City of Benicia This Week
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In this edition: Benicia Saves 5.6 Million Gallons of Water!, Housing News, Online Appointment Website for Planning or Building Permits, December Public Safety Retirements, City Employee Spotlight, COVID-19 Vaccine and Testing Info, COVID Assistance
Message from the City Manager
January 10, 2022

Happy New Year to everyone,
I want to start the year by sharing this message to staff I sent out on Friday:

"Dear City Staff,
 
2021 is in the books, and what a wild year it was. The word for 2021 for us as a City staff would be ‘resiliency’. I can’t imagine another City and staff that did more, accomplished more, and better served their community during the challenges of the pandemic. We didn’t just get through it, we got stronger from it. We’ve improved service in every department and achieved some serious milestones. We don’t often take time to reflect, as we are generally too busy moving on to solve the next problem, project, or initiative. I’m taking a moment to pause, reflect, and thank you all for your amazing work. I’ll be sharing this communication with the community on Monday through the City of Benicia This Week.
 
As 2022 begins, with some very similar and very serious challenges, I would wish for us to resolve to continue to be leaders in our community. To be resilient and find ways to be positive, strong and resourceful in the continued challenges we will face.
 
I can’t thank you all enough for your dedication and sacrifice in service to this community. I would also like to thank the Mayor and Council for supporting this work, for their leadership and willingness to work collaboratively for the sake of this community.
 
Here are some of our highlights from 2021:
 
Citywide Major Achievements:
 
  • In partnership with Solano County, the City of Benicia hosted nine (9) vaccination clinics, including at the Benicia Senior Center, the industrial park, and the Benicia High School, and administered a total of 4,502 doses.
  • Fostered COVID-19 economic resiliency and recovery in many ways, including:
  • Funding and managing the COVID-19 Citizen’s Assistance Program administered by the City’s Family Resource Center to help residents weather hardships. In 2021 the City funded $170,000 of this program. Across 2020 and 2021 the total COVID-19 assistance provided by the FRC was $285,000; of this, the City contributed $245,000.
  • Funding BOOST (Business Open Opportunity Support Thrive) grants to help local businesses survive the immediate impacts of the pandemic. The total BOOST grant funding awarded across 2020 and 2021 is approximately $391,500.
  • Hired a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager who is advancing critical work in this space via improved civic engagement in City business activities throughout multiple departments.
  • Hired a Climate Action Coordinator who is advancing the City’s sustainability portfolio. To date, this position calculated the City’s greenhouse gas emissions from 2018 and 2020, began researching grant opportunities for green energy solutions such as charging stations, and started investigating next steps for the City’s Climate Action Plan.
  • Established one “streatery”, a permanent outdoor eating venue, downtown at Mare Island Brewery Co. Tap House.
  • The City Council allocated public funds from Measure C toward public art in the amount of $30,000 in 2021.
 
The Benicia Police Department:
 
  • Implementation and installation of Automated License Plate Readers
  • Resurrection of Bike Patrol Team to increase presence in Downtown area
  • Hiring of new high caliber officers who are dedicated to the community
  • The Benicia Police Department Family Resource Center continued to serve the community through the COVID-19 Citizen’s Assistance Program
  • Early implementation of Racial and Identity Profiling Act, ahead of State mandated timeline
 
The Parks and Community Services Department:
 
  • Completed renovation of large dog park with synthetic turf and decomposed granite.
  • Developed and launched mobile app (BeniciaRec) and expanded social media (Instagram, Facebook and You Tube).
  • Removed and replaced the playground at Ethlree Saraiva Park.
  • Transitioned to digital recreation guide.
  • Painted the exterior of the Commanding Officer's Quarters.
 
The Finance Department:
 
  • Migrated to Munis v2019.1 (the City’s financial management software)
  • Conducted Debt and Pension Reviews and presentations to Council
  • Implemented organizational and position changes; filled all vacancies
  • Developed and implemented budget management policy, improving and standardizing the departments’ fiscal management
  • Initiated critical cross training to remove single point of failure for multiple functions
  • Developed a Strategic Road Map for ongoing improvements
 
The Community Development Department:
 
  • Launched the Benicia Permit Center, a modernized service that has allowed us to go paperless, transact online payments, and allow applicants to track their permit status (https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/permitting). 
  • In 2021, the Building Division processed nearly 1500 permits, the highest permit volume in at least the past five years.
  • Launched automated permitting for residential roof permits. A program for automated review and issuance of residential rooftop solar permits is currently in beta testing and expected to go “live” in 2022. 
  • Enhanced customer service, including new initiatives for applicant support, an online reservation system for in-person and virtual meetings, expanded public information online and via the City newsletter, and improved turnaround times for permit review and issuance.
  • These improvements were made possible by our excellent team of high-quality personnel and recent hires who continually evaluate opportunities to improve our services, and through the addition of staffing in the Building Division.
  • Launched the Housing Element and Safety Element updates (www.ci.benicia.ca.us/housingelement and https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/safetyelement). Multiple public engagement opportunities are planned for the coming months, including a housing workshop before the City Council and Planning Commission on January 25, 2022.
  • Worked closely with our community members, Planning Commission and City Council on the development of the Eastern Gateway Study (www.ci.benicia.ca.us/easterngateway).
  • Completed the Objective Planning Standards for Mixed Use and Multifamily Development, adopted in September 2021 (https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/objectivestandards).
  • Implemented State mandates for housing, construction, waste management, and water efficient landscaping. 
  • A particular focus in 2021 was implementation of the State’s streamlined housing law, SB 35.  We created new public information resources and application resources (www.ci.benicia.ca.us/housing), conducted a Planning Commission informational session, and received two new housing applications (www.ci.benicia.ca.us/1451park and www.ci.benicia.ca.us/jeffersonridge). 
 
The Benicia Fire Department:
 
  • Transitioned from using mechanical discing to goat herding as the primary method of vegetation management in the City's open spaces to protect the Wildland Urban Interface.
  • Began utilizing the Non-Emergency Notification system to alert the public when events occur that necessitate dissemination of information but do not warrant an emergency notification.
  • Extinguished multiple structure and vegetation fires in their initial phase prior to significant extension due to increased staffing through SAFER Grant funding
  • Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staff training took a pause for several years. EOC training was reenacted this year with a storm event simulation and involved many new staff members, as well as a storm drill
  • Implemented High Performance CPR standard, improving coronary event survival rates for our community
 
Public Works Department:
 
  • 2021 Streets Maintenance Project (Rehabilitation)
  • Successfully delivered a $4.9 million project to rebuild and rehabilitate streets throughout the City
  • Water and Wastewater Rate Study
  • Adopted new rate structure for the next 5 years while simplifying billing structure and customer classes
  • Secured water resources through 2nd consecutive drought year
  • Confirmed pre-1914 water rights
  • Successfully purchased water from two local public agencies to ensure no negative impacts to customers/residents
  • 2020 Urban Water Management Plan
  • Adopted long term water resource plan including water shortage contingency plan
  • Streamlined internal administrative procedures
  • Established a city-wide process to remotely and electronically route claims for payment (DocuSign)
  • Revised the City’s purchasing policy to better reflect current costs of doing business and improve efficiency
  • Completed over 2,000 unique construction maintenance activities on the water, collections, stormwater, and street systems
 
The Benicia City Library:
 
  • Shifted service delivery methods in response to pandemic conditions:
  • No touch delivery of materials via curbside service and homebound delivery
  • Extension of wireless internet access to the parking lots
  • Online programming for all ages
  • Craft kits delivered to homes to support early literacy
  • New technology options available to users
  • Significant increase to eBook and downloadable content collections
  • Chromebooks, Hotspots, and video games now available for check out
  • New Online Reader’s Advisory service “Pick 5” initiated to provide personalized reading suggestions upon request
  • Workforce Databases and online services installed
  • For Job Seekers: Live job coaching to assist with job searching and application processes, resume review, and interview coaching.
  • For Veterans: Live job coaching to help transition to civilian careers and live assistance in determining eligibility for Veteran Assistance (VA) benefits and availability of community resources
  • 5 General Education (GED) students graduated and attended the graduation ceremony.
 
Human Resources Division:
 
  • Took a lead role in developing our internal COVID protocols ensuring the safety of employees while continuing to deliver service to the community.
  • Restructure of application review process which streamlined the process in which to fill vacancies.
  • Completed labor negotiations with nine full time units with multi-year agreements.
  • Successfully filled approximately 33 full time vacancies. Also hired 67 seasonal employees serving the community in our Parks & Community Services Recreational Programs.
 
Information Technology (IT) Division:
 
  • Set up fifty-two additional work-from-home Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections, and set up over twenty new laptops to help the City continue to provide exceptional service during the pandemic
  • Munis Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system upgrade to version 2019.1
  • Responded to 1,040 Help Desk tickets
  • Upgrade of the City’s telecommunications system; including five remote sites
  • Added three additional network security layers to Benicia’s network and email. Provided regular end-user network security bulletins and completed advance network security certification for three IT employees 
  • Replaced over fifty desktop computers citywide
  • Replaced the Police Department’s original cellular network with a secure, high-speed connection for the patrol vehicles

Economic Development Division:
  • Tourism:
  • One of the first organizations back to market with COVID reopening, offering the Great Escape by the Bay campaign to draw visitors to Benicia to support local businesses utilizing a new website, billboards, social media and TV campaign.
  • BOOST Grant management
  • Communications:
  • Continuous messaging throughout the COVID shelter-at-home and beyond to keep residents and business owners apprised of the ever-evolving situation.
  • Conducted Business Walks with appointed and elected officials to make businesses aware of ongoing changes, grant opportunities and capture their input.

In next week’s City of Benicia This Week we will be covering some of the important initiatives and projects we will be focusing on in 2022.
 
I wish you all the very best in 2022."

Thank you for your interest in the City of Benicia This Week! If you enjoy reading this weekly message, please share and encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to subscribe or text jointhisweek to 22828 (messaging and data rates may apply).

Erik Upson
City Manager
City News
Benicia Saves 5.6 Million Gallons of Water!
Thanks to a grant from Valero Good Neighbor Sheering Committee Settlement Agreement funds, and approved by the City Council, the City was able to offer increased turf replacement rebates for Benicia residents. In 2015, a $60,000 grant was approved that offered an additional rebate above the customary $1/square foot rebate for customers that replaced thirsty lawn with low-water, climate-appropriate plants and drip irrigation. As of December 2021, the grant funds have been fully expended.

The $60,000 grant helped 137 Benicia homeowners/renters replace a combined 175,633 square feet of lawn with water efficient landscaping. It is estimated that this lawn conversion alone will save over 5.6 million gallons (or 17 acre-feet) of water per year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 4 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

Rebates are still available! The rebate amount is now $1 per square foot of lawn replaced up to $1,000. The City partners with the Solano County Water Agency (SCWA) on this water conservation program and the rebates are administered by SCWA. Contact SCWA (before you replace) for more information at 707.999.6095 or solanocash4grass@scwa2.com.
Housing News
The topic of housing is a pressing issue in the State of California, and it is a priority for the City of Benicia. As we enter 2022, the City has several efforts underway related to housing supply, housing affordability, and proposed housing development. In the coming weeks, throughout the month of January, we will provide information through City of Benicia This Week to bring you up to speed on opportunities to learn more and become involved. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Benicia Planning Division at 707.746.4320 or comdev@ci.benicia.ca.us.

Eastern Gateway
On Tuesday, January 18, the City Council will consider adoption of the amendments to the General Plan and Housing Element for the Eastern Gateway, an area near Military East and East Fifth Street, to facilitate the community-led vision for a walkable, attractive area with a mix of neighborhood-serving uses and housing types for people of varying incomes and ages. If approved, the City may see new investments in this area including proposals for new residential, commercial and mixed-use development. The City Council meeting begins at 6 p.m. via Zoom; the agenda will be available on Wednesday, January 12 at www.ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas. Information about the Eastern Gateway Study may be found at www.ci.benicia.ca.us/easterngateway.

Jefferson Ridge
On Thursday, January 13, the Planning Commission will facilitate a public oversight meeting for Jefferson Ridge, a proposed development of 124 multifamily units with parking and a 2,000 square foot commercial building at Park Road and Adams Street in the former Benicia Arsenal. The application has been filed under the provisions of Senate Bill 35 (SB 35), a state law intended to streamline residential development that meets established criteria. Applications that are eligible for streamlined review pursuant to SB 35, including compliance with the City’s adopted objective planning standards, must be approved by the City without discretionary review and are not subject to environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The purpose of the public oversight meeting is to assess compliance with the city’s objective standards. The Planning Commission meeting begins at 7 p.m. via Zoom; the agenda is available at www.ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas. Information about the Jefferson Ridge application may be found at www.ci.benicia.ca.us/jeffersonridge.

Housing Study Session
Later this month, on Tuesday, January 25, the City Council will conduct a joint meeting with the Benicia Planning Commission to hear about the upcoming Housing Element and begin to consider options for sites to accommodate the city’s portion of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), about 750 units. The City is required to provide zoning for enough sites to accommodate its RHNA, and achieving this requirement may require changes in zoning here in Benicia. The study session will include a presentation on housing element background, the RHNA allocation, the existing sites that can accommodate housing capacity, as well as a framework for considering additional sites. Also on January 25, the City Council and Planning Commission will receive information about potential updates to the City of Benicia’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, which is a local law that requires that any housing development of ten or more units must provide at least 10% of units affordable to households at the low and very-low income levels. The study session will begin at 6 p.m. via Zoom; the agenda will be available at www.ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas. 
Online Appointment Website for Planning or Building Permits
Questions on your latest planning or building permit? Have no fear! It’s now easier than ever to get in touch with the City of Benicia Community Development Department (CDD) with the launch of its online appointment website. You can now schedule a phone call, video conference, or in-person meeting from your computer, smartphone, or any connected device by visiting CDD’s website (www.ci.benicia.ca.us/communitydevelopment) and following the “Contact Us” link. From there you’ll get access to a range of services including:

  • Public record requests
  • Historic preservation and housing plans
  • Zoning questions
  • In-person payments
  • Building code and permitting questions

All with the latest availability of City staff to meet and communicate with. In just a few clicks you’ll have your appointment setup, without the wait, and a direct channel to speak with a CDD representative. To check it out yourself, click here.
December Public Safety Retirements
Sergeant Mark Hassler, badge number 2499, joined the retirement life on December 30, 2021, after 26 years of service in law enforcement. Sgt. Hassler started his career in law enforcement with the Solano County Sheriff’s Office and became a Reserve Officer with Benicia Police Department in December 1998. He became a full time Benicia Police Officer in May 2000 and has spent the past 21 years protecting and serving in the city of Benicia.

Sgt. Hassler held many positions over his career in Benicia, including:
  • Criminal Detective
  • SWAT Team member working with the entry team and as an instructor in both diversionary devices and chemical agents
  • Mobile Field Force
  • Corporal
  • Field Training Officer
  • Bike Patrol
  • Patrol Sergeant
  • Admin Sergeant

The men and women of the Benicia Police Department, sworn and non-sworn, are proud and grateful for his service and congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement.

Congratulations also go to Division Chief Jed Matcham on his retirement from the Benicia Fire Department.

Jed was hired by the department in 2002 as a Paramedic/Firefighter. He climbed the ranks, being promoted to:
  • Fire Engineer in September of 2010
  • Captain in January 2013
  • Division Chief in March of 2018

The men and women of the Benicia Fire Department thank Jed for his 19 years of service to the Benicia Fire Department and the citizens of our community!
Sergeant Mark Hassler, Retired
Division Chief Jed Macham, Retired
City Employee Spotlight
Robert Blair was recently promoted from a Water Operator IV, to Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Supervisor for Public Works. Robert started his career in the water industry with the City of Sacramento. He began his career with the City of Benicia as a Water Operator II in 2006. During his time with the City, he moved into an Operator III position, and eventually an Operator IV. He also served as Acting WTP Supervisor from December 2019 - June 2020.  Robert’s 15 years of experience with the City of Benicia as an Operator, has made him a highly qualified, and respected leader within the Public Works Water Division, and water industry. 

Robert was the 2021 Spring AWWA (American Water Works Association) recipient of the Operator's Meritorious Service Award, highlighting his commitment, skill, and above and beyond attitude when it comes to providing safe drinking water to the citizens of Benicia.
 
He and his wife, Malissa grew up in Vacaville, where they currently live. They are the proud parents of four children. When not working at the Water Treatment Plant, Robert spends a majority of his time with his family. As a family, they enjoy camping, spending time at their family cabin in Fort Bragg, traveling and attending sports activities for their children. Fun fact: Robert is also a majority owner of a cocktail lounge in Sacramento. Having 4 children of various ages, and being a bar owner, has given Robert the supervisory skills that will be very helpful for his transition into his new role! 
COVID-19 Vaccine and Testing Info
Looking for a COVID-19 vaccine? Solano County Public Health provides FREE COVID and flu vaccines. Details and locations are available at https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/ph/coronavirus_links/covid_19_vaccines.asp

Looking for a COVID-19 test? Solano County Public Health provides information on testing sites at https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/ph/coronavirus_links/faq___community_testing_sites.asp

Additional Solano County COVID-19 resources are available at https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/ph/coronavirus.asp
COVID Assistance
Find resources and information for seniors, local food access, basic needs and rental assistance, mental health, stress and coping, and more courtesy of Solano County Public Health. Benicia residents in need of help during these difficult times may find assistance through these local resources:
Press Releases

Recent City of Benicia Press Releases are available on the City of Benicia website under Main/Announcements.
Save the Date
  • Jan 11 - Board of Library Trustee meeting, 6:30 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Jan 12 - Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Commission meeting, 6:30 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Jan 13 - Arts and Culture Commission meeting, 6:30 p.m. via livestream. See the Full Agenda for more information.
  • Jan 13 - Planning Commission meeting, 7 p.m. via livestream. Watch live at https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas. See the Full Agenda for more information.
Modified service due to COVID-19
City Hall is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you require entrance to City Hall offices outside of these hours, please make arrangements with staff from the department that you will be visiting.

All visitors shall be required to enter City Hall from East L street through the door located on the left (East) side of the building closest to the Post Office. Please check in with the staff person at the designated Welcome Window.

You will be required to wear a face covering over both your nose and mouth for the duration of your visit to City Hall. Please maintain 6 feet of social distancing between other visitors and staff. Do not visit City Hall if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Appointments can always be rescheduled.
City of Benicia This Week is published each Monday morning. Previous editions are available here. We also communicate on Nextdoor.com and AlertSolano.com. Sign up now!