West Sacramento City Council, Redevelopment Agency, and Finance Authority Meeting - February 18, 2026

The meeting began with a land acknowledgement, a closed session report (no reportable action), and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was reordered to accommodate special guests for two proclamations. The council then heard public comments on various topics, considered consent agenda items (including a contested consultant fee), and approved a salary adjustment for the police and fire chiefs. Council members provided updates on regional transportation, animal services, and national mayoral priorities.

Presentations and Proclamations

• Ramadan Recognition (February 18 – March 19, 2026): Mayor Guerrero read a proclamation recognizing the observance of Ramadan, emphasizing diversity and support for the Muslim community. Community members recited Quranic verses, and representatives from Care SBC, Muhajar Foundation, and the MSA Club at Washington Middle College High School spoke about the importance of fasting, community, and hope. Council members thanked them and noted the significance of recognizing diverse faith traditions.
• Black History Month (February 2026): Councilmember Dr. Dante Early read a proclamation declaring February 2026 as Black History Month, highlighting the theme “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” Shantae from Roberts Family Development Center accepted the proclamation and spoke about the center’s after-school programs, Freedom Schools literacy initiative, and work with Black Student Unions. Council members celebrated Dr. Early as the first African American council member in West Sacramento history (elected 2021) and noted the city’s Juneteenth observance. They also observed a moment of silence for Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Guy Stevenson: Criticized the city’s handling of First Amendment rights and the Brown Act, claiming a sign-in requirement is a violation. He complained about Via transportation services, stating they are dangerous, dirty, and hire drivers via an app. He expressed intent to litigate against Via and urged council members to ride Via themselves.
• Amanda Batistas (parent, Bridgeway Island Elementary): Raised the lack of grass for students at Bridgeway Island Elementary; the only green space is the adjacent city park (Bridgeway Island Park), which is unfenced and open to the public. She noted that kids cannot play tag or football on asphalt, and PE is unsafe. She proposed fencing a portion of the park (similar to Elkhorn’s setup), with gates opened after school hours. The PTO is willing to fundraise. City Manager responded that temporary fencing is a school district responsibility and offered to raise the issue with the superintendent again. Mayor Guerrero agreed to follow up with all parties.
• Miguel Bestissa (parent): Supported Amanda’s comments, requesting the matter be placed on a future parks commission agenda. He noted that as a child at Westfield Elementary, they had fenced-in access to grass.
• Kay Davila: Spoke both on a non-agenda item (water/sewer rate increases) and on consent item #6 (consultant fees for the High Service Manifold Project). She argued that proposed rate increases are inequitable: single-family residential water consumption rates would increase 37%, commercial 48%; water meter charges for residents would increase 100%; sewer rates for single-family units would increase 82% (April 1), multifamily 66%, but commercial sewer rates would decrease by 40%. Over 45 months, single-family sewer rates would increase 352%, multifamily 310%, commercial only 15%. She contended that the premise that higher water use equals higher wastewater is flawed because landscaping water does not become wastewater. She also noted that the manifold project has already spent over $1 million on consultant fees without construction, and a $10 million line item appears in a report despite the project not being approved. She asked the council to be more deliberate.
• Matt Weaver: Questioned the procedure for council dialogue during public comment, noting inequitable treatment. He criticized the city for stalling retail cannabis, resulting in litigation and lost opportunities, and accused the council of obstructing while giving preferential treatment to others.

Consent Calendar (Items 4–9)

• Item #6 (High Service Manifold Project Consultant Fees): A request to approve additional consultant fees (nearly $500,000) after previous bids were rejected as too high in April 2025. Public comment was heard (Kay Davila). Council voted unanimously to approve the consent calendar as presented.

Discussion Items

• Item #10 – Pay Schedule Updates for Fire Chief and Police Chief: City Manager presented a 5% salary increase for the fire chief and police chief positions to address salary compaction from public safety contracts and remain regionally competitive. The Brown Act required an oral report on the salary changes. No public comment. Council voted unanimously to approve.

Council Reports and Assignments

• Councilmember Early: Reported on the Capital Area Regional Tolling Authority (CARTA) meeting. Tolling lanes from Davis through West Sacramento to Harbor Boulevard are expected online by 2028. An executive director is being hired; SACOG has been supporting. Discussions are underway about long-term funding, including potential loans from member jurisdictions (including West Sacramento) to advance the project.
• Mayor Guerrero: Reported from the City Selection Committee: reappointments to the Local Agency Formation Commission (Councilmember Alcala) and the Yolo County Redevelopment Successor Agency Oversight Board (Councilmember Alcala). Also reported on the Animal Services Joint Powers Authority (JPA) meeting. Options discussed include an all-county model or a public-private partnership. Council may hear a presentation from Yolo County Animal Services; Deputy City Manager Doug Drose is reviewing materials. The mayor clarified that a critical form letter about Yolo County Animal Services is not factually correct and is a widespread document. Finally, she attended the 2026 US Conference of Mayors winter meeting, where priorities include the Road to Housing Act and the Housing for 21st Century Act, as well as protecting CDBG and Continuum of Care funding. She is supporting the Mayor’s Statement of Values on Immigration Enforcement.
• Councilmember Alcala: Announced upcoming community engagement: Citywide Public Arts Master Plan input session on February 23 (6:30–8 PM at City Hall) and Alice Norman Park Master Plan community engagement on February 25 (6–8 PM at 637 Todd Hunter). Council asked for the design options and a survey link to be shared in the council newsletter.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent calendar (items 4–9) including nearly $500,000 in consultant fees for the High Service Manifold Project.
• Approved: Resolution 26-20 updating the pay schedule for fire chief and police chief (5% salary increase) and related budget appropriations.
• Proclamations: Ramadan (February 18 – March 19, 2026) and Black History Month (February 2026) were recognized.
• Direction: City Manager will follow up with Washington Unified School District regarding temporary fencing at Bridgeway Island Elementary. Mayor will also coordinate with the school board.
• Future Agenda Items: Possible presentation from Yolo County Animal Services on JPA options; Alice Norman Park and Public Arts Master Plan outreach sessions are scheduled.
• No reportable action was taken in closed session.