Davis City Council Meeting Summary – September 16, 2025

The Davis City Council met on September 16, 2025, to discuss the solid waste utility rate study, homelessness system of care, and the future of the daytime respite center. The council took several actions including initiating a Proposition 218 process for solid waste rate adjustments and directing staff to ensure continuity of services at the respite center while exploring alternative locations and operators.

Consent Calendar

• Fee Study and Park Impact Fee Contract Award: Approved resolution authorizing agreement with Matrix Consulting Group for parks fee study and development impact fee update.
• Nationwide Opioid Litigation Settlement Agreements: Approved resolution authorizing the city to enter into settlement agreements with multiple opioid manufacturers.
• Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Program Year 2024: Approved resolution authorizing submission of CAPER to HUD.
• Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Other Audit Reports for FY ended June 30, 2022: Received the ACFR and auditor communication letters.
• Treasurer’s Reports for Quarters July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025: Accepted quarterly Treasurer’s Reports.
• Human Relations Commission Action Item: Proposed 2025-2026 Workplan: Approved workplan including reaffirmation of sanctuary city status and related education/training.
• Commission Minutes: Received informational minutes from Open Space & Habitat Commission, Police Accountability Commission, and Planning Commission.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Solid Waste Utility Rates: Several speakers opposed rate increases, citing high costs compared to nearby cities (e.g., Woodland) and inequitable fee structures for renters. One speaker noted street sweeping inefficiencies. Another expressed support for municipalizing waste collection and progressive rate structures.
• Homelessness System of Care and Respite Center: Substantial public comment focused on the potential closure of the daytime respite center due to the Downtown Streets Team ceasing operations on October 31, 2025. Many speakers urged the council to avoid any service gap, emphasizing the center’s role in providing mail, showers, case management, and trust-building. Residents near the current location expressed concerns about safety and a perceived broken promise of rotation. Several proposed alternative locations (e.g., city gym) and called for data-driven decision-making. Support was voiced for the Safe Park pilot and for maintaining the respite center as a model.
• Other: One speaker advocated for community navigators and a sanctioned shelter camp. Another voiced concerns about political violence and flag-lowering practices.

Discussion Items

• Solid Waste Utility Cost of Service and Rate Study: Staff presented a cost-of-service study showing revenue ($17M) falling short of expenditures ($18M) due to inflation and state regulations. Proposed rate adjustments ranging from 8-13% over three years, starting January 2026. The council also considered extending the Recology Davis contract to December 31, 2029, to allow time for a comprehensive procurement process. Councilmembers clarified that the proposed adjustments are needed to avoid an interfund loan. The motion to initiate the Proposition 218 process and extend the contract passed unanimously (5-0).
• Homelessness System of Care Review: The Social Services Commission presented a landscape assessment identifying key gaps: shelter of all types, mental health access, substance abuse treatment, and increasing senior homelessness. The commission recommended preserving the respite center model. Staff outlined four options for the respite center after Downtown Streets Team’s departure: in-house operation, alternative contractor, relocation, or closure. The council heard from Yolo County Housing on federal voucher timelines and state funding opportunities.
  • A subcommittee (Councilmembers Partida and Neville) clarified that their recommendation for a “pause” was meant to ensure continuity of services, not a service gap. Staff noted that 90 days would be insufficient for relocation; in-house staffing with existing DST employees was preferred as a stopgap.
• AB 1234 Reporting and Long Range Calendar: Councilmembers reported no meetings attended at city expense. The long-range calendar discussion focused on scheduling a November 4 meeting (Election Day) for Village Farms; the council opted to keep the date despite concerns about public participation.

Key Outcomes

• Solid Waste Rates: Approved Resolution to initiate Proposition 218 process and extend Recology Davis contract through December 2029 (unanimous 5-0). The rate adjustment first step is 8% effective January 2026.
• Winter Shelter: Approved continued operation of winter shelter for 2025-2026 using existing budget.
• Safe Parking Pilot: Approved three-month extension for Heart of Davis’s Safe Heart pilot, allowing five spaces at a local church.
• Respite Center Operations: Motion passed unanimously (5-0) directing staff to:
  1. Ensure no disruption in respite center services after October 31 by using in-house staff (preferably retaining current DST employees) as a temporary measure.
  2. Issue an RFP for a long-term operator, with requirements including neighbor outreach, non-traditional hours, and ECM certification as desirable.
  3. Simultaneously research alternative site locations transparently, including analysis of the current site’s best use (e.g., permanent supportive housing).
  4. Include an analysis of in-house service provision as a long-term option.
  5. As part of the strategic plan process, develop metrics for success and review overall homelessness spending (including Pacifico site).
• Next Steps: Staff will prepare RFP documents and site analysis reports; a follow-up report is expected in early 2026.