care.
• One commenter (Alan) performed a song during general public comment.

Discussion Item: G Street Activation (Consent Item 4B)

• Vice Mayor Vaitla requested discussion of communication with the business community on G Street, saying something was not working about messaging and business input. Staff (Assistant Public Works Director Ryan Chapman and Economic Development Director Katie Yancey) responded that the project must go out to bid within two weeks to be delivered by November 1; letters were sent through the Davis Downtown Business Association (DDBA) in May and physical copies were delivered to businesses. Yancey said she joined the project in early June specifically to improve stakeholder communication and that the current proposal is a 'stripped-down' version that can pivot and does not preclude future leasing to adjacent businesses or an entertainment district with alcohol consumption.
• Councilmember Neville noted his understanding that the funds (ARPA) must be expended by the end of the calendar year; staff confirmed. Councilmember Partida said she was surprised businesses did not respond, and asked why the platform no longer extends to the beer shop; staff cited budget constraints and the business's non-participation, but said it could be added later. Councilmember Arnold said maintaining flexibility is important and that carving out a small downtown streetscape for people rather than vehicle throughput remains central. Mayor Chapman summarized that the underlying infrastructure is largely unchanged and the shift is to offer the space to the public first, with businesses able to enter lease negotiations later.
• Public comment: Brett Lee, executive director of the Davis Downtown Business Association, spoke as an individual (stating the DDBA board has not taken a position). He said communication could be improved, noted three meetings with Katie Yancey in the past month, described city staff's outreach as generally good, reacted positively to the proposal, and said a check-in meeting is planned after implementation to make positive changes.
• The Council approved all staff recommendations (receive the update; authorize the City Manager to execute the construction contract during recess not to exceed $1,300,000; approve a sole source purchase for furnishings; purchase project materials in advance of contract award; and issue a budget adjustment not to exceed $400,000 from Park Impact Fees) by a 5-0 vote.

Discussion Item: Shriners Property – Notice of Preparation & Draft EIR (Item 5)

• Principal Planner Dara Dungworth presented the project: approximately 232 acres, currently undeveloped and previously used for agriculture; located outside Davis city limits and the city's sphere of influence; Yolo County General Plan and zoning designations are agricultural. The proposal is a mixed-use development with 1,200 dwelling units (affordable and market-rate, single- and multi-family), neighborhood services, public/semi-public and educational uses, on- and off-site improvements, parks, open space, and greenbelts. Required approvals include a sphere of influence amendment, annexation, general plan amendment, pre-zoning, a development agreement, tentative subdivision maps, and a baseline project features agreement.
• The EIR will include 14 chapters. The NOP requests public and agency input on the scope of analysis. A scoping meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the Senior Center.
• Preliminary alternatives presented: (1) No Project (required by CEQA); (2) ~930 units on the same 232 acres (gross density 4.01 units/acre); (3) 1,200 units on ~170 acres aligned with the Wildhorse boundary (7.06 units/acre); (4) 1,200 units on ~100 acres aligned with the Palomino Place boundary (~12 units/acre); and (5) a higher number of units on the 232-acre footprint, with the unit count to be determined. Staff calculated the proposed project's gross density at just over 5.1 units per acre.
• Public commenters included: George Phillips (on behalf of the Shriners property) expressed pleasure at reaching this stage and supported moving the NOP forward. John Decker (Alta California Regional Center) said about 480 of its clients with developmental disabilities live in Davis, mostly with aging family caregivers, and expressed hope that the project would provide affordable housing; he noted the project team approached the Regional Center about a year ago. Parker Evans (Mutual Housing California) said his nonprofit has developed affordable housing in the region for 30+ years, operates six affordable communities in Davis (including Moore Village and Autolante), and is engaged as the affordable developer partner. A young speaker named Charlie asked the council to move the project forward so he and friends with disabilities can live and work in Davis. Victor Lagoonis (Davis Community Action Network) said he was pleased the project includes 20% affordable housing, which he said is over the 15%, plus below-market-rate units and open space/community park dedication; he urged greater overall density, equitable distribution of densities, solar shade structures, bike infrastructure, and additional lit athletic fields, citing data that 85% of people drive to work while 35% could bike in under 20 minutes.
• Pre-recorded commenters Tamara Range, Deborah Ring, Christina Buss, Nora, Jessica Guerreri, and Mary Nissan all urged the council to approve the staff recommendation so the project can move into the NOP phase, citing the need for low-income housing for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Mary Nissan also asked that the Alta California Regional Center be included in subcommittee discussions. Connor Gorman asked for more detailed quantitative analysis of EIR alternatives and for analysis of the negative impacts of not building a project or building a different project.
• Council discussion: Staff explained that decisions about quantitative vs. qualitative analysis of alternatives need to be made early because additional studies are required. Councilmember Partida asked for density comparisons (the proposed project is just over 5.1 gross units per acre; staff believed the Cannery is roughly 6–7 units per acre but said they would confirm). Councilmember Neville asked about the alternative with a 'TBD' unit count, noting the project itself is not an 'alternative'; staff said the number could be set by VMT analysis and that detailed fiscal/financial analysis comes later through the development agreement process, not CEQA. Staff said a microgrid would be addressed through project review, the sustainability plan, or the development agreement. Asked about the Section 404 permit reference, staff noted a channel traverses the northern portion of the site. Councilmember Arnold noted that staff used the same methodology as the Village Farms EIR (including the same 22.5% unit reduction for the lower-unit alternative) and argued that under current CEQA/SACOG VMT methodology, no project in Davis can avoid a significant and unavoidable VMT impact finding. City Manager Webb agreed that VMT standards are geared to very urban environments.
• Vice Mayor Vaitla proposed, and the Council approved 5-0, moving staff recommendation #1 with the following parameters: a total of five alternatives, with at least two alternatives at densities that achieve VMT per capita at least 15% below the current City of Davis average, at least one of those on the full project footprint, and the detailed alternatives brought back to the Council for final consideration.
• The Council then appointed two members to an ad hoc subcommittee to work with staff and represent the city in Development Agreement/Baseline Project Features negotiations with the applicant and Tax Share negotiations with the County. Councilmember Partida and Mayor Chapman were appointed (motion by Partida, second by Neville; 5-0). Vice Mayor Vaitla and Councilmember Arnold had expressed interest but deferred.

Discussion Item: Three-Year Davis Homeless Strategic Plan 2024–2027 (Item 6)

• Social Services & Housing Director Dana Bailey presented the plan. Development began in November 2023 when the Council authorized a contract with RDA consultants; RDA consulted groups involved in the 2019 plan, including Davis Opportunity Village (DOVE), Davis Community Meals and Housing, and Heart of Davis. The process included a landscape analysis, point-in-time (PIT) counts, a SWOT analysis, surveys at Paul's Place and the Daytime Respite Center (with gift cards for participants), 46 one-on-one interviews, and two steering committee workshops (one in person, one virtual). The PIT count in Davis was 190 in 2019, 181 in 2022, and 162 in 2024; staff said neighboring jurisdictions' counts rose. Data showed increases in people experiencing homelessness four or more times in three years and in people homeless for more than a year. Staff said primary barriers include services for severe mental illness and substance abuse, housing navigation assistance, and service availability.
• The top five services identified by people with lived experience were: multi-day motel/shelter stays, housing search assistance, one-time shelter help, first and last month's rent, and home basics (food, showers, benefit connections).
• The plan's vision is 'a community-wide network of care grounded in respect, delivering humanizing and person-centered support to individuals and families who are housing insecure,' with guiding principles of respect, inclusiveness, collaboration, bold and progressive solutions, equitable solutions, and being person-centered. The three priority areas are: (1) prevention – a cohesive system of policies, strategies, and programs that help people remain in housing; (2) right-fit housing – sustainable, inclusive, accessible, supportive housing and sheltering solutions matched to individual needs, with an evidence-based funding strategy; and (3) a strong provider, partner, and community network prioritizing urgency, efficiency, and equity, including trauma-informed and equity-focused training.
• The plan calls on the city department to lead implementation, provide regular progress reports through the Social Services Commission, convene annual community progress meetings, and avoid letting the plan 'sit on the shelf.'
• Public commenters strongly urged prioritizing a permanent, year-round shelter:
  • Gaina Lambang thanked staff; noted the PIT count (181 in 2022) may undercount and that the need could be up to 793 people with major housing problems; noted Paul's Place is closed on weekends; and urged a year-round shelter and upgrades to the Respite Center (which she said lacks air conditioning, heating, and a door in the rest area).
  • Steve Streeter advocated for a year-round permanent shelter, fenced safe parking, Respite Center improvements, compliance with hospital/ER discharge laws, a 'federal phone booth' (which he said Sacramento and Woodland have but Davis does not), part-time employment support, and noted progress on tiny homes and the Walters House expansion.
  • Barbara Cletter (Interfaith Housing Justice Davis co-chair) said the plan does not list permanent shelter as a near-term goal/action and urged adding a goal to achieve permanent shelter within the next year.
  • Shoshana Zatz (Heart of Davis president) said the plan is useful but short on specifics and measurable objectives; that the PIT count undercounts; and that permanent year-round shelter (including safe parking, enhanced camping, and congregate/non-congregate shelter) must be the number one priority. She urged the city not to spend another year or two on an implementation plan.
  • Carrie Schender urged immediate action in the next few months given heat and cold, including sanctioned van/car camping and permanent shelter.
  • Alan Miller described impacts of visible homelessness (human waste, garbage, loose dogs, and a fire hazard behind his fence) and asserted that the Grants Pass and Martin v. Boise decisions 'have been nullified,' urging the city to address these problems and move people out of public spaces.
  • Victor Lagoonis, a former winter rotating shelter volunteer, said extreme heat shows the need does not end in winter; he appreciated the plan's holistic wraparound approach and suggested naming partnerships with the school district and students.
  • Mason Harry said 'if words could solve homelessness, we wouldn't be here right now' and urged the council to push for tangible answers within the next six months.
  • Pre-recorded commenters included Susan Padgett (Davis Methodist Church), who urged quick action on year-round emergency shelter and asked about winter shelter plans; Connor Gorman, who said housing is the main solution to homelessness and supported a holistic approach; and Martha Teeter, who thanked the 17-member steering committee, RDA consultants, and staff; noted that financial help, multi-day shelter stays, and permanent shelter/interim housing are key; cited that 59% of respondents said consistent access to a therapist or peer mentor would increase their use of supportive services; and noted the 2019 peer-mentor training was curtailed by COVID.
• Council discussion: Councilmembers Arnold and Neville praised the work and stressed implementation. Neville said the PIT count undercount is important to acknowledge, voiced concern that parts of the plan lack measurable/tangible goals, and urged a definitive plan for a permanent year-round shelter. He asked about county alignment and Behavioral Health Services Act funding; Bailey said the state is no longer focused on funding new shelters and that programs like HHAP restrict funding to previously awarded jurisdictions, so the city is looking at permanent/transitional housing funding. Partida appreciated the SWOT analysis and the emphasis on understanding the problem before acting, asked about alignment with the county's homeless plan, and stressed addressing upstream entry points, not just emergency shelter.
• In response to Vice Mayor Vaitla's request to address the shelter need directly, Bailey said Davis is unique; models include Woodland's congregate shelter plus tiny homes/modulars and West Sacramento's use of small motels; a year-round shelter requires trained 24/7 staff and careful planning, and 'it's not something that's going to happen quickly.' She said she would meet with the Council subcommittee by no later than August 2024 and that by September 2024 the city will be working with a new collaborative entity to implement prioritized goals.
• Mayor Chapman said the subcommittee should meet with staff on a regular (e.g., monthly) basis and should work hand-in-hand with staff to prioritize and implement actions, so that the council is involved from the start rather than reviewing priorities later.
• The Council adopted the plan and staff recommendations by a 5-0 vote (motion by Partida, second by Neville), with Councilmember Partida joining Mayor Chapman on the Council Subcommittee on Homelessness (Councilmember Arnold stepped aside).

Key Outcomes

• Agenda approved 5-0.
• Consent calendar (items 4A–4K3, minus 4B) approved 5-0.
• G Street Activation staff recommendations approved 5-0, including a construction contract authorization not to exceed $1,300,000 during the council recess, a sole source furnishings purchase, advance material purchases, and a budget adjustment of up to $400,000 from Park Impact Fees; continued business outreach was emphasized.
• Shriners Property: Council authorized staff to issue the NOP (5-0), with at least two EIR alternatives achieving VMT per capita at least 15% below the city average, at least one on the full project footprint, and final alternatives returning to the Council for review. Scoping meeting: July 25, 2024, 6:30 p.m., Senior Center. Ad hoc subcommittee appointed: Councilmember Partida and Mayor Chapman (5-0).
• Three-Year Davis Homeless Strategic Plan (2024–2027) adopted 5-0; staff directed to implement the plan; the Homelessness Subcommittee is now Mayor Chapman and Councilmember Partida; staff will meet with the subcommittee by August 2024 and establish a collaborative implementation body by September 2024; progress reports will go through the Social Services Commission, with annual community meetings.
• No councilmembers reported meetings attended at city expense (AB 1234).
• Next regular council meeting: Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The meeting adjourned; the transcript does not record an adjournment time.