Davis City Council Meeting – August 18, 2026

The Davis City Council met on August 18, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Community Chambers. The meeting included a consent calendar with routine approvals, two public hearings on the Downtown Outdoor Dining Program and Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance amendments, and a long-range calendar discussion. Councilmembers attending in person and one remotely. Several public comments addressed license plate readers, a removed memorial, the respite center, batting cage fees, and homelessness policies.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent calendar unanimously (5-0) after City Manager Dunstan corrected the local match amount for Item 4D (SS4A Grant) from $160,000 to $130,000, with a city portion not to exceed $25,000.
• Councilmember Chapman commended the Civic Gym Facility License Agreement (Item 4C) with Five Starz Volleyball Club, noting the gym has been closed since 2019.
• Vice Mayor Partida questioned whether Police Accountability Commission workplan additions (Item 4J) requiring staff time should come to council; Assistant City Manager Gryczko explained it was for cross-commission coordination. Council supported bringing such items to consent for awareness.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Zachariah Oquenda (PAC member) announced a September 10 event on immigration enforcement and law enforcement relationships.
• Respite Center neighbor requested updates on the respite center’s future, stating it was promised closure but remains open without clear communication.
• William Copper, Evelyn, Alan Miller, Arden Ambrose Winters, Bob Reese, Johan The Under Norda, and others opposed the Motorola license plate reader (ALPR) system, citing privacy, Fourth Amendment concerns, risk of ICE access, and the Supreme Court’s SHAT Tree decision. Several urged reconsideration of the council’s prior approval.
• Holly Nolan, Dylan (Social Services Commissioner), Nico, Kathy Forkas, and others criticized the city’s removal of a memorial for two ICE victims (Lorenzo and Johan) from the Solidarity Wall within 24 hours, calling it inconsistent with past tolerance for other memorials and a free speech issue.
• John Merritt and Arden Ambrose Winters objected to the price increase at Playfields Park batting cages from $1 to $15 per token (a 1400% increase), calling it unaffordable and a potential pretext to shut down the facility.
• Nathan Hamill (speaking as a traveler) described multiple arrests for illegal camping, argued the camping ordinance violates his rights, and shared an experience of being tased by police.
• Brandon Fleming (Dunloe Brewing) thanked staff for help with outdoor dining conversion but questioned the 25-foot height requirement for string lights across sidewalks.
• Michael Harrington and others provided general comments; Harrington announced he is considering ballot initiatives for citywide elections and term limits.
• Several speakers supported item 4J, including Sahara Taisio and Michael Cadrick Odyssey, who encouraged the PAC’s examination of homelessness and law enforcement.

Discussion Items

Item 5 – Downtown Outdoor Dining Program Ordinance Amendment

• Assistant Planner Samantha Bailey presented amendments to extend the conversion deadline from July 1 to December 15, 2026, and clarify building permit, sidewalk clearance, and design standards.
• Councilmembers discussed distinguishing state/federal requirements from discretionary local rules. Councilmember Chapman requested a chart for the next meeting. Councilmember Partida raised bike rack requirements. Mayor Neville suggested adding rationale for local rules.
• Action: Council voted unanimously (5-0) to continue the item to September 1, 2026, with direction to provide a breakdown of mandatory vs. discretionary provisions and explore cost relief for businesses needing building permits.

Item 6 – 2026 Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance Amendment

• Community Development Director Sherri Metzger explained the annual update aligns with state law, which preempts most local standards. Key changes include prohibition on short-term rentals (discretionary) and clarification that no local standard may preclude an 800-square-foot ADU.
• Councilmember Vaitla opposed short-term rentals for ADUs, favoring long-term housing. Councilmember Deos asked about enforcement and existing restrictions. Councilmember Partida supported retaining the 30-day minimum rental prohibition.
• Councilmember Deos noted confusing language in the 5-foot setback exception for 800-square-foot ADUs; staff agreed to clarify the wording.
• Action: Council voted unanimously (5-0) to introduce and conduct the first reading of the ordinance, including the short-term rental prohibition.

Item 7 – Long Range Calendar

• City Manager Dunstan announced: outdoor dining item moved to September 1; animal services JPA update possibly moved to September 15; his annual evaluation scheduled for September 15 or later; and an economic development update moved to October 6 due to Councilmember Deos’ absence on October 20.
• Mayor Neville noted upcoming SB 580 requirements on immigration enforcement policies need to be calendared.
• Public comment: Alan Miller requested an item to scrub MAPP report servers; Michael Harrington stated he is drafting initiatives for citywide elections and term limits.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved 5-0 with corrections to Item 4D.
• Downtown Outdoor Dining Program: Continued to September 1, 2026, for further clarification and cost relief options.
• ADU Ordinance Amendment: Introduced and approved on first reading 5-0, including prohibition on short-term rentals.
• City Manager Evaluation: Scheduled for September 15 closed session or later.
• Animal Services JPA: Update expected at September 15 meeting if needed.
• Economic Development Update: Moved to October 6.
• SB 580 Compliance: Will be placed on a future agenda.
• The meeting adjourned in memory of Steve Streeter, former planning commissioner and community volunteer.