city council candidates
TRANSCRIPT
CITY COUNCIL
CANDIDATES
Orientation - 2020
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CANDIDATE ORIENTATION - OBJECTIVES Provide Candidates with an overview of the Vacaville City Council
Form of Government
City Council Responsibilities & Duties
Legislative & Policy Making
Agencies & Committees
Mission & Values
City Council Strategic Plan 2020
City of Vacaville Department Presentations
Broad overview of all City Departments
Goals & Objectives of each Department
Department staffing details
Current and Planned Projects
Typical issues and questions
Address Candidate Questions
Operational versus Policy 2
VACAVILLE GOVERNMENT
Vacaville is a General Law city, not a charter city
Council-Manager form of government
Mayor is directly elected, Council members, elected at large (until 2020)
New in 2020: Addition of two new Council seats
Six City Councilmembers, plus Mayor
First District Election – Six Total Districts
Districts 1, 3, 5, (4-year terms) & 6 (2-year term) are being elected this year
Districts 2, 4, 6 will be elected in November 2022
Mayor is still elected at large
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VACAVILLE CITY COUNCIL -
RESPONSIBILITIES
The City Council acts as a legislative and policy-making body.
The responsibilities of the Council are to establish and approve local laws, policies, and budgets that guide the current
operations and future direction of the city.
The City Council also serves as the governing body of the:
Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency
Housing Authority
Groundwater Sustainability Agency
Public Financing Authority
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VACAVILLE CITY COUNCIL - DUTIES
Review and approve the annual
budget;
Establish long and short-term
objectives and priorities;
Oversee effectiveness of programs;
Enter into legal contracts;
Borrow funds;
Pass ordinances and resolutions;
Regulate public health and safety;
Regulate land use through zoning
laws;
Regulate business activity through
licensing and regulations;
Communicate policies and programs
to residents;
Respond to constituent needs and
complaints;
Represent the community to
other levels of government;
and,
Appoint the City Manager
& City Attorney
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VACAVILLE CITY COUNCIL -
INTERAGENCY GROUPS League of California Cities (Mayor/Council)
Policy Committees (meets 2-3 times a year)
North Bay Division (Quarterly meetings)
Other Department meetings (varies)
Annual League Conference (annual)
Training and Special meetings (varies)
Solano County Water Agency (Mayor/Monthly)
City County Coordinating Council (4C’s) (Mayor/as determined)
Mayor’s Committee (Mayor/quarterly) 7
Solano Transportation Authority (Mayor and Alternate [Vice Mayor]/Monthly, plus special meetings)
Association of Bay Area Governments (Semi Annually)
Metropolitan Transportation Commission (Mayor/Council, varies)
Yolo Solano Air Quality Management District (Monthly)
Select Committee on City School Relations (2 Council Members/varies)
Greenbelt Authority (Mayor/Council, varies)
Local Agency Formation Commission (Mayor, every other month)
Audit Review Committee (2 Councilmembers, annually)
Solano EDC Board of Directors (Mayor/Alternate, Bi-Monthly)
Citizens Advisory Committee for CMP/CSP Solano (Council, varies)
Travis Community Consortium (Mayor, quarterly)
INTERAGENCY GROUPS, CONTD.
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VACAVILLE COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEES
City Commissions:
Parks and Recreation Commission (first Wednesday of each month)
Planning Commission (first and third Tuesday of each month)
City Committees:
Senior Round Table (third Thursday of each month)
Youth Round Table (fourth Friday of each month)
Homeless Round Table (third Wednesday of each month)
Economic Development Advisory (as scheduled)
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CITY OF VACAVILLE’S MISSION & VALUES
Our Values
Responsive
Innovative
Accountable
Inclusive
“Our Mission is to understand and balance our citizens’ needs,
desires, and resources to achieve the highest possible quality of
life for the overall community through the services we provide.”
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CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PLAN -2020
Strategic Plan Goal #1—Ensure Public Safety
Initiative 1a—Manage the Constantly Changing Paradigm for Police Services
Initiative 1b—Manage the Increasing Call Volumes for Fire/Emergency Medical Services
Strategic Plan Goal #2—Strengthen the Local Economy
Initiative 2a—Articulate a Current Economic Development (ED) Program
Initiative 2b—Manage Impacts From Growth
Strategic Plan Goal #3—Protect Vacaville’s Quality of Life
Initiative 3a—Promote Housing for All
Strategic Plan Goal #4—Maintain Effective and Efficient Services
Initiative 4a—Ensure Fiscal Sustainability
Initiative 4b—Rebuild City Support Services
Initiative 4c—Build a Positive Organizational Culture and Workforce 11
STRATEGIC PLAN - IMPLEMENTATION
Staff focused on preparing Implementation Plans for all eight
initiatives.
Some initiatives will require more involved elements due to the nature of
the strategy.
Objective: complete “drafts” for as many Implementation Plans
possible prior to FY 21-22 Budget.
Goals and Initiatives are used to identify priorities for existing and future
budgets.
Implementation Plans will vary in degree of complexity and
completion timelines.
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RESOURCES
Annual Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets
General Plan
Municipal Code
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MORE RESOURCES – CITY INFORMATION
• City’s Websites• www.cityofvacaville.com
• www.choosevacaville.com – Economic Development
• Government Channel• Comcast Channel 26
• AT&T Channel 99
• www.cityofvacaville.com/livestream
• Twitter; Facebook; YouTube; Instagram
• Radio Station AM 530
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OUR BEST RESOURCE = CITY STAFF
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DEPARTMENT PRESENTATIONS - SCHEDULE
September 1st – City Manager; Economic Development; City Attorney
September 3rd – Finance; Human Resources; Housing; Parks & Recreation
September 8th – Community Development; Public Works; Utilities
September 10th – Police and Fire Departments
(All presentations will begin at 6:00 p.m.)16
CITY OF VACAVILLE
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City Manager
Aaron Busch
Housing Dept.
September 3rd
Parks & Recreation Dept.
September 3rd
Community Development
September 8th
Public Works Dept.
September 8th
Utilities Dept.
September 8th
Police Dept.
September 10th
Fire Dept.
September 10th
Assistant City Manager
Dawn Leonardini
IT Division Manager
Keith McDonald
IT Division
10 FT, 3 PT
Program Manager
GeorgeAnneMeggersSmith
Management Analyst I/II
VACANT
Communications & Media Officer
VACANT
Media Production
CoordinatorWayne Covington
Human Resources Dept
September 3rd
Finance Department
September 3rd
Secretary to the CM/ City Clerk
Michelle Thornbrugh
Deputy City Clerk
Sheila Ernst
Administrative Technician
Crystal Fair Welty
Director of Economic Dev.
Don Burrus
Economic Dev. Manager
Tim Padden
Sr. Administrative Clerk
Lori Fernandez
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
Four primary components within the Department:
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Clerk/Administration
Economic Development
City Manager helps bridge the gap between legislation
and administration. Responsible for the oversight of all
city staff, as well as carrying out the Council’s laws and
vision for the community.
Help the Mayor and City Council be successful in their
efforts to build a high quality community for its residents,
workforce, and visitors. 19
CITY MANAGER DUTIES
Supervision of day-to-day operations of all City Departments and staff
through Department heads.
Oversight of all recruitment, dismissal, disciplining and suspensions.
Preparation, monitoring, and execution of the City budget.
Technical advisor to the Council on overall governmental operations.
Public relations, such as meeting with citizens, citizen groups,
businesses, and other stakeholders.
Operating the city with a professional understanding of how all city
functions operate together to their best effect.
Attends all Council meetings, but does not have any voting rights.
Additional duties that may be assigned by the Council.20
CURRENT PRIORITIES/PROJECTS
Ensuring fiscal sustainability of the organization:
Potential economic impacts from the pandemic
Evaluation of City’s CFD’s and Impact Fees
Managing the organization and community through the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Implementation of the City Council’s Strategic Plan.
Oversight of new community & economic development
projects:
Ensuring new job and housing opportunities are available to the community
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ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER (ACM)
ACM: Dawn Leonardini provides oversight to the following
Departments and Divisions:
HR Department (presentation will be 9/3)
Finance Department (presentation will be 9/3)
IT Division
Risk Management & Program/Project Management
Communications / PIO
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IT DIVISION STAFFING
Recent reorganization with FY 20/21 budget to move IT Division into CMO
11 Fulltime; 1 Part-time
With FY 20/21 budget
Added Cybersecurity Analyst and converted part-time tech to full-time (Strategic Plan recommendation)
PROJECTS
Technology Strategic Plan
Complete and preparing Implementation Plan now
GIS Master Plan
DRAFT report, will come to Governance and then Implementation Plan prepared
Upgrades to City Network Core; Video Surveillance and Storage; and Public Safety Radio system 23
RISK MANAGEMENT &
PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT STAFFING
Recent reorganization with FY 20/21 budget to move Risk Management into CMO
1 Project Manager and 1 Management Analyst
PROJECTS
Variety of Projects being managed out of CMO
Risk Management
Legislative Analysis
Grant Administration
Budget for CMO Department
Special Projects
ERP – Enterprise Resource Planning
Replacement of new financial system
Employee User Training now
Go live with Phase One starting October
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COMMUNICATIONS/PIO
STAFFING
Vacant PIO – Fire Chief current interim PIO
Will be recruiting soon
Video Coordinator – runs all the public meetings, channel 26, radio station, etc.
PROJECTS
Development of Communications Plan
Upgrade Emergency Radio System equipment
Integration of Council Chambers with A/B Conference Room
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QUESTIONS FOR THE CITY MANAGER?
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Coming up next:
City Clerk
Economic Development
City Attorney
OBJECTIVE
Provide a high level of customer service, both
internally and externally, by serving in a
courteous and diplomatic manner and staying
up-to-date with current laws governing the
department’s various areas of responsibility.
CITY CLERK
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Serve as the City's Elections Official for all
Municipal Elections: Council seats, citizen
initiatives, and ballot measures.
Elections are held in November of even numbered years
and are consolidated with Solano County Registrar of
Voters - the County provides election services
Transition to Districts
2020 - Districts 1, 3, 5, 6
2022 - Districts 2, 4, 6
Mayor directly elected citywide
ELECTIONS OFFICIAL
CITY CLERK
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Campaign Disclosure Statements (semi annual and election reporting)
Statements of Economic Interest (Form 700 filed annually)
Other forms related to public officials and employees such as “Public Official Appointments” or “Payment to Agency” reports
Monitor the City’s Conflict of Interest Code (ongoing and biennial review)
Track and notice required biennial Ethics Training
SERVE AS LOCAL FILING OFFICIAL FOR
FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION
CITY CLERK
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LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATION• Manage the City Council’s legislative agenda and
supporting documents and provide public notice of meetings
• Record, certify, and execute proceedings of Council meetings, minutes, ordinances, resolutions, agreements, etc.
• Maintain and codify the Municipal Code
CITY CLERK
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT• Manage the general information telephone line and
reception services for City Administration
• Provide administrative support to the City Council and
the City Managers Office including, Economic
Development and Public Information 30
CITY CLERK
COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
Coordinate recruitment and appointment process
Notice, recruit and process vacancies in
accordance with Maddy Act requirements
Provide recognition to outgoing commissioners
RECORDS AND ARCHIVES
Maintain the official records of the City
Assists departments in responding to requests for
records
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CITY CLERK
OTHER DUTIES
Accept and Process Formal Bid Openings
Certify and Attest documents
Administer Oath of Office
Ensure proper use of the City Seal
Accept appeals
Prepare proclamations, certificates and other
ceremonial documents
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CURRENT AND FUTURE PROJECTS Transition to By-District Elections and 7-Member City
Council
Reviewing Conflict of Interest Code for biennial review in October
Preparation of City Council Policies and Procedures Manual – with CAO
Comprehensive Review and Update of Records Retention Process/Schedules and creation – with CAO
Update of City Clerk Procedural Manual
Technology; Electronic Document Management System; Agenda Management System; On line filing capabilities.
CITY CLERK
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QUESTIONS FOR THE CITY CLERK?
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Coming up next:
Economic Development
City Attorney
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT
City of Vacaville
Candidate Forum
September 1, 2020
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Don BurrusDirector Economic Development Services
Tim Padden
Economic Development Manager
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WHAT IS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT?
The main goal of economic
development is improving the economic
well being of a community through
efforts that entail job creation, job
retention, tax base enhancements and quality of life.
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HOW DO WE DO THIS?
Economic Strategies
Industry strengths
Business Community Cultivation
Talented Workforce
Attraction Efforts
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GOALS AND OBJECTIVE
Simply put …. grow the City’s economy
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CURRENT PROJECTS
Biotechnology and Advanced Manufacturing
Initiative
Outdoor Business Program
Small Business Grant Program
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PLANNED PROJECTS
Bridge Strategy
Urban Infill Development
Communications Strategy
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COUNCILMEMBER CONTACT
Residents, current businesses and future businesses
#1 Can you get us a Trader Joe’s
#2 Cost of permits
#3 New business coming to town
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HOW CAN WE WORK TOGETHER?
•Leveraging relationships with business community
•Leveraging relationships with elected officials
•Assisting City Staff with attraction efforts
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QUESTIONS FOR
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT?
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Coming up next:
• City Attorney
WELCOME TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY’S
OFFICE
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DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVE
Provide exceptional legal services to the City Council,
Commissions, and the City’s 10 other departments
covering all areas of municipal law
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City Attorney
Melinda Stewart
Management Analyst I/II
VACANT
Legal Secretary
Maricel Townsell
Deputy/Assistant City Attorney
Andria Borba
Deputy/Assistant City Attorney
David Nam
Diverse group of
people from various
walks of life
All live in or near
Vacaville and are
part of the fabric of
the community
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OUR TEAM
WHAT WE DO
SNAPSHOT OF TYPICAL PROJECTS
Reflective of Other Departments
Snapshot of what we do – FY 18/19
Legal advisor - City Council, Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation
meetings
Contracts preparation/review = 225+
Claims management = 64 new claims
Litigation
In house = 7
Monitor Outside Counsel = 16
Pitchess Motions = 16
Subpoenaes = 250+ 48
SNAPSHOT OF TYPICAL PROJECTS (CONT.)
Public Records Act Requests – review records/assist with responses
Code Compliance Enforcement Issues
Abatement warrants
Weed abatement
Hazardous tree removals
Unlawful accumulations
Police Public Nuisance Enforcement Issues
Massage Parlors
Dangerous Dog Bites
Legal Advisor – All City Departments
Ordinances/Resolutions/Policies – Cannabis Ordinance; Dog Park Ordinance,
Agricultural and Avian (Environmental) Mitigation Ordinance;
Small Cell Wireless Policy
Serve as Counsel for other JPAs of which the City is a member
Solano Animal Control Authority
Vacaville-Dixon Greenbelt JPA49
IN-PROGRESS AND PLANNED PROJECTS
Preparation of City Council Policies and Procedures Manual – with CMO
Overhaul Records Retention Process/Schedules – with CMO
Establish a Contract Management Process that Meets Industry Best Practices
Design and Implement an Risk Management Best Practices – with CMO
Development of a Social Media Policy
Surplus Lands Process
Legal Advice - COVID-19
Assist with Transition to By-District Elections and 7-Member City Council
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TYPICAL QUESTIONS A COUNCILMEMBER
MAY BE ASKED
Questions about whether the City regulates certain things –
Flags and Signs
Cannabis
Code Compliance Issues
Massage Operations
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GUIDING DOCUMENTS
California Constitution – Article XI - establishes the general authority for General Law Cities
Government Code
Brown Act – Government in the Sunshine Law
Public Records Act -
Conflicts of Interest
Political Reform Act
Government Code section 1090
Other California Codes – Civil Code; Code of Civil Procedure; Labor Code; Public Contracts Code; Public Resources Code
Vacaville Municipal Code and Land Use and Development Code
General Plan
Rosenberg’s Rules of Order 52
QUESTIONS FOR THE CITY ATTORNEY?
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COMMUNICATIONS
• All questions submitted in writing through the
City Clerk’s office
• Responses to be provided to all candidates
• Does not apply to general information
Thank you for your time!