Ann Dunleavy

The meeting began with the adoption of the agenda. Key discussions included a presentation on the Solano Master Plan for Aging & Disability, which has been completed and will be translated into Spanish next. In the action and discussion segment, the Commission reviewed, suggested additions to, and approved standardized midterm questions for Community Grant Presentations, favoring a more interactive discussion format over extensive written responses beforehand. The adoption of the 2026 Meeting Calendar was tabled until the January meeting. Commissioners provided a report on a recent Senior Round Table meeting, noting high attendance and fruitful interactions, and stressing the need for increased outreach regarding available senior services. Staff also reported that the Community Resource Center reached its goal for its Thanksgiving gift card program.

The meeting commenced with the formal call to order. The Commission proceeded to approve the agenda and subsequently reviewed and adopted the 2026 Community Services Commission Rules of Procedure. Key discussion and action items included the nomination and election of officers, specifically confirming the continuation of Chairperson Bhagwat and Vice-Chair Stewart, and the election of Commissioner O'Brien as Secretary. Assignments were made to several Ad Hoc Committees for 2026, including those focusing on meeting themes and end-of-year reporting. Information sessions featured a presentation on Benicia Public Library programs and the Community Resource Center's end-of-year accomplishments for 2025.

The meeting included routine items such as the adoption of the agenda and announcements regarding open positions on the City of Benicia's Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Key actions taken under the consent calendar involved approving an amendment to the agreement with Tyler Technologies for implementing the Time & Attendance and Advanced Scheduling module, authorizing the Solano Transportation Authority to request $80,000 in Transportation Development Act funds for the City of Benicia Lyft Program, approving a second amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Beauchaine Consulting Group for financial services, and continuing the Emergency Procurement Declaration for the I-80/Watt Court Water Line Repair. Additionally, the Council certified the appointment of Kimberly Imboden as Interim Human Resources Manager under a CalPERS exception.

Key discussions included the adoption of the agenda and a public comment regarding the Benicia Arts Festival scheduled for June 2026. Under action items, the Commission determined presentation guidelines for grantees, requesting they answer questions and submit summaries prior to high-level presentation delivery. Regarding the Public Art Maintenance Plan, the Commission agreed with staff recommendations, prioritizing funding for the Barrack Tiles on First Street. Commissioners also reported on the recent Public Art Piano Event. The Commission reviewed the proposed 2026 meeting calendar and recommended keeping the current schedule, with staff to bring a revised proposal in January 2026. Staff announced that elections for officers would occur in January 2026. A fundraising thrift shop idea was also shared by a Commissioner.

The meeting began with the adoption of the agenda and an opportunity for public comment, during which a gallery owner discussed the Art Festival and The Art Gallery Alliance, noting its new 501c3 status. Key actions included the approval of the 2026 Meeting Calendar, the election of officers (Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary), and the adoption of the 2026 Arts & Culture Commission Rules of Procedure. The commission also discussed and made assignments for Ad Hoc Committees covering topics such as the Piano initiative, Art Inventory Marketing, the Art Festival Event, a Diversity Mural, and the End of Year Report. An update was provided indicating that maintenance is scheduled for several art pieces in 2026. Staff announced that a Special Meeting regarding Grantees' mid-year compliance presentations is scheduled for February 2026.