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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Davis City Council Meeting Summary – June 17, 2025

City Council & Planning Commission — Tuesday, June 17, 2025

BodyDavis, California

SessionCity Council & Planning Commission

DateTuesday, June 17, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 3:41:06

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

0:08

Davis City Council meeting of June 17th.

0:12

The time is 640, and I see that all of my colleagues are present.

0:17

We'll move to approval agenda.

0:18

Is there a motion to approve the agenda?

0:20

Second.

0:22

Great.

0:23

Any discussion?

0:24

All in favor?

0:25

Yes, um, before before we approve the agenda, um, I would like to request that we actually amend the agenda and remove consent item I.

0:34

That is the letter related to the Delta Conveyance Project.

0:37

And the reason for my request to remove it is that the circumstances have changed since we drafted the letter.

0:43

Um the funding for the project was removed from the state budget.

0:47

And similarly, the budget subcommittee actually rejected the streamlining provisions that our letter was going to oppose.

0:55

So basically, there is no issue to address right now.

0:58

It's a non-issue at this point, so I would urge us not to take any action on three I.

1:02

So if I could make a counter motion, which is to approve the agenda as proposed to be amended.

1:08

Okay, is there a second for the comment motion?

1:10

Great.

1:11

All uh any discussion?

1:13

All in favor say aye.

1:14

Aye.

1:14

Aye, motion passes five zero.

1:16

We have an agenda amended as Vice Mayor Neville noted.

1:20

Brief announcements from the city manager, Kelly Stakowitz.

1:34

Good evening.

1:35

We have several announcements this evening starting with uh the beginning of summer in Davis.

1:40

So summer camps are in full swing.

1:42

They started yesterday and will uh go on for the next many, many weeks.

1:47

Um that means we have a lot of kids who are out on foot on bicycle in all parts of town, and we just make a request that everybody exercise a little bit of caution.

1:59

Uh look around, make sure you're watching the streets and the intersections, whether you're a driver, whether you're a cyclist yourself, or whether you're on foot.

2:12

A reminder that uh this Thursday, June 19th, the city offices are closed for the Juneteenth holiday.

2:21

Um this is the second year that the city has officially recognized Juneteenth with closure of city offices.

2:28

Um and of course, our emergency services remain unaffected and are available 24-7 should anybody need them.

2:38

This weekend from um the 20th to the 22nd, we have the pleasure of having Davis Music Fest in downtown.

2:46

So this is the 13th annual Davis Music Fest, and we've got um artists in all kinds of venues all across town.

2:55

If you are all across downtown, if you're interested in any of the details, you can visit Davis Musicfest.com for additional information.

3:10

And not to be outdone after that, we have the 4th of July celebration in community park.

3:16

This is our annual celebration that the city hosts.

3:20

Um festivities start at 4 p.m.

3:23

in the park.

3:24

And those include there's food vendors and music, um, just general entertainment, there's a children's area, so it's a lot of fun.

3:33

Uh hopefully it's not too too hot.

3:36

Um fireworks will begin at 9.35.

3:39

It's a very specific time because it has to be dark enough for fireworks to uh be visible.

3:44

So if you are interested in coming out for that, please come out and join for this free event.

3:49

You can get more information at cityofdavis.org slash July 4th.

3:58

Also wanted to make note that we do have uh low-income tax refund program.

4:04

Um that this is for our park maintenance tax and our open space protection tax.

4:11

Um this particular uh program is a it's a refund program, so it's not an exemption from the tax, but the um to be eligible applicants can apply if they are owner occupants of property in Davis and they meet the low income requirements for the gross or total combined household income.

4:31

So if anybody is interested in the application or wants to see learn more about it, uh there is information available on our website at cityofdavis.org/slash L I R P.

4:41

So that's low income refund program.

4:44

Um or we can you can contact the city's finance department at financeweb.city of Davis at cityoftavis.org or 7575651.

4:55

So those um the deadline for that again is the 31st of July.

5:00

So with that, I will conclude.

5:03

Great, thank you, Gelly.

5:04

Any announcements or reports for my colleagues?

5:08

No, any incentive pull item from the consent calendar.

5:13

Okay, great.

5:14

We'll move on to public comments.

5:15

This is a comment period for folks who want to speak in an item that is not on the regular agenda, or if they can't stay for that item that they wish to speak for on uh the regular agenda.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Human Relations Commission███████████████15%

Community Engagement██████████████14%

Budget Equity Analysis███████████11%

Public Safety█████████9%

Procedural███████7%

Public Engagement███████7%

Personnel Matters███████7%

Public Comment██████6%

Technology and Innovation████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Davis City Council Meeting Summary – June 17, 2025

The Davis City Council met on June 17, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss a full agenda including amendments to the consent calendar, advisory commission appointments, the adoption of the two-year operating and capital budget, public hearings on surveillance technology and military equipment, and a financing agreement for LED lighting. The meeting featured extensive public testimony, particularly regarding the Human Relations Commission, budget priorities, and community safety. The council took several votes and directed staff for future actions.

Consent Calendar

The agenda was amended to remove consent item J (letter opposing Delta Conveyance Project streamlining) because state funding for the project was removed and the budget subcommittee rejected the streamlining provisions, making the issue moot.
The remaining consent calendar, including resolutions for sewer lift station redesign, janitorial services, wastewater chemicals, stormwater rates, EPIC grant, conservation easement grant, Promenade mitigation land plan amendment, city attorney contract extension, Valley Vision participation, and commission minutes, was approved unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

Public speakers addressed multiple items during general public comment and on specific agenda items.
Commissions/Human Relations Commission (HRC): Approximately 20 speakers commented on the HRC and commission appointments. Many Jewish community members and allies expressed that the HRC's handling of the MAPA report and alleged anti-Semitism has harmed trust and called for the commission to be dissolved or restructured. Others defended the HRC as an important space for dialogue and urged the council not to disband it. Some speakers also addressed proposed reductions in commission sizes, with one former commissioner criticizing the council's treatment of citizen commissions.
Budget: Several speakers urged the council to restore $350,000 in funding for Veterans Memorial Theater (VMT) repairs, warning that deferred maintenance could force closure. Others criticized the budget for inadequate pavement funding, accusing the council of a "bait and switch" on Measure Q promises. A speaker praised funding for the 14th Street project and the Natalie Corona splash pad. One speaker called for a 10% reduction in general fund positions to achieve fiscal sustainability.
Surveillance Technology/Police Equipment: A speaker expressed support for downtown cameras to address crime, while another raised concerns about license plate readers violating privacy and constitutional rights. A recorded comment opposed militarized equipment, citing its use at protests and potential misuse for targeting reproductive health care seekers.
On-Bill Financing: One speaker requested that the city maintain the 2700K Kelvin standard for LED lights, noting past community preference for warmer color temperatures.

Discussion Items

Appointments to Advisory Commissions (Item 4):
- Council discussed proposed reductions in commission sizes. The subcommittee recommended temporarily reducing the Fiscal Commission from 7 to 5 members (permanent was changed to temporary after public comment) and temporarily reducing the Police Accountability Commission and Senior Citizen Commission from 7 to 5 members to ensure quorum. The council voted unanimously (5-0) to adopt all three reductions as temporary, with a commitment to recruit additional members.
- After public comment, council voted on individual appointments per subcommittee recommendations, with some adjustments (e.g., Councilmembers Chapman and Deos successfully moved to appoint alternative candidates to several commissions). Final appointments were accepted by a vote of 5-0. Specific appointments included: Fiscal Commission – Kevin Harper (regular), Eric Fink (alternate); Planning Commission – Alan Bennett, Catherine Brinkley, Michelle Weiss (regular), Rachel Fulkirk Cook (alternate); Human Relations Commission – Jason Honig, Ellie Kaplan, Hilda Carrarada (regular), Kevin Baker (alternate); Recreation and Park Commission – Izzy Briscoe Schofield, Abir Mirza, Annalise Opreya (regular), one alternate left vacant; Climate and Environmental Justice Commission – Sarah Moore, Izzy Briscoe Schofield (regular), John Reuter (alternate); Police Accountability Commission – Cecilia Escomia Greenwald, Sheena Faber, Mohammed Sadohi, Angela Wilson (regular), Cecily Lerner (alternate); Open Space and Habitat Commission – Ramiro Caballeros Ledezma, Steve Greco, Patrick Huber, Eric Newman (regular), alternate left vacant for future recruitment; Social Services Commission – Sarah Brown Blake, Patrick Curzon, Conrad Franco, Christopher Ringer (regular), Dylan Horton (alternate); Transportation Commission – Beth Fouracre (alternate), James Giller (regular 2-year term), Mark Weesing, John Ostrom, Raymond Pesquell, Eric Thronson (regular 4-year terms); Senior Citizen Commission – Marcia Coupe, Thomas Roast, Jeffrey Stalnik (regular), alternate left vacant.
Fiscal Year 2025/26 and 2026/27 Budget Adoption (Item 5):
- Finance Director Elena Adair presented the two-year budget: $245 million in FY2025/26 and $252 million in FY2026/27 (excluding transfers). The general fund shows revenue growth from Measure Q but a structural deficit of approximately $3 million annually. The fund balance is projected at 11.5% in FY26 and 11.1% in FY27. Capital improvement program includes $9.8 million for annual pavement maintenance, $8 million for cool pavement, and other projects. The council approved the budget resolutions unanimously (5-0) after discussion.
- Council also passed a motion (5-0) directing the finance director to return at the mid-year fiscal update (delayed to January 2026) with a plan to achieve greater fiscal stability, identifying approximately $3 million in additional revenue or expenditure reductions. The motion acknowledged the need to address the structural deficit and the city's $10 million+ reserve target.
Public Hearing: Surveillance Technology Annual Renewals (Item 6A) and Davis Police Department Equipment Annual Report (Item 6B):
- Police Chief Todd Henry presented 21 surveillance technologies for reauthorization, including Accurint, body-worn cameras, drones, license plate readers, and remote cameras. The Care Trak system is being discontinued. The department requested approval to add a new UAS model (drone) to inventory, funded by a state grant, to manage replacement costs amid tariff uncertainty.
- For military equipment, Chief Henry outlined equipment including an armored rescue vehicle, chemical agents, flashbangs, rifles, and breaching tools. No policy violations were reported. The council held a public hearing and then voted unanimously (5-0) to approve the continued use of all surveillance technologies and to re-adopt the military equipment use policy and reauthorize the equipment.
Public Hearing: On-Bill Financing Loan Agreement for LED Lighting (Item 7):
- Assistant City Manager Stan Gryczko presented a resolution to approve an on-bill financing agreement with PG&E and an energy conservation agreement with Eco-Green for LED lighting replacements at the Civic Center, pool/gym, and police department. The project has no upfront cost and is expected to save approximately $23,000 annually. The council held a public hearing and approved the resolution unanimously (5-0).

Key Outcomes

Agenda amendment: Consent item J (Delta Conveyance Project letter) removed due to changed circumstances.
Commission size reductions: Temporary reductions for Fiscal, Police Accountability, and Senior Citizen commissions approved (5-0).
Commission appointments: All advisory commission appointments approved as recommended by the subcommittee, with minor modifications (5-0).
Budget adoption: Two-year operating and capital budget adopted (5-0). Council directed staff to return by mid-year (January 2026) with a plan for $3 million in fiscal stability measures.
Surveillance technology and military equipment: Continued use of all 21 technologies and reauthorization of military equipment policy approved (5-0).
LED lighting financing: On-bill financing agreement and energy conservation agreement approved (5-0).
Long-range calendar: Council added future agenda items on municipalization and developer agreements, economic development direction, gas leaf blower ban update, and review of council subcommittees.

Meeting Transcript

Davis City Council meeting of June 17th. The time is 640, and I see that all of my colleagues are present. We'll move to approval agenda. Is there a motion to approve the agenda? Second. Great. Any discussion? All in favor? Yes, um, before before we approve the agenda, um, I would like to request that we actually amend the agenda and remove consent item I. That is the letter related to the Delta Conveyance Project. And the reason for my request to remove it is that the circumstances have changed since we drafted the letter. Um the funding for the project was removed from the state budget. And similarly, the budget subcommittee actually rejected the streamlining provisions that our letter was going to oppose. So basically, there is no issue to address right now. It's a non-issue at this point, so I would urge us not to take any action on three I. So if I could make a counter motion, which is to approve the agenda as proposed to be amended. Okay, is there a second for the comment motion? Great. All uh any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye, motion passes five zero. We have an agenda amended as Vice Mayor Neville noted. Brief announcements from the city manager, Kelly Stakowitz. Good evening. We have several announcements this evening starting with uh the beginning of summer in Davis. So summer camps are in full swing. They started yesterday and will uh go on for the next many, many weeks. Um that means we have a lot of kids who are out on foot on bicycle in all parts of town, and we just make a request that everybody exercise a little bit of caution. Uh look around, make sure you're watching the streets and the intersections, whether you're a driver, whether you're a cyclist yourself, or whether you're on foot. A reminder that uh this Thursday, June 19th, the city offices are closed for the Juneteenth holiday. Um this is the second year that the city has officially recognized Juneteenth with closure of city offices. Um and of course, our emergency services remain unaffected and are available 24-7 should anybody need them. This weekend from um the 20th to the 22nd, we have the pleasure of having Davis Music Fest in downtown. So this is the 13th annual Davis Music Fest, and we've got um artists in all kinds of venues all across town. If you are all across downtown, if you're interested in any of the details, you can visit Davis Musicfest.com for additional information. And not to be outdone after that, we have the 4th of July celebration in community park. This is our annual celebration that the city hosts. Um festivities start at 4 p.m. in the park. And those include there's food vendors and music, um, just general entertainment, there's a children's area, so it's a lot of fun. Uh hopefully it's not too too hot. Um fireworks will begin at 9.35. It's a very specific time because it has to be dark enough for fireworks to uh be visible. So if you are interested in coming out for that, please come out and join for this free event. You can get more information at cityofdavis.org slash July 4th. Also wanted to make note that we do have uh low-income tax refund program. Um that this is for our park maintenance tax and our open space protection tax. Um this particular uh program is a it's a refund program, so it's not an exemption from the tax, but the um to be eligible applicants can apply if they are owner occupants of property in Davis and they meet the low income requirements for the gross or total combined household income. So if anybody is interested in the application or wants to see learn more about it, uh there is information available on our website at cityofdavis.org/slash L I R P.

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