[0:00] Chair and Deputy Mayor Greene. Thank you very much and call on council member Contreras to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance this evening.

[0:10] Ready? Begin. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you very much. Okay. And our first item

[0:32] First two items this evening are proclamations, and oh, I'm sorry, thank you.

[0:42] Required legal notice, and accordance with the Brown Act, I'd like to announce that as a result of convening simultaneous meetings, the members of the Buena Sanitation District will receive compensation of $147.75 for the district meeting pursuant to Buena Sanitation District ordinance 2006-1.

[1:14] Okay, so Council members, would you want to come with me to present a proclamation to our EGLE scout?

[1:24] Council member, if we could do the approval of the agenda first.

[1:27] I'm sorry, didn't expect to be run on the show tonight.

[1:31] Okay, if we could have an next item on the agenda is approval of the consent agenda.

[1:38] If we could have a motion to know the privilege agenda yes

[1:43] There's a yeah right under there. So thank you councilmember Franklin and as a result of

[1:49] Having only three members of the council president

[1:53] We're going to pull item D1 D2 and D3 this evening

[1:57] Item D1 is the update on the implementation of the strategic plan to address homelessness

[2:02] Item D2 is the preliminary review of proposed general plan amendment and zone change at northwest corner of sunset drive in Skyhaven, and D3 is the small business COVID-19 grant program.

[2:14] All three of these items are scheduled to come back on September 28th when we hopefully will have a full council in session.

[2:24] Okay. Thank you. And our decorum announcement, we remind everyone that the VISTA Municipal Code requires members of the public to observe where they're in decorum at the meeting and to conduct themselves in a courteous manner. The ordinance was adopted to allow for public input and to facilitate city business without disruption of the meeting.

[2:41] A clause is appropriate for items listed under the presentation portion of the agenda.

[2:45] Addressing the city council to speak on an item, excuse me to speak on an item on the agenda.

[2:50] But please fill out a speaker slip with the number of the item you want to speak on and give it to the clerk or the secretary or staff here.

[2:58] Speakers lips are available just outside the council chambers, speakers will have three minutes to address the city council.

[3:05] Okay.

[3:07] Now we're on to our presentations.

[3:09] Okay, and would you like to join me to make the presentation of the proclamation?

[3:12] Sure.

[3:13] Okay,

[3:31] we're very proud to recognize Rowan Lee Peters this evening.

[3:36] who has been awarded the highest rank in boy scouting, the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout,

[3:42] an achievement which represents many years of hard work and steadfast devotion to the long-standing

[3:47] principles and values of scouting.

[3:50] Lee, would you and your family come down and join us?

[3:55] Rowan, excuse me.

[3:58] And your scout master, if you'd like to.

[4:13] We have somebody that wants to take a picture.

[4:15] I'll read the remainder of the proclamation, whereas as dedicated boy scout,

[4:20] about Ron has served Troop 747 by helping with numerous community service projects,

[4:26] earning 36 merit badges and serving in a variety of leadership positions.

[4:30] And whereas Ron raised money and obtained resources for his Eagle Scout service project,

[4:34] through his school band members and teachers, VSA Troop 747 and other local families and businesses,

[4:40] he then completed the design and managed the construction of a large protective rolling case.

[4:46] the store, safeguard, convey, and efficiently distribute the marching bands,

[4:50] Sheiko hats, and whereas the Vista City Council wishes to offer a sincere

[4:55] appreciation and gratitude to Rowan Lee Peters for setting an example for youth.

[5:00] Through his high level of personal achievement, leadership, and community service, he has completed his Eagle Service Project and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Now, therefore, the mayor and members of the City Council commend Rowan for upholding and maintaining the proud tradition of scouting, guiding his daily life by the Scout oath and law, and do hereby proclaim Wednesday, September 15, 2021 as Rowan Lee Peters Day in the City of Vista. Congratulations.

[5:29] Thank you for shepherding all of our Scouts through

[5:32] the process. Would you like to take a photo with the council? Should we come up here?

[5:36] Yes, sir. Great job.

[6:04] Oh, and one more thing before you depart, we have a few tokens from the city here to remind you of your achievement.

[6:11] This is a challenge quaint that the city council authorized with the city's mission statement on it.

[6:16] And a pin so that you can display your civic pride. Thank you very much.

[6:35] Our second proclamation this evening is a presentation of proclamation declaring September 17th through the 23rd.

[6:42] of 2021 as Constitution Week in the City of Isla and a proclamation of companies that reads,

[6:49] whereas 234 years ago our founding fathers gathered in Philadelphia and set our country

[6:54] on a bold course toward forming a more perfect union by drafting the United States Constitution,

[6:59] framing our nation's government, and whereas September 17th and during the week of September 17th

[7:04] through the 23rd, we celebrate the signing of the Constitution and the American citizens

[7:09] citizens who have devoted their lives to implementing the framers vision for a nation built on the principles of self-government.

[7:14] And whereas the Founders understood that self-governing requires a free and powered citizenry,

[7:20] we are therefore grateful that our Constitution is designed first and foremost to secure liberty.

[7:25] Through a system of limited government and checks and balances, the Constitution limits the ability of the state to become an obstacle to the human flourishing.

[7:33] While simultaneously enabling the State to serve for the public good and protect the rights and whereas the

[7:40] framers of the Constitution were committed not to a king or government, but to belief in the promise of

[7:45] America as a free and prosperous society. To fulfill that promise they designed a government with a

[7:50] Constitution that could withstand the inevitable demagoguery passions and exigencies that would seek to

[7:56] to make us as a people, and though the durability of our Constitution has been tested

[8:01] through crises and wars, it has endured, and whereas it is a privilege and the duty

[8:06] of the American people to commemorate the ratification of the Constitution, the guardian

[8:11] of our liberties, which embodies the principles of a limited government in a republic

[8:16] dedicated to the rule of law, and whereas the mayor and members of the City Council

[8:19] recognized the magnitude of the Constitution and the unparalleled success of the system

[8:24] of government, it helped create, we recommit ourselves to the enduring principles of the Constitution, and thereby secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves in our posterity.

[8:36] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the mayors and the members of the Vista City Council do hereby proclaim September 17th to the 23rd, 2021, as Constitution Week in the City of Vista.

[8:46] Okay.

[8:50] And that will take us into one more item. Consent agenda, the recommendations on the following consent calendar will be enacted in one motion unless an item is removed from the calendar.

[9:02] Any member of the public may remove an item by submitting a request to speak card to the clerk secretary items removed from the consent calendar will be considered immediately following the adoption of the calendar.

[9:12] We have 11 consent items this evening.

[9:17] And we do have a speaker on item C3, it's Jim Regenbach, if you'd like to come forward and address the council.

[9:28] Before you do, though, we would entertain a motion to adopt the remainder of the consent agenda.

[9:37] Excuse me.

[9:39] I move to approve the remaining consent agenda.

[9:43] I second.

[9:44] Thank you. We have a motion in a second, and we'll call the roll vote.

[9:56] Okay, Mr. Reggenbach,

[9:57] you have three minutes to address the council.

[10:00] Item C3. Thank you, my name is Jim Reagan-Bachem of VISTA resident. I want to highlight two misleading stats that Councilmember Franklin brought in the discussion three weeks ago on this topic. Here's a quote from three weeks ago. He said quote, according to the Public Policy Institute of California, state why we have more than two deputies per thousand while the city of VISTA we have approximately 0.9 per thousand. So we have less than half the average amount of policing in our city than the rest of the state has end quote.

[10:29] What he failed to tell us is that the two data points arrive at their numbers with totally different equations.

[10:35] The statewide number he used includes all sworn personnel in the state and all people in the state.

[10:42] The Vista data point he used includes all of the people in Vista but only some of the sworn personnel that serve the city.

[10:50] So of course the ratio is going to appear much smaller.

[10:53] For Vista, he used the number 0.9, it probably should be more like 0.92 because we have 92 sworn personnel in Vista, not 90.

[11:01] But even that is only county sworn personnel in the Vista station.

[11:05] We're also served by the Greater Sheriff's Department like SWAT, Astrea, and Homicide Investigators.

[11:12] We're also served by sworn personnel at the jail and the courts.

[11:16] I'll share it by the rest of the county so you can't count them all exclusive to Vista, but you gotta count some of them.

[11:21] We

[11:24] also have a CHP sector running through the city, so you have to count them as police services.

[11:29] It was a blatant misrepresentation of fact to suggest that Vista has only half the policing that the rest of the state has.

[11:36] Here's another quote, look there are six deputy sheriffs on duty sometimes in the patrol division to patrol the entire city.

[11:44] When you tell your voters there are six deputy sheriffs only patrolling the city, nobody finds that acceptable and acceptable number.

[11:50] Well, when Deputy Mayor Green pulled up the lieutenant, he even said there's six to eight in the patrol division.

[11:57] But in addition to that, shifts overlap, so that increases that number.

[12:01] And it's not just that the patrol division that polices our city.

[12:04] You don't include the cops, team, detectives, or all the resources the department has at their disposal.

[12:10] You want people to picture an under-resourced department.

[12:14] So when you're description, you intentionally leave out a lot of their resources.

[12:17] If you have to mislead people to get your policies passed, how sound are your policies?

[12:24] There are many ingredients that go into public safety.

[12:27] You can support law enforcement by investing in those ingredients.

[12:31] It makes their work easier and safer.

[12:34] I support law enforcement.

[12:35] I used to work as a deputy so I know firsthand how difficult the work is, but we asked too

[12:40] much of them.

[12:42] The discussion in vote three weeks ago was rushed.

[12:44] The final approval included two positions that no one could give a job title for or provide a description.

[12:51] It went over budget, it included a violation of meeting rules and norms.

[12:57] There was a motion made a second to it, but no vote taken.

[13:02] And it was based on highly misleading stats, please don't approve this.

[13:10] Okay, with that, our only item remaining on the consent agenda is item C3.

[13:16] Is there a Councilwoman Contreras, your recognizant?

[13:23] Thank you so much, Councilmember Franklin.

[13:27] You know, the discussion that we had on prioritizing our excess revenue from cannabis sales tax

[13:35] dollars, it was long, it was robust, but it was also filled with some contention.

[13:43] I strongly believe that our deputies work very hard every day.

[13:55] However, when we're discussing public safety, we have to, we have a responsibility to

[14:03] the public to ensure that we are funding various strategies that are proven to mitigate

[14:10] public safety risks in our community.

[14:16] I know in my district individuals

[14:20] constantly comment and this is the same throughout the entire city. We've had

[14:27] many people come forward to our council indicating that they want more

[14:32] lighting to feel safe.

[14:36] We currently have $270,000 allocated to lighting that

[14:43] amounts to about 10 new lights. We want to take public safety seriously. We need to increase

[14:52] this basic infrastructure that allows us to be safe, that allows us to...

[15:00] Shop and go to stores nearby where we feel like we can walk in safety. I remember my first right

[15:09] along when I first was elected, and I had a great conversation with the deputy. And I said,

[15:16] hey, what are your thoughts on lighting?

[15:20] And the answer to that is that we need more.

[15:22] ten lights is not sufficient.

[15:29] I move that we appropriate the $275,000 that we

[15:35] currently have allocated for a sheriff's deputy to increase our lighting and

[15:43] neighborhoods. That would double the amount of lighting that we can put in our

[15:52] Vista neighborhoods that really need it.

[15:59] I have no issue with anything on this list.

[16:03] I've been an advocate for more park rangers.

[16:06] People need to feel safe in our parks.

[16:11] But again,

[16:14] we need basic infrastructure in our city.

[16:19] So my motion is that we reappropriate the $275,000

[16:25] for the one sheriff deputy,

[16:31] and put that into line item, increase lighting in neighborhoods.

[16:36] Thank you.

[16:38] Councilwoman Mwanda's.

[16:42] Thank you, Honorable Councilmember Franklin.

[16:46] I go ahead and second that motion brought forth by Councilmember Contreras during the previous discussion.

[16:52] I was against allocating funds from the surplus cannabis dollars to increasing our sheriff deputy contract.

[17:03] This kind of investment in basic infrastructure is long overdue and it's something that the public has been asking for.

[17:11] So I am very comfortable with changing the allocation to allow for $545,000 to go to new lighting.

[17:20] and seeing that this will be a you know one-time cost or a small reoccurring cost. I think that this is something that coming forward to the council will be able to continue to make similar investments and eventually be able to use these access cannabis funds for other infrastructure and community needs. Thank you.

[17:49] Okay. Does our city attorney, Parliamentarian, understand the motion that's made by the councilman

[18:02] contrarres?

[18:14] Yes, I believe the clerk and I understand

[18:16] the nature of the motion is to transfer one light item of funding to another in the total

[18:23] some of, believe, 545,000.

[18:26] Okay.

[18:28] And how many under our rules, how many members are required to vote to reconsider an item?

[18:37] A majority?

[18:39] Yes, a majority would be required to vote to reconsider.

[18:43] Okay.

[18:44] I intend to vote yes on the item to preserve my right and ability to reconsider this item at the next council meeting.

[18:51] those voting in the minority do not enjoy that right, so I will vote with the majority to protect my right to be able to reconsider the item with the next meeting.

[18:59] Any other comments on the motion?

[19:03] Okay, we'll have a vote.

[19:16] Okay, that item passes unanimously and we're now going to move to item P1.

[19:24] Excuse me, yeah, P1, no, I'm sorry, public hearing one, P1.

[19:28] one, which is a news and subatement hearing for 628 Galaxy Drive is the California.

[19:35] I believe our fire and chief is going to present this item.

[19:53] Thank you, Council members.

[19:54] This item before you tonight is under municipal code.

[19:58] The City Council may conduct a public news.

[20:00] Excuse me, Chief. Could you indicate that the public hearing has opened? Oh, thank you. Yes, so we're now opening the public hearing. Thanks, Chief Honourable. Under the VISTA Municipal Code, the City Council may conduct a public hearing to consider all the relevant evidence from all interested persons to determine whether the conditions of the premises constitutes a nuisance, and if so, to propose the rehabilitation repair or demolition of such premises. The property that is the subject of this year

[20:29] hearing is 628 Galaxy Drive and Vista.

[20:34] I'm here to request that you declare 628 Galaxy Drive a public nuisance for the purpose of having the property cleared of those hazards as determined by the fire inspectors of the Vista Fire Department.

[20:45] The property owner has been afforded ample opportunity to clear the property and has not complied with the multiple notices and

[20:51] the owner has not contacted Fire Department staff to seek clarification or ask questions.

[20:57] As the photos demonstrate, if we can show the photos, please.

[21:02] And in the professional opinion of the fire inspectors based upon their knowledge and experience,

[21:07] this property is a public nuisance to those that occupy the structure and those other residents in the area.

[21:15] That concludes my presentation.

[21:17] I'm open for questions.

[21:19] Thank you, Chief.

[21:21] Any, seeing no public comment on this item, are there any questions from the members of the council?

[21:26] Council?

[21:28] Councilwoman Melendez.

[21:31] Thank you. I would just want to ensure that the property owner, was he available to come

[21:37] in tonight? Was he, did he communicate that he would come in tonight?

[21:43] We have not had any contact with the property owner since the first notice was sent out in April.

[21:48] Thank you.

[21:50] Chief, how many notices did we send to the property owner?

[21:56] Four plus posting the property twice.

[21:59] Thank you.

[21:59] Any other questions from the council? Then with that, I would offer a motion to adopt the-to close the public hearing and to adopt the resolution as approved council resolution as a proposed by staff.

[22:14] I'll second that.

[22:17] Okay.

[22:18] No discussion, please.

[22:21] That's your votes.

[22:29] Okay.

[22:30] And with unanimous consent to move our remaining agenda items to future council meeting,

[22:38] we will move along to our public comments, I believe.

[22:44] And we have no speaker slips, so we'll dispense with public comments.

[22:52] Are there any comments from members of the council,

[22:57] councilwoman Contreras?

[23:01] I just want to wish everybody a safe rest of your day.

[23:05] And as always, tomorrow is Wednesday, meaning that at 9 a.m.

[23:10] At Luzduran Park, the trash pickup crew volunteer group is meeting to pick up trash around Luzduran Park.

[23:19] in the surrounding neighborhood.

[23:22] So if you want to join, get there between 9 and 915 and help us pick up some trash.

[23:29] Thank you, everybody.

[23:35] No further remarks.

[23:36] Thank you, hope everyone has a good night.

[23:37] Thank you, Council Member.

[23:39] Okay, a couple of quick announcements.

[23:42] The city and I love a clean San Diego are hosting free landscaping webinar on September 22nd from 4 to 5 p.m.

[23:50] Residents can learn about best methods for gardening, check the City website calendar, or register at cityavista.com.

[23:58] Parents' night out is the Saturday, September 18th, from 5 to 9 p.m., at the Jim Porter Rec Center.

[24:04] Parents can drop their kids off for a fun time with games, arts, and crafts, and parents can take a break to enjoy quite time.

[24:10] The cost is $10 per child, and I'm going to move this item to the very end if you have any announcements before that.

[24:17] Yeah, thank you, just one announcement that is the new South restroom at the Moonlight Amphitheater is substantially complete, and it will be open tomorrow night for the opening of on your feet at the Moonlight, so we're very pleased with that, so thank you.

[24:34] Thank you very much city attorney, do you have any comments?

[24:36] Nothing this evening, thank you.

[24:38] Thank you in our city clerk, and happy city clerk.

[24:40] Nothing, thank you.

[24:41] Thank you very much.

[24:42] Okay, in closing tonight, we recognize that 20 years ago last Saturday our lives were changed forever as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States.

[24:53] On this 20th anniversary year, let us pause for a minute and pay tribute to those who lost their lives.

[24:59] and to them.

[25:00] Men and women who responded to the call of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice. We acknowledge the living who serve our country, and we thank them for the great sacrifices they make for us every day. So if you would, please join me in a moment of silence.

[25:24] Thank you. And with that, by unanimous consent, we're adjourned. Thank you.

[25:30] Thank you.

Regular City Council Meeting - Sep 14th, 2021

Transcript