At its regular meeting Thursday, the planning commission completed its annual open government training and heard reports on its municipal service review, planning commission annual report and planning commission work program, among other items.
After completion of the open government training, presented by City Attorney Heather McLaughlin, the commission appointed Kari Birdseye as its new chair and Trevor Macenski as its new vice chair, positions previously held by Don Dean and Steve Young, respectively. Terms of service for both Dean and Young end on Jan. 31 of this year.

Municipal Service Review
In accordance with California’s 2000 Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act (CKHA), cities, counties and special districts in the state must provide a service review every five years or as needed. Solano County’s Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) gathers the information from cities and districts within Solano County. The reports must include updated information on seven specific aspects of municipal service, including growth and population projections, capacity of public facilities and accountability for community service needs.
Determinations in Benicia’s report include:
(4.1) The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) projects that by 2040, Benicia’s population will increase by 4,403 residents to 31,400.
(6.3.1) For in-progress or life-threatening emergency calls (Priority 1), the average (emergency services) response time from 2013-2014 was six minutes and 21 seconds.
(6.3.4) The police station is inadequate both in size and in modern police function… a temporary building used for investigations is out of compliance with the city of Benicia’s building codes.
(6.4.1) The city has more than adequate regional parkland but is deficient in community and neighborhood parks, with a shortfall of 35 acres of neighborhood parks and 18 acres of community parks.
(6.8.1) The wastewater treatment plant, owned and operated by the city, treats an average flow of 4.5 million gallons per day.
(6.9.3) Approximately half the city’s raw water demand is sold to and used by the Valero Benicia Refinery.
(6.9.5) The projected total raw water demands are expected to increase from approx. 10,863 Acre-Feet per Year (AFY) in 2010 to 11,940 AFY in 2035.
(7.1-7.3) Measure C, approved by Benicia voters in 2014, provides one cent per dollar sales tax and was projected to generate $3.7 million annually. During the initial, 2015-2016 fiscal year, the projected total is slightly higher, at $4.4 million. More than half the income during the first two years will address infrastructure improvements, fire and police equipment and pool repairs.
(8.1) The current management structure provides effective oversight and administration of essential government services. No opportunities for changes in management structures or organization have been identified that would result in additional efficiencies.
A few minor revisions were suggested by commissioners and will be incorporated into the corresponding resolution before it is presented to the city council for approval. To obtain a copy of the current draft of the Municipal Service Review, contact the city of Benicia at 746-4210.

Planning commission annual report and work program
The planning commission reviews its work program annually for inclusion in the city council’s budget implementation plan. An annual report serves to provide the commission with a synopsis of the past year’s priorities in order to most effectively prioritize the coming year’s work.
A few items from the work program were emphasized as being of particular importance and priority, namely the water-efficient landscaping ordinance, a recent amendment regarding notification to renters, and new accessory dwelling unit requirements.

New commissioners
Applications for two vacant seats on the planning commission closed Monday, Jan. 16. The City Council will begin its selection process today.

Further information
To read or view a text or video transcript of this or any city meeting, visit the city’s web site at ci.benicia.ca.us or call the city at 746-4200.
The city of Benicia encourages all members of the public to participate in city government and attend planning commission and other city meetings. Planning commission meetings take place at Council Chambers, City Hall, 250 East L St., on the second Thursday of each month beginning at 7 p.m. Meetings stream live online at the city of Benicia web site at ci.benicia.ca.us and on Comcast Channel 27 or AT&T U-Verse Channel 99.
Copies of meeting agendas and supporting documents, as well as minutes (written transcripts) from previous sessions, are available at the city clerk’s office at city hall, the Benicia Public Library, or online at the city of Benicia web site under the heading Agendas and Minutes. Video transcripts of city meetings are also available on the website.
Contact the city of Benicia at 746-4200 or online at ci.benicia.ca.us. City offices are located at City Hall, 250 East L St., open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Meetings are occasionally canceled, so it is advisable to check the website or call to confirm.

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