Davis City Council Meeting - June 16, 2026

The Davis City Council met on June 16, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Community Chambers. The meeting included public comments, a presentation on the Youth Empowerment Summit, a public hearing on metered parking changes for downtown lots, and a long-range budget forecast update. The council approved the consent calendar, introduced a modified parking ordinance, and discussed options to address projected budget gaps.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included 20 items (A through T). Key items included:
  • A resolution authorizing an agreement with Tyler Technologies for an ERP system upgrade (not to exceed $3,250,000 over five years).
  • Approval of a loan amendment with Inventopia and re-establishment of a council subcommittee for negotiations.
  • Various resolutions for animal services, sidewalk accessibility, stormwater rates, Unitrans service changes, micromobility MOU, janitorial services, investment services, chemical purchases, drainage pump station repairs, traffic safety grants, environmental permitting services, and other routine matters.
• Councilmember Chapman and Vice Mayor Partida commented on the ERP system and the Inventopia loan, expressing excitement and urging careful negotiation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comments (on items not on the agenda): Several speakers addressed the council:
  • David Phoe and Craig Domini expressed concerns about inadequate services for the unhoused community, urging increased funding for the respite center.
  • Alan Miller criticized the Human Relations Commission (HRC) for failing to address antisemitic incidents and for perceived bias, referencing a banner at a park and calls for commissioner accountability.
  • Niangwan warned about alleged Chinese communist infiltration using robots and fake women, a statement not fact-checked.
  • A speaker (name not given) criticized the HRC and Councilmember Vaitla for the Mopper report and lack of Jewish safety concerns.
  • Another speaker thanked Mayor Neville and Vice Mayor Partida for condemning a banner at Central Park celebrating the October 7th attacks.
  • A previous teacher recounted a commissioner laughing during public comment and called for HRC training on religious tolerance.
  • Henry Gang, a poet from Glendale, encouraged council members to be more approachable and honorable.
• Public Hearing on Metered Parking (Item 5): Eleven speakers commented:
  • Kevin Wan (DDBA President) supported paid parking as a management tool but urged a lower starting rate ($1/hour) and phased implementation.
  • Chelsea (downtown business owner) opposed the expansion, warning it would drive customers to nearby cities with free parking.
  • Trish Price (Bike Davis) supported the proposal, noting that parking is subsidized and that walkable spaces benefit businesses.
  • Alan Miller recalled past issues with the Amtrak lot and questioned Caltrans restrictions.
  • Patrick (Social Services Commissioner) advocated starting at a low rate and improving the free garages.
  • Brett Lee (former councilmember) urged caution and a slow start at $1/hour.
  • Michael Scheer warned that paid parking would hurt downtown businesses, citing Berkeley as a cautionary example.
  • Multiple other speakers expressed concerns about rate increases and the impact on small businesses.
• Long Range Budget Forecast (Item 6): Two public comments:
  • Dan Carson noted that COLA assumptions may be too low and that infrastructure needs are growing (backlog from $100M to $180M in four years).
  • Alan Miller criticized the state of roads and bike paths, urging prioritization of infrastructure over other projects.

Presentation: 2026 Youth Empowerment Summit Update

• Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters, presented on the Youth Empowerment Summit (YES), a national award-winning program. Key points:
  • Ninth annual summit held; next one on September 24, 2026, at UC Davis.
  • Over 700 high school students have participated since 2018; last year had 141 students (goal of 150).
  • Pre- and post-survey results showed large increases in understanding of voting (+284%), local government function (+557%), roles of elected officials (+160%), and comfort contacting them (+229%).
  • Among YES participants, voter turnout was 67% in the November 2024 election (ages 18-25), compared to 67% statewide in Yolo County (statewide 30% for that age group).
  • Councilmembers expressed support and asked about expanding to middle schools and improving down-ballot voting education.

Discussion Items

• Item 5: Public Hearing – Ordinance Amending Metered Parking for Downtown Lots

  • Staff (Ryan Chapman, Public Works Director) proposed converting three lots (North F, South G, Amtrak) to paid parking, expanding hours (10 AM–7 PM Monday–Saturday, except Amtrak Monday–Friday), and increasing the rate from $1 to $3/hour. This would affect about 16% of downtown parking.
  • Estimated revenue at $2.7M/year at 70% occupancy; current enforcement costs $1M/year; one-time costs of $50,000 for kiosks/signs.
  • Council debate focused on starting rate, ease of payment technology, and flexibility. Councilmember Dios suggested a resolution rather than ordinance for rate setting. Councilmember Chapman proposed starting at $1/hour for all four lots (including existing E Street lot) and returning in nine months to review data. Council also directed staff to explore app-based payment options (e.g., ParkMobile) and report back.
  • The council approved the motion (vote: unanimous) to introduce the ordinance with amendments for resolution-based fees and to bring back a resolution with $1/hour rates.

• Item 6: Long Range Budget Forecast Update

  • Consultant Bob Leland (Baker Tilly) presented a 20-year forecast. Key findings:
    • Davis sales tax per capita is very low ($128), ranking 368th out of 483 cities. If at median, city would receive an additional $26.1M annually.
    • General fund reserves are projected to decline, averaging a gap of about $2.7M per year in the near term, but improving in the 2030s as pension costs drop.
    • Three options were presented: (1) wait and see, (2) implement gradual reductions (e.g., $1.5M/year), or (3) draw down $9M over three years from the OPEB trust (currently $70M) to cover the gap.
    • Council expressed interest in a combination of modest cuts and OPEB trust drawdown, with year-by-year flexibility. Further discussion will continue with the Fiscal Subcommittee.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (motion by Councilmember Dios, second by Partida).
• Metered Parking Ordinance: Introduced with amendments to set rates by resolution; final adoption scheduled for July 7, 2026. Initial rate set at $1/hour for all four lots (E Street, North F, South G, Amtrak). Staff directed to explore app-based payment options and return in approximately nine months with utilization data.
• Youth Empowerment Summit: Presentation received as informational; council encouraged continued engagement.
• Budget Forecast: No formal action taken; council directed staff to bring back further details on OPEB trust drawdown and potential cuts for future meetings.
• Future Agenda: Councilmember Vaitla requested a future discussion on the Human Relations Commission.