Live Coverage of Decision Night

Welcome to Davis’ version of Survivor.  The Vanguard will have live coverage and exclusives beginning at 5:30 pm.

Come to this spot at 5:30, as we will have live coverage and updates.  Be sure to post your thoughts in the comment section.  It should be a fun and raucous night that goes into the wee hours of the morning.

6:20 Update

We are ready to go.  Probably fifteen members of the public here in the audience.  Ten candidates lined up facing the council, backs to us.  Smart money is off.

My first complaint, why is Joe the Mayor opening it up to council comments, get on with the show.  Everyone saying the right thing, thanking them for their participation, telling them this is a tough decision, etc.

Candidates lined up in alphabetical order from my right to my left.

6:30 Update

Public Comment goes first.  Limiting it to two minutes.  Jonie Sippler speaking for Kerry Daane Loux.  Talked about her role of volunteering in the schools and getting things done.  She said she is very generous with her time and talents.

Steve Tracey also speaking on behalf Kerry Daane Loux.  He has known her for a few years and worked with her on sustainability and green energy.  Looking at her support for good street design.

So two comments from the public.  No one organized members to speak on their behalf.  Interesting.

FIRST QUESTION: STEPHEN SOUZA – What would be your options for addressing longterm implications of unfunded pensions liabilities?

Boylan: Complicated issue.  Mistake to discuss certain aspects of these things because it will eliminate options later.  Clear mind of preconceived notions.  Bad negotiations strategy.  Everything is an option.

Bunter: New pension system for new employees.  Create a body to put that together.  Need existing employees to help us design that so that we remain competitive.  Strategies with labor contracts for next summer.

Fry: “Kinda a doozy!” Agrees with Paul about being open minded. Sees a need to focus on stopping the bleeding . In the short term believes they need to work towards a mid level solution. “It needs to evolve in an organic way,” that requires collaboration. For the long term, “skys the limit;” it is a collaborative effort.

Harrison: “It is a big issue, not just for Davis.” Many different paths but most solutions she would propose are long term. “We can change contracts we’ve already made; we can work with the new employees;” for example, reducing retirement age and salaries. The biggest thing is using something like a 401K.

Loux: “Extremely important but not my area of expertise;” but that’s what makes it good for her because she will have to do a lot of research. Thinks it is important to look at and work with recommendations of a regional body.

Parfitt: A lot of the ideas she had were those that were previously mentioned. Believes they should read collective bargaining agreements before negotiations. A big problem is medical costs and they also have to look at retirement plans for employees, especially safety worker. We have to look to see if they have significant health issues that require them to retire earlier. Smith: Believes that addressing longterm implications – cut some of those liabilities to the point where they are funded.  Suggested two tier system and reduce salaries for present employees.  Somehow we have to balance that.

Williams: The biggest nut that this city will have to address in the next few years.  The approach that needs to be done first – understand the numbers, the city’s contribution to CalPERS.  Scenarios developed.  Work with employee unions to see what hoptions we have in the collective bargaining process to see where we are.

Wolk: This is the top issue facing the city.  Concern to people in his generation.  100 million liability with a $40 million general fund.  Sit down with employee groups, management, finance and budget commission, and public.  Five things: two tier; increased contributions, look at employees contributing more to their pensions (not clear on the difference), expenditures and go line by line to make sure dollars spent wisely, and finally revenue and making sure money spent wisely.

Wyatt: Super complex issue.  Solid reasons for his views: (1) folks apparently have not put enough energy into accomodating roller coastering economy and failure to plan.  (2) Don’t believe in two tiered framework because it creates a situation which pits one set against another.  Population is aging and medical costs going through the roof.

QUESTION #2: Rochelle: Address three upcoming items and explain how you would prepare for those items

Harrison: First, we need to find out what is critical in the long range calendar using all sources available: internet, library… Second, where do the general funds of the Budget go? Third, working with senior centers; Davis is getting more and more people who deal with “older age” issues. Fourth, how are we going to use RDA to fix housing situation?

Loux: One thing that is important is looking 4 sources within the community. Two areas of great importance; first, water agreements where do we go with that? We have a limited source we need to look into it. Second, the vision for Davis is important; efforts have been made but we need to establish for example hiring a good city staff

Parfitt: Excited about the high-tech innovative center; it is a good connection between UCD and private ventures. It bears positive outcomes, such as, work opportunities. Second area of importance is the cannery project. Concern she has is with the Budget: looking at the size of the city of Davis we don’t have enough money in the reserve fund.

Smith: I am not very well prepared for that one.  He has not been in council and doesn’t know all the items all.  Plans to go to internet, library, and personal contacts to learn about the issues.  One of the mosti mportant things would be to get more money into the future funds.

Williams: Other two items – annexation of west village and general plan update. reas of expertise.  Also expertise in the budget.  Has had to develop annual budgets within his current responsiblities – a homeowners association in lake Tahoe.  Understanding of how budgets work.  The other two are match with lifetime experience with land use.  Acknowledges differences with Vacaville and Davis.  Vacaville had aggressive growth policies, we don’t here.

Wolk: Affordable housing, budget, transportation and circulation.  currently chair of social services commission.  Expertise on affordable housing.  Need to reopen and strengthen it.  Second item is the budget, that along with the unfunded laibility, huge issue facing city right now.  Biggest decisions that we make.  On that front, well qualified, practice public finance in Solano County.  Lastly transportaiton circulation plan, exxcited about possibility of what it would do.  Lot of experience…

Wyatt: housing, growth, mental.  Housing: all these discussions that the city has been having about sustainability cause him to question how many places there are for people live.  We need more places, more affordable places for people to live.  Seriously thinking about whether one percent growth cap is good in this town.  More needs for mental health facilities in this community.

Boylan: He said if he had known there would be a test, he would have read it more carefully.  Annexation of West Village – important issue because it could be a boon or burden to the community.  Some experience with annexation issues.  Familiar with process.  If it ends up becoming a drain on the general fund, not something we should do.  Second city manager, negotiated on behalf of local agencies many employment contracts…  Can’t get to budget but the budget is important.

Bunter: Budget, City Manager, Park Tax.  Has been a treasurer for eight years.  Taken care of banking and annual budget.  needs to learn more about five year budget plan.  City Manager: understand the skills and know of the individual application.  Park tax: work on slide hill park as part of neighborhood association, also observer community services department and needed improvements to the park.  Cost of clothes too high, so he says, yes.

Fry: First the budget (comfort discussing the subject with her background in finance), looking at different departments and looking for waste. We will be faced with cuts and thinks we can be creative and look to the community. Delegate to the community, get community support. Second, March 29 there is a housing forum which offers another chance to be creative. Third, West village annexation is imagined to be complicated and excited to work on it.

QUESTION #3: Sue: What is your position on additional big box retail and/ or freeway malls

Smith: Only one more large retail, definitely not walmart.  No more malls.  We have enough malls in the city.

Williams: Easy answer no, no way.  City needs to be realistic about need for sales revenue at this time however.  Open to not a mall, not a big box, but a big retail that is not a mom and pop.  County looking at Mace Blvd as a location.  No to the big box.  No to the mall.  Open to new retail.

Wolk: Opposed.  Saddest consequence of prop 13 is fiscalization of land use.  Commend Davis for largely resisting this.  This reflects well on our community.  This is why we all enjoy living here.  Admits to shopping at Target with a two year old and needing diapers.

Wyatt: Thing about big box is what is people’s definition.  It was not so long ago, there was a controversy about Borders.  This will kill all the independent retail stores.  Don’t see that it has done that much damag

Boylan: Did shop at Target, but didn’t inhale.  Thinks that Target is fine but big box is a danger to our downtown.  Depends on what it is and what it says, not against it if it does not compete.

Bunter: Against adding anything big box or malls to the downtown.  Saw what it did to Woodland, doesn’t bring sales tax, but takes away business from downtown.

Fry: No to big box as a necessity, however, it is important to keep an open mind. We need to provide all goods and services to our community. We do need to bring more businesses and sales tax revenue here; however, big box may not be the answer. Big box would complicate the climate action plan

Harrison: Not in favor of Big box/mall. Target has impacted the sales revenue of downtown; it took away from downtown but not as much as predicted. As a smaller city we need to look to build sales revenue in downtown; agrees about the climate action plan.

Loux:  Tax rev is an important element to take into account. Not in favor of big box per say but a shopping mall isn’t exactly the same thing. Working on downtown is a better approach, however will not write off big box. Look into what meets our cities vision.

Parfitt: Against big box store but would consider small mall near neighborhoods. Appreciates the small downtown core of small businesses and would like to see that supported.

Question #4: Krovoza: Stronger connections between city governments and neighborhoods – chief objectives

Wyatt: Have neighborhood come to the city council, come to this room.

Boylan: Rather than having community come to us, have council come to the community and going door to door.  Looking forward to doing that.

Bunter: Right now there are 17 neighborhood associations in the community.  Get feedback from them and get them more important.  Take advantage of existing groups.

Fry: There has to be good process for talking to neighborhoods. As a council there should be follow through; there should be process and goals. It is important to get out and talk to people but in an organized way.

Harrison: For the community to be herd we should go out to the neighborhoods and have town hall meetings in each area so they come to us. Like the idea of city council at the Farmers Market.

Loux: It is important to build connections between all of the local government, not just council, and the community. Outreach is usually campaign based or issue based but we need that same outreach not necessarily for specific reasons.

Parfitt: Take a different approach; take a careful analysis of the neighborhoods notice each areas strengths and weaknesses. We need to reach out even in simple ways like potlucks within communities. Visibility and approachability are key.

Smith: Suggests that the council should go the people/ neighborhoods.  Most unfortunately people don’t like to go to their doors for people they don’t know.  We need to find a neighborhood rep for each district to hear the problems from each district.

Williams:Puzzled by the question – there is an implication there – either a weak connection or need a stronger connection.  However, he already sees a strong connection.  Does a good job with connecting with the people and the community.  Goes into several examples.  This is an example of outreach that goes very well.  Doesn’t see the problem implied in this questions.  Sees six areas, most with own constituency.

Wolk:Has givehought to this.  This is what city government is about.  (1) Roving city booth – move beyond just farmer’s market.  (2) Neighborhood night out, needs more of those.  (3) Roving council meeting.  Not sure how would work but likes the idea.  (4) Opportunity on land use issues for a given neighborhood that has a stake in issue, needs to reach out to group.

That is it for the first round of discussion.  Now they will cast their first round of votes.

Goal of this round to get five or less.  They are discussing how to get down to five.

Souza: Fry, Loux, Williams, Wolk

Swanson: Boylan, Fry, Parfitt, Wolk

Krovoza: Harrison, Loux, Williams, Wolk

Greenwald: Boylan, Harrison, Parfitt, Wolk

So that gives us seven with two votes.  So now they will all vote for three.

Souza: Fry, Loux, Wolk

Swanson: Boylan, Wolk, Parfitt

Krovoza: Loux, Williams, Wolk

Sue: Boylan, Parfitt, Wolk

So Boylan, Loux, Parfitt, and Wolk move to the next round.

Rochelle Swanson: Richards Blvd, Olive Drive, Richards Underpass:

Boylan: First, if possible to widen Richards Blvd we should; it would be expensive and difficult but a good idea. Second, build overpasses if we have the money to address the problem with the railroad tracks.

Kerry Loux: This is a large area of town separated by railroad tracks.  Mentioned person who was killed before bike tunnel created.  Efforts to expand Richards have been rejected by community and council.  Requires study.  Previous plans.  New ideas.  Ties in with at-grade crossing at Olive Dr.

Parfitt: The gateway at Richards as an iconic symbol for Davis, we cannot widen the area without it costing too much money. The railroad tracks are a hazard to pedestrians and bikers; there must be a middle ground with Railroad Pacific

Wolk: Understands safety concerns as a train user.  However, does not support unilateral fence.  Pleased by CCJPA’s decision not to fund.  Glad that in this debate, the issue of how unsafe the Richards crossing is.  Need to look into this.  Mentioned business park study.  Without commenting on Nishi, but thinks that Richards could play into that discussion.

Stephen Souza: Outside of Budget, Most pressing issue

Loux: Growth is a keyssue.  Need growth.  Need economic growth.  Many people want to keep Davis as a small community.  What do we want to do with growth, what do we want to look like.  Priorities.  Surrounded by Open Space and Agriculture.  Growth and vision for our community.  Need to decide as a community.

Parfitt: One area of concern in the budget is realignment; there are financial issues, legal issues… How will this affect the way city government; this will be a bigger challenge and it will have far reaching affects.

Wolk: Think the biggest issue is Redevelopment.  Fully support the city council’s efforts in this area.  Protect projects and dollars that we have.  We need to preserve the pass-through agreement.  That agreement is what keeps Davis – Davis.  Finally, unsung hero is affordable housing.  It’s important that council continue to protect that money.  Larger issue is how council will respond to compromise from state.  Pushes his mother’s compromise bill.

Boylan: “What Dan said!” Redevelopment is an important issue but with emphasis on downtown. I would most want to focus funds on fixing downtown especially with regards to parking.

Souza: Have dealt with affordable housing that changed the way we do affordable housing, removed two year require before market rate.  What do you know about affordable housing ordinance – right path – change?

Parfitt: Mixed youth neighborhoods are commendable, but we need affordable housing for the elderly modified to suit their needs. Another issue is it is getting harder for employees of Davis to reside in Davis; we need to manage the situation.

Wolk: Agrees that affordable housing goes beyond simply low income.  On the issue of affordable housing program – some good tinkering, the one mentioned and one that was just done which improved things.  Council in March will discuss ways to strengthen affordable housing program.

Boylan: The idea of  sociomixed economic housing is important; Davis must not become to out of reach. We should make sure we include affordable housing in all development plans.

Loux: This is a very important issue.  Lives in West davis – likes the mix of housing in her neighborhood.  Talks about Muir Commons and a Senior Co-op.  Also have benefit of university in the community.  Complex issue, doesn’t know all ins and outs of the issue.

Sue Greenwald: Would you look favorably at widening the Richards Underpass?

Wolk: I support the idea, but there are a lot of complicating things on that.  First problem is political.  Second is financial.  Look closely as to whether it would solve the traffic problems – identifies bottleneck downtown even if widened.  Worth looking into and likes idea of nice gateway into our community.

Boylan: If we have the money we should do it. It is a bottle neck; which seems to be kept to preserve the vision of downtown Davis. It is causing too much traffic.

Loux: The primary issue here is really safety.  Looking at things from the point of view of traffic flow is not necessarily the best approach to planning a city.  Use widening as the very last option, not only because of the aesthetics, we have other access point, other distinations, a research and access park long mace could be the way to go.  There are many freeway exits and ways to get through Davis.  Is that where our dollars most need to be spent?  I don’t think so.  Would look to other areas first.

Parfitt: It is a safety issue; it is a constriction point but it doesn’t seem financially feasible.

Sue Greenwald: 75% of Davis voters slow-growthers, right now we have 1 percent growth number, 1% means 325 units a year, if we build out our infill sites that one subdivision the size of Wildhorse every three years.  Assuming we don’t have trouble with SACOG, would you be willing to grow slower than 1%?

Boylan: Yes, there is plenty of housing in Davis I don’t see the need to develop more housing. There are plenty of unutilized plots of land in Davis but I fail to see why we would develop more when the current supply meets demand fine. If we are going to develop we must stay within the city limits.

Loux: I would need to become very informed on what that one percent is.  My understanding is that its a cap not a target.  Response to 2000 general plan with no traget set.  Set to internal needs.  It wasn’t a growth standard, it was a respond to the needs we have.  Support what market supports for growth for Davis.  Don’t see need for more development right now during these economic times.  No need to build when won’t come.  Need to consider not just numbers, but quality and style.  See way for faculty and staff housing to be provided so they can live in Davis.  Start with the infill.  Mentions starting with PG&E and other sites near the downtown.  Proactive rather than waiting for the developers to come.

Parfitt: Smart growth is key; the 1% growth should be a cap. The people of Davis agree. The issue of adding that many units per year is reasonable considering the current real estate we possess.

Wolk: Does not see it as a iminimum.  325 units is quite a lot of units for Davis.  I view it as representing the fact that this community wants to grow slowly, smartly, managenable, and in line with SACOG, and fiscally responsible.

Krovoza: Sustainability and carbon reduction

Boylan: The goal of being sustainable is a necessity. We must evolve with the growth of ideas of sustainability. We should do as much as we can; we can recycle more…

Loux: One of her key areas – focused as a designer on sustainability.  Catch phrase buzz word these days.  Climate Action Plan is a good start – needs more focus and detail.  Work regionally and collaboratively.  Has to start with the inidividuals.  Public attitudes are very important to thinking sustainability.

Parfitt: Sustainability is vital to us, our children, our grandchildren, and so on; we must preserve our air, water and the climate. Reduction of our carbon footprint is a worthy goal.

Wolk:Davis has always been very forward looking with bike lanes.  Goal of carbon neutrality by 2020.  So much we should be doing.  Pursuing becoming a zero waste city including banning of plastic bags.  Instalation of solar farm.  Avid biker.  One thing that he would like the cityh to do is to make it a bicycle friendly – finds downtown to be pretty bicycle unfriendly.  Explore idea of public utility for energy like Palo Alto and Marin.  Water conservation which he thinks is crucial.

Krovoza: Observation about time commitment: Tell how would carve out time in schedule to be active engaged member

Loux: Decided to put name in specifically because of article in paper about wanting new people who have not been involved before.  Really resonated.  Point at life where looking at new challenges and looking for way to stretch self a bit.   that she has the time, commitment, and energy to be on council.  Also talked about the need to develop a thick skin and the need to be brave and bold.

Boylan: I’m here because my son is now in college. I have a lot of time on my hands and a lot of the issues we face I feel are catered to me. I am self-employed and a I schedule my own hours; I am aware of the time commitment and am eager to make it

Wolk: To be frank he did struggle with the decision for personal reasons – full time, a two and a half year old and another on the way, long discussion about how to find the right balance.  My sense from talking to them is that I can find that balance.  I have time when the children go to bed.  Also said he can meet by train.  And his schedule can be flexible.  Feels that he has the time.  My lack of time is an asset, I feel like we don’t have anyone on council right now who has very young children.  Lot of our challenges will be faced by the next generation.

Parfitt: After talking to council members I am fully aware of how much time I would have to dedicate to this job and if I am appointed I can leave my other job. I appreciate all the work and time you all dedicate to this.

Rochelle Swanson: Parcel tax, assume it is not approved?

Parfitt: It would be a terrible if we lose that money; if it doesn’t pass we are going to have to make some difficult choices. We must be willing to walk the neighborhoods and inform the community.

Wolk: Given the state of the economy, worried about the parcel tax not passing.  If it doesn’t will have to sit down and figure out through the budget what we can not keep and then possibly go back to the voters.

Boylan: Generally speaking the general public is opposed to tax increases; however I think we are excluded from that crowd because the people of Davis seem to be aware that certain taxes will benefit them. If communicated properly we can reach reason; if people understand the consequences they will be more inclined to support the tax.

Loux: I think I would have to agree with my fellow applicants.  This is important to look at since it could either way.  She also agrees that the Davis community is ready and willing to support a tax like this, people moved to Davis with the quality of life in mind.  People are stressed financially and we need to be realistic about what people can support.  Need to present to the people specifically what this is for and look at the budget closely.

The Vanguard caught up with some of the candidates who did not make it to ask them about the experience and process.

Steve Williams said, I thought it was great; I was able to learn a lot. However, I do wish there was more one-on-one time between candidates and council members to allow us to better explain ourselves.

Sherelene Harrison added, I loved the process, it allowed me to get back involved with the community. It allowed me to learn a lot from the council members; however, the downside of the process is it does not allow for the council members to really get to know the candidates.

Next round of votes.  They will vote for their top two:

Souza: Loux, wolk

Swanson: Boylan, Wolk

Krovoza: Boylan, Loux

Greenwald: Parfitt, Wolk

So Wolk, Boylan, and Loux move on.

Sue Greenwald asks for them to pick between local eateries:

Boylan: Lampost number one, then café Mediterranean, and village pizzeria

Loux: Likes to eat but is also an energizer bunny.  Wouldn’t focus on the food part.  Chose Mediterrane, Village, but wouldn’t go with Lamppost.  Suggested a potluck.

Sue rejoins: You do not have any idea how hard we work on Tuesdays.

Wolk: Village Bakery, Bernardoes, and Mediterrane.

Now they are going to vote again.  Voting for two:

Souza: Loux and Wolk

Rochelle: Boylan, Wolk

Krovoza: Boylan, Wolk

Greenwald: Boylan and Wolk

So Wolk and Boylan are the finalists.

Now they are going to vote for one.

On the final vote, Dan Wolk wins 3-1 with Boylan getting a vote from Stephen Souza.  Strangely, Souza had not voted for Boylan until the last round.

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