[50:01] Local session, so my apologies. So here we go. If we could have roll call, please. Council member, car.

[50:10] Here. Council member Penduro, are you online?

[50:17] We'll come back to that. Council member Santu.

[50:21] Council member Tonison. Council member Williams.

[50:24] Vice Mayor Bertoni.

[50:30] Here.

[50:31] education tonight will be presented by Pastor Vernon Burroughs of Community United Methodist Church.

[50:42] Hi, Pastor.

[50:47] Good evening, everyone.

[50:49] Let us power hits in the moment of prayer.

[50:54] Gracious and sovereign God.

[50:58] We pause in this moment to acknowledge your presence, first of all, and to seek your guidance.

[51:06] As these members gather to serve this community, grant them wisdom, to make decisions

[51:15] that promote the common good, courage to pursue justice even when it is difficult, and

[51:25] compassion for every person whose life will be affected by their work, and in times when

[51:33] nation and communities often feel divided, help us remember that we are neighbors, teach us

[51:43] to listen with respect, speak with grace, and work together in the spirit of unity.

[51:52] And made a voices of this room reflect not only different perspectives, but also a share

[52:01] commitment to the well-being of this city, and all who called it

[52:07] home, give these council members clarity of mine, fairness of

[52:13] heart, and integrity in every decision they make, and let their

[52:19] work tonight bring hope where there is discouragement.

[52:23] solutions where there are challenges.

[52:30] And justice, where there is a need. A lot we ask a special blessing upon the first responders, police officers, our fire department, and even those that own the battlefield, that you will throw your arms or protection around them, and protect them from hurt, harm or danger seen and unseen.

[52:57] Blessed is city, is leaders, is families, and all who live and work here, and made an outcome

[53:05] of this meeting strengthen the bonds of the community, and move us toward a future marked

[53:13] by peace, opportunity, and mutual respect, and we offer this prayer in Jesus' name,

[53:25] thank you pastor and now I would like to ask Adam Clerk to lead us please in the

[53:35] pledge of allegiance. Please join me in saluting our flag.

[54:02] Thank you very much

[54:03] Madam Clerk and now we're going to go to Council reports and I'd like to start with

[54:10] Councilwoman Panduro, who is coming to us online.

[54:16] Oh, she's not here?

[54:18] She's not.

[54:18] Oh, I'm sorry.

[54:19] I'm sorry.

[54:20] Okay.

[54:21] Then we'll start with Councilwoman, right here next to me, man, beer sand dude.

[54:27] Thank you, Mayor.

[54:28] Good evening, everybody.

[54:30] Just a couple of things to touch on about a week ago, the pleasure of attending the installation

[54:34] ceremony for the 2627 officers of the Filipino-American community, a fair field,

[54:39] It's a soon and back of all, special shout out to the chief, the officiated, they're swearing

[54:45] in for the board, so congratulations to President Rob Bossa and the entire board for the

[54:50] upcoming year.

[54:51] The second thing, this past weekend, the chance and opportunity to attend the conference, the

[54:57] civic well policymaker conference.

[54:59] It's really focused around housing, sustainability, energy, and the conversation was about

[55:05] For example, how do you develop in prior-pronarias,

[55:07] what kind of development do you do?

[55:09] We talked a lot about energy and how you get your energy

[55:11] the difference between investor on utilities

[55:14] or municipal loan utilities or more like Fairfield

[55:16] or Sloan Accounting where we have a CCA community

[55:19] choice aggregator.

[55:21] And as many of you may know, if you look at your energy bill,

[55:23] we get our power from MCE.

[55:25] We're in clean energy and they help us fall in line

[55:27] with achieving some of our climate action goals

[55:30] and trying to get slightly cleaner power.

[55:32] So they do some great work for us in Fairfield all across,

[55:35] and across the Bay Area, they cover four counties.

[55:39] But energy is very, as I learned, more and more this week,

[55:41] and energy is quite a tricky topic, especially

[55:45] when you're looking at how California does it,

[55:47] and then maybe states like Texas.

[55:50] So that was a very informative conference,

[55:52] and I had a chance to meet, for example,

[55:53] some of the board members from Smud,

[55:55] and the great work for their doing with providing

[55:56] power to Sacramento.

[55:58] And this was in line with my responsibilities.

[56:01] One of the committees I serve on is the board for MCE.

[56:04] So this was in line with that responsibility, and then the subcoming week looking forward to attending the state of the base.

[56:11] The more somber event I believe, the former Councilman Vatsons funeral, Memorial Service on Friday, and then the, the, what's some Saturday to pat, the, what's up there?

[56:21] Yeah, Saturday has a lot of stuff, and I'm sure my colleagues will touch on it too, but it's a lot of surf night, the chocolate and vine event, and I don't have a dog.

[56:30] So I'm going to go try to play with some dogs at the dog park event on Saturday morning.

[56:35] That's about it.

[56:35] That's about it, man.

[56:36] Thank you so much.

[56:38] Thank you.

[56:39] Madam Vice Mayor, please.

[56:41] Thank you, Madam Mayor.

[56:42] Thank you, everyone, for coming out this evening.

[56:46] And for those of you who are watching from home, it's always super important to have you in the room with us because this is your meeting.

[56:55] So thank you for taking the time to be here.

[56:57] I just have a few announcements.

[57:01] I want to announce that our next clergy action network fairfield can meeting is on Tuesday, March

[57:10] 24th.

[57:12] We have these meetings the fourth Tuesday of every month and we have them at 3 to 430 at

[57:21] the Fairfield Community Center in the Vista Conference Room.

[57:25] So the next meeting is on March 24th to 430 PM, where we will be discussing among other things,

[57:34] the National Day of Prayer, which can be hosting on Thursday, May 7th from 12 to 1 PM right here in Council Chambers.

[57:44] Can is also going to be discussing our Juneteenth celebration, which can we'll be hosting on the day, on Friday, June 19 from 4 to 7, and we will be down at the Solano County Law on Juneteenth.

[58:03] So please bring your family and friends and come hang out and celebrate Juneteenth with us.

[58:09] And we also will have a special guest from the Fairfield PAL organization to discuss

[58:18] volunteer opportunities that will be Heather Sanderson, and she'll be at the PAL meeting

[58:24] on the 24th of this month.

[58:27] So that's our PAL business.

[58:30] I also, I'm sorry, are can kind of schedule for the upcoming meeting, and I also want

[58:38] to say that we, I'm going to be hosting the public table. This is a neighborhood town hall

[58:48] meeting series. This is to go into each of the districts in this city and talk to residents

[58:56] about what they want to talk about. Okay, so the first one is set for March 28th and that will

[59:04] held at the Cordelia Library. The district two meeting will be at famous creations in their

[59:11] meeting room downtown. The third is and that's April 18th my son's birthday, but I'll be at

[59:18] the meeting. On then district three meeting is on May the 9th. These are all Saturdays from 10 a.m.

[59:25] to noon. All Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. That will be May 9th at Mancass neighborhood center.

[59:33] District 4 will be at the Dunnel Peacock Ranch that we all are very familiar with, that's going to be on May 30th.

[59:44] District 5 will be at Bethel Community Church, June 27th, and then District 6 will be on July 11th at the Lake Club at one Lake.

[59:56] All of this information you can find on my website.

[1:00:01] So please go there and I'll be posting this and everything in other venues as well. So looking forward to hearing from residents in the city about what's good, what needs to be fixed and how we can get it done together. The public table. That's what the meetings all about.

[1:00:23] And then finally, I attended the crab feed at Rancho Solano last Saturday evening, and I

[1:00:33] have to give it up.

[1:00:34] The meal was absolutely delicious, you know, I very seldom meet other people's crab.

[1:00:43] So it was delicious, the crab cakes fantastic, so great job at Rancho Solano golf club for

[1:00:52] the crab feed. One thing that I did notice about the club is that it looks like it's

[1:01:00] a need of repair. It looks like that along with Paradise Valley. It looks, you know, for

[1:01:08] such a beautiful venue. In such a beautiful location, I think it's kind of a shame that the

[1:01:22] So Madam Mayor, I was going to ask you if it would be proper or appropriate to schedule,

[1:01:31] you know, to agendize a report from the Golf Advisory Board for a report on what is going

[1:01:39] on and what needs to be done to get these facilities and tip-top shape, which is what they

[1:01:45] should be.

[1:01:46] Absolutely. We will agenda something in the golf advisory board can bring to us a report on that.

[1:01:56] Awesome. You go with that, Christina? Excellent.

[1:01:59] Okay. Thank you. That's my report. Thank you.

[1:02:02] Thank you. Councilman Doug.

[1:02:17] Coming up in April. It's a free event and the raffles and prizes you register on even

[1:02:23] right online. There's also going to be a clean slate day that's where people you may know

[1:02:30] or need to get their records cleaned up if they have any problems that's put on by the

[1:02:37] public defender's office. The Vacaville homeless round table will be on March 18th. It's

[1:02:44] going to be at the William Carroll Health and Social Service Conference Room in Montavista. They

[1:02:49] need some support real bad.

[1:02:53] Also the City of Fairfield Homeless Service Division is hosting the next Homeless Roundtable

[1:02:57] on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 in Willow Hall, it's just right over here.

[1:03:04] It's 10 to 1.

[1:03:05] If you'd like an invitation, please email Samantha Burroughs at sbrowsatfairfield.ca.gov.

[1:03:12] They also have pretty good sandwiches if you register.

[1:03:15] The City of Fairfield's Homeless Service Division is hosting the next Homeless Outreach Partnership

[1:03:21] Event.

[1:03:23] Hope Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Liberty Church, if you are interested in tabling and provide

[1:03:30] resources to that event, please reach out to hsdatfairfield.ca.gov.

[1:03:38] Applications are also on website at fairfield.ca.gov Homeless.

[1:03:44] The next GPA, CAPS LONTO meeting is going to be on March 26th, that's at 6.30, it's at

[1:03:53] the old library, the county events center, and the GPA is also accepting applications

[1:04:00] for the lived experience advisory board.

[1:04:04] I put some of these on the back table, and you can also go to, if you have any questions

[1:04:09] to C-A-L-I-C-H-B-C-S-H.ca.gov, and you can get your applications for that.

[1:04:20] And then there's also a request for proposals, direct client assistance providers.

[1:04:25] If you are a provider, there's some money for that to be had.

[1:04:28] There's like $90,000 available for services for to help out our client folks, and these

[1:04:36] are also on the back table.

[1:04:38] Thank you, Mayor.

[1:04:39] That's my report.

[1:04:40] Thank you, Councilman Doug, Councilman Tonison.

[1:04:43] Nothing for me, Mayor.

[1:04:44] All right.

[1:04:44] And Councilwoman Williams.

[1:04:47] Thank you.

[1:04:49] I wanted to talk about a few really great events I attended, and then one coming up.

[1:04:55] So, Festival of Colors was Sunday.

[1:05:00] That's the annual Holy Celebration.

[1:05:03] It was at Cordelia Park.

[1:05:05] Amazing food.

[1:05:06] dance and really great conversations.

[1:05:11] Also, the first anniversary Indian Mart ribbon cutting was a week ago,

[1:05:19] 995 Oliver Road.

[1:05:23] They have really great hair products, teas, food.

[1:05:27] It is a wonderful place to shop, please go and visit.

[1:05:32] On the educational side, I attended the North Bay Women's Health event and there was a conversation

[1:05:41] about colorectal cancer awareness.

[1:05:45] Actually, it's colorectal cancer awareness month is this month and it was really great

[1:05:52] information about how to early prevention, early detection and how that we should, you know,

[1:06:03] all get checked. And how this is a cancer that is attacking younger folks. People are now

[1:06:13] in their 20s and 30s. It's not, you know, a senior type of a thing. It was a surprise to learn

[1:06:20] how young and they don't know why that is.

[1:06:23] They don't know if it's environmental or what we're eating.

[1:06:28] But if everyone saw my voice can just do

[1:06:32] just a simple Google search on prevention

[1:06:34] and just learning a little bit about it.

[1:06:37] And finally, I would like to announce a lunch time meeting

[1:06:42] with me, Councilwoman Capitrice Williams, March 30th.

[1:06:47] That is a Monday from 12 to 2 PM.

[1:06:51] It's during lunchtime at Cordelia Library in the meeting room,

[1:06:56] 50, 50 business into drive.

[1:06:59] Usually I go to local restaurants

[1:07:02] and green valley in Cordelia, and I see so many people there.

[1:07:05] And I was thinking, you know what?

[1:07:07] Why don't we all just go to the library, bring our lunches,

[1:07:11] and just conversate about anything literally

[1:07:14] if it's not in close session?

[1:07:15] I'll talk to you about anything.

[1:07:18] So I would love to have that conversation March 30th.

[1:07:22] Thank you.

[1:07:26] Thank you, Councilwoman.

[1:07:28] So I have-

[1:07:32] First, I just wanted to reiterate that former Councilman Jack Batson's memorial is from 2-330 at Rockville Presbyterian Church.

[1:07:46] And that is, I mean, make sure I get this right, 4-1-7-7, Susan Valley Road.

[1:07:53] And obviously everybody's welcome to send him off and give condolences to his lovely wife.

[1:08:06] I went, got everything went together.

[1:08:09] Believe it was last weekend now, there was a great event.

[1:08:12] It happened to be in Vaccaville, but it was to benefit the Sacramento Valley veterans cemetery.

[1:08:21] And what it was was a small businesses from all over went there and they sold their goods and that helped make money for the cemetery.

[1:08:35] And I knew business. I was invited to go there. This is one of the reasons I went. It's a Fairfield business.

[1:08:42] And the name of it is B. Period Marin, Candle Company.

[1:08:51] And let me tell you, they're all organic and non-smoking.

[1:08:56] You know, no smoke coming out of it. Lovely. Lovely candles.

[1:09:00] And you can find around Facebook.

[1:09:03] And she is here in Fearfield. So it was a great event.

[1:09:07] It was jam packed. I don't know how much they're raised,

[1:09:10] that it looked good, and I bought stuff.

[1:09:14] I spent all my allowance for the week there.

[1:09:18] I wanted to also bring up a couple of things

[1:09:21] that citizens should know about.

[1:09:26] And that is that right now, the Fairfield Sussan sewer district

[1:09:33] has put out a prop to 18, which is the legal,

[1:09:37] by law you have to do this if you want to raise rates.

[1:09:40] The sewer district, which is made up of the City Council of Fairfield, and Susan City,

[1:09:47] wants to raise rates over five years from $51.62 for residences to $78.20.

[1:09:57] And right now is the time that if you oppose it, you need to let the sewer district know

[1:10:04] and the way that you do that is go to ffsusune, sewer.ca.gov and it'll take you to where you can

[1:10:16] write, say you support it, you don't, but there are 33,000 folks who are hooked up and you

[1:10:27] who are in Fairfield and Susan City, mostly a huge majority from Fairfield, of course.

[1:10:35] And so half of those would have to object to this for it to stop.

[1:10:42] You can also go to the meeting and tell us that you don't want, you don't want it, or you do.

[1:10:50] So I wanted to let you know about that.

[1:10:52] And then the next thing also has to do with what is become a very controversial topic

[1:11:01] in our area between fearful and vacavel, as you may know, if you've driven it both ways,

[1:11:09] we have a toll road there now.

[1:11:12] And you use your transponder to move into that lane,

[1:11:17] And your charge to drive and the more traffic, the more expensive it is, now you don't have to get in those lanes at all.

[1:11:29] And so that's one good thing.

[1:11:32] But I really thought it against this for a number of reasons.

[1:11:36] Number one, I wanted to let people know that we are the only county in the Bay Area to have this toll on the weekends.

[1:11:46] In other words, the state decided we'd be good guinea pigs, and I opposed this for very many reasons,

[1:11:54] but mostly because the people in Salana County, we are the poorest county in the 90 area counties.

[1:12:02] Be area.

[1:12:04] Our people commute more and longer than other areas.

[1:12:08] We already pay more tolls than anybody else if you're going in.

[1:12:13] I'm like Marin County versus zest, you know, it's very expensive and we have the equity

[1:12:19] here is way out of line, so but I was outvoted, I was the sole vote no, but that's okay

[1:12:29] but we are having another public hearing on it, so people can come, you can also just send emails

[1:12:38] to all of us, and there are bugs being worked out too, because there were a lot of complaints

[1:12:45] that people not getting into that toll road were being charged. In other words, the lay and

[1:12:50] over, and I got complaints that the state wasn't paying attention when they would. So the bottom

[1:12:58] line is some of those things are getting worked out, but I wanted to let you know, and I will,

[1:13:05] Well, let everybody know the actual date that we're going to have that public hearing.

[1:13:10] The state will be there, and it's important that they hear it, not just by me alone.

[1:13:17] But if you don't want to do that's okay too, I have gotten a lot of response in the county

[1:13:24] about this.

[1:13:25] And I think we need to do better when we're talking about equity.

[1:13:31] people like to talk about it, but when you go to put it in practice, not so much.

[1:13:38] So just want to let you know of those things, and that's it.

[1:13:43] And so I'll turn to Mr. City Manager and see what he has to report.

[1:13:47] No report this evening, Mayor.

[1:13:48] I took all his time, and then to Mr. City Attorney.

[1:13:53] Thank you, Madam Mayor.

[1:13:54] I want to report out from close session earlier this evening on item F4, which was conference

[1:14:00] with legal counsel on anticipated litigation regarding where view and legal analysis of citizen

[1:14:05] request for refunds during landscape lighting and maintenance districts.

[1:14:09] The City Council has directed staff to put this matter on the agenda by a 7-0 vote on April

[1:14:17] 21st, 26, that will be a public meeting to discuss the same matter and that will be

[1:14:23] agendized for April 21st, 2026 at a regular meeting of the Fairfield City Council.

[1:14:29] Thank you. Thank you, Mr. City Attorney and Madam Clerk.

[1:14:34] Thank you, Mayor. I do have a statement to make actually.

[1:14:38] So I have been the elected clerk for 12 years now.

[1:14:42] In 2014, I was appointed to fulfill the remaining years,

[1:14:47] left on the prior clerk's term.

[1:14:49] She was elected to a four year term, but then resigned after one year.

[1:14:54] Then I was elected in 2016, 2020 and 2024.

[1:14:57] and my

[1:15:03] So, since I have run unopposed every time, I'm strongly suggesting that it's time to make the city clerk an appointed position, instead of an elected position, the majority of cities in California have appointed city clerks, the appointed trend is, many municipalities are shifting from elected to appointed clerk positions.

[1:15:28] to save on election costs for one thing,

[1:15:32] ensure professional qualified candidates are selected.

[1:15:37] We're a general law city, and traditionally,

[1:15:40] it was designed to have elected clerks,

[1:15:43] but it's kind of like considered old school now.

[1:15:47] The most cities are transitioning

[1:15:48] to appointed rules through a vote of the electorate.

[1:15:52] And that's the issue.

[1:15:53] It does have to go before the voters.

[1:15:55] So it will have to go on the November ballot, 2026 because my term is up in 2028 and it cannot be on the ballot the year that the term is up so I just wanted to bring that to everyone's attention and I don't know if it needs to be agendized or

[1:16:17] Yeah, we will have to agenda, is it?

[1:16:21] Okay, I'll work with the City Manager on timing.

[1:16:25] Okay, I just wanted to let everyone know that.

[1:16:27] I mean, it's almost three years away, but we do have to put it

[1:16:32] on the November short.

[1:16:34] Thank you, Madam Clerk, and I want to say thank you.

[1:16:38] And you're not going anywhere for a while.

[1:16:41] But for your public service, thank you.

[1:16:44] You're welcome.

[1:16:45] Thank you.

[1:16:45] have been fantastic. Thank you. Thank you. All righty then. And so now Madam Clerk, we're going to turn to presentations if you would.

[1:17:00] Yes, Proclamation and poem declaring women's history month presented by Vice Mayor Bertani to the daughters of the American Revolution.

[1:17:12] the Chief Solano chapter, you can see they're all in period costum. So we'll have to get a photo at the end, maybe up in front here.

[1:17:23] And then, poet laureate Michael Wiley will read his original poem entitled Camille Signature,

[1:17:30] after the Vice Mayor reads the Proclamation. Thank you.

[1:17:34] Okay, thank you. Good evening again, everyone. You look fabulous. By the way.

[1:17:42] Don't look too close okay so here is the proclamation should we wait to have them come

[1:17:50] up or come up now would you like to come up now so everybody can see you yeah

[1:18:02] and just

[1:18:02] come on around here and who wants to hold the proclamation while I read it all right beautiful

[1:18:13] beautiful clothes, just absolutely gorgeous. Okay, National Women's History Month, March

[1:18:20] 2026, whereas in 1978 women's history day began in Sonoma County, California, and

[1:18:31] championed by Gertalarner and the National Women's History Alliance led to its

[1:18:37] recognition as a national week in 1980 and ultimately, as national women's history month

[1:18:45] in the United States in 1987, after which the observance spread internationally.

[1:18:54] Whereas national women's history month is celebrated annually in March, and the 26th

[1:19:01] team is leading the change, women shaping a sustainable future, expands our understanding

[1:19:09] of sustainability beyond just environmental concerns, and whereas in this pivotal movement

[1:19:18] of history, we are called upon to confront a range of overlapping global challenges, including

[1:19:28] climate change, economic insecurity, health care disparities, and threats to democratic participation.

[1:19:40] Whereas these issues are deeply intertwined and women, particularly from marginalized communities,

[1:19:48] often experience their impacts more acutely. Whereas the theme encompasses financial sustainability,

[1:19:56] community, resilience, leadership, succession, and intergenerational equity, whether developing

[1:20:05] green technologies, advancing economic justice, strengthening educational systems, or building

[1:20:13] civic power, women are designing blueprints for sustainable transformation.

[1:20:21] Whereas this theme affirms that shaping a sustainable future means fostering systems that support both people and our planet.

[1:20:36] Now therefore, Katherine Catmoi, Mayor of the City of Fairfield, hereby proclaims the month of March as National Women's History Month,

[1:20:45] And the mayor calls upon the citizens of Fairfield to recognize and celebrate the countless contributions of women to our community and to our world and to honor their strength, courage, and wisdom.

[1:21:04] Congratulations.

[1:21:06] You're very welcome.

[1:21:07] Thank you.

[1:21:08] You're welcome.

[1:21:11] Just anything you'd like to share.

[1:21:14] The daughters of the American Revolution, especially this chapter, but nationally, is we are about

[1:21:21] historic preservation, education, and service.

[1:21:24] And that is what our goal is, and that is what our chapter school is, and that is how we get involved.

[1:21:29] So we are open for presentations for elementary schools that are studying American history, and

[1:21:35] other ways to serve.

[1:21:36] We're looking for that.

[1:21:37] Use citizen awards, things like that.

[1:21:40] We're just happy to recognize the youth of our society.

[1:21:44] Thank you.

[1:21:48] Thank you.

[1:21:48] And now we'll have our poet Laureate read the poem.

[1:22:01] All right, good evening.

[1:22:02] Mayor Moe, council members, members of the public.

[1:22:07] Just before I start reading the poem,

[1:22:09] just a little bit of background.

[1:22:11] This poem does start as titled Camille Signature

[1:22:14] and that is after the sculptor, Kimmel Kledel.

[1:22:17] After unfamiliar with Kimmel Kledel,

[1:22:19] she was a French sculptor, she worked in the studio

[1:22:21] of Rodamp, and while she was celebrated in her own right, it was largely posthumously.

[1:22:30] Within the studio, we're contributing to the many studies of hands-in-feet, which, of course, are hallmarks of roadendous sculpture, and often that work did not carry her name.

[1:22:43] So this is communal signature. Clay yields to the pressure of the loop tool, rise of wrist to the slope of fingers, or the curve of heels arch towards played toes.

[1:22:58] forms molded for casting. It's here where intention travels tendon, where hands and feet

[1:23:08] reach that her studies are formed. Study in chalk, dust-like powdered marble, her numbered

[1:23:17] models articulate gravity in new forms. Study in steel, as her scalpel chisels its incision

[1:23:26] in remedy of broken figure.

[1:23:29] Study in breath cast outward over microphone, the solidarity of a crowd bravely rallied, study

[1:23:38] in her stride striking pavement in full propulsion as if newly released from stone.

[1:23:46] Study in carbon fiber, metal frame, socket fitted, alignment set on cast limb.

[1:23:53] This monument of accumulated gestures at its base, her bronze feet polished by countless

[1:24:03] passing poems.

[1:24:23] Where's your hat?

[1:24:24] Where's your hat?

[1:24:25] Where's your hat?

[1:24:26] You can be in the future.

[1:24:28] Okay.

[1:24:29] Yes, Ena said she would take the photo.

[1:24:33] I'm a little bit tired.

[1:24:34] I'm a little bit tired.

[1:24:38] I'm a little bit tired.

[1:24:39] Can you please forgive me?

[1:24:42] You're a little bit tired.

[1:24:42] That's great.

[1:24:44] So we had to have a few more.

[1:24:48] I love this.

[1:24:49] These two.

[1:24:50] Madame, my smile, I'm gonna get you to meet his happy son.

[1:24:53] I think so.

[1:24:54] I think so.

[1:24:55] I don't know what to work.

[1:24:55] I want to go home.

[1:24:57] Oh, that's a lot of work.

[1:24:59] I don't know.

[1:25:00] I don't know what to do.

[1:25:49] Thank you, Ena,

[1:26:04] and now our second proclamation, proclamation declaring education and sharing

[1:26:08] day presented by Mayor Moe to rabbi's backloss of Shabbat of Salon O'Counney.

[1:26:27] Good evening, rabbi.

[1:26:29] How are you?

[1:26:31] Good, thank God.

[1:26:32] Thank God.

[1:26:33] Last year we go.

[1:26:34] one of this, and I'm going to go ahead and read the proclamation, and this is for education

[1:26:41] and sharing day, whereas the basis for the continuity of any society is education, and in

[1:26:50] Fairfield, California, the education of our youth is a priority.

[1:26:56] In order to achieve its highest goals, the education must not only be a part of knowledge,

[1:27:01] but also teach the students how to live.

[1:27:05] Forming and strengthening their moral character

[1:27:08] to make a better life for themselves as individuals

[1:27:11] and for society as a whole, in parting moral

[1:27:15] and ethical values that have been the bedrock of society

[1:27:18] since the dawn of civilization.

[1:27:22] Including the values known as the seven Noah, say it to me.

[1:27:28] That's difficult for me.

[1:27:29] I know a hide laws. I got a no a hide laws. I know no a hide laws. A global spiritual

[1:27:34] leader in leading advocate for the advancement of education. Are you going to say this for

[1:27:41] me too? The Rebbe, Rabbi Minachim M. Schnereson of righteous memory. I'll learn to spell it later

[1:27:47] too, but I love when you say it. Stress that a moral and ethical education empowers every individual

[1:27:55] to develop their full potential in making the world a better place.

[1:28:01] Such an education can foster unity among diverse peoples by inspiring greater acts of

[1:28:07] goodness and kindness, and viewed with awareness that even a single positive deed has the power

[1:28:14] to change the world and help us in an era of global peace.

[1:28:21] Whereas March 29th, 2026, will mark 124 years since the rebase birth, and this year marks

[1:28:31] the 76th anniversary of his leadership of the Shabbad Lubavich movement.

[1:28:39] Habad is an acronym of three Hebrew words for wisdom, understanding and knowledge.

[1:28:45] The name of Lubavitch comes from the city that served as the movement's headquarters for more than a century.

[1:28:53] It means the city of love.

[1:28:55] Of all the ethical values that inform our civilization, none is more important than love.

[1:29:02] Love of wisdom, love of a refello man, and love of our creator.

[1:29:08] These values have guided the Hapad Lubaic movement throughout its history and are the essence of education at its best.

[1:29:20] We should be certain to pass on the precious heritage to all young Americans.

[1:29:27] Whereas education and sharing day is observed each year on the Rabbi's birthday in recognition of his outstanding and lasting contributions

[1:29:37] toward the improvement of education, morality, and acts of charity around the world.

[1:29:43] It is a data pause, reflect, and ensure our youth of the foundation necessary to lead

[1:29:51] lives rich in purpose and fulfillment through service and good work.

[1:29:57] Now.

[1:30:00] Act, Moe, Mayor of Fairfield, do hereby proclaim March 29, 2020, 2006, to be education and sharing

[1:30:09] day in the city of Fairfield, and call upon government officials, educators, volunteers,

[1:30:16] and citizens to reach out to those within your communities, to work together to create a better

[1:30:23] brighter and more promising future for all, and Rabbi, please.

[1:30:31] Thank you.

[1:30:32] Thank you.

[1:30:33] I have a minute or two.

[1:30:35] Oh, you're.

[1:30:40] Thank you, Kat.

[1:30:41] Thank you, Mayor Moe.

[1:30:43] My name is Rabbi Hayem Zachlos.

[1:30:46] And I live here in Solano County for 16 years with my wife and nine children.

[1:30:52] I want to thank the mayor and the city council for recognizing Sunday March 29th as education and

[1:31:00] sharing day here in the city of Fairfield.

[1:31:05] As mentioned in the proclamation, education and sharing day highlights the idea that education

[1:31:10] should not only focus on knowledge and academic achievements, but also on developing character,

[1:31:17] kindness and responsibility towards others. Education is often seen as giving children

[1:31:25] the knowledge and skills they need to build a career and succeed in the world.

[1:31:31] But education

[1:31:32] must not stop there. A good education must also help shape the kind of people they become.

[1:31:41] A education should not only teach young people how to make a living but how to live.

[1:31:47] How to be kind, responsible, and honest, and how to look out for one another.

[1:31:54] When students are taught that even a small, positive encounter, an action can influence

[1:32:01] the people around them, it changes how they see themselves and their role in the world.

[1:32:08] They begin to understand that their choices matter, and that they have the ability to make

[1:32:14] meaningful difference in their environments and in their communities.

[1:32:20] Education and sharing they invites us to take a moment to reflect on that responsibility,

[1:32:27] and to encourage acts of kindness, generosity, and care for others.

[1:32:34] To help bring that idea into everyday life, I brought a small gift with me today

[1:32:41] for each of you, it's called an ark, which stands for acts of routine kindness. It also

[1:32:50] looks a little like the ark, an ark that saved Noah and his family when the world had lost

[1:32:59] its moral compass. The idea is very simple. Keep this ark in your home or your office, place

[1:33:08] small coin into it regularly, and I'll start with that myself here today.

[1:33:16] It's not about the amount, it's about the habit.

[1:33:19] It helps exercise what I like to call the giving muscle, reminding us that even a small

[1:33:26] act of kindness done consistently, shape the kind of people we become.

[1:33:32] And perhaps ideas like this can also serve as simple ways to encourage students in our

[1:33:39] schools to practice small acts of generosity and kindness, helping them develop the habits

[1:33:47] of caring for others and a sense of responsibility for our society.

[1:33:53] Because when young people learn not only the knowledge they need to succeed but also the values

[1:33:59] That shape their character, they grow into individuals who strengthen their communities and help build a kinder and more caring world.

[1:34:08] Thank you.

[1:34:21] Over here.

[1:34:22] Thank you.

[1:34:24] Thank you.

[1:34:26] And the rabbis also.

[1:34:28] Oh, you're the photographer on top of being the clerk.

[1:34:30] On top of being.

[1:34:32] Okay.

[1:34:47] I'd like to talk to you.

[1:34:49] I'd like

[1:34:55] to talk to you.

[1:34:55] Thank you.

[1:34:57] Thank you, Rabbi.

[1:34:58] If I need to just share.

[1:35:21] Yes.

[1:35:21] Thank you, Rabbi.

[1:35:21] I filled mine up.

[1:35:23] Was it last year?

[1:35:24] I gave it to have my daughter give it to the homeless.

[1:35:29] So, yeah.

[1:35:29] Thank you very much.

[1:35:32] All right.

[1:35:35] So, now we're going to turn to public comments, Madam Clerk?

[1:35:40] Yes.

[1:35:40] Public comments.

[1:35:41] Persons wishing to address the city council on subjects not on the agenda.

[1:35:45] But within the jurisdiction of the council may do so at this time.

[1:35:48] The Council cannot discuss or take action on matters, not on the agenda for this meeting,

[1:35:54] but Council members may briefly respond to statements made or questions raised by the

[1:35:59] public, ask for clarification from staff, refer the matter to staff, request staff to report

[1:36:05] back to the Council at a subsequent meeting, or replace the matter on a future agenda.

[1:36:10] If you're online to speak on an agenda item, please use the raise or hand feature or press

[1:36:14] are nine on your phone. Speakers are limited to three minutes per item as determined by the mayor.

[1:36:20] And I do have two speaker cards. First is E.J. Johnson.

[1:36:28] Hi, E.J.

[1:36:36] It's a 20-26 season with a hugely successful opening of rent. We welcome full houses, standing

[1:36:43] evations, and the kind of electric energy that reminds us exactly why live theater matters.

[1:36:49] It was a powerful and joyful way to begin the era of downtown theater.

[1:36:54] And we're just getting started.

[1:36:56] This season we're excited to welcome an incredible lineup of performances and partners on stage,

[1:37:02] including Flocke Seagirls, Supersonic, House of Floyd, The Salana Wins, and Vowena.

[1:37:09] We are also thrilled that Drew Harrison will be bringing his John Lennon tribute to Fairfield,

[1:37:14] featuring our very own award-winning, Occupilicure, but missed.

[1:37:17] Speaking of mist, we're incredibly proud to share that recently placed second in their

[1:37:23] last competition, and they'll be heading to semi-finals in Redwood.

[1:37:30] And you are presenting fair field with such talent and heart. We are also excited to be pertinent with

[1:37:35] glass shelf ranch on a new public art exhibit that will open in four weeks. Another way we are

[1:37:41] working to activate the space and invite communities to the arts. Additionally, the theater's recent

[1:37:47] lighting upgrade is now complete and has made a meaningful difference in the building, enhancing

[1:37:52] not only aesthetic experience, but improving safety and energy efficiency. We are very grateful

[1:37:58] through the city to that investment.

[1:38:00] And finally, the downtown theater and police activities league

[1:38:03] are thrilled to announce that we are hosting a 1980s prom

[1:38:07] in the courtyard this May, a fun community centered event

[1:38:11] we can't wait to share more about soon.

[1:38:13] Thank you so much for your continued support of the arts

[1:38:16] and we are proud to be a part of what makes this community vibrant.

[1:38:19] Thank you so much.

[1:38:20] Thank you so much.

[1:38:22] My daughter who used to do a lot of work with the theater

[1:38:25] not so she will be going with her best friend to see rent. She did not invite me, but I'll go

[1:38:31] a different time. Thank you. Next is Monica Brown.

[1:38:53] Good evening, Supervisor Brown. I see you have your

[1:38:57] green on. Yes, happy St. Patty's day. I'm speaking today as an individual. I read in the newspaper that

[1:39:05] there's going to be a continued investigation and you guys have already spent $56,000

[1:39:12] and did not like what you heard back.

[1:39:14] And then you voted to have a cap of 25,000 to continue.

[1:39:20] And the article in the paper indicated

[1:39:23] that the special council found no evidence

[1:39:26] that the mayor resided outside the city limits.

[1:39:30] I would hope that city manager indicated

[1:39:32] that with everything going on in the world

[1:39:35] and gas prices going up, that there might be an issue

[1:39:39] about maybe the city doesn't need measure P to be passed.

[1:39:44] So I just wanted to let you know what's out there in the world and not really happy.

[1:39:48] I wish I could when I get something I don't like to turn it down.

[1:39:52] But I don't like that fact that you guys did that.

[1:39:55] I don't think that is right.

[1:39:57] Thank you.

[1:39:58] Thank you, supervisor.

[1:40:00] I'll just make one correction.

[1:40:02] 26,000 has been spent and then another 25,000 could be spent.

[1:40:06] But with a cap.

[1:40:09] Okay, I just, no, you don't need to apologize, I just want to make sure that the record was straight.

[1:40:15] But thank you.

[1:40:16] Did anyone else wish to speak on public comment?

[1:40:20] There are no hands raised online, Mayor.

[1:40:23] Okay, and so what we'll do is move on to housing authority.

[1:40:31] Convening the joint meeting of the City Council and Housing Authority,

[1:40:35] The holding of a joint meeting of the City Council and Housing Authority entitles the council members to receive additional compensation of $35 for attending this joint meeting.

[1:40:46] And the one item is on consent, but I'll read the statement.

[1:40:50] All matters listed on the Housing Authority consent calendar are to be approved with one motion, unless a member of the Housing Authority or the public request that separate action be taken on a specific item.

[1:41:03] And I don't normally read the items since it's on consent.

[1:41:07] Sure.

[1:41:09] First of all, do we have any public comment at all on the consent cover?

[1:41:14] I do not.

[1:41:14] Did anyone wish to speak on this item?

[1:41:18] No.

[1:41:19] No.

[1:41:25] Then I will entertain a motion to approve the consent cover.

[1:41:29] I was in authority.

[1:41:30] We

[1:41:33] need a roll call.

[1:41:37] Yes.

[1:41:37] Oh no we go.

[1:41:38] I can't think in poor degrees.

[1:41:39] I thought we did too.

[1:41:41] Okay.

[1:41:42] All in favor.

[1:41:43] All right.

[1:41:44] All right.

[1:41:45] That was unanimous.

[1:41:47] All right.

[1:41:48] We're going to reconvene the meeting of the city council and turn to the consent calendar for the city council.

[1:41:55] Okay.

[1:41:55] The regular consent.

[1:41:57] All matters listed on the consent calendar are to be approved with one motion unless a member of the city council.

[1:42:02] or the public request that separate action be taken on a specific item.

[1:42:07] I do not have any speaker cards.

[1:42:09] Did anyone wish to speak on the regular consent?

[1:42:14] No.

[1:42:15] All right.

[1:42:16] Anything need to be pulled here?

[1:42:18] Colleagues?

[1:42:19] Nope.

[1:42:20] Okay.

[1:42:20] Then I'll entertain a motion to prove the consent calendar, please.

[1:42:24] So moved.

[1:42:25] I'll second that.

[1:42:27] All in favor.

[1:42:28] Hi.

[1:42:30] That was unanimous.

[1:42:31] And now we're rolling right into new business.

[1:42:37] Okay, item, oh, new business.

[1:42:40] Oh, one.

[1:42:41] Presentation of draft, 2026 build fee, study update.

[1:42:46] Presentation and discussion regarding the proposed 2026 building fee update.

[1:42:51] And our presenter is Jeff Thomas, chief building official.

[1:42:55] Good evening Madam Mayor, Madam Vice Mayor, Members of Council.

[1:43:00] I'm Jeff Thomas here at Chief Bill in official and I am here to present a findings of

[1:43:04] a recent fee study for the building safety division.

[1:43:09] So obviously we've heard tonight, fee increases are not a popular topic.

[1:43:14] However, there is some good news that we came out, we found out of this study.

[1:43:20] So why is this not working?

[1:43:27] Okay,

[1:43:34] so we started, once we started getting findings from our consultant, we began outreach

[1:43:40] to the community, specifically the development community. I purposely purposely reached out

[1:43:46] to the BIA to start with over a month ago, and that's the Bay Area Building Industry Association.

[1:43:53] A majority of both residential and commercial home builders are members of that

[1:43:59] association, so they provided a broad outreach for us, as well as reaching out to all of

[1:44:04] our current residential home builders and several of our commercial development developers

[1:44:09] that have or may soon have developments submitted to us.

[1:44:15] The overall sentiment was very positive from the development community.

[1:44:22] Most of them stated that, you know, fee increases by the building division don't generally

[1:44:27] move the needle on development in a negative way, things that typically do or development fees

[1:44:32] just overall construction costs, and financing available as we all know the financing

[1:44:38] is become very difficult for a lot of developers to maintain reasonable costs. The biggest

[1:44:45] issue that was noted to me during those inquiries and discussions with them is they wanted

[1:44:51] to ensure that our service levels were maintained,

[1:44:55] and that if these small fee increases,

[1:44:56] Thank you so much for watching, and I'll see you in the next one.

[1:45:00] For us to maintain or hopefully even improve our services that they were actually very beneficial and for the fee increases.

[1:45:09] Some of them actually had an indicated they might come and speak positively about it, but as you see, nobody's here. So I think that's also a good sign.

[1:45:16] Are they pulling your leg?

[1:45:18] No, I don't think so. No. I form very good relationships with a lot of our developers, and I think between that and the service levels that we've been able to provide.

[1:45:27] they appreciate how quickly we're able to respond to their concerns.

[1:45:34] So, before I get into the fee study, I want to, you know, backtrack a little bit.

[1:45:40] Building safety division, the city of Fairfield, has been ensuring safe homes and businesses in the city since 1947.

[1:45:46] and proudly. These permit fees help recover our costs for administration of plan review,

[1:45:53] inspection, and code enforcement services within the city to ensure safe built environment.

[1:46:00] Proper implementation of these codes and safe structures, reduce hazards, and lower property

[1:46:06] insurance rates. Currently the city of Fairfield is rated by the ISO, which is the National

[1:46:12] insurance services office as a two, one being the best.

[1:46:16] We used to be a three, about six years ago, and so we have improved our services through

[1:46:22] not only our implementation of the codes, but the qualified staffing that we have in

[1:46:27] maintain within the city.

[1:46:31] Again, proper application of the building standards codes, saved lives, and limit damage.

[1:46:37] Unfortunately, codes for the most part are promulgated through disaster, whether man-made or

[1:46:43] natural, just a curious point.

[1:46:46] The first known building codes were adopted,

[1:46:50] and I think it was somewhere around 17,000 B.C.

[1:46:54] By Hummerati, I think that's saying his name, right?

[1:46:58] He was the one that, back then, it was kind of an I for nine.

[1:47:01] He built somebody's house, and it fell down, then, you know.

[1:47:06] So, that's the first known building codes.

[1:47:08] But, unfortunately, they come out of damage.

[1:47:12] So, okay, onto the fee study.

[1:47:15] So, overview, currently, the division has approximately

[1:47:18] 200 flat rate and base rate fees.

[1:47:21] Through this fee study, we found that most of these project fees

[1:47:26] were too high, mostly because it was determined

[1:47:30] that our hourly rate fee structure was too high.

[1:47:34] The previous fee structure that we have adopted,

[1:47:39] had a CPI increase or on it annually and because of the high CPI rates that the state has seen over the last several years,

[1:47:52] those rates created are hourly rate to be beyond what it actually cost the city to operate hourly.

[1:48:00] And so most of those fees will go down and I'll show you some of those in a moment.

[1:48:03] However, the study also found that the reverse was true for large projects that those fees for those large projects were not adequately covering our service costs.

[1:48:16] So, under our current fee schedule, if this proposal is not adopted, then our fees will increase roughly about 5 to 5.8% depending on the fee type comes to life first.

[1:48:29] under the proposed fee study that we will maintain our, you know, flat rate and

[1:48:37] mate and base rate fees, but the fee study structures it in such a way that

[1:48:43] it more accurately reflects our cost of services.

[1:48:48] And reliance those services

[1:48:50] for the projects with the higher service level needs that currently we aren't

[1:48:55] So with the net with our proposed fee schedule or with our current fee schedule right now, which

[1:49:02] would go up about five to five point eight percent, the net increase in this proposed

[1:49:07] fee study would further increase those fees about 12 to 12.7 percent for new footprint residential

[1:49:14] commercial and other valuation based permits. However, it is reducing our hourly rates anywhere

[1:49:21] from 5% to 18% reduction in our hour of the rates.

[1:49:26] The net overall average fee increase for those fat, flat,

[1:49:30] and base rate fees is only 3% as opposed to it.

[1:49:33] It would be 5% plus if we maintain the current fee structure.

[1:49:38] So basically what that means is a majority of our community who does

[1:49:42] solors, water heater replacements, just the mom and pot

[1:49:46] home owners are actually going to see a fee reduction

[1:49:49] in almost every single permit category.

[1:49:54] So an example of some of these proposed fee changes,

[1:49:57] as you can see, I'll just hit, say, on bathroom remodels,

[1:50:01] as an example, currently the fee is $392.50.

[1:50:06] The proposed fee schedule is going to drop that to $245,

[1:50:09] which is a 60% fee in decrease for those items.

[1:50:14] Same with swimming pools, same, it's a 58% decrease

[1:50:18] for swimming pools.

[1:50:19] Now, some of this fee study is re-aligned, some of our costs for commercial projects.

[1:50:24] Some of them are going down, but I wanted to highlight a couple that are going up.

[1:50:27] We see a lot of kitchen hoods for restaurants that come in.

[1:50:31] It was determined that the service levels for those that we must provide for the installation

[1:50:36] and fire safety hazards that those hoods involve.

[1:50:40] We had a kinder's that caught fire and burnt down not long ago because, unfortunately,

[1:50:44] they didn't maintain their service hoods and their equipment that would protect them

[1:50:48] So it is a very high-intensive inspection process and it was determined that we weren't adequately maintaining.

[1:50:54] So again, this proposal is re-aligning our service levels to where those types of projects should be adequately paying for them.

[1:51:05] And then put together a couple of cost comparisons to just show how we align with other local jurisdictions in the area.

[1:51:14] The very bottom fee, the fair field existing fee is what a current $2,500 square foot residential home would cost right now, about $6,500.

[1:51:26] Under the current fee schedule in July that would go up to $6,800.

[1:51:35] And under the proposed fee schedule it goes to $7,800.

[1:51:38] or excuse me, $7,600.

[1:51:43] Vacabill is the only jurisdiction that is lower than us

[1:51:46] in the region, and as you can see, most of these jurisdictions

[1:51:50] are anywhere from 50 to 100% plus more than we are.

[1:51:56] Could you miss touch on why, if you can,

[1:51:59] about what the discrepancy of the Vacabill

[1:52:00] in the rest of the region is on the slide?

[1:52:02] You don't have reached out to Vacabill and was-

[1:52:04] Excuse me, could you please go through me?

[1:52:07] Thank you.

[1:52:08] So then I'll go on to the last slide here, which is a commercial project comparison, and again so currently this is for a 10,000 square foot commercial building type M, which is like a retail sales place type 5 construction, which is wood frame construction.

[1:52:30] These for such a project would be roughly about $16,000 under the current fee or the proposed fee schedule.

[1:52:37] It would be about $18,800. But again, other than back villas, you can see every other jurisdiction

[1:52:43] that areas permit costs are nearly double or almost triple compared to Berkeley.

[1:52:50] And so with that, there's any questions. I'm happy to take questions.

[1:52:54] Thank you.

[1:52:55] Go ahead.

[1:52:56] Count some.

[1:52:56] Yeah.

[1:52:58] So, I reached out to the City of Acquivile to try to understand why their permit fees are

[1:53:06] so low.

[1:53:07] In just looking at their fee structure, their number of staffing, their population, it appears

[1:53:15] that they are being subsidized quite a bit by the general fund.

[1:53:20] And so while I'm not able to verify, I wasn't able to verify that and I can certainly,

[1:53:24] And you know, dig into that more and bring that back to you, you know, when we bring this

[1:53:28] forward.

[1:53:29] But it seems like they're, you know, inadequately recovering their costs.

[1:53:37] Great question, Councilman Thomas, and so Jeff, are there inflators built into these?

[1:53:43] There are.

[1:53:44] And so we will, when the resolution is put together that will have inflators, and unfortunately

[1:53:50] that is one of the large reasons why building safety is in this predicament.

[1:53:55] where the last couple of years we haven't.

[1:53:58] So one of the biggest factors when the under the original fee structure was with valuation

[1:54:04] based construction, we have a fee table that, you know, basically if your valuation is

[1:54:09] between, you know, X and Y, here's your permit fee.

[1:54:13] And then there's like an aggregator over that certain amount that goes up like $5, $7 per

[1:54:19] every thousand.

[1:54:20] Those aggregators weren't being adjusted.

[1:54:23] And because that's why we're seeing that 17% increase between that table and the current proposed one

[1:54:31] is because the previous consultant didn't build that increase into those multipliers.

[1:54:38] And so it's unfortunately, I mean, so for the last several years, development, large development

[1:54:43] kind of getting a break, so to speak.

[1:54:46] So that's good. We're addressing it. Thank you. Great presentation. Thank you.

[1:54:51] Any other questions or concerns?

[1:54:55] So then I would like to bring it back to Council for Direction on how to care for

[1:54:59] questions.

[1:55:00] Oh, I'm sorry, Madam Mayor.

[1:55:01] Ah, that's all right.

[1:55:02] I'm not a problem.

[1:55:03] First of all, very good presentation.

[1:55:06] I appreciate it.

[1:55:09] My question is this actually, you can probably answer if not the city attorney.

[1:55:15] So, the law on these fees are that they must reflect the actual cost of doing the work.

[1:55:26] Yes, typically.

[1:55:27] So, there is some legal interpretation, I guess, with respect to whether a jurisdiction

[1:55:34] charges too much, or it doesn't charge enough, there's a fine balance in there, right?

[1:55:41] You don't want the general fund subsidizing development, but you don't certainly want

[1:55:45] overcharge the community for development and that money to go into the general fund.

[1:55:49] So it is a fine balance and we believe that what the consultants come up with, certainly

[1:55:55] with what our service costs have been over the last several years with just increase in

[1:55:59] technology, increase in state, unfunded mandates, wooey, wild end urban interface is one that

[1:56:06] has been in the code since 2007, however it hasn't impacted Fairfield since January.

[1:56:12] So, it is a new nuance that, again, another service that we have to provide that we don't have resources for currently.

[1:56:20] Thank you. Mr. City Attorney, can you speak to the legality of the fees? Is it like a water?

[1:56:28] With the water, you can't charge more than what it actually costs to deliver. Is it the same with these fees?

[1:56:35] There are, yeah, you can't just like try to make money off of these.

[1:56:39] But I'll defer to the consultant, but I will mention that through this process, someone from the city attorney's office has been working to review these fees and will continue to review them before they're brought for final approval.

[1:56:52] Just to make sure that they're lining up with, you know, all necessary state laws and regulations, but it's not, I don't want to say that you can't, you know, that it has to be exactly for services.

[1:57:03] there is some wiggle room and, you know, it's a little suggestive, but, you know, even an

[1:57:11] eye on it, basically.

[1:57:12] So it's different than like the water.

[1:57:15] Actually, you know, it's a fairly good analogy, but there are different regulations.

[1:57:19] And I'm going to say, I'm not like, as I'm sitting here, like, up to speed, on the buildings

[1:57:24] fees we have this element from our office, I think, is working with you, right?

[1:57:28] Yeah.

[1:57:28] I mean, I do know from past legislation,

[1:57:31] there was even the California Supreme Court.

[1:57:33] I think it was 2008.

[1:57:35] I'm blanking on the name of the law of the law.

[1:57:42] But it was determined that, through that California

[1:57:47] Supreme Court ruling, that this particular jurisdiction

[1:57:51] was overcharging fees, it's not like an impact fee

[1:57:56] where that is determined that you're overcharging impact fees.

[1:58:01] Impact fees that are overcharged have to be refunded.

[1:58:05] Fees for service that are overcharged based on this ruling,

[1:58:07] it just requires a jurisdiction to reduce their fees

[1:58:11] to a point where that surplus has then been used.

[1:58:15] That makes sense, thank you.

[1:58:16] And then this would be a question maybe

[1:58:20] through everyone's answer.

[1:58:22] Even the audience, you guys are in on this.

[1:58:24] So come on down.

[1:58:25] The question is, the big discrepancies between vacuval and fair filled, does that and will

[1:58:34] that cause any reticence to build here versus going to vacuval and putting in homes?

[1:58:45] Well, if I can, I think I can speak to that to some degree.

[1:58:50] I think short answer is no, based on the feedback that I got from the developers.

[1:58:55] I believe that our service levels exceed that, that they receive in back of Bill, and I think

[1:59:01] there's a lot of reasons for that beyond our fee structure.

[1:59:05] But in addition to that, what Fairfield provides and where our service levels are and just

[1:59:13] our community, I think draws the developers here.

[1:59:18] And certainly a few thousand dollars is not pennies, but when you're looking at the cost

[1:59:24] build a home in whether it's back a bill or fair field, roughly 400 plus thousand dollars

[1:59:29] for a single family dwelling, a couple thousand dollar permit fee difference for increased

[1:59:34] service levels.

[1:59:36] The developers are happy to pay that and I think one of those reasons why is in fair field

[1:59:42] they know what they're going to get.

[1:59:44] So that's what Amazon is priceless because they know that at this they're going to get that.

[1:59:51] And even going through our challenges with our implementation of our new system that we went through, we worked with our development.

[2:00:00] And courtesy inspections, we insured that we didn't slow things down. And I think they really appreciate that.

[2:00:06] I think you're right. I speak to them. And I appreciate everything that you and your crew do every day. So thank you. And did you have something Mr. Student?

[2:00:20] Yeah, I was just going to add, yeah, I appreciated everything that Jeff said there.

[2:00:25] Yeah.

[2:00:26] I believe it's been a few months now, but I do believe there was information put out by

[2:00:34] the city of Vacabill.

[2:00:35] They're looking at all of their user fees as well.

[2:00:39] So, you know, this being one of those user fees that we, I mean, we updated what three

[2:00:44] years ago, five years ago.

[2:00:47] I think it's been a while for them.

[2:00:48] And I think this was one of those areas that they're looking at as city of back of El

[2:00:52] as well is dealing with a deficit and a recognition that they're not covering their

[2:00:58] full costs.

[2:01:00] Yes, thank you very much.

[2:01:02] So no other questions, right?

[2:01:04] All right.

[2:01:04] Then I guess that's what we're doing, not voting.

[2:01:07] Yeah, just direction on whether to bring forward the fees as proposed or modify them in

[2:01:13] any way.

[2:01:14] It looks like we have films up across to go ahead and bring them back the way.

[2:01:19] Okay. Well, we will see you on April 7th.

[2:01:21] We will see you there. Thank you.

[2:01:23] Thank you, Madam Mayor.

[2:01:24] All right.

[2:01:25] Council members. Thank you.

[2:01:26] Thank you.

[2:01:28] Unless there's anything else I'm going to go ahead and close the meeting and we'll see you next time.

[2:01:34] Thank you.

Fairfield meeting

Transcript